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Japan in Autumn

Autumn in Japan is full of richly coloured gardens and landscapes. We will take you to 'Master' gardens to appreciate exquisite design. Share ancient traditions on this journey; it's more than a holiday, it's the total Japanese experience.

  • $12,717.67 USD
  • 15 Days
  • calendar-icon 8 - 22 NOVEMBER 2026
  • Confirmed departure
Book This Tour
Itinerary
  • sun iconDay 1
  • calendar icon Sunday 8 November 2026
Arrive Tokyo

Check into the luxurious New Otani Hotel, featuring a beautiful 400 year old Japanese garden.

  • sun iconDay 2
  • calendar icon Monday 9 November 2026
Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Festival (B/D)

This morning, visit the stunning chrysanthemum exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen.

Free afternoon to explore Tokyo or relax at the hotel. Welcome Dinner at our hotel tonight. 

  • sun iconDay 3
  • calendar icon Tuesday 10 November 2026
Rikugien Garden (B)

Rikugien Garden is your destination this morning, a strolling garden laid out in 1695 and restored in the 18th century. Once the residence of powerful Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, there are 88 stops around the lake, symbolic representations of classical Japanese literature.

The rhythm achieved by alternating dark and bright zones, spacious and confined areas, sunlit groves and mysterious forests, produces virtually a musical effect. The massed planting of Japanese maple along the river should set the scene for autumn.

  • sun iconDay 4
  • calendar icon Wednesday 11 November 2026
Omiya Bonsai Museum (B/D)

Today our coach takes us to Nikko, an ancient imperial retreat north of Tokyo. On the way, we’ll stop at Omiya Bonsai Village home of some of Japan’s finest Bonsai. Visit the superb Omiya Bonsai Art Museum which houses a stunning collection of ancient bonsai masterpieces, some are 1,000 years old.

This afternoon we visit the recently restored original 18th C Kanaya Hotel Samurai House. Check-in to the historic Nikko Kanaya Hotel for two nights. It is the oldest Japanese resort hotel with more than 100 years of traditions. Dinner tonight at our hotel.

  • sun iconDay 5
  • calendar icon Thursday 12 November 2026
Nikko (B/D)

Sightseeing today includes a walking tour of the nearby Toshogu Shrine, built in 1542 with its ornate Yomeimon Gate. Rinnoji Temple is located on the avenue leading up to the shrine and contains three gigantic gilded wooden images of Buddha. Here Shintoism and Buddhism combine to commemorate the Taiyuin Mausoleum for Iemitsu, third in line of the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate Family. Hear the history behind this sacred region and its traditions.

See the giant cryptomerias over 1000 years old, the Shinkyo Sacred Bridge across the turbulent waters of the Daiya River, and giant bronze and stone lanterns all wrapped in a mountain mist and maples dotted amongst the lush green. The entire site is World Heritage Listed.

This afternoon walk through the home and garden of the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, the summer residence of the royal family. The remainder of the day is at leisure to soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this quaint town. Dinner included tonight

  • sun iconDay 6
  • calendar icon Friday 13 November 2026
Nikko to Kanazawa (B)

Cross the spine of Japan’s main island, Honshu with forests of Japanese Cryptomeria cedar, Chamaecyparis cypress trees and millions of different maples in stunning autumn colour.

Take a short Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kanazawa the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture and once a feudal castle town, home to the powerful feudal Maeda clan. On arrival, we walk the famed Samurai district where their families still live today and visit a Samurai home with a small but exquisite traditional garden.

 

  • sun iconDay 7
  • calendar icon Saturday 14 November 2026
Kenrokuen Garden (B/L)

Visit Kenroku-en Garden, famous for its mature conifer trees and channel gardens of water iris. Kenroku-en combines the six essential features of true gardens: vastness, symmetry, solemnity, coolness, antiquity and pleasure. Japan’s first water fountain can be seen here surrounded by Japanese maples. This is one of Graham Ross’ favourite gardens in the world. The unique stone lanterns, a symbol of Kanazawa City, are beautifully canopied with delicate maples in autumn colours. Lunch is included today.

The remainder of the day is free. Kanazawa is famous for traditional arts & crafts, gold leaf and Kutani ware porcelain.

  • sun iconDay 8
  • calendar icon Sunday 15 November 2026
Shirakawago Village (B/D)

A very different experience commences today as we travel deep into the snow-capped Japanese Alps to visit Shirakawa-go Village nestled in a rural setting reminiscent of old Japan. Listed by UNESCO in 1995 as a World Heritage Site, Shirakawa-go is famous for its steeply thatch-roofed traditional farmhouses called Gassho Zukuri style from over 250 years ago. The architecture, horticulture and cuisine of the region will make this a unique experience of the tour.

Overnight stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, including a Japanese style dinner. This will be a memorable evening.

  • sun iconDay 9
  • calendar icon Monday 16 November 2026
Nijo Castle (B/D)

Travel to Kyoto by bullet train. On arrival visit Nijo Castle, dating from 1603 and famous for its fortress-like interior and ingenious escape routes of the Tokugawa Shogun. The garden here, Ninomaru Garden, is planted with ancient, beautifully manicured pine trees.

A special dinner tonight attended by a Maiko/Geisha and enjoy a traditional shamisen performance after a walk through the adjacent 16th C. private garden.

  • sun iconDay 10
  • calendar icon Tuesday 17 November 2026
Hakusa Sonso Garden (B/L)

Visit the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple) dating back to 1489. This famous temple and it’s Zen garden, formerly the villa of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, silver in name only, he died before the silver leaf could be applied. See raked and moulded gravel mounds that represent sea and mountains. Designed in the ‘Zen’ style, this serene garden features ancient pines, ginkgos, maples and hundreds of other autumn trees.

At Hakusa Sonso witness a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony performed in the beautiful garden built in 1915. This private garden is a showcase of Japanese plants and Chinese statuary. Our Tea Master is a descendant of the famous artist Kansetsu Hashimoto who created this villa garden and museum. A traditional Japanese lunch is included today.

  • sun iconDay 11
  • calendar icon Wednesday 18 November 2026
Ryoanji Temple (B/D)

Early morning visit to Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) built in 1397 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, which he used for entertaining, contemplation and to view the expansive landscape. This three-tiered pavilion glows with a covering of 18-carat gold leaf. Admire the perfect reflection on the broad Mirror Lake before it. See the Shogun’s bonsai that become a garden masterpiece.

Ryoanji Temple is our next stop, renowned throughout the world as Japan’s finest example of a rock and sand garden (seki-taki). Take time here to reflect on the meaning of these raked patterns and enigmatic placement of rocks. It is also home of the stone water-basin, Tsukubai, engraved with famous Zen script. The outer is planted with hundreds of exquisite maples and rare Japanese Cedar tree varieties.

Dinner included tonight at a local Shabu-shabu restaurant.

  • sun iconDay 12
  • calendar icon Thursday 19 November 2026
Nabana no Sato (B/D)

Travel to Nagoya by bullet train. Visit the iconic Nagoya Castle and spectacular chrysanthemum exhibition.

A special treat today to walk through the recently restored, magnificent Hommaru Palace and see the lavish rooms. Precision timber joinery and artworks in the palace are breathtaking. Master craftspeople went to great lengths to recreate the opulence of the residence.

In the afternoon visit Nabana no Sato in Mie prefecture. This botanical theme park is a new concept in world-class show gardens covering 30 hectares with beds filled with thousands of flowers including cosmos, roses and dahlias and huge glasshouses overflowing with tuberous begonias and more hanging baskets than you could count.

Time this evening to experience the 8.5 million LED light show, voted Japan’s best illumination event. Dinner included tonight.

  • sun iconDay 13
  • calendar icon Friday 20 November 2026
Tokyo (B/D)

Travel back to Tokyo via Bullet Train this morning, passing Mt Fuji. On arrival, we’ll discover more of Tokyo on our city sightseeing tour this afternoon. Check back into the New Otani Hotel.

Farewell dinner tonight at the hotel.

  • sun iconDay 14
  • calendar icon Saturday 21 November 2026
End of tour (B)

Late check-out is included today.

  • sun iconDay 15
  • calendar icon Sunday 22 November 2026
Arrive Home

Morning arrival home.

How to Book
To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our

online booking form

You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Consultant to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.

Cancellation Policy
  • Cancellations received prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
  • Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
  • Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations must be sent in writing.
  • Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, airfares and all other travel arrangements.

Please refer to the Ross Tours standard terms and conditions

Book This Tour
Tour Inclusions
Grahame-Rowe_TL_portrait_326x340px
Tour Escorted by Grahame Rowe
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  • ac-icon Air-conditioned motorcoach throughout tour
  • shinkansen and express train travel Shinkansen and express train travel
  • bed-icon Deluxe accommodation for 13 nights
  • lunch-icon Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches & 8 Dinners
  • man-icon National (English speaking) Japanese Guide

Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing including

  • Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien Garden, Nezu Shrine, Omiya Bonsai Museum, Kanaya Samurai Museum, Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple, Shinkyo Sacred Bridge, Tamozawa Imperial Villa, Kenrokuen Garden, Nomura Family Samurai House, Shirakawago, Nijo Castle, Ryoanji Temple, Golden Pavillion, Heian Shrine, Hakusa Sonso, Silver Pavillion, Nagoya Castle, Nabana no Sato.
TOUR PRICE
  • Twin Share land only
    $12,717.67 USD per person
  • Twin Share including air
    $2,611.38 USD
  • USD prices may vary slightly at booking.
  • Prices based on minimum 15 passengers.
Book This Tour
DISCOUNTS
Early Bird
$300.00
Book & pay by
calendar icon 17/07/26
  • Previous Traveller
    $100.00
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#rt_japanautumn
{Experience Japan in its most magical season — Autumn}

Begin in vibrant Tokyo, surrounded by historic gardens and glowing chrysanthemums at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Wander fiery maple-lined paths at Rikugien Garden, discover ancient temples in Nikko, and fall in love with Japan’s most beautiful landscape — the legendary Kenroku-en. Finish in timeless Kyoto, with castles, tea ceremonies and glowing autumn colour — plus views of majestic Mount Fuji. What an unforgettable journey!

Book your seat today online or call the office on 1300 233 200: rosstours.com/apan-in-autumn

Tour dates: 8 - 22 November 2026

#rosstours #japan #japaninautumn #rt_japanautumn #nikko #tokyo #travelwithfriends
{Come to Japan with us this Autumn}

Autumn in Japan is full of richly coloured gardens and landscapes. We will take you to 'Master' gardens to appreciate exquisite design. Share ancient traditions on this journey; it's more than a holiday, it's the total Japanese experience.

For the full itinerary, head to our website: www.rosstours.com/tours/japan-in-autumn/

To book, give us a call on 1300 233 200 or go online

#rosstours #rossgardentours #rt_japanautumn #travelwithfriends #tokyo #kanazawa #nikko #nagoya #awazu #japan #japanautumn
{2025 Tours Programme}

If you are on our mailing list, our printed programme for next year should arrive in your mailbox this week. We have a packed programme full of new exciting tours like Bhutan & Nepal, Spain & Morocco, Ireland and Sabah and old favourites like Japan Spring Festivals, Northern India and Melbourne Flower Show.

You can see all our 2025 tours on our website: www.rosstours.com/tours

Or if you wish to receive our printed programme, please enquire via the website or call us on 1300 233 200.

#rosstours #rossgardentours #travelwithfriends #rt_norfolk #rt_indianorth #rt_mifgs #rt_cherryblossom #rt_nzautumn #rt_bhutan #rt_springfestivals #rt_englandchelsea #rt_spainmorocco #rt_sabah #rt_ireland #rt_singapore #rt_hawaii #rt_wildflowers #rt_flinders #rt_ki #rt_vicspring #rt_tassiespring #rt_nzspring #rt_southamerica #rt_mexico #rt_japanautumn #rt_christmas
{On tour} 

Good Morning from Tokyo! We hope you all have a wonderful day. We’re off to Rikugi-en Gardens (Garden of the Six Principles) today. It’s one of the Great Three Gardens of Japan.

#tokyo #rikugien #rosstours #rossgardentours #travelwithfriends #mountfuji #rt_japanautumn
✨🌸 Nabana no Sato in full autumn magic mode! 🌼🍁
From the dreamlike Begonia Garden to giant Dahlias and fields of pink Cosmos and Petunias… and then THAT light show. 🌙✨
Flowers by day, illuminations by night, Japan does it better every single time.
Save this spot for your autumn Japan list! 🔥🎥. #nabananosato #plants #Nagoya #JapanReels #JapanTravel #BegoniaGarden #FlowerReels #DahliaSeason #Dahlia #JapanIllumination #JapanLights #VisitJapanJP #traveljapan #japan_daily #rt_japanautumn #fallinJapan #autumnvibes #japaninbloom #viralreels #discoverjapan #japanbucketlist #reel #reels #reelsinstagram #reelsindia #reelsviral #reelvideo #plantsmakepeoplehappy #flowers #begonia
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