2025/2026 Autumn Tours of Japan
Beyond the postcard: Discover Japan’s autumn like never before on our exclusive small group Japan autumn tours
While Japan’s brilliant autumn colours set a spectacular stage, our journeys delve far deeper. We believe Japan itself is the hero of your holiday. The vibrant autumn foliage simply embellishes the rich tapestry of its culture, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite cuisine. Limited to just eight discerning guests, the Autumn Tours below go beyond standard itineraries and crowded tourist hubs, revealing the true essence of Japan. Our expert guides are master storytellers, illuminating the deep history and cultural significance behind every sight, flavour, and encounter.
The intimate group size allows us to take you to places where larger groups simply can’t go—from timeless villages and vibrant local markets to tranquil gardens and authentic cultural experiences, all enjoyed at a thoughtful, unhurried pace.
Join our late 2025 and 2026 departures for a profoundly personal and unforgettable Japan autumn trips.
Tour Type
Signature
Our Signature tours offer the most comprehensive cultural exposure.
Discovery
Our Discovery tours provide up-and-close encounters with traditional life and natural landscapes into the more remote regions of Japan.
Comfort
With a focus on comfort and ease, our Comfort tours deliver an authentic experience with a few extra creature comforts to make for a more relaxed and supported trip.
Seasons
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Autumn Tours Features
What Makes Our Autumn Tours Different
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Perfectly timed itineraries — Each tour is carefully timed and curated considering location, altitude, and historical patterns.
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Cultural immersion — Each autumn tour is filled with Japan’s culture, history and sights using autumn colours as the backdrop.
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Beyond the tourist trail — From the dramatic Kurobe Gorge and the Oirase River, to scenic train rides through Shikoku, our routes take you beyond the tourist trail.
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Extra small group size — No more than eight guests, giving you access to authentic, local experiences.
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Expert guides — Friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing Japan’s stories.
FAQs About Our Autumn Tours in Japan
When is the best time to see autumn colours in Japan?
Autumn colours first appear in northern Japan (Hokkaido) from mid-September, moving steadily south as the season progresses. Peak viewing in popular regions like Tokyo and Kyoto usually falls between mid- to late November, with colours lingering into early December on Kyushu Island. Annual variations, altitude, and location all affect timing—our tours are designed to take advantage of these factors, often allowing you to see peak colours in multiple regions during a single trip.
What is the weather like, and what should I pack?
Autumn is generally mild and pleasant, but temperatures can vary greatly throughout the day. We recommend packing in layers—from T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts to sweaters and jackets—so you can easily adjust to changing conditions.
Comfortable footwear is essential. Slip-on shoes work well as many indoor sites require removing “outside” shoes. Light, water-resistant footwear is also a good choice, and a small, inexpensive umbrella can be easily purchased in Japan.
How small are your groups, and why does it matter?
We limit groups to a maximum of eight guests—an approach that’s central to our tour design. While autumn draws large crowds across Japan, our small group size allows access to exclusive locations and experiences that remain out of reach for most tourists.
What’s included in the tour price?
Each tour page lists specific inclusions, but generally you can expect:
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All accommodation
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Most meals (including all breakfasts)
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Transportation within Japan
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Expert guides
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Entrance fees to attractions
Not included: international flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses.
How do I book, and what’s the cancellation policy?
You can book directly on our website by clicking the “Book Now” button next to the tour price. A non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation, with final payment due 90 days before departure. Full booking terms and our cancellation policy are available via the link at the bottom right of any page.
Why travel with us
At Journey to the East we are committed to providing authentic and most memorable experiences in Japan – for both Small Group Tours and custom-built Private Tours. Whether it is your first visit or you have been several times to Japan, you will always find something new and have special experiences with Journey to the East. Our travel style is chosen to immerse you in the culture and landscape of the country and expose you to a rich variety of unique experiences.
We do this by taking you beyond the tourist hotspots to explore the lesser-known parts of Japan. Our tours are designed to strike the right balance between the classic highlights and local secrets, the urban and the rural, the historic and the contemporary, and in doing so, reveal the true heart of Japan.
With Journey to the East, you will have fun and be safe on your deeply rewarding journey through this endlessly fascinating country!
We are specialists that just handle tours within one country, Japan. Whether you are from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand or beyond we meet you at the airport upon arrival into Japan and ensure a smooth and stress-free time in a foreign land.
Accommodation styles
Ryokans
Ryokans is a Japanese style accommodation, mostly consists of Japanese style rooms with tatami matt floor and futon bedding, and private ensuite. Some ryokans have a western style room with beds. A Japanese style room always has a low table and flat cushions to sit on, but the room may or may not have chairs. Most ryokans have an additional large public bath for guests and includes kaiseki style dinner. Breakfast can be Japanese style (rice, miso soup, fish etc.) or western style buffet.
Western Style Hotels
Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.
Minshuku
A minshuku is a type of Japanese guesthouse, often family-run, that offers a more intimate and budget-friendly experience than a traditional ryokan. Accommodations often feature Japanese-style rooms, and bathrooms and toilets are often shared by guests. Staying in a minshuku offers a chance to connect with local families, learn about their way of life, and experience Japanese hospitality.
Shukubo (temple lodging)
The vast majority have Japanese style rooms and shared bathroom although there are limited number of temples with a western bedroom with ensuite. The stay at shukubo includes Buddhist vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Dinners are served early, around 5pm. They are run by monks, and facility and services are basic. Guests can attend morning service in the main hall.
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