Start around 8:30 at Meiji Jingu, when the forest paths are quiet and the shrine grounds feel a world away from the city. Allow about 1½ hours to walk in and explore; the grounds open around sunrise and close around sunset, with hours shifting seasonally. Entry is free. Then head to Takeshita Street—about a 10-minute walk—for a browse and a snack. Sunday is lively and can get crowded; many shops open around 10–11am, so some may not be open if you arrive early. A crepe or other street snack typically costs about ¥500–¥1,000.
Walk south to Omotesando for its striking architecture, boutiques and cafés, allowing roughly 1½ hours including lunch. There are plenty of places to eat along the avenue and nearby side streets; budget around ¥1,500–¥3,000 for a casual lunch. From there, it’s about 20 minutes on foot to Shibuya. Aim to book Shibuya Sky for a late-afternoon entry: sunset is around 4:30pm in late November, and sunset slots are popular, so reserve ahead and check the exact entry time. Arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in and lifts; allow about 1½ hours overall. Admission is roughly ¥2,500–¥3,700 depending on ticket and timing, and access is weather-dependent.
Finish with an izakaya dinner near Shibuya Station. Choose a spot on the backstreets rather than the busiest station-front lanes, and settle in for small plates such as yakitori, edamame and sashimi; budget about ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person, often plus a small seating charge. Sunday crowds can build, so having a restaurant in mind—or being flexible about where you eat—makes the end of the day easier.
Allow roughly 3–4 hours door to door for today’s move from Tokyo, so a morning departure should put you in Kyoto around lunchtime, depending on station access and traffic. Head to Kiyomizu-dera after dropping your bags; from Kyoto Station, a taxi is often the simplest option, while buses can be slow in late-November traffic. Give the temple about 1½–2 hours to take in the hillside setting and city views. It typically opens early and closes around 6pm, with seasonal hours or evening openings varying; admission is about ¥500, so check the official schedule before you go.
From the temple, wander downhill through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, allowing about 1½ hours for the preserved lanes, small shops, and a tea or snack stop. Continue toward Gion for an early-evening stroll; the lantern-lit streets are lovely, but keep to public areas and don’t photograph people without permission. Finish at Gion Tanto for okonomiyaki—budget roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. Dinner service and opening days can change, so check ahead and reserve if possible; after a travel day, it’s worth confirming they’re open before making the walk.
Allow 1–1½ hours door to door for the move from Kyoto, including getting to the station and dropping your bags at your Osaka accommodation; an early-morning start leaves time to explore. Head to Osaka Castle Park for a roughly 1½-hour stroll around the broad lawns, impressive moats and stone walls. The park is free and open year-round; the castle’s interior museum has an admission fee (around ¥1,200) and usually opens 9am–6pm, with last entry before closing. If you go inside, allow extra time.
Make your way to Kuromon Ichiba Market in Namba for lunch and a browse among the seafood, fruit and snack stalls. Set aside 1–1½ hours and about ¥1,500–¥3,500 per person; individual shops keep their own hours, so arriving around lunchtime gives you the best choice. From there, wander to Hozenji Yokocho, a compact, atmospheric lane of stone paving and lantern-lit eateries—30–45 minutes is plenty for a relaxed look around.
Continue on foot to Dotonbori and enjoy the canal-side signs and lively streets as the evening crowd builds. Allow about 1½ hours to wander, then finish at Mizuno for okonomiyaki; budget roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person. It’s a popular spot, so expect a possible wait, especially at dinner—arrive a little before peak dining time if you can, and check the restaurant’s current hours before setting out.
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