Hey r/JapanTravel,
After way too many late nights reading threads here, watching YouTube vlogs, and bookmarking Google Maps pins, my partner and I have finally put together our Japan itinerary for November 2025.
We’re a couple who love a mix of *big city buzz, peaceful nature, great food, and those little random “this is so Japan” moments*. We’re aiming for a balance — some famous must-sees, but also neighbourhoods and experiences where we can slow down and just soak in the vibe. We’re also really hoping autumn colours are on our side.
This is our *first time in Japan*, so I’d love for you seasoned travellers to pick this apart — let me know if something is unrealistic, if I’m missing a hidden gem, or if there’s a better way to pace things. And of course… Food recs very welcome!
***
Day 1 (Mon, Nov 10) – Tokyo Arrival
– Land in Tokyo, drop bags at our hotel in Shinjuku (no check-in till 3 pm).
– Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine → Yoyogi Park → Shinjuku Gyoen for (hopefully) peak autumn leaves.
– Quick wander through Takeshita Street for the Harajuku energy.
– Check in around 3 pm, then head to Shibuya — lunch, see the Crossing, Hachiko, maybe Shibuya Sky.
– Dinner in Shibuya/Shinjuku — suggestions for a good first-night meal?
Day 2 – Nikko Day Trip + Tokyo Nightlife
– Early train to Nikko — Toshogu Shrine, and maybe some of the waterfalls if time/weather works out.
– Back to Tokyo in the evening and wander Golden Gai or Omoide Yokocho for those tiny alley izakayas.
Day 3 – DisneySea + Evening in Local Tokyo
– DisneySea all day (any queue-hack tips are gold).
– Dinner in Ebisu or Kichijoji for a less touristy end to the day.
Day 4 – Harajuku, Omotesando & TeamLab Borderless
– Breakfast → Onitsuka Tiger flagship store for sneaker souvenirs.
– Lunch in Harajuku/Omotesando, then afternoon at TeamLab Borderless.
– Not sure about the evening — maybe a cool art space, night market, or something atmospheric in that area?
Day 5 – Lake Kawaguchiko + West Tokyo Evening
– Day trip to Kawaguchiko for Mt Fuji views, lakeside walks, ropeway views.
– Evening in Koenji or Shimokitazawa — maybe a jazz bar or indie café night.
Day 6 – Osaka Arrival
– Morning bullet train.
– Umeda Sky Building views → snacks/lunch in Osaka Station’s food halls.
– Kuromon Market grazing, Namba Yasaka Shrine.
– Shinsekai + Tsutenkaku Tower.
– Evening Dotonbori street food crawl + Tombori River cruise → Shinsaibashi arcade & Amerikamura.
Day 7 – More Osaka
– Morning: Leaning towards Osaka Aquarium + Ferris wheel + Tempozan Marketplace, unless there’s a better idea.
– Afternoon: Osaka Castle & garden, Harukas 300 Observatory, Tennoji Park.
– Evening: Back to Namba/Dotonburi — any lesser-known food spots worth trying here instead of the “IG-famous” ones?
Day 8 – Kyoto Arrival
– Fushimi Inari first thing to beat the crowds.
– Lunch near Inari or Kyoto Station.
– Afternoon: either Gion/Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka area or Kinkaku-ji (depending on our mood).
– Evening: Dinner in Pontocho or Gion — maybe geisha spotting if we’re lucky.
Day 9 – Nara Day Trip
– Morning train to Nara — Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Deer Park, Todai-ji Temple.
– Lunch/snacks near Yoshikien Gardens.
– Afternoon: Isuien Gardens + stroll by Kofuku-ji Temple.
– Back to Kyoto for dinner.
Day 10 – Arashiyama
– Early bamboo grove walk + Tenryu-ji Temple.
– Togetsukyo Bridge & riverside lunch.
– Iwatayama Monkey Park (worth the uphill walk?).
– Late afternoon: Okouchi Sanso Garden for tea & views or Philosopher’s Path.
– Dinner in central Kyoto.
Day 11 – Uji + Kyoto Evening
– Train to Uji — Byodoin Temple, Uji River stroll, matcha cafés.
– Lunch: matcha-themed if possible.
– Afternoon: tea ceremony or matcha museum.
– Maybe Tadasu no Mori forest on the way back.
– Final Kyoto dinner — looking for a good kaiseki or traditional izakaya rec.
Day 12 – Back to Tokyo
– Morning: Ueno Park + Tokyo National Museum.
– Afternoon: Asakusa — Senso-ji, Nakamise Street snacks.
– Evening: Imperial Palace East Gardens, Ginza walk, Tokyo Station food halls.
Day 13 – Tokyo Food Day
– Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast.
– Tokyo Station snacks/gifts.
– Afternoon: Ginza — department store food halls, stationery shops, dessert cafés.
– Evening: Maybe Akihabara for a quirky wander.
Day 14 – Departure
– Slow morning, last stroll/coffee.
– Goodbye Japan 🙁
What We’re Hoping For
We want to see the mix of traditional + modern Japan, catch the autumn foliage in full swing, eat everything, and make space for random beautiful surprises along the way. We don’t want every day to be rushed — it’s about soaking in moments, not just ticking boxes.
Questions for You
– What food stops are MUSTS along this route?
– Any pacing/logistics tweaks we should make?
– Any autumn-only experiences in November worth working in?
– For the undecided evenings — what would you do?
– Anything here you’ve done that didn’t live up to the hype?
Thanks in advance — this sub has already been a massive help planning this out!
by MrTacitusKilgore