Shizuoka Autumn Foliage Day Tour | Hogoji Temple Zazen Experience & Hamamatsu Castle & Ryotanji Temple & Must-Buy Hamamatsu Souvenirs! Shunkado SWEETS BANK | Departing from Nagoya, Japan
- Enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage at top spots in Japan's Tokai region: Hogoji Temple, Ryotanji Temple, and Hamamatsu Castle.
- Experience a light Zazen meditation session amidst the serene temple and stunning red maple leaves.
- Shop for must-buy Unagi Pie at the popular photo spot, Shunkado SWEETS BANK!
Package options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
| Shopping Experience | Local Markets |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Theme parks, City walking tour, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour, Bus tour |
| Transport | Charter car |
Product Info
－ Important Information －
・Children under 2 years old who do not occupy a seat can participate for free. Each adult is limited to bringing one child who does not occupy a seat. If you are traveling with such a child, please inform us in the 'Remarks' section when booking.
・Vehicle type: Assigned based on the number of participants. For small groups, a driver who also acts as an attendant will provide full travel services; no additional tour leader will be assigned. Please be aware that you will explore the attractions on your own upon arrival.
・Due to limited luggage storage space, the ability to carry large luggage depends on on-site arrangements. If there is no space in the storage compartment, we will be unable to accommodate your suitcase. Thank you for your cooperation.
Head Temple of the Rinzai Sect Hogoji Temple - Includes a complimentary light Zazen meditation experience
Located in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Hogoji Temple was founded in 1371 and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property. It is a well-known spot for viewing autumn foliage in the area.
From mid-November each year, the maple trees along the approach and around the main hall gradually turn vibrant red and orange, contrasting with the solemn three-story pagoda and the main hall built between the Meiji and Taisho eras, creating a distinct autumn atmosphere of an ancient temple. The five hundred Arhat stone statues placed along the way, each with different expressions and poses, add charm as you walk through the maple-lined path, making it a perfect subject for photography.
Experience a simplified version of Zazen in the solemn and serene main hall or annex of Hogoji Temple. After a brief explanation of the essentials of Zazen by the head priest, you will sit in meditation to regulate your breathing and focus on the present moment. During the process, you will experience the traditional practice of being lightly tapped on the shoulders with a 'keisaku' (zen stick) to help focus your mind, leaving you feeling exceptionally calm afterward.
Ryotanji Temple - The temple features a Japanese garden designated as a 'National Place of Scenic Beauty,' one of the best in the Tokai region. The Ryotanji Temple garden is famous for its pond-style garden in the north of the main hall, featuring guardian stones, Nio stones, and worship stones. The pond is shaped like the character for 'heart' (心), complemented by rock arrangements and artificial hills representing cranes and turtles, showcasing a serene and profound Zen aesthetic.
In autumn, the vibrant red leaves of the Enkianthus perulatus (dodan-tsutsuji) decorate the garden, reflecting against the surrounding maple leaves. The layered shades of red are a major feature of autumn foliage viewing at Ryotanji Temple.
Hamamatsu Castle Park - One of the oldest parks in central Hamamatsu. In autumn, the trees in the park gradually turn yellow and red as the temperature drops, contrasting with the rugged stone walls and the off-white exterior of the castle keep, creating a unique 'autumn scenery of an old castle' view exclusive to Hamamatsu Castle.
Shunkado SWEETS BANK - A multi-purpose commercial facility created by Shunkado, the brand behind Hamamatsu's famous Unagi Pie. Based on the concept of 'storing delicious memories' and reflecting the company's long-standing commitment to 'family gatherings around the dining table,' the facility features a dining table motif scaled up 13 times to create a surprising and extraordinary space. Crawl under the giant table to discover freshly baked snacks and colorful desserts, making it a perfect photo spot. The shop also sells exclusive items only available at the SWEETS BANK location.
EXPASA Hamana-ko Service Area - Located on the Tomei Expressway, this area sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Hamana. It features a promenade along the lake, offering panoramic views of the water. The facility gathers various local Hamamatsu eateries and sells local specialties, making it a one-stop shop for Hamamatsu and Lake Hamana souvenirs!
Purchase Notice
【Important Notes】
Group or individual package tours are subject to the domestic travel contract issued by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China. By completing your booking, you agree to and accept the terms of the Overseas Travel Contract.
Reminders
A minimum of 20 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 7 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 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please confirm the tour number on-site and gather at the JR Nagoya Station Taiko-dori Exit, in front of the station square.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the tour.
The scheduled travel route may be changed or cancelled due to traffic conditions or congestion on the day.
If the tour cannot visit certain attractions due to severe weather or traffic conditions, the tour leader reserves the right to change or cancel parts of the itinerary for the safety of all participants. Participants may not request a refund or price reduction for such changes.
Please note that stay times at attractions may be adjusted or some attractions may be cancelled due to road conditions on the day of the tour. The return arrival time may also be significantly delayed; please avoid scheduling other activities for the evening.
If you leave the tour midway, it will be considered a voluntary withdrawal, and no refunds will be provided. You will be responsible for any personal or property losses resulting from this.
During free time, please be mindful of your personal safety and belongings. Any accidents or losses resulting from ignoring warnings must be borne by the traveler.
Travelers under 18 years old cannot participate alone and must be accompanied by a traveler aged 18 or older.
Children under 2 years old who do not occupy a seat can participate for free. Each adult is limited to bringing one child who does not occupy a seat. If you are traveling with such a child, please inform us in the 'Remarks' section when booking.
Due to limited luggage storage space, the ability to carry large luggage depends on on-site arrangements. If there is no space in the storage compartment, we will be unable to accommodate your suitcase. Thank you for your cooperation.
Vehicle type: Assigned based on the number of participants. For small groups, a driver who also acts as an attendant will provide full travel services; no additional tour leader will be assigned. Please be aware that you will explore the attractions on your own upon arrival.
If the tour is terminated after departure due to force majeure such as weather conditions or natural disasters, refunds for unperformed parts of the itinerary will be processed based on actual costs incurred. However, any additional expenses such as return transportation or local accommodation must be borne by the traveler.
Please note that you may be seated with other tour participants on the bus; seating arrangements are subject to the discretion of the tour leader and facilities on the day.
Bus seating is assigned on-site and cannot be specified. Thank you for your understanding.
Meeting point: The JR Nagoya Station Taiko-dori Exit is currently under renovation, and there are no clear signs in the area. Please refer to the Google Maps location shown on the product page.
Please note that the autumn foliage season may be affected by weather conditions and may shift slightly. Once the tour is confirmed, it will proceed as scheduled regardless of the actual foliage conditions.
The light Zazen meditation experience is a complimentary item; no refunds will be provided if you choose not to participate.
Cancellation Policy
- For cancellations made at least 41 day(s) prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 5% will apply
- For cancellations made 31 to 40 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 21 to 30 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 20 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQs
1. What is the historical significance of Hōkō-ji Temple, especially regarding the Bell Inscription Incident?
Hōkō-ji Temple holds significant historical importance, particularly known for its connection to the "Bell Inscription Incident" in the early 17th century. This event involved Toyotomi Hideyori and Tokugawa Ieyasu, where the inscription on the temple's great bell was interpreted as an insult to Tokugawa. This incident served as a pretext for the Siege of Osaka, leading to the downfall of the Toyotomi clan. The temple itself offers a profound glimpse into Japan's samurai era history.
2. Besides Hōkō-ji Temple, which other historical temples like Ryōtan-ji Temple are visited on this Shizuoka autumn leaves tour?
This tour also visits Ryōtan-ji Temple, another historically rich site in Shizuoka. Ryōtan-ji is renowned for its beautiful gardens and its deep connection to the Ii clan, a prominent samurai family during the Sengoku period. Visitors can explore the temple's serene grounds, admire its meticulously maintained dry landscape garden, and learn about the clan's legacy. Hamamatsu Castle, while not a temple, is another key historical landmark on the tour, offering panoramic views.
3. What is the best period to enjoy the autumn leaves at Hōkō-ji Temple and Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka?
The prime time to experience the vibrant autumn leaves at Hōkō-ji Temple, Ryōtan-ji Temple, and Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka typically falls from mid-November to early December. During this period, the surrounding foliage transforms into brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold, creating breathtaking scenery ideal for photography and tranquil walks. It's the optimal window to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of these historic sites.
4. What makes the autumn season ideal for visiting temples and castles like Ryōtan-ji Temple and Hamamatsu Castle in Shizuoka?
Autumn offers a unique charm for visiting Shizuoka's temples and castles. Beyond the spectacular display of colorful leaves, the cooler, crisp weather makes for comfortable exploration of the expansive temple grounds and castle parks. The serene atmosphere of sites like Ryōtan-ji Temple is enhanced by the rich autumnal palette, providing a peaceful backdrop for cultural experiences like Zen meditation and enjoying historical architecture amidst nature's beauty.
5. What does the Zen meditation experience at Hōkō-ji Temple entail for visitors on this tour?
The Zen meditation experience at a quiet temple like Hōkō-ji on this tour offers a peaceful opportunity for introspection. Under the guidance of a local expert, participants will learn basic sitting meditation (zazen) techniques within the tranquil temple environment, often surrounded by autumn foliage. This gentle introduction to Zen practice is designed to provide a moment of calm and mindfulness, allowing visitors to connect with the temple's spiritual heritage and natural beauty.
6. What kind of unique local products can be found and purchased at Shunkado SWEETS BANK in Hamamatsu?
At Shunkado SWEETS BANK in Hamamatsu, visitors can discover and purchase the region's famous "Eel Pie" (Unagi Pie), a popular and unique local souvenir. This iconic snack is a crispy, savory-sweet pastry made with eel extract, celebrated for its distinct flavor. The SWEETS BANK also features other local confectionery and sweets from Shunkado, making it a delightful stop for unique gifts and tasting regional delicacies.
7. How is transportation handled for visiting Hōkō-ji Temple and other sites on this Shizuoka autumn leaves tour from Nagoya?
This Shizuoka autumn leaves tour provides convenient round-trip transportation departing from Nagoya. Participants will travel comfortably by coach to visit Hōkō-ji Temple, Ryōtan-ji Temple, Hamamatsu Castle, and Shunkado SWEETS BANK. The guided tour ensures seamless travel between destinations, eliminating the need for personal navigation and allowing visitors to relax and fully enjoy the scenic journey and attractions.
8. What kind of scenic views and historical attractions can visitors expect to see on the Shizuoka autumn leaves tour?
Visitors on this Shizuoka autumn leaves tour can expect to see a rich blend of historical sites and stunning natural beauty. Highlights include the vibrant autumn foliage at Hōkō-ji Temple and Ryōtan-ji Temple, known for their serene atmosphere and historical significance. Hamamatsu Castle offers panoramic views and a glimpse into samurai history. The tour combines cultural immersion with picturesque autumn landscapes, providing diverse scenic views.
