I’ll be traveling to Japan solo for the first time in November! I’ve been doing a lot of research and this is what I have so far for an itinerary. For this specific trip, I arranged it so that I could experience the fall foliage. It’s not the most efficient route, but I’m hoping to experience it in most locations. I would appreciate any input of the fall leaves mentioned locations if you are able.
This itinerary doesn’t go much into detail but it will include the days along with some key locations I would like to hit. If you think I should add or remove some locations feel free to let me know.
Some things to note:
* I am an early riser, but also like to dabble in some nightlife
* Huge foodie, so I will be enjoying food every minute I can. No time constraints.
* Big sucker for great views, sunrises and sunsets.
* Hotels not booked yet, just approx. where I would likely be staying
* Ryokan Onsen is on my bucket list for this trip
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# Itinerary
**Nov 11th: Arrival in Tokyo (Staying in Asakusa/Ueno area)**
* Arrival time 4:30 PM at Narita.
* Train to Ueno
* Acclimate myself around the area
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**Nov 12th: Tokyo**
* Asakusa (Senso-ji temple and Nakamise-dori)
* Tokyo Sky Tree
* Akihabara
* Ueno
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**Nov 13th: Tokyo Day Trip**
* Day trip to either Nikko (depending on recommendations for the fall weather) or day trip to Kamakura and Yokohama
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**Nov 14th: Travel to Kanazawa (Staying a few minutes from the train station)**
* Early morning Shinkansen to Kanazawa
* Ochimi Market
* Higashi – Chaya District
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**Nov 15th: Kanazawa**
* Kanazawa Castle
* Kenroku-en
* Myouru-ji Temple
* Nagamichi District
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**Nov 16th: Travel to Shirakawa-go and Takayama (Staying in downtown area)**
* Take early bus to Shirakawa-go and spend half day
* Take bus rest of the way to Takayama
* Spend late afternoon/evening exploring Sanmachi Suji district
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**Nov 17th: Takayama**
* Higashiyama Walk
* This will mostly be a spontaneous walking/chill day to walk around in a direction and see what I discover
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**Nov 18th: Travel to Kyoto (Staying near Gion District)**
* Early departure for Kyoto
* Downtown Kyoto
* Nishiki Market
* Kamo River
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**Nov 19th: Kyoto**
* Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
* Gio-ji Temple
* Kinkaku-ji Temple
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**Nov 20th: Kyoto**
* Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
* Kiyomizu-Dera
* Kennin-Ji
* Kodai-Ji
* Yasaka Shrine
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**Nov 21st: Kyoto**
* Fushimi Inari
* Daigo-ji
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**Nov 22nd: Travel to Hiroshima**
* Early morning Shinkansen to Hiroshima
* A-Bomb Dome
* Peace Memorial Park & Museum
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**Nov 23rd: Travel to Miyajima and Osaka (Staying in Dotonburi area)**
* Early half day at Miyajima
* Itsukushima Jinja
* Cable Car to Summit
* Take afternoon Shinkansen to Osaka
* Night in Dotonbori
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**Nov 24th: Osaka**
* Osaka Castle
* Shinseki
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**Nov 25th: Travel to Hakone (or extra day in Osaka/Hiroshima)**
This day will be heavily dependent on whether I can reserve a solo Ryokan stay in Hakone. Open to alternative Onsen Ryokan stays in the itinerary if Hakone is a no go. Otherwise, I would add an extra day to either Osaka or Hiroshima
* Early morning Shinkansen to Hakone
* Owakudani Cable Car
* Hakone Shrine & Torii Gate
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**Nov 26th – 29th: Tokyo (Staying in Shibuya area)**
Next few days will be in Tokyo. Days will be loosely spontaneous, but will highlight what areas I would like to cover in these 4 days. Will put in groups I think may work out in a day, but open to other thoughts.
* Shibuya & Harajuku
* Shinjuku
* Minato (Teamlabs), Roppongi, Ginza
* Odaiba
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**Nov 30th: Depart from Tokyo**
* Spend morning/afternoon in last minute neighborhoods
* Departure at 6:30 PM
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**NOTE**: There is a chance I might have an extra day to stay in Japan if timing works well. If you all had an extra, where in this itinerary would you spend it?
by pinoywafer