Japan Autumn Discovery
- Sep 16, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Japan Alps • Snow Monkeys • Historic Villages • Mt. Fuji
Experience Japan at one of its most beautiful times of the year, when brilliant autumn foliage transforms ancient temples, mountain villages, and peaceful gardens into a tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. From the bustling energy of Tokyo to the tranquil Japanese Alps, this thoughtfully curated journey blends breathtaking scenery, rich cultural traditions, UNESCO World Heritage villages, relaxing hot springs, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Encounter the famous snow monkeys soaking in natural hot springs, stroll through beautifully preserved Edo-period towns, admire one of Japan’s most celebrated castles, sample local sake, and marvel at the majestic beauty of Mt. Fuji reflected on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. Designed to balance sightseeing, authentic cultural experiences, and comfortable travel, this journey offers an unforgettable introduction to some of Japan’s most spectacular landscapes and timeless traditions.
Travel Dates: Sat, Nov 21 – Mon, Dec 1, 2026
Land Package:
Early Bird: $3,580 per person (Valid through July 31, 2026)
Regular Price: $3,880per person
Travel Route: Tokyo → Karuizawa → Nagano → Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park → Shibu Onsen → Matsumoto → Takayama → Shirakawa-go → Ainokura → Kanazawa → Mt. Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi) → Tokyo
Why This Journey is Special:
Discover Japan during the spectacular autumn foliage season
Experience the famous snow monkeys in their natural habitat
Relax in one of Japan’s most charming hot spring villages
Travel through the breathtaking Japanese Alps
Visit two beautifully preserved UNESCO World Heritage villages
Admire Japan’s most iconic mountain, Mt. Fuji
Explore ancient temples, samurai districts, and historic merchant towns
Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and regional sake tasting
Carefully paced itinerary balancing cultural immersion and scenic beauty
Signature Experiences:
Visit the famous Snow Monkey Park in the Japanese Alps
Stroll through the charming hot spring town of Shibu Onsen
Enjoy a traditional Japanese sake tasting
Explore Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful original castles
Wander the beautifully preserved streets of Takayama Old Town
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage villages of Shirakawa-go and Ainokura
Discover Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens
Walk through the historic Higashi Chaya Geisha District
Admire breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi
Experience Japan’s spectacular autumn colors throughout the journey
Itinerary Highlights: Tokyo
Free day to explore Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple
Meiji Shrine
Shibuya Crossing
Ginza Shopping
Tokyo Skytree
Nagano
Karuizawa Resort Town
Shiraito Falls
Zenko-ji Temple
Snow Monkey Park
Shibu Onsen
Sake Tasting Experience
Japanese Alps
Daio Wasabi Farm
Matsumoto Castle
Scenic drive through the Japanese Alps
Takayama Old Town
Takayama Morning Market
Historic Villages
Shirakawa-go UNESCO Village
Ainokura Village
Kanazawa
Kenroku-en Garden
Higashi Chaya District
Nagamachi Samurai District
Mt. Fuji
Lake Kawaguchi
Oishi Park
Oshino Hakkai
Itinerary at a Glance:
Day 1 – 3 (Sat, 11.21 – Mon, 11.23): US – Japan
Day 3 (Mon, 11.23): Arrival in Narita Airport, Japan (D)
Day 4 – Nagano (Tue, 11.24): Karuizawa • Shiraito Falls • Zenko-ji Temple (B.L)
Day 5 – Nagano (Wed, 11.25): Snow Monkey Park • Shibu Onsen • Sake Experience (B.L.D)
Day 6 – Takayama (Thu, 11.26): Daio Wasabi Farm • Matsumoto Castle • Japanese Alps (B.L.D)
Day 7 – Kanazawa (Fri, 11.27): Takayama Morning Market • Shirakawa-go • Ainokura Village (B.D)
Day 8 – Tokyo (Sat, 11.28): Kanazawa • Mt. Fuji • Lake Kawaguchi (B.D)
Day 9 – Tokyo (Sun, 11.29): Free Day to Explore Japan’s Capital (B)
Day 10 – Tokyo (Mon, 11.30): Free Day to Explore Japan’s Capital (B)
Day 11 – Tokyo (Tue, 12.1): Departure (B)
Price Includes:
4* Hotels
Daily breakfast (B), 3 lunches (L), & 5 dinners (D)
All transportations by private vehicles
Professional English speaking tour guides
Entrance fee, shuttle bus & any other fees of the scenic spots as required
Activities & excursions as listed in the itinerary
Price Excludes:
International flight
Health & travel insurance
Tipping: $10 person/day for driver(s) and guide(s). To be collected prior to the trip
Personal expenses/meals/sightseeing that are not listed in itineraryy
Making Reservations:
Call Catherine at Tarzana Tour and Travel at 626-380-7948
Email a copy of your passport to catherine@tarzanatour.com
By putting your deposit, you have read and agreed to the following:
Reservation Deadline & Cancellation Policy ($500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable)
Important Note:
In the current global climate, we strongly recommend all guests purchase flight and travel insurance to cover all contingencies and nonrefundable deposits and expenses.
Airfares are constantly fluctuating now more than ever, making prices subject to change without prior notice.
A reservation without a deposit does not secure your spot on the trip.
Itinerary Details:
Day 1 – 3 (Sat, 11.21 – Mon, 11.23): US – Japan
Day 3 (Mon, 11.23): Arrival in Narita Airport, Japan (D)
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Narita or Haneda International Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your international flight or begin exploring one of the world’s most exciting cities at your own pace.
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 4 – Nagano (Tue, 11.24): Karuizawa • Shiraito Falls • Zenko-ji Temple (B.L)
Depart Tokyo by private coach and travel into the scenic mountain resort town of Karuizawa, famous for its cool climate, elegant cafés, and beautiful autumn scenery.
Highlights include:
Old Ginza Street
Shiraito Falls
Kumoba Pond
Lunch in Karuizawa
Continue to Nagano to visit the historic Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples.
Overnight: Nagano
Day 5 – Nagano (Wed, 11.25): Snow Monkey Park • Shibu Onsen • Sake Experience (B.L.D)
Today’s unforgettable experience begins with a walk through the forest to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll observe wild Japanese macaques relaxing in natural hot springs.
Later, stroll through the charming streets of Shibu Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring villages.
Enjoy:
Snow Monkey Park
Forest walking trail
Shibu Onsen
Traditional sake tasting
Time to relax in a Japanese onsen
Overnight: Nagano
Day 6 – Takayama (Thu, 11.26): Daio Wasabi Farm • Matsumoto Castle • Japanese Alps (B.L.D)
Visit the beautiful Daio Wasabi Farm before continuing to Matsumoto Castle, affectionately known as the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior.
Continue through the spectacular Japanese Alps, surrounded by colorful autumn landscapes, before arriving in Takayama.
Explore the beautifully preserved Sanmachi Suji Old Town.
Overnight: Takayama
Day 7 – Kanazawa (Fri, 11.27): Takayama Morning Market • Shirakawa-go • Ainokura Village (B.D)
Begin the morning at Takayama’s lively Morning Market before visiting two of Japan’s most picturesque UNESCO World Heritage villages.
Highlights include:
Takayama Morning Market
Shirakawa-go
Ainokura Village
Kenroku-en Garden
Higashi Chaya District
Overnight: Kanazawa
Day 8 – Tokyo (Sat, 11.28): Kanazawa • Mt. Fuji • Lake Kawaguchi (B.D)
After exploring Kanazawa’s historic Nagamachi Samurai District, depart for the Mt. Fuji region.
Enjoy breathtaking views at:
Lake Kawaguchi
Oishi Park
Oshino Hakkai
Continue to Tokyo in the evening.
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 9 & 10 – Tokyo (Sun, 11.29 – Mon, 11.30): Free Day to Explore Japan’s Capital (B)
Enjoy a full day to experience Tokyo at your own pace.
Optional sightseeing includes:
Senso-ji Temple
Meiji Shrine
Shibuya Crossing
Ginza
Tokyo Skytree
Whether shopping, sightseeing, or discovering hidden neighborhoods, today is yours to enjoy.
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 11 – Tokyo (Tue, 12.1): Departure (B)
After breakfast, transfer to Narita or Haneda International Airport for your departure flight home.
Take with you unforgettable memories of Japan’s colorful autumn landscapes, ancient traditions, mountain villages, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality.
End of Tour
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