Hi everyone! I'll be visiting Japan in late November to December for 20 days full not including flight days. I'm landing in Osaka (KIX) and departing from Tokyo (HND).
As this is my first time going to Japan, I don't mind visiting more touristy places (especially in early December when it's not peak season yet, from what I've gathered, so potentially less crowds), but would also love to explore other hidden gems. I haven't booked any accommodations and appreciate suggestions for good neighborhoods I can stay in, advice on my tentative itinerary, and activities during this period (late November/early December is kind of a tricky period since it's late in the autumn foliage and not quite winter yet).
More about me: mid-twenties, in decent shape, enjoys both nature (light hiking) and city life, big fan of anime, manga, and volleyball, interested in history, and would love to explore the nightlife in Japan. I'm planning to bring 1 medium-sized suitcase, so I don't mind moving hotels more frequently to cut down commute time & transport costs.
I’m listing out all of the places that seem interesting based on the general area, but I haven’t arranged them in detail (morning, afternoon, evening), and obviously, I will not visit all of them each day. Just keeping my options open.
This is my tentative itinerary:
29 Nov – Arrive in Osaka (16:00): Check-in hotel, Dotonbori
30 Nov – Osaka: Osaka Castle, Watch a volleyball match (there are 3 teams based in Osaka/Kyoto), Shinsekai
1 Dec – Osaka: USJ full-day
2 Dec – Nara Day Trip: Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple, Nigatsudo, Kasugi Taisha, Isuien Garden + Naramachi, last-minute Osaka explore (Namba, Shinshaibashi)
3 Dec – Central Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, To-ji Temple, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Pontocho
4 Dec – Arashiyama (Western Kyoto): Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Gioji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsuji, Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, Daihikaku Senkō-ji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple
5 Dec – Northern Kyoto: Kurama-dera, Kifune Shrine, Kibune River, Sanzen-in Temple, Gion
6 Dec – Possible day trip to Uji/Amanohashidate
7 Dec – Higashiyama (Eastern Kyoto): Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Koadiji Temple/Yasaka Shrine, Nanzen-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Gion
Night bus to Option 1: Nagano or Option 2: Kanazawa (after 22:00)
I am considering between 2 options for the middle of this trip
Option 1: Osaka – Kyoto – Nagano – Tokyo
Option 2: Osaka – Kyoto – Kanazawa/Takayama/Shirakawago – Tokyo
I’m considering Nagano as a base because I'm interested in going to Togakushi Shrine, Jigokudani Monkey Park, and Tateishi Park/Lake Suwa. However, I’m unsure about the weather in early December (snow, autumn foliage, barren?). Hence, the alternative is the Kanazawa & Gifu area. Would love any advice on this! Which one should I choose, or are there any other options I can consider?
8 Dec – Nagano: Togakushi Shrine, Murayama (Neko Machi Eki Sha – Ghibli themed cafe) / Kanazawa
9 Dec – Nagano: Jigokudani Monkey Park, Shibu Onsen, Obuse Town / Shirakawago Day Trip
10 Dec – Nagano: Narai-juku (Edo town vibes), Tateishi Park & Lake Suwa (Your Name lake inspiration) / Takayama
11 Dec – Tokyo: Zenkoji Temple, Afternoon train/bus to Tokyo, Shinjuku
12-13 Dec – Nikko: Toshogu Shrine, Rinno‑ji, Shinkyo Bridge, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, train to Tokyo
14 Dec – Tokyo: Asakusa, Uneo
For this part, I’m also undecided on whether I should go to Hakone or Mt. Fuji, and if I should stay overnight or do it as a day trip.
15-16 Dec – Hakone/Mt. Fuji: Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Shrine OR Lake Kawaguchi, Panoramic Ropeway, Gotemba, Oshino Hakkai
17 Dec – Tokyo: Ghibli Museum (will definitely book ticket in advance), Kichijoji, Asakusa, Akihabara
18 Dec – Kamakura + Enoshima Day Trip
19 Dec – Tokyo: Harajuku, Shibuya, Roppongi (will stay near Haneda)
20 Dec – Morning flight (08:00)
For my tentative itinerary, I will most likely purchase the Japan Bus Pass (Willer Express) and would like to ask how comfortable/uncomfortable it is, especially for long/overnight travel.
I’d really appreciate any insights, advice, adjustments, and recommendations to improve this itinerary. Is this doable, too packed, or not packed enough (I don't mind doing demanding schedules)? Are there any other destinations that I definitely shouldn't miss during my time there? I’m also open to rearranging the length of stays in each part of the trip (maybe longer in Osaka, less in Kyoto?).
Thanks for reading this lengthy post!
by mannaeds19