Autumn Colors of Japan

Day 0

We will have a ZOOM meeting no later than October 15, 2026, to cover the most common questions about our travel. 

• transportation and how to buy MetroPass, train, and bus tickets;
• how to get from the airport to the hotel on the first day;
• where you can exchange currency (yes, we will need cash);
• traveling with luggage and using lockers at train stations;
• cellphone coverage and data service in Japan;
• which smartphone APPs will be helpful during our trip;
• what to do if you get lost or miss the train.  
  

Day 1. October 30. Friday

Everybody arrives in Tokyo. Self-transfer to our hotel — ******. 

For all people who will get to our hotel before 4 pm, we will go on our first evening walk in Japan. 

Day 2. October 31. Saturday

Ride the Shinkansen to Kanazawa

In the morning, we hop on Japan’s legendary bullet train. Gliding smoothly through the countryside at over 200 mph is an experience in itself — fast, quiet, and surprisingly relaxing. If you haven’t tried it yet, this is a must.

Explore the Historic Heart of Kanazawa

Once we arrive, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the beautifully restored wooden gates and stone walls of an old samurai stronghold. Right next door is one of Japan’s most celebrated landscape gardens — a place where perfectly trimmed pines, winding paths, little stone bridges, and koi ponds come together in a peaceful, postcard-perfect scene.

Possible Evening Illumination

If we’re lucky, the garden might be lit up in the evening — a special seasonal event that transforms the place into a glowing fairytale. If the lights are on, we’ll definitely stick around for it.

Day 3. November 1. Sunday

Timeless Mountain Villages & Our First Night in a Traditional Japanese Inn

This morning, we’ll pick up our rental minivans — and from this point on, forget about crowded trains and buses. Now we’re free to explore off the beaten path, at our own pace.

Today’s focus is on some of the most beautifully preserved villages in the Japanese Alps. These are quiet, remote places where thatched-roof farmhouses have stood for centuries, tucked between forested mountains and rice terraces. Walking through them feels like stepping into a folk tale — little footbridges over streams, wood-burning stoves inside cozy houses, and maybe a hint of woodsmoke in the crisp air.

Later in the day, we’ll arrive in one of the larger mountain villages, where we’ll spend the night in a ryokan — a traditional Japanese guesthouse. Expect slippers, futons, paper screens, and hot tea waiting for you in your room. There’s an onsen (hot spring bath) on site to soak and unwind before dinner. And dinner? It’s going to be a full spread of local mountain cuisine — beautifully presented, incredibly fresh, and absolutely delicious. A perfect way to wrap up a day full of quiet charm and deep tradition.

Day 4. November 2. Monday

Drive Through the Mountains to Matsumoto

This morning, we leave the mountain villages behind and head toward the city of Matsumoto. On the way, we’ll make a short stop at an open-air museum that feels like stepping into a living postcard — traditional farmhouses with thatched roofs, quiet walking paths, and the kind of calm you don’t often find in cities.

Breathe In the Views at Matsumoto Alps Park

Once we’re in Matsumoto, we’ll take a break up at Alps Park — a local favorite with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. If the skies are clear, this is where the camera really comes out. It’s a great spot to slow down, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and stretch our legs before sunset.

Golden Hour at the Black Castle

We’ll end the day at Matsumoto Castle — one of Japan’s most famous castles and absolutely stunning in the late afternoon light. The deep black walls reflected in the moat make for a picture-perfect moment to wrap up the day. Then it’s time for a relaxed dinner and a good night’s sleep in town.

Day 5. November 3. Tuesday

Sunrise at the Black Castle
We’ll start the day with one more chance to photograph that iconic black-walled castle at sunrise. Morning light here feels special — soft, low, and perfect for catching the reflection of the towers in the still water of the moat. It’s a calm, quiet start to the day before we hit the road again.

Hidden Villages of the Kiso Valley
After breakfast, we’ll head into the hills to explore a couple of beautifully preserved post towns tucked deep in the Kiso Valley. These mountain villages once served as resting stops on the old Nakasendo trail — and today they look like they’ve been frozen in time. Expect wooden buildings, cobbled streets, steep forested hillsides, and a peaceful, timeless vibe. No neon lights, no crowds — just crisp mountain air and the quiet charm of traditional Japan.

Evening in Matsumoto
We’ll make our way back to Matsumoto by the end of the day. Depending on the light and the group’s energy, we might sneak in a few more photo stops along the way. 

Day 6. November 4. Wednesday

Old-World Japan with Mount Fuji in the Background
This morning, we head toward the base of Mount Fuji to visit a small mountain village that feels like stepping back in time. Nestled beside one of the Fuji Five Lakes, this spot is famous for its thatched-roof farmhouses and sweeping views of Japan’s most iconic peak. The backdrop is absolutely perfect for photos — especially since we’ll have the chance to rent not only beautiful kimonos, but full samurai outfits too! It’s a fun and unique opportunity for a group photo session that’ll look like it came straight out of a historical film.

Evening by the Lake & Fuji Views
Later in the day, we’ll take our time enjoying the peaceful shoreline of one of the nearby lakes — a great place to catch Mount Fuji glowing in the evening light. If we’re lucky and the sky cooperates, we’ll see that classic silhouette reflected in the still water.

Dinner to Remember
We’ll wrap up the day with something special — a traditional Japanese steakhouse known for its melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef. Add in a bit of red wine or sake, and we’re talking about a dinner you won’t forget. After that, a soak in a relaxing onsen (Japanese hot spring) is the perfect way to end a very full, very photo-worthy day.

Day 7. November 5. Thursday

Pagodas, Maples & Mount Fuji 

We’re kicking off the day early — really early — but for a very good reason. We’re heading to Chureito Pagoda, one of the most famous photo spots in all of Japan. The iconic view: red maple leaves in the foreground, a five-story pagoda in the middle, and mighty Mount Fuji rising up behind it. That shot alone is worth the whole trip.

Now, most travelers can’t get here for sunrise — public transport doesn’t run that early, and the uphill walk isn’t exactly short. But we’ve got a car, so we’ll be there in time to catch the golden light and have the place (just kidding — we won’t be alone, but it definitely won’t be nearly as crowded as it gets after 9 a.m.). You’ll thank yourself later.

After that, we’ll take our time driving around the Fuji Five Lakes area, stopping at a few hidden viewpoints where the mountain shows up in completely different ways. There’s even a stretch of road that plays a melody as you drive — yes, really.

As the sun sets, we’ll head to a glowing maple garden — lit up just for the season. It’s a peaceful, magical place, where the trees almost seem to catch fire after dark. And to wrap up the day? A delicious dinner with wagyu beef at a traditional steakhouse, followed by a long, well-earned soak in an onsen.

Day 8. November 6. Friday

Tokyo Lights & City Sights 

It’s time to say goodbye to Fuji-san — one last look before we head back to city life. We’ll return our trusty minivans and hop on a smooth, comfy highway bus to Tokyo. The contrast will feel almost surreal: after a week of quiet villages, glowing forests, and mountain views, we’re suddenly surrounded by neon, skyscrapers, and the endless hum of the capital.

After checking into our hotel, we’ll stretch our legs with a relaxed evening walk — maybe through a buzzing neighborhood or a quiet riverside park. And if the weather’s good and the group’s up for it, we’ll head up to one of Tokyo’s sky-high observation decks. The view at night is pure magic: a sea of city lights as far as the eye can see. It’s the perfect way to toast the end of an unforgettable trip.

Day 9. November 6. Saturday

Participants check out of their rooms and go to the airport.