Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, our Classic Koyo tour offers an unforgettable experience of Japan’s divine autumn colors without any compromises. This tour is dedicated to the traditional aspect of momiji appreciation, a custom that dates back to the classical period, and takes you to both renowned and lesser-known autumn destinations. Our itinerary is designed to provide you with a colorful outlook on the sophisticated culture and nature of Japan.
You’ll be surrounded by the fiery streaks of fall wherever you go, from a teahouse in a landscape garden to an almost hermetic Buddhist temple, a locomotive track along a gorge, an old hiking trail down a mountain, and much more. The activities involved in the tour are carefully selected to avoid monotony, even with the single unifying theme of autumn foliage appreciation. We aim to deliver both the public and esoteric experiences to you.
The tour starts and ends in the big modern cities of Tokyo and Osaka, allowing you to get acclimatized to Japan’s culture, and comprises traditional attractions that emphasize the seasonal appeal of autumn. We prioritize variety and quality when it comes to lodging and food, while retaining the thematic experience that makes WISATAJEPANG tours unique. With this 8-day autumn adventure, you can expect nothing but excitement and a memorable experience.
Highlight Tour
Arrival: Narita International / Haneda
Airport Day 1: Tokyo Arrival
Upon arrival in Tokyo, your adventure is about to commence!
Day 2: Tokyo Tour
Experience the vibrant capital city of Tokyo, renowned for its colorful avenues and beautiful gardens.
- 09:00 – 10:00 Transfer to Asakusa
- 10:00 – 11:30 Asakusa and Senso-ji
- 11:30 – 12:00 Transfer to Hama Rikyu Garden
- 12:00 – 12:30 Hama Rikyu (tea break)
- 12:30 – 13:00 Transfer to Tokyo Tower
- 13:00 – 14:30 Tofu kaiseki lunch
- 14:30 – 15:00 Shiba Koen and Zojo-ji
- 15:00 – 15:15 Transfer to Aoyama
- 15:15 – 15:45 Icho Namiki Avenue
- 15:45 – 16:00 Transfer to Harajuku
- 16:00 – 17:00 Meiji Jingu
- 17:00 – 17:30 Sightseeing around Takeshita Street
- 17:30 – 18:00 Transfer to restaurant in Chiyoda
- 18:00 – 19:30 Teppanyaki dinner
- 19:30 – 20:00 Transfer to hotel
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Kyoto Tour
Discover the authentic atmosphere and prominent landmarks of Kyoto, a city steeped in history and tradition.
- 09:00 – 12:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Kyoto by shinkansen
- 12:00 – 13:30 Kyo-ryori lunch
- 13:30 – 14:15 Transfer to Kinkaku-ji
- 14:15 – 15:00 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:00 – 15:45 Transfer to Eikan-do
- 15:45 – 17:00 Eikan-do Zenrin-ji
- 17:00 – 18:00 Transfer to Mt. Hiei
- 18:00 – 18:30 Hotel check-in >> free time
- 18:30 – 20:00 French-style dinner
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Mt. Hiei Tour
Embark on a tour of Mt. Hiei, a serene and sacred mountain renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
- 10:00 – 10:30 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Enryaku-ji
- 10:30 – 11:30 Enryaku-ji Todo
- 11:30 – 13:00 Shojin ryori lunch
- 13:00 – 13:30 Walk to the Saito area
- 13:30 – 14:30 Enryaku-ji Saito
- 14:30 – 16:30 Descend Mt. Hiei (ropeway and cable car) >> transfer to Kameoka
- 16:30 – 18:00 Ryokan check-in >> onsen, free time
- 18:00 – 19:30 Sukiyaki dinner
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Arashiyama and Yoshino Tour
Explore the enchanting autumn destination of Arashiyama, renowned for its breathtaking beauty. Continue on to Yoshino for further exploration.
- 09:30 – 10:30 Ryokan check-out >> transfer to Kameoka Station
- 10:30 – 11:00 Sagano Romantic Train
- 11:00 – 12:30 Sightseeing around Arashiyama
- 12:30 – 14:00 Kaiseki lunch
- 14:00 – 16:15 Transfer to Yoshino Station
- 16:15 – 16:30 Take the ropeway to Shimo Senbon
- 16:30 – 17:30 Walk around Shimo Senbon
- 17:30 – 18:30 Ryokan check-in >> onsen, free time
- 18:30 – 20:00 Hot pot dinner
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6: Nara Tour
Visit the ancient city of Nara, famous for its impressive wooden structures and friendly deer.
- 09:00 – 10:30 Ryokan check-out >> transfer to Nara
- 10:30 – 11:00 Nara Park
- 11:00 – 12:00 Todai-ji
- 12:00 – 12:15 Transfer to restaurant (Sabo Non-non)
- 12:15 – 13:45 Yamato cuisine lunch
- 13:45 – 14:00 Transfer to Kasuga Taisha
- 14:00 – 15:00 Kasuga Taisha
- 15:00 – 15:45 Transfer to Horyu-ji
- 15:45 – 16:30 Horyu-ji
- 16:30 – 17:30 Transfer to Osaka >> hotel check-in
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7: Osaka Tour
Discover the modern city of Osaka, famous for its history, style, and delectable cuisine. This is the perfect final destination for your tour.
- 09:00 – 10:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Osaka Castle
- 10:00 – 11:30 Osaka Castle
- 11:30 – 12:00 Transfer to Namba
- 12:00 – 13:30 Crab lunch
- 13:30 – 15:30 Shopping walk at Shinsaibashi/Amerika-mura
- 15:30 – 16:30 Transfer to Kansai International Airport >> hotel check-in
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch
Day 8: Departure from Japan
Your journey through Japan comes to a close as you depart from Osaka. Take with you cherished memories of this incredible adventure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Departure: Kansai International Airport
The first day of the itinerary is carefully crafted to offer a classic taste of Japan with a delightful sprinkle of autumn colors (koyo). It comprises three essential elements of a quintessential Japanese experience: modernity, exemplified by Tokyo Tower and Skytree’s soaring architecture; history, represented by major temples and shrines from three distinct eras; and gastronomy, featuring an array of delectable dishes such as tea, tofu, and teppanyaki.
Although Tokyo is a bustling, modern metropolis, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring natural beauty to behold. The chosen destinations provide a glimpse into the array of autumn colors, from momiji (maple) to icho (ginkgo). Furthermore, even the selected restaurants boast Japanese gardens that are particularly captivating during autumn. As you immerse yourself in Tokyo’s vibrant charm, it’s worth noting that this is just the beginning of your journey; the best is yet to come.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ginza /Similar
Day 3 | Kyoto City Tour
As you depart Tokyo in the morning, the renowned bullet train will transport you to Kyoto, where an unforgettable experience awaits. Prepare to be amazed by a series of awe-inspiring temples that epitomize the classic Kyoto experience. Witness the divine reflection of the glittering Kinkaku-ji temple in the water and behold the stunning autumn colors from the Tahoto Pagoda in Eikan-do. In addition to this, you will have the opportunity to savor authentic Kyoto cuisine, renowned for its sophistication, beauty, and flavors.
The traditional city of Kyoto serves as the perfect transition between the vibrant hustle and bustle of Tokyo and the serene tranquility of your upcoming destination. After a long-distance transfer and an exciting day exploring Kyoto, indulge in a luxurious stay at an auberge on Mt. Hiei, which offers an incredible view of Lake Biwa. You will be pleasantly surprised to find a French-style menu for dinner, a delightful change of pace after several meals of Japanese cuisine.
Hoshino Resort Hotel De Hiei / Similar
Day 4 | Mount Hiei Tour
After checking out of your luxurious hotel, the next stop on your itinerary is a visit to Enryaku-ji, a serene temple nestled on Mt. Hiei. This visit is not only symbolic of a pilgrimage, but also promises to be an exciting adventure. You’ll have the opportunity to explore both the east (Todo) and west (Saito) areas of the historic temple, and enjoy a pleasant trek through the woods that connects the two. Keeping in line with the ascetic theme of the day, you’ll be treated to shojin ryori, a traditional Buddhist cuisine that features natural vegetarian ingredients. This will provide a well-rounded experience of the history and nature of Mt. Hiei.
In the afternoon, to descend the mountain, you’ll board a ropeway and cable car for a thrilling side attraction that will allow you to witness the stunning beauty of Mt. Hiei in motion. At the end of the ride, you’ll regroup with your driver and proceed to check into a ryokan in Kameoka, another hidden gem akin to Enryaku-ji. Here, you can unwind in the calming hot springs after an active day and indulge in a quality seasonal dinner that the ryokan takes pride in serving.
Sumiya Kiho – An / Similar
Day 5 | Arashiyama and Yoshino Tour
Today, get ready to witness the incredible autumn colors tour like never before – times two! In the first half, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey aboard the Sagano Romantic Train from Kameoka to Arashiyama. This “truck train” will take you through the picturesque Hozu River, surrounded by mountains and forests, whose beauty during this season can only be described as “indescribable”. Upon arrival at Arashiyama, you’ll have the opportunity to explore its many attractions, including the world-renowned bamboo grove. And of course, a delicious kaiseki lunch is a must.
In the second half, you’ll take a ropeway up Mt. Yoshino and witness a breathtaking view of the illuminated forest of momiji at dusk. Along the romantic walking trail, you’ll encounter a large wooden temple and a famous shrine, as well as many light-up spots that provide an almost surreal sight after sunset. To end this spectacular day, you’ll be staying at a ryokan just a few minutes away by foot, where the open-air baths and large windows will offer even more breathtaking views of the autumnal scenery.
Chikurin – in Gunpouen /Similar
Day 6 | Nara Tour
Similar to Day 3 in Kyoto, Nara is a city of tradition that serves as a transition between the natural setting of the previous day and the bustling metropolis of the next. Today’s itinerary promises an exciting adventure with a thousand wild deer in a park, visits to temples boasting impressive wooden architecture, and a stroll through a grand shrine renowned for its hundreds of lanterns. You’ll also witness the country’s largest Buddha statue, making Nara a city of remarkable landmarks!
To complete the quintessential Nara experience, you’ll enjoy cha-gayu for lunch, a traditional dish of the Yamato Province, which is what present-day Nara was known as 17 centuries ago. As such, the meal is not only rich in flavor but also in history. After your Nara excursion, it’s time to get reacquainted with the vibrant side of Japan in Osaka.
Karaksa Hotel Osaka / Similar
Day 7 | Osaka City Tour
The second-to-last day of your trip has been carefully crafted to give you ample time to prepare for your flight the following day. The itinerary features two of Osaka’s most renowned attractions: the magnificent Osaka Castle and the country’s most popular crab dishes. Afterwards, you’ll have plenty of time to peruse the city’s premier shopping district for gifts and souvenirs.
To cap off your adventure, you’ll be transported to a new hotel conveniently located near Kansai International Airport, where you’ll be departing from. It’s time to start packing all the treasures you’ve gathered during your stay in Japan. And if you haven’t had your fill of shopping, the nearby Rinku Premium Outlets are always an option! Enjoy your final evening in Japan to the fullest!
Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport / Similar
Day 8 | Leaving Japan
Congratulations on finishing the Classic Koyo tour with WISATAJEPANG We trust that you had an enjoyable experience. On the final day, you will be checking out of your hotel and making your way to the airport independently. Wishing you a safe journey home, and we hope to see you again soon!
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