Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

16-Day Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Exploring Onsens, Bonsai, Gardens & Culinary Delights from Tokyo to Hokkaido

Viewed by 107 travelers

Day Day 1: Arrival & Tokyo Sights

Tokyo, Japan on November 1, 2025

10:00am

Arrival at Tokyo Airport

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport, transfer to hotel and check-in.
$50, 2h

12:30pm

Hamarikyu Garden Visit

Explore the traditional Edo period garden with tea house and views of the city skyline. Open 9am-5pm.
¥500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Dine on fresh sushi and seafood at Kura Sushi or various market stalls.
¥2000, 1h

3:30pm

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise Shopping Street

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and browse traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Izakaya in Shinjuku

Enjoy a casual dinner sampling local dishes in vibrant Shinjuku.
¥3000, 2h
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day Day 2: Kanazawa & Kenrokuen Garden

Kanazawa, Japan on November 2, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kanazawa

Take Shinkansen & Thunderbird limited express train (~3 hours) using JR Pass if available.
¥15000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Sample fresh seafood specialties at the bustling market.
¥2000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s top three gardens, open until sunset. Enjoy seasonal autumn foliage.
¥300, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Nagamachi Samurai District

Stroll through preserved samurai homes and streets representing feudal Japan.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy traditional seafood dishes and sake in Kanazawa.
¥4000, 2h
Find Hotels in Kanazawa

Day Day 3: Kyoto Gardens & Bonsai

Kyoto, Japan on November 3, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kyoto

Approx 2.5-hour train ride to Kyoto from Kanazawa using Thunderbird & Shinkansen.
¥6000, 2.5h

11:00am

Visit Kyoto Seishu Netsuke Art Museum

Admire intricate netsuke carvings (closed Mondays, check schedule).
¥1000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market Honey Ice Cream

Enjoy Kyoto’s famous honey ice cream at Sugi and other market delights.
¥1500, 1h

2:00pm

Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden

Visit world-renowned Zen rock garden and temple (open until 5pm).
¥500, 1h 30m

4:00pm

Taikan-ten Bonsai Exhibition

Explore the exquisite bonsai exhibition at Kyoto International Conference Center.
¥1000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner in Gion – Orange Pancakes

Taste famous Kyoto orange pancakes and traditional dishes in the historic Gion district.
¥4000, 2h
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day Day 4: Explore Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on November 4, 2025

8:00am

Visit Tenryuji Temple Garden

Serene garden and temple complex overlooking Arashiyama bamboo forest (open 8am-5pm).
¥500, 1h 30m

10:00am

Explore Ginkakuji and Philosopher’s Path

Walk along a scenic path lined with temples and autumn foliage.
¥500, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cafe near Kamo River

Enjoy light Japanese lunch with river views, approx. ¥2000.
¥2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the iconic gold-leaf temple and its reflective pond (open until 5pm).
¥400, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Gion District streets and tea houses

Wander Kyoto’s famous geisha district with traditional architecture.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Kaiseki restaurant

Savor a multi-course traditional Japanese meal.
¥6000, 2h
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on November 5, 2025

8:30am

Travel Kyoto to Nara

Short 45-minute train ride to explore Nara Park and temples.
¥1000, 45m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple & Nara Deer Park

See the Great Buddha and feed friendly deer roaming freely.
¥600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant – try kakinoha sushi

Sample Nara’s specialty persimmon leaf sushi.
¥1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Isuien Garden

Stroll through the beautiful traditional garden complex.
¥900, 1h 30m

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Relax or explore shopping districts downtown.
¥1000, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner in Kyoto Station area

Try local Kyoto cuisine or international options.
¥3000, 2h
Find Hotels in Nara

Day Day 6: Osaka Food & Culture

Osaka, Japan on November 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kyoto to Osaka

15-30 min train ride to Osaka city center.
¥500, 30m

9:00am

Explore Kuromon Market

Taste fresh seafood, street food, and seasonal delicacies.
¥2000, 2h

11:30am

Visit Osaka Castle & Park

Tour the historic castle and its gardens, open 9am-5pm.
¥600, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the lively canal area.
¥1500, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Browse trendy shops and boutiques.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner in Shinsekai

Enjoy kushikatsu and local street food specialties.
¥3000, 2h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day Day 7: Kobe & Cultural Sites

Kobe, Japan on November 7, 2025

9:00am

Travel Osaka to Kobe

30-minute train to Kobe city known for its beef and harbor views.
¥700, 30m

9:45am

Visit Soraku-en Garden

Explore one of Kobe’s oldest and most tranquil gardens open 9am-5pm.
¥300, 1h

11:00am

Sake Brewery Museum

Visit Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum for tasting and learning sake history.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch – Kobe Beef Restaurant

Savor world-famous Kobe beef specialties.
¥6000, 1h 30m

2:30pm

Harborland & Meriken Park

Walk around the harbor area and enjoy views and art installations.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Osaka

Dinner near hotel or try local cuisine.
¥3000, 2h
Find Hotels in Kobe

Day Day 8: Travel to Kurashiki

Kurashiki, Japan on November 8, 2025

8:00am

Train Osaka to Kurashiki

Take Shinkansen to Okayama, then local trains to Kurashiki, approx 2.5 hours.
¥8000, 2.5h

11:00am

Explore Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Enjoy preserved Edo period warehouses, canals, and boutiques, open until sunset.
Free, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Kurashiki Café

Try local specialties such as barazushi, approx. ¥2000.
¥2000, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ohara Museum of Art

Japan’s first Western art museum, houses Impressionist and other art collections.
¥1300, 1h 30m

5:00pm

Dinner at riverside restaurant

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine with serene water views.
¥3500, 2h
Find Hotels in Kurashiki

Day Day 9: Yufuin Onsen Town

Yufuin, Japan on November 9, 2025

7:00am

Travel Kurashiki to Yufuin

Long travel day (~5 hours), enjoy countryside scenery en route.
¥12000, 5h

12:30pm

Check-in & light lunch

Settle into a ryokan and try light soba or udon noodles.
¥1500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Yufuin's streets and galleries

Visit quaint shops, art galleries and flower-themed cafes.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Relax in onsen baths

Enjoy traditional hot spring baths at your ryokan or local public onsens.
¥1000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner featuring regional cuisine

Try local Oita specialties, including fresh mountain vegetables.
¥4000, 2h
Find Hotels in Yufuin

Day Day 10: Kurokawa Onsen Exploration

Kurokawa Onsen, Japan on November 10, 2025

8:00am

Travel Yufuin to Kurokawa Onsen

3-hour scenic transfer into the Kurokawa Onsen hot spring village.
¥10000, 3h

11:30am

Check-in & Lunch

Enjoy local delicacies and lunch at a ryokan or village café.
¥2500, 1h

1:00pm

Onsen hopping around Kurokawa

Use a hot spring passport to visit several outdoor baths in the village.
¥1500, 3h

5:00pm

Stroll the scenic village streets

Enjoy picturesque bridges, rustic streets and autumn colors.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at ryokan

Traditional kaiseki multi-course meal with seasonal ingredients.
¥6000, 2h
Find Hotels in Kurokawa Onsen

Day Day 11: Kusatsu Onsen Relaxation

Kusatsu, Japan on November 11, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kurokawa to Kusatsu Onsen

Transfer (approx. 4 hours) to one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns.
¥12000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch and check-in

Sample local dishes and settle into ryokan accommodation.
¥2500, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Yubatake and netstuke

Visit the iconic hot water field and unusual steam-powered traditional devices.
Free, 1h 30m

4:00pm

Onsen bathing

Relax in multiple public and private baths including outdoor rotenburo.
¥1000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at local soba or tempura restaurant

Enjoy hearty and seasonal delicacies in Kusatsu.
¥4000, 2h
Find Hotels in Kusatsu

Day Day 12: Okuhida Onsen & Mountain Views

Okuhida, Japan on November 12, 2025

8:00am

Travel Kusatsu to Okuhida

4-hour scenic transfer to Okuhida Onsen area famous for alpine hot springs.
¥15000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch with Hida Beef

Relish regional Hida beef at local eateries.
¥3500, 1h 30m

2:30pm

Visit outdoor onsens with mountain views

Relax in several open-air baths set against the Japan Alps.
¥1500, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at ryokan

Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine paired with hot spring relaxation.
¥6000, 2h
Find Hotels in Okuhida

Day Day 13: Yunomine Onsen Experience

Yunomine Onsen, Japan on November 13, 2025

8:00am

Travel Okuhida to Yunomine Onsen

Approx. 5 hours of travel to UNESCO-listed hot spring town with historic baths.
¥15000, 5h

1:00pm

Check-in & Lunch

Dine on local fare and enjoy the village atmosphere.
¥2500, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Tsuboyu Bath & hot spring sites

Visit Japan’s smallest UNESCO World Heritage bath known for healing waters.
¥500, 1h

4:30pm

Soak in multiple public onsen baths

Relax in hot spring baths scattered around the village.
¥1000, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner featuring fresh river fish

Enjoy traditional dishes made with local ingredients.
¥4000, 2h
Find Hotels in Yunomine Onsen

Day Day 14: Zao Onsen & Scenic Outdoors

Zao Onsen, Japan on November 14, 2025

8:00am

Travel Yunomine to Zao Onsen

Approx. 5-6 hour travel north to famous onsen town with snow monsters and alpine views.
¥18000, 6h

2:00pm

Check-in & Lunch

Sample regional Yamagata dishes at your lodge.
¥2500, 1h

3:30pm

Zao Onsen hot springs

Enjoy outdoor rotenburo with steaming natural hot springs surrounded by mountains.
¥800, 2h

6:00pm

Local dinner

Try hearty regional cuisine perfect for chilly evenings.
¥4000, 2h
Find Hotels in Zao Onsen

Day Day 15: Noboribetsu Onsen & Sapporo

Hokkaido, Japan on November 15, 2025

7:00am

Fly or take train to Noboribetsu from Zao area

Use flight options optimized by JAL Explorer pass or Shinkansen + train combination, approx 4-5h.
¥20000, 5h

12:30pm

Visit Jigokudani Hell Valley

Explore volcanic landscape with active hot springs and trails open till late afternoon.
¥600, 2h

3:00pm

Travel to Sapporo & hotel check-in

Short train ride to Sapporo, Hokkaido’s vibrant capital.
¥8000, 1h 30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Sapporo Beer Garden

Feast on fresh Genghis Khan lamb and local beer in an iconic setting.
¥4500, 2h
Find Hotels in Hokkaido

Day Day 16: Return Tokyo & Departure

Tokyo, Japan on November 16, 2025

7:00am

Fly from Sapporo to Tokyo

Fly into Haneda or Narita for departure day.
¥10000, 1h 30m

9:00am

Visit Saitama luxury outlets

Shop designer brands with tax-free options, stores open 10am-8pm.
Free entry, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch near Saitama outlets

Casual meals available featuring Japanese and international cuisine.
¥1500, 1h

2:30pm

Return to central Tokyo

Visit Meiji Shrine and Harajuku or relax in hotel.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Farewell Dinner in Ginza

Enjoy high-end sushi or tempura at prestigious restaurants like Ginza Kyubey.
¥10000+, 2h
Find Hotels in Tokyo
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Japan 1-17th November

Best Japan Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Japan 1-17th November Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go