Kyoto Fall Garden Tour & Kanazawa GetAway

The Kyoto Fall Garden Tour takes place during the dynamic seasonal transition to autumn foliage. During the tours we will leisurely explore gardens of various styles, experiencing some of the finest examples of landscape and garden design in Japan. You will have a taste of various neighbourhoods throughout the city, each with its own ambiance and treasures to discover. The 2026 tour includes the Kanazawa GetAway.

On every Kyoto Garden Tour we take time to enjoy the aesthetic sensibilities and culinary offerings of the Japanese culture. The pace of the tour allows this to happen in a relaxed and fun way.

IMPORTANT: Tour participants must be able to walk with easy confidence, without the need for mobility aids or assistance, for several hours a day. Terrain may include steppingstone paths, uphill grades, stairways and uneven streets. Masking may be required as needed, esp. on public transportation.

Tour Dates: November 18 ~ 30, 2026

Pricing: ¥1,177,000 (per person for a shared double room)

¥102,000 (single supplement)

Prices are quoted in Japanese yen. This is approx. $7,600 US, however please check for your current exchange rates as they do fluctuate. The yen continues to remain weak.

Group size: 10 people

Included:

• 12 nights accommodation, 9 guided days and 2 free days

• Breakfast and lunch on all guided days in Kyoto, and all meals on the Kanazawa GetAway

• Welcome and Sayanara dinners featuring Kyoto’s unique ‘kaiseki’ cuisine

• Transportation in Kyoto & Kanazawa on all guided days, and the Limo-bus to/from KIX or ITM airport

• All garden and museum admissions on guided days

Highlights include:

• Autumn foliage as Kyoto’s ‘momiji’ (maple leaves) ascend toward their peak

• Exploring well over a dozen of my favourite gardens of various styles throughout the city of Kyoto, including Kanazawa and Fukui as well

• Accommodations in the Shunkoin temple Guest House (w/ ensuite bathrooms), our guests love staying in this ultra-atmospheric setting within the Myoshinji Zen temple complex, having a peaceful ‘home base’ to return to each day

• 9 fully guided days  –  accompanied by top-notch guide, Judith Clancy, author of many guidebooks on Japanese culture & the charms of Kyoto

• 2 ‘free days’ to explore Kyoto on your own, with helpful suggestions for gardens, art shows and museums

• An introductory session of Zen meditation … to relax and focus the mind

• A hands-on lesson in traditional calligraphy to center ourselves

• Shopping in open-air markets and traditional craft shops … to stimulate the mind (!)

• Wandering along the Philosopher’s Path & perusing local craft shops

• Private shakuhachi live music performance at our Zen temple

• Learning about the tea ceremony, and tasting different green teas

• A day-trip to the Miho Museum, with a world-class art collection in an amazing natural setting

• Shopping for handmade ceramics in Shigaraki pottery village  

• Visiting the Kyoto Botanical Garden and its excellent conservatory collection

• If interest is keen, attending a night-time garden Light-up

• Enjoying fresh, local seasonally-tuned cuisine … many guests have commented that this is really a food tour as well !

• Welcome and Sayonara dinners, with breakfasts and lunches on guided days

• Developing a familiar feel for our quiet neighbourhood, as well as confidence in navigating the remarkable city of Kyoto, the arts and cultural capital of Japan

• While on the Kanazawa GetAway, all hotel accommodations and meals are included

Our Kanazawa sites include:

• The extensive Kenrokuen stroll garden and Kanazawa castle - so much fun to explore !

• Nomurake samurai residence garden, a masterful use of space

• DT Suzuki Museum and contemplative garden, sleek & modern design by architect Yoshio Taniguchi

• Echizen washi village and paper-making demonstration, incl. hands-on experience

• Yoyokan garden in Fukui - as afternoon light reflects off the pond, everything comes alive

• and more … there are always spontaneous discoveries along the way !