14-Day Japan Autumn Tour Including Kumano Kodo

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Immerse yourself in Japan’s autumn charm, starting at Meiji Shrine, where the golden ginkgo leaves of Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue shine under the clear sky. Explore Kengo Kuma’s designs at Meiji Jingu Inner Garden and Museum. Continue to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, where vibrant chrysanthemum displays and the changing sycamore and maple leaves create a stunning blend of autumn colors. In late October and early November, enjoy the Tokyo Ramen Show at Komazawa Olympic Park, sampling ramen from across Japan.

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Start at Senso-ji Temple, marvel at red lanterns and pass through Kaminarimon Gate. Explore Nakamise-dori Street and sample local snacks. Optionally, try your luck with lot-drawing. Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for a taste of local life and sushi-making with a chef.

Later, immerse yourself in the vivid autumn hues of Rikugien Garden. Capture the serene beauty with your camera.

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Embark on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the Kawaguchiko area, where natural beauty awaits.
Visit Oshino Hakkai and witness colorful fish gliding through emerald ponds, surrounded by swaying aquatic plants. Climb the steps to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine for a breathtaking view of the Chureito Pagoda against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.

Conclude the day with a boat tour on Lake Kawaguchi or a panoramic ropeway ride for a potential glimpse of Mount Fuji's majestic reflection.

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Enjoy a morning exploring Hakone at your own pace. Cruise Lake Ashi for stunning views or ride a cable car to Owakudani to savor the unique black eggs. Fans of EVA will find a themed store near Hakone Yumoto Station a delightful stop.

In the afternoon, make your way to the railway station for a bullet train journey to Kyoto.

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Begin your day at Nijo Castle, where chrysanthemum adornments and intricate crane carvings captivate. The palace, deeply influenced by China's Tang Dynasty, stands as a magnificent testament to history.

For lunch, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Nishikidori Market, also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". Sample various snacks amid the bustling crowd.

The day concludes at Kiyomizu-dera, where fiery red maple leaves provide a vivid tribute to the wooden stage against the bright blue sky. Capture the essence of autumn in Kyoto with a photo.

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Discover the beauty of Arashiyama starting at Jojakko-Ji Temple. Hidden amidst vibrant red maples, lush pines, and golden ginkgo trees, it offers a unique autumn spectacle. Next, stroll through the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo forms a serene green corridor.
Explore the tranquil gardens of Tenryuji, where ponds, red leaves, and the picturesque Arashiyama landscape create a serene Zen painting.

End the day with a traditional cruise, witnessing the Togetsukyo Bridge and the mountains adorned in maple leaves.

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Today, embark on an adventure along the Kumano Kodo's eastern pilgrimage route. Take a train to Kii Tanabe Station and head to the Tanabe Tourist Information Center. From there, a local bus ride (about 40 minutes, on-site payment) will transport you to Takijiri, the starting point for your hike to Takahara. This picturesque village perched on a misty ridge offers a serene experience.

Discover historical sites, stone monuments, and perhaps even encounter hot springs and waterfalls along the way. The mountains' tranquility provides a glimpse into sacred rituals. Your journey concludes at Takahara Kumano-jinja Shrine.

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Continue your hiking adventure from Takahara to Tsugizakura-Oji. This approximately 13-kilometer trek is expected to take 6 to 8 hours, primarily on established paths.

Marvel at breathtaking valley views and visit Chikatsuyu and Tsugizakura-oji shrines. The latter, nestled amidst towering cedars, emanates a sense of nature's power and divine presence.

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Embark on a hike from Tsugizakura-Oji to the awe-inspiring Kumano Hongu Taisha. You have three route options, ranging from a 2-hour walk to an 11-hour trek. As you ascend the final stone steps and catch sight of the grand shrine, any weariness will fade in the presence of such magnificence. The shrine's wooden facade exudes a rustic, natural charm. Following this, explore the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center.

Your last destination is Osaihara, nestled in the verdant embrace of Wakayama. Here, you can witness giant torii gates framed by autumn's fiery red and golden hues. Finally, a brief local bus ride from Hongu takes you to Yunomine Onsen

Today marks the conclusion of your pilgrimage. Take a local bus from Yunomine Onsen to Tanabe-Kii (approximately 100 minutes) for your onward train journey to the next destination.

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Begin your day with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle. Its white stucco walls evoke images of graceful herons in flight. For the adventurous, explore the castle's internal structure by ascending and descending its historic staircases.

Next, venture to Kobe, where you can savor the renowned Kobe beef if you desire. Take in a 360-degree panorama of Kobe City on an aerial cable car ride, soaking in the vibrant autumnal scenery along the mountainside. Botanical enthusiasts can explore the herb garden, reveling in the fragrant variety of herbs and flowers. Don't miss the spectacular view of Kobe from the observation deck at the summit. Return to Osaka for the night.

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Today is yours to craft as you wish in Osaka. Enjoy the stunning views of Osaka Castle from Nishinomaru Garden, or ascend to the fifth floor of Tsutenkaku for a panoramic vista of Osaka. Explore the culinary delights of Shinsekai. For a thrill, take on the TOWER SLIDER and descend from a height of 22 meters to the first basement floor.