Stay · Botanica World Journeys · 11 nights

Autumn Wonders of Japan: Gardens, Art & Culture

Escorted throughout by botanical guide Simon Rickard and expert tour manager
Enjoy 11 nights in centrally located four to five-star hotels
All sightseeing, entrance fees, transfers, tipping and 28 meals included

$16,395 pp twin share

$20,995 pp solo share

11 nights

Enquire

1/ 13

Osaka Castle , Japan

Tokyo

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo-Japan - Asakusa - Sensoji Skytree Twilight

Osaka Castle, Japan

Japan Temple Walkway

Japan Destinations

Japan Temple

Japan Street

Japan Tokyo Nature Park

Kyoto Traditional Temple

Osaka Port

Plum Blossoms

Departs 3 November 2026 Returns 13 November 2027

Duration11 nights

OperatorBotanica World Journeys

StyleStay

HighlightAn 11-night small-group journey through Japan's finest gardens and cultural cities, guided by celebrated botanist Simon Rickard amid autumn's fiery colours

Witness spectacular fall colours across historic gardens and landscapes. Explore Japan’s rich traditions, art, and heritage in iconic destinations. Admire serene landscapes designed for beauty in every season

“The approach to gardening in Japan is one of restraint, where balance is sought, and older trees are treated with reverence. Here, wabi-sabi is a poetic term which roughly translates to ‘the beauty of imperfection’. The season closest to the heart of this mercurial concept is autumn, when maple leaves fall in scarlet, orange and golden glory. Join me on Botanica’s tour of Japan, as we explore some of my favourite gardens during the height of the season’s spectacular colour.” - Simon Rickard, Botanical Guide

Highlights

In Kanazawa, enjoy the strolling-style landscape garden of Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s most beautiful.
Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, a World Heritage-listed site, known for its rock garden, considered one of the finest surviving in the world.
Gaze skyward at the towering stalks of bamboo within Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights.
Absorb the sights and sounds at one of Tokyo’s best-loved temples, located within Asakusa, Tokyo’s Old Town.
Travel with celebrity gardener Simon Rickard, who has a passion for Japan and its gardens.

$16,395

pp twin share

$20,995

pp solo share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

3 November 2026

Returns

13 November 2027

Duration

11 nights

From pp twin share

$16,395 pp

From pp solo cabin

$20,995 pp

Tour Departs Tokyo on 3 November 2026

from $16,395 per person twin share*
from $20,995 per person sole use*

*Please note that prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Tokyo
Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner to meet your fellow travellers and Guide.
2
Tokyo Sights, including Meiji Shrine, Nezu Museum, and Tokyo Tower
Visit Meiji Shrine, an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city, surrounded by over 100,000 trees displaying their beautiful autumn leaves. Afterwards, visit Nezu Museum, with its excellent collection of Japanese and East Asian art, hidden within a forest-like garden. After lunch, visit Kiyosumi Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden. Before dinner this evening, enjoy incredible views over Tokyo from the top of Tokyo Tower.
3
Nikko Autumn Leaves, Toshogu Shrine, Tamozawa Imperial Villa and Kirifuri Falls
Travel to the town of Nikko, the historical centre of Shinto and Buddhism, renowned for its spectacular autumn colours. Visit the Toshogu Shrine complex and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa. From here, we head to Kirifuri Falls, translating as ‘falling mist’, for spectacular views.
4
Asakusa, Senso-ji Temple and Kanazawa
Visit Asakusa, Tokyo’s Old Town, where you’re able to enjoy some time to shop. Afterwards, visit Senso-ji Temple before boarding a bullet train to Kanazawa.
5
Kanazawa, Omicho Market and Kenroku-en Garden
This morning, visit Omicho Market, home to more than 200 stalls. Then visit Kenroku-en Garden. Renowned for being one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, it is sure to be delightful during autumn. Afterwards, visit the Nomura Samurai House, a traditional Japanese home with a tea-ceremony room, an interior courtyard garden and artefacts from the Edo period.
6
Kanazawa to Kyoto, Uji, Byodo-in Temple
Travel via express train to Kyoto, which boasts many incredible gardens and is also the traditional home of the geisha. On arrival, travel to Uji, a picturesque town known for its superior green tea. While here, learn how to make a cup of green tea. Afterwards, visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose architecture and beautiful garden we admire.
7
Nara, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todai-ji Temple
Today, travel to the former capital of Nara to admire the imposing Todai-ji Temple, which was once the world’s largest wooden structure. At Nara Park, share the open green spaces with a large population of tame deer. From here, head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the Heian Shrine, whose garden represents those of the Meiji era. We round out our day with a visit to Ginkaku-ji Temple, the ‘Silver Pavilion’, whose beautiful moss garden is complemented by a unique dry sand garden.
8
Tenryu-ji Temple and Arashiyama, Ryoan-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji
This morning, visit the World Heritage-listed Tenryu-ji Temple, before heading to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which is unlike any other place in Japan. After lunch, admire Ryoan-ji Temple, a World Heritage-listed site known for its rock garden, which is considered to be one of the finest in the world. Travels then take to Kinkaku-ji, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’. Its top two floors, covered completely in gold leaf, render it resplendent. Tonight, enjoy a private dinner and a maiko (apprentice geisha) performance. Gain insight into the life of maiko and geisha during this unique experience.
9
Matsue Castle, Adachi Museum and Shimane
Travel by bullet train to Matsue to visit Matsue Castle, known as the ‘Black Castle’. It is one of only a few wooden medieval castles remaining in Japan today. A visit to the Adachi Museum of Art then proves an exciting experience. The museum’s picture-perfect garden is manicured and maintained to a breathtaking level by no fewer than seven highly skilled full-time gardeners. This is truly one of the most magnificent gardens in Japan.
10
Mount Daisen, Koraku-en and Okayama
Travel to Mount Daisen this morning and see the autumn leaves of the surrounding landscape before continuing to Okayama. The city’s famed Koraku-en is one of Japan’s most significant gardens – its name means ‘garden of pleasure after’.
11
Kurashiki Sightseeing, Ohashi House and Osaka
Make way to nearby Kurashiki today and visit its canal area, where find many traditional rice storehouses – the city was once a critical distribution point for the country’s most important commodity. At Ohashi House, see the former home of one of Japan’s wealthy merchant families. Afterwards, we are taken east by bullet train to Osaka, where enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.
12
Osaka
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport as your journey concludes.
*Please note the following itinerary is subject to change without notice.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Travel with a small group of 15-25 guests, escorted by expert Guide, Simon Rickard
Relax aboard a comfortable coach with an experienced and informative Tour Manager
Discover Japanese strolling gardens and Zen gardens in spectacular autumn colour
Visit Byodo-in Temple and learn how to make green tea. And admire the impressive golden Kinkaku-ji
Includes 11 nights’ accommodation in centrally located four-to five-star hotels, return private transfers from door to door, tipping and porterage, plus 28 meals and select beverages
All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Visit the world-famous gardens, Kenroku-en and Koraku-en, as well as the Japanese Zen garden, Ryoan-ji, with your Guide
Explore the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa and learn about their history and culture. Enjoy a maiko (apprentice geisha) performance over a private dinner.

Not included

Travel Insurance

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Three Nights: Tokyo, New Otani or similar
Two Nights: Kanazawa, Tokyu Hotel or similar
Three Nights: Kyoto, Tokyu Hotel or similar
Shimane, Matsue Excel Tokyu Hotel or similar
Okayama, ANA Crowne Plaza Okayama or similar
Osaka, Granvia Hotel or similar

Guest Room

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
Fitness rating: Medium
You need to be able to walk quickly to proceed through train stations, while there are no lifts at the stations. There are often steps leading to temples during some visits.
Group size: 15 to 25 guests
Some excursions may require a high level of mobility and fitness.
Our experience of gardens, their flora, and other aspects of nature, is subject to weather conditions and seasonality, which may vary
Travel by bullet train or private coach

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