8 Nt Fall Foliage Gardens, Temples & Bullet Trains Land Tour & Circle of Japan Voyage, 4 November 2027 (24 nights)

Today, you’ll be invited to explore the breathtaking Kokoen Garden, a collection of nine Edo-style walled garden spaces, before exploring Himeji Castle. Initially built in 1333, Himeji Castle is the largest and most-visited castle complex in Japan; it’s also often known as Shirasagi-jō (White Heron Castle) due to its bright white exterior and apparent resemblance to a bird taking flight. Combining Kokoen Garden’s stunning natural beauty with the staggering man-made structures of Himeji Castle, this is a sightseeing experience you won’t want to miss.

Affectionately known as Osaka’s Kitchen, Kuromon Market is a fascinating covered marketplace renowned for its sensational street food and its vast array of shops and stalls. Here, you’ll find around 150 shops and stalls selling fresh fish, meat, and produce alongside sweet treats, clothing, homeware, and more. During your time exploring Osaka, you’ll be invited to explore this vibrant hub of activity, sampling some of the best bites, learning more about Japanese culture, and immersing yourself fully in this destination’s lively atmosphere. A stark contrast to some of the sightseeing experiences you’ll enjoy in this region, a visit to Kuromon Market gives you a chance to see a different – yet equally interesting – side of Japan.

During your exploration of Osaka and its surrounds, you’ll have the chance to stop and marvel at Dōtonbori, one of Osaka’s principal tourist hotspots and home to vibrant nightlife you won’t want to miss. Running alongside the Dōtonbori canal, this area’s stunning neon signs make for an excellent photo opportunity, and you’ll certainly find yourself tempted to stay by the lively bars and inviting restaurants here.

Located in the heart of Nara, Yoshikien Garden is one of the most scenic spots in this fascinating part of Japan. Boasting three unique gardens, it’s a fantastic place to see more than one type of traditional Japanese garden at once, inviting you to explore a pond garden, a moss garden, and a tea ceremony garden. During your time here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this scenic spot, admiring the vibrant foliage and the interesting techniques employed to create these serene and welcoming spaces. Built on the site of Kofukuji Temple’s former priest residences, this is almost a spiritual experience, and certainly a sightseeing opportunity you won’t forget.

While exploring Kyoto and its surrounds, you’ll be invited to explore the sprawling Nara Park, a must-see area of this fascinating city. Spanning over 650 hectares, Nara Park is renowned for its large population of free-roaming deer and several world-famous temples. Feeding these deer is an attraction in itself, but Nara Park is home to so much more – from staggering landmarks like Todaji Temple and Kasugataisha Shrine to Isuien garden and Nara National Museum.

At this stage of your tour, you’ll travel to Uji, a quaint town renowned for its green tea and matcha. Here, you’ll be invited to enjoy a traditional matcha experience; this is not only a fantastic chance to indulge in a delicious cup of Matcha, but also an opportunity to learn more about this nation’s fascinating tea ceremonies.

Today, you’ll be invited to explore Ryōan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden and historic structures dating back to 1450. Once an estate of the Fujiwara clan, this Zen temple is a stunning destination that invites mindful reflection and meditation. The rock garden here is one of the finest surviving examples of kare-sansui, though the temple itself is also home to a water garden worth spending some time admiring. This is an incredible place to spend any amount of time in, and promises to be another memorable stop on your tour of this fascinating nation.

Arashiyama’s Sagano Bamboo Grove is unlike anywhere else in Kyoto, and you’ll have the chance to explore this fascinating landmark during your tour of this wonderful city. Covering an area of roughly 16 km2, this impressive bamboo forest is considered part of the soundscape of Japan by the Ministry of the Environment. Spending any amount of time in this ethereal environment is enchanting, and something you won’t forget anytime soon.

An impressive Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, Tōfuku-ji Temple is famous for its stunning autumnal colours, though it remains well worth seeing during other seasons. While exploring Kyoto, you’ll have the chance to visit this spectacular site and its surrounding gardens. An artful example of kare-sansui, the honbo garden found within the hojo abbot’s quarters is a highlight; however, there are so many more sights to admire and appreciate during your time here.

During the part of your tour that sees you exploring Kyoto, you’ll have the chance to visit the world-famous Fushimi Inari-taisha. The head Shinto shrine of the kami Inari, this shrine sits at the foot of Inariyama. A stunning display of uniformity within traditional Shinto architecture, Fushimi Inari-taisha is famed for its ‘tunnels’ of vermilion torii, and you’ll have plenty of time to capture your own memories of this fascinating place.

A fascinating, unique experience awaits you on this day of your tour. During your time in Kyoto, you’ll be invited to embark on an interesting walking tour of Gion, while accompanied by a maiko, an apprentice geisha. Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, is famous for featuring well-preserved wooden machiya merchant houses, traditional teahouses, and upscale restaurants. Here, you’ll also learn more about Japan’s intriguing culture surrounding geisha and their roles, while admiring these entertainers as they navigate Gion’s charming lantern-lit streets.

Today, you’re going to have the chance to explore some of the most fascinating parts of Kanazawa, starting with a guided tour of the historic Nomura Samurai House before spending some time in Kenroku-en Garden. Located in Nagamachi, a well-preserved district to the west of Kanazawa Castle, Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence is renowned for its unchanged appearance, looking much like it would have done in the Edo era; spending some time here, you’ll learn more about the Nomura family, alongside what typical samurai home life was like from the 16th century to the mid 19th century. After spending some time here, Kenroku-en Garden awaits. Ranked as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, this garden space is home to a variety of flowering trees, ensuring there’s something interesting to admire every season. Affording you the opportunity to admire both sides of Kanazawa, this is one experience you won’t want to miss.

While in Kanazawa, you’ll be invited to explore Omicho Market, a lively hub of fresh seafood and local produce; it’s the perfect place to grab some lunch and sample some of this city’s local specialities. This busy network of covered streets is home to roughly 200 shops and stalls, and you’ll find everything from homeware and clothing to flowers and more amongst those serving fresh street food.

Standing at over 3,775 metres high, and nestled neatly in the scenic Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is a bucket-list destination you won’t want to miss out on visiting while in Japan – and, thankfully, you won't! Today, your tour will take you to the Mount Fuji 5th Station, a tourist hotspot situated around halfway up the mountain. Here, you’ll have the chance to admire stunning views of the Tokyo cityscape, Mount Fuji, and the breathtaking surrounding scenery. Mesmerising and memorable, this is an incredible experience you’ll think fondly of for years to come.

On this day of your incredible tour, you’ll travel to Oishi Park, which is located on the northern shores of Lake Kawaguchi and is home to some truly spectacular views of Mount Fuji. Here, you’ll have the chance to admire the breathtaking scenery of the mountain and the lake, alongside seasonal flower displays and rolling, forest-covered hills. A wonderful escape to nature from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, any amount of time spent in Oishi Park is delightful.

This unforgettable tour of Japan includes a visit to Arakurayama Sengen Park, one of the best spots in the Kanto region to admire Mount Fuji and a stunning space to spend any amount of time in. While here, you’ll also have a chance to admire the iconic Chureito Pagoda, which stands among vibrant foliage with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, and Fujiyoshida City, a sprawling urban centre located in the Yamanashi Prefecture. An experience that invites you to admire more of this nation’s breathtaking beauty, you won’t want to miss a moment of this.

During your time in Tokyo on this fascinating tour of Japan, you’ll be invited to visit the charming Shunkaen Bonsai Museum, a renowned museum and garden located in Tokyo’s Edogawa Ward. Home to a wide variety of award-winning bonsai trees, you’ll encounter an abundance of eye-catching displays as you learn more about the history of these bonsai trees – some of which are hundreds of years old. A serene experience that’s informative and intriguing, this is a memorable addition to your time in Tokyo.

While spending some time in Tokyo, you’ll have the chance to explore the breathtaking Meiji Jingu and stunning Gyoen Inner Garden, two unmissable tourist hotspots in Shibuya. The Meiji Jingu, which was established in 1920, is a fascinating Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The shrine complex itself sits within a vibrant forest, which comprises 365 different tree species, and features a unique treasure museum, the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, and the Meiji Memorial Hall. You’ll find the well-kept Gyoen Inner Garden adjacent to this shrine complex; a space frequented by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, this is a stunning area featuring a tea house, an arbour, and a fishing stand.

Boasting a unique blend of Japanese, English, and French landscape designs, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is unlike anywhere else and a stunning space to spend some time in while exploring Tokyo and the Greater Tokyo Area. As part of your tour, you’ll have the chance to spend some time exploring this fascinating space. Located just a short walk from Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Gyoen National Park offers a serene escape from the bustling city that surrounds it. You’ll also find that this is one of the best places to admire cherry blossoms in the spring, though you won’t have any trouble enjoying your time here throughout the year.

Your time in Tokyo is coming to a close, but not before you have the chance to enjoy an incredible farewell dinner at a local restaurant. An experience that gives you another chance to indulge in sensational Japanese cuisine and local specialities, this is a wonderful way to say sayōnara to the Japanese capital – at least for now.

Experience the electrifying energy of Tokyo, where cutting-edge technology, rich history, and vibrant culture come together in one amazing city.

Discover the natural beauty of Aomori, Japan, with its stunning landscapes, tranquil lakes, and rich cultural heritage that captivate visitors.

Located on Jeju island, Seogwipo City in South Korea boasts bustling markets, picturesque scenery and a variety of fascinating attractions. Top highlights nearby include the Ossuloc Tea Museum, Alive Museum and Seogwipo Olle Market.

A beautiful seaside city, Kagoshima boasts an active volcano that overlooks Kinko Bay. Due to its warm temperature, palm tree-lined streets and the volcano, the city has been compared with Naples in Italy. In Kagoshima there are an array of landmarks and attractions, including the Kagoshima City Aquarium, Hirakawa Zoo and beautiful Sengan-en Gardens.

Located in the western end of Beppu Bay, Beppu is a remarkable Japanese city with an abundance of authentic activities to enjoy when you visit. Famous for being a hotspot for naturally occurring hot springs in southern Japan, more than 3,000 onsen in fact, you’ll also find Beppu home to a unique variation on traditional Japanese cuisine – Hell Steam Cuisine. Utilising the steam from the numerous hot springs, this healthy technique is said to bring out the true flavour of the food you indulge in here.

From neon-lit streets to sizzling street food, Osaka is a vibrant city where history and modern energy collide.

Experience the electrifying energy of Tokyo, where cutting-edge technology, rich history, and vibrant culture come together in one amazing city.