Hello Everyone. First time traveller to Japan, accompanied by wife. We researched this group and the questions that were asked and came up with this plan. It may seem rushed, and hence we are seeking feedback. I appreciate any inputs. I am arriving in Narita on 16th Nov and departing on 23rd. Trying to split the trip into two parts. I was told to spend the most time in Kyoto, and may be a day or two in Tokyo and Osaka. We would like to explore local food and avoid tourist traps.
Day-by-day
Sun Nov 16 — Arrive NRT → Kyoto
• N’EX to Tokyo Station → Hikari/Nozomi to Kyoto (3.5–4h end-to-end).
• Evening: easy Pontocho → Kamo River stroll; quick look at Yasaka Shrine/Maruyama Park.
• Stay: central-but-quiet (Sanjo/Kawaramachi or along Keihan line).
Mon Nov 17 — Quiet NE Kyoto + illumination
• Morning: Manshu-in → Enkō-ji → Shisen-dō (garden-heavy, calmer).
• Lunch: Ichijōji area.
• Afternoon: Philosopher’s Path with brief stops (Hōnen-in / Anraku-ji).
• Evening: autumn illumination if one is on (arrive ~30–60 min after opening to miss first wave).
Tue Nov 18 — Fushimi Inari at dawn, then Uji or Arashiyama (done early)
• 6:30–7:00 start at Fushimi Inari; off the hill by ~9:00.
• Option A (calm): Uji (Byōdō-in gardens, river walk, matcha), swing via Fushimi sake area.
• Option B (if bamboo is a must): Arashiyama right after sunrise → Bamboo Grove → Gio-ji (moss temple) → Ōtagi Nenbutsu-ji; leave before late morning crowds.
Wed Nov 19 — To Osaka (neighborhoods > checklists)
• Kyoto → Osaka (Umeda) ~30 min; luggage forwarding if needed.
• Picks (choose a few): Nakanoshima riverside + museums, Nakazakichō indie cafés/vintage, Tenjinbashisuji arcade, Castle Park leaves (skip going inside).
• Dinner: Tenma / Nakazakichō / Hōzenji Yokochō instead of queueing in Kuromon. Quick Dōtonbori photo lap is fine.
Thu Nov 20 — Kobe half-day or Minoo Falls
• Option A: Kobe ropeway to Nunobiki Herb Garden, walk down; Kitano or Harborland at dusk.
• Option B: Minoo Park easy forest walk to the waterfall; café stop on return.
• Evening: consider teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka (night visit).
Fri Nov 21 — Shinkansen to Tokyo (Fuji view)
• Shin-Osaka → Tokyo 2.5–3h; right-side seat for Fuji around Shin-Fuji if clear.
• Base: Kanda/Nihonbashi (quiet, central) or Asakusa/Kuramae (retro vibe).
• Afternoon/evening: Yanaka lanes + cemetery, Nezu Shrine at dusk; dinner in Kagurazaka alleys.
Sat Nov 22 — Tokyo green + architecture, minimal crowds
• Morning: Meiji Jingu at opening → Omotesandō architecture, Aoyama backstreets.
• Midday (pick one): Kiyosumi Gardens (plus Fukagawa), Nezu Museum garden, or teamLab Planets (timed entry if I go).
• Evening: Shibuya Sky (prebook) or free Tokyo Metropolitan Government observatory; alternate nightlife in Shimokitazawa.
Sun Nov 23 — Fly out
• N’EX or Skyliner depending on base; aiming to get to the airport with time to spare.
A few specific questions
- Kyoto NE trio: Would you keep Manshu-in / Enkō-ji / Shisen-dō as-is, or swap one?
- Uji vs Arashiyama (at sunrise): For late November, which gives the better overall day?
- Osaka dinner areas: Any favorite Tenma / Nakazakichō / Hōzenji spots you’d send first-timers to?
- Kobe vs Minoo for this week—any strong lean?
- Tokyo base: Between Kanda/Nihonbashi and Kuramae/Asakusa, which would you pick for calm nights + easy airport train?
- If I do only one teamLab, would you choose Planets (Tokyo) or Botanical Garden (Osaka at night)?
Thanks.
by ContentHuckleberry52