10-Day Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka Tour in Mid-November: Culture, Cuisine, and Autumn Colors

Day 1: Arrival and Tokyo Intro

Tokyo, Japan on November 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and traditional Japanese breakfast near Tsukiji Market, an excellent introduction to Tokyo’s culinary culture.
JPY2000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, surrounded by vibrant shopping streets and cultural souvenirs.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Try sukiyaki at this renowned restaurant near Senso-ji for an authentic Japanese hot pot experience.
JPY3500, 1.5h

2:30pm

Stroll through Ueno Park and Museums

Visit Ueno Park to enjoy autumn foliage and optionally the Tokyo National Museum (open 9:30am-5pm).
JPY620 (museum entry), 2h

6:00pm

Dinner in Akihabara

Dine at a themed café or yakitori restaurant, experiencing Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife scene in Akihabara.
JPY3000, 2h

Day 2: Modern Tokyo and Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on November 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Sample fluffy ricotta pancakes and specialty coffee at this acclaimed café in fashionable Omotesando.
JPY2000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

Explore the peaceful Meiji Shrine and surrounding Yoyogi Park to experience traditional Shinto culture and nature.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Enjoy affordable and delicious pan-fried gyoza in the vibrant Harajuku neighborhood.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:00pm

Shopping in Harajuku and Shibuya

Discover trendy boutiques and take photos at iconic spots like Shibuya Crossing and Takeshita Street.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Experience solo-style ramen dining featuring rich tonkotsu broth, open 24 hours for flexible dining.
JPY1000, 1h

Day 3: Day trip to Nikko

Near Tokyo, Japan on November 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or convenience store

Grab a quick breakfast before an early morning train to Nikko, famous for its historic shrines.
JPY500-1000, 0.5h

8:00am

Travel to Nikko (2h by train)

Take the JR and Tobu lines to reach Nikko, seeing scenic autumn colors along the way.
JPY4500 round trip, 2h

10:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ornate decorations and historical importance (open 8am-5pm).
JPY1300, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Enjoy local Nikko specialties such as yuba (tofu skin) dishes in a cozy restaurant.
JPY1500, 1h

2:30pm

Walk through Kanmangafuchi Abyss

Experience a serene riverside trail lined with Jizo statues, perfect for peaceful autumn strolls.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Take the train back to Tokyo, relaxing after a fulfilling day immersed in nature and culture.
Included in earlier fare, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Choose a local izakaya (Japanese pub) to enjoy a variety of small dishes in a casual atmosphere.
JPY2500, 1.5h

Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

Tokyo to Kyoto, Japan on November 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to Kyoto by Shinkansen.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Ride the bullet train (approx 2h15) to Kyoto, watching beautiful countryside scenery.
JPY14000 (one way), 2h15m

11:30am

Check-in and lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Kyoto’s food market stalls with many options like grilled mochi and fresh seafood.
JPY1500-2500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

See the famous temple with panoramic vistas of Kyoto, open 6am-6pm in November, vibrant with autumn colors.
JPY400, 2h

5:00pm

Stroll through Higashiyama District

Walk the charming historic streets lined with shops and teahouses, ideal for sunset ambiance.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappo Sakamoto

Dine on refined Kyoto kaiseki cuisine in the atmospheric Gion district, reservations recommended.
JPY8000+, 2h

Day 5: Classic Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on November 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabica Kyoto

Have specialty coffee and light pastries at this popular café near the Philosopher's Path.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Walk Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji

Enjoy a peaceful stroll along this scenic path, arriving at the Silver Pavilion Temple (open 8:30am-5pm).
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omen Kodai-ji

Taste Kyoto-style udon in a tranquil setting near Kodai-ji Temple.
JPY2500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kodaiji and Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka

Explore a beautiful Zen temple and historic streets known for traditional shops and autumn foliage.
JPY600 (Kodaiji entrance), 2h

4:00pm

Tea Ceremony Experience

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony to learn about Japanese culture and matcha tea.
JPY2500, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Choose from a variety of restaurants in this narrow, atmospheric alley along the Kamogawa River.
JPY3000-6000, 2h

Day 6: Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove

Kyoto, Japan on November 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Iyemon Salon Kyoto

Enjoy Japanese sweets and green tea in a stylish café to prepare for the day’s walk.
JPY1500, 1h

9:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo forest early to avoid crowds and enjoy serenity.
Free, 1h

10:45am

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple & Garden

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with stunning gardens, open 8:30am-5pm.
JPY600, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura

Taste soba noodles with a river view for an authentic Kyoto dining experience.
JPY2500, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit Okochi-Sanso Villa

Tour the beautiful villa and gardens showcasing elegant architecture and autumn scenery.
JPY1000, 1h

4:00pm

Return to central Kyoto

Head back to central Kyoto to relax or explore local shops.
JPY400 (bus/train fare), 0.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kyoto Station Ramen Street

Try different ramen styles from famous shops in the lively Kyoto Station food area.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka Transfer

Kyoto to Osaka, Japan on November 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a traditional or Western-style breakfast before departing for Osaka.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Osaka by train

Take a short 30-45 minute train from Kyoto to Osaka, efficient and comfortable.
JPY560, 0.5h

11:00am

Check-in and visit Osaka Castle

Tour Osaka Castle and its surrounding park, especially beautiful with autumn leaves, open 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori Street Food

Indulge in iconic Osaka street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori area.
JPY1500, 1.5h

3:30pm

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Shop and stroll in Osaka’s premier shopping district with a mix of boutiques and department stores.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this famous Osaka chain, a local specialty.
JPY2500, 1.5h

Day 8: Universal Studios Japan

Osaka, Japan on November 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast before a full day at Universal Studios Japan.
Included, 0.5h

8:30am

Universal Studios Japan

Enjoy rides, shows, and attractions including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (park opens at 9am).
JPY8800, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner at Universal Citywalk

Choose from a variety of restaurants in the entertainment complex just outside the park.
JPY2000-3000, 1.5h

Day 9: Osaka Neighborhoods and Nightlife

Osaka, Japan on November 18, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Enjoy specialty coffee and breakfast pastries in a cozy modern café.
JPY1000, 1h

10:00am

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Explore one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines known for its unique architecture and peaceful grounds.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Endo Sushi, Osaka Central Fish Market

Savor some of the freshest sushi in Osaka at this respected market eatery.
JPY3000, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Namba Parks and Surrounds

Visit this unique shopping and green space complex with rooftop gardens and shops.
Free, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at Spa World

Unwind in this large hot spring and spa facility with international-themed baths (open 10am-8am next day).
JPY1200, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner and nightlife in Dotonbori

Experience vibrant nightlife with street food, bars, and neon lights along the canal area.
JPY3000, 2h

Day 10: Departure Day

Osaka, Japan on November 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before checking out and heading to the airport.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Travel to Kansai International Airport

Take the airport express train or limousine bus, approximately 1 hour from Osaka city center.
JPY1500, 1h