Embark on a journey that takes you from the innovations of modern Tokyo to the timeless charm of ancient Japan. Travel during the autumn season when the red and golden foliage is quite scenic along the way 🍁

This is NOT a typical itinerary in Japan:

This trip is designed for those who wish to escape the bustling city life and touristy places and immerse themselves in the authentic essence of Japan—its rich traditions, serene temples, and breathtaking natural landscapes. 

From quiet, picturesque villages to sacred mountain retreats, explore the beauty of Japan that blends history and nature in a truly unforgettable way.

EXPERIENCES:

🗻 Marvel at the Majesty of Mount Fuji
Capture breathtaking views of Japan’s iconic peak

🥾 Walk the Historic Nakasendo Way
Trek between charming post towns in the Central Alps, following one of Japan’s most scenic Edo-period trade routes, surrounded by autumn foliage

🏡 Stay in Authentic Ryokan Inns
Experience warm Japanese hospitality in traditional ryokan inns and family-run guesthouses, savoring homemade regional cuisine and unwinding in soothing onsen hot springs

⛩️ Spiritual Retreat of Koyasan
Spend the night in a monastery, where the whispers of 1,200 years of history invite you to slow down. Participate in morning payer & fire ceremony and embrace the serenity of sacred mountain trails

👘 Step into Tradition in Kyoto
Dress in a beautiful kimono and wander through Kyoto’s historic zen temples and cobblestone streets, immersing yourself in the elegance of old Japan

🍣  Taste traditional Gastronomy
Indulge in Japan’s rich culinary heritage—taste the freshest sushi and savor the artistry of kaiseki dining served in ryokans

🎎 Enjoy an Exclusive Evening with a Geisha
Dine in the refined company of a Kyoto geisha, gaining a rare glimpse into this centuries-old cultural tradition

🚄 Master Japan’s Public Transportation with Ease
Travel seamlessly through Japan accompanied by a local guide—navigate the intricate train system stress-free, ride the world-famous Shinkansen bullet trains, and experience the joy of smooth, efficient travel

🎒 Travel Light, Explore Freely Enjoy the freedom of light-weight travel without the burden of heavy luggage. With luggage transfer services included, your bags will be safely delivered to your next destination, allowing you to move effortlessly through Japan’s scenic trails, historic streets, and bustling train stations

An Unforgettable Adventure Awaits! 🌟

✈️ Arrival to Tokyo, Departure from Osaka

💪🏽 Difficulty Level: Easty-Moderate, be prepared to walking a lot in the cities and rural areas

This trip is suitable for beginners. No high-altitude regions on this trip.
🍭 Kids welcome:  This trip is recommended for ages 12+, prior hiking and travel experience is required

The weather conditions will be pleasantly mild in early November. 

In Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the weather is typically cool, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), making it ideal for exploring the cities without the summer heat. These cities will be adorned with vibrant autumn colors by mid-November. 

For the Nakasendo Way, temperatures can be cooler, where the weather in late October to early November is crisp and fresh, ranging from 12°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F). This is ideal for hiking, as it offers a cool, invigorating atmosphere amidst the golden foliage. 

Koyasan, located in the mountains, experiences slightly cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 65°F) during this time, but the mild autumn conditions make it a wonderful time to visit, with the chance to witness stunning fall colors without the chill of winter. 

Overall, the weather across these regions in early November is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with a beautiful balance of crispness and comfort.

Dmitry, our journey leader in Japan, has a degree in Japanese Studies from Far East National University in Vladivostok, and Momoyama Gakuin University.

He speaks fluent Japanese. Inspired by the teachings of the Kukai monk, the founder of Shingon Buddhism, he completed the sacred pilgrimage to 88 temples on Shikoku Island, later trained at Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto, was ordained as a Buddhist monk, and now serves as deputy abbot of Nyogan-ji Temple in Osaka.

He is also a tea-master and practices Japanese calligraphy.

Dmitry is far from solemn, he is open-hearted, and has a fantastic sense of humor.

He brings both depth and lightness to the journey, offering an insider’s view of Japanese traditions and everyday life in Japan, all in an easy and engaging way.

Safarika Travel Inc. has been legally operating since 2013 in the state of California (US) as a registered Seller of Travel.

California Seller of Travel Registration: ID 2112795-40 

Consumer Protection Notice

Safarika Travel Inc. has successfully undergone a compliance review with the California Business & Professions Code conducted by the State of California in 2024

California residents may recover funds up to USD $5000 paid for travel services if, under certain circumstances, not provided by a registered travel seller.

Travel Consumer Restitution Fund ID #709454 

• Until the minimum group size of 8 travelers is reached, the registration deposit is fully refundable.

• Once the Organizer confirms the group and begins making payments and bookings for the actual travelers, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

• 90–45 days before departure: up to 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.

• 44–0 days before departure: up to 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.

If another participant takes your place—either someone you find or a traveler from our waiting list—your deposit and other payments may be partially refunded (the exact sum depends on the date of your written cancellation and any non-refundable expenses already incurred).

"Travel cancellation by any personal reason" insurance is recommended. Coverage for personal or medical reasons depends on the selected policy and should be purchased soon after registration from an insurance provider of your choice.

Morning: Meet at hotel lobby with guide. Kick off your Tokyo adventure with a guided exploration led by an expert in Japanese culture. We will explore some of Tokyo’s most iconic highlights, blending tradition and modernity.

Vibrant shopping streets and futuristic cityscapes, you’ll experience the city's unique contrasts. Shibuya crossing.

For lunch, we will make a stop at Toyosu fish market (lunch is not included)

In the evening, enjoy the immersive TeamLab museum, a mesmerizing digital art experience!

Return to hotel by public transportation (subway)

Overnight in hotel, Tokyo

Meet at the hotel with our local guide around 8AM, and board a charter bus.

A day of breathtaking landscapes awaits as we journey to Mount Fuji and its stunning surroundings. Start with the serene Lake Kawaguchiko, where Fuji’s reflection shimmers on the water. Climb 398 steps to the Chureito Pagoda for one of Japan’s most iconic views. Then, enjoy a scenic drive along the Ashinoko Skyline to capture postcard-perfect panoramas of Fuji and the Five Lakes region.

Visit traditional village Iyashino-sato to see local crafts and architecture.

After that, we will soak in the Fuji Yurari hot springs (admission is not included, Y1400 per person)

We return to Tokyo in the late evening, around 8PM.

Transport: Private charter bus
Meals included: Lunch buffet

Hotel 4* in Ginza, Tokyo

We set off on a three-day journey along the Nakasendo Trail, tracing the ancient route once traveled by samurai and merchants. 

We will walk between beautifully preserved rural post towns with wooden inns, cobbled streets, and rice paddies, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rural past.

Staying in traditional ryokans, we’ll experience warm hospitality and home-cooked meals. The trail is one of the most scenic hikes, called the Living Museum of Japan, and winds through forests, mountain passes, and quiet villages.

The service of luggage transfer is included on this route.

Daily hiking distances:

Day 3: Narai - Yabuhara route (~6-7km / ~4.5h moderate walk)

Day 4: Nojiri-Tsumago (~14km / 6-7h moderate walk)

Day 5: Tsumago- Magome (~8km / 3-4h moderate walk)

Expect uneven forest trail, gradually inclined about 1000 feet elevation gain.

Lodging:

Day 3 & 4: Traditional ryokans (private 2-person tatami rooms)

Day 5: Hotel in Kyoto

Meals included:

2 Breakfasts

2 packed lunches + 1 lunch at the local restaurant

2 Dinners served in ryokans

Today, we will dive into the timeless beauty of Kyoto, once Japan’s imperial capital and a city of exquisite architecture and profound spiritual heritage. 

Our full-day guided walk takes us through serene Zen rock gardens and ancient shrines, revealing the essence of Japan’s cultural heart. We’ll stroll beneath the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, where the mysterious fox statues guard the sacred pathways.

Adding to the experience, we’ll step back in time by wearing traditional kimonos and capturing stunning group photos in the historic setting of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

And the we will explore beutiful Nijo Castle and Nanzenji Temple. There will be enough time in the evening to explore the streets of the old quarter Gion on your own.

Tonight, we will enjoy a rare and intimate evening in the company of a geisha in one of the tea-houses of historic Gion.

Over dinner, we will have the opportunity to talk with her, ask questions, and learn about her life, training, and the traditions of Kyoto’s geisha districts.

The evening will also include traditional music and performance, creating a warm and personal cultural experience that goes far beyond simply watching a show.

Meals included:

Lunch-buffet in town

Dinner with geisha

Hotel in Kyoto

A journey into the serene world of Mount Koya, the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism. We will spend the night in a traditional Buddhist temple lodging (shukubo), experiencing the peaceful rhythm and sacred atmosphere of this revered pilgrimage destination. A night in Koyasan is more than just a stay—it’s a spiritual experience that leaves lasting memories.

We will explore the Koyasan temples and Okunoin Cemetery, where moss-covered stone monuments and towering cedar trees line the path to the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. After dark, the cemetery becomes even more magical, illuminated by hundreds of lanterns along its forested paths.

Our temple stay includes simple yet comfortable traditional rooms (2 ppl sharing), an ascetic vegetarian dinner prepared in the Buddhist tradition, and the opportunity to attend a morning service. Optional meditation and spiritual practices may also be available.

🙏 Gomakito (or Homa) fire ritual, performed to destroy negative energies, detrimental thoughts, and desires, and for the making of secular requests and blessings

🙏 Shakyo, hand copying the sutras as a form of meditation, can bring the practitioner peace of mind

🙏 Ajikan “watching or meditating on the character A,” which symbolizes the Cosmic Sun Buddha

The following morning, those who wish may join a scenic hike along an ancient pilgrimage trail through the forests surrounding Mount Koya.

Afterward, we continue to Osaka, arriving in the afternoon.

Lodging:

Day 7 - Shukubo at the monastery, private rooms with hot shower, onsen bath is available on site, too.

Day 8 - Hotel 4* in Osaka

In Osaka, we will step beyond the usual sightseeing for a more personal encounter with Japan’s living traditions. Our host is a Buddhist monk, calligraphy artist, and tea master who will welcome us to his temple and share how these practices are connected in everyday Japanese life.

Through conversation and hands-on experiences, we will try Japanese calligraphy, take part in a guided meditation, and discover the philosophy and subtle rituals behind Japanese tea culture.

For those interested, an optional ikebana workshop may also be arranged. In the evening, we will have free time to explore Osaka’s lively streets, food scene, and illuminated neighborhoods at our own pace.

Lodging: Hotel 4* in Osaka

Spend your final morning in Japan exploring the vibrant city of Osaka at your own pace and take a last stroll through its bustling streets, if time allows.

Departure back home from Osaka.

Meals - not included on this day