Hi everyone!
We are planning our second trip to Japan for late October/early November 2026. We are super excited to go back!
Context: • Past experience: In our first trip, we already covered the "Golden Route" (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) and stayed a night in Koyasan and Hakone. • Goal for this trip: We want to experience Halloween in Tokyo, chase the Momiji, and explore the Japanese Alps and the West, avoiding the crowds of Kyoto and Osaka this time. • Travel Style: We prefer using trains (Shinkansen/Limited Express) and establishing "Home Bases" to avoid moving hotels every single day.
The Itinerary (18 Days) We arrive on October 27th. Here is our plan:
PART 1:
Tokyo & Halloween (5 Nights)
• Day 1 (Oct 27): Arrival in Tokyo. Check-in and easy exploration (Shinjuku/Shibuya).
• Day 2 (Oct 28): Day trip to Kamakura & Enoshima (Great Buddha, Hasedera).
• Day 3 (Oct 29): Day trip to Nikko (Toshogu Shrine). Hoping to catch some early autumn colors here.
• Day 4 (Oct 30): Day trip to Oshino Hakkai (Mt. Fuji view) OR Yokohama.
• Day 5 (Oct 31): Exploring Tokyo neighborhoods (Nakano/Akihabara) + Halloween Night in Shibuya.
PART 2:
The Alps & Tradition (4 Nights)
• Day 6 (Nov 1): Train to Kanazawa. Visit Kenrokuen Garden and Nagamachi Samurai District. Sleep in Kanazawa.
• Day 7 (Nov 2): Kanazawa: Higashi Chaya (Geisha district), Omicho Market, and Ninja Temple. Sleep in Kanazawa.
• Day 8 (Nov 3): Bus to Shirakawa-go (Ogimachi Village). Afternoon bus to Takayama. Sleep in Takayama.
• Day 9 (Nov 4): Takayama: Morning markets, Old Town (Sanmachi Suji), and trying Hida Beef. Sleep in Takayama.
PART 3:
History & The West (3 Nights)
• Day 10 (Nov 5): Travel Day: Train from Takayama to Nagoya (Scenic view) -> Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Try Okonomiyaki. Sleep in Hiroshima.
• Day 11 (Nov 6): Full day at Miyajima Island (Itsukushima Shrine, Mt. Misen). Sleep in Hiroshima.
• Day 12 (Nov 7): Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Museum. Sleep in Hiroshima.
PART 4:
Castles & Nakasendo Trail (3 Nights)
• Day 13 (Nov 8): Shinkansen to Himeji (stopover to see the Castle). Continue to Nagoya. Sleep in Nagoya.
• Day 14 (Nov 9): Day trip to the Nakasendo Trail. Hike from Magome to Tsumago. Sleep in Nagoya.
• Day 15 (Nov 10): Day trip to Matsumoto (Crow Castle) OR Nabana no Sato (Illumination). Sleep in Nagoya. PART 5: Back to Tokyo (2 Nights)
• Day 16 (Nov 11): Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Visit Ueno or Odaiba. • Day 17 (Nov 12): Last minute shopping / Free day.
• Day 18 (Nov 13): Flight back home.
Questions:
1. Does the pacing look realistic? especially the transition from Takayama to Hiroshima (Day 10).
2. Since we are skipping Kyoto/Osaka, are there any "must-see" spots near our base camps (Kanazawa, Nagoya, or Hiroshima) that we might be missing?
3. Any specific recommendations for autumn colors in these specific areas during early November?
Thank you so much for your help!
by SrTurk