Places You'll See
Highlights
- Adventure & Exploration: The itinerary seamlessly blends outdoor activities such as hiking the beautiful Mount Takao in Tokyo and walking through the stunning Alpine area of Kamikochi. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and history.
- Cultural Immersion: By exploring the Daruma temple of Osaka, to exploring the golden Pavillion of Kyoto, you’ll have a deep connection with Japan’s rich history, culture, and traditions along the way.
- Breathtaking Natural Landscapes: From the iconic bamboo forest of Kyoto, to the picturesque island of the Miyajima and its resident Deer. This itinerary offers diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that highlight the beauty of Japan’s natural world.
Description
For most people travelling to Japan, they will visit and stay in Tokyo during their trip! For this reason, Tokyo is seen as the gateway to exploring Japanese heritage and culture, but is also the perfect location to visit the other amazing regions of Japan! For any first timer’s or return visitors to Japan, we have created a number of seasonal itineraries to help inspire your travels and help you tailor your trip to suit your preferences and interests depending on the time of year you’re visiting. For this itinerary we suggest a 7 day Autumn plan that covers Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nagoya, Kanazawa, and Nagano. This itinerary is perfect for those wanting to experience the beauty of the Autumn leaves in Japan and its stunning nature, and offers a good variety of attractions along the way. We hope this will help you when planning where to go and what to do on your dream Autumn trip!
For travellers who are fans of seeing Summer and nature in Japan, this 7 day itinerary will include iconic attractions along the way to satisfy travellers. You will be able to the experience the hidden gem of Mount Takao in Tokyo, take in the beauty of Miyajima and Iwakuni, experience true tradition in Western Kyoto and Takayama, visit the picture perfect Shirakawago and Daruma Temple in Osaka, witness the Alpine region of Kamikochi, and much more!
Day 1 - TOKYO AND MOUNT TAKAO
How to Start Off Your Day
Tokyo is the perfect starting point for your journey, offering a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation that will captivate and inspire you from the moment you arrive. Whether you're drawn to its historic temples, bustling streets, or cutting-edge technology, Tokyo provides an unforgettable introduction to the wonders of Japan. Plus, the city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. From luxurious 5-star hotels with stunning skyline views to cozy boutique guesthouses and traditional ryokan inns, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration. Check out our Tokyo destination page for more information on where to stay. For many travellers, the areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Asakusa are very popular as they are very central, offer great hotels and links to transport.
Mount Takao Adventure : Discover Nature and Tradition in Tokyo / September - May
This tour gives guests the opportunity to experience nature and beautiful landscape in Tokyo! When you think of Tokyo you probably don’t think of mountains and greenery. However, Tokyo prefecture is in fact home to many beautiful hiking trails and mountains. Mount Takao is a sacred site in Japan which has a rich history spanning over 1,200 years, perfectly blending culture and religion together. If you love nature, hiking and want to get off the beaten tourist path on an easy day trip in Tokyo, then this tour is for you! Make your Tokyo trip unique by visiting this hidden gem! You will learn all about Takao’s forna and flora at a local nature centre, ride a picturesque cable car to the half way point up the mountain, and explore the many famous landmarks and attractions of Takao including a monkey park and garden, suspension bridge, ancient Cedar Tree avenue and Takao’s temple. You will finish the tour at the summit, taking in spectacular views of Tokyo, the surrounding mountainous landscape and even Mount Fuji on clear days.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Tokyo at approximately 5pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Tokyo you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Nagoya from Tokyo, you will need to go to Tokyo station to get your Bullet Train. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Nagoya from Tokyo.
Nagoya offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels, and traditional Ryokan. You’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Nagoya. For many travellers, the area around Nagoya station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Nagoya station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 2 - NAGOYA AND KAMIKOCHI
How to Start Off Your Day
After a restful night in Nagoya, you will wake up fresh and head out to explore Nagoya and Kamikochi, a stunning nature spot known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. As you travel, enjoy the scenic views of the countryside.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Kamikochi – Enchanting Landscapes & Seasonal Beauty / May - mid-November
Escape the city for a day and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Japan Alps. Tour a vibrant flower park, a charming mountain farm, and the iconic Kamikochi region of the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Hike the well-maintained trails to Kappa-bashi—as your guide points out unique flora and fauna along the way—and capture stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
This full-day tour from Nagoya allows you to journey to the Japan Alps and experience its natural beauty to the fullest as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day staying in Nagoya for the night and take your time to explore what the city has to offer! There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.
Day 3 - NAGOYA TO TAKAYAMA AND SHIRAKAWAGO
How to Start Off Your Day
On this day, you’ll explore Takayama and Shirakawa-go, both offering stunning winter scenery. In Shirakawa-go, the iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with their steep, roofs, create a picturesque wonderland. Surrounded by mountains and peaceful fields, the village looks especially magical during the winter months, making it a perfect spot for a serene and scenic experience.
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go / All Year Round
Day Tour
1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaNagoyaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Nagoya
- Drop-off:
- Nagoya
¥24,900
Hidden deep within the mountains of Central Japan, the historic towns of Hida-Takayama and Shirakawa-go provide an excellent retreat into the scenic countryside and an authentic example of life during Edo-era Japan.
Wander the charming streets of Takayama’s old town, where history comes alive, and taste local delicacies including premium wagyu beef. Experience the enchantment of Shirakawa-go and delve into the village’s traditional way of life with the unique chance to enter one of these picturesque homes.
Step into the past and savor the views of the Japanese countryside as you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide on this full-day tour from Nagoya.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Nagoya at approximately 6.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Nagoya you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Hiroshima from Nagoya, you will need to take the Bullet Train bound for Hakata, and the journey will take approximately 133 minutes. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Nagoya from Tokyo.
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Hiroshima. For many travellers, the area around Hiroshima station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Hiroshima station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 4 - HIROSHIMA
How to Start Off Your Day
Today, you will have the entire day to explore the great city of Hiroshima. Upon arrival at Hiroshima Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights, including the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Peace Memorial and Atomic Bomb Dome.
1-Day Tour: Hiroshima Hidden Gems & Highlights / All Year Round
For those travelers looking to explore hidden gems while also getting to enjoy popular and iconic locations, this 1-Day Hiroshima tour is the one for you! Your guide will take you to the city's best known sites, such as the Shukkei-en garden, Hiroshima Castle, Atomic Bomb Dome, and Peace Memorial Museum. However, you will also have the unique experience of visiting one of Hiroshima's hidden gems, Mitaki-dera. This Buddhist temple, located in the mountains and away from the city center, is surrounded by a beautiful natural scenery and multiple captivating structures.
Enjoy some time away from the crowded tourist areas by joining this hidden gems & highlights tour. Ensure that your visit to Hiroshima will be unique and unforgettable by booking this tour now!
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your end staying in Hiroshima for the night and take your time to explore what the city has to offer! There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.
Day 5 - MIYAJIMA AND IWAKUNI
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up fresh after your second night of staying in Hiroshima. Today you will have the entire day to explore the amazing areas of Miyajima and Iwakuni. Upon arrival at Hiroshima Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour to these two beautiful spots to enjoy historic, cultural and nature highlights.
1-Day Miyajima & Iwakuni Tour: Exploring the Most Iconic Japanese Landscapes / All Year Round
Japan is overflowing with iconic locations and landscapes to visit, and without a doubt Kintaikyo Bridge and Miyajima's "floating" shrine are among them. While located in different prefectures, these two famous structures are just a short ferry and train ride away from each other and can be easily visited within one day.
Starting from Hiroshima, guests will first visit Iwakuni, a city to the west of Hiroshima and located within Yamaguchi prefecture. Here, you will be able to marvel at the famous Kintaikyo Bridge, one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. Guests will also be able to enjoy Iwakuni's other charms, such as Kikko Park and Iwakuni Castle.
From here, you will head back into Hiroshima prefecture and arrive at Miyajima, a breathtaking island which has long been regarded as one of Japan's three most scenic spots. Within this island lies Itsukushima Shrine, known by most as the "floating" shrine. Its vermillion colored O-torii gate is without a doubt one of Japan's most emblematic landmarks. In Miyajima, you will explore different temples and enjoy the beautiful scenery along with the wild deer roaming the island.
This tour will give you the opportunity to visit two of Japan's most scenic locations in a single day. Click the "Book Now" button and get ready for a stunning and unforgettable experience!
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude at Hiroshima station outside of the Bullet Train gates at approximately 5.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. At Hiroshima station you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Shin- Osaka from Hiroshima, you will need to use the ‘San’yo Shinkansen’ which will takes between 81 minutes - 88 minutes to reach Shin-Osaka station depending on which service you book. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Shin-Osaka from Hiroshima.
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Osaka. For many travellers, the area around Shin-Osaka station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Shin-Osaka station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 6 - OSAKA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Osaka ready to explore! Today you will venture to see some of Osaka’s cultural gems. Your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights, including the amazing Daruma Temple!
Osaka's Secret Adventures: Discover Daruma Magic and the Beauty of Minoh Falls / All Year Round
If you want to experience a different side of Osaka with a more natural touch, this is the tour for you. Begin your journey at the serene Daruma Temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and unique history. Here, you can explore the tranquil grounds and learn about the temple's cultural significance. After soaking in the calm atmosphere of the temple, we will take you to a nearby waterfall, a hidden gem that offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. The sound of cascading water and the lush greenery provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and reflection. This tour offers a tranquil and scenic journey, allowing you to experience the natural charm of Osaka in a new and relaxing way, showcasing the city's lesser-known natural beauty.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude at Shin-Osaka station at approximately 5pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. At Shin-Osaka station you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Kyoto from Shin-Osaka, you will need to use the Tokaido Shinkansen running from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station. The fastest services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line will get you from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto in just 13 minutes. You can also use the JR Special Rapid service bound for Nagahama from Shin-Osaka takes 25-minutes. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Kyoto from Shin-Osaka.
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels, luxury hotels, to traditional ryokan inns, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Kyoto. For many travellers, the area around Kyoto station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Kyoto station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 7 - KYOTO
How to Start Off Your Day
On the last day, you will have the entire day to explore the beautiful city of Kyoto. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights.
1-Day Walking Tour : Traversing Kyoto's Scenic West - Arashiyama to Kinkakuji / All Year Round
Experience the enchanting beauty of Kyoto with a tour to Arashiyama and Kinkakuji. Begin your journey in Arashiyama, where you can stroll through the famous Bamboo Grove, visit the serene Tenryuji Temple, and enjoy the scenic views from the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. After immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Arashiyama, continue to Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion. Marvel at the pavilion's stunning reflection in the surrounding pond and explore the meticulously maintained gardens. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and architectural beauty, providing a memorable glimpse into Kyoto's cultural heritage.
* Tour does not include transportation before or after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude at Kyoto station at approximately 5pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. At Kyoto station you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Tokyo from Kyoto, you can use the Tokaido Shinkansen Line running to Tokyo Station, and the journey will take approximately 135 minutes to 160 minutes depending on which service you book. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Tokyo from Kyoto station.
