Japan in Autumn Season

Check in at LAX airport for the flight in the morning. AV Travel Tour Leader with fly with the group.

Arrive in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. It is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world with a population of over 13 million residents. Tokyo is not only the center of politics and economy of Japan, but also a center of the global economy and culture. (D)

Begin your journey to Nikko – a town at the entrance to Nikko National Park, most famous for Toshogu, Japan’s most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa leyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries before Toshogu was built in the 1600s. Visit Nikko Tosho-guis a Shinto shrine, which is part of the “Shrines and Temples of Nikko” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, initially built in 1617. Continue to visit Futarasan Shrine stands next to Toshogu. Much older than its more lavish neighbor, Futarasan Shrine was founded in 782 by Shodo Shonin, the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko. (B/L/D)

Drive to visit Yokohama, is Japan’s second-largest city, has one of the world’s largest Chinatowns. You will enjoy your free time at the famous the Shinyokohama Ramen Museum, is a unique museum about ramen, a very popular Japanese noodle dish. Continue to Tokyo. Come to Asakusa, you will have fun browsing through many colorful stores lining along the Nakamise walkway that leads up to the Kannon Temple (also known as Senso-ji), which is the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Come night time, its bright lights and maze of streets beckon crowds to enjoy its company. You will experience the craziest part of Tokyo nightlife at Shinjuku. (B/D)

Morning depart to visit Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan with 3776 meters Japan’s highest mountain, is listed as a UNESCO heritage and known as the symbol of Japan.. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries. Note: If the weather permits, the bus will drive us to the 5th station. Continue to visit Oshino Hakkai – Eight Magnificent Ponds, is a peaceful nature area around Mount Fuji. These natural ponds are crystal clear and each one is a little unique. The water in the lakes directly come from Mount Fuji, the natural pools are deep, the large fish swimming around make it feel like an aquarium. This is a very popular spot for nature lovers and it is beautiful every season. We’ll be staying at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). After dinner, you can enjoy bathing in the onsens (thermal hotsprings) that Mount Fuji has to offer, and have all of your tiredness after a long day rinsed out. (B/L/D)

Depart to Nagoya, an important industrial hub, the city home of many companies such as Honda Motor Company, Roland Corporation, Kawai Pianos, Yamaha, Sony, Suzuki Motor Company… Visit Samurai Magome-juku. A walk though Magome-juku will transport you back to the Edo period, some 300 years ago. The area is known internationally as a place that retains the particular atmosphere of old Japanese posting stations. This scenic trail is especially popular among overseas visitors who seek an authentic experience of traditional life. (B/L/D)

This morning, enjoy taking the ferry to Ise, formerly known as Ujiyamada, located on the eastern Mie Prefecture on the island of Honshu. Ise is home to the Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shinto Shrine in Japan; thus, it’s a very popular tourist destination. Ise’s history is directly linked to the Ise Grand Shrine and has a long-standing nickname Shinto, which means “The Holy City”. Ise Grand Shrine is separated into two main parts: The Inner Shrine and the Outer Shrine. Despite the names, these are actually two physically separate shrines approximately six kilometers apart. Make a stop at the Wedded Rocks (known as Meoto Iwa in Japanese). The two rocks represent a married couple who, according to Shinto mythology, created Japan and the spirits that exist in people, places, and objects. The rocks were featured in the movie Sayonara co-produced by Japan and the U.S. (B/L/D)

We’ll move on to Nara, Japan’s first capital city. Pay a visit to Todaiji Temple, once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and still houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. We will also stop by Nara Deer Park before moving on to Kyoto.

Kyoto was Japan’s capital city from 794 to 1868 before the title was given to Tokyo city. For 12 centuries in history, Kyoto witnessed all the rise and fall of Japan.

At the heart of Kyoto lies Gion, the center of the city’s art. Gion is the most charming in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit and Geishas and Maikos flit about the back streets on their way to their appointments. (B/L/D)

Known as the cradle of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto was Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. It is probably the most popular and crowded spot but still it worth the visit. Places such as Kiyomizu Temple & Golden Pavilion will be surrounded by beautiful autumn foliage. You’ll see the main highlights of the wonderfully rich cultrue of Kyoto. Your guide will also introduce you to Kyoto’s most popular temple, Kinkakuji, home of the world’s most authentic and exquisite Japanese garden as well as the celebrated Golden Pavilion. Visit the Nishijin company which produces Kimonos. Watch a Kimona demonstration. Afternoon enjoy your time at Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. Fushimi Inari Shrine has ancient origins, predating the capital’s move to Kyoto in 794. (B/D)

Your journey continue with a visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world. It’s one of the most photographed sights in the city. But no picture can capture the feeling of standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove – the whole thing has a palpable sense of otherness that is quite unlike that of any normal forest we know of. Continue to Osaka. Perhaps spend the rest of your afternoon in Shinsaibashi – the largest shopping area in Osaka where many boutiques and specialty shops are gathered, attracting local people and visitors. Visit the Osaka Castle, one of the main attractions in Osaka. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most powerful feudal lords in Japan, known as the second person who united Japan. (B/D)

Depart to Kobe, scene of the worst earthquake in the living memory of most Japanese, has rebuilt and revitalized to form one of the most delightful and peaceful cities you can wish to visit. Historically, due to its port, Kobe has a long history of foreign contact, which has imbued its people with a very global outlook and attitude. It is also home to the famous Kobe Beef, which is known for its tenderness, sweet flavor and fine texture. Lunch at a restaurant specialized in Kobe beef – a delicious treat! Tasting some Sake at a Sake brewery is also a must-do while you’re visiting Kyoto. Transfer to the airport for flying to Los Angeles. (B/L/D)

Enjoy Shinkansen (Bullet Train) between Osaka-Tokyo in 3 hours with speed 320kn/h. Take the flight Non-Stop to Los Angeles. (B)