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Japan Autumn Adventure: Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Setouchi Triennale

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Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning: Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer to your hotel in Shinjuku. Check‑in and freshen up after the flight.

Afternoon: Stroll around Shinjuku Gyoen to enjoy early autumn foliage. Grab a quick lunch at a local ramen shop.

Evening: Explore the neon lights of Shinjuku and enjoy a dinner at a izakaya with a view of the skyscrapers.

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Day 2: Tokyo Highlights

Morning: Visit the historic Meiji Shrine and walk through Yoyogi Park.

Afternoon: Wander through Har Harajuku for boutique shopping and street snacks.

Evening: Dine in Shibuya, and experience the famous crossing illuminated at night.

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Day 3: Cultural Tokyo

Morning: Explore the historic Asakusa district and the iconic Sensō-ji Temple.

Afternoon: Take a river cruise on the Sumida River for views of the city skyline.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner in the Ginza district.

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Day 4: Disney Sea (Quiet Day)

Morning: Arrive early at Tokyo DisneySea to beat the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore the themed ports, such as Journey of the Little Mermaid and enjoy a quick lunch.

Evening: Watch the nighttime fireworks over the Mediterranean Harbor.

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Day 5: Travel to Kyoto

Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Check in at a traditional ryokan.

Afternoon: Stroll through the historic Gion district and spot geisha.

Evening: Dine at a local teahouse and enjoy matcha desserts.

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Day 6: Kyoto Temples

Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and explore its serene gardens.

Afternoon: Discover the beautiful Ryoan-ji rock garden and a lunch of tofu specialties.

Evening: Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at sunset.

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Day 7: Kyoto Culture

Morning: Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine and its thousands of torii gates.

Afternoon: Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace and learn about imperial history.

Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony in Urasenke tea house.

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Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

Morning: Travel to Nara, visit the massive bronze Daibutsu at Tōdai‑ji Temple.

Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park and feed friendly deer.

Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy dinner at a local yakitori shop.

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Day 9: Travel to Takamatsu (Setouchi Triennale)

Morning: Take a train to Takamatsu; check into a boutique hotel.

Afternoon: Visit Ritsurin Garden and begin exploring the Setouchi Triennale installations.

Evening: Sample local udon at a famous Takamatsu noodle shop.

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Day 10: Takamatsu - Triennale Day 1

Morning: Visit island site Inujima for its iconic art installations.

Afternoon: Explore Naoshima and the Benesse House Museum.

Evening: Sunset viewing at Ushijima and dinner at a seaside restaurant.

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Day 11: Takamatsu - Triennale Day 2

Morning: Discover the interactive artworks on Teshima island.

Afternoon: Visit the Teshima Art Museum and enjoy the serene landscape.

Evening: Return to Takamatsu for a night stroll along the Takamatsu Port area.

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Day 12: Takamatsu - Triennale Day 3

Morning: Explore Shodoshima and its olive farms.

Afternoon: Visit Kagawa Prefecture Museum of Modern Art for local exhibitions.

Evening: Dinner featuring local seafood and a visit to a local sake bar.

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Day 13: Takamatsu - Triennale Day 4

Morning: Take a ferry to Shikoku Mura for cultural heritage displays.

Afternoon: Explore the art installations at Meiho Island.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in a garden setting.

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Day 14: Takamatsu - Triennale Day 5

Morning: Visit Chichu Art Museum on Naoshima for a final artistic immersion.

Afternoon: Take time to explore the surrounding beaches and relax.

Evening: Farewell dinner featuring regional cuisine before heading to Osaka.

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Day 15: Travel to Osaka

Morning: Take the train to Osaka, check into a centrally located hotel.

Afternoon: Walk through Dotonbori and try takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Evening: Enjoy a night cruise on the Osaka Bay area.

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Day 16: Universal Studios Japan (Quiet Day)

Morning: Arrive early at Universal Studios Japan to avoid crowds.

Afternoon: Experience the Wizarding World and enjoy a themed lunch.

Evening: Watch the evening parade and firework display.

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Day 17: Osaka City Exploration

Morning: Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.

Afternoon: Explore the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Namba district, with a variety of local restaurants.

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Day 18: Osaka Day Trip

Morning: Day trip to Himeji Castle for a quick tour of Japan's most spectacular castle.

Afternoon: Return to Osaka and explore the historic Shinsekai district.

Evening: Relax at a local onsen for a calming end to the trip.

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Day 19: Last Day in Osaka

Morning: Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan for marine life exploration.

Afternoon: Shopping in Shinsaibashi for souvenirs and gifts.

Evening: Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city.

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Day 20: Departure

Morning: Check out of hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.

Afternoon: Last-minute souvenir shopping at the airport.

Evening: Fly home from Osaka with lasting memories of Japan.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Tokyo DisneySea – 5 hours – ¥7,400 (ticket)
  • Universal Studios Japan – 6 hours – ¥8,800 (ticket)
  • Meiji Shrine – 2 hours – free
  • Asakusa (Senso‑ji) – 2.5 hours – free
  • Kinkaku‑ji – 2 hours – ¥400
  • Fushimi Inari – 3 hours – free
  • Tōdai‑ji (Nara) – 2 hours – ¥600
  • Ritsurin Garden – 2 hours – ¥410
  • Inujima Art Installation – 3 hours – ¥1,800
  • Benesse House Museum (Naoshima) – 2.5 hours – ¥1,200
  • Chichu Art Museum – 2 hours – ¥2,000
  • Osaka Castle – 2 hours – ¥600
  • Umeda Sky Building – 1.5 hours – ¥1,500
  • Himeji Castle – 3 hours – ¥1,000
  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan – 2 hours – ¥2,500
  • Transport (JR Pass 21 days) – 21 days – ¥61,000
  • Accommodations (average ¥12,000/night x 20 nights) – 20 nights – ¥240,000
  • Meals (average ¥2,500 per day x 20) – 20 days – ¥50,000
  • Miscellaneous (souvenirs, extra fees) – – ¥30,000
  • Total Estimated Cost¥416,710

Tips

To extend the trip, add an extra day in Kyoto to explore the nearby Arashiyama tea fields, or spend a night in the historic town of Miyama for a traditional farmhouse experience. To shorten the itinerary, combine the Tokyo and Kyoto days by focusing on key attractions and using night trains to reduce travel time, which can reduce the overall cost and free up days for extra shopping or relaxation.

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