Autumn in Japan is full of richly coloured gardens and landscapes. We will take you to 'Master' gardens to appreciate exquisite design. Share ancient traditions on this journey; it's more than a holiday, it's the total Japanese experience.

DAY 1  SUN 10 NOV

HOME to TOKYO

Meet your Ross Tours' representative at Sydney International Airport for your evening flight to Tokyo. 

DAY 2  MON 11 NOV

Shinjuku Gyoen Chrysanthemum Festival

Early morning arrival into Tokyo. Early check in to your hotel. This afternoon visit the stunning chrysanthemum exhibition at Shinjuku Gyoen. Welcome dinner tonight.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 3  TUE 12 NOV

Rikugien Garden

Visit one of Japan's most famous strolling gardens to understand the elements of Japanese garden design. The forest of flaming maples along the river will set the scene. Return to your hotel with a free afternoon.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 4  WED 13 NOV

Tokyo to Nikko

Travel to Nikko today with a stop at Omiya Bonsai Village, home to the finest bonsai in Japan. Next stop is the Imperial Villa at Nikko, a fascinating tribute to Japanese architecture and history. Visit Kanaya Samurai House this afternoon. Check into the historic Nikko Kanaya Hotel for two nights. Dinner tonight at the hotel.

Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

DAY 5  THU 14 NOV

Nikko

Visit the World Heritage listed Toshogu Shrine and Rinnoji Temple today with a photo stop at the red lacquered Shinkyo (Sacred Bridge), UNESCO heritage listed with design dating to 1636; it spans the Daiya River. Dinner included tonight.

Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

DAY 6  FRI 15 NOV

Nikko to Kanazawa

Travel by bullet train across the spine of Honshu from Nikko to Kanazawa.Visit Nomura Samurai House. Check into the Nikko Hotel for 2 nights.

Nikko Hotel, Kanazawa

DAY 7  SAT 16 NOV

Kanazawa

Graham's all time favourite garden today, Kenrokuen, one of Japan's finest! Lunch included. Free afternoon to check out Kanazawa's famous Kutani porcelain.

Nikko Hotel, Kanazawa

DAY 8  SUN 17 NOV

Kanazawa to Awazu

Travel into the mountains today to UNESCO listed Shirakawa-go Village with their Gassho-style houses that subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan with bath house (onsen). Make time for a relaxing bath before dinner which is included tonight.

Tsujinoya Hananosho, Awazu

DAY 9  MON 18 NOV

Awazu to Kyoto

Train to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, and a treasure-trove of temples, shrines, palaces and gardens. First stop is Nijo Castle, once home to the Tokagawa Shogun. You will never forget the dining experience this evening, a traditional banquet overlooking an ancient garden and villa, and entertained by a refined and gracious Geisha.

Hotel Okura, Kyoto

DAY 10  TUE 19 NOV

Hakusa Sonso Garden

First stop this morning is the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji 1489), now a Zen Temple with discerning complex of pavilions, moss garden, dry sand garden, ponds, islands and bridges. Tea ceremony is next, done in style at Hakusa Sonso; a villa, garden and museum created by the painter Hashimoto Kansetsu. Refined and expansive, this garden is considered Hashimoto’s finest work. Traditional Japanese lunch is included.

Hotel Okura, Kyoto

DAY 11  WED 20 NOV

Kinkakuji  & Ryoanji temple

Admire the reflection at Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Zen Temple covered in gold leaf. Ryoanji Temple is next, from the 15th century, famous for its Zen rock garden with enigmatic arrangement of stones. Traditional Shabu Shabu dinner within another flawless Japanese garden.

Hotel Okura, Kyoto

DAY 12  THU 21 NOV

Kyoto to Nagoya

Travel to Nagoya by train. Morning visit to Nagoya Castle with its gold dolphins, the symbol of the city. The Honmaru Palace is a magnificent mix of architecture and art works. Spectacular chrysanthemums are a bonus! Late afternoon visit to Nabana no Sato, a flower park with a twist. Dinner included, then experience the spectacular light illuminations.

Marriott Hotel, Nagoya

DAY 13  FRI 22 NOV

Nagoya to Tokyo 

The Shinkansen to Tokyo this morning, passing Mt Fuji. After a guided city tour, check back into the New Otani Hotel. Farewell dinner tonight at the hotel.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 14  SAT 23 NOV

Tokyo to Home 

Day at leisure. Late check-out is included. Evening transfer to Haneda airport.

DAY 15  SUN 24 NOV

Arrive home