【Travel Terms】
Departure/Destination: Osaka/Kyoto - Gifu/Shiga
Duration: Day Trip
Transportation: Chartered Bus
Bus Operator: Hankyu Kanko Bus or other Kinki area bus company (based on our standards)
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 1, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Participants: 26
Tour Conductor: 1 (provides guidance in Japanese)
Guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Company Name: Hankyu Travel International Co., Ltd., West Japan Sales Headquarters, Media Sales Dept. 1
Address: Herbis OSAKA, 2-5-25 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8355
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1847
Affiliated Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
【Sales Agent】
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
WESTALL Yotsuya Bldg. 2F, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 26 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 14:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 6
This tour is primarily for Japanese locals. The tour conductor will communicate in Japanese, but essential information will be provided in English/Chinese handouts. In emergencies, translation apps on tablets will be used.
At the meeting point, our staff will be waiting with a 'Hankyu Travel' sign (board or flag). Please confirm the course name and complete the check-in under the representative's name. Check-in will only begin once all members of your party have arrived.
This tour does not include a guide. The tour conductor will manage the itinerary (they will not provide sightseeing guidance). Sightseeing leaflets provided by the conductor are generally in Japanese.
Depending on the number of participants, you may be required to share seats or sit in front/back rows on the bus or at the lunch venue. Thank you for your understanding.
Children aged 6 and older are charged the same as adults. The infant fare (ages 3–5) includes only the bus seat. Sightseeing entrance fees and other costs are to be covered individually.
The bus company used may change on the day of departure due to vehicle malfunctions or the driver's health (we are not liable for changes due to these reasons).
The schedule above may be subject to change due to traffic conditions, weather, local circumstances, road conditions, or other factors affecting bus transportation. The itinerary, sightseeing spots, order of visits, meal contents, and arrival times may also change. Please note that the meeting time is based on Japan Standard Time and must be strictly observed. If you do not arrive by the meeting time, we will depart as scheduled without contacting you.
The timing of the autumn foliage may vary slightly depending on weather conditions.
One take-home gift is included in the tour price. (*Note: Take-home gifts are not included for children aged 3–5.)
All photos are for illustrative purposes only. You can choose one take-home gift from: 10 Matsutake mushrooms (approx. 10–35g each), Omi beef (approx. 500g), or Snow crab (approx. 600g) for hot pot. Please kindly inform us via message after booking.
The autumn foliage season in the Shiga region typically begins in mid-November and lasts until early December. Eien-ji Temple is known for its diverse maple trees, Koryu-ji Tokugen-in Temple features beautiful Japanese garden autumn colors, and the Metasequoia Namiki offers a spectacular tunnel of golden and orange hues. Overall, late November to early December is the prime time to enjoy the autumn leaves at these locations. We recommend referring to the official foliage reports.
Eien-ji Temple is renowned as the 'Maple Temple' with a rich variety of maple trees. The foliage appears in distinct layers during late autumn, with the area around the main hall being particularly spectacular. Koryu-ji Tokugen-in Temple is distinguished by its meticulously designed dry landscape garden and strolling pond garden. The autumn leaves complement the ancient temple architecture, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere, ideal for quiet contemplation and unique photography.
The Metasequoia Namiki is famous in autumn for its 2.4-kilometer tunnel of orange and golden foliage, serving as an excellent backdrop for photos. In summer, the lush green trees also create a refreshing green tunnel. In winter, there's a chance to experience snowy landscapes, presenting a different charm of the northern region. For photography, consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the entire avenue, or focus on the interplay of light and shadow as sunlight filters through the leaves to enhance its beauty.
The tour offers a choice of three selected souvenirs for travelers to take home: 10 fresh Matsutake mushrooms, approximately 500g of Omi beef, or a snow crab hot pot set weighing about 600g. You can select the item that best suits your preferences during the tour and bring the flavors of Shiga home, perfect for gifts or personal enjoyment.
The autumn foliage bus tour provides ample time at each scenic spot for travelers to fully appreciate the beauty and take photos. Typically, temple sites like Eien-ji Temple and Koryu-ji Tokugen-in Temple will have around 1 to 1.5 hours for visits. The duration at the Metasequoia Namiki will vary depending on the specific tour arrangement. This ensures you have enough time to experience the charm of each location and immerse yourself in Shiga's autumn scenery.
This autumn foliage bus tour offers departure options from Osaka Umeda, Osaka Namba, and Kyoto Station. Specific meeting points are usually designated areas near major stations, such as bus stops at Umeda Station, Namba Station, or Kyoto Station. Meeting times are typically in the morning. Detailed meeting times and disembarkation information will be provided in your pre-departure notice to help you plan your transportation.
For lunch on the Shiga Autumn Foliage Day Trip, a variety of local specialty dishes will be arranged. This includes premium Omi beef, prized Matsutake mushrooms, and delicious abalone kaiseki. It will be a culinary feast combining Shiga's local specialties, allowing you to savor exquisite flavors while admiring the autumn scenery and experiencing the richness of Japanese autumn.
Eien-ji Temple is renowned for its continuous expanse of red leaves and valley scenery, where the natural surroundings and ancient architecture create a unique Zen atmosphere in late autumn, earning it the title 'Maple Temple.' Koryu-ji Tokugen-in Temple is celebrated for its exquisite Japanese garden design, perfectly blending autumn colors with the garden landscape to present a subtle yet elegant autumnal display. Both are highly acclaimed and ranked among Shiga's premier autumn viewing destinations due to their unique and captivating fall scenery.