Himeji Castle, UNESCO World Heritage, under the colors of autumn

©Loïc Lagarde

Senso-ji temple, one of Tokyo's landmarks

©Loïc Lagarde

The district of Arashiyama, near Kyoto and Osaka is particularly beautiful under the blushing maple trees

©Loïc Lagarde

Kyoto's historic Gion district

©Loïc Lagarde

Enjoy comfortable 3 * hotels, well located, with impeccable Japanese service

©Tsugu 京都三条 Kyoto

View of Mount Fuji from Tokyo in the evening

©Loïc Lagarde

The majestic Osaka castle in autumn

©Loïc Lagarde

MAP
ITINERARY
QUESTIONS
JAPAN EXPERIENCE

Autumn Leaves Photography

Duration : 12 days
Locations : Tokyo, Mt Fuji (Kawaguchiko), Osaka, Himeji, Kyoto, Nara

Visit Japan in autumn together with a guide-photographer specialising in the country of the rising sun.

A 12-day guided tour to take beautiful photos of well-known and unusual places, enjoying the colours of autumn.

A trip to Japan open to all amateur or specialist photographers, in small, organised groups.

2 week itinerary in Japan (12 days)

Tokyo (1 day)
Kawaguchiko - Mount Fuji (2 days)
Kyoto (3 days)
Himeji (1 day)
Osaka (1 day)
Nara (1 day)
Tokyo (3 days)

Please find below the itinerary details.

WARNING : The tour departure and end dates presented on this page relate to your stay in Japan. On departure, you will have to leave Europe on the day before. The return flight is on the same day due to the time difference. For further details, refer to "More about your trip".

Why this trip to Japan ?

Supervision from an English-speaking photographer-guide, a specialist in photography and Japan
Almost full package : guide, accommodation, transport and most meals
Small groups of between 9 and 12 people maximum
3* hotels and traditional accommodation in ryokan, chosen by us
Visit the must-see places for a first trip to Japan, with a photographic twist.
An exceptional period, with sites chosen for the quality of the photos in autumn
40 years of expertise from Japan Experience, European leading travel agency in Japan

For both the amateur and experienced photographer. No photographic knowledge or equipment required (iPhone ok). All that is required is a "photo" group state of mind to capture magical moments such as sunrises on certain days.

Please take this into account: This trip has many walking sections, it is best to be in good physical condition and to bring walking shoes.

Your trip in detail

Itinerary

Day 1 : Sunday - Wake up in Japan

Arrival at Tokyo airport (Narita or Haneda). Welcome to Japan! Yokoso 日本へようこそ !
Reception at the exit of customs by our English-speaking airport assistant.

Unaccompanied transfer from the airport to Tokyo (see details).

Accommodation at Hotel B Akasaka Mitsuke or a 3* equivalent (rooms available from 3:00pm)

Welcome by the guide at 6:00pm.
Introduction of the tour by the guide during a welcome dinner.

Dinner provided by Japan Experience.
Day 2 : Monday - as close as possible to Mount Fuji

Journey from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko (about 2 hours).
Check-in at the hotel at the foot of Mount Fuji, near Lake Kawaguchi. Hotel Mystays Fuji Onsen resort or equivalent.

Discover the highest mountain in Japan and admire a magnificent sunset.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at your leisure. Your tour guide will be able to advise you on the best spots!
Day 3 : Tuesday - Unforgettable autumn photos

Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is an ideal place to unwind with nature and admire the splendid red autumn leaves at sunrise and sunset.
With the sunrise expected around 5:45, you will have to rise early that day to see the sun rise (sunset around 17:00).

Pass through the Chureito pagoda, one of the best photo viewpoints on Mount Fuji.

Accommodation in a ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation) by the lake. Ryokan Shohoukakou Kogetsu or equivalent.

Traditional Japanese dinner included at your ryokan.
Day 4 : Wednesday - On the road to the old capital

Traditional Japanese breakfast in your ryokan (mostly savoury)

Journey to Kyoto by train and Shinkansen (about 3h30).

Check into your hotel in the heart of Japan's historic capital. Hotel Tsugu 京都三条 or equivalent.

By mid-afternoon, set off for one of Kyoto's most emblematic sites, the Kinkakuji temple (golden pavilion).

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at your leisure. Your tour guide will be able to advise you on the best places to visit!
Day 5 : Thursday - Memoirs of a Geisha

Departure at first light for the fabulous site of Fushimi Inari, world-famous for its thousands of Japanese sacred gates, the torii, placed in a row on an immense hill. Wonderful photos await you.

Note: sunrise is expected around 5:45, so you will have to get up early on this day to catch it (sunset around 17:00).

Next, your guide will take you off the beaten path and lead you to some glorious maple gardens known only to locals.

Later in the day, visit the historical Gion district, the picturesque streets of Sannen-zaka & Ninnen-zaka, and the Hokan-ji - Yasaka pagoda. You could even see the silhouette of a geisha... However, we would like to remind you that it is strictly forbidden to take pictures in the historical Gion district, due to numerous abuses by tourists towards geishas and locals.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at your leisure.
Day 6 : Friday - Castle & Samurai

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure to Himeji via Osaka (1 hour 30 by train)

Visit to the renowned Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The castle gardens are full of vibrant autumn colours. All you need for some magical photos with this emblematic Japanese castle in the background.

Sunset at Himeji.

Return to Osaka by train.
Check into your hotel in the heart of the gastronomic capital of Japan. Hotel Noum Osaka or equivalent.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at your leisure. Your tour guide will be able to advise you on the best places to visit!
Day 7 : Saturday - Bamboo and maple trees

Travel to Arashiyama, between Kyoto and Osaka, to see the bamboo forest, its river and the hills that offer a magnificent autumn spectacle and you will witness a poetic sunrise.

Afterwards, your guide will take you off the beaten track and lead you to the flaming maple gardens of Arashiyama district, which are known only to locals.

Return to Osaka (30min) and head to the lively Dotonbori district to immerse yourself in the heart of the local scene.

Dinner at your leisure in Dotonbori.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Day 8 : Sunday - The first capital away from clichés

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure from Osaka by train to the city of Nara (about 1 hour), famous for its immense Buddha and its park full of deer.

Visit to Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan in the 8th century:
- The Shinto shrine of Kasuga Taisha and its thousands of lanterns,
- The Todaiji, its great bronze Buddha and the imposing Nan-Daimon gate,
- The Kofukuji temple with its beautiful pagoda.

Depending on the progress of the programme and the weather, it may be possible to return to Kyoto for this day.

Sunset in Nara and return to Osaka.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at your leisure in Osaka.
Day 9 : Monday: Back to the capital

Breakfast at the hotel.

Discover Osaka's historic castle and its charming wooded park.

Train journey from Osaka to Tokyo (about 2 hours 30).

Check-in at your hotel in Tokyo.

Visit the lively Shinjuku and Shibuya districts. Upon your photographer-guide's advice, take a picture of the most famous junction in the world.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at your leisure in Shibuya.
Day 10 : Tuesday - Let's visit Tokyo!

Breakfast at the hotel.

A guided day out according to the group's preferences. Discover the city's must-see sites, or the more exclusive ones with their vibrant autumn colours.

Choose from the following:
- The magnificent Shinjuku Gyôen park
- Akihabara: the electronic and manga district
- The vintage districts of Yanaka and/or Shimokitazawa
- Ueno: Tokyo's must-see with its park and lotus pond
- Harajuku: the avant-garde neighbourhood
- Meiji Jingû, the imperial shrine
- Takeshita-Dori: Japan's most famous street
- Omotesando: The Champs-Élysées of Tokyo

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.
Dinner at your leisure in Shibuya.
Day 11 : Wednesday - A few last pictures...

Breakfast at the hotel.

A guided day out according to the group's preferences. Discover the city's must-see sites, or the more exclusive ones with their vibrant autumn colours.

Choose from the following:
- Ginza, Tokyo's chic district
- Tsukiji, the small outdoor food market
- Hamarikyu, the Japanese garden between Tokyo's buildings
- Asakusa, a traditional district and place of pilgrimage, accessible by a cruise down the Sumida River
- Sensô-ji Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in the city
- Tokyo Sky Tree, reaching a height of 643m, and its panoramic view of Tokyo.

Lunch provided by Japan Experience.

Closing dinner also organised and covered by Japan Experience.
Day 12 : Thursday - Sayonara, and see you next time !

Transfer to Haneda or Narita airport (included but not accompanied).

Return flight to Europe, North America, Australia.

Do not hesitate to extend your trip by one or more days to Tokyo, Nikko, Kamakura... we can advise you.

Included in your guided tour

Accommodation

- 10 nights in 3* hotels

- 1 night in a ryokan at Kawaguchiko

The basic rate includes a twin room for two people.
Transport

- Transfer airport <> Tokyo

- Prepaid public transport card

- Japan Rail Pass for 7 days
Experiences and meals

- Airport welcome

- Supervision from an English-speaking photographer-guide

- Welcome at the airport by our airport assistant

- Tours and activities mentioned, as well as others off the beaten path

- Almost full package : all meals (except free days and half of the dinners during the stay)

Prestations complémentaires

- Wi-Fi access (1 Wi-Fi pocket for the whole group)

- Complete e-travel diary sent 20 days before your departure

- 24/7 telephone assistance in English; in addition to the guide's assistance during the day
Not included in the price of your trip

- Flights Europe <> Japan

- Optional insurance policies

- Personal expenses (including 5 dinners at your leisure and expenses for the two free days)

- Drinks with meals (except water and sometimes tea)

- Anything not included in the "included in your tour" section

- Admissions to tourist sites

More about your trip

Your tour :

The tour guide can modify the programme according to the day's constraints.
The prices displayed on this page may vary according to the exchange rate of the Japanese ¥.
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Children and babies accepted. It should be noted, however, that the program may be difficult for these people to follow. From 3 to 11 years old a child rate is offered. In each accommodation, a standard adult bed will be offered to them, and a standard seat will be allocated to them in transport. From 0 to 2 years old inclusive, a "baby" rate is offered. This price corresponds to the allocation of a cot in the majority of the accommodation of the chosen tour. However, we cannot guarantee a baby cot in each accommodation.
Pets are not allowed.
Your travel documents will be given to you as follows: travel diary by email 3 weeks before departure, airport transfer tickets upon arrival at the airport by our airport assistant and the rest of the documents by your tour guide when you meet at 6:00pm in your hotel on the first day.
This programme is subject to change due to circumstances such as weather conditions or any other case of force majeure. The order of visits may also be modified. Please note that due to the current circumstances, any information mentioned is subject to change or modification.
Your tour guide will guide you in French and English, participants will be both English and French speaking.

Your accommodation :

Some hotels may ask you to pay a tourist tax on arrival. This depends on the city and even the hotel, as some do not include it in the booking price. Normally, it is 200¥/night/person (about £1.37/1.93$) but can be slightly higher in 4* hotels. It must be paid in cash at the hotel reception. For traditional Japan Experience accommodations, it is included in the initial tour price.
Room size: in Japan, a densely populated country where everything is compact, 3-star luxury hotels are of very good quality but the rooms are often quite narrow (12 to 20m2/129 sq ft to 215 sq ft) depending on the hotel. Please note the size of the single room, between 10 and 16m2 (107sq ft and 172 fq ft). For more comfort, you can choose our luxury 4* accommodation upgrade option. (Example: Tokaido Route).
Double room : Rooms for two people in western hotels have 2 single beds (twin rooms) by default, which can usually be joined together.
Single room : People travelling alone and wishing to book a single room must pay a supplement at the time of booking. This supplement can be waived, on request, if a twin room is shared with another participant. The single room supplement is compulsory for orders with an odd number of participants.
Traditional accommodation : in the ryokan at Hakone Mount Fuji, the room has a private bathroom (Western or Japanese) and toilet. At the same time, access to the ryokan's non-mixed collective Japanese baths ("onsen") is free, subject to the schedules in force on site. These baths are often not accessible to people with visible tattoos.
Names of the hotels : The names given on the site are for information only. In the event of unavailability, an establishment of equivalent standing will be scheduled. Hotels, corresponding to local standards, are given as an indication and may be changed on site for hotels of a similar category.

Your transport :

Flights are not included in this tour. Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to include flights in your order: Flights in economy class with stopovers or direct flights, eco-premium or business air upgrades, provincial departures or abroad: we will be able to advise you.
The departure and end dates shown on this page are for your stay in Japan. You will arrive in Japan via Tokyo (Narita or Haneda airports) and will also depart from Tokyo. You will have to leave Europe the day before and land at 14:30 at the latest to be present at your hotel at 18:00 to meet your tour guide. However, the return flight is on the same day due to the time difference. Please do not hesitate to consult us for any uncertainty or need for precision in the choice of international flights.
If the flights have been purchased by your care without the intervention of Japan Experience, it is necessary to send us by mail 1 month before your departure your flight information (flight number, airport, date and time of arrival) to allow us 'Organize your welcome and airport transfer.
Airport transfers: The shared shuttle bus leaves from the airport and stops either in front of your hotel or at a stop located between 1 and 15 min walk from your hotel. Our airport assistant in Tokyo will drive you to the platform to take the airport transfer. Afterwards, this hotel transfer is unassisted. If you would like to be accompanied from the airport to your hotel reception please choose the option "Accompanied Airport Transfer".
If a person taking part in the tour is a Japanese national and a resident of Japan, or a foreigner with tax residence in Japan (including a student), then that person is not eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. Please contact us to get the price of the tour without a Japan Rail Pass. They will have to buy the train tickets for the tour directly in Japan. The Kansai Thru Pass is also subject to the same nationality/residency requirements. This is not the case for the Hakone Free pass. If this person is a Japanese citizen but not a resident of Japan, then he/she can benefit from the Japan Rail Pass under certain conditions (see https://www.japan-experience.com/frequently-asked-questions).
Public transport (bus, metro) within the cities, when the ¥1,500 (around £10.30 / 14.54$) already pre-loaded on your public transport card has been used up, is at your expense. You should allow for a transport budget of around £34.39 / 47.57$ for the entire stay (travelling with the group and independently in the evening). In Tokyo and Osaka, some public transport is available free of charge with the Japan Rail Pass included in your tour. The public transport pre-loaded card must be returned to the guide at the end of your stay, except in the case of an individual post-extension organized by Japan Experience.

Which protection for your tour in Japan ?

At the time of your purchase, Japan Experience offers you 3 types of protection :

Japan Experience Flex :

Free cancellation of your trip for any reason up to 35 days before your departure date with our partner Koala.
No residency or nationality requirements.

Refund: 100% of your cancellation fees (excluding airfare costs).
No reason or proof to provide. Cancellation in 1 email. Transfer made within 3 days. More informations here

Japan Experience Protect :

Cancellation insurance before departure and on-site assistance, subject to conditions. COVID protection included.

Japan Experience Full coverage :

All the benefits of 'Flex' and 'Protect' plans, combined.

Frequently asked questions

As of October 11, 2022, Japan will open its borders to all Europeans (including the European Union, the United Kingdom and Switzerland) and North Americans (Canada and the United States) without requiring a visa.

Only non-triply vaccinated travelers need a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours prior to departure.

Do I still need a visa to travel to Japan as a tourist?

No, no visa is required for blue countries including all European countries (European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland included) and North American countries (Canada and United States). List of blue countries: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html. If you have another nationality, please contact the Japanese embassy in your country of residence to obtain this visa.

Do I still need a PCR or antigen test to go to Japan?

No, if you are triple vaccinated with the vaccines approved by Japan (Pfizer, Moderna, ...exhaustive list here : https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html) there is no need for any test.

I do not have 3 doses of vaccine or I am not vaccinated against COVID, can I enter Japan?

Proof of Covid vaccines is no longer required for travelers from "blue" countries. Therefore, unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan if they live in blue countries. But a negative PCR test is required at embarkation for travelers who are not vaccinated 3 times.

Is there still a quarantine upon arrival in Japan?

Quarantine and testing on arrival have been eliminated for travelers from blue countries.

Is insurance mandatory?

No, but it is recommended. Japan Experience, as an option of its tours, provides appropriate travel insurance solutions.

What anti-covid measures are still in place in Japan?

The mask must be worn indoors (except in exceptional cases) and in transportation.

What applications should I download before entering Japan?

For tracking the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic, the Japanese government recommends downloading several applications:

MySOS, the health and location tracking app (it will be used to confirm your location, health status and accommodation).

COCOA, the COVID-19 contact confirmation app (this will be used to notify you of possible contact with a COVID-19 positive person).

For more information, please visit: https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/manual/pdf-en/summary.pdf

It's very simple and easy, just book directly online through our website:

(1) Choose the tour of your choice, your departure date and indicate the number of participants. Several options are available to you.
(2) Pay a deposit of 35% of the total amount* online and confirm your reservation.
(3) You will then receive an e-mail confirming the conditions of your registration.
(4) Book your flight ticket, either with Japan Experience or by yourself (taking into account the necessary schedules for your tour)
(5) One month before departure, settle the balance of your booking.

For more information on the tours or to make a reservation, please contact our advisors on +33 (0)1 42 61 60 83 or at contact@japan-experience.com, or come and visit us at our agency in Paris.

* travel insurance and options included

Whether you want to discover new things or discover yourself, stay in a fully organised tour or take a leisurely one: at Japan Experience, you will find a tour to suit your needs!

Discover our 3 tour formulas now: guided, self-guided or personalised tour:

Guided tours: Travelling with a specialist
Would you like to travel with a small group of 8 to 12 people, accompanied by a private English-speaking guide?
Classic destinations or off the beaten path, Japan Experience offers many guided tours, for all kinds of budget. Offering several departure dates throughout the year, these tours start at €2,890 per person.

Self-guided tours: Independent travel
These tours, with pre-planned itineraries, include accommodation, flights, transport, 24-hour assistance and optional guided activities. From €540 per person, plan your days as you wish, following the recommendations in your travel diary.

Tailor-made tours: Travel according to your desires
Design the trip you've always dreamed of! Our specialist advisors are available by email, telephone or directly in one of our agencies to answer all your questions and help you design your own customised tour.

Recommended dates for seeing the spring flowers:
- plum blossoms: mid-February to mid-March
- cherry blossoms (sakura): between 20 March and 15 April (dates vary from year to year)
- wisteria, iris, azaleas: mid-April to end of May
- hydrangeas: June
- lotus flowers: August

Recommended dates outside of spring :
- Autumn leaves: mid-November
- Observation of Zen gardens under the snow: mid-December to mid-February

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Autumn Leaves Photography

From

$3,257 per person - 12 days

All available Tours : *

Number of rooms *

Traveler(s)

Adults (12+) *

Children (3-11)

Infants (0-2)

Optional services

Japan Experience Flex (+ 5 %)

Pocket Wifi rental (+ $70 )

Japan Experience Protect (+ 6 %)

Japan Experience Full Coverage (+ 9.5 %)

Tour post-extension - 1 night (+ $120 )

Tour pre-extension - 1 night (+ $120 )

Accompanied airport transfer (+ $169 )

Single room supplement (+ 20 %)

* Required fields

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