Before you go

Ideal Trip Length:

Around 10–14 days gives enough time to explore key destinations at a comfortable pace.

Getting Around:

Use the Shinkansen for major routes such as Tokyo–Kyoto, then local trains within each destination.

Worth Booking Ahead

Autumn is one of Japan’s busiest seasons, so secure key hotels, restaurants and experiences early. If your dates align, look out for Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto on 22 Oct, the Tokyo International Film Festival from 26 Oct–4 Nov, and selected Kanazawa Geigi no Mai performances.

Seasonal Highlights

November brings some of the strongest autumn-only experiences, from nighttime temple illuminations in Kyoto and special evening access in Nara to the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival from 7–29 Nov.

TOKYO

Tokyo combines big-city energy with one of the world’s strongest dining scenes, while autumn brings cooler weather for exploring its neighbourhoods, gardens and viewpoints.

Luxury Hotels

• Aman Tokyo
• The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon
• Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Standout Restaurants

• SÉZANNE
• Sushi Saito
• Den

Must Experiences

• Shibuya Sky at sunset
• teamLab Planets
• Private sushi omakase

Book Ahead Sunset slots at Shibuya Sky can sell out, particularly later entry times, so book online once your dates are fixed.

KYOTO

Kyoto brings a quieter pace to an autumn journey through Japan, with temple gardens, historic streets and maple-covered landscapes changing colour through the season.

Luxury Hotels

• Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
• Aman Kyoto
• Six Senses Kyoto

Standout Restaurants

• Kikunoi Honten
• Gion Sasaki
• Hyotei

Must Experiences

• Fushimi Inari at sunrise
• Private tea ceremony in Gion
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Best Time To Go Start early for Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama and Higashiyama, when the streets and temple areas are noticeably quieter.

HAKONE

Hakone brings together mountain scenery, hot springs and views towards Mount Fuji, making it an ideal slower-paced stop between Japan’s cities.

Luxury Hotels

• Gora Kadan
• Hakone Ginyu
• Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

Standout Restaurants

• Itoh Dining by NOBU
• Yamagusuri
• Gora Brewery & Grill

Must Experiences

• Stay in a private onsen ryokan
• Cruise Lake Ashi with Fuji views
• Hakone Open-Air Museum

Worth Doing Take the Hakone Ropeway via Owakudani for volcanic landscapes and, on clear days, views towards Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.

NARA

Nara combines centuries-old temples, landscaped gardens and its famous free-roaming deer, making it an easy cultural addition to an autumn Japan itinerary.

Luxury Hotels

• Shisui, a Luxury Collection Hotel
• Nara Hotel
• FUFU Nara

Standout Restaurants

• Tsukumo
• Wa Yamamura
• Nakatanidou

Must Experiences

• Feed the deer in Nara Park
• Visit Tōdai-ji Temple
• Explore Isuien Garden

Make Time For Go beyond Nara Park with Isuien Garden, where autumn foliage adds colour around the ponds and traditional landscape.

LAKE KAWAGUCHIKO

Lake Kawaguchiko is one of the most scenic bases for experiencing Mount Fuji, particularly in autumn when the surrounding landscape turns shades of red and gold.

Luxury Hotels

• HOSHINOYA Fuji
• FUFU Kawaguchiko
• Kozantei Ubuya

Standout Restaurants

• Houtou Fudou
• Sanrokuen
• Shaw’s Sushi Bar & Dining

Must Experiences

• Chureito Pagoda viewpoint
• Sunrise over Lake Kawaguchiko
• Private Fuji photography tour

Seasonal Note November brings the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, with the Momiji Corridor illuminated after sunset.