Hi everyone! I’m planning a solo trip to Japan this November. I’m traveling light with just a backpack and a carry-on suitcase, and I'll be relying on station coin lockers and hotel luggage drops along the way. My goal is to strike a balance between my hobbies and experiencing the "real, authentic Japan". I know sunset is around 4:30pm in November, so I tried to structure my days accordingly.
Sun, Nov 8:
Arrive at the airport around 3pm, take the train to the hotel (planning to stay in Minami Senju).
Night: Keep it simple due to jet lag. Walk around Shinjuku's neon streets.
Mon, Nov 9:
Morning: Hikarigaoka for some Digimon nostalgia.
Midday: Head over to Odaiba via the Rainbow Bridge. Visit the Fuji TV headquarters and the Statue of Liberty replica.
Night: Watch the sunset over the bay. Check out the Life-Sized Gundam Base outside DiverCity. Dinner in Odaiba.
Tue, Nov 10:
Morning (08:00): Early start at Asakusa to see Senso-ji Temple before the heavy crowds arrive. Walk down Nakamise Street.
Midday: Head to Akihabara right when the shops open (11:00 AM).
Maybe go to Korakuen Hall for a puroresu show if possible.
Wed, Nov 11:
Morning: Walk through Meiji Jingu Shrine, then check out Takeshita Street in Harajuku. Walk through the backstreets down to Shibuya.
Midday: Head to Nakano Broadway for some shopping.
Night: Return to Shibuya. Cross the scramble, head up to Shibuya Sky for sunset, and do some final shopping at Mega Don Quijote.
Thu, Nov 12:
Morning: Checkout and take the Shinkansen to Odawara, then the local train into Hakone.
Day: Classic Hakone Loop—Owakudani ropeway (tasting the black eggs, hopefully seeing Mt. Fuji) and the Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise.
Night: Check into a Ryokan early.
Fri, Nov 13:
Morning: Travel back to Odawara. Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then transfer to the JR Hida Wide View Express to Takayama.
Afternoon: Arrive in Takayama around 2:30 PM. Drop the carry-on at the hotel by the station. Spend the remaining 2 hours of daylight exploring Sanmachi Suji.
Night: Hit a local tavern to try the higa beef.
Sat, Nov 14:
Morning: Walk around the Miyagawa Morning Market by the river in Takayama.
Midday: Catch a bus to Shirakawa-go. Drop the carry-on in the station coin lockers/luggage storage. Spend 3 hours exploring the Gassho-zukuri and walking up to the viewpoint.
Afternoon/Night: Take the afternoon bus to Kanazawa. Check into the hotel, check out the illuminated Kanazawa Station architecture, and grab dinner near the Omicho market area.
Sun, Nov 15:
Morning: Spend the morning light in Kanazawa visiting Kenroku-en Garden and the Nagamachi Samurai District.
Midday: Take the direct Thunderbird Limited Express to Kyoto.
Night: Drop the bags at the hotel. Head straight to Higashiyama to see the wooden streets lit by lanterns as it gets dark, then walk through Gion and the Pontocho Alley for dinner. If I'm too tired just enjoy the area near the hotel (it's near the golden pavilion).
Mon, Nov 16:
Early Morning (06:30): Beat the crowds at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Aiming to be hiking up the torii gates by 7:00 AM.
Mid-Morning: Head west to Arashiyama. Walk the Bamboo Grove, hike up to the Monkey Park, and catch the sunset at the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Tue, Nov 17:
Morning: Shinkansen to Hiroshima and then the ferry to Mijajima.
Evening: Peace Memorial Park & Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Night: spend the night at Hiroshima, I think it's easier that going back to Kyoto.
Wed, Nov 18:
Morning: Take the Shinkansen toward Osaka but stop halfway at Himeji castle. Lock the suitcase at the station.
Evening: arrive at Osaka. Check into the final hotel. Walk around Dotonbori and enjoy street food.
Thu, Nov 19:
Enjoy Universal Studios all day!
Fri, Nov 20:
Full day at Osaka. Shinsekai district, Tsutenkaku Tower, shopping for merch in Den Den Town.
Sat, Nov 21:
Last minute shopping before going back home.
I know maybe it's too much, but I'm probably just going once in my lifetime to Japan and I'm a young athletic person used to walk a lot. I also like my trips to be a challenge, but I'm open to change stuff that makes no sense if someone's have more experience than me. All opinions are welcome 🤗
by GuideNeither1508