At 11:00 AM, gather at Takamatsu Airport in Kagawa Prefecture, Shikoku, where you will meet your English-speaking guide and begin the tour.

Recommended flight from Tokyo
JAL-477 Dep Tokyo, Haneda 09:20 Arr Takamatsu 10:40

First, head into Takamatsu City to stroll through Ritsurin Garden, renowned as Shikoku’s finest Japanese garden, and enjoy its breathtaking scenery and rich history. The garden is one of Japan’s most celebrated strolling gardens, featuring six ponds, thirteen landscaped hills, and over a thousand pine trees. You will enjoy autumn scenery, traditional teahouses, and panoramic views with Mt. Shiun as a stunning backdrop. Afterwards, travel to the majestic Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture, a mountain region celebrated for its natural beauty, where you can take in the stunning landscapes of the gorge. You will stay two unforgettable nights in the Iya Valley, staying at a traditional Japanese Ryokan. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, the ryokan offers authentic kaiseki cuisine crafted from local ingredients and the soothing comfort of natural hot spring baths—an ideal retreat to relax and immerse yourself in the spirit of Japan.

We’ll explore various sites around the hidden Iya Valley by private vehicle, including the famous Kazurabashi vine bridge and the Double Vine Bridge in Oku-Iya. These suspension bridges, crafted from intertwined vines, once served as the primary means of crossing the river. We’ll also visit Ochiai Village, a community of traditional dwellings—some dating back to the Edo period—where you can experience authentic rural life. In addition, we’ll explore the hauntingly unique Scarecrow Village, known for its population of life-sized dolls replacing departed residents. Visiting during the autumn foliage season, the breathtaking landscape of steep gorges is adorned with vibrant hues of red and gold, making this remote and mystical region even more captivating.

After leaving the Iya Valley, you will travel by private vehicle to Tokushima Port. Upon arrival, board a ferry and cross the sea to Wakayama Port. From there, continue by private vehicle to Mount Koya, a sacred center of Shingon Buddhism with over a thousand years of history. In the afternoon, visit Kongobu-ji Temple, where the solemn and spiritual atmosphere invites you to stroll through its tranquil grounds and experience the profound depth of Japanese Buddhist culture. In the evening, enjoy a truly special stay at a shukubo, a temple lodging traditionally used by monks. Dinner features authentic shojin ryori, a refined vegetarian cuisine, offering both nourishment and a moment of spiritual purification

In the early morning, you will join the solemn Buddhist service held in the temple’s main hall. As the resonant chants echo through the tranquil interior and the monks perform their disciplined rituals, you will experience a sacred moment unlike anything in daily life. After breakfast, enjoy a guided stroll through Okunoin, the spiritual heart of Mount Koya. Along its approach, lined with nearly 200,000 gravestones and memorial monuments bearing the names of historic warriors and cultural figures, you will feel the prayers of countless generations still alive today. Walking beneath towering cedar trees, the serene atmosphere offers a profound sense of purification.

Later, travel by private vehicle to Kyoto. En route, stop in the ancient capital of Nara, where history and nature harmonize beautifully. Stroll through Nara Park, famous for its friendly deer that roam freely and delight visitors with their gentle presence. You will also visit Todai-ji Temple, home to Japan’s Great Buddha—the largest bronze statue in the country—whose overwhelming scale and solemn aura leave a lasting impression.

Dinner is not included during your stay in Kyoto, allowing you the freedom to explore the city at night and enjoy its culinary delights at your own pace.

In the early morning, before breakfast, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Higashiyama district, one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric areas where the spirit of the ancient capital lingers. Walking along the stone-paved streets with views of Yasaka Pagoda, you will pass through the charming lanes of Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka before arriving at Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples. From its famous wooden stage, the panoramic view in the crisp morning air truly embodies the essence of the old capital.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, set out once again to discover the beauty of autumn in Kyoto. In the northern hills, visit Sanzen-in Temple, where moss-covered gardens and vibrant autumn foliage create an ethereal scene of beauty. Continue on to Kifune Shrine, dedicated to the god of water, where the vermilion shrine buildings and lantern-lined approach are beautifully framed by autumn leaves. As you journey through Kyoto adorned in autumn colors, you will experience the perfect harmony of history, culture, and nature. In addition, you will have the opportunity to take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

On this day, you will explore the Nishiyama area, which stretches across western Kyoto. In the morning, enjoy a stroll through Arashiyama, famed for its scenic Togetsukyo Bridge and enchanting bamboo groves. The reflection of the bridge on the river’s surface and the gentle breeze flowing through the bamboo create an atmosphere that is quintessentially Kyoto. You will also be guided to a tranquil temple renowned for its autumn foliage, located away from the bustling center of Arashiyama. Here, the vivid colors of the leaves harmonize beautifully with the historic temple buildings, offering a serene and contemplative experience.

In the afternoon, continue your journey through Nishiyama, visiting more celebrated autumn foliage spots. At hidden temples rarely visited by overseas travelers, you will find yourself immersed in silence, surrounded by ancient grounds where fiery autumn leaves weave a scene of ethereal beauty. Away from the crowds, this special day allows you to experience the deeper charm of Kyoto in all its seasonal splendor.

On your final morning in Kyoto, visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, world-renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Walking through the seemingly endless, enchanting pathway, you will be enveloped in a mystical atmosphere unique to the ancient capital—an experience truly fitting as the conclusion of your journey. Afterwards, head to Fushimi, a district long celebrated for its sake brewing traditions. Here, you will explore a historic brewery, learning about the heritage and techniques of sake-making while savoring its rich aromas and flavors. Following this immersive cultural experience, the tour concludes at Kyoto Station at 12:00. You will depart with lasting memories and the lingering charm of your journey through Japan