Options- [1: Chuo Line Course] or [2 : Keio Line Course].
Experience Tokyo's breathtaking autumn foliage on this seasonal tour. [1] Begin with Inokashira Pond and Showa Kinen Park, known for their stunning fall colors, before enjoying lunch in Tachikawa City. [2] Visit Mt. Takao, including a ride on the ropeway and a stop at the monkey park. Witness the vibrant autumn hues at the Fall of Maple and Gotokuji Temple. Conclude your day at Meiji Jingu Gaien with its beautiful ginkgo trees.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel
[1: Chuo Line Course] Inokashira Pond
Start your adventure at Inokashira Pond, a tranquil spot in Kichijoji. The surrounding park is adorned with colorful autumn leaves.
[1: Chuo Line Course] Tonogayoto Garden
Head to Tonogayoto Garden, a hidden gem featuring a traditional Japanese landscape. The garden showcases a stunning array of fall foliage, with vibrant maples and serene ponds. The peaceful atmosphere invites contemplation and appreciation of nature, making it an ideal stop for relaxation.
[1: Chuo Line Course] Showa Kinen Park
Next, explore Showa Kinen Park, a vast park in Tachikawa known for its impressive seasonal displays. In fall, the park transforms with brilliant red and yellow leaves, especially in the ginkgo and maple groves. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, cycling paths, and beautiful flower beds, making it a perfect place to soak in the autumn scenery.
[1: Chuo Line Course] Tachikawa City for Lunch
Enjoy a lunch break in Tachikawa City, where you can find a variety of dining options ranging from traditional Japanese cuisine to international fare.
[2 : Keio Line Course] Fall of Maple
Stop at the Fall of Maple, a picturesque area renowned for its vibrant autumn leaves. The combination of maple trees and gentle streams creates a tranquil environment perfect for photography and leisurely walks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.
[2 : Keio Line Course] Gotokuji
Visit Gotokuji Temple, famous for its thousands of "maneki-neko" (lucky cat) statues. The temple’s peaceful grounds, combined with autumn’s colorful backdrop, create a serene atmosphere for reflection and exploration. It’s a unique cultural experience that highlights Japanese traditions.
[2 : Keio Line Course] Mt. Takao
In autumn, the mountain is cloaked in rich colors, providing breathtaking views.
[2 : Keio Line Course] Ropeway
Take the ropeway up Mt. Takao for stunning aerial views of the fall foliage. The ride is an excellent way to capture panoramic photographs of the colorful landscape below, offering a unique perspective on the surrounding nature.
[2 : Keio Line Course] Monkey Park
At the base of Mt. Takao, visit the Monkey Park, home to Japanese macaques. The park offers a chance to observe these playful animals up close, making for an engaging experience. The setting also features beautiful views of the mountains and trees.
Meiji Jingu Gaien
This can be the common visiting spot whichever the course you choose. (You can skip this spot if your hotel location is not convenient from here.)
Conclude your tour at Meiji Jingu Gaien, renowned for its stunning ginkgo trees that that turn a brilliant yellow in fall. The tree-lined avenue is particularly photogenic, making it a popular spot for autumn leaf viewing. Enjoy a leisurely walk amidst the vibrant colors, and capture the beauty of the season as you reflect on your day’s experiences.
Ending Point
Your Hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Tour guide fee
Interpreting
Hotel pick up/drop off within Tokyo 23 wards
Temples and Shrines are admission-free
Guide's admissions
Guide's rail fare
Your rail fare
Your park admissions
Ropeway fare
Monkey park admissions
Your lunch
Please choose from 2 route options [1: Chuo Line Course] or
[2 : Keio Line Course]. Lunch place is in Tachikawa City with various choices of restaurants when you choose [1: Chuo Line Course]. For [2 : Keio Line Course], we can stop anywhere on the way for lunch.
Showa Kinen Park (Showa Memorial Park)
Peak Viewing: Late October to Late November
Recommended Dates: November 1-20
During this period, the park showcases vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, particularly in the maple and ginkgo trees. Early November is especially beautiful.
Mount Takao
Peak Viewing: Mid to Late November
Recommended Dates: November 15-30
The foliage on Mt. Takao reaches its peak in mid-November, with breathtaking views of autumn colors contrasting against the blue sky. Late November is also stunning, but be aware that the crowds can increase.
Icho Namiki (Ginkgo Avenue)
Peak Viewing: Late November to Early December
Recommended Dates: November 25 - December 5
The iconic ginkgo trees along the avenue turn a brilliant yellow, creating a breathtaking tunnel of color. This period is perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery as the leaves are at their most vibrant.
DO NOT CONTACT ME FOR DRIVING SERVICES.
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Important Information – Please Read Before Inquiring
Inquiries should be made with the intent to book a tour.
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1.Do not ask me about Mt. Fuji. The mountain is usually not visible, meaning you can not see it; if you don't understand what that means you need to google "Mt. Fuji visibility". You probably want to join a group bus tour which is not what I am offering.
2. Tours are rail based, full day tours are roughly 20,000 steps.
3. I do not make bookings on behalf of customers, the tours cover areas that not require advanced reservations.*
*I can take you to places you booked in advance or as a drop-off point to end as well.
4.I am no longer accommodating vegans/vegetarians for not following Japanese etiquette. When visiting a restaurant you must order 1 item per person, don't bring in your own food, non-meat options typically contain dashi (a fish based product) and substitutions are not an option.
Hello! My name is Grant, and I’ve spent over a decade living and exploring Japan. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I first came to Japan as a high school exchange student in Inuyama, a historic castle town in Aichi. My love for Japan began early—sparked by childhood games like Pokémon that were released in Japanese before English. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion for Japanese language, culture, and history.
I hold an N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, a degree in Asian Studies from a Tokyo university, and I graduated from the Japan Visual Media Translation Academy. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures and explored a wide range of historical sites, shrines, and castles throughout the country. My background in Japanese history helps me provide context that brings depth and meaning to the places we visit—whether it's understanding a centuries-old temple in Kyoto, the story behind a castle ruin, or uncovering the historical layers of a Tokyo neighborhood.
If you’re planning to explore Tokyo, here are some tour options to consider:
One day in Tokyo? The Ginza Line Tour offers a great introduction to the city’s highlights.
Two days? Pair the East Tokyo Tour and West Tokyo Tour to get a well-rounded experience.
Interested in anime? The Anime Tour is flexible and can be tailored to match your specific interests.
For those looking to go beyond the city, I also offer day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, and other nearby destinations.
While most guests book Tokyo-based tours, I also guide in other regions—especially Kyoto, where I’ve visited every World Heritage Site. I regularly lead tours in Osaka, Nara, Nagoya, Hikone, and other locations easily reached by rail. Multi-day and custom tours are available on request.
Full-Day Tour: 40,000 yen (8 hours)
Full-Day Tour Outside of Tokyo: 40,000 yen + transportation
Feel free to get in touch to plan a tour that fits your interests and travel plans.
Collen T.
“Excellent tour guide”
I worked with Grant on a Tokyo tour with the Jamaican athletic sports team. I want to say Grant did an excellent job. He is well-versed in the history and culture of Japan. I recommend anyone looking for a tour guide. I will ask him for all my future tours at dreams-escape.com. Thanks, Grant. I was super impressed.
Farah A.
“Excellent Ginza Line Tour with Grant A. ”
Grant was an excellent guide, fluent in both English and Japanese (the four of us taking the tour knew no Japanese). We took the "Ginza Line Tour" with him and really enjoyed the day. He was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and indispensable in leading us to and through the train stations and all the interesting places on the tour. He adjusted the schedule to our liking, skipping some places and adding others along the Ginza Line. We still have great memories of the day. Thanks, Grant! Very highly recommended!
Christin M.
“Great 1/2 Day Tour ”
Grant went above and beyond on our tour. There was an actual Gale happening in Tokyo and that didn’t stop him from touring us around and providing so much information and excellent recommendations. 10/10
$272/ per group