Japan: red maples
- Length10 days
- Groupup to 12 people
- Formatgroup tour
- DifficultyEasy
Ten days across Japan in its most beautiful season. Momiji — the autumn maples — reach Kyoto and Nara in the second half of November, and the temple gardens turn red.
The route is built from the essentials: the towers and back lanes of Tokyo, the view of Fuji from Lake Ashi and an onsen in Hakone, thousands of torii gates in Kyoto, the deer and the bronze Buddha of Nara, the street food of Osaka, Hiroshima with the floating gate of Miyajima and a free day for Himeji or Kobe.
We stay in three- and four-star hotels and travel between cities by shinkansen and public transport — the fastest way and the way the Japanese themselves get around. The group has a tour leader and a photographer.
Activity level
No trekking: the days are walks around cities, parks and temples. But you walk a lot — ten to fifteen thousand steps a day, often up stairs.
Accommodation
Three- and four-star hotels
Day by day
Tap a day to see the details and highlight the spot on the map.
We meet at Narita airport and drive into the city. After check-in we walk through Shinjuku: neon at night and the narrow lanes of Golden Gai, where the bars seat five people each.
We go up to the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building — entry is free and the city looks endless from up there. Then we meet the group and get ready for the route.
What's included
- Three- and four-star hotels along the whole route
- A guided tour with a local guide in Tokyo
- Tour leader support
- Professional photos from the trip
- Help with the visa and flights
Not included
- Flights to Tokyo and back
- Visa
- Meals
- Train and public transport fares, including the shinkansen
- Cable car tickets
- Entrance tickets to parks, temples and museums
- Personal expenses
Insurance for active trips
We work with ERGO and are insured with them ourselves: their travel policy covers active holidays, hiking in the mountains and trips to exotic countries. It takes a few minutes to arrange online.
Dates & prices
- 18 – 27 November 2026Almost full18-50 years€2300
FAQ
Why does the tour run in November?
For the momiji, the Japanese autumn. From mid-November the maples in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka turn red, and the country looks nothing like the spring postcards with cherry blossom. It is the second most popular season in Japan after the blossom, but with noticeably fewer people.
Where do we stay?
In three- and four-star hotels in every city along the route. There are no campervans or campsites on this trip: the drives are long and November nights in the mountains are cold, so we stay in proper hotels, with an onsen where there is one.
How do we travel between cities?
By shinkansen and public transport: high-speed trains between the cities, metro and local trains inside them. There is no coach with a driver — in Japan the trains are faster and more punctual. Travel is paid separately and the tour leader helps you with tickets and rail passes.
Do I need a visa?
Japan requires a visa. The requirements depend on your citizenship and they change — write to us, we will check your case and help you put the documents together. We help with flights too.
How demanding is the route?
The load is light: there is no trekking, just walking around cities and temples. But you will walk a lot — ten to fifteen thousand steps a day, often up stairs — so comfortable shoes are essential.
What else do I pay for on the spot?
Meals, entrance tickets to parks, temples and museums, the cable cars and personal expenses. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Japan, but a small reserve of cash yen is useful in tiny cafés and at temples.
What insurance do I need?
Medical insurance for the whole trip. It is not included in the tour price. We work with ERGO and are insured with them ourselves: their policy covers active holidays, hiking in the mountains and trips to exotic countries. If you are unsure what to choose, write to us and we will explain what to look for in the terms.
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