Morning: Flight departs Mumbai late night; travelers rest on the plane.
Afternoon: In‑flight meals cater to both vegan and non‑vegetarian diets, with a choice of plant‑based curry and grilled chicken.
Evening: Arrive at Narita Airport around 19:30, take the Narita Express to the relatives’ home in Tokyo and settle in for a welcome dinner at a nearby vegan‑friendly izakaya.
Find HotelsMorning: Stroll through Koishikawa Korakuen and enjoy its stunning maple leaves; grab a vegan onigiri from a convenience store.
Afternoon: Explore Shibuya Crossing and the Hachikō statue, then wander the trendy streets of Harajuku where both vegan ramen and pork tonkotsu are available.
Evening: Visit Rikugien Garden for illuminated fall foliage, followed by dinner at a restaurant offering tofu steak and wagyu options.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the JR Chuo Limited Express to Lake Kawaguchi, where the lake mirrors the fiery reds of Mt Fuji’s slopes.
Afternoon: Hike to Chureito Pagoda for a classic view of the mountain framed by autumn colors; enjoy a bento box with vegan sushi rolls.
Evening: Return to Tokyo, relax at the relatives’ home and sample a mixed‑style dinner with tempura vegetables and fish tempura.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the Shinkansen to Nagano (≈1.5 h); check‑in at a spacious Airbnb chalet in Nagano City (≈¥25,000/night for 4).
Afternoon: Visit the historic Zenko‑ji Temple, then head to Jigokudani Monkey Park to see the snow monkeys bathing in hot springs amid orange foliage.
Evening: Dine at a local izakaya serving both vegetable hot‑pot and miso‑glazed salmon.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful “black” castles, surrounded by maple trees.
Afternoon: Continue to Kamikochi Valley for a gentle hike along the Azusa River, where autumn colors peak.
Evening: Stay overnight at a traditional ryokan in Kamikochi (≈¥30,000/night for 4) with a kaiseki dinner offering vegan and seafood dishes.
Find HotelsMorning: Return to Nagano and take the Shinkansen to Kyoto (≈3 h); check‑in at a centrally‑located machiya‑style Airbnb in Gion (≈¥28,000/night for 4).
Afternoon: Light walk through the historic Gion District, spotting geisha and traditional tea houses.
Evening: Dinner at a Kyoto restaurant known for its vegan yuba (tofu skin) dishes and grilled yakitori.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore Kiyomizu‑dera and its hillside garden ablaze with crimson leaves.
Afternoon: Visit Tofuku‑ji for its famous maple‑leaf tunnel, then head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the nearby Tenryū‑ji garden.
Evening: Sample a plant‑based kaiseki set at a riverside restaurant, followed by a stroll along the illuminated Philosopher’s Path.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a rapid train to Nara (≈45 min); feed the friendly deer at Nara Park.
Afternoon: Marvel at the giant bronze Buddha inside Todaiji Temple and wander the tranquil Kasuga Taisha shrine surrounded by vermilion lanterns.
Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a vegan ramen shop near the station.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Osaka (≈15 min by train); check‑in at a modern hotel in Namba (≈¥22,000/night for 4).
Afternoon: Tour the impressive Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, vibrant with fall colors.
Evening: Experience the neon lights of Dotonbori, sampling takoyaki (with vegan batter) and okonomiyaki (vegetarian and pork versions available).
Find HotelsMorning: Shinkansen to Hiroshima (≈2 h); check‑in at a comfortable hotel near the station (≈¥20,000/night for 4).
Afternoon: Reflect at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and museum, then board a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the iconic floating torii gate.
Evening: Dine on Hiroshima‑style okonomiyaki with both vegan and pork options, then stroll the illuminated streets of Miyajima.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a limited‑express train to Nagasaki (≈3 h); settle into a cozy Airbnb in the Dutch‑style district (≈¥24,000/night for 4).
Afternoon: Visit Glover Garden and Dejima to learn about the city’s foreign trade history, surrounded by autumn foliage.
Evening: Enjoy the famed night view from Mount Inasa and dinner featuring vegan shochu‑infused dishes alongside traditional seafood.
Find HotelsMorning: Flight from Nagasaki to Sapporo (via Tokyo); check‑in at a central hotel in Susukino (≈¥26,000/night for 4).
Afternoon: Walk through Odori Park, where the late‑season maple leaves add a splash of red.
Evening: Sample Hokkaido’s famous soup curry with both vegan broth and pork toppings at a local eatery.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the historic Hokkaido Shrine and its surrounding forest of maples.
Afternoon: Take a short bus ride to Jozankei Onsen for a relaxing hot‑spring experience amid colorful foliage.
Evening: Return to Sapporo; enjoy a dinner of vegan miso ramen and grilled scallops at a downtown restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Train to Otaru (≈30 min); stroll along the picturesque Otaru Canal framed by autumn trees.
Afternoon: Explore the glass workshops and sample fresh sushi, with vegan nigiri available at a specialty shop.
Evening: Head back to Sapporo for a relaxed evening at the hotel’s on‑site hot tub.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Asahikawa (≈1.5 h); visit the Asahiyama Zoo where the surrounding park glows with fall colors.
Afternoon: Drive to nearby Furano’s autumn fields for panoramic views of golden wheat and red maples.
Evening: Return to Sapporo; dine on Hokkaido cheese fondue with vegan cheese alternatives.
Find HotelsMorning: Flight from Sapporo to Tokyo (≈1.5 h); meet relatives again and check into a guest room.
Afternoon: Free time for shopping in Ginza or exploring the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
Evening: Farewell dinner at a restaurant offering both vegan sushi platters and classic sushi.
Find HotelsMorning: If time permits, take a short domestic flight from Osaka to Miyazaki (≈1 h) and stay at a beachfront villa (≈¥30,000/night for 4).
Afternoon: Visit Aoshima Shrine and the tropical Udo Jingu, both set against vibrant foliage.
Evening: Enjoy local Miyazaki beef or a vegan tofu hot‑pot before returning to Osaka for the night.
Find HotelsMorning: Leisurely breakfast with relatives; optional visit to teamLab Borderless (if desired).
Afternoon: Explore local markets and try seasonal treats; vegan mochi and traditional wagashi are both available.
Evening: Pack and prepare for departure; early night to rest before the flight.
Find HotelsIf you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the optional Miyazaki side‑trip and the Asahikawa/Furano day, which will reduce travel time by two days while still covering the main fall‑foliage hotspots. To extend the experience, add a day in the Japanese Alps (e.g., a night in Takayama) or explore the northern Hokkaido towns of Noboribetsu and Hakodate for additional autumn scenery. Throughout the journey, most major restaurants now offer vegan alternatives, but it’s helpful to carry a few translation cards that specify “no meat, no fish, no dairy” to ensure smooth dining experiences.