9 out-of-the-box ways to experience autumn in Japan

From wandering ancient streets to wandering forests, discover a new side to autumn in Japan.

Few nations enjoy such distinctive seasons as Japan, nor celebrate them more enthusiastically, and no season is more flamboyant than autumn. Summer heat and humidity is shaken off, glorious colours unfold across mountains and countryside, autumn festivals erupt, and maple-viewing parties are held in parks and temples. There couldn’t be a better time to enjoy Japan than October and November: here are nine incredible ways to do Japan in autumn with Wendy Wu Tours.

1. Do the ultimate autumn bucket-list tour

Haven’t been to Japan before? You’ll want the overview of this fascinating nation on Wendy Wu Tour’s fully inclusive Japan Uncovered itinerary, which takes in classics from the ancient capital of Kyoto to the perfection of snow-dusted Mt Fuji.

Reflect on the war in Hiroshima, visit a samurai castle in Himeji, explore the Japanese Alps, and revel in the buzz and bright lights of Tokyo. You’ll have wonderful cultural encounters too, such as a wasabi farm visit and a lesson in washi papermaking.

Wander the ancient streets of Kyoto. (Image: Sean Pavone)

2. Ride the famous bullet trains

Japan is a large nation, but you can take in all three main islands – Kyushu, Honshu and Hokkaido – in speed and style on Japan’s incredible shinkansen trains, which are a thrilling experience in themselves. Wendy Wu Tour’s Japan by Rail makes touring easy as you link cities such as Nagasaki, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and Sapporo in the far north. Lovely landscapes such as Miyajima Island, leafy temple town Nara and World Heritage village Shirakawago are all the prettier when decked in autumn hues.

Take in Japan’s autumn hues by train.

3. Stay in a ryokan or traditional inn

Japan’s throbbing cities are a thrill, but Japan has a more contemplative side, as you’ll discover at Koyasan mountain, one of Japan’s premier pilgrim destinations, dotted with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Experience staying in a thirteenth-century temple guesthouse run by monks, where you’ll enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian dinner before unrolling your traditional futon on tatami mats for a night’s tranquil sleep. And don’t worry: Wendy Wu Tour’s Off-Beat Japan takes you to big cities and Mt Fuji too.

Sleep in a traditional ryokan.

4. Explore mountain village, Shirakawago

You expect a leading tour specialist to provide expertise and insight, and that’s just what you get on Wendy Wu Tour’s Discover Japan, which takes you from exciting high-tech cities to delightful old towns such as Takayama. You’ll also discover UNESCO-listed Shirakawago village at just the right time, when larch, birch and katsura trees on surrounding hillsides burst into flaming colour. The village is notable for its unusual 250-year-old farmhouses, whose roofs are said to resemble a monk’s hands clasped in prayer.

Discover UNESCO-listed Shirakawago village.

5. Get up close to Fuji and its five lakes

The perfect cone of solitary Mt Fuji is one of the great sights of Japan, but did you know it’s surrounded by five lakes created by the runoff from its flanks? On Wendy Wu Tour’s Jewels of Japan you’ll be entranced by the scenery, to which autumn only adds extra colour and clarity as you attempt to capture photos of Mt Fuji’s reflections. This fully inclusive tour also takes in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and the magnificent Himeji Castle.

See the lakes of Mt Fuji and surrounding autumn foliage.

6. Be entranced by Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

All your senses are engaged in Japan, not least hearing as bullet trains whoosh, pachinko parlours clank and monks chant. Then there’s the rustling of bamboo at Arashiyama in Kyoto, considered one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan. The sight of bamboo-filtered sun is wonderful, too. Although the bamboo doesn’t change colour, the surrounding hills are outrageously splattered in orange and red. Enjoy the spectacle on Wendy Wu Tour’s Experience Japan, which takes you between Osaka and Tokyo.

See the filtered sun through Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. (Image: Filippo Bacci)

7. Walk through Hell Valley

Plenty of splendid sights unfold on a grand journey between Sapporo and Osaka, from the fortified town of Hakodate to the samurai stronghold Kakunodate and the pine-topped islands of Matsushima Bays. But perhaps the most unusual sight is the volcanic caldera at Jigokudani or Hell Valley near Noboribetsu, where steam hisses, hot springs bubble and volcanic minerals splatter the rocks with vivid colours to match the autumn trees. See it on Wendy Wu Tour’s Journey through Japan, and get your camera clicking.

Explore the volcanic lands Hell Valley. (Image: Chunyip Wong)

8. Meet and greet with the deer in Nara

On Wendy Wu Tour’s A Week in Japan you’ll hit the highlights of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka but still have time to take in Mt Fuji and Nara. The latter was Japan’s capital in ancient times, and a lovely spot of venerable culture whose wooden temples nestle on hillsides of red maple, yellow ginko and orange zelkova trees. Nara is also renowned for its sika deer, considered messengers of Shinto gods. The deer roam the streets for an endearing up-close encounter.

Spend time with Nara’s famous residents.

9. Have a two-country adventure

Since you’re in the neighbourhood, why not embark on Wendy Wu Tour’s Ancient Empires of China & Japan and see the best of both extraordinary nations on one journey? You’ll not only see the big-ticket destinations of Japan but the great icons of China too, from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, the mushrooming city of Shanghai to the glorious karst landscapes of rural Guilin. And yes, China experiences a fine autumn as well. Wonderful.

For more information and to start planning, visit wendywutours.com.au.