Romantic November Getaway to Japan: Exploring Tokyo and Kyoto in Mild Autumn

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on November 1, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Check-in

Arrive at Tokyo's Narita/Haneda Airport and check in at a budget-friendly but comfortable hotel like Sotetsu Fresa Inn, which offers great value and is centrally located.
JPY12000, 1h

10:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, famous for its variety of seafood and lively stalls, open from 7am to 3pm.
JPY2000, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, the iconic Senso-ji in Asakusa, which offers a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage and traditional architecture. Open 6am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Asakusa Kagetsudo

Try their famous melonpan (sweet bread) with a light meal at this renowned bakery-café near Senso-ji.
JPY1000, 1h

3:30pm

Stroll in Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum

Enjoy a peaceful walk in Ueno Park and visit the Tokyo National Museum, showcasing Japanese art and history. Museum open 9:30am-5pm.
JPY620, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Savor authentic tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo in Shinjuku, open until 11pm, perfect for a cozy dinner after a day of sightseeing.
JPY1500, 1h

Day 2: Modern Tokyo & Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on November 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sarabeth’s Lumine Shinjuku

Start the day with Western-style breakfast classics in a popular café known for delicious pancakes and eggs benedict, open 8am-9pm.
JPY2000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Enjoy the serene Meiji Shrine set in a large forested area, followed by a stroll through nearby Yoyogi Park. Shrine open 6am-4:30pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omotesando Koffee

Experience artisanal coffee and light bites at this stylish, minimalist café in Omotesando.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

Browse the trendy shops and quirky boutiques on Takeshita Street, famous for youth fashion and sweets.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit teamLab Planets Tokyo

Immerse in an interactive digital art museum offering a unique sensory experience. Open 10am–7pm, last admission 6pm.
JPY3200, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the restaurant famous for inspiring the Kill Bill movie's iconic fight scene, serving traditional Japanese dishes like yakitori. Open 5pm-midnight.
JPY4000, 2h

Day 3: Travel to Kyoto & Heritage

Kyoto, Japan on November 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel in Tokyo

Light breakfast before check-out, typically complimentary with hotel stay.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, about 2h30m journey. Book in advance for best prices and comfort.
JPY14000, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Kyoto Hotel

Check in at a traditional ryokan or budget hotel like Hotel Mid In Kyoto, blending comfort with cultural charm.
JPY9000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore this vibrant food market and sample local specialties such as yuba (tofu skin) and pickled vegetables.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Famous for its wooden stage offering panoramic views of Kyoto, this historic temple is a must-see. Open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

4:00pm

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Walk charming narrow lanes with traditional shops and tea houses, perfect for an authentic atmosphere experience.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Karyo

Relish kaiseki dining with seasonal ingredients in Kyoto’s historic Gion district. Reservation recommended. Open till 9pm.
JPY7000, 2h

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan on November 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon

Enjoy traditional matcha and Japanese-style breakfast sets at this cozy tea house open 8am-6pm.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the famous endless red torii gates of this iconic Shinto shrine, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at a local soba noodle shop

Savor authentic Kyoto-style soba noodles, offering a light and flavorful meal option. Shops generally open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore the iconic bamboo forest followed by a visit to the serene Tenryu-ji Temple. Temple open 8:30am-5:30pm.
Temple entrance JPY500, 2h

4:00pm

Relax by Katsura River

Enjoy a peaceful riverside walk and picturesque views, a perfect spot for a romantic afternoon.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from a variety of traditional and modern Japanese dining options in this narrow, atmospheric alley by the river.
JPY4000, 2h

Day 5: Return & Final Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on November 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto hotel

Grab a light meal before checkout.
Included, 30m

8:00am

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Return bullet train travel to Tokyo for last day of sightseeing and shopping.
JPY14000, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in at Tokyo hotel

Settle back at hotel to freshen up and rest.
JPY12000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Ginza

Enjoy elegant Japanese dining in Ginza district, known for its upscale eateries and shopping. Choose a sushi or tempura restaurant, open from 11am.
JPY3500, 1h30m

2:30pm

Shopping at Ginza and Marunouchi

Explore high-end shops and department stores for souvenirs and luxury goods.
Free to browse, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Tokyo Tower

Admire city views from Tokyo Tower’s observation deck, open until 10:30pm.
JPY1200, 1h

7:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Shibuya

Celebrate the end of your romantic trip at this lively izakaya featuring great food and drinks, open till midnight.
JPY5000, 2h