Japan 16 Days - Alps to Kyoto - October 2026

Matsumoto Castle

One of Japan's five original castles. Black walls contrast beautifully with autumn foliage. Allow 1-2 hours including the steep interior stairs.

Kappa Bridge

Iconic suspension bridge in Kamikochi. Mid-October is peak autumn color season here. Start of the trail to Myojin Pond and Taisho Pond.

Taisho Pond

Mirror-like pond reflecting the Northern Alps. Peak autumn colors mid-October. End point of the Kamikochi trail loop.

Narai-juku

Best preserved of the 11 Nakasendo post towns. 1km of Edo-era wooden buildings. Feels like stepping back in time. Much quieter than Magome or Tsumago.

Sanmachi Suji

Edo-period merchant street in Takayama. Sake breweries, craft shops, traditional atmosphere. Beautiful in autumn light.

Miyagawa Morning Market

Riverside morning market operating since the Edo period. Local produce, pickles, crafts. Best before 10am. There's also the Jinya-mae market nearby.

Shirakawa-go

UNESCO World Heritage gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses. Stunning with autumn colors and mountain backdrop. Hit the Shiroyama viewpoint for the classic shot.

Higashi Chaya District

Kanazawa's beautifully preserved geisha district. Wooden tea houses, gold leaf shops. Less touristy than Kyoto's Gion.

Nagamachi Samurai District

Former samurai quarter with earthen walls and narrow lanes. Visit the Nomura Samurai House for a peek inside.

Omicho Market

Kanazawa's 300-year-old fresh market. Famous for crab, seafood, and local produce. Great for lunch.

Kenroku-en Garden

One of Japan's three great gardens. Autumn colors peak late October to mid-November here. Take your time, it rewards slow exploration.

Tentoku-in Temple

Quiet Zen temple south of Kenroku-en. Beautiful moss gardens and peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds.

Kakusenkei Gorge

Scenic 1.3km riverside walk in Yamanaka Onsen. Spectacular autumn foliage mid-October. Red and gold maples over the gorge.

Natadera Temple

1,300-year-old temple carved into rocky cliffs. Stunning autumn foliage. One of the most underrated temples in all of Japan.

Tofuku-ji Temple

THE autumn foliage temple in Kyoto. 2,000 maple trees seen from the Tsutenkyo Bridge. Go early morning to beat crowds.

Eikando Zenrinji

Famous for autumn night illuminations. One of Kyoto's top 3 autumn spots. The lit-up maples reflected in the pond are breathtaking.

Minoo Falls

33m waterfall reached by a pleasant 40min forest walk. Famous for momiji tempura (fried maple leaves). Peak foliage late November.

Nara Park

1,200+ friendly deer roaming freely. Beautiful with autumn colors. Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) and watch them bow.

Todai-ji Temple

World's largest wooden building housing a 15m bronze Buddha. The scale is overwhelming. Don't miss the pillar hole challenge.

Kasuga Taisha

Ancient shrine famous for thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. The forest approach is magical, especially in autumn.

Ghibli Museum

Reserve tickets well in advance. Whimsical museum designed by Miyazaki himself. No photos inside but the rooftop garden has a life-size robot soldier.

Rikugien Garden

Tokyo's most beautiful Edo-era garden. Famous for autumn illumination evenings (usually late Nov to early Dec). Stunning maples over the central pond.

Hida no Sato

飛騨の里 It is a place where old and valuable local houses have been relocated and restored. I recommend this place because you can enjoy the atmosphere like Shirakawa-go but without many tourists. More info: https://www.hidanosato-tpo.jp/english12.htm IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkqMOjXy4zX/ #architecture

Mizuya Chaya at Nara Park

春日野もみじの里 水谷茶屋 It's a popular spot for taking photos of tea houses with thatched roofs and deer together. Especially during the autumn foliage season, it's beautiful. IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CelVfWjrikb/ #autumn

Coffee Marumo

珈琲 まるも This is a retro café located on Nakamachi Street. Established in 1868, it boasts a long history. More info: https://visitmatsumoto.com/en/spot/marumo/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmtWzUoyUkY/ #cafe

Oyama Shrine

尾山神社 The gate, which uniquely incorporates Japanese, Chinese, and Western architectural styles, is one of the main tourist attractions in Kanazawa City. More info: https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/attractions/detail_50021.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgwa2_Urbc_/?img_index=10 #shrin #architecture

Kosoyu

古総湯 Yamashiro Onsen has two public bathhouses. Kosoyu is a restored bathhouse from the Meiji era(1886). More info: https://en.yamashiro-spa.or.jp/hotspring/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0EWrmWSdKF/?img_index=1 #onsen

Nomura Samurai Family Residence

武家屋敷跡 野村家 It is located within the Nagamachi Samurai District.The historic buildings and gardens have harmonized beautifully over the years, creating a serene and truly beautiful atmosphere. More info: https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/attractions/detail_50073.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C34-1R5yTZ1/?img_index=6 #architecture

Nakamachi Street

中町通り This is the castle town of Matsumoto, where traditional craft shops and various dining establishments line the streets. More info: https://nakamachi.org/en/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmtWzUoyUkY/?img_index=6

Takayama Jinya

高山陣屋 Places used as government offices during the Edo period are called "jinya," and it seems that Takayama is the only place in Japan where they still exist. More info: https://jinya.gifu.jp/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3U7ahwSOsy/?img_index=6 #architecture

Hirayu no Mori (hotel & hot spring)

ひらゆの森の温泉 There are a total of 16 outdoor baths (onsen) available, for both men and women combined. You can also enjoy private rental onsen for day trips. More info: https://www.hirayunomori.co.jp/en/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHP--IygcXK/?img_index=1 #onsen

Seto Canal at Hida Furukawa

瀬戸川と白壁土蔵街 The sight of over 1,000 koi swimming through the town is a famous scene in Hida-Furukawa, Gifu Prefecture. This view can only be seen from mid-April to mid-November. More info: https://hida.travel/blogs/japanese-carp-in-hida-furukawa/49 IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-nLC7gPp9q/

Pontocho Area

Gion Shirakawa

祇園白川 It's an area with a nostalgic atmosphere where traditional townhouses with lattice-patterned red shutters line the cobblestone streets of Gion. More info: https://souda-kyoto.jp/guide/spot/gionshirakawa.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjIV__hrih1/ #architecture

Katsuoji Temple

勝尾寺 This is a temple dedicated to prayers for "victor's luck". There are countless Daruma dolls given as offerings here. More info: https://osaka-info.jp/en/spot/katsuoji/ IG Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg4FmxjrGNC/ #temple

Kiyomizu-dera

Iconic wooden stage overlooking Kyoto. Autumn illuminations in November are spectacular. One of the city's most important temples.