10-Day Japan and Hanoi, Vietnam Itinerary for October/November Near Thanksgiving

Day 1: Tokyo Urban Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on October 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast at numerous stalls and small eateries; market opens early around 5:00am until 2:00pm.
JPY0, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple known for its vibrant Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple grounds.
JPY0, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya

Experience affordable and fast conveyor-belt sushi in bustling Shibuya, open 11:00am-11:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

See the world-famous scramble crossing and visit the iconic Hachiko Statue just outside Shibuya Station.
JPY0, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Enjoy this peaceful Shinto shrine surrounded by Yoyogi Park, perfect for a stroll.
JPY0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at a traditional izakaya famous as the inspiration for Kill Bill’s fight scene, serving Japanese grilled dishes.
JPY4000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kyoto Culture & Temples

Kyoto, Japan on October 21, 2025

7:30am

Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto

Take an early bullet train ride (around 2h20m) via JR Tokaido Shinkansen for smooth and fast transfer to Kyoto.
JPY14000, 2h20m

10:30am

Breakfast near Kyoto Station - Isetan Food Hall

Sample freshly made Japanese pastries and coffee at this premier department food hall.
JPY800, 45m

11:30am

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic vermilion torii gates at this famous and spiritually significant shrine.
JPY0, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Enjoy Kyoto’s culinary delights such as yuba, tofu, and fresh seafood among many local vendors; market open 9:00am-6:00pm.
JPY1500, 1h

3:30pm

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic temple with stunning views over Kyoto; open 6:00am-6:00pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:30pm

Stroll through Gion District

Walk the historic streets known for traditional architecture and geisha sightings.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from a variety of traditional and modern restaurants in this lively narrow alley along the Kamogawa River.
JPY3500, 1h30m
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Day 3: Osaka Food & Entertainment

Osaka, Japan on October 22, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Osaka by train

A short 15-20 minute train ride connects you from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
JPY500, 20m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Try fresh street food and seafood at Osaka’s most famous market open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this historic landmark and its beautiful surrounding park open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Experience Osaka's vibrant street food scene—try takoyaki and okonomiyaki along the canal area.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and browse through a mix of traditional and modern shops in Osaka's longest shopping street.
JPY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden

Go to the observation deck for panoramic views of Osaka city, open 10:00am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mizuno

Enjoy classic okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) at this renowned Dotonbori spot, open until 10:00pm.
JPY2000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Flight to Hanoi & Evening Stroll

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 23, 2025

8:00am

Morning flight from Osaka Kansai to Hanoi

Fly from Kansai International Airport to Noi Bai International Airport, approximately 4.5-hour flight.
USD200, 4h30m

2:00pm

Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and relax after your flight.
USD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Coffee at Cafe Giang

Try the famous egg coffee, a unique Hanoi specialty, at this historic coffee shop.
VND40000, 45m

5:00pm

Stroll Hoan Kiem Lake & Ngoc Son Temple

Enjoy scenic lake views and visit the small picturesque temple on the lake; area is open day and night.
VND30000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bun Cha Huong Lien

Try the famous Bun Cha Hanoi (grilled pork with noodles), open 10:00am to 9:00pm, popularized by President Obama’s visit.
VND60000, 1h
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Day 5: Hanoi Historical & Cultural Sites

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pho Thin

Enjoy an authentic northern Vietnamese pho breakfast at this well-known local eatery, open 6:00am-10:00am.
VND40000, 1h

9:00am

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex

Explore the mausoleum, presidential palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. Mausoleum open 8:00am-11:00am, closed Monday & Friday.
VND0, 1h30m

11:00am

Temple of Literature

Visit Vietnam’s first university and a beautiful example of traditional architecture, open 8:00am-5:00pm.
VND30000, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long

Taste the famous Hanoi grilled fish specialty with turmeric and dill, open 10:00am-2:30pm.
VND120000, 1h

2:30pm

Hanoi Old Quarter Walking Tour

Explore the vibrant streets, markets, and colonial architecture through an afternoon walking tour.
VND0, 2h

6:30pm

Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre

See a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show depicting rural folklore, shows start at 6:30pm and 8:00pm.
VND100000, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner at Quan An Ngon

Enjoy a wide selection of authentic Vietnamese dishes in an elegant setting, open until 10:00pm.
VND150000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Day Trip to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam on October 25, 2025

7:00am

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay

Take a bus or private transfer (approx. 3.5-4 hours) to Ha Long Bay.
USD30, 4h

11:00am

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Join a day cruise to explore stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters; lunch included on board. Cruises typically run 11:00am-4:00pm.
USD70, 5h

4:30pm

Return to Hanoi

Bus or private vehicle transfers back to Hanoi.
USD30, 4h

8:30pm

Light dinner or snacks near hotel

Enjoy light Vietnamese cuisine around the hotel area to rest after a long day.
VND50000, 1h
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Day 7: Hanoi Museums and French Quarter

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kafeville

Relax in a modern cafe with excellent coffee and light breakfast options, open from 7:30am.
VND60000, 1h

9:30am

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Discover diverse Vietnamese ethnic groups and culture, open 8:30am-5:30pm.
VND40000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Maison Sen

Enjoy Vietnamese haute cuisine with French influence near the French Quarter, open 11:00am-10:00pm.
VND200000, 1h30m

2:00pm

Walk around French Quarter

Admire colonial French architecture and visit landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House and Sofitel Hotel.
VND0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit St. Joseph's Cathedral

See the neo-Gothic cathedral built in the late 19th century; open daily.
VND0, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at La Verticale

Indulge in French cuisine with Vietnamese touches, open 6:00pm-10:00pm.
VND300000, 2h
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Day 8: Relax & Local Experiences

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at The Hanoi Social Club

Enjoy organic and Western-style breakfast in relaxed bohemian atmosphere, open 8:00am-11:00pm.
VND90000, 1h

10:00am

Visit West Lake and Tran Quoc Pagoda

Stroll around Hanoi’s largest lake and visit the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, open daily.
VND20000, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Madame Hien

Taste Northern Vietnamese dishes with a home-style vibe, open for lunch and dinner.
VND150000, 1h

2:00pm

Cooking Class

Join an afternoon Vietnamese cooking class (approx. 3 hours) to learn to make iconic local dishes.
USD50, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner on your own

Enjoy free time to explore local street food near your accommodation or revisit favorites.
Variable, Flexible
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Day 9: Day Trip to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh, Vietnam on October 28, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Private transfer or bus (approx. 2 hours) to scenic Ninh Binh region.
USD25, 2h

9:30am

Boat ride at Trang An Grottoes

Enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through caves and limestone karsts in a UNESCO World Heritage site; open 7:00am-5:00pm.
VND200000, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant

Try local specialties like goat meat and river fish, often featured in Ninh Binh cuisine.
VND120000, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Explore the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam with impressive architecture, open 7:00am-6:00pm.
VND25000, 2h

4:00pm

Return to Hanoi

Private transfer back to Hanoi.
USD25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Home Vietnamese Restaurant

Celebrate last night in Hanoi with a stylish setting and contemporary takes on Vietnamese cuisine, open 6:00pm to 10:30pm.
VND250000, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Hanoi, Vietnam on October 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Relax and enjoy a slow breakfast before your departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Last-minute shopping at Hang Gai Street

Pick up souvenirs like silk, embroidery, and handicrafts before heading to airport.
Variable, 1h

11:00am

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport

Allow 30-45 minutes for transfer, more if peak time traffic.
VND350000, 45m
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