11-Day Mid-Range Japan Itinerary: Exploring Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in November 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on November 15, 2025

9:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Arrive at Tokyo Narita/Haneda Airport and transfer by train or limo bus to your hotel in central Tokyo such as Shinjuku or Shibuya area, convenient for exploring.
JPY0 (airport transfer approx. JPY1500-3000), 1h0m

10:30am

Breakfast at T's Tantan Shinjuku Station

Enjoy a delicious vegan ramen or other Japanese breakfast dishes; open 7am - 10pm.
JPY1000, 1h0m

11:30am

Explore Meiji Shrine

A tranquil Shinto shrine located in a lush forested area, perfect introduction to Japan's traditional culture and peaceful nature; open 5:00am to 6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Afuri Ramen, Harajuku

Famous for its yuzu-flavored ramen, great mid-range option to enjoy refreshing yet rich flavors.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Stroll Takeshita Street

Explore the youthful, funky shopping street in Harajuku, full of trendy fashion stores and quirky cafes; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Visit Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings and see the famous Hachiko statue right outside Shibuya Station; always accessible.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Shibuya

Enjoy fresh standing sushi, a mid-range and authentic sushi experience, open until 11:00pm.
JPY3000, 1h0m
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Day 2: Asakusa and Akihabara

Tokyo, Japan on November 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de l’ambre, Ginza

Cozy coffeehouse known for artisan coffee, perfect to start with traditional Japanese-style brewed coffee; opens from 8am.
JPY800, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and vibrant Nakamise shopping street; temple open 6:00am-5:00pm.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Daikokuya Tempura, Asakusa

Specializes in tendon (tempura over rice), an iconic Asakusa dish with a long history.
JPY1500-2500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Akihabara Electric Town

Dive into Japan's gadget and anime culture by visiting numerous shops and arcades; best explored in the afternoon until evening.
Free to browse, optional purchases, 3h0m

4:00pm

Visit Kanda Myojin Shrine

Historic Shinto shrine popular with tech enthusiasts and gamers; open all day.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mentsu-dan Akihabara

Delicious mid-range udon and tempura dishes, open until 10pm.
JPY1200-2000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Modern Tokyo & Odaiba

Tokyo, Japan on November 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy western-style breakfast with Japanese twists in a stylish setting; opens at 8am.
JPY2000, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit teamLab Planets TOKYO

Immersive digital art museum with interactive exhibits; open 10am-7pm, last entry 6pm, closed Tuesdays.
JPY3200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Odaiba DiverCity Food Court

Wide range of Japanese and international food options, great for quick lunch before sightseeing.
JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Odaiba: Palette Town, Statue of Liberty Replica

Relax and take photos at these iconic Odaiba landmarks with shopping and entertainment options.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit teamLab Borderless (if re-opened) or alternative museum

Explore another famous digital art space in Odaiba (check opening before trip) or enjoy a walk along the seaside park.
JPY3200 (teamLab Borderless) or Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (Kill Bill restaurant)

Iconic Japanese izakaya with mid-range pricing and lively atmosphere; open until 11pm.
JPY3000-4000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on November 18, 2025

7:30am

Train to Nikko from Tokyo

Catch JR or Tobu line trains to reach Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for shrines and natural beauty, around 2 hours trip.
JPY2000-3000 one way, 2h0m

10:00am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Lavishly decorated shrine complex dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu; open 8am-5pm, admission required.
JPY1300, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako Nikko

Tasty yakitori and casual Japanese dishes in a cozy setting near the shrine.
JPY1200-1800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Nature sightseeing with stunning waterfalls and serene lake views, easily accessible by bus.
Bus fare approx. JPY1000, 2h30m

4:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Train journey back to Tokyo for overnight stay.
JPY2000-3000, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Torikizoku Shinjuku

Affordable and popular yakitori chain offering mid-range prices and lively atmosphere; open till 1am.
JPY2000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on November 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Enjoy a light breakfast before travel.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:30am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take the Nozomi or Hikari bullet train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line to Kyoto, approximately 2.5 hours.
JPY13500 one way, 2h30m

12:00pm

Check-in and lunch at Kyoto Station area

After hotel check-in, enjoy lunch at Kyoto Ramen Sen no Kaze, known for rich Kyoto-style ramen.
JPY1200-1600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Iconic shrine famous for its thousands of red torii gates; open 24h, free entry.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Gion District

Walk through Kyoto's famous geisha district with historic architecture and teahouses.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gion Tanto

Traditional Kyoto cuisine in a cozy setting with mid-range prices; open till 10pm.
JPY2500-3500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on November 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Kyoto staple coffee shop featuring classic Japanese morning sets; opens at 7am.
JPY800-1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Stunning Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf surrounded by beautiful gardens; open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple

Famous for its rock garden and serene atmosphere, close to Kinkaku-ji; open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Katsu Kyoto

Try Kyoto-style okonomiyaki in a casual and friendly restaurant setting.
JPY1200-1800, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple

Walk through the iconic bamboo forest and visit the serene Tenryu-ji temple nearby; bamboo grove accessible at all hours, Tenryu-ji 8:30am-5:30pm.
JPY500 for Tenryu-ji, 3h0m

5:30pm

Relax at Katsura River

Stroll along scenic Katsura River and enjoy the calm evening atmosphere.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Try Kyoto’s famous yudofu (boiled tofu) cuisine in a peaceful setting; mid-range pricing.
JPY3000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on November 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vegan Café Penguin

Start with a healthy vegan breakfast in a laid-back café; opens at 8am.
JPY1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit one of Kyoto's most famous temples with spectacular views; open 6am-6pm.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Higashiyama District

Enjoy historic streets lined with shops, cafes, and traditional wooden houses; free to stroll.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Famous for udon noodles served with fresh vegetables and tempura; mid-range prices.
JPY1500-2000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Nishiki Market

Kyoto’s food market offering local specialties and street food; open until 6pm.
Free to browse, food purchases vary, 1h30m

4:30pm

Explore Kyoto Imperial Palace Park

Relax in the spacious park surrounding the old imperial palace; open 9am to 5pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Menbaka Fire Ramen

Experience the famous ‘fire ramen’ show and delicious bowl; opens until 10pm.
JPY1500-2000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on November 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local bakery

Light breakfast before train travel.
JPY1000, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Osaka

Short train journey to Osaka via JR or private rail; approx 30-45 mins.
JPY560, 45m

10:00am

Check-in and Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic city views; open 9:30am - 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Try Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (fried skewers) at a reputable mid-range spot; open until 11pm.
JPY1500-2500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi

Walk through iconic shopping and entertainment districts with neon lights and street food vendors.
Free to explore, optional shopping/food, 3h0m

5:00pm

Visit Hozenji Temple

Small historic temple in a lantern-lit narrow alley near Dotonbori, great for photo ops.
Free, 30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mizuno Okonomiyaki

Famous for savory okonomiyaki in a casual setting; expect moderate price and potentially wait times; open till 10pm.
JPY1500-2000, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Osaka Culture & Museums

Osaka, Japan on November 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Start your day with specialty coffee and light pastries; opens at 8am.
JPY800-1200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historical castle and museum, surrounded by pleasant gardens; open 9am - 5pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Osaka Castle Park

Relax in the extensive parklands, great for photos of autumn colors in November.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tsurutontan Udon Nakamura

Try premium udon dishes in stylish atmosphere; mid-range prices.
JPY1500-2500, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit National Museum of Art, Osaka

A subterranean museum focusing on contemporary art; open 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.
JPY430, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore Umeda district

Shopping and café hopping in one of Osaka’s busiest areas; explore until evening.
Free to browse, optional purchases, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Tacos la Bea

Highly rated casual Mexican food offering a break from Japanese cuisine; mid-range pricing.
JPY2000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on November 24, 2025

8:00am

Train to Nara

Take a JR or Kintetsu train to Nara, about 40-50 minutes from Osaka.
JPY560-800, 50m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the giant Buddha statue and surrounded by Nara Park with friendly deer; open 7:30am - 5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Stroll and feed deer in Nara Park

Enjoy the natural park environment and interact with free-roaming deer.
Purchasing deer crackers approx. JPY200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Famous for mochi pounding demonstrations and delicious fresh mochi sweets.
JPY800, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

A beautiful and historic Shinto shrine with numerous stone and bronze lanterns; open 6am-6pm.
Free, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka for final night in the city.
JPY560-800, 50m

5:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Konamon Museum

Try Osaka specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in a lively spot; open till 10pm.
JPY1500-2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on November 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your flight.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:00am

Last minute shopping or stroll in Namba

Explore remaining shops and streets near your hotel or the airport shuttle area.
Free or optional purchases, 2h0m

12:00pm

Airport Transfer

Take train or airport limousine bus to Kansai International Airport (about 50 minutes).
JPY1000-1500, 1h0m

3:00pm

Flight from Osaka to Kuala Lumpur

Depart Kansai Airport for your return flight home.
Included in airfare, N/A
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