November in Japan is the season of the main Japanese autumn symbol and landmark – the red maple leaf Momiji. The word Momiji is not just the name of the Japanese maple tree, but a whole palette of moods of this time of year. The dramatic transformation of fall foliage in Japan has made maples an iconic phenomenon of Japanese culture. In November, millions of Japanese people and visitors flock to gardens and parks to witness the fantastic spectacle. Red maple leaves are a popular seasonal symbol found everywhere at this time – in advertisements, serving dishes, clothing, jewelry, and patterns. Since ancient times, Japanese poets have argued about the superiority of sakura blossoms and the fiery maple extravaganza. Maples, like sakura, are fleeting. They, like sakura, run in a united front across the country from northeast to southwest, descending from the mountains to the valleys – directly opposite to the front of sakura blossoms. This is due to the geographical peculiarities of Japan: the country is stretched by a chain of mountain ranges for almost 3 thousand kilometers on the axis of northeast-southwest, and its forests are gradually changing their color from summer green to fiery red and yellow. The time to admire maples in Japanese is called Momiji-gari, the Hunt for Autumn Maple Leaves. There are a myriad of scenic spots celebrated for their fall scenery. Our tour specifically takes into account all these features. On this extraordinary journey, you will not only comprehend the full palette of Japan’s fiery momiji maples, but also learn about the country’s life, culture and unique traditions.
Day 1
Arrive to Tokyo
Meet and Greet
Evening street masterclass around night life of megapolis
Day 2-5
Transfer to Kyoto
Every day after breakfast, we head out to capture fall Kyoto. Buddhist temples of different schools, Arashiyama bamboo forest, “philosophers’ path”, Fushimi Inari shrine, as well as old authentic neighborhoods, parks, gardens and the imperial palace await us.
We will also be able to take a day trip to Kobe and Osaka. On one of the days, we will have a viewing and critique session.
Day 6
48 Akame Waterfalls
Nara-Todaiji Temple-Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Day 7
Osaka with Nandin Yuan
Day 8
Kyoto-Shirahama-Kushimoto
Day 9
Kushimoto-Nachisan
Kumano Naichi Taisha, Nachi Waterfall
Day 10
Nachisan -Ise
Yoshiieinari Shrine – Meoto-Iwa
Day 11
Ise-Nagoya-Tokyo
Day 12
Tokyo
Today we have a day of free exploration of light and form in Tokyo. We will visit the Tsukiji fish market, artificial island of Odaiba, business-oriented Shibuya and elegant Ginza, Ueno and Shinjuku-gyoen parks. And if you are an anime fan, you can go to the suburbs of Tokyo to visit the Ghibli Studio Museum. This huge city offers truly unlimited opportunities for creative expression with a camera. In the evening, we all gather for a farewell dinner.
