This 8-day journey takes autumn travelers from the bright energy of Tokyo deep into the mountain heart of central Japan, ending with one of Kyoto’s most spectacular festivals. It is designed for those who want more than the usual highlights — a scenic, seasonal route through hot spring towns, alpine landscapes and timeless heritage villages, all the way to the grand pageantry of the Jidai Matsuri.

Begin in Tokyo with the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, historic Asakusa and a hands-on tea ceremony, then travel into the Hida mountains. Ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway for sweeping Northern Alps panoramas and early-autumn foliage, unwind at a hot spring ryokan in Okuhida Onsen with a kaiseki dinner, and explore the thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the gardens and gold-leaf craft of Kanazawa. The journey culminates in Kyoto with the vermilion Heian Jingu Shrine and the Jidai Matsuri, the Festival of the Ages, a procession spanning twelve centuries of history.

With guided sightseeing, seamless transfers and thoughtfully paced scheduling, this tour offers a comfortable and richly varied way to experience Japan in autumn. It is especially suited to travelers who have already seen the major cities and now wish to discover the country’s mountain heartland, its onsen culture and its living traditions.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Time your visit to Kyoto’s Jidai Matsuri, one of the city’s great festivals, with a grand procession spanning twelve centuries of history.
• Soak in an Okuhida hot spring ryokan and ride the Shinhotaka Ropeway for early-autumn foliage across the Northern Alps.
• Travel a scenic route through Takayama’s old town, the thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go and the gardens of Kanazawa.
• A guided, thoughtfully paced 8-day autumn journey, ideal for travelers seeking iconic cities alongside Japan’s mountain heartland.

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Tokyo

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 2 | Tokyo

• Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Explore Asakusa (e.g. Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise shopping street)
• Tea ceremony experience in Asakusa

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 3 | Takayama

• Bullet train and limited express from Tokyo to Takayama
• Explore Takayama Old Town (e.g. the preserved Edo-era merchant streets of Sanmachi Suji)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Takayama

Day 4 | Okuhida Onsen

• Visit Shinhotaka Ropeway (e.g. double-decker cable car climbing to 2,156m for Northern Alps panoramas and early-autumn foliage)
• Transfer to Okuhida Onsen
• Kaiseki dinner at the ryokan

Hotel: Hot Spring Ryokan in Okuhida Onsen

Day 5 | Kanazawa

• Visit Shirakawa-go (e.g. UNESCO World Heritage village of gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses)
• Transfer to Kanazawa

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kanazawa

Day 6 | Kyoto

• Visit Kenrokuen Garden
• Explore Higashi Chaya District (e.g. historic geisha teahouses and gold-leaf craft shops)
• Gold leaf craft experience
• Bullet train and limited express from Kanazawa to Kyoto

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 7 | Kyoto

• Visit Heian Jingu Shrine
• View the Jidai Matsuri, Festival of the Ages (e.g. grand procession of around 2,000 people in historical costumes spanning twelve centuries, from the Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 8 | Kyoto

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

• Private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide
• 8 days itinerary
• 7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels and a hot spring ryokan
• Breakfast everyday
• 2 lunches at local restaurants
• 1 Kaiseki Dinner
• Public transportation
• Ride the shinkansen bullet train
• Tea ceremony experience in Asakusa
• Shinhotaka Ropeway ride
• Gold leaf craft experience in Kanazawa
• Luggage forwarding from Takayama to Kanazawa
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

During the one-night stay at the hot spring ryokan in Okuhida Onsen, your main luggage will be forwarded ahead to Kanazawa, so please prepare a small overnight bag with the essentials you will need for that night.

Viewing of the Jidai Matsuri is subject to the official schedule set by the organizers and may be affected by weather or changes to the festival programme.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 8-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.