Japan
AHS SOJOURNS
JAPAN’S AUTUMN MAJESTY: GARDENS, COLORS & CULTURAL TREASURES
November 1-12, 2026 with AHS Host Matt Mattus
November 9–20, 2026 with AHS Hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu
Note: Thank you for your interest in traveling to Japan with AHS! The first November 2026 departure of this program that opened for registration, the November 9–20, 2026 departure with AHS Hosts Holly and Osamu Shimizu, filled quickly and is sold out. Due to the immense interest in this program, we are delighted to open another departure of this program, hosted by AHS Senior Director of Horticulture Matt Mattus, from November 1-12, 2026. There is currently space remaining at this time on the newly opened November 1-12 departure with Matt. As there is great interest in this program among AHS members and we anticipate that the space will fill quickly, we recommend registering at this time to secure a spot.
Click here for Program Brochure and Registration for November 1-12, 2026 Departure
The Experience
Experience Japan at the height of autumn, when temple gardens, mountain landscapes, and historic districts glow in brilliant shades of gold and crimson. This immersive horticultural and cultural journey follows the tradition of momoji-gari—“red leaf hunting”—through some of Japan’s most extraordinary gardens, sacred temples, and countryside villages.
From Tokyo to the Japanese Alps, Kanazawa, and Kyoto, you will explore renowned landscape gardens, meet master practitioners of bonsai and ikebana, visit a wasabi farm and tea plantation, participate in a traditional tea ceremony and Zen meditation, and enjoy a stay at a classic onsen inn. Guided throughout by experts and framed by exceptional accommodations, this program offers rare access to Japan’s living garden artistry during the majestic autumn season.
Trip Highlights
- Explore Tokyo’s famed landscape gardens including Rikugien and Shinjuku Gyoen during the annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition, and visit the renowned Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
- Travel into the Japanese Alps to tour a traditional wasabi farm and spend the night at a classic onsen inn with indoor and open-air hot spring baths
- Walk through the UNESCO-listed gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go and discover the beautifully preserved samurai and teahouse districts of Kanazawa
- Visit Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, and witness the intricate seasonal art of yukitsuri rope work protecting ancient pines
- Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto and explore temple gardens at Tofukuji, Tenryuji, Gioji, Shisendo, and the Daitokuji temple complex at peak autumn color
- Participate in hands-on cultural experiences including an ikebana flower-arranging workshop, indigo-dyeing demonstration, Zen meditation session, and private tea ceremony
- Visit a historic tea plantation in the Asamiya Tea Fields and the architectural masterpiece Miho Museum designed by I.M. Pei
- Enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner featuring an authentic performance by a maiko (apprentice geisha)
AHS Travel Department
703.768.8801
travel@ahsgardening.org
AHS Sojourns offer a high-end travel experience featuring meticulously curated itineraries. These elegant tailor-made journeys offer stays in exceptional hotels, gourmet dining, special access tours and exclusive visits.