Travel challenge: An autumn break in Japan

(TORU YAMANAKA/AFP/Getty Images)

Every week we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for a specified holiday. Today: an autumn tour of Japan. Prices are for two people travelling together for 14 nights over the Jidai Matsuri and Kurama Fire festivals; return Heathrow-Tokyo and internal flights, transfers, touring and some meals are included.

Trailfinders

£7,118: Discover Japan's Cultural Treasures

Departs 10 October and includes Thai Airways flights via Bangkok, a guided tour from Tokyo to Osaka and accommodation in three to four-star hotels. "This fascinating tour offers a taste of the captivating culture of modern and historic Japan, as well as enchanting mountain scenery and beautiful gardens. You'll also experience something unique with two colourful local festivals," says Nikki Davies of Trailfinders. (0845 050 5871; trailfinders.co.uk)

Into Japan: Specialist Tours

£9,500: Luxury Japan Autumn Tour

Departs 18 October and includes JAL flights; touring in Kyoto, Mount Aso, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Hakone, Mount Fuji, Kamakura and Tokyo; and luxury accommodation, including traditional ryokan. "This tour takes in two fantastic festivals, the Jidai Matsuri in Kyoto and the Kurama Fire Festival as well as including a private Geisha dinner and first-class travel on the Bullet Trains. The tour follows a leisurely pace and is the ideal introduction to Japan," says Into Japan's Robin Hurst. (01865 841443; intojapan.co.uk)

Magical Japan

£5,980: Japan and Okinawa Highlights

Departs 15 October and includes ANA flights; touring taking in Mount Fuji, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka and Okinawa; and luxury accommodation. "Mid-October is the perfect time to view the autumn leaf changing in Japan. This tour visits must-see sights in Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji as well as experiencing the famous Bullet Train and Hakone Hot Springs. The second half of the holiday is spent relaxing on the tropical beaches of Okinawa island, staying at the prestigious Marriott Resort & Spa Hotel. Enjoy magnificent panoramic sea views from your large bedroom – as far as the facilities and room sizes are concerned, we think the Marriott is the best in Okinawa," says Ling Davies of Magical Japan. (0161 962 9054; magicaljapan.co.uk)