Allow roughly 1.5–2.5 hours from either Tokyo airport to central Tokyo, depending on which airport you use, your route and immigration queues; that’s the airport-to-city transfer, not including your flight. From Haneda, the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail connects to central rail hubs; from Narita, the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner is usually easiest, depending on your hotel’s location. Add time for the last leg to your hotel, check-in and a breather before heading out. If you’re running late, keep the garden visit short rather than rushing through it.
Head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for an easy reset after travel. It typically closes in the late afternoon, with last entry before closing, so check the official hours for your date and arrive with enough time for a 1–1.5-hour wander; admission is around ¥500. The broad lawns and different garden styles feel a world away from the station crowds. From Shinjuku or Shinjuku-Sanchome, it’s a short walk, though the best gate depends on your approach.
From the garden, make your way to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Nishi-Shinjuku—about 20–30 minutes on foot, or a short subway ride and walk. Its observation floors are free and usually open into the evening, but hours and access can change, so check before setting out; allow around 45 minutes, including any queue. Then head back toward Shinjuku-Sanchome for Nabezo Shinjuku Sanchome, where shabu-shabu makes a comforting first-night dinner. Budget roughly ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person and about 1.5 hours; confirm the branch’s current hours and reserve if possible, especially if arriving at a popular dinner time.
Start at Sensō-ji while the temple grounds are still relatively calm; allow about 1–1½ hours to see the main hall and wander the surrounding lanes. The grounds are open around the clock, but the main hall typically opens from about 6:30 a.m. (seasonal hours can vary). Then follow Nakamise-dori toward the temple gate for snacks and souvenirs. Most stalls open around 9–10 a.m. and wind down by late afternoon, though individual hours differ. Save room for a ningyō-yaki cake or freshly made rice crackers, and expect the lane to get busy as the morning goes on.
Walk about 15–20 minutes to Kappabashi Kitchen Street, between Asakusa and Ueno, and give yourself an hour to browse cookware shops, knife specialists and the remarkably lifelike plastic food displays. Many shops keep weekday hours, but opening days and times vary—Wednesday is not a guarantee that every store will be open, so check any must-see shop before setting out. After browsing, head back toward Asakusa on foot (roughly 15–20 minutes) for Asakusa Imahan. Set aside about 1½ hours for sukiyaki; budget around ¥4,000–¥8,000 per person, and reserve ahead if possible, especially for a preferred lunch or dinner time. Check the branch’s current service hours before you go, as meal periods and last orders can vary.
Begin at Meiji Jingu, entering through the broad, wooded approach from Harajuku Station. The grounds generally open around sunrise and close around sunset, with seasonal hours; admission is free, and about 1½ hours lets you enjoy the quiet paths and shrine buildings without rushing. From there, walk to Takeshita Street for its busy mix of fashion shops and snack counters. Many shops open later in the morning, so arriving around 10:30–11:00 is a good fit; allow 45–60 minutes, and expect the narrow street to feel lively.
Walk on to Yoyogi Park for a slower hour among its paths and open lawns. The park is free to enter, and late November can bring lovely autumn color, though the weather may be cool. Then take the train from Harajuku Station to Shibuya Station—one stop on the JR Yamanote Line, only a few minutes aboard—or walk for roughly 20 minutes. Spend about 45 minutes at Shibuya Scramble Crossing and in the surrounding streets; it’s especially fun to watch the waves of pedestrians from street level before heading up to the observatory.
Book a timed entry at SHIBUYA SKY well ahead, ideally for around sunset: late-November daylight fades around 4:30 p.m. in Tokyo, and popular slots can sell out. Plan about 1½ hours, and check the rooftop’s weather-related access notices on the day; ticket prices vary by booking time and method, so confirm the current rate when reserving. Finish at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a casual, quick-turnover sushi spot with touch-screen ordering and trains that deliver plates to your seat. Budget roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person and allow extra time if there’s a queue.
Allow 3–4 hours door to door for the move from Tokyo, including getting to the station, the train, and reaching your Kyoto accommodation. An early departure leaves the afternoon workable; drop your bags or check in before heading to Higashiyama. If you’re carrying large suitcases, arrange a reserved luggage-space seat or use luggage forwarding, and don’t count on a full hotel check-in before the afternoon.
From your accommodation, head to Kiyomizu-dera by taxi or local bus; allow roughly 20–40 minutes depending on where you’re staying and traffic. Set aside 1½–2 hours for the hillside grounds and wooden terrace. The temple generally opens early and closes in the early evening, but hours and admission arrangements can vary; check the official information before you go. Admission is typically around ¥500. Afterwards, walk downhill through Sannenzaka, allowing about 45 minutes to browse its traditional lanes and small shops. It gets busy, so take care on the steep, uneven paving.
Continue on foot toward Yasaka Shrine at the edge of Gion—about 20–30 minutes from Sannenzaka at an easy pace—and spend around 45 minutes among its lantern-lit buildings. Finish at Gion Tanto for okonomiyaki; budget ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person and allow 1–1½ hours, with a possible wait at dinner. Check its current hours and whether it takes reservations before setting out.
Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (about 15–20 minutes from Kyoto Station), then walk roughly 10–15 minutes to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Go early: the public path is free and open, but Saturday crowds build quickly; allow about 45 minutes to wander. Continue to Tenryū-ji, which usually opens at 8:30 a.m. The garden admission is around ¥500; entry to the temple buildings costs extra, and hours or fees can change. Give yourself 1–1½ hours.
Walk to Arashiyama Yoshimura for soba with views toward the river; budget about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person and expect a possible wait at lunchtime. Afterward, stroll across Togetsukyō Bridge for mountain and river views—allow around 45 minutes, and take your time along the banks if the autumn colors are showing. Finish at Ōkōchi Sansō Garden, a short walk from the bamboo grove. It generally closes around 5 p.m., with last admission earlier; in late November, aim to arrive by about 3 p.m. so you have 1–1½ hours before dusk. Admission is typically around ¥1,000, often including tea, but check seasonal access before setting out.
Allow 1–1.5 hours door to door for the move from Kyoto to Osaka, including getting to the station and onward to your accommodation. Drop your bags—most hotels will hold them before check-in—then head to Osaka Castle Park. Give the broad lawns and moats about 1½ hours; the castle is striking from outside, and the grounds are a pleasant breather from the city. Entry to the park is free; the castle museum costs extra and needs more time, so keep it optional.
Take the subway toward Nippombashi for Kuromon Ichiba Market, a lively covered arcade where you can graze on grilled seafood, sushi and other Osaka bites. Many stalls operate through the day, though individual hours vary; budget roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 for a casual tasting lunch. From there, walk about 15 minutes to Hozenji Yokocho in Namba. This compact stone-paved lane feels a world away from the market bustle; pause at Hozenji Temple and its moss-covered statue, and allow around 45 minutes to wander.
Continue on foot to Dotonbori for the canal, giant neon signs and people-watching as the lights come on. After a relaxed hour, join the queue at Mizuno for okonomiyaki; lines are common, especially on a Sunday evening, so allow 1–1½ hours and expect to spend about ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. If the wait is long, enjoy the canal-side atmosphere while you wait rather than trying to squeeze in another stop.
No packing list attached yet.