- Pricing From TBA
- Single Supplement TBA
- From Tokyo
- Duration 10 Days
- Max Group Size 16
- Activity Level Moderate
- Commences 16 November 2027
- Concludes 25 November 2027
$1,000 per person Early Bird Savings available*
Discover the timeless beauty and captivating contrasts of Japan on our Japan Autumn Colours Tour, an unforgettable 10-day journey with Bill Peach Journeys exploring the extraordinary highlights of the Land of the Rising Sun in all its autumn splendour. Witness nature’s breathtaking transformation as ancient forests, graceful maples and golden ginkgo trees cloak the landscape in a dazzling tapestry of crimson, burnt orange and shimmering gold.
From the dazzling lights and vibrant energy of Tokyo to the serene beauty of Japan’s idyllic countryside, marvel at majestic Mount Fuji and spectacular mountain landscapes framed by the glorious colours of autumn. Journey aboard the legendary Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and discover magnificent temples, sacred shrines and centuries of fascinating traditions. Marvel at the iconic floating red Torii Gate and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine on enchanting Miyajima Island. In Hiroshima, reflect upon the poignant history of Peace Memorial Park before discovering the architectural grandeur of magnificent Himeji Castle.
Throughout this remarkable journey, enjoy stylish, ideally located accommodation and savour Japan’s exquisite regional cuisine, where culinary artistry is as celebrated as the scenery itself. From vibrant cities to tranquil mountain landscapes, every experience reveals another captivating facet of this extraordinary country. A feast for all the senses, our Japan Autumn Colours Tour reveals Japan at its most enchanting, where ancient traditions, breathtaking scenery and the spectacular colours of autumn combine to create memories to treasure forever.
Japan Autumn Colours Tour
Please click “Book Now” below to register your interest in our 2027 departure. There is no obligation in doing so, it simply means we will notify you as soon as full 2027 details are finalised.
Highlights
- Visit the diverse and vibrant cities of Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
- Marvel at Japan’s autumn spectacle throughout
- Luxury accommodation throughout including the Hyatt Regency Tokyo, the Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora, the Kyoto Hotel Okura, the Hilton Hiroshima and the Hotel New Otani Osaka
- Japanese cultural experiences including a tea ceremony, visit to a traditional machiya house (traditional Japanese house), a geisha performance and a sumo wrestling demonstration
- Visit the ground-breaking ‘Borderless’ art installation, an incredible exhibition by acclaimed teamLab
- Visit the iconic red floating Torii Gate and the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island
- All touring, entrance fees, porterage, meals and transfers including Shinkansen (Bullet) train included
- Escorted throughout by an experienced Journey Director and local English speaking guides
Hotels
Bill Peach Journeys understands the importance of selecting the right accommodation to complement each journey. In this case, a selection of exceptional properties have been chosen to showcase the incredible destinations visited throughout this journey. The hotels listed below were those used on our previous Autumn Colours of Japan and will be similar to those used in 2027.
Hyatt Regency Tokyo
Timeless 5 Star Elegance Reimagined in the Heart of Shinjuku Located in Nishi-Shinjuku, nestled next to the lush greenery of Shinjuku Chuo Park, with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo skyline, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo has embarked on the most extensive transformation in its 45-year history.Hilton Hiroshima
Overlooking the Hiroshima skyline in the heart of the city, the newly opened luxury Hilton Hiroshima hotel is within five minutes of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima Castle, and several transit stations. Heiwa-Odori’s shops, restaurants, and entertainment are 10 minutes away. An indoor pool and sauna provide relaxation after a day of touring and the hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and currency exchange for guests.New Otani Hotel, Osaka
The Hotel New Otani Osaka places you in the heart of Osaka, a 2-minute drive from Osaka Castle and 5 minutes from Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. The property offers recreational opportunities including outdoor tennis courts and a fitness centre. Situated along a scenic riverside in Osaka Business Park, Hotel New Otani Osaka features luxurious guest rooms. The hotel has several shops, a beauty salon and offers concierge services.
Arriving into Tokyo, a private transfer awaits to transport you through to your luxury hotel, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo. Located in a thriving business, shopping, and entertainment district in the centre of Tokyo, the Hyatt Regency Tokyo provides the perfect base from which to explore this extraordinary city during your day at leisure. This evening meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Tokyo or similar
Japan’s alluring capital is a destination of great depth, where soulful cultural traditions seamlessly meld with ultra-modernity. We begin the day with a visit to the ‘Borderless’ exhibition by acclaimed teamLab where art is immersive and spills beyond the frame, creativity enhanced with modern technology. The different pieces and spaces communicate, influence and sometimes intermingle with one another, forming an overarching borderless world.
We move on to explore Asakusa, a part of Tokyo’s Shitamachi (old town), one of the city’s oldest Geisha districts. Here we will enjoy lunch and take in a demonstration of Sumo wrestling, Japan’s national combat sport, which is highly ritualised with its roots in ancient Shinto. Later, visit one of Japan’s most colourful and popular temples, Sensoji then take a scenic river cruise on Tokyo Bay to Hinode Pier. Tonight’s dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Tokyo or similar
Today we drive to Nikko for a full day of sightseeing. We visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. Nikko is also famous for spectacular scenery such as Lake Chuzenji and the Kegon waterfall, all sights we will visit today before returning to our hotel.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Tokyo or similar
Departing Tokyo, our journey continues to the idyllic countryside location of Hakone, crowned by Mount Fuji and stunning mountain scenery. Upon arrival we board the famed replica pirate ship that cruises along Ashinoko Lake, a body of water that was formed after a volcanic eruption that occurred more than 3,000 years ago. After our lunch we ride the Guinness World Record-holder ropeway all the way up to Mt. Owakudani, passing over sulfurous fumes and hot springs. From the mountain, take the ropeway bound for Togendai. Check in to our exceptional accommodation, a contemporary and refined hot spring hotel surrounded by majestic mountains and greenery, each room featuring a private onsen.
Overnight: Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora or similar
After breakfast, for those interested, there is a chance to soak in an Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring. Our journey continues today to Kyoto by Japan Rail Shinkansen, a bullet train in first class. Running at speeds of up to 320 km/h, the Shinkansen is known for punctuality (most trains depart on time to the second), comfort (relatively silent cars with spacious, always forward facing seats), safety and efficiency.
Home to an astonishing 2000 shrines and temples, here in Kyoto you will explore the beautiful Kinkakuji-temple (Golden Pavilion); originally built as a retirement villa for the Shogun, after his death it became a Buddhist Temple. We also visit the Ryōan-ji (Rock) garden which is considered one of the finest surviving examples of kare-sansui (dry landscape). This refined type of Japanese Zen temple garden design generally features distinctive larger rock formations arranged amidst a sweep of smooth pebbles raked into linear patterns that facilitate meditation.
We also visit the famous Philosopher’s Walk, a stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. We transfer to our hotel, the award-winning Kyoto Hotel Okura noted for its elegance and warm hospitality.
Overnight: Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar
A full day sightseeing today including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Todaiji, in the city of Nara. Its Great Buddha Hall houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha. We visit Nara Park also known as Deer Park which is home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, considered in Shinto to be messengers of the gods. Nara’s nearly 1200 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. We visit the Kodaiji Temple, an outstanding temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District established in 1606. This evening’s dinner is with a Geisha at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar
Continue your exploration of Kyoto today. We begin at Arashiyama, famous for its beautiful scenery and the bamboo forest. Then, enjoy an immersive Japanese cultural experience as we dress in traditional Kimono and take part in a Japanese tea ceremony in a machiya house (traditional Japanese house) followed by a discussion about the nuances of these practices.
Overnight: Kyoto Hotel Okura or similar
Our journey continues today to Hiroshima by Shinkansen. We will visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. The area where the park now lies was ground zero for the atomic bomb on 6th August 1945 and holds many memorials, monuments and statues. Here we will see the Childrens Memorial, Peace Bell and Eternal Flame. The main attraction of the park is the Peace Memorial Museum that poignantly depicts the history of Hiroshima.
Later, we take a ferry to the small shrine island of Miyajima. This island is home to the world-renowned red floating Torii Gate that leads to the Itsukushima Shrine.
Overnight: Hilton Hotel, Hiroshima or similar
This morning, we head to Osaka, Japan’s third largest city by Shinkansen. On arrival, we visit Himeji Castle, a hilltop Japanese castle complex regarded as the finest surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture. The largest castle in Japan, it is one of Japan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also visit Kokoen, a Japanese walled garden located next to Himeji Castle. This afternoon, we check in to our hotel and have some time at leisure to explore or relax. Tonight, our farewell dinner will be an authentic Japanese dinner to celebrate the conclusion of a wonderful adventure.
Overnight: Hotel New Otani Osaka or similar
Enjoy the facilities of the hotel before transferring to the airport to board your flight home taking with you fond memories of an unforgettable Japanese discovery.
About Luxury World Journeys
Our worldwide collection of journeys are operated by a select number of preferred travel partners who we have chosen because of their expertise within special regions and who combine the same style and superior level of service that has become synonymous with Bill Peach Journeys. Each of the worldwide journeys has a Bill Peach Journeys stamp of quality.
Fully Inclusive
When you travel on a Bill Peach Luxury World Journey everything is included. It means not only does your holiday include accommodation, dining, and all excursions but every one of these elements is the best in its class. Throughout the journey, you will have a Journey Director on hand to look after each detail.
Mode of Transport
Shinkansen (Bullet) train & coach travel.
International Flights
Flights from your home port to Japan are not included in the journey price. Should you require flights to and from Japan, we can provide a competitive quote on airfares and pre and post tour accommodation in Japan, at the commencement and conclusion of your journey.
Level of fitness required: Moderate
This journey is more challenging and designed for the more active traveller who is looking to venture off the beaten path. To fully participate in all activities, the traveller must be able to walk up to 1km on even surfaces unaided, travel by four-wheel drive vehicles along ungraded roads and walk up steps unassisted.
We strongly urge you to consider the fitness rating before selecting your preferred journey, in respect for your fellow travellers. Bill Peach Journeys reserves the right to refuse travel to any client whose fitness level is below the recommended rating.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to cover you against such things as personal illness or accident, cancellation, loss of baggage etc. Please make sure you carry a copy of your Travel Insurance policy with you at all times.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to the T&C’s for more information. Terms & Conditions (PDF)
Travel to Japan
With the relaxing of travel restrictions by the Japanese government on 11 October 2022, Japan is now open to travellers from all countries or regions. At this writing, visa exemptions have also been reintroduced (Australia included).
On arrival COVID-19 testing is no longer required.
Per Japan National Tourism Organisation.
*Conditions Apply: Early Bird Offer is strictly limited, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is valid if paid by designated date.
Please note: Although we are travelling during autumn, it cannot be guaranteed that all trees in every location will have their full autumn hue.