Kyoto, When the Maples Turn
A week in Japan's old capital when its temple gardens turn red and gold — unhurried, and timed to be ahead of the crowds.
- Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari before the crowds
- The autumn gardens of Tōfuku-ji and Sanzen-in
- A private tea ceremony
- Sake tasting in Fushimi
- A day in Nara with Tōdai-ji and its great Buddha
- Two nights at a traditional ryokan
Overview
For a few weeks each November, Kyoto's maples turn, and its gardens become some of the most beautiful places on earth. They also become some of the busiest. This journey is planned around that: early starts at the best-known temples, quieter gardens in the afternoons, and a base in the heart of the city.
Alongside the temples come the rituals and tables that make Kyoto what it is — a private tea ceremony, sake in the Fushimi brewing district, and the last two nights at a traditional ryokan with kaiseki dinners.
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrival
Met at Kansai International Airport and driven to Kyoto. An evening to settle in, and a welcome dinner.
Overnight · Boutique hotel, central Kyoto - Day 2
Higashiyama
Early at Kiyomizu-dera, then the old lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka and the gardens of Kōdai-ji. An evening walk through Gion.
Overnight · Boutique hotel, central Kyoto - Day 3
Arashiyama
The bamboo grove at first light and the garden of Tenryū-ji, then a riverside lunch. In the afternoon, a private tea ceremony.
Overnight · Boutique hotel, central Kyoto - Day 4
Fushimi and Tōfuku-ji
The torii paths of Fushimi Inari in the early morning, then Tōfuku-ji, one of Kyoto's most celebrated places for autumn colour. Sake tasting in the Fushimi brewing district.
Overnight · Boutique hotel, central Kyoto - Day 5
Nara
A day in Nara: Tōdai-ji and its great bronze Buddha, the lantern paths of Kasuga Taisha, and the deer of Nara Park.
Overnight · Boutique hotel, central Kyoto - Day 6
Golden Pavilion and the ryokan
Kinkaku-ji and the rock garden of Ryōan-ji. Time for Nishiki Market, then on to a traditional ryokan for a kaiseki dinner.
Overnight · Traditional ryokan - Day 7
Ōhara
The mountain village of Ōhara and the moss gardens of Sanzen-in in autumn colour. A final kaiseki dinner.
Overnight · Traditional ryokan - Day 8
Departure
Breakfast and a private transfer to Kansai International Airport.
A sample itinerary. The order of days may change with local calendars, weather and opening times; the final itinerary is confirmed before you travel.
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