2026 Autumn - Maple Leaves, Alps, Golden Route and Wagyu specialization

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Tokyo-Lake Suwa-Kyoto-Osaka
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https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_5.svg?v=1761040622.alt 8 Days 7 Nights
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_6.svg?v=1761040623.alt Max People: 26 pax
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0972/4772/3803/files/Frame_10.svg?v=1761040622.alt All hotels included
This group tour operates from 10 guests. Options operate from 8 guests.
At least one reachable phone number is required for each participating group.
If you would like to book more than one optional tours, please contact us.
Cancellation Conditions:Free cancellation ≥ 14 days; 30% charge for 7–13 days; 50% charge for 3–6 days; 100% charge ≤ 3 days.
Overview
Highlights
Itinerary Details
Important Information

Overview

【Early Bird Price】Book by July 31st and enjoy $200 off!!

Embark on an 8-day journey through Japan, traveling from Tokyo to Osaka while discovering the country's most iconic destinations and cultural highlights. This thoughtfully designed itinerary blends modern city life, breathtaking natural scenery, and deep-rooted traditions.

Begin in Tokyo with the option to explore the city or join a guided sightseeing tour. Continue to the Mt. Fuji and Hakone area, where you can enjoy lake views, scenic cruisees, and volcanic landscapes. Journey onward along the historic Nakasendo Trail, visiting preserved post towns such as Magome-juku and Tsumago-juku.

In Kyoto, immerse yourself in Japan's cultrual heart with visits to iconic temples, shrines, and traditional districts. Experience the peaceful charm of Nara before concluding your journey in vibrant Osaka, with optional cultural and day-trip experiences to further enrich your travel.

You may return back home after the tour, or spend extra nights in Osaka and explore the city on your own. For those seeking a more artistic and off-the-beaten-path experience, an optional 2-day trip to Naoshima is available from Osaka. Known as Japan's "art island", Naoshima offers a unique blend of contemporary architecture, world-class museums, and serene island landscapes.

With a dedicated guide and private vehicle throughout the journey, this tour ensures a smooth, comfortable, and enriching experience from start to finish.

Our highlights are

Key highlights

Private transportation with professional guide – Enjoy a seamless journey with dedicated transportation and an experienced guide throughout the tour.
Mt. Fuji & Hakone exploration – Experience lake cruises, ropeways, and scenic views around Japan's most iconic mountain.
Historic Nakasendo experience – Walk through preserved Edo-period towns including Magome and Tsumago
Cultural highlights & Heritage experience – Immerse in rich culture in Kyoto and glorious heritage in Nara
Gourmet and culture experience – Unique Sumo Chanko Hot pot and amazing Kobe Beef dinner as an enhancement to your trip.
Naoshima Art Adventure – Escape to Naoshima, Japan's renowned contemporary art island and enjoy a unique island stay surrounded by art and nature

What's Included

English-speaking guide
Charter coach
Accommodation (Breakfast included)
Admissions of listed sightseeing places
Day 3 Dinner at Onsen hotel
Day 4 Sumo Chanko Hot pot dinner in Kyoto
Day 6 Kobe Beef dinner in Osaka
Any unspecified meals
Any personal expenses, insurance, or tips

Itinerary Details

Day 1 11.23
Arrive in Tokyo
SHIBUYA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU or similar
SHIBUYA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU or similar
【Optional ①】 Pre-Tour Extension (Extra nights in Tokyo) - $225/person/night
【Optional ①】 Pre-Tour Extension (Extra nights in Tokyo) - $225/person/night
【Optional ②】 Airport Transfer In- $45/person
【Optional ②】 Airport Transfer In- $45/person
Arrive in Tokyo, transfer to Tokyo hotel on your own. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city independently.
Arrive in Tokyo, transfer to Tokyo hotel on your own. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city independently.
【Option】Airport transfer service is not included in this package and is available for additional purchase, $45/person
Hotel (for reference): SHIBUYA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043, TEL: 81-3-5457-0109
Arrive in Tokyo Arrive in Tokyo
Day 2 11.24
【Option Tokyo Guided Day tour】 or Tokyo Free time
SHIBUYA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU or similar
SHIBUYA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU or similar
【Optional ③】 Tokyo Day tour (Public transportation) - $85/person
【Optional ③】 Tokyo Day tour (Public transportation) - $85/person
Join the optional Guided Tokyo Day Tour ($85/person) or enjoy your free day in Tokyo
<em>09:00</em> Depart from Tokyo hotel, starting your day exploring Tokyo with your guide using the well-connected trasnportation
09:00 Depart from Tokyo hotel, starting your day exploring Tokyo with your guide using the well-connected trasnportation
<em>09:30-11:00</em> Walk through the Meiji Shrine Golden Ginkgo Avenue and sniff the smell of autumn
09:30-11:00 Walk through the Meiji Shrine Golden Ginkgo Avenue and sniff the smell of autumn
<em>11:00-14:00</em> Take metro to Tsukiji market and enjoy【lunch】on your own
11:00-14:00 Take metro to Tsukiji market and enjoy【lunch】on your own
<em>14:00-16:00</em> Take metro to Rokugien Garden, the garden sits quitely in the center of Tokyo since Edo period
14:00-16:00 Take metro to Rokugien Garden, the garden sits quitely in the center of Tokyo since Edo period
<em>16:00-17:00</em> Take metro back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the night on your own
16:00-17:00 Take metro back to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the night on your own
Hotel (for reference): SHIBUYA EXCEL HOTEL TOKYU, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043, TEL: 81-3-5457-0109
【Option Tokyo Guided Day tour】 or Tokyo Free time 【Option Tokyo Guided Day tour】 or Tokyo Free time
Day 3 11.25
Lake Ashi & Hakone Tour
RAKO Hananoi Hotel or similar
RAKO Hananoi Hotel or similar
English guide
English guide
Kaiseki dinner at hotel
Kaiseki dinner at hotel
<em>08:00</em> Depart from Tokyo hotel, heading to Lake Ashi (approx. 1.5 hours)
08:00 Depart from Tokyo hotel, heading to Lake Ashi (approx. 1.5 hours)
<em>09:30-10:30</em> Board Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise for the best shot of Mt. Fuji
09:30-10:30 Board Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise for the best shot of Mt. Fuji
<em>10:30-11:30</em> Take Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani for its unique volcanic view
10:30-11:30 Take Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani for its unique volcanic view
<em>11:30-14:30</em> Walk around Owakudani, try black egg as snack, or browse shops and the information center
11:30-14:30 Walk around Owakudani, try black egg as snack, or browse shops and the information center
<em>14:30-17:30</em> Drive to Lake Suwa, check-in at local onsen hotel and enjoy Kaiseki dinner featuring the local Shinshu wagyu
14:30-17:30 Drive to Lake Suwa, check-in at local onsen hotel and enjoy Kaiseki dinner featuring the local Shinshu wagyu
Hotel (for reference): RAKO Hananoi Hotel, 2-1200-3 Takashima, Suwa Nagano 392-0022, TEL: 81-266-54-0555
Lake Ashi & Hakone Tour Lake Ashi & Hakone Tour
Day 4 11.26
Alps Route, way to Kyoto
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
English guide
English guide
Sumo Chanko Hot pot Dinner
Sumo Chanko Hot pot Dinner
<em>08:00</em> Depart from Lake Suwa hotel, heading to Magome-juku (approx.2.5 hours)
08:00 Depart from Lake Suwa hotel, heading to Magome-juku (approx.2.5 hours)
<em>10:30-11:30</em> Stroll through the old town streets and learn about the old Nakasendo history
10:30-11:30 Stroll through the old town streets and learn about the old Nakasendo history
<em>11:30-12:30</em> Light hiking along Nakasendo, immerse yourself in the time-slip atmosphere
11:30-12:30 Light hiking along Nakasendo, immerse yourself in the time-slip atmosphere
<em>12:30-14:00</em> Enjoy 【lunch】at Tsumago-juku and walk around the Tsumago-juku town, another important stop of Nakasendo
12:30-14:00 Enjoy 【lunch】at Tsumago-juku and walk around the Tsumago-juku town, another important stop of Nakasendo
<em>14:00-18:00</em> Drive to Kyoto (approx. 4 hours)
14:00-18:00 Drive to Kyoto (approx. 4 hours)
<em>18:00-19:30</em> Special Sumo Chanko Hot pot 【Dinner】after arriving in Kyoto
18:00-19:30 Special Sumo Chanko Hot pot 【Dinner】after arriving in Kyoto
Hotel (for reference): Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, 17 Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, TEL: 81-75-661-7111
Alps Route, way to Kyoto Alps Route, way to Kyoto
Day 5 11.27
【Option Kyoto Guided Day tour】 or Kyoto Free time
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
【Option ④】Kyoto Guided Day tour - $160/person
【Option ④】Kyoto Guided Day tour - $160/person
Join the optional guided Kyoto Day tour ($160/person) or enjoy your free day in Kyoto
<em>09:00</em> Depart from Kyoto hotel, heading to Kifune Shrine (approx. 1 hour)
09:00 Depart from Kyoto hotel, heading to Kifune Shrine (approx. 1 hour)
<em>10:00-12:00</em> Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere in Kifune Shrine, which is the headquarter shrine of the kami of water
10:00-12:00 Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere in Kifune Shrine, which is the headquarter shrine of the kami of water
<em>12:00-14:00</em> 【Lunch】Shojin Ryori lunch, a Zen vegan culinary featuring seasonal vegetables
12:00-14:00 【Lunch】Shojin Ryori lunch, a Zen vegan culinary featuring seasonal vegetables
<em>14:00-16:00</em> Drive to and visit Kinkaku-ji,one of the UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage Site
14:00-16:00 Drive to and visit Kinkaku-ji,one of the UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage Site
<em>16:00-17:00</em> Return back to Kyoto hotel and enjoy the night on your own
16:00-17:00 Return back to Kyoto hotel and enjoy the night on your own
Hotel (for reference): Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo, 17, Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, TEL: 81-75-661-7111
【Option Kyoto Guided Day tour】 or Kyoto Free time 【Option Kyoto Guided Day tour】 or Kyoto Free time
Day 6 11.28
Heritage Nara
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka or similar
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka or similar
English guide
English guide
Kobe Beef Dinner
Kobe Beef Dinner
<em>09:00</em> Depart from Kyoto hotel, heading to Nara (approx. 1 hour)
09:00 Depart from Kyoto hotel, heading to Nara (approx. 1 hour)
<em>10:00-13:00</em> Visit Todai-ji learning about the Nara glorious history; get close with Nara deer by feeding them deer snack
10:00-13:00 Visit Todai-ji learning about the Nara glorious history; get close with Nara deer by feeding them deer snack
<em>13:00-14:00</em> Drive to Osaka and enjoy free afternonn shopping time in Osaka
13:00-14:00 Drive to Osaka and enjoy free afternonn shopping time in Osaka
<em>18:00-19:30</em> Enjoy high-class Kobe beef at a local restaurant
18:00-19:30 Enjoy high-class Kobe beef at a local restaurant
Hotel (for reference): Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, 6-1-55, Uehommachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0001, TEL: 81-6-6733-1111
Heritage Nara Heritage Nara
Day 7 11.29
【Option Mount Koya Day trip】 or Osaka Free time
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka or similar
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka or similar
【Option ⑤】Mount Koya Day tour or Free Day - $190/person
【Option ⑤】Mount Koya Day tour or Free Day - $190/person
Join the optional Mount Koya Day Tour ($190/person) or enjoy your free day in Osaka
<em>08:00</em> Depart from Osaka hotel, heading to Mount Koya (approx. 2 hours)
08:00 Depart from Osaka hotel, heading to Mount Koya (approx. 2 hours)
<em>10:00-11:00</em> Stroll through Okunoin, admire Japan's largest and most mystical cemetery
10:00-11:00 Stroll through Okunoin, admire Japan's largest and most mystical cemetery
<em>11:00-12:00</em> 【Lunch】Shojin Ryori Lunch at local restaurant (A Zen vegan culinary)
11:00-12:00 【Lunch】Shojin Ryori Lunch at local restaurant (A Zen vegan culinary)
<em>12:00-14:30</em> Visit Danjo Garan, the temple complex of brilliant vermilion architecture
12:00-14:30 Visit Danjo Garan, the temple complex of brilliant vermilion architecture
<em>14:30-15:30</em> Sutra copying experience; a centuries-old way to calm the mind and focus the spirit
14:30-15:30 Sutra copying experience; a centuries-old way to calm the mind and focus the spirit
<em>15:30-18:30</em> Back to Osaka (approx. 3 hours)
15:30-18:30 Back to Osaka (approx. 3 hours)
Hotel (for reference): Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, 6-1-55, Uehommachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0001, TEL: 81-6-6733-1111
【Option Mount Koya Day trip】 or Osaka Free time 【Option Mount Koya Day trip】 or Osaka Free time
Day 8 11.30
Back Home Day or 【Option Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour】
Public transportation to the airport on your own
Public transportation to the airport on your own
【Option ⑥】Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour - $750/person
【Option ⑥】Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour - $750/person
【Option ⑦】Post-Tour Extension (Extra nights in Osaka) - $110/person/night
【Option ⑦】Post-Tour Extension (Extra nights in Osaka) - $110/person/night
Enjoy breakfast at hotel, and make the way to the airport on your own for your return flight
Enjoy breakfast at hotel, and make the way to the airport on your own for your return flight
Or stay for extra nights in Osaka and explore the city on your own (select the post-tour extension for extra nights hotel in Osaka)
Or stay for extra nights in Osaka and explore the city on your own (select the post-tour extension for extra nights hotel in Osaka)
<em>08:20</em> Depart from Osaka hotel, charter vehicle transfer to Shin-Osaka station
08:20 Depart from Osaka hotel, charter vehicle transfer to Shin-Osaka station
<em>08:50-09:34</em> Ride Shinkansen heading to Okayama Station
08:50-09:34 Ride Shinkansen heading to Okayama Station
<em>09:40-11:00</em> Charter vehicle pick up, heading to Uno Ferry Terminal
09:40-11:00 Charter vehicle pick up, heading to Uno Ferry Terminal
<em>11:00-11:20</em> Board the ferry to Naoshima Miyaura Terminal
11:00-11:20 Board the ferry to Naoshima Miyaura Terminal
<em>11:20-13:00</em> Enjoy free【lunch】around ferry terminal or take photos of the Red Pumpkin
11:20-13:00 Enjoy free【lunch】around ferry terminal or take photos of the Red Pumpkin
<em>13:00-16:00</em> Charter car transfer to Benesse House Museum and enjoy the museum time in the afternoon
13:00-16:00 Charter car transfer to Benesse House Museum and enjoy the museum time in the afternoon
<em>16:00-16:30</em> Photo time at the Yellow Pumpkin
16:00-16:30 Photo time at the Yellow Pumpkin
<em>16:30-17:00</em> Arrive at Naoshima Hotel and enjoy the quite island night
16:30-17:00 Arrive at Naoshima Hotel and enjoy the quite island night
Hotel (for reference): Hotel Wright Style Naoshima, 518-2, Naoshima-cho, Kagawa-gun, Kagawa 761-3110, TEL: 81-87-813-2533
Back Home Day or 【Option Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour】 Back Home Day or 【Option Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour】
Day 9 12.1
【Option Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour】
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka or similar
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka or similar
<em>09:30</em> Depart from Naoshima hotel
09:30 Depart from Naoshima hotel
<em>10:00-11:30</em> Visit Chichu Museum
10:00-11:30 Visit Chichu Museum
<em>11:30-13:00</em> Free 【lunch】time around Benesse area
11:30-13:00 Free 【lunch】time around Benesse area
<em>13:00-15:00</em> Visit Lee Ufan Museum
13:00-15:00 Visit Lee Ufan Museum
<em>15:00-16:00</em> Drive back to Miyaura Terminal and pick up souvenirs at art shops
15:00-16:00 Drive back to Miyaura Terminal and pick up souvenirs at art shops
<em>16:02-16:22</em> Board the ferry and back to Uno Terminal
16:02-16:22 Board the ferry and back to Uno Terminal
<em>16:30-17:20</em> Charter vehicle transfer to Okayama Station
16:30-17:20 Charter vehicle transfer to Okayama Station
<em>17:33-19:00</em> Ride Shinkansen back to Osaka and transfer back to Osaka hotel by charter vehicle
17:33-19:00 Ride Shinkansen back to Osaka and transfer back to Osaka hotel by charter vehicle
Hotel (for reference): Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, 6-1-55, Uehommachi, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0001, TEL: 81-6-6733-1111
【Option Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour】 【Option Naoshima 1-Night 2-Day Tour】
Day 10 12.2
Back Home Day
Public transportation to the airport on your own
Public transportation to the airport on your own
Enjoy breakfast at hotel, and make the way to the airport on your own for your return flight
Enjoy breakfast at hotel, and make the way to the airport on your own for your return flight
Back Home Day Back Home Day

Important Information

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Prices listed are per person based on double occupancy, surcharge will apply for solo travelers. Please select Single Supplement
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Please be ready 10 minutes before pickup time. The vehicle cannot wait for late arrivals.
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Traffic on weekends/holidays may affect timing. The itinerary order and stay time may be adjusted for safety and road conditions.
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Child safety seat: required for children aged 6 and under (please bring your own or contact us for assistance).
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Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase your own insurance in advance.
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If the group does not meet minimum participants, the tour may be cancelled.
Price:
Sale price  $2,459.00 Regular price  $2,659.00
/ Person
Standard Journey

Reviews

2026 Autumn - Maple Leaves, Alps, Golden Route and Wagyu specialization
2026 Autumn - Maple Leaves, Alps, Golden Route and Wagyu specialization

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FAQs

Q1. Are all tours guided by an English-speaking guide?

A: Not all.
At Japan Local Journeys, some tours are guided by professional English-speaking guides, while others are operated as driver-only private transfers.

Our driver-only tours are designed for travelers who prefer privacy and flexibility — you’ll have a private car and driver, while our operation team provides real-time English assistance via WhatsApp.
Please check each product page to see whether an English-speaking guide is included.

Q2. What is a “driver-only private tour”?

Q3. Can the driver speak English?

Q4. Can I add an English-speaking guide to a driver-only tour?

Q5. What type of travelers choose driver-only tours?