Tohoku Autumn Leaves Tour to Naruko Gorge and Ginzan Onsen Visit

Day 1: Scenic Lakes, Valleys and Arrival at Naruko Onsen

1. Pass by
   After meeting your tour conductor, you will depart from Tokyo between 7:40 and 9:30 AM aboard the Shinkansen Yamabiko in a reserved standard seat, traveling toward Fukushima.
   Lunch is not included. Please prepare your own meal in advance and enjoy it on the bus during the journey.
   
   Upon arrival at Fukushima Station, you will transfer to a bus and begin your journey through the Tohoku countryside.
   
   Important: Final train details, including exact meeting time and train details, will be confirmed 1 week prior to your tour date and sent via Viator chat. Please check your messages for updates.
2. 25m
   Travel approximately 80 minutes to Choro Lake, a peaceful hidden spot surrounded by nature.
   During autumn, the mountains around the lake are covered with colorful foliage, and their reflections create a mirror-like surface on the water. The scene feels quiet and almost painterly, offering a calm introduction to the region’s seasonal beauty.
   The best viewing season is typically mid-October to mid-November.
3. Yamabiko Tsuribashi
   25m
   Continue by walk to Yokokawa Valley, known for its dramatic landscape.
   From the long Yamabiko suspension bridge, one of the longest in the Tohoku region, you can look out over the valley below, where autumn colors spread across the mountains. The elevated viewpoint creates a sense of scale and depth, making the scenery especially impressive during peak foliage season.
   The best viewing season is typically mid-October to mid-November.
4. 40m
   Travel approximately 80 minutes to a historic temple complex.
   Here, the contrast between traditional architecture, including a five-story pagoda, and surrounding autumn leaves creates a distinctly Japanese seasonal landscape. The combination of cultural heritage and natural color makes this a memorable stop during autumn.
   The best viewing season is typically late October to early November.
5. 15h · Admission ticket included
   After approximately 110 minutes, arrive at Naruko Onsen and check in to Hotel Kameya.
   Naruko Onsen is recognized in the Top 100 Hot Springs of Japan, selected by the Tourism Economy Newspaper. The area is known for its rich hot spring waters, and you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the hotel’s spacious facilities, often referred to as having rejuvenating qualities.
   Guest rooms are Japanese-style tatami rooms or twin rooms, all equipped with bath and toilet facilities.
   Dinner is a traditional Japanese kaiseki-style meal, including Hidaka beef prepared as grilled shabu-style dish and abalone cooked on a ceramic plate, offering a regional dining experience.

Day 2: Naruko Gorge, Ginzan Onsen and Yamadera

1. Naruko Valley
   1h 30m
   After breakfast at the hotel, travel approximately 10 minutes to Naruko Gorge, one of Tohoku’s most famous autumn foliage sites.
   You will visit early in the morning, around 8:10, allowing you to experience the area before peak crowds.
   Highlights include 3 key viewpoints: Naruko Dam, Observation point, Ofukasawa Bridge.
   
   During peak season, typically mid-October to early November, the gorge fills with vibrant autumn colors, creating one of the most iconic landscapes in the region.
2. 50m
   Travel approximately 55 minutes to Ginzan Onsen, a hot spring town known for its nostalgic atmosphere.
   The streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings, and walking through the area feels like stepping back into another era. During autumn, the surrounding mountains add seasonal color, enhancing the charm of this historic setting.
   The best viewing season is typically late October to early November.
3. 2h
   Continue approximately 70 minutes to Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple), a historic temple complex associated with the famous poet Matsuo Basho.
   
   Set on a mountainside, the temple is known for its scenic atmosphere and spectacular views over the surrounding valley. To reach the Okunoin (Inner Sanctuary), you can climb approximately 1,015 stone steps, a journey that typically takes 30 to 40 minutes while passing through cedar forests and historic temple buildings.
   Access to the Okunoin requires an additional fee of 500 yen per person, payable on-site.
   
   Lunch is not included and will be taken individually during free time here.
   *The best autumn leaves viewing season is typically late October to early November.
4. 20m
   After approximately 90 minutes, return to Fukushima Station and board the Shinkansen Yamabiko in a reserved standard seat for your journey back to Tokyo.
   Train details will be provided approximately 1 week before departure.
   The tour concludes with arrival at Tokyo between 7:20 and 8:50 PM, with optional drop-off at Omiya or Ueno along the way.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is operated for both Japanese and foreign customers. A Japanese tour conductor will accompany the group and provide key information using a translation app. Please note that the tour conductor is not a tour guide and will focus on sharing essential information during the tour.
• During the autumn leaves viewing season, roads and sightseeing spots become heavily congested and arrival to each place will be delayed. In some cases you may have a shorter visiting time
• The best time to view autumn leaves varies depending on the weather and temperature of the season. The tour schedule is based on the condition of the autumn leaves in the past years. However, there are some cases where you are not able to enjoy the scenery as on the photo. Please note there will be no refund regardless of the conditions of the autumn leaves
• Child (3-5 years old) rates apply, only bus seat is included. Train seat, meals (excluding buffet) and sleeping facilities not provided. Infants (0-2 years old) are free of charge with no seats and bed arrangement. Infant meals are not included
• Delays or omissions made to the itinerary due to traffic, weather or other circumstances that are beyond the control of the tour operator are not subject to a refund
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be contacted at least 10 days prior to your travel date and offered an alternative or full refund.
• Seats for your group members in the shinkansen may be separated due to the arrangement
• According to traffic conditions etc, the order of the itinerary may be changed or parts of it may be omitted
• This tour includes outdoor sightseeing. Please wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers or rubber-soled footwear that you are used to walking in, as some areas may have uneven paths.
• Please note that we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests, including food allergies. If you have specific dietary needs, we recommend making your own meal arrangements. No refunds will be provided for meals.
• Lunch on Day 1 is not included. Please prepare your own meal before meeting and eat it on the bus.
• Please note that we are currently unable to accept reservations from residents of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) due to reservation system restrictions related to data protection regulations (GDPR). Country of residence will be confirmed after booking. If we are unable to process your reservation, it will be rejected and a full refund will be provided.
• Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour offers a safe and reliable travel experience in Japan. Accompanied by a tour leader known for excellent hospitality, it has received high praise from travelers of many nationalities.