My husband and I are travelling to Japan this November end. We generally enjoy nature, doing fun new activities, local vibes. I have made the following itinerary and any insights you would have on places to see, activities, vegetarian food, flow of activity or anything else you feel i am missing will be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance! In Tokyo we are staying in Ginza, in Kyoto in Kyoto Shijo and Osaka in Osaka Namba.
Day 1 – Start with Ginza High Street (Chuo Dori) → most shops close around 20:00. Itoya, Uniqlo, Muji Ginza
Try a good izakaya/vegetarian spot around Ginza/Marunouchi, Tsujiri in Ginza Six [Koicha dessert] [closing 8 30 pm] – inside Ginza Six shopping Mall [also Visit Tsutaya Books], Tokyo Station Character Street [closing 9 pm]
Tokyo Tower night illumination (open till 22:30, last entry 22:00) – enjoy the view of the tower itself from Zojoji Temple or Shiba Park
Shimbashi backstreets for a quiet local vibe OR stay in Ginza’s neon-lit streets for the bustling Tokyo feel
Day 2 – East Tokyo:
Morning: Asakusa [Traditional – temple vibe]. Walk through Nakamise Dori (street snacks, souvenirs) – Opens 9 am – it leads to Sensoji. Visit Senso-ji – Tokyo’s oldest & most vibrant temple [Buddhist temple of Kannon (Goddess of Mercy)]. Visit Sumida Park by the river for Fuji views (on clear days but rare) + autumn + views of Tokyo Skytree
Afternoon: Ueno [Autumn and chill]. Stroll through Ueno Park, Shinobazu Pond. Visit Ameyoko Market for snacks & cheap finds. Visit Okachimachi and Aki-Oka Artisan which is otw to Akihabara
Evening: Akihabara – [Futuristic – Centre of Japanese otaku (geek) culture – anime, manga, theme cafes]. Explore anime & manga stores – Mandarake, Animate, Gamers. Electronics shops – Yodobashi Camera (multi-floor tech paradise). Maid cafés – 1 of Maidreamin, u/home cafe, and Pinafore [food isnt great; its for the experience]. Visit Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan [capsule toy machine shop (450+)]
If energy at EOD – go to Gigo Akhiabara 3, a multi-story gaming complex [Closes at 11 30]
Day 3: West Tokyo –
Morning: Shibuya & Harajuku [pace+good food+shopping+temple]
Hachiko statue + Shibuya Scramble crossing + observation from somewhere up + Shibuya 109 shopping, Cat street, Harajuku Takeshita Street – Try crepes, street fashion, rainbow cotton candy, Meiji Shrine (1 of the 2 best temples in Tokyo), Cosme – Skincare
Late Afternoon: Omotesando – [Champs-Élysées of Tokyo] – Omotesando Avenue (Omotesando Hills, Kengo Kuma’s Sunny Hills for pineapple cake + tea)
Evening: Shinjuku – Sunset stroll in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden [check last entry time – if shut, can go to Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower (rooftop terrace) or Shinjuku’s Godzilla head at Hotel Gracery as a stop]. Eat at a vegetarian izakaya or ramen spot (Shinjuku has good ones). After, explore Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai, Kabukicho for drinks / atmosphere.
If energy at EOD – Go to Karaoke-kan or Big Echo for Karaoke
Day 4: Day trip to Kawaguchiko for Mount Fuji views
Day 5: Need input if i should do a shopping day at Mitsui Park or do a day trip to Enoshima or Kamakura
Day 6: Teamlab Planets, Toyusu Area – Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, Odaiba beach, DiverCity Mall (life-size Gundam statue), Immersive fort tokyo
Day 7: Kyoto – Reach Fushimi Inari Shrine (free entry) by 2 30 pm (Spend 2 30 pm upto 4 30 pm here)- 10000+ red torii gates, medium hike (Go upto Yotsutsuji Intersection (Midpoint Viewpoint). Roughly 30–40 minutes uphill). Visit Eikando (best autumn place in whole Japan) around 4 for day as well as night views. Book Kamehameha for dinner
During the day, see if there is time to visit – Daigoji/Tofuku ji/Byodo in temple
Day 8 : – 7 30 am – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Magical forest walk (Length: ~500 meters; The main path is flat and paved – no hike), Can do Okochi Sanso Villa along
– Visit Nishiki Market around 11-12ish (Try yatsuhashi, senbei (rice crackers), Pickled vegetables). Buy Sugi Bee fruit flavoured honey in Nishiki (theres an outlet). Visit Teramachi and Shinkyogoku markets
– Geisha (Maiko) Tea Ceremony Experience at 5 30.
– Visit Kiyomizu-dera temple in evening (timings 5 30 to 9 pm), fee 400 yen. Walk nearby Sannenzaka, Ninezaka
– Post this, go to Gion and walk around followed by dinner and stroll at Pontcho Alley [Check times]
Day 9: Sanjūsangen-dō
Travel from Kyoto to Osaka – Check out scenic train options [Any recommendations?]
Osaka – Namba Yasaka Shrine [lion's head temple], Stroll Amerika – mura [youth culture, alternative fashion, and street vibes], Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade [600 meters long most famous shopping street], Hozenji temple + Hozenji Yokocho [narrow, stone-paved alley with old-world Osaka vibes], Dotonbori stroll at night ["Japan’s kitchen” comes alive with food, neon lights, and buzzing energy]
Day 10: USJ
Day 11: Osaka Castle [dont need to go in] + Park [Best around Nishinomaru Garden (extra ticket, but worth it if you want scenic photos)], Street performers and food stalls sometimes near Otemon Gate.
– Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. Tempozan Harbour village [Kaiyukan aquarium], Round 1 Osaka Namba, Solaniwa Onsen
by Little_Spite9280