Japan Travel Itinerary: November 17 - November 27, 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning: Arrive at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, transfer to your accommodation in Shinjuku. Settle in and refresh.

Afternoon: Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, enjoy a relaxing stroll among autumn foliage.

Evening: Visit the bustling Omoide Yokocho alley for local street food and vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Tokyo – Sensō-ji and Akihabara

Morning: Visit Sensō-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest temple surrounded by traditional markets.

Afternoon: Head to Akihabara, the electronics and anime district, shopping for gadgets and collectibles.

Evening: Dine at a themed café such as a maid café or a retro arcade nearby.

Day 3: Tokyo to Nikko Day Trip

Morning: Take early train to Nikko, visit the ornate Toshogu Shrine.

Afternoon: Explore Shinkyo Bridge and enjoy nature walks around Nikko National Park.

Evening: Return to Tokyo and have dinner at Ikebukuro district.

Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

Morning: Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. Check into hotel.

Afternoon: Visit iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and stroll through the historic Higashiyama district.

Evening: Walk the atmospheric Gion district and possibly spot a geisha.

Day 5: Kyoto Temples & Gardens

Morning: Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine with thousands of torii gates.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Ryoan-ji Temple rock garden and Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional kaiseki restaurant.

Day 6: Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove

Morning: Head to Arashiyama, explore the famous Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge.

Afternoon: Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and take a boat ride on the Katsura River if weather permits.

Evening: Return to Kyoto city center for casual dining and shopping.

Day 7: Kyoto to Nara Day Trip

Morning: Travel to Nara, visit Tōdai-ji Temple housing the giant Buddha statue.

Afternoon: Wander around Nara Park, feed the friendly deer and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Evening: Return to Kyoto, relax at your accommodation.

Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

Morning: Take a short train ride to Osaka, check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park grounds.

Evening: Explore the lively Dotonbori district, try famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Day 9: Osaka Aquarium & Shopping

Morning: Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums.

Afternoon: Shop at Shinsaibashi and America-Mura districts for fashion and souvenirs.

Evening: Experience nightlife at Umeda Sky Building with panoramic city views.

Day 10: Day Trip to Hiroshima & Miyajima

Morning: Take early train to Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum.

Afternoon: Ferry to Miyajima Island, see the iconic floating Itsukushima Shrine.

Evening: Return to Osaka for overnight stay.

Day 11: Departure from Osaka

Morning: Last minute shopping or sightseeing around Osaka Station.

Afternoon: Transfer to Kansai International Airport.

Evening: Flight departure home or to your next destination.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden: 2 hours, ¥500
• Sensō-ji Temple: 2 hours, Free
• Akihabara District: 3 hours, Variable (shopping budget)
• Toshogu Shrine (Nikko): 3 hours, ¥1300
• Shinkansen Tokyo-Kyoto: 2.5 hours, ¥14,000
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple: 2 hours, ¥400
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: 2 hours, Free
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): 1.5 hours, ¥400
• Bamboo Grove (Arashiyama): 2 hours, Free
• Tōdai-ji Temple (Nara): 2 hours, ¥600
• Osaka Castle: 2 hours, ¥600
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: 3 hours, ¥2,400
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: 2-3 hours, ¥200
• Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine: 2 hours, ¥300

Total Estimated Cost (excluding meals and shopping): Approximately ¥23,700

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding visits to Hakone for hot springs and views of Mount Fuji or spend more time exploring rural Japan such as Tsumago along the Nakasendo Trail. To reduce the trip duration, focus on Tokyo and Kyoto only, skipping day trips to Nikko, Nara, and Hiroshima for a more relaxed pace without extensive travel.