Iβm planning my first solo trip to Japan (Nov 10β20) and would love input on both the itinerary and where to dine! My priorities:
β’ Peak autumn foliage (reds, oranges, golds)
β’ Low rain risk mid-November
β’ Cultural highlights, neon nightlife, mild sweater-weather
β’ Solo dining comfort β counter seating, izakayas, cozy cafΓ©s, fine dining where solo is comfortable
βΈ»
π Itinerary Overview
Days 1β5: Kyoto (BASE)
β’ Eastern & Western temples: Kiyomizudera, Eikando, Nanzenji, Arashiyama
β’ Night illumination at Eikando or Kiyomizudera
β’ Day trip to Nara: Nara Park, Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha
β’ Fushimi Inari early, Tofukuji maples
Day 6: Kanazawa
β’ Kenrokuen Garden at foliage peak
β’ Samurai & geisha districts, Omicho Market
Days 7β10: Tokyo
β’ Shinjuku Gyoen, Rikugien, Meiji Jingu Gaien ginkgo boulevard
β’ Shibuya, Harajuku, neon nightlife in Shinjuku
β’ Optional Nikko day trip or Asakusa + Sumida River explorations
βΈ»
Solo Dining Recommendations
Kyoto:
β’ Takayama
β’ Gion Owatari
β’ Kiyama
β’ Dominique Bouchet Kyoto
β’ Kyo-no-Yakiniku-Dokoro Hiro
Kanazawa:
β’ Enso
β’ Omicho Market stalls
β’ Kanazawaya Coffee Shop
β’ Street Vendor Hot Dogs (Samurai district)
Tokyo:
β’ Hanayama Udon
β’ Tsukemen Kinryu
β’ Julia
β’ Sugita
β’ Yakitori Omino
β’ Tofuya Ukai
βΈ»
Questions for the Community
1. Am I missing any must-see foliage spots in these cities for mid-November?
2. Is Kanazawa worth the overnight for a first-timer, or should I reallocate that day to Kyoto?
3. Thoughts on any of these solo dining picks β or other suggestions (both casual and fine dining)?
4. Any photogenic neighborhoods or night walks in Tokyo ideal for solo travelers?
Thanks a ton β canβt wait to lock this in and get exploring!
by BlakeShelby