The annual autumn leaves photo tour Japan follows the most ancient and authentic Japanese pilgrimage routes. These routes and history are mainly known by historians, Buddhist monks and nuns, Shinto priests, and locals. We do not advertise these routes. As an amateur historian from day one in Japan our main workshop leader was fascinated with the ancient pilgrims routes, that Samurai used to move their forces, but most interestingly for him was the use of these routes by daimyos (samurai lords), geisha, artisans, Buddhist monks, Shinto priests, and common citizens, who traveled these routes leaving the urban regions for autumn leaves viewing and meditation, painting, sketching, and calligraphy in the highlands and visited the most scenic Zen inspiring spots throughout Japan. As a bonus, he found the same routes were used in the spring to view the perfect cherry blossoms. He has been exploring these routes annually for months every year, and twenty seven years later, his interest in further exploring these cross country ancient pilgrims routes, and the ancient shrines, temples, parks, samurai castles, power spots along the journey has never been stronger.