Hi there! I’m planning a trip to Japan in late November–early December and would love some feedback or if anyone who’s done a similar route.
My family and I visited Tokyo early last year, so we’re not planning to explore much there this time, t’ll mostly be our transit hub since our flights are in/out of Tokyo. We’ve also been to Kyoto and Osaka a few times, so we’re skipping the classics like Nara, Arashiyama, Dotonbori, etc.
This time, we’re hoping to focus more on quieter areas, suburbs, and less touristy spots. I’ll also be doing a solo side trip to Naoshima Island while the rest of my family explores Okayama.
If anyone has suggestions for great fall foliage viewing spots (especially beyond the usual highlights), or sees anything in my draft itinerary that could be improved, I’d really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks so much!
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
- Hotel near Tokyo Station
Day 2: Tokyo
- Lightly exploring Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo → Kyoto
- Shinkansen to Kyoto
- Explore Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama (optional)
- Hotel in Kyoto
Day 4: Kyoto
- Tofuku-ji Temple / Komyo-ji Temple
- Eikando (night light-up of glowing red maples)
Day 5: Kyoto
- Saga Toriimoto
- Sanzen-in + Kifune Shrine
Day 6: Kyoto → Ine → Kinosaki Onsen
- Pick up rental car in Kyoto
- Drive to Ine Fishing Village (~2 hrs)
- Continue to Kinosaki Onsen (~2 hrs)
- Evening: explore onsen town, overnight in Kinosaki
Day 7: Kinosaki Onsen
- Day trips: Izushi Castle Town, Yabu Shrine, Takeda Castle Ruins
- Overnight in Kinosaki
Day 8: Kinosaki → Okayama / Kurashiki
- Drive ~3 hrs to Okayama
- Visit Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle
- Explore Kurashiki (Canal area, Jeans Street, Ohashi House)
- Overnight Okayama
Day 9: Naoshima
- Morning: Drive to Uno Port, ferry to Naoshima Island
- Evening: return to Uno, then drive to Osaka
- Return car in Osaka
- Overnight Okayama
Day 10: Osaka
- Drive and return car in Osaka
- Minoo Park (waterfall + red maple forest)
- Food exploration — Udon near Shinsaibashi
Day 11: Osaka → Tokyo
- Morning Shinkansen Osaka → Tokyo
- Showa Kinen Park (late autumn colors)
- Overnight in Tokyo
Day 12: Tokyo → Departure
- Depart from Tokyo back home
by Sad_Dragonfruit3064