Suggestions as a 2nd time visitor during fall foliage

Hi All!
Just want some suggestions on where to visit as a person who visiting Japan for the 2nd time. I'll be going solo.

For my first time, I went during cherry blossom season for a month and visited Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hakone, Nikko, Fukuoka, Kamakura, Yokohama, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji and Enoshima.

This time I'll be going Nov 13-27 for the fall foliage. I don't really want to repeat too much of what I did the first time and want to explore other areas. I'll still fit in Tokyo (arrive/depart there), Kyoto (heard it’s best for fall foliage) and probably Osaka (good food/central hub for day trips) and Nara (my fav town) –but I won't be visiting all the touristy sights again only some (just want to take it slower and focus a little more on nature).

Are there any good recommendations for other places to visit during that time? (So far I was thinking Kobe and Uji). Any recommendations for a ryokan or onsen? Are there any specific experiences that are only during the fall/Nov? Any particular season food that’s a must try? Any good day trip safe and easily accessible hiking trails for fall foliage (won’t have a car)? Any hidden gems or underrated places to check out and explore?

Thanks!