Japan

JAPAN’S AUTUMN MAJESTY: GARDENS, COLORS & CULTURAL TREASURES

With AHS Hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu

The Matsumoto Castle was constructed in 1594 and is the oldest surviving example of a castle with five external stories but six internal floors with its original wooden interiors and intricate external stonework.

November 2 to 13, 2025

SOLD OUT

The Experience

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with the AHS to explore Japan’s most celebrated gardens, cultural treasures, and artistic traditions. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, the iconic Tofukuji Temple Hojo Garden in Kyoto, and the peaceful Zen gardens of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto, each offering a unique window into Japan’s rich horticultural legacy. Immerse yourself in Japan’s deep cultural heritage, from a private tea ceremony and an ikebana workshop to the revered Chrysanthemum Exhibition and the remarkable Todaiji Temple, housing the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world. The accommodations are nothing short of exceptional, with stays at luxury hotels including the Roku Kyoto, nestled in the mountains, and the traditional Utsukushigahara Onsen Shoho, where you can unwind in hot springs with stunning views. With unforgettable culinary experiences highlighting the finest local ingredients, this program is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and horticulture, and history.

Trip Highlights

Sold Out

This travel program is sold out. We will be offering another departure of this program in 2026. To join the waitlist or the priority registration list for 2026, email travel@ahsgardening.org.

Looking up at the Great Buddha and a Bodhisattva at the Todaiji.
Vibrant red and green-colored trees overlooking a serene lake at the Tenryu-ji, Sogenchi Teien Garden.
a charming, centuries-old thatched-roof farmhouse surrounded by mountains and trees with golden and red in leaves at Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Village in Japan
a village of thatched-roof farmhouses make up the charming town of Shirakawa-go Gassho-Zukuri Village, a stop in the AHS Travel tour to Japan.
Stone monuments in Nara, Japan
a close-up of Japanese Maples in sunshine at Tenryuji
Visit a scenic tea field, stetches of tea bushes stetched out along the steep hills of Wazuka as part of AHS Travel to Japan
a large selection of Japanese indigo dyed fabric of bright vibrant colors and patterns
a brick street consisting of rows of teahouses and two women dressed in kimonos in the Higashi Chaya District
the view of a yellowtree and green shrub from a Daitokuji Rooftop in Autumn