Leave early to reach Asakusa for the Tobu Limited Express. Use Tokyu lines + Tokyo Metro or a direct route to Asakusa so you can board the Tobu Spacia; total door-to-door is typically 35–60 minutes depending on your Setagaya neighborhood.
Board the comfortable Tobu Spacia limited-express to Tobu-Nikkō (reserve seats if possible). This is the fastest direct rail option from Asakusa to the Nikko/Tobu-Nikkō area and avoids multiple transfers.
Arrive and walk toward the historic shrine area (Tōshō-gū is a 20–30 minute walk or a short bus/taxi). Use the Tourist Information at the station for real-time bus times (buses run roughly hourly to Lake Chūzenji).
Explore the ornate, UNESCO-linked Tōshō-gū shrine (famous carvings, Yomeimon gate, and richly decorated buildings). Mid-November the colors are often peak—plan 1–1.5 hours to see the main compounds. Typical hours are ~8:00–17:00 (confirm seasonal times).
Catch the Tobu or local bus from the shrine/Station area to the Lake Chūzenji / Kegon Falls area (bound for Chuzenji-ko / Yumoto). Buses run roughly every 30–90 minutes depending on season—check the timetable; ride takes ~40–55 minutes.
Eat at a lakeside restaurant that serves local specialties—yuba (tofu skin) kaiseki or grilled trout are classic choices; many lakeside places open 11:00–16:00. Enjoy the view and recharge before the boat and waterfalls.
Take the sightseeing cruise on Lake Chūzenji (the round-trip or one-way sightseeing boats usually last ~30–40 minutes) to appreciate the lake and surrounding autumn color from the water—confirm seasonal operation and departure times (some services have the last departures mid-afternoon in late autumn).
Short walk from the boat landing to Kegon Falls observation area. Ride the elevator down to the lower viewing platform for a dramatic frontal view of the waterfall—the elevator typically runs ~8:00–17:00 (check seasonal closing times).
Take the local bus or short taxi to the Akechidaira Ropeway and ride up to the plateau for a panoramic viewpoint (famous for sweeping views of Kegon Falls, Lake Chūzenji and, on clear days, Mt. Nantai). Ropeway hours are usually ~9:00–16:30 (may close earlier in low season) so arrive before closing.
Walk to the nearby observation decks (often listed as Hangetsuyama / Akechidaira viewpoints) for additional photos and short trails—great vantage for golden hour; these are generally outdoor viewpoints and free to access but may get breezy and cold in November.
Catch the bus down the lake shore to Ryūzu Falls, a scenic, two-stream waterfall where the river roughly resembles a dragon's head (ryū = dragon). A pleasant 15–25 minute walk/viewing time; no admission fee but paths can be slippery in wet weather.
Board the return bus toward Tobu-Nikkō Station. Buses after sunset can be less frequent—check the last bus timings (some routes have fewer runs after 5–6pm). Allow ~1h to reach the station depending on stops.
If you have time before the train, enjoy a quick dinner near the station—ramen, soba, or a small izakaya serving local Tochigi dishes. Many places are open until ~20:00 but closing times vary—if pressed for time, grab an ekiben (station bento) for the train.
Board the evening limited-express back to Asakusa (seat reservation recommended). Trains run regularly but check the current timetable; the return ride is about 2 hours.
Transfer at Asakusa and head back to Setagaya by subway/Tokyu lines. You should be home around 10:15–10:45pm depending on where in Setagaya you started.
Mid-November is peak autumn color season—buses and trains are busier and many vantage points get crowded. Check: (1) Tōshō-gū opening hours (usually 8:00–17:00 but can vary), (2) boat schedules on Lake Chūzenji (may reduce runs in late season), (3) Kegon Falls elevator and Akechidaira Ropeway seasonal hours (often close ~16:30–17:00 in late autumn). Consider buying a Tobu Nikko Pass (covers Asakusa↔Nikkō and local buses) or reserving Tobu Spacia seats in advance. Adjust start time earlier if you want more relaxed pacing or if you must return earlier.