Pilgrimage of Beauty:
Autumn Splendor in Japan
21-28 November, 2026
Autumn Splendor in Japan
21-28 November, 2026
This November, we set off on an exclusive journey into the poetic heart of Japan — Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto.
Designed for seasoned travelers who’ve already touched the visible layers of Japan, this route invites a deeper encounter — one that reaches for the country’s soul.
Designed for seasoned travelers who’ve already touched the visible layers of Japan, this route invites a deeper encounter — one that reaches for the country’s soul.
Autumn is Japan’s most lyrical season
Temples awash in crimson and amber maple leaves, the air crisp with the quiet clarity of harvest.
It’s a time for reflection, renewal, and slow, graceful transformation.
It’s a time for reflection, renewal, and slow, graceful transformation.
Days 1-3. Osaka
Osaka is Japan’s culinary capital and a symbol of warmth, humor, and street-side energy. With its bold gastronomic culture, the vibrant Dotonbori district, and spiritual sites like Shitennō-ji, it sets the tone for our journey — grounded, yet full of vivid expression. Here, we’ll savor dinners that reflect both the refined minimalism of seasonal cuisine and the joyful spirit of kuidaore — the art of eating without restraint.
Nara is the spiritual heart of Japan, where majestic Buddhist temples stand alongside peaceful deer in the parks, and the silence of ancient shrines fills the soul with serenity.
Kyoto is the birthplace of the tea ceremony, ikebana, Zen Buddhism, traditional crafts, and the most iconic forms of Japanese makeup and kimono. It was home to Nobel Prize–winning author Yasunari Kawabata, whose novels capture the quiet beauty and gentle nostalgia of this city.
Indulge in comfort and luxury
Each day will be gently laced with Japanese beauty rituals — from seasonal treatments using rice bran and camellia oil to traditional kimono dressing, incense meditation, and mindful bathing in healing onsen waters.
What's included in your journey
Price __________
Accommodation
Eight nights in carefully selected boutique hotels and traditional ryokans
Program
8 days of lectures, meditations, excursions, private visits, master classes, meetings and transfers on a comfortable minivan + restaurants and beauty rituals arrangements
Logistic
Comfortable transfers to/from airport andbetweeb cities
Visualize your journey
Program November 21-28, 2026
Day 1 - Saturday, November 21 - Osaka: Arrival and Neon Lights
Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Private minivan transfer to hotel in Namba district (45-60 minutes depending on traffic) or train.
Check-in and rest after the flight.
Head spa or other beauty treatment at the hotel spa.
Welcome Kuidaore dinner in Dotonbori. Walking from hotel.
Recommended: Mizuno for okonomiyaki in Dotonbori 1-chome area.
Moonlit river cruise on the Tombori River or Okawa River. Walking from Dotonbori to cruise pier (5 minutes).
Return to hotel by taxi (5-10 minutes) or walking.
Day 2 - Sunday, November 22 - Osaka: Spirit and Flavor
Meeting with a Buddhist monk at Shitenno-ji temple.
Transfer by taxi from hotel to Shitenno-ji (10-15 minutes from Namba).
Discussion on Buddhism followed by sutra copying or shabutsu practice at the temple.
Lunch in Tennoji area near Shitenno-ji.
Recommended: traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at restaurant within temple grounds or nearby Tennoji Park area restaurants.
Walking distance (5-10 minutes).
Culinary masterclass focusing on dashi, knife skills, and umami.
Class duration: 2 hours.
Walking through Shinsekai district.
Onsen ritual or other beauty treatment at hotel spa.
Free evening for rest or optional dinner at hotel restaurant or nearby izakaya.
Day 3 - Monday, November 23 - Osaka: National Holiday and Style
Osaka Castle Park visit for autumn foliage viewing.
Transfer by taxi or subway from hotel to Osaka Castle (15-20 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes by subway Midosuji Line to Honmachi then walk).
Lunch at Osaka Castle area (restaurants in JO-TERRANCE OSAKA complex near castle) or in Shinsaibashi (numerous options along Midosuji Boulevard).
Shopping in Shinsaibashi
Japanese spa manicure and kao-massage (facial lifting massage) or other beauty treatment. Location: salon in Shinsaibashi or Namba area (walking distance from the hotel)
Teppanyaki dinner.
Recommended: Kitashinchi area (15 minutes by taxi from Namba) or restaurants in Umeda area.
Umeda Sky Building observation deck. Walking from Umeda restaurants (5-10 minutes).
Return to hotel by taxi from Umeda to Namba (15-20 minutes).
Day 4 - Tuesday, November 24 - Nara to Uji to Kyoto
Breakfast. Private minivan transfer from Osaka hotel to Nara (45-60 minutes).
Nara Park with deer, Todai-ji temple, and Naramachi historic district. Walking between sites (Nara Park to Todai-ji is 10 minutes walk, Naramachi is 15 minutes walk from Todai-ji).
Lunch at Tsubame Terrace.
Herbal medicine of Japan
Private minivan transfer from Nara to Uji (30-40 minutes).
Byodo-in temple Phoenix Hall visit and matcha tasting in Uji. Walking from parking to temple (10 minutes). Tea tasting at Nakamura Tokichi or Itoh Kyuemon Uji main store (walking distance from Byodo-in).
Private minivan transfer from Uji to Kyoto ryokan (30-40 minutes).
Shiatsu massage in ryokan room followed by yuzu-ofuro (citrus bath) or other beauty treatment.
Kaiseki dinner served in ryokan
Day 5 - Wednesday, November 25 - Kyoto: Zen, Animation and Poetry
Zen meditation and walking at Daitoku-ji temple complex.
Transfer by taxi from ryokan to Daitoku-ji (15-20 minutes from central Kyoto).
Visit to Zen and Studio Ghibli Exhibition at Higashiyama Cube (Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art). Transfer by taxi from Daitoku-ji (20-25 minutes). Art historian or subject matter expert accompanies.
Lunch near Okazaki area or Higashiyama.
Talk about japanese literature. Haruki Murakami.
Literary walk following Yasunari Kawabata's "The Old Capital". Walking route through Shirakawa, Gion, Kamogawa riverbanks, and Nishijin weaving district. Professional guide with literary specialization leads. Total walking distance: 3-4 km with stops.
Kintsugi masterclass with ceramicist in Kyoto studio. Location: pottery studio in Higashiyama or central Kyoto. Transfer by taxi (10-15 minutes). Duration: 2 hours.
Ganbanyoku (hot stone spa) treatment at spa studio in Kyoto.
Transfer by taxi (10-15 minutes).
Return to ryokan for dinner or light evening meal.
Day 6 - Thursday, November 26 - Kyoto: Sacred Hike and Kintsugi
Private minivan transfer from Kyoto to Kurama (40-50 minutes).
Sacred hike from Kurama to Kibune through cedar forest trail with visit to Kurama-dera temple. Hiking distance: approximately 4 km, duration 2.5-3 hours including temple visit. Accompanying guide leads.
Soba lunch in Kibune. Recommended: Kibune Kawadoko restaurants along the river (seasonal outdoor seating if weather permits) or Hiroya restaurant for traditional soba.
Transfer by taxi or local bus from Kibune to Kurama Onsen (15-20 minutes).
Kurama Onsen bathing ritual with rotenburo (outdoor bath). Onsen facilities at Kurama Onsen public bath or private family bath reservation.
Transfer from Kurama back to central Kyoto by private minivan (40-50 minutes).
Return to ryokan. Free evening for light dinner or rest.
Day 7 - Friday, November 27 - Kyoto: Business, Costume and Maiko
Private visit to Omron Corporation headquarters (or other company like Nintendo ). Transfer by taxi from ryokan to Omron HQ in Shimogyo Ward (10-15 minutes from central Kyoto). Kaizen and monozukuri session with corporate expert.
Light business lunch near Omron HQ or in central Kyoto. Recommended: casual Japanese restaurant or bento service at meeting facility.
Private access to Kyoto Costume Institute. Transfer by taxi from Omron (10 minutes). Art historian or costume curator leads private viewing of archival kimono and European costume collections.
Alternative: visit to Casa Nakano for artisan workshop
Meditative walk at Fushimi Inari shrine at dusk.
Transfer by taxi from KCI to Fushimi Inari (15-20 minutes). Walk through torii gates after sunset (approximately 16:50 in late November).
Dinner with maiko in Gion private ochaya (tea house). Traditional ozashiki dinner with maiko dance performance, games, and conversation through professional interpreter. Location: exclusive tea house in Gion Shirakawa or Hanami-koji area.
Alternative: Capella Kyoto dinner
Ofuro ritual at ryokan with yuzu and salt balls, aromatherapy. Return to ryokan by taxi (5-10 minutes from Gion).
Day 8 - Saturday, November 28 - Kyoto to Departure
Breakfast at ryokan. Miyage souvenir shopping for tea, ceramics, and local products.
Free time in Kyoto.
Beauty ritual before departure - shiatsu or foot massage at ryokan or nearby salon.
Private minivan transfer from Kyoto ryokan to Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Travel time: 80-100 minutes depending on traffic.
Flight departure from KIX.
Recommended 1 extra day stay to slow down.
Day 1 - Saturday, November 21 - Osaka: Arrival and Neon Lights
Arrival at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Private minivan transfer to hotel in Namba district (45-60 minutes depending on traffic) or train.
Check-in and rest after the flight.
Head spa or other beauty treatment at the hotel spa.
Welcome Kuidaore dinner in Dotonbori. Walking from hotel.
Recommended: Mizuno for okonomiyaki in Dotonbori 1-chome area.
Moonlit river cruise on the Tombori River or Okawa River. Walking from Dotonbori to cruise pier (5 minutes).
Return to hotel by taxi (5-10 minutes) or walking.
Day 2 - Sunday, November 22 - Osaka: Spirit and Flavor
Meeting with a Buddhist monk at Shitenno-ji temple.
Transfer by taxi from hotel to Shitenno-ji (10-15 minutes from Namba).
Discussion on Buddhism followed by sutra copying or shabutsu practice at the temple.
Lunch in Tennoji area near Shitenno-ji.
Recommended: traditional shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) at restaurant within temple grounds or nearby Tennoji Park area restaurants.
Walking distance (5-10 minutes).
Culinary masterclass focusing on dashi, knife skills, and umami.
Class duration: 2 hours.
Walking through Shinsekai district.
Onsen ritual or other beauty treatment at hotel spa.
Free evening for rest or optional dinner at hotel restaurant or nearby izakaya.
Day 3 - Monday, November 23 - Osaka: National Holiday and Style
Osaka Castle Park visit for autumn foliage viewing.
Transfer by taxi or subway from hotel to Osaka Castle (15-20 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes by subway Midosuji Line to Honmachi then walk).
Lunch at Osaka Castle area (restaurants in JO-TERRANCE OSAKA complex near castle) or in Shinsaibashi (numerous options along Midosuji Boulevard).
Shopping in Shinsaibashi
Japanese spa manicure and kao-massage (facial lifting massage) or other beauty treatment. Location: salon in Shinsaibashi or Namba area (walking distance from the hotel)
Teppanyaki dinner.
Recommended: Kitashinchi area (15 minutes by taxi from Namba) or restaurants in Umeda area.
Umeda Sky Building observation deck. Walking from Umeda restaurants (5-10 minutes).
Return to hotel by taxi from Umeda to Namba (15-20 minutes).
Day 4 - Tuesday, November 24 - Nara to Uji to Kyoto
Breakfast. Private minivan transfer from Osaka hotel to Nara (45-60 minutes).
Nara Park with deer, Todai-ji temple, and Naramachi historic district. Walking between sites (Nara Park to Todai-ji is 10 minutes walk, Naramachi is 15 minutes walk from Todai-ji).
Lunch at Tsubame Terrace.
Herbal medicine of Japan
Private minivan transfer from Nara to Uji (30-40 minutes).
Byodo-in temple Phoenix Hall visit and matcha tasting in Uji. Walking from parking to temple (10 minutes). Tea tasting at Nakamura Tokichi or Itoh Kyuemon Uji main store (walking distance from Byodo-in).
Private minivan transfer from Uji to Kyoto ryokan (30-40 minutes).
Shiatsu massage in ryokan room followed by yuzu-ofuro (citrus bath) or other beauty treatment.
Kaiseki dinner served in ryokan
Day 5 - Wednesday, November 25 - Kyoto: Zen, Animation and Poetry
Zen meditation and walking at Daitoku-ji temple complex.
Transfer by taxi from ryokan to Daitoku-ji (15-20 minutes from central Kyoto).
Visit to Zen and Studio Ghibli Exhibition at Higashiyama Cube (Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art). Transfer by taxi from Daitoku-ji (20-25 minutes). Art historian or subject matter expert accompanies.
Lunch near Okazaki area or Higashiyama.
Talk about japanese literature. Haruki Murakami.
Literary walk following Yasunari Kawabata's "The Old Capital". Walking route through Shirakawa, Gion, Kamogawa riverbanks, and Nishijin weaving district. Professional guide with literary specialization leads. Total walking distance: 3-4 km with stops.
Kintsugi masterclass with ceramicist in Kyoto studio. Location: pottery studio in Higashiyama or central Kyoto. Transfer by taxi (10-15 minutes). Duration: 2 hours.
Ganbanyoku (hot stone spa) treatment at spa studio in Kyoto.
Transfer by taxi (10-15 minutes).
Return to ryokan for dinner or light evening meal.
Day 6 - Thursday, November 26 - Kyoto: Sacred Hike and Kintsugi
Private minivan transfer from Kyoto to Kurama (40-50 minutes).
Sacred hike from Kurama to Kibune through cedar forest trail with visit to Kurama-dera temple. Hiking distance: approximately 4 km, duration 2.5-3 hours including temple visit. Accompanying guide leads.
Soba lunch in Kibune. Recommended: Kibune Kawadoko restaurants along the river (seasonal outdoor seating if weather permits) or Hiroya restaurant for traditional soba.
Transfer by taxi or local bus from Kibune to Kurama Onsen (15-20 minutes).
Kurama Onsen bathing ritual with rotenburo (outdoor bath). Onsen facilities at Kurama Onsen public bath or private family bath reservation.
Transfer from Kurama back to central Kyoto by private minivan (40-50 minutes).
Return to ryokan. Free evening for light dinner or rest.
Day 7 - Friday, November 27 - Kyoto: Business, Costume and Maiko
Private visit to Omron Corporation headquarters (or other company like Nintendo ). Transfer by taxi from ryokan to Omron HQ in Shimogyo Ward (10-15 minutes from central Kyoto). Kaizen and monozukuri session with corporate expert.
Light business lunch near Omron HQ or in central Kyoto. Recommended: casual Japanese restaurant or bento service at meeting facility.
Private access to Kyoto Costume Institute. Transfer by taxi from Omron (10 minutes). Art historian or costume curator leads private viewing of archival kimono and European costume collections.
Alternative: visit to Casa Nakano for artisan workshop
Meditative walk at Fushimi Inari shrine at dusk.
Transfer by taxi from KCI to Fushimi Inari (15-20 minutes). Walk through torii gates after sunset (approximately 16:50 in late November).
Dinner with maiko in Gion private ochaya (tea house). Traditional ozashiki dinner with maiko dance performance, games, and conversation through professional interpreter. Location: exclusive tea house in Gion Shirakawa or Hanami-koji area.
Alternative: Capella Kyoto dinner
Ofuro ritual at ryokan with yuzu and salt balls, aromatherapy. Return to ryokan by taxi (5-10 minutes from Gion).
Day 8 - Saturday, November 28 - Kyoto to Departure
Breakfast at ryokan. Miyage souvenir shopping for tea, ceramics, and local products.
Free time in Kyoto.
Beauty ritual before departure - shiatsu or foot massage at ryokan or nearby salon.
Private minivan transfer from Kyoto ryokan to Kansai International Airport (KIX).
Travel time: 80-100 minutes depending on traffic.
Flight departure from KIX.
Recommended 1 extra day stay to slow down.
Get in touch
For questions about Pilgrimage of Beauty,
contact us below or fill out the form.
contact us below or fill out the form.
+34 613018885
info@rbclub.org
info@rbclub.org
Guided by Kyoto visitor's guide
Photo credits: Freepik, Unsplash [Atul Vinayak, Kelvin Chua, Jose Fabula, ZHENYU LUO, YANGHONG YU, Andrea Serini, Kharl Anthony Paica, Chinapat Saegang, 俊雅 鶴見, Michael Lee, zhenzhong liu, Peter Thomas, Edmund Lou, Kouji Tsuru, Gang Hao, Na visky, haijiang zeng, Bo Zhang, Lucas Calloch, Nichika Sakurai].
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