Japan Autumn Leaves Escorted Tour
Journey through Japan’s timeless beauty—shrines, castles, gardens, and city lights.
Members from: $11,898 P.P Twin ShareNon-members from: $11,948 P.P Twin ShareSolo traveller from: $13,796
Type
Escorted Touring
Destination
Asia
Supplier
Trade Travel
Departs
28 October 2026
Trade Travel Tour Host
Return economy flights: Australia - Tokyo & Osaka - Australia (Syd, Bris, Melb, Adel)
12 Nights quality accommodation + Late checkout
Breakfast & dinner as per itinerary (28 meals)
All transfers, tours, entrance fees & local transport by private air-conditioned coach
English speaking guides as per itinerary
Gratuities for drivers & guides
Day 1. Wed 28 Oct: Australia - Tokyo
Flight Details: SQ000 & SQ636 Australia - Tokyo 0000/0620 + 1 (flight times subject to change)
Today we depart from Australia for our flight into Tokyo.
Day 2. Thur 29 Oct: Tokyo
On arrival into Narita International Airport, we are met by our local English-speaking guide and transferred to our hotel for early check-in. After settling into our rooms, we enjoy the remainder of our day at leisure before dinner.
Overnight Tokyo: Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo
Daily: Dinner
Day 3. Fri 30 Oct: Tokyo
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before meeting our English-speaking guide. Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Tokyo by coach, visit the Imperial Palace Plaza, then explore Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple. We pass through Nakamise Shopping Street along with typical Japanese souvenirs, we will enter the temple’s main hall to see how the Japanese worship. After free time for lunch, we continue to the Tokyo National Museum and enjoy a walk around the vibrant Ginza district. Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant within walking distance from the hotel. Overnight Tokyo: Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 4. Sat 31 Oct: Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi - Matsumoto
Today we leave the bustling city behind and drive to the scenic Lake Kawaguchi, part of the Fuji Five Lakes region. Stop at a highway service area to grab a bite for lunch before visiting the Mt. Fuji World Heritage Centre, which offers stunning views of Japan’s most iconic peak and interactive exhibits about its cultural significance. Next, we take a peaceful cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, where reflections of Mt. Fuji shimmer in the autumn-coloured water. Next stop is in the charming castle town of Matsumoto, where we’ll explore the nostalgic Nawate Street before checking into our hotel. Dinner will be at a nearby restaurant or at the hotel. Please pack an overnight bag for the following day, as our main suitcase will be sent ahead to Toyama.
Overnight Matsumoto: Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5. Sun 1 Nov: Matsumoto - Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route - Toyama
This day is a highlight of the trip. After breakfast, we travel to Ogisawa Station to begin our journey across the aweinspiring Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This iconic route traverses the Japanese Alps using a combination of cable cars, ropeways, and buses. Marvel at panoramic mountain views, dramatic cliffs, and autumn foliage. After a local lunch, we continue through the highlands to our accommodation in Toyama. After settling into our hotel, we gather for dinner at the hotel
Overnight Toyama: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Toyama
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6. Mon 2 Nov: Toyama - Gokayama - Toyama
Following breakfast, we continue out along the Alpine Route to Tateyama Station, where our coach awaits to take us to the secluded mountain village of Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here we discover the traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, known for their steep thatched roofs designed to shed heavy snow. After a countryside lunch, stroll through the village and learn about its rich history and crafts. This afternoon, we head back to the city of Toyama where we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Toyama: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Toyama
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7. Tues 3 Nov: Kanazawa
Today’s excursion takes us to Kanazawa, a city celebrated for its preserved Edo-period districts and cultural heritage. We begin our tour at Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, particularly enchanting in the autumn season. Wander through Omicho Market and enjoy lunch at our leisure among the seafood stalls and local eateries. Afterwards, step into the historic Nagamachi Samurai District with its narrow lanes and earthen walls. Return to Toyama in the late afternoon and dine locally before resting up for tomorrow. Tomorrow our suitcase will be forwarded to Kyoto, so please prepare and pack a 2-night overnight bag.
Overnight Toyama: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Toyama
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8. Wed 4 Nov: Toyama - Nagoya
We start the day with a scenic train ride aboard the Limited Express Hida from Toyama to Nagoya. At Toyama Station we can purchase some snacks to have onboard for lunch. Enjoy the changing scenery as the train passes rivers, forests, and mountains. Upon arrival in Nagoya, embark on a half-day tour including Atsuta Jingu, a revered Shinto shrine housing the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, and Sky Promenade, an open-air observation deck offering views across the city skyline. We then head to the hotel to check-in and freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance from our hotel.
Overnight Nagoya: Hotel Vista Nagoya Nishiki
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9. Thurs 5 Nov: Nagoya - Kurashiki - Okayama
After our transfer to Nagoya Station, we travel to Okayama by bullet train, then head to Kurashiki, a town known for its beautifully preserved canal area. Stroll through the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, where willow-lined canals and Edo-period architecture create a charming atmosphere. After lunch at leisure, visit the whimsical Manekineko Art Museum, where we’ll join a hands-on workshop to paint our own lucky cat (maneki-neko) to take home. This creative, light-hearted activity makes a great cultural souvenir. Afterwards we return to our hotel for the night in Okayama and enjoy dinner nearby.
Overnight Okayama: Hotel Granvia Okayama
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10. Fri 6 Nov: Okayama - Kyoto
After breakfast, we journey to Himeji to tour the majestic Himeji Castle, Japan’s most famous and best-preserved feudal-era fortress, a striking vision of white plaster walls set against vibrant autumn leaves. After some time roaming the grounds, we make our way to Nadagiku Sake Brewery for lunch and sample local sake alongside regional specialties. Afterwards, we board a bullet train bound for Kyoto. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to our hotel for check in and to enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Kyoto: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11. Sat 7 Nov: Kyoto
Today explore Kyoto’s cultural treasures, starting with the Arashiyama district. We will take a stroll across the Togetsukyo Bridge and wander through the serene Bamboo Grove, one of Japan’s most photographed spots. Afterwards, we are free to purchase lunch and explore on our own leisure before visiting the dazzling Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple), a Zen temple coated in gold leaf. We will finish the day with a guided walk through the geisha district of Gion, where we might glimpse a maiko on her way to an appointment. Stroll the laneways and spend time roaming the locals stall holder and local souvenirs. We then head back to the hotel to freshen up before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant near the hotel.
Overnight Kyoto: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 12. Sun 8 Nov: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka
After breakfast at the hotel and checkout, we start out journey to Osaka. First stop of the day is Wazuka, a picturesque tea-growing region. Experience a guided walking tour through the tea fields followed by a “Tea Flights” tasting session, where we’ll sample a range of artisan green teas. Next, we’ll travel to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha – one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Enjoy some playful time at Nara Deer Park, where friendly deer roam freely. After lunch in town at own cost, we continue on to Osaka where we’ll check into our hotel and have dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Overnight Osaka: Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13. Mon 9 Nov: Osaka
Start the day with a leisurely cruise aboard the Aqua Liner, offering a unique view of Osaka’s rivers and urban architecture. A highlight of the city is wandering the lively Dotombori and Shinsaibashi areas, famous for their street food, shopping, and neon lights. Early afternoon we will return to our hotel for a rest or optional shopping. In the evening, we come together for dinner on our final night in Japan.
Overnight Osaka: Hotel Intergate Osaka Umeda
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 14. Tues 10 Nov: Osaka - Australia
Flight Details: Osaka - Australia SQ623 & SQ000 2320/0000 + 1 (flight times subject to change)
After breakfast and leisurely morning, we check out at 1.00pm and store our luggage before enjoying a leisurely day. After dinner this evening, we transfer to Kansai International Airport for check in and flight back home to Australia.
Daily: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 15. Wed 11 Nov: Arrive Australia
We arrive back in Australia late afternoon with countless memories, after a wonderful Japan Autumn Tour with fellow travellers and our Trade Travel Host.
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All prices are per person in Australian Dollars unless specified. Prices are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies, exchange rates and other considerations.
All are subject to change. For up-to-date pricing contact National Travel. No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the land only price once the deposit is received.