Ryuko Japan Transfer
A 5-day private charter tour during Japan’s autumn foliage season, exploring Shiga’s Koto Sanzan, Kyorinbo Temple, and Metasequoia Avenue, followed by autumn foliage highlights in Kyoto and Arima Onsen. Departures are available from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya for a comfortable journey through Japan’s hidden autumn gems.
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The Highlight
🍁 Japan’s Once-a-Year Autumn Foliage Season — Capture the Most Beautiful Colors of Autumn in One Journey
🏯 Discover Shiga’s Hidden Autumn Gems Explore renowned foliage spots such as Koto Sanzan and Kyorinbo Temple. Surrounded by ancient temples, traditional gardens, and mountains covered in brilliant autumn colors, experience a side of Japan far removed from the usual crowded tourist areas.
🌲 Travel Through the Dreamlike Metasequoia Avenue The long, straight rows of metasequoia trees turn golden yellow and orange-red in autumn. As you travel along this beautiful tree-lined road, every stretch feels like a scene from an autumn movie.
🍂 Hidden Shiga × Autumn Kyoto × Arima Onsen This journey is about more than chasing autumn leaves. Historic Kyoto, lakeside scenery, hidden temples, and a traditional hot-spring town come together to create a complete Japanese autumn experience.
🚘 5-Day Private Vehicle — Travel at Your Own Pace No group tours and no rushing for trains. Stay longer at places you love and leave plenty of time for autumn foliage, leisurely walks, and photography.
✨ Depart from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya Choose your departure point and final drop-off location according to your travel plans, making this autumn journey easy to incorporate into your Japan itinerary.
🏨 Recommended Accommodation
Night 1｜Okubiwako Makino Grand Park Hotel Night 2｜Biwako Hanakaido Night 3｜Kyoto Brighton Hotel Night 4｜Tosen Goshobo
※ The above hotels are recommendations only. Accommodation costs are not included in the private charter fee. Please make your own reservation according to your preferences and actual room availability.
The Experience
🍁 Chase Japan’s Most Beautiful Autumn
Some journeys are about checking places off a list. Others are worth taking because that special season comes only once a year.
When the mountains and forests turn red, orange, and gold, we dedicate five unforgettable days to Japan’s autumn.
From ancient temples hidden in the forests of Shiga and the stunning Metasequoia Avenue, the journey continues into Kyoto before ending with a relaxing stay at Arima Onsen.
This is not a trip about rushing from one attraction to another.
With your own private vehicle, we want you to slow down—stop when you discover beautiful autumn scenery, stay a little longer at places you love, and truly enjoy the colors that make this season so special.
🍁 DAY 1｜Step Into the Autumn World of Koto Sanzan
Depart from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya and travel to the Koto area of Shiga.
Ancient temples, stone steps, moss-covered gardens, and mountain forests are transformed by brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold.
Koto Sanzan and Kyorinbo Temple set the perfect beginning to five days immersed in the beauty of autumn in Japan.
🏨 DAY 1｜Recommended Stay｜Shiga・Makino Area
Top Choice｜Okubiwako Makino Grand Park Hotel
Why stay here: Get an early start the next morning and enjoy Metasequoia Avenue before the crowds arrive. 🍁
Walk beneath the golden and orange-red trees in the soft morning light and enjoy one of the quietest and most beautiful moments of the day.
🌲 DAY 2｜Drive Into Autumn Along Metasequoia Avenue
On the second day, discover autumn from a different perspective.
The perfectly straight Metasequoia Avenue gradually turns from green to golden yellow and warm orange-red as autumn deepens. Travel through forests and along the lakeside without rushing—because sometimes, the road itself is part of the journey.
When you find a view you love, simply stop, take a walk, and capture the moment.
🏨 DAY 2｜Recommended Stay｜Lake Biwa・Ogoto Onsen
Top Choice｜Biwako Hanakaido
Why stay here: After a day surrounded by Lake Biwa’s autumn colors, reward yourself with a relaxing night at an onsen. ♨️
Unwind in this lakeside hot-spring town after a full day of autumn sightseeing. Soak in a warm bath and enjoy Japanese cuisine, adding a classic onsen experience to your autumn journey.
🍂 DAY 3｜From Shiga’s Autumn Mountains to Kyoto
Say goodbye to Shiga as the journey gradually moves toward Kyoto.
Temples, gardens, historic streets, and autumn foliage come together to reveal Kyoto in some of its most beautiful colors of the year.
With a private vehicle throughout the day, there is no need to worry about transfers or carrying luggage between trains. More of your time can simply be spent enjoying autumn in Kyoto.
🏨 DAY 3｜Recommended Stay｜Kyoto
Top Choice｜Kyoto Brighton Hotel
Why stay here: Stay in Kyoto and let the ancient capital become part of your autumn evening. 🍁
After a day exploring the autumn colors of northern Kyoto, there is no need to hurry away. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the city and prepare for another beautiful day among the autumn foliage of western Kyoto.
♨️ DAY 4｜After Kyoto’s Autumn Colors, Relax in Arima Onsen
After several days surrounded by autumn foliage, it is time to slow the journey down.
Travel from Kyoto to Arima Onsen. Stroll through the historic hot-spring town, enjoy a cup of coffee, discover a small shop you like, or simply return to your ryokan early and spend the afternoon soaking in the onsen.
A great journey does not need to fill every minute with sightseeing. Sometimes, simply feeling comfortable and relaxed is part of the experience.
🏨 DAY 4｜Recommended Stay｜Arima Onsen
Top Choice｜Tosen Goshobo
Why stay here: After admiring the autumn leaves, soak in one of Japan’s celebrated hot springs and make Arima Onsen part of the journey itself. ♨️🍁
Arima is more than just a place to spend the night. Wander through the historic streets, enjoy the atmosphere of the hot-spring town, and relax in a soothing Japanese onsen. The following morning, continue to Zuihoji Park to enjoy one of Arima’s most representative autumn landscapes.
🍁 DAY 5｜Take the Memories of Autumn With You
There is no need to rush on the final day.
Enjoy breakfast and depart at a leisurely pace, with stops along the way arranged according to your final destination and the time available.
Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya can all be the final destination of your journey.
After five days of mountains, ancient temples, Metasequoia Avenue, Kyoto, and hot springs, place your luggage back in the vehicle—and take home the unforgettable colors of Japan’s autumn.
✨ Want to Experience Just Part of the Journey?
If you love this itinerary but do not have five full days, you may also choose to experience just one day or part of the itinerary.
For a one-day private charter or partial itinerary, please contact us for arrangements.
Guide Services
Languages Spoken by Guides
- Mandarin Chinese
- Japanese
Itinerary
- 00:00DAY 1｜Step Into Japan’s Hidden Autumn Wonderland 🍁
- Your private vehicle will pick you up at your designated location to begin your 5-day journey through Japan’s hidden autumn gems. As you leave the city behind, the scenery gradually transforms into a beautiful late-autumn landscape of mountains, forests, and countryside.
- A hidden autumn foliage gem nestled in the mountains of Shiga. Historic architecture, stone gardens, and brilliant maple leaves create a beautiful harmony, offering a quieter and more peaceful way to experience autumn in Japan away from the crowds.
- It’s not just about the destination—the journey itself is part of the experience. Mountains and forests painted in shades of red, orange, and gold immerse you in Japan’s late-autumn beauty from the very first day.
- DAY 2｜Travel Through the Golden Metasequoia Avenue Hundreds of metasequoia trees line both sides of this long, straight road. In late autumn, the leaves gradually change from golden yellow to warm orange-red, creating a spectacular tree-lined avenue with incredible depth—one of Shiga’s most iconic seasonal landscapes.
- Travel along the shores of Lake Biwa, with views of the lake, mountains, forests, and autumn countryside unfolding outside your window. A private charter is not only about reaching each destination—it makes the journey itself part of the travel experience.
- Step into an ancient temple nestled among the mountains and enjoy a leisurely walk surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage and traditional temple architecture. Compared with more crowded autumn foliage spots, this peaceful and timeless setting is perfect for slowly experiencing the atmosphere of a Japanese temple in autumn.
- Located at the foot of Mount Hiei, Saikyoji Temple is surrounded by brilliant autumn foliage, with its historic temple buildings, stone steps, and approach framed by shades of red, orange, and gold. The temple also has deep historical ties to Akechi Mitsuhide, allowing visitors to enjoy the autumn colors while discovering the history and temple culture of the Omi region.
- DAY 3｜Ride the Eizan Railway Into the Hidden Autumn Beauty of Northern Kyoto 🍁 Take the Eizan Railway into the mountains of northern Kyoto and travel through the famous “Maple Tunnel.” Get off at Kibuneguchi Station, where your private vehicle will pick you up and continue to Rurikoin Temple to admire its iconic garden and stunning autumn reflections. Then visit the tranquil Rengeji Temple, Sekizan Zen-in Temple, and Manshuin Temple.
- Rengeji Temple｜Autumn Colors of Northern Kyoto Framed from the Shoin 🍁 Located not far from Rurikoin Temple, Rengeji is a tranquil ancient temple in northern Kyoto, perfect for quiet appreciation. Looking out from the shoin toward the pond garden, the moss, stone lanterns, old trees, and autumn foliage naturally form a picturesque framed view. Compared with the famous and brilliant autumn reflections of Rurikoin, Rengeji offers a quieter and more understated atmosphere, allowing you to experience the peaceful charm of an ancient Kyoto temple in late autumn.
- Manshuin Temple｜A Tranquil Ancient Temple in Autumn Manshuin is a particularly peaceful temple in northern Kyoto. In late autumn, the maple leaves gradually turn shades of red, orange, and gold, surrounding the historic buildings, stone steps, and gardens with elegant seasonal colors. Compared with more popular autumn foliage spots, Manshuin offers a quieter atmosphere where you can slow down and enjoy the beauty of autumn among Kyoto’s historic temple gardens.
- DAY 4｜Yanagidani Kannon Yokokuji Temple, Kyoto｜Late-Autumn Foliage in Kyoto’s Nishiyama Area Yokokuji Temple is an ancient mountain temple nestled deep in Kyoto’s Nishiyama area, far from the bustle of the city. In late autumn, its maple trees turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, beautifully complementing the historic temple buildings, stone steps, and gardens. It is also one of Kyoto’s notable late-season autumn foliage spots, perfect for slowly enjoying the colors of autumn in a peaceful mountain setting.
- Komyoji Temple｜Maple-Lined Approach Step into Komyoji Temple and stroll slowly along its approach surrounded by autumn foliage. In late autumn, the maple leaves turn from golden orange to deep red, while fallen leaves cover the stone steps and pathways, creating one of Komyoji Temple’s most iconic seasonal scenes. The temple architecture blends beautifully with layers of colorful maple leaves. The famous “Maple Approach” is especially perfect for a leisurely walk and photography, allowing you to experience the peaceful yet richly colored autumn atmosphere of Kyoto’s Nishiyama area.
- Arima Onsen｜Spend an Autumn Night at One of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs For tonight, we recommend staying in Arima Onsen. Not only is it one of Japan’s Three Great Hot Springs, but in late autumn, the area is also surrounded by beautiful seasonal foliage. After a full day of autumn sightseeing, take a leisurely stroll through the charming historic hot-spring town and enjoy Arima’s unique autumn atmosphere among its narrow lanes, old streets, and colorful leaves. In the evening, return to your ryokan and relax in a soothing hot spring, letting the day’s fatigue slowly melt away.
- From hidden autumn foliage gems by day to a soothing hot spring at night, experience the beauty of autumn in Japan in the most relaxing way.
- Zuihoji Park｜Arima Onsen’s Hidden Autumn Foliage Gem 🍁 Start the morning from Arima Onsen and step into Zuihoji Park, one of Arima’s best-known autumn foliage spots. In late autumn, layers of maple leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, while stone steps, ancient trees, and fallen leaves create a rich seasonal atmosphere. Compared with Kyoto’s more crowded autumn foliage destinations, this is a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy a peaceful morning walk in the hot-spring town. After a relaxing night in the onsen, step into the maple forest in the gentle morning light and begin Day 5 at the most comfortable pace.
- From Arima’s Autumn Colors Into a Mountain World of Art After enjoying the autumn foliage at Zuihoji Park, your private vehicle will take you directly to MIHO MUSEUM, nestled in the mountains of Shiga. On Day 5, we intentionally keep stops along the way to a minimum, leaving plenty of time to fully enjoy this remarkable museum. From the mountain road and tunnel to the suspension bridge and the architecture hidden among the hills, the journey to MIHO MUSEUM is part of the experience itself.
- After several days of exploring ancient temples, gardens, and autumn foliage, experience Japan’s autumn from a different perspective on the final day—from nature into architecture, and from autumn colors into art, bringing this five-day foliage journey to a peaceful and memorable conclusion.
- After your visit to MIHO MUSEUM, your private vehicle will take you to your designated drop-off location, bringing this five-day journey through Japan’s hidden autumn gems to a beautiful conclusion. 🍁
Price Details
Add-on Items
How to Use
- Voucher will be sent via email. Please show your e-voucher at designated location.
Purchase Notice
🚘 Exclusive Private Charter Tour This is a 5-day private charter tour exclusively for your group, with no shared transportation with other guests, allowing for a more comfortable and flexible journey.
📍 Flexible Departure Points Depart from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nagoya. Your final drop-off location can also be arranged according to your onward travel plans.
🍁 Autumn Foliage Varies with Natural Conditions Peak autumn foliage varies each year depending on temperature and weather conditions. Based on the actual foliage conditions, we will assist in adjusting the sightseeing pace within a reasonable range.
🏨 Accommodation Arrangements Available Upon Request This product primarily provides private charter transportation, but we can also assist with accommodation, dining, and other arrangements upon request, making your multi-day journey easier and more convenient.
🗓️ Private Itinerary・Flexible Adjustments One of the greatest advantages of a private charter tour is the freedom to travel without following a fixed group itinerary. If you would like to add, remove, or replace certain attractions, please contact customer service after booking to confirm the requested adjustments.
📩 Only Need Part of the 5-Day Itinerary? If you only need one day or part of the itinerary, please contact us for details.
Important Booking Information
• This is a 5-day private charter tour. The actual sightseeing order and time spent at each attraction may be adjusted depending on the departure point, accommodation location, traffic conditions, weather, and guests’ needs.
• Autumn foliage in Japan is a natural phenomenon. Peak viewing periods and foliage colors vary each year depending on temperature, rainfall, wind, and other natural conditions. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that all attractions will be at their peak autumn colors during your travel dates.
• During the autumn foliage season, traffic congestion may occur around popular attractions and surrounding roads. The driver may adjust the sightseeing order and time spent at each location according to actual conditions to keep the overall itinerary running smoothly.
• In the event of temporary attraction closures, road restrictions, severe weather, traffic accidents, or other unforeseen circumstances, the sightseeing order may be adjusted or alternative attractions may be arranged according to the situation on the day.
• Some autumn foliage attractions include stone steps, slopes, gardens, and walking routes. Comfortable, non-slip footwear suitable for extended walking is recommended.
• If you would like to add, remove, or replace certain attractions, please contact customer service after booking. Any adjustments will be subject to driving distance, required travel time, road conditions, and the overall itinerary.
• The actual departure time each day can be confirmed with customer service according to your accommodation location and the day’s itinerary. Please depart at the agreed time to avoid affecting subsequent arrangements.
• Large luggage can be carried in the vehicle. However, passenger and luggage capacity varies by vehicle type. Please select a suitable vehicle according to the number of passengers and amount of luggage.
• If your group includes seniors, young children, large luggage, or has other requirements that may affect the choice of vehicle or itinerary arrangements, please provide the relevant information when booking so that arrangements can be made in advance.
• Attraction opening hours, special autumn viewing periods, nighttime illuminations, and seasonal events may change according to each facility’s annual announcements. Final arrangements will be based on the latest information available for your actual travel dates.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellation made at least 15 day(s) before departure date, will charge 2%
- Cancel during 8 ~ 14 day(s) of departure, will charge 10%
- Cancel during 4 ~ 7 day(s) of departure, will charge 50%
- Cancel during 1 ~ 3 day(s) of departure, will charge 80%
- Cancel on activities date, Non-refundable (0% refund)