Overview
Itinerary
Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner to meet your fellow travellers and Botanical Guide. Stay Three Nights: Tokyo, Keio Plaza Hotel or similar (D)
Visit Meiji Shrine, an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city, surrounded by over 100,000 trees displaying their beautiful autumn leaves.
Afterwards, visit Nezu Museum, with its excellent collection of Japanese and East Asian art, hidden within a forest-like garden. After lunch, enjoy incredible views over Tokyo from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower before finishing the day at Kiyosumi Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden. (B/L/D)
Travel to the town of Nikko, the historical centre of Shinto and Buddhism, renowned for its spectacular autumn colours. Visit the Toshogu Shrine complex and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. From here, we head to Kirifuri Falls, translating as ‘falling mist', for spectacular views. (B/L/D)
Visit Asakusa, Tokyo's Old Town, where you're able to enjoy some time to shop.
Afterwards, visit Senso-ji Temple before boarding a bullet train to Kanazawa. Stay Two Nights: Kanazawa, Tokyu Hotel or similar (B/L/D)
This morning visit Omicho Market, home to more than 200 stalls. We then visit Kenroku-en garden, classified as one of Japan's most beautiful, which will be delightful in the autumn.
Afterwards visit the Nomura Samurai House, a traditional Japanese home with a tea-ceremony room, an interior courtyard garden and artifacts from the Edo period. (B/L/D)
Travel via express train to Kyoto, with many incredible gardens and home to the famous geisha.
On arrival, visit the World Heritage-listed Tenryuji temple, then travel through the the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove which is unlike any other place in Japan. Stay Three Nights: Kyoto, Tokyu Hotel or similar (B/D)
Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, a World Heritage-listed site known for its rock garden, which is considered to be one of the finest in the world. Our travels then take us to Kinkaku-ji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion'. Its top two floors, covered completely in gold leaf, render it resplendent. Nijo Castle then presents its sprawling grounds, alive with autumn colour. We round out our day with a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple, the ‘Silver Pavilion', whose beautiful moss garden is complemented by a unique dry sand garden. (B/L/D)
Today, we travel to the former capital of Nara to admire the imposing Todai-ji Temple, which was once the world's largest wooden structure. At Nara Park, we share the open green spaces with a large population of tame deer. From here, we head to Kasuga Taisha shrine, the Shinen Manyo Botanical Garden and the Heian Shrine, whose garden represents those of the Meiji era. (B/L/D)
Travel by bullet train to Matsue to visit Matsue Castle, known as the ‘Black Castle'. It is one of only a few wooden medieval castles remaining in Japan today. A visit to the Adachi Museum of Art then proves an exciting experience. The museum's picture-perfect garden is manicured and maintained to a breathtaking level by no fewer than seven highly skilled full-time gardeners. This is truly one of the most magnificent gardens in Japan. Stay: Shimane, Matsue Excel Tokyu Hotel or similar (B/L/D)
Travel to Mount Daisen this morning and see the autumn leaves of the surrounding landscape before continuing to Okayama. The city's famed Koraku-en is one of Japan's most significant gardens – its name means ‘garden of pleasure after'. Stay: Okayama, ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama or similar (B/D)
We make our way to nearby Kurashiki today and visit its canal area, where we find many traditional rice storehouses – the city was once a critical distribution point for the country's most important commodity. At Ohashi House, we see the former home of one of Japan's wealthy merchant families.
Afterwards, we are taken east by bullet train to Osaka, where we enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening. Stay: Osaka, Granvia Hotel or similar (B/L/D)
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport as your journey concludes. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Discover Japanese strolling gardens and zen gardens in spectacular autumn colour
- Visit the world-famous gardens, Kenroku-en and Koraku-en, as well as the Japanese Zen garden, Ryoan-ji, with your Botanical Guide
- Explore Matsue castle and the impressive golden Kinkakuji
- Explore the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto & Kanazawa and learn about their history
- Travel with a small group of 15-25 guests, escorted by expert Botanical Guide, Simon Rickard
- Includes return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage
- Relax aboard a comfortable coach with an experienced and informative Tour Manager
- All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
- 30 included meals over the course of your trip.
- 11 nights' accommodation in centrally located four-star hotels
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Fitness Rating: Medium - involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs, and being able to stand for up to one hour, while keeping up with the pace of the group
- Some excursions may require a high level of mobility and fitness
- Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
- Travel by bullet train or private coach
Brochure
APT Vietnam & Cambodia (2024-25)
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
