See Japan at Its Most Colourful ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/1%20Meals%20%28red%29.png) 27 Meals ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/3%20CT%20Ratings%20%28red%29.png) CT Rating 3.5/5 - Challenging ![](/sites/default/files/2025-08/4%20Leader%20%28red%29_1.png) Led by Cathy Semler **Experience Japan's Autumn Season** Japan is a multifaceted gem, where neon-lit cities meet tranquil alpine villages, timeless countryside, and well-preserved relics of its imperial and feudal past. Join us when autumn colours are vibrant, painting the landscape with a golden glow. We'll also step back in time in Takayama’s Old Town, and immerse ourselves in the timeless traditions of a ryokan, enjoying tatami mats, futons, and onsen baths. **One twin room available. Call to book!** [Book Now](https://enrollment.craigtravel.com/booking?departurecode=TAS071126:20261107) [Download Brochure](https://mkt.craigtravel.com/ct--landing-page--brochure-download?brochure=japan-nov-2026) #### Alternate Departures:[ ](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/japan-november-7-2026) [March 5, 2027](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/sakura-japan-march-25-2027) #### [November 8, 2027](https://www.craigtravel.com/journeys/japan-november-8-2027) [Female Willing to Share Accommodation](/destinations/female-willing-share-accommodation) [![Japan Nov 2026 map](/sites/default/files/2025-07/map_Japan_Fall_2026_rail-to-Takayama.jpg)](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-07/map_Japan_Fall_2026_rail-to-Takayama.jpg) ### Tour Highlights - Experience Japan during the beautiful fall season, enjoying vibrant autumn colours while avoiding the peak season crowds - Step into the past at the mountain village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Enjoy a relaxing night in a traditional Ryokan (inn) - Visit one of Japan’s largest and most famous gardens, Kenroku-en, the “Garden of Six Qualities” - Enjoy a tea ceremony in Kyoto - Tour Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima island - Visit Himeji Castle, Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, and Nara plus other UNESCO World Heritage sites - Discover the mountainous interior of Japan where life seems unchanged from centuries past - Enjoy Japan’s extensive and very efficient rail system, including bullet train rides - Visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple) in Kyoto ### Inclusive Features - Return economy group airfare from Canada to Narita (Tokyo) - 12 nights in first-class hotels as indicated or similar, including 1 night in a traditional ryokan, a Japanese country inn - 27 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 12 Breakfasts, L - 7 Lunches, D - 8 Dinners) featuring traditional Japanese dishes - Transfers and intercity transportation by private coach and rail service, as indicated - Services of your journey leader plus our professional Japanese tour guide - All surcharges, taxes, and fees for included services - Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare ### Itinerary Overview Full View DEPART CANADA November 7, 2026 Tour members from across Canada will gather in Vancouver for the overnight flight to Narita (Tokyo). TOKYO, JAPAN November 8, 2026 Upon arrival in Tokyo, we'll transfer to our centrally located hotel. After settling in, we will gather for our welcome dinner. **New Otani Garden Hotel** (3 nights) Dinner KAMAKURA / TOKYO November 9, 2026 After breakfast, we’ll spend the day exploring Kamakura, the 13th-century capital and home to countless poets and artists. We’ll visit Kotoku-in Temple to see the 13.35-metre-high Daibutsu, a giant bronze Buddha. Next, we’ll explore Hasedera Temple, famous for its 9.18-metre gilded wooden statue of Kannon (goddess of mercy), and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, a significant 12th-century shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war. End the day shopping for local souvenirs and delicacies on Komachi Street before returning to the hotel. Breakfast, Lunch TOKYO November 10, 2026 Today, we’ll enjoy a full-day tour of Tokyo’s highlights. We’ll begin at Asakusa, exploring Nakamise-dori and the Senso-ji Buddhist temple to learn about Japan’s unique religious practices, with a photo stop at Asakusa Shinto shrine. Next, we’ll visit the Tokyo Skytree for stunning city views. After a delicious lunch of kushiage (fried meat and vegetables on bamboo skewers), we head to the Ginza district, home to some of the most expensive real estate in the world, for some free time to explore. Then, we’ll visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, home to 210,000 square metres of green space that is open to the public. We conclude our tour at the world’s busiest intersection, Shibuya Crossing, where hundreds of people cross from all directions every time the signal changes. Breakfast, Lunch TOKYO / HAKONE November 11, 2026 Departing Tokyo this morning, we journey south to the scenic region of Hakone, with the possibility of catching views of majestic Mt. Fuji along the way (weather permitting). Our first stop is Hakone Shrine, a serene 12th-century Shinto site once revered by samurai. Nestled in a forest, the shrine is famed for its striking torii gates that rise from the lakeshore. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll board a boat at Hakonesekisho-Ato and cruise to Hakone-En. From there, we travel by ropeway to the dramatic volcanic valley of Owakudani. You’ll see steam vents and bubbling pools, and perhaps sample the famous eggs cooked in the hot sulfur springs, said to add years to your life! Later this afternoon, we arrive at our ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. You’ll experience authentic hospitality, sleeping on futons laid out on tatami mats, soaking in onsen baths fed by natural mineral springs, and enjoying a delicious Japanese dinner. **Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel** (1 night) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner HAKONE / TAKAYAMA November 12, 2026 Today we board a bullet train to Nagoya, then switch to a limited express train to Takayama. Upon arrival, our private coach will take us sightseeing, beginning with the traditional wooden houses and shops along Kami Sannomachi Street. We’ll also visit the Kusakabe Folk Museum, formerly the residence of the Kusakabe family (merchants who served the shogunate in Takayama), now recognized as an important cultural property. We’ll then continue to our hotel for dinner. **Hotel and Spa Gift Takayama** (2 nights) Breakfast, Dinner TAKAYAMA November 13, 2026 Starting at the Miyagawa Morning Market, one of Japan’s largest, we’ll enjoy local crafts and produce from independent farmers and craftsmen. Takayama Jinya, the only surviving Edo-period government office, is now a museum showcasing well-preserved conference and interrogation rooms with century-old artifacts. Next, explore Hida Folk Village, a museum of rural homes and barns, offering insight into traditional lifestyles of a bygone era. At the Matsuri-no-Mori Museum, we learn about Takayama traditions, featuring massive yatai (parade floats) from the spring and autumn festivals. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before we head out for dinner. Breakfast, Dinner SHIRAKAWAGO / KANAZAWA November 14, 2026 Our first stop will be at the mountain village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its traditional gassho-zukuri (thatched roof) farmhouses, some of which are over 250 years old. Visit the residence of the Iwase family, with its magnificent thatched roof. Later visit Washi Kaikan’s Washi no Sato to observe the intricate and involved process of creating traditional Japanese paper (washi). **Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kanazawa Miyabi** (1 night) Breakfast, Dinner KANAZAWA / HIROSHIMA November 15, 2026 Walk through one of Japan’s most famous gardens, Kenroku-en, the “Garden of Six Qualities.” It features stunning landscaping, flowering trees, and lakes. Visit the Hakuichi Gold Leaf Museum for a demonstration on the art of gold leaf application before travelling by bullet train to Hiroshima. A lunch box is provided to enjoy on board as you take in the scenic ride. **Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima** (2 nights) Breakfast, Lunch MIYAJIMA / HIROSHIMA November 16, 2026 Today, we cross the Inland Sea by ferry to Miyajima Island, considered to be one of the top scenic experiences in Japan. On the island, we will ride the cable car to enjoy the incredible views from the peak and visit the Itsukushima-jinja Shrine dating from 1168 AD. Hiroshima is best remembered for the event of August 6, 1945, when the atomic bomb decimated the city and surrounding area. The Peace Memorial Museum and Peace Memorial Park are sobering testaments to the devastation and its aftermath. Time permitting, we shall visit Shukkei-en Garden for a quiet walk with time to reflect. Breakfast, Lunch HIMEJI / KYOTO November 17, 2026 Travel by bullet train to Himeji to visit of Himeji Castle, a 400-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site and national treasure. Continue by coach to historic Kyoto, the capital of Japan for almost 1,000 years until 1868. This delightful city conjures up classic images: streets of little wooden houses, geta (wooden sandals) clicking on the cobblestones, geisha in brightly coloured silk, tea ceremonies, traditional gardens, and more. **Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo** (3 nights) Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KYOTO November 18, 2026 Our day begins with a walk through the unique Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions, followed by the Kinkaku-ji Temple, or Golden Pavilion. The three-storey pagoda, covered in gold leaf, is set next to a tranquil reflecting pool and surrounded by gardens and pine forests. Nearby are the gardens and palace of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO Site noted for the great Ninomaru Wing and Audience Hall with its nightingale floors. Next, we will walk through the Higashiyama District, with its narrow cobblestone streets and tiny shops, and into the Gion, where geisha still live and work. Tonight enjoy a special kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant. Breakfast, Dinner NARA / KYOTO November 19, 2026 We'll start our day with a tea ceremony experience, learning about the various types of tea and the instruments used to prepare it. You'll discover the significance of each movement and the cultural importance of serving tea in Japan. Next, we'll visit Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto's Fushimi ward, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form an iconic pathway through the sacred forest of Mount Inari. Before lunch, we'll head to the gracious town of Nara to visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine, founded in the 8th century to protect the capital. The shrine grounds feature around 3,000 stone lanterns, which are lit during special festivals. At Todaiji Temple, we'll explore Daibutsuden Hall, once the largest wooden building in the world, housing a great bronze seated Buddha. Enjoy a stroll through the peaceful Deer Park. Tonight, we will gather for a farewell dinner. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner KYOTO / TOKYO / CANADA November 20, 2026 After breakfast, we’ll board a bullet train to Shinagawa, then transfer to Narita Airport (Tokyo) to catch our flights bound for Canada, arriving home the same day. Breakfast [Download Brochure](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2026-02/brx_TAS071126%20Japan_REV18FEB26.pdf) [![Mt. Fuji](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-06/AdobeStock_232895465%20ash.jpeg?h=b2774bcf&itok=vb4lA7G7 "Mt. Fuji")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/AdobeStock_232895465%20ash.jpeg) [![Arashiyama Bamboo Grove](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-06/AdobeStock_218463415_adj.jpg?h=cccd5c70&itok=CWGar1DY "Arashiyama Bamboo Grove")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/AdobeStock_218463415_adj.jpg) [![Experience Japan during the beautiful fall season](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-06/AdobeStock_211901050_web.jpg?h=b0f017ac&itok=YKExvQaz "Experience Japan during the beautiful fall season")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/AdobeStock_211901050_web.jpg) [![Kotoku-in Temple](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-06/Kotokuin%20Temple_Kamakura_Pixabay_crop.jpg?h=a38106bd&itok=tPXBJF1c "Kotoku-in Temple")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/Kotokuin%20Temple_Kamakura_Pixabay_crop.jpg) [![Discover Gion, where geishas still live and work](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-07/Untitled%20%281920%20x%201239%20px%29%20%2810%29.jpg?h=998931c7&itok=ricSxBsa "Discover Gion, where geishas still live and work")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-07/Untitled%20%281920%20x%201239%20px%29%20%2810%29.jpg) [![Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, voted a top must-see spot in Japan](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-07/Untitled%20%281920%20x%201239%20px%29%20%288%29.jpg?h=a66ba266&itok=td0NFbwC "Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, voted a top must-see spot in Japan")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-07/Untitled%20%281920%20x%201239%20px%29%20%288%29.jpg) [![Shirakawa Historic Village](/sites/default/files/styles/gallery/public/2025-07/Untitled%20%281920%20x%201239%20px%29%20%2811%29.jpg?h=a66ba266&itok=7LOed-kt "Shirakawa Historic Village")](https://www.craigtravel.com/sites/default/files/2025-07/Untitled%20%281920%20x%201239%20px%29%20%2811%29.jpg) ### Have any questions? Contact Sharon at sbahadur \[at\] craigtravel.com or call [1-800-387-8890](tel:1-800-387-8890) ### Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person Land Only* (Join / Leave at hotel) $10,895 Toronto $12,845 Ottawa / Montreal $12,995 Halifax / St John’s $13,095 Winnipeg / Regina / Saskatoon $12,695 Victoria / Vancouver $12,445 Calgary / Edmonton $12,595 Single Supplement $2,525 [Book Now](https://enrollment.craigtravel.com/booking?departurecode=TAS071126:20261107) ### **Payment and Booking Terms** Final payment is due **July 30, 2026**. Deposit is **$900 per person**. Land-only price is based on joining at the hotel in Tokyo and leaving at the hotel in Kyoto and excludes flights and airport transfers. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Air inclusive prices are estimated and subject to confirmation before final payment. Refer to inclusive features for details. Tour price is based on sharing a twin room at hotels and on a minimum of 20 members, based on rates, taxes and fees effective May 2025 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Group to be escorted from Canada with a minimum of 20 group members. **Special Note**: Your main luggage will not be accessible for several nights on this journey. It will be required that you bring a small overnight bag for clothing and personal items during these stays. Please be aware that porter services are limited at some locations. Full details will be provided in the final travel documentation. Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to the enrollment form for [terms and conditions](https://www.craigtravel.com/terms-conditions). #### CT Rating **3.5/5 - CHALLENGING** This journey is designed to provide an in-depth exploration of all that is Japanese. It will feature an overnight stay in a Japanese ryokan (traditional inn), sleeping and eating in tatami-matted rooms, as well as a variety of different meals featuring traditional Japanese cuisine. By its nature, this journey involves a lot of walking, with some long walks and numerous visits involving many steps. To fully enjoy this journey, members should be fully mobile with no walking limitations and be in good physical health. Do you have any questions about this journey? [Email Us](mailto:sales@craigtravel.com?subject=Japan%20November%202026) #### Journey Leader ![Profile picture for user Cathy Semler](/sites/default/files/styles/user/public/pictures/2025-03/Picture1237111.png?h=823ebd26&itok=r8kx-kiv) Cathy Semler - retired as a high school principal after devoting 35 years to the teaching profession. She is a seasoned traveller who loves the opportunity to learn from new adventures. Her travels have taken her to Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, India, Costa Rica, Ireland, and various destinations throughout Europe. She enjoys visiting iconic cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, and London, as well as hiking in the mountains and cruising to different countries. ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/1%20CT%20Loyalty%20Points.png) [Craig Travel Loyalty Points ](/loyalty-club) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/2%20Pay%20By%20Cheque.png) [Pay by Cheque Discount](/pay-cheque-discount) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/3%20Refer%20a%20Friend.png) [Refer a Friend](/refer-friend) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/4%20About%20CT%20Ratings.png) [About CT Ratings](/craig-travel-ratings) ![](/sites/default/files/2025-06/5%20Travel%20Insurance.png) [Travel Insurance](/travel-insurance)