Itinerary overview …
20 days / 20 nights
Mid October - early November 2021
Twin share: $13,500 pp + international flights ex SYD/MEL
ANA economy: approx $1800
ANA premium economy: approx $2,200
ANA business class: approx $4,500
Single supplement: $2,300
Maximum group size: 12 including host
Fly from Australia to Tokyo Haneda and connect through on a short flight to the cooler climes of the northern island of Hokkaido where autumn first emerges in Japan. Spend a week exploring the island before taking a shinkansen down to the upper reaches of Honshu and begin the journey southward as autumn rolls down through Japan’s main island.
Stop at interesting points along the way in areas with more than beautiful foliage to offer: Oirase and its beautiful gorge, forest and Lake Towada; Matsushima’s bay full of pine-clad islands and Matsumoto’s beautiful castle before reaching the small town of Nikko in the mountains north of Tokyo. A centuries-old centre of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship, Nikko is renowned for its stunning autumnal colours providing a wonderful seasonal backdrop to Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine. Return to Tokyo via Hakone in the hope that temperamental Mt Fuji chooses to reveal herself to us.
Accommodation along the way is varied and includes hotels, traditional Japanese ryokan and hot spring resorts.. Means of travel includes driving local scenic routes by bus as well as speeding between major centres by shinkansen.
Explore the fabulous mega-city of Tokyo for two days at leisure. See gardens in the capital at their best, wearing their autumn cloak - keep pursuing those autumn leaves or your own personal interests. If autumn is half as addictive as chasing cherry blossom in spring, we won’t be able to get enough!
An Australian host will accompany the group to help ensure you get the most out of the tour. For expert local knowledge, we’ll have the same guide with us all the way.
Hosting and guiding …
All hotels are 3-4 star, well located, air-conditioned with free wifi typically in the room but in more remote parts, at least in common areas. On occasion, accommodation in a traditional ryokan may well bring tatami matting bedding on the floor and fewer creature comforts than modern western-style hotels. We will be sure to keep you apprised of such arrangements well before they are finalised.
Breakfast is included daily, along with dinner or lunch on most days. A few evenings are left free to explore local dining options..
Accommodation and meals …
The group will primarily travel by private coach with some sectors by shinkansen.
International flights are not included in the tour price and will be priced and booked late in 2019 when services open up.
Transport …
Twin-share accommodation (single supplement available for additional charge); intercity transport by rail or bus; meals (typically two per day) and entry fees for activities listed in the detailed itinerary; an English-speaking guide; an Australian host will accompany the group; standard tips for local service providers, tour drivers and guides.
International flights are at additional charge based on selection of airline, class of travel, fare basis and time of booking.
What’s included …
No visa is required for Australians visiting as a tourist for a short time.
Visas
Here’s a taste of what awaits in Japan in autumn ….
Photo Gallery
