11-Day Kyoto + Kansai Loop: Kyoto Core, Arashiyama, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe, Uji, Kurama & Hiroshima — Nov 20–30

Day 1: Higashiyama & Gion

Kyoto, Japan on November 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Inoda Coffee (Main Branch)

Classic Kyoto coffeehouse with full breakfast sets to kick off your trip; good early opening hours but verify current times. (Typical hours ~7:00am–8:00pm.)
JPY900, 0h45m

9:00am

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Iconic hillside wooden temple with sweeping city views and the Otowa Waterfall; go early to avoid peak crowds — check typical hours 6:00am–6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

10:45am

Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka

Charming preserved stone lanes full of shops and craft stalls — an ideal photo and souvenir stop; outdoor area open all day.
JPY0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — Yasaka Endo (tempura near Gion)

Seasonal tempura sets near Gion in a relaxed setting; lunch service typically ~11:00am–3:00pm so reserve or arrive early at midday.
JPY2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Kodai-ji Temple & gardens

Tranquil temple with landscaped gardens and a small bamboo grove — a quieter contrast to Kiyomizu; typical hours ~9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Gion & matcha stop

Walk Hanamikoji Street to spot machiya houses and possibly geisha, and pause at a tea shop (e.g., Tsujiri) for matcha sweets; stores mostly open from ~10:00am.
JPY800, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Pontocho kaiseki (reservation recommended)

Refined Kyoto kaiseki in atmospheric Pontocho alley — book ahead for best times; many restaurants open ~5:30pm for dinner.
JPY8000, 2h0m

9:30pm

Evening — Yasaka Shrine walk

Short nighttime stroll to Yasaka Shrine for an atmospheric end to Day 1; shrine grounds accessible late though main buildings are quieter at night.
JPY0, 0h30m

Day 2: Arashiyama

Kyoto, Japan on November 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama

Specialty coffee and pastries with riverside vibes—good grab-and-go before exploring Arashiyama; typically opens ~8:00am.
JPY900, 0h30m

8:30am

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Famous bamboo corridor best visited early to beat crowds and capture unobstructed photos; open 24 hours but early morning recommended.
JPY0, 1h0m

9:30am

Tenryu-ji Temple & garden

UNESCO-designated temple with a beautiful landscape garden framing the mountains — typical hours ~8:30am–5:30pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:00am

Okochi Sanso Villa

Historic villa and gardens with expansive views and included tea service — check opening hours (commonly ~9:00am–5:00pm).
JPY1000, 1h15m

12:45pm

Lunch — Yoshimura (soba by the river)

Soba lunch with river views near Togetsukyo Bridge; popular at midday so expect a wait and typical hours ~11:00am–4:00pm.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:30pm

Togetsukyo Bridge & optional boat ride

Stroll the famous bridge and, weather permitting, take a short boat on the Hozu River for a new perspective; boat operators run daily but schedules vary seasonally.
JPY2000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Sagano Scenic Railway (Romantic Train) — optional

Scenic ride along Hozu Gorge — runs seasonally and can be busy in autumn foliage season, so check times and reserve where possible (service often ends before dusk).
JPY620, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Shoraian (tofu kaiseki, reservation recommended)

Specialized tofu kaiseki in Arashiyama; elegant local dining with reservations strongly recommended — evening service commonly starts around 5:30pm.
JPY6000, 2h0m

Day 3: North Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on November 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or Inoda Coffee

Fuel up with a western/Japanese breakfast; Inoda opens early if you prefer a classic Kyoto cafe start (typical hours ~7:00am).
JPY1000, 0h45m

9:00am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Striking gold-leaf pavilion reflected in the pond — arrive at opening to avoid tour groups; typical hours ~9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY400, 0h45m

10:15am

Ryoan-ji (rock garden)

Famous Zen rock garden and quiet walking grounds — a contemplative stop pairing well with Kinkaku-ji; usual hours ~8:30am–5:00pm.
JPY500, 0h45m

11:30am

Lunch — Okutan (yudofu near Nanzen-ji)

Traditional simmered tofu (yudofu) near Nanzen-ji — a Kyoto specialty and warming midday meal; typically open ~11:00am–3:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Philosopher's Path stroll

Scenic canalside walk linking Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji with cafes and seasonal colors — open all day and especially lovely in late November foliage season.
JPY0, 1h0m

2:30pm

Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Serene temple and hillside gardens at the Philosopher's Path end — check opening times (commonly ~8:30am–5:00pm).
JPY500, 0h45m

4:00pm

Nanzen-ji Temple & aqueduct

Large Zen complex with an impressive brick aqueduct and sub-temples — suitable for a relaxed late-afternoon visit (main complex hours usually ~8:40am–5:00pm).
JPY500, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner — Kyoto Station ramen or Pontocho izakaya

Choose quick comfort at Kyoto Station's ramen options or atmospheric izakaya in Pontocho for a relaxed evening; ramen alleys typically open until ~10:00pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

Day 4: Nara Daytrip

Nara, Japan on November 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or local cafe

Early breakfast before the JR/ Kintetsu train to Nara; trains run frequently but check timetable for first departures.
JPY900, 0h30m

9:00am

Todai-ji Temple & Great Buddha

Massive wooden temple housing the Daibutsu (Great Buddha) — iconic and worth arriving early; typically open ~7:30am–5:00pm (hours vary seasonally).
JPY600, 1h0m

10:30am

Nara Park & deer feeding

Wide park dotted with freely roaming deer and scenic ponds — buy deer crackers at stalls and enjoy the autumn scenery; park open all day.
JPY300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Nakatanidou or local set meal

Try local specialties or a set meal near the park; many shops operate ~11:00am–4:00pm, though hours vary per store.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Historic shrine with thousands of lanterns and mossy paths — atmospheric in late autumn; typical hours ~6:30am–5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Naramachi historic district

Stroll the preserved merchant quarter for crafts, cafes and small museums — many shops open until late afternoon/early evening.
JPY0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Return to Kyoto & Dinner — Local izakaya

Return by train to Kyoto and enjoy casual izakaya fare near your accommodation; izakayas open in the evening, typically until late.
JPY2000, 1h30m

Day 5: Osaka City

Osaka, Japan on November 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Train station cafe or hotel

Quick breakfast before the short JR or Hankyu trip to Osaka; check train departure times for best connections (trains frequent).
JPY800, 0h30m

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Reconstructed castle with museum and large surrounding park — opens typically ~9:00am–5:00pm; great for autumn foliage photos.
JPY600, 1h30m

11:30am

Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)

Modern observatory with panoramic city views — check opening hours (commonly ~10:00am–10:30pm).
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch — Kushikatsu Daruma or local okonomiyaki

Enjoy Osaka specialties like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) or okonomiyaki; many popular lunch spots are open from ~11:00am.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi shopping

Vibrant entertainment district with neon signs, takoyaki stalls and shopping arcades — open all day and lively into the night.
JPY0, 2h0m

5:30pm

Optional Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (evening)

One of the world’s largest aquariums — check closing times (often ~8:00pm); good for a later afternoon/early evening visit.
JPY2400, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Dotonbori street food or kushikatsu

Sample takoyaki, okonomiyaki or kushikatsu along Dotonbori; lively evening scene with many eateries open late.
JPY1500, 1h0m

9:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Take an evening train back to Kyoto; frequent services available — check train last-departure times if staying late.
JPY560, 0h45m

Day 6: Himeji & Kobe

Himeji / Kobe, Japan on November 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast — Early hotel or station cafe

Quick start for the shinkansen/express train to Himeji; check train schedules and reserve seats if possible for a smooth trip.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Himeji Castle

Japan’s finest surviving feudal castle with pristine timber and plaster — arrive early to explore before crowds; typical hours ~9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

11:00am

Koko-en Garden

Adjacent restored Edo-style gardens offering quiet strolls and great views of Himeji Castle; open usually ~9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY300, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Local set meal near Himeji Station

Try local soba or set meals near the station before heading to Kobe; many eateries operate during standard lunch hours (~11:00am–2:00pm).
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Travel to Kobe & Harborland stroll

Short train ride to Kobe; explore Harborland and Meriken Park for waterfront views and autumn light — open all day.
JPY1000, 1h0m

4:00pm

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens or Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Cable car to herb gardens for views (check cable car hours) or visit vibrant Chinatown for snacks and shopping (shops typically open until evening).
JPY1200, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner — Kobe beef (steakhouse reservation)

Splurge on a Kobe beef meal at a reputable teppanyaki or steakhouse in Kobe — reserve ahead as evening slots fill fast.
JPY8000, 1h30m

9:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Train back to Kyoto in the evening; check final service times depending on where you're staying.
JPY1400, 1h0m

Day 7: Uji & Fushimi

Uji / Kyoto, Japan on November 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before heading to Uji by train; trains run frequently from Kyoto and travel is about 20–30 minutes by JR/Keihan.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Byodoin Temple (Uji)

UNESCO World Heritage site and classic Phoenix Hall — quieter in the morning and especially beautiful in autumn; typical hours ~8:30am–5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h0m

10:30am

Uji river walk & tea tasting

Famous tea town — visit a tea shop for matcha and experience a tea tasting/ceremony; shops and tea houses often open from mid-morning.
JPY800, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Unagi or local set meal

Try grilled eel or local set meals near the river in Uji; many restaurants serve lunch ~11:00am–2:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Kyoto — Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit the famous torii gate path in late afternoon when light slants beautifully — shrine grounds open 24 hours, main buildings busier midday but quiet at dusk.
JPY0, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner — Local izakaya or Kyoto specialties

Enjoy casual Kyoto dishes near Fushimi or back in central Kyoto; many izakayas open from early evening until late.
JPY2000, 1h0m

Day 8: Kurama & Kibune

Kyoto (north), Japan on November 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or local cafe

Light breakfast before the short train up to Kurama; trains have convenient morning services but check schedules.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Kurama-dera hike

Hike up to Kurama-dera with mountain temple views — a peaceful mountain temple experience with trails that take ~60–90 minutes depending on pace; temple hours typically ~9:00am–4:30pm.
JPY300, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch — Kibune riverside restaurants (kawadoko)

Seasonal riverside dining in Kibune (kawadoko decks) offering a scenic lunch; deck availability and opening times change seasonally so check in advance (many close for winter or change hours).
JPY2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kifune Shrine visit & stroll

Small, atmospheric shrine set in forest — pleasant for a post-lunch stroll; shrine precincts open throughout the day though office hours vary.
JPY0, 0h45m

3:30pm

Optional Kurama Onsen

Relax in a hot spring near the station (check onsen hours and reservation policies); many onsen close around early evening so confirm times.
JPY1200, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner — Return to central Kyoto for dinner

Enjoy Kyoto cuisine near your hotel or a casual izakaya; evening opening hours common from ~5:00pm onward.
JPY2000, 1h0m

Day 9: Culture & Shopping

Kyoto, Japan on November 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast — Hotel or local bakery

Relaxed morning breakfast before a day of markets, museums and a tea ceremony—many cafes open from ~8:00am.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:30am

Nishiki Market

Long indoor market of Kyoto specialties and snacks — great for sampling local foods; most stalls open around 9:00–10:00am and close mid-to-late afternoon.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:30am

Kyoto National Museum or another local museum

Explore art and history collections focused on Kyoto culture — check museum opening hours (commonly ~9:30am–5:00pm) and temporary exhibit times.
JPY520, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch — Nishiki food stalls or nearby restaurant

Try local snacks and a light sit-down lunch near the market; many vendors and restaurants serve lunch from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tea ceremony experience (reserve ahead)

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in a machiya or teahouse — pre-booking advised and most sessions run daytime hours into the afternoon.
JPY3000, 1h0m

5:00pm

Teramachi & Shinkyogoku shopping

Browse arcades for souvenirs, crafts and fashion — open through the evening, great for last-minute gift hunting.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner — Pontocho or local kaiseki

Final full dinner in Kyoto (consider another kaiseki or yakitori izakaya); reservations recommended for popular Pontocho spots in late November.
JPY7000, 2h0m

Day 10: Hiroshima & Miyajima (Long Day)

Hiroshima / Miyajima, Japan on November 29, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast — Early grab-and-go

Very early breakfast for the shinkansen to Hiroshima — reserve shinkansen seats and confirm departure times; journey ~1.5–2 hours each way from Kyoto by fastest trains.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Important and moving museum and park dedicated to the 1945 bombing — allow ample time and check museum hours (often ~8:30/9:00am–5:00pm).
JPY200, 1h30m

11:30am

Shinkansen to Miyajimaguchi & ferry to Miyajima

Train + short ferry over to Itsukushima (Miyajima) for the shrine and torii — ferry and shrine visit timing should be confirmed (ferry runs frequently).
JPY400, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch — Miyajima oysters or local cuisine

Enjoy local oysters or anago (conger eel) and other island specialties; many eateries open midday for visitors.
JPY1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Itsukushima Shrine & torii

Famous floating torii gate and shrine complex — extremely scenic in late autumn; shrine hours vary but grounds available most of the day.
JPY300, 1h0m

3:30pm

Mount Misen short hike or ropeway (optional)

If time allows, take the cable car or hike partway up Mount Misen for views — check ropeway hours (often until late afternoon).
JPY2000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Return to Kyoto & Dinner on the train or at Kyoto

Return by shinkansen to Kyoto and have a simple meal on arrival or on the train; check last train times and plan seat reservations in advance.
JPY10000, 2h30m

Day 11: Last Day / Departure

Kyoto, Japan on November 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast — Hotel or Kyoto station cafe

Relaxed breakfast and final packing before check-out; station cafes open early for last-minute purchases.
JPY800, 0h30m

9:00am

Last-minute shopping — Kyoto Station & Porta

Buy final souvenirs and snacks in Kyoto Station shopping arcades (Porta, The Cube) — most shops open from ~9:00am but check for early closures on departure day.
JPY0, 1h0m

11:00am

Light visit — Optional nearby shrine or quick temple

If time permits, visit a nearby shrine (e.g., Yasaka or Heian) for a final photo and peaceful moment; check individual opening hours (generally daytime).
JPY0, 0h45m

12:30pm

Lunch — Final Kyoto meal

Enjoy a final local lunch (soba, sushi or set meal) near the station before departure; many restaurants serve until mid-afternoon.
JPY1500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Head to airport or next destination

Travel to Kansai International Airport, Osaka Itami, or to your onward train — allow plenty of time for transfers and check airport/train schedules and check-in times.
JPY3000, 2h0m

4:30pm

Departure

Final departure from Kansai/Itami or onward travel; confirm flight/train times and allow buffer for baggage and security.
JPY0, 0h0m
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