Kyoto, ancient capital of Japan, is our base for this unusual 9 days of exploring gardens, parks, castles and rural countryside, seeking the wonderful colors of autumn leaves.
First Class Accommodation
All 7 nights of accommodation will be in "The Miyako", a 5 star hotel offering all the luxuries you would expect from this internationally famous hotel that even boasts of Prince Charles and several American presidents being their guests.
Your hotel is located at the foot of Higashiyama, a forest clad sanctuary of birds and botanic wonders with pathways leading right from the hotel's back door straight into the forest.
An impressive time to wander around the gardens, parks and temple grounds of Kyoto, Nara and Himeji.
You will be seeing Japan when its maples and other deciduous trees are displaying their brilliant red, orange and yellow fall foliage colors. Secluded gardens, parks and forest areas visited on this tour have been especially selected for their visual splendor in autumn.
We have designed this short program for those people who only want one week (plus two weekends) away staying at "The Miyako" in Kyoto but including an English speaking guide and entry fees to the best gardens so that you get the most pleasure out of your visit to Japan.
To see the best and most elusive sights of Japan you must be prepared to walk, and this we will do to discover ceramic artists at work in their potteries, craft artist producing black and gold laquerware, paper fans and Kimonos.
Night markets, galleries displaying traditional art works and truly exquisite little restaurants all help to make this an all encompassing tour with something for everyone.
We will spend days exploring areas around the rural outskirts of Kyoto such as the Ohara Hills with its terraced rice paddies and Arashiyama with its bamboo forests.
Also you will visit the ancient capital city of Nara to see majestic temples and Kasuga Shinto Shrine as well as travel by the famous Bullet Train (Shinkansen) to visit Himeji Castle, the most magnificent castle in all of Japan.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1 - For guests joining us in Japan, you will meet your Japanese Guide and you Tour Manager in Kyoto, where you stay for the next seven nights at ' The Miyako ‘, one of Kyoto’s finest hotels. Located on a quiet forest covered slope of Higashiyama, close to many attractions, you get fine views over Kyoto and the nearby mixed deciduous woodland, temples and hotel gardens. Included: (B), (D).
Day 2 - By private charter coach this morning we tour to the ancient capital of Nara where we visit Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world, which houses an enormous bronze Buddha dating back to 752AD. Wander across Nara Park, where 1000 deer roam free, to Kasuga Shinto Shrine (709AD). Hundreds of moss covered stone lanterns line this woodland path and numerous bronze lanterns adorn the shrine cloisters.
Whilst in this rural area we will stop for photos of the farmers’ fields and country architecture.
Back in Kyoto this afternoon we will visit the immense complex of Nanzenji Temple, originally constructed as a villa for Emperor Kameyama in 1264. Enter the typical Zen gardens of Hojo Hall, a national treasure that was part of the original Imperial Palace, moved to here in the 17th century.
For this evening, we have booked a private room in an authentic traditional Japanese style restaurant, originally a private residence with a beautiful garden with romantic lighting at night. Exclusive presentation by Professor Fukuhara tonight about the history of Japanese garden design. Included: (B).
Day 3 - Today visit Kyoto Botanical Garden which displays over 120,000 plants covering more than 13,000 species. Special features include a rose garden with 2,000 bushes, a 4,600 square meter conservatory, two iris gardens, bonsai collection, a wild garden, eight sections for Japanese native plants and a forest zone.
Around four ponds are precious specimens of trees unique only to the Yamashiro Basin and many varieties of maples reflecting their autumn colors in the still waters.
Next visit is to Nijo Castle, built in 1603. The garden (designed by Enshu) and buildings are typically those of a gracious nobleman’s estate with the interior decorations still intact.
This afternoon we visit Kiyomizu Temple (798AD) high on the side of Higashiyama, surrounded by a maple forest that is quite spectacular in autumn and illuminated at night. Here also the five-storey Yasaka Pagoda is an outstanding landmark.
Wander downhill along the narrow cobble stone lanes of Sanenzaka Slope, past many pottery and craft shops, tea gardens and food stalls.
Tonight you might like to attend a theatre performance at Gion Corner, in the old Geisha Quarter, where ladies dressed in beautiful kimonos may still be seen. Antique shops and opulent restaurants predominate now in this well restored area of traditional architecture, with immaculate tiny entrance gardens, Shoji screens, paper lanterns and cobble stone paths. Included: (B).
Day 4 - In eastern Kyoto, enjoy a quiet stroll beside a small stream, with overhanging maples and cherry trees, along the Philosopher’s Path. Here on the edge of forest clad Higashiyama we visit the thought provoking gardens surrounding Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion, with its fine examples of raked sand, stones, ponds and colorful autumn leaves.
Visit the bright vermilion-red Heian Jingu Shrine and wander through its huge photogenic garden, notable for its lavish use of flowering plants and deciduous trees to focus attention.
At the Museum of Traditional Crafts we find an exceptional display of Japanese crafts, ceramics, lacquerware, braid, cloisonné and more.
Today too we plan an exclusive visit to a private home to see a typical residence with its small yet elegant garden. Included: (B).
Day 5 - By Shinkansen, the famous 250 kph bullet train, we visit the town of Himeji, west of Osaka. Here we visit a most beautiful castle, built in 1601, of magnificent scale and gracious design whose white walls and battlements have been superbly preserved.
Alternatively your day is free to independently explore Kyoto, looking at other gardens or to pursue other personal interests. This afternoon, back in Kyoto, you can enjoy the special experience of the Japanese tea ceremony. Included: (B), (L).
Day 6 - The biggest once a month flea market in Kyoto will be visited this morning. Here you can buy everything from old wood blocks and sword steel cutlery to antique ceramics and very affordable second hand kimonos.
Later today we will visit two of the most famous and photographed gardens in Japan, Ryoanji whose stone and gravel garden is the epitome of Zen design and Kinkakuji whose gold pavilion and gardens reflect a refined contemplative style. Included: (B).
Day 7 - The western hills of Arashiyama are another prime viewing area for autumn leaves.
From the Moon-crossing Bridge over Hozu River we meander along a string of little lanes, through dense bamboo groves, past a variety of shrines, villas, temples and farmers fields.
Stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful autumn colors in the gardens of Tenryuji Temple (ca 1339).
For more viewing of the brilliant autumn foliage we can take a scenic train ride to Kameoka, from where we ride flat-bottom wooden boats down the forest-sided Hozu River back to Arashiyama. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional Japanese restaurant. Included: (B), (D).
Day 8 - Free day to visit more gardens if you wish or for last minute shopping. At 4 pm we transfer by coach from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai Airport for your overnight flight home. Included: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price will fluctuate with exchange rate
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Japan
Garden Tours
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