From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station or Shinjuku; from Haneda Airport, the Limousine Bus is convenient if your hotel is on its route. Allow roughly 1.5–2 hours door-to-door, including immigration, luggage collection, the airport transfer, and hotel check-in or luggage drop. November evenings are cool, so keep a light jacket accessible. After settling in, make your way to Asakusa by subway—allow about 30–40 minutes from central Tokyo.
Begin at Senso-ji, where the red lantern of Kaminarimon leads into Nakamise-dori, a lively approach lined with traditional sweets, souvenirs, and small craft shops. Continue to the main hall and wander the surrounding lanes around Asakusa; the temple grounds are generally open throughout the day, while individual shops usually close by early evening. Allow about 1.5 hours, and remember that the main hall is a place of worship—quiet, respectful behavior is appreciated. If you arrive after sunset, the illuminated temple buildings are especially atmospheric and the crowds are often thinner.
For dinner, walk a few minutes to Hoppy Street, a relaxed strip of old-school izakaya beside Senso-ji. Order grilled chicken skewers, simmered dishes, and a local-style Hoppy drink; budget ¥2,000–4,000 per person, with many places operating on informal counter-service or small-table seating. After dinner, take the Toei Asakusa Line from Asakusa Station to Oshiage, around 5 minutes, for Tokyo Skytree. Allow 1.5 hours for the observation decks and the journey through the complex. Timed admission is strongly advisable, particularly for an evening visit; standard observation-deck tickets commonly cost around ¥2,100–3,100 depending on the deck and booking method, though prices and availability vary. Check the final train back to your hotel before going up, and keep the first evening flexible if your flight is delayed.
Start at Meiji Jingu soon after opening, ideally around 8:00, when the gravel paths through the forest are at their quietest. From Shinjuku, take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku; the shrine is a short walk from the station. Allow about an hour for the approach, shrine buildings, and a slow loop through the grounds. Entry is free, though small offerings and charms cost extra. The main shrine area is generally open from sunrise until sunset, with seasonal times varying.
Walk from the shrine to Takeshita Street, arriving around 10:00 before it becomes especially crowded. This is the place for colorful crepes, purikura, inexpensive accessories, and youth-fashion shops rather than a polished shopping experience. Give yourself about an hour, and keep belongings close in the busiest sections. For a quick snack, try a freshly made crepe from Marion Crêpes or a similar street stand; expect roughly ¥500–800.
Take the Tokyo Metro from Meiji-jingumae to Omote-sando, then walk about 10–15 minutes through Aoyama to the Nezu Museum. Plan roughly two hours here, including its beautifully landscaped garden, which is often the real highlight after the galleries. The museum is typically open from 10:00 to 17:00 and closed on Mondays, though check the official calendar for the November schedule; admission is usually around ¥1,500–2,000 depending on the exhibition. Have tea at the museum café if you want a quiet pause before continuing. From Aoyama, take the Tokyo Metro to Tsukijishijo or Tsukiji—allow around 25–35 minutes including the walk—to reach Tsukiji Outer Market. Arriving in the mid-afternoon means some stalls may be closing, so focus on the lanes around Harumi-dori and choose seafood, grilled snacks, or tamagoyaki as a late lunch. Budget ¥1,500–3,000 per person, and carry cash since smaller vendors may not accept cards.
From Tsukiji Outer Market, walk about 15 minutes or take the Tokyo Metro one stop toward Ginza to Ginza Six. Spend an hour browsing its design-led shops and head up to the rooftop garden for a surprisingly calm view over Ginza’s rooftops. Shops are generally open until around 20:00, with restaurants often staying open later; exact hours vary by tenant. If you are ready for dinner, the surrounding Ginza backstreets offer everything from soba counters to yakitori, while the department-store food halls are useful for takeaway. Keep the evening unhurried—this route works best as a progression from forest and shrine to lively street life, art, market food, and polished city shopping.
Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, aiming for an 8:00–9:00 departure. With the train ride, walking through the station, and leaving bags at your accommodation, allow about two hours before sightseeing. Reserve a limited-express seat through the Odakyu website or EMot app; November weekends can be busy, especially during the autumn-leaf season. From Hakone-Yumoto, use the Hakone Tozan train to Chokoku-no-Mori Station, then walk roughly five minutes to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Spend around two hours among the mountain-backed sculptures; the museum generally opens at 9:00, with admission around ¥2,000. Bring a light layer—Ninotaira is cooler than central Tokyo, and much of the visit is outdoors.
After the museum, continue by Hakone Tozan train from Chokoku-no-Mori to Gora—only a few minutes, though weekend trains may be crowded. Have a relaxed lunch around Gora, where cafés and small restaurants tend to fill quickly between noon and 1:00; Gora Brewery & Grill is a convenient choice for a substantial meal, while Yamagusuri is good for handmade soba. Then spend about an hour at Gora Park, a short uphill walk from the station, wandering its formal gardens and greenhouse. Check the same-day opening hours before setting out, as facilities can vary seasonally; admission is usually around ¥550, and the steep paths are easier in comfortable shoes.
From Gora, take a short taxi ride or the local transport connection to your Kowakudani onsen ryokan—a taxi is worthwhile if you have luggage and usually takes around 10–15 minutes, depending on the exact property and traffic. Settle in for a proper hot-spring bath before dinner rather than trying to squeeze in another sight. Confirm in advance that your booking includes both bathing and the evening meal: dinner-and-onsen packages commonly cost roughly ¥15,000–30,000 per person, and some ryokans require reservations or restrict baths to staying guests. Keep the evening unhurried; a multi-course ryokan dinner and outdoor bath are the best introduction to Hakone, and many properties stop serving dinner relatively early.
Begin at Hakone Shrine in Moto-Hakone, ideally around 8:30. The shrine grounds are atmospheric in the morning, with cedar trees, stone steps, and the famous Heiwa no Torii standing in Lake Ashi. The lakeside gate often has a queue for photographs, so allow about 1½ hours and expect a short wait. From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Bus toward Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi; the ride can take 35–45 minutes, and buses are slower on a Sunday. Afterward, walk to the nearby pier for the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise. The crossing takes roughly 30–40 minutes, though allow an hour including boarding and waiting. Check the sailing timetable before leaving your accommodation, as services can be reduced by wind or poor weather.
Disembark at Togendai and continue to Owakudani by the Hakone Ropeway, changing at Ubako if required. The complete journey usually takes about 30–40 minutes, but queues can be substantial on a Sunday, particularly in autumn. Spend around 1½ hours at Owakudani, following the marked paths near the volcanic vents and trying the local black eggs, sold at the station area; a small packet costs roughly ¥500–¥600. Strong sulfur fumes and occasional volcanic restrictions are normal, so follow staff instructions and avoid the area if respiratory sensitivity is an issue. Keep your ticket or IC-card access handy, and note that ropeway operations may pause in high winds.
Continue on the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani toward Sounzan, allowing about an hour with transfers and photo stops. The views over the volcanic valley are best when clouds lift, though Mount Fuji is never guaranteed. From Sounzan, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and a local bus or taxi toward the Pola Museum of Art in Sengokuhara; a taxi is usually the simplest option after a full sightseeing day, while the bus takes around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Finish with about two hours in the museum’s forest setting, whose collection includes European modern art and Japanese works. Admission is approximately ¥2,200, and the museum generally closes around 5:00 p.m. with last entry about 30 minutes earlier, so verify today’s hours and leave Owakudani in time—especially on a busy Sunday. The museum area has a café for a late break; afterward, return by bus or taxi to Hakone-Yumoto for dinner, allowing at least 30–45 minutes.
Allow roughly 3–4 hours door-to-door from your Hakone accommodation to your Kyoto hotel, including the transfer to Odawara, the Shinkansen, walking with luggage, and check-in. An 8:00–9:00 departure should put you in Kyoto around lunchtime or early afternoon. Leave large bags at the hotel if the room is not ready, then take a short break before heading downtown; Nishiki Market is best enjoyed without luggage and can be reached by subway to Karasuma-Oike or Shijo, followed by a 10-minute walk. The market’s food stalls generally operate from late morning into the afternoon, but individual vendors vary and some close on Wednesdays, so treat this as a flexible stop rather than a late-day attraction.
Spend about 1½ hours tasting Kyoto specialties such as grilled seafood, pickles, tamagoyaki, soy-milk doughnuts, and seasonal sweets. Keep portions small—the fun is sampling several stalls—and remember that eating while walking is discouraged in many sections, so use the designated spaces beside the vendors. Budget roughly ¥1,500–3,000 per person for grazing. From the eastern end of the market, walk approximately 15 minutes toward Kennin-ji, passing through quieter lanes around Gion rather than taking a taxi through the congested main streets.
Visit Kennin-ji for about an hour, allowing time for its dry gardens, painted sliding screens, and the striking twin-dragon ceiling in the lecture hall. The temple is usually open during daytime hours, with seasonal closing times and occasional closures for special events; check the official site before leaving the hotel. Admission is typically around ¥600–800. Afterward, wander north through Gion Shirakawa as the light fades. The canal, willow-lined path, stone bridges, and traditional townhouses are particularly atmospheric at dusk, but keep voices low and do not photograph residents or private entrances. Allow around 45 minutes, with extra time for a slow detour through the smaller lanes.
Finish at Omen Gion, a relaxed noodle restaurant serving udon with vegetables, sesame, and seasonal toppings. Dinner is generally ¥2,000–4,000 per person; queues are possible at peak dining time, so arriving around 17:30–18:00 is sensible. The restaurant’s hours can change, and it may close on an occasional holiday, so verify the day’s schedule. From there, your hotel is usually easiest to reach on foot or by taxi—Kyoto’s buses can be slow through central Gion in the evening.
Start early at Kiyomizu-dera, arriving around 8:00–8:30 before Higashiyama’s tour groups fill the approach. From central Kyoto, take a taxi for about 15–20 minutes, or use a city bus to Gojozaka and walk uphill for roughly 10 minutes. Allow around two hours for the temple’s wooden stage, hillside paths, and views across Kyoto. The main grounds generally open from around 6:00, with admission approximately ¥500; check the official schedule if you hope to see a seasonal evening illumination, as those events have separate hours and tickets.
Walk downhill into Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, keeping the pace unhurried for about 1½ hours. The stone lanes are best before lunch, when the pottery, sweets, and craft shops are just opening. Stop for matcha or a small wagashi at Kasagiya, a traditional teahouse tucked along the lanes, but expect limited seating and possible queues. The slopes are uneven and polished in places, so comfortable shoes matter; avoid stopping in the middle of the narrow lanes for photographs.
Continue on foot to Kodai-ji, about 10 minutes from Ninenzaka. Give the temple roughly 1½ hours for its landscaped gardens, bamboo grove, and elegant teahouses. Admission is usually around ¥600, and autumn foliage can make the gardens particularly busy in November, so allow time at the ticket line. From there, walk downhill toward Yasaka Shrine, passing through the edge of Gion; the shrine grounds are free and open throughout the day, and 45 minutes is enough to see the main gates, lanterns, and worship halls without rushing. For lunch or a late snack between the temples, Hisago near the Higashiyama lanes is a dependable choice for oyakodon, though it may close once its daily supply runs out.
As evening arrives, stroll west toward Pontocho and choose a restaurant after looking at the posted menu rather than accepting unsolicited invitations from touts. For a first dinner, Pontocho Yakiniku Yaruki is a straightforward option, while Pontocho Izumoya is better for grilled eel; budget roughly ¥3,000–7,000 per person, more if ordering drinks or a full kaiseki-style menu. The alley is atmospheric but very narrow, and some restaurants are reservation-only, so booking ahead is wise. From Pontocho, Kawaramachi and Sanjo stations are only a few minutes away for the return journey; taxis are convenient late in the evening but cost more, especially with traffic around Gion.
Start at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove around 7:30–8:00, before tour groups and rickshaws make the narrow paths crowded. From central Kyoto, a taxi is the easiest option early in the morning; otherwise take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then walk about 15 minutes. The grove itself is free and takes roughly an hour. Continue directly to Tenryu-ji, whose garden is the real highlight—its pond, clipped pines, and borrowed mountain scenery are especially good in autumn. The temple generally opens around 8:30, with admission around ¥500 for the garden; allow 1–1½ hours. Both sites are outdoors, so wear shoes with good grip and bring a warm layer.
Walk downhill toward Togetsukyo Bridge for about 15 minutes, passing small shops and cafés along the way. Spend 30–45 minutes around the riverbank taking in the mountain view, then head to Okochi Sanso Garden, reached via the entrance near the bamboo grove. Its landscaped paths are quieter and more polished than the public grove, and admission—typically around ¥1,000—includes a cup of matcha and a small sweet. Allow about 1½ hours; this is a good place to slow the pace rather than add another attraction.
For lunch, eat in Arashiyama before leaving the area—Arashiyama Yoshimura is convenient for soba and river views, while Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama works well for coffee and a lighter break. After lunch, take a taxi from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji in roughly 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic; public transport usually takes longer and involves a transfer. Visit in the afternoon, when the pavilion’s reflection is often strongest if the pond is still. Admission is about ¥500, and the temple usually closes around 17:00, with last entry roughly 30 minutes earlier, so leave Okochi Sanso with enough margin for traffic. Allow about an hour, accepting that the main viewing path can be busy.
Return to Arashiyama by taxi or bus and finish at Randen Arashiyama Station. The station’s small Hana no Eki area has snack stalls and seasonal displays, making it a pleasant place for yatsuhashi, grilled treats, or a final drink before taking the Randen tram back toward central Kyoto. If you are returning to the city center, the tram to Shijō-Ōmiya takes about 25 minutes; use an IC card where accepted, or pay at the station. This is a full day, so skip extra temples and keep the evening for dinner near Shijō-Karasuma or your hotel.
After breakfast, allow about 1½ hours door-to-door from your Kyoto accommodation to Kintetsu-Nara Station, including the walk or local transfer to Kyoto Station, the train, and finding your way out at the Nara end. Aim to leave around 8:00–9:00; a Limited Express may require a reserved-seat supplement, while regular Kintetsu services are perfectly practical. Begin at nearby Kofuku-ji, where the five-story pagoda and temple grounds are especially calm before the main sightseeing crowds arrive. Allow about an hour, and note that some buildings have separate admission fees and opening hours.
From Kofuku-ji, walk east into Nara Park—roughly 10–15 minutes—where deer wander freely along the paths and lawns. They are accustomed to visitors but can become insistent once they see crackers, so buy only a small packet, feed them with an open palm, and bow or show empty hands afterward. Continue on foot to Todai-ji, allowing around 15 minutes through the park; spend about 1½ hours inside the Great Buddha Hall and surrounding grounds. The hall generally opens from around 7:30 or 8:00 depending on the season, with admission usually around ¥800, but check the official hours before setting out.
After Todai-ji, follow the quieter forest-edge paths toward Kasuga Taisha, allowing roughly 30–40 minutes on foot and pausing whenever the deer and stone lanterns thin the crowds. Give yourself about 1½ hours here: the approach through the cedar forest is as memorable as the shrine itself. The main shrine buildings typically close in the late afternoon, and parts of the complex may have separate paid areas, so avoid arriving too late. For lunch, the streets around Naramachi are convenient on the way back; Hiraso is a good traditional choice for persimmon-leaf sushi, while small set-meal restaurants around Mochiidono Center Gai are easier if you do not want a formal meal. Finish at Nakatanidou, where a piece of freshly pounded yomogi mochi usually costs about ¥200–500. It is a short walk through Naramachi from the park; demonstrations are intermittent rather than guaranteed, so treat the mochi as the priority and the pounding as a bonus. Return to Kintetsu-Nara Station afterward—roughly 10–15 minutes on foot—and allow time for the train back to Kyoto, especially if you are carrying purchases.
Take the JR Yamatoji Rapid from JR Nara Station to Osaka Station, allowing roughly 1½–2 hours door-to-door for the train, luggage, and dropping bags at your Osaka hotel. An 8:00–9:00 departure keeps the day comfortable; use an IC card, and note that Osaka Station and Umeda Station are connected but can be confusing, so allow extra time if changing to the subway. After leaving your luggage, continue to Osaka Castle by subway to Morinomiya or Tanimachi 4-chome, then walk through the broad park grounds. Spend about two hours around the moat, stone walls, and castle keep; the museum inside the keep is worthwhile for its panoramic top-floor view. The keep generally opens around 9:00, with admission roughly ¥1,200, though confirm hours before traveling.
From Osaka Castle, take the Osaka Metro to Nippombashi and walk into Kuromon Ichiba Market. This is best treated as a grazing lunch rather than a formal meal: look for grilled scallops, sea urchin, wagyu skewers, fruit, and the market’s famous fresh seafood, budgeting ¥1,500–3,500 per person. Visit around midday, but expect crowds and slightly tourist-oriented prices; ask vendors whether eating is permitted at their counter and avoid carrying food through the busiest lanes. After about 1½ hours, walk or take the Sakaisuji Line south to Shinsekai, the nostalgic district around Janjan Yokocho. Wander beneath the old-fashioned signs, peek into the tiny kushikatsu restaurants, and allow about an hour—the atmosphere is more interesting than any checklist of sights.
Finish your time in Shinsekai at Tsutenkaku, whose observation decks provide a compact city panorama and a close-up view of the neighborhood’s neon streets. A timed ticket can be useful on busy days, particularly from late afternoon into sunset; budget roughly ¥1,000–1,500 depending on the deck or special experiences selected. Then take the subway or walk north toward Dotonbori, arriving after dark when the canal signs are at their brightest. Follow the Dotonbori promenade around Ebisu Bridge, then choose a busy takoyaki stand or a small okonomiyaki restaurant for dinner, budgeting ¥2,000–4,000 per person. Keep valuables secure in the densest crowds, and remember that the canal area stays lively late, making it easy to end the day with a relaxed stroll rather than another scheduled stop.
Start early with Sumiyoshi Taisha, ideally around 8:00, while the shrine grounds are quiet and local worshippers are beginning their visits. From central Osaka, take the Nankai Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station; the ride from Namba is roughly 10 minutes, followed by a short walk. Allow about 1½ hours to cross the distinctive arched bridge, see the main shrine buildings, and wander the wooded grounds. There is no general admission charge, though small offerings and amulets cost extra. Keep luggage compact or use station lockers, as the shrine paths are not convenient with large bags.
From Sumiyoshi, return toward central Osaka and continue to Nakanoshima Park, the riverside green space between the Dōjima River and Tosabori River. It is a pleasant place for a final city stroll, with rose gardens, bridges, and views of Osaka’s historic early-20th-century buildings. Allow about an hour, including the transfer and a coffee stop; Kitahama and Yodoyabashi stations are the most useful access points. For a light meal before the museum, look around the Kitahama waterfront rather than committing to a long restaurant lunch.
Continue to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living in Tenjinbashisuji, where an indoor Edo-period streetscape recreates Osaka’s homes and shops under changing daylight conditions. It generally opens from late morning into the afternoon or early evening, but verify the November 2026 schedule before travelling; allow around 1½ hours and budget roughly ¥600–¥800 for admission. The museum is directly connected to Tenjimbashisuji 6-chōme Station, making it an easy final sightseeing stop before collecting your bags.
Afterward, spend about 1½ hours along Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Japan’s longest covered shopping arcade. Browse kitchenware, sweets, clothing, and small food counters, and have lunch or an early dinner here—allow approximately ¥1,000–¥2,500 per person. Keep the meal efficient if you have a fixed flight: from central Osaka, allow roughly 2–3 hours door-to-door to Kansai International Airport, including luggage collection and the walk to the platform. From Namba, the Nankai Rapi:t is the most straightforward airport option; from Osaka/Umeda, use the JR Haruka connection via Tennoji or another suitable JR route. Aim to leave the city at least three hours before an international departure, and check the final train timetable because airport services are less frequent late at night.
No packing list attached yet.