November places Japan in the heart of its most beautiful season. The golden and crimson hues of kōyō (fall foliage) are now at their most brilliant in areas like Kyoto, Tokyo and the Japanese Alps. This transition from peak chaos to a slightly more manageable tempo allows for a deeper appreciation of the destinations.

With the pace finally slowing, our staff from the Tokyo office are taking the opportunity to join some of the tours and activities we regularly arrange for your guests. Having our travel consultants join these firsthand is essential for us, as it allows our staff to provide informed recommendations, ensure quality and share genuine feedback with our clients.

You may have also seen headlines about an increase in bear sightings and incidents across Japan this year, particularly in the mountainous regions of the Tohoku area during the late autumn months when bears are foraging before hibernation.

We want to assure that the safety of our guests remains our highest priority. Given that most EXO itineraries focus on established urban, cultural and major scenic routes, the risk remains exceptionally low for our clients. However, when visiting remote, mountainous or less-travelled natural areas, having a local guide who is trained in area knowledge and safety protocols is always the most responsible way to explore. We confidently rely on our expert local guides for any excursions into deeper nature areas.