Japan Autumn Color

You will need to depart today on an overnight flight to Tokyo (NRT), losing a day en route. If you would like us to arrange additional evenings and transfer to hotel, please notify Strabo Tours. Please note your international flight will need to be Multi-City, return can be from Kansai (KIX) or Osaka Airports (ITM).

The airport is 1-1.5 hours from city center, therefore everyone will take their transfer of choice to the hotel. Options will be provided upon enrollment with estimated costs. Check in time at the hotel is 3PM. Enjoy some time to rest and unwind until you meet in the hotel lobby at 6PM for an introductory meeting with Ron and your local guide. The group will depart on public to a lovely restaurant for your welcome dinner. Overnight Tokyo (D)

During your stay in Tokyo you will visit and photograph places of historical and cultural significance. Your guide will travel with you via public transportation to markets, temples and beautiful gardens. A few of the highlights that have been chosen are Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, a small garden jewel, one of the oldest gardens in Tokyo. There is a pond in the middle, which the garden master designed so that the visitor sees a different scene every few steps. Sensō-ji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa. It is Tokyo’s oldest temple, and one of its most significant. Asakusa is one of the few neighborhoods in Tokyo where you might spot a Geisha. There are thought to be about 40 Geisha in the area, back in the 1930’s there were hundreds. The next day photograph in Showa Kinen Park, and Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the late 19th-century emperor who opened Japan to the West. Tokyo’s most famous Shinto shrine is wonderfully serene and austere, not colorful or flashy like other Asian places of worship. The moat outside the Imperial Palace may provide beautiful reflections of the bridges that surround it. Before retiring for the evening you will need to separate your luggage, as you will only need an overnight bag and camera gear for your journey tomorrow. Your large suitcase (1 per person) will be transported to hotel in Kyoto for the following evening. Be sure to keep with you your camera gear, important documents, prescriptions, and clothes for a day. (B both days)  

After breakfast at the hotel your guide will assist you with traveling via bullet train (approximately 4 hours) to Hiroshima, where you will then transfer to a local train for another 20 minutes, and a ferry going to Miyajima Island. The tides will predict the timing of your photography shoots, as we hope to capture the Itsukushima Shrine at high and low tide during our overnight stay. This shrine is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as a National Treasure of the Japanese government. Other photography locations include Senjokaku and Daisho-in Temple, with views of the surrounding islands. Overnight at a Ryokan, a traditional Japanese Inn. Overnight Miyajima Island (B, D)

Momijidani Park is one of the most famous maple tree valley parks in Japan. The park is located at the foot of Mt. Misen, Miyajima. You will have a photography walk there this morning before returning to Hiroshima via the ferry and train after lunch. Then board another bullet train to Kyoto, approximately 2 hours, where your hotel is walking distance from the station. The next two days will be filled with photographing amidst the fall foliage of Kyoto, and capturing the Japanese culture and traditions. The Gion district is a collection of streets defined by old wooden buildings, teahouses, and restaurants. It’s also known as the Geisha district, you may catch a glimpse of geisha in full dress and white makeup. North of Kyoto is the quaint village of Ohara, which houses the Sanzen-in Temple, one of the finest in all of Kyoto. Explore the tree-lined paths, seeking out the natural colors, wooden walkways that lead you to gardens and Buddhist temples. Jojakkukoji in the Arashiyama district is located in a serene forest with views of the ever-changing maple trees. Another photographic stop in the Arashiyama district includes a Bamboo Grove, standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world. Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen Buddhist Temple, sits above a lovely pond, offering beautiful reflections. Although this maybe one of the most crowded photo ops, thanks to traffic flow the crowds do not interfere with photographing this amazing structure. Overnight Kyoto (B each day)

Today will be a long day outside the city of Kyoto, when you will transfer via private bus to Mount Koya, or Koya-san. Home to over 100 temples, Koya-san has been the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect for over twelve hundred years. The 2½-hour journey is one of the highlights of the visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is comprised of various temples, Kongobu-ji Chief Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daito Pagoda. It is also home to Japan’s largest rock garden, and Okunoin, Japan’s largest cemetery. The 1½-mile walk to the mausoleum takes you past 200,000 tombstones, belonging to feudal lords, and prominent monks. Overnight Kyoto (B)

Continue your exploration of Kyoto with your local guide where you will photograph the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, and if the weather cooperates you can photograph the reflections of beautiful bridges on the Palace grounds. Easy walking distance from the hotel is the Kyoto Train Station and Kyoto Tower, which can provide nice evening shoots with the city lights and reflections. You will have some free time your last day in Kyoto if you would like to return to some of your favorite locations, or do some shopping.  Overnight Kyoto (B both days)

Check out of the hotel is at 10AM, again there are options available for return transportation to your airport of choice which can be an hour away. Either private transfer, public bus or direct fast speed train. Fees will be provided upon enrollment. Departure will be from KIX or ITM airports. (B) Note: This itinerary has been carefully constructed to assure participants the best Japan has to offer; however, should events arise that are beyond our control, itinerary, activities and hotel arrangements are subject to change without notice. Be assured that we will make substitutions that are as similar in quality and interest as possible.