Meeting with the guide, Tokyo city tour:

• Stroll through the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, a favorite spot for autumn enthusiasts in Tokyo. Learn about the world's oldest imperial dynasty.

• Explore the historic Asakusa district, preserving the Edo period ambiance until 1868. Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, symbolizing this neighborhood. Its five-story pagoda is among the most photographed landmarks in the city. Starting from the impressive Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) with a giant red lantern and guardian deity statues on both sides, Nakamise Street is lined with local souvenir shops and diverse street food stalls. Ice cream lovers shouldn't miss the shop offering over 10 types of green tea ice cream of varying intensity! The second gate is located directly next to the temple. Asakusa also offers the opportunity to take a rickshaw ride.

• Explore the business district of Shinjuku, home to the offices of leading corporations and one of the main business centers in the country. Among these skyscrapers is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with an observation deck at 202 meters. Clear sunny days, abundant in November, offer breathtaking views of the Japanese capital and even Mount Fuji.

• Amidst these concrete jungles lies one of the main parks attracting residents and guests during the autumn marathon – Shinjuku Gyoen. Its three sections – Japanese garden, English landscape park, and French formal garden – showcase the vibrant colors of various trees in their autumn attire. Fans of momiji (red maples) are particularly drawn to the "Maple Mountain."

Return to the hotel and rest.

Hotel Check-out. Transfer to Tokyo Station.

Approximately 09:20: Take a high-speed Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Kanazawa (approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes).

Kanazawa is located on the west coast of Honshu Island, along the Sea of Japan. Historically, Kanazawa played a significant role during the feudal Edo period (1603-1868). The city was under the rule of the Maeda clan, the second most powerful clan after the dominant Tokugawa. Kanazawa actively developed the arts, making it a rival to both imperial Kyoto and shogunate Edo (modern-day Tokyo). The city has preserved its historical heritage.

• Explore Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. As you stroll along its paths, you'll feel like a feudal lord, appreciating the artistry of the gardeners.

• Adjacent to the garden is Kanazawa Castle. A brief external tour will provide insights into samurai fortifications and defense principles.

• Visit Omicho Market, often called the "kitchen of Kanazawa." Here, you can taste the freshest gifts from the Sea of Japan. It's also an opportunity to witness the variety of the best seasonal products, not only fish but also other traditional items sourced from across the country.

• Take a walk through one of the entertainment districts, Higashi Chaya or Nishi Chaya. These districts are known for their teahouses, some dating back to the feudal period. You can visit preserved tea establishments and shops with handmade goods. Among the shops in Higashi Chaya is one offering items made of gold leaf, a craft that Kanazawa has excelled in for centuries. You might even get a glimpse of a tea room entirely decorated in gold.

Transfer to Kaga Onsen, a hot spring town, approximately 1 hour away. Check-in at a ryokan – a traditional Japanese inn with hot springs.

Dinner at the ryokan. Relaxation in the hot springs.

Hotel Check-out. Meeting with the guide.

Embark on a walking tour through the resort town and the nearby Kakusenkei Gorge. The hot springs in this area were discovered over 1300 years ago by monks on pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Hakusan. The nature of these places leaves a lasting impression on visitors and inspired the renowned haiku poet Matsuo Basho. The Basho Path, the zigzag Ayatori Bridge designed by an ikebana master – these are all delightful stops along the natural route. Kaga also upholds various crafts for which the prefecture has been known for centuries. Optionally, visit the studios of local masters practicing wood carving, ceramic pottery, lacquerware production, and tatami weaving. The artisans will share insights into their craft, many of them being skilled craftsmen from generations. Almost everywhere, you can try your hand at crafting something yourself.

Transfer to Kanazawa by train, approximately 1 hour.

By the way, Kanazawa Station is an architectural gem and was recognized in 2011 as one of the 14 most beautiful railway stations globally by Travel & Leisure, one of the world's most widely read travel magazines. It seamlessly combines modernity with Kanazawa's deep-rooted traditions.

Around 17:00: Take a high-speed train to Kyoto (2 hours and 15 minutes) without an accompanying guide.

Arrival in Kyoto. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in. Rest.

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Dedicated to the Shinto deity of rice, Inari, which is believed to patronize business and trade. The shrine is renowned for its corridors of red torii gates, numbering around 5,000, donated by worshipers. The paths gradually lead to the top of the sacred Mount Inari, surrounded by forests and small landscaped gardens. The place is extremely popular among both foreign and Japanese tourists, featuring torii gates with the names of donors, including those from globally recognized Japanese corporations.
• Buddhist Temple with Autumn Foliage: Nestled on the slopes of the western mountains of Kyoto, this multi-tiered temple complex boasts multiple platforms offering breathtaking views of Kyoto framed by the vivid red leaves of Japanese maples. Founded in the 11th century, the temple is part of a pilgrimage route connecting Kansai temples dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion. Pilgrims in white attire and straw hats are often seen here.
• Gion Corner Theatre: An introduction to the essential arts mastered by geishas. This romanticized profession has been preserved in Japan for centuries. Geishas, the companions for delightful evenings in teahouses, are skilled in flower arranging, playing traditional musical instruments, and the art of the tea ceremony. The highlight is the Kyo-mai dance performed by maikos, apprentice geishas. In the maiko gallery, one can closely examine the clothing and hair ornaments of these young performers.
• Gion District Stroll: A walk through the most famous geisha district in Kyoto, Gion. Preserving the spirit of the Edo period (17th-19th centuries), the quarter is home to teahouses and renowned restaurants.

• Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion): A iconic landmark of Kyoto, originally built as a villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century. Following his death, it was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The elegant three-story pavilion is covered in gold leaf, and its reflection in the surrounding pond creates one of the most beautiful autumn scenes in the ancient capital.
• Ryoan-ji Temple with Zen Garden: Located near Kinkaku-ji, this Zen Buddhist temple is renowned for its rock garden. Alongside Kinkaku-ji, it is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto. The dry landscape garden is considered one of the best traditional rock gardens in Japan. The deliberate arrangement of rocks, always hiding one from view, poses a philosophical puzzle that captivates visitors and believers alike.
• Arashiyama District: Situated at the base of the western mountains of Kyoto, Arashiyama is especially popular during the momiji season. Starting our descent to the river from the 8th-century Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, we explore the revitalized temple grounds adorned with over 1,000 sculptures of arhats, disciples of Buddha. The mysterious atmosphere is enhanced by the moss covering the sculptures.
• Saga Toriimoto Traditional Street: A stroll through this historic street lined with houses featuring thatched roofs, shops specializing in traditional crafts, and rickshaws leads us to quaint ancient temples that are particularly enchanting during the late November season of red maple leaves.
• Enrian Temple: Open for a month for the Japanese tradition of momijigari, or admiring red maple leaves. Reputed to have the most vibrant red leaves in Japan, it is accessible from November 1st to December 7th.
• Gio-ji Temple: In stark contrast, this temple is known as the greenest temple in Japan, with an abundance of moss. Maple trees within the temple grounds drop their fiery and yellow leaves onto a carpet of moss, creating a truly magical scene.
• Bamboo Grove: The tour takes us to the famous bamboo grove, emphasizing how popular Arashiyama is among tourists worldwide. This part of the journey encourages a greater appreciation for less-traveled paths through temple grounds.
• Togezukyo Bridge: The tour concludes on Togezukyo Bridge, offering a breathtaking view of the autumn mountains and the Hozu River. It's a visual feast for the eyes!

• Check-out from the hotel. Transfer to Kyoto Station. Travel on the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo (~2 hours 15 minutes) without assistance. Trains run every 15-30 minutes.
• Arrival in Tokyo. Transfer to the hotel. Check-in at hotels from 3:00 PM. Guaranteed early check-in incurs a 100% room night cost.
• Several ideas for spending an autumn day in Tokyo:
• On the shores of Tokyo Bay, surrounded by skyscrapers in the Shiodome district, lies Hamarikyu Park. This extensive landscaped park has a long history and is particularly attractive with autumn colors. The park's ponds and channels are filled from the bay, causing water levels to change with the tides. In a tea house, you can try Japanese matcha tea.
• Not far from the park is the famous Ginza district. It's a shopping paradise ranging from popular brands like Uniqlo and department stores with diverse goods to boutiques of global fashion brands. Ginza is one of Tokyo's oldest districts, located in the heart of the city. It features excellent restaurants catering to all tastes, from the oldest noodle shops in the city to Michelin-starred establishments. The Kabuki-za theater is also located here.
• Alternatively, explore the shops in the modern architecture area of Omotesando. Prada, Dior, Burberry, and other global brands have headquarters in buildings that captivate even those unrelated to architecture. If you're interested in trendy youth culture, head to Cat Street nearby. Here, you'll find stylish stores, fashionable cafes, and Tokyo's unique youth scene. For an autumn mood, visit Icho Namiki – Ginkgo Avenue just a 10-minute drive away. Along the avenue, neatly trimmed cone-shaped ginkgo trees turn into bright yellow candles at the end of November. It's a pleasant place for a stroll or to sit in one of the street cafes.
• Art enthusiasts will be drawn to various museums in the Japanese capital.
• Here's a basic list:
• Nezu Museum – a private collection of art objects from Japan and other East Asian countries.
• Yayoi Kusama Museum – the private museum of the world-renowned artist. Exhibitions change 3-4 times a year, and advance electronic ticket purchase is required. It is immensely popular.
• National Art Center – exhibition spaces hosting the most famous and fashionable local and international exhibitions.
• Tokyo National Museum – Japan's oldest and largest museum. It houses a vast collection of Japanese art objects, national treasures, or those with significant cultural value.

• Meeting with the guide. Journey to the sacred Mount Takao by car.
• The first stop (~30 minutes drive) is at the temple dedicated to Maneki-neko. It is believed that the tradition of Maneki-neko, the beckoning cat, originated in this Buddhist temple. The image of this sitting cat with its right paw raised is popular worldwide, especially among cat enthusiasts. You will learn legends associated with this temple and see thousands of cat figurines, ranging from tiny to life-size. All of these are offerings from believers. You can also ask the gods for luck by buying a Maneki-neko from the local shop and adding it to the cat ranks. Take a couple of cats home for luck for yourself and your loved ones.
• Transfer to Mount Takao-san ~1 hour. Mount Takao-san is one of the favorite places for admiring autumn leaves among the residents of the Japanese capital. The season here usually lasts from mid to late November.
• The mountain attracts tourists year-round. It even made it into the Guinness World Records as the "most visited mountain in the world." The Michelin guide awarded this place the maximum three stars, adding even more popularity to Takao, not only in Japan but also among foreign tourists. You can hike up on foot or shorten the walk a bit using the cable car and lifts. From the top, you'll have a breathtaking view of the autumn-colored slopes and Tokyo. On clear days, you can even admire Mount Fuji from here.
• For over 1000 years, Mount Takao has been a place of worship. In the Yakuo-in temple complex, founded in the 8th century, travelers stop to seek protection and luck from the mountain deities Tengu. Tengu are long-nosed demons in the form of towering men with red faces, long noses, and wings. They are believed to be messengers of gods and Buddhas, summoned to punish evil and protect the good. On the grounds of this temple, there are two Tengu statues, one with a beak and the other with a long nose. Tengu figures can also be found in other places on the mountain.
• In the wildflower garden along one of the several trekking routes on Mount Takao, about 300 species of various plants grow. In autumn, the garden attracts with trees colored in red and yellow.
• Lunch at the Ukaitei Toriyama restaurant (part of the luxurious Ukai restaurant chain).
• The restaurant is located at the foot of the mountain. Surrounded by a cozy Japanese garden, several traditional houses with thatched roofs are situated. Private tatami rooms overlook the seasonally changing landscape. The cuisine features grilled dishes (beef, chicken, fish).
• Return to the hotel.

• Transfer to the airport and departure.