Japan · 14 days
Japan in Autumn: Kyoto, the Nakasendo and Tokyo
Japan rewards patience and punishes a packed schedule. This itinerary uses three bases, two walking days, and a great deal of unstructured time in between.
It is built for autumn, when the maples turn and the light is clean, and it books early because the good ryokan rooms are gone by spring.
Best for
Experienced travelers ready for a first Japan done slowly
When to go
Mid-November for the maples; early April for blossom
Duration
14 days
Guide price
From $22,400 for two travelers, excluding flights
Highlights
- Six nights in Kyoto, long enough for temples before opening and neighbourhoods after dark
- Two days walking the Nakasendo between post towns, staying in a ryokan on the route
- A kaiseki dinner and a morning at the market with someone who cooks for a living
- Tokyo at the end rather than the beginning, when you are ready for it
Day by day
How the journey unfolds
Days 1–2
Arrive Kyoto
Straight from the airport by private car and train, with the first day left entirely alone. Jet lag is part of the itinerary.
Days 3–6
Kyoto
Temples at opening, the philosopher's path when it empties, Nishiki market with a chef, and a full free day in the middle for whatever the first days made you want more of.
Days 7–8
The Nakasendo
By train to the Kiso Valley and two days walking between Magome and Tsumago, with a night in a ryokan on the old road. Luggage moves ahead of you.
Days 9–10
Kanazawa
Gardens, the samurai district, and a gold-leaf workshop. Two nights, then east.
Days 11–14
Tokyo
Four nights. Neighborhood by neighborhood rather than sight by sight, with one long dinner booked well in advance and the rest kept open.
What is included
- Thirteen nights across hotels and ryokan, with partner benefits where available
- All rail reservations and luggage forwarding
- Private guiding in Kyoto and Tokyo
- Walking notes and support for the Nakasendo days
- Restaurant reservations, including those requiring an introduction
- Our direct line while you travel
Make it yours
Pricing is a guide based on recent bookings and varies with season, availability and the properties chosen. We will design your version of this journey after a discovery call.