Japan in Fall: Autumn Colors Tour With Mt. Fuji

Begin your Tokyo autumn journey at Senso-ji. Experience the calm morning atmosphere of this ancient temple before the crowds arrive, as you pass through Kaminarimon Gate and stroll along Nakamise Street, lined with traditional shops and local snacks. At its main hall, you can draw an Omikuji fortune slip with a small fee to see what luck the day brings.

At midday, enjoy a unique sumo-themed lunch featuring live demonstrations by former professional wrestlers, as an engaging introduction to Japan's national sport.

In the afternoon, take a stroll along Tokyo University's iconic ginkgo-lined avenue with those brick-red Gothic buildings peeking through the golden canopy. Conclude the day in Yanaka Ginza, home to traditional snack shops, small local eateries, and retro storefronts that capture Tokyo's old-town atmosphere.

On the 4th day, escape the city and journey into the heart of Japan's autumn splendor of Lake Kawaguchi.

Upon arrival, stop at Arakurayama Sengen Park for its postcard-perfect view of Mount Fuji dyed colorful by vibrant fall foliage. Continue to the Maple Corridor (Momiji Kairo), the venue of the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, lined with rows of maple trees that turn a brilliant tunnel in red and orange.

Next, capture the open views of Mt. Fuji and the lake from Oishi Park, complemented by autumn colors and seasonal flower displays, weather permitting.

In the late afternoon, continue to Hakone and check in at your onsen hotel. Unwind in natural hot spring baths surrounded by mountain scenery.

Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Hakone at your own pace with the Hakone Free Pass.

A popular way to explore this region is to follow Hakone's famous sightseeing loop. Begin aboard the Hakone Tozan Railway, winding through forested mountainsides painted in vibrant autumn colors.

Continue by cable car and ropeway across the volcanic landscapes of Owakudani Valley, a popular spot to try the iconic black eggs cooked in natural hot spring waters. Then, descend toward Lake Ashi and enjoy a relaxing cruise, with distant Mt. Fuji as your ideal photo background.

After a leisurely breakfast, follow the comfortable Shinkansen experience from Odawara Station to Kyoto. And in about a 2-hour bullet train ride, you will arrive in Japan's ancient capital for your hotel check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Continue your Japan autumn trip to Kyoto with your guide on a scenic hike up Mount Inari, and follow those thousands of vermilion torii gates to the sacred Fushimi Inari-Taisha.

Then, following some cultural experiences in Kyoto's geisha neighborhood, Gion. Slip into a kimono, and step inside a traditional Machiya house for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony (shared tour). Watch a tea master perform the graceful art of matcha preparation, then savor your freshly whisked tea alongside delicate wagashi sweets.

Later, catch the panoramic views of Kyoto from Kiyomizu-dera. If possible, linger here a little bit longer to capture special night illumination during the autumn foliage season: hundreds of maple trees surrounding the temple glow in brilliant shades of crimson and gold, creating one of Kyoto's most celebrated autumn scenes.

Today, escape to Arashiyama with your English-speaking guide for a leisurely wander beneath the orange autumn glow.

Walk through the evergreen Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, whose towering stalks sway gently in the crisp breeze like a whispering symphony. Just beyond, the Togetsukyo Bridge offers a picture-perfect view of the Katsura River, framed by the Arashi Mountains lit in crimson, amber, and gold.

Next, see another contrast between the delicate temple garden and the ancient Tenryu-ji. Then, board the Sagano Scenic Railway to pass through forests painted in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Prepare your camera well for the nice shot before heading back to your hotel!