Hi everyone,
My partner and I are traveling to Japan for the first time this November. We’ve planned a 21-day trip through a professional travel agency, hoping to see the beautiful autumn foliage. However, as first-time travelers, we want to make sure we aren't over-scheduling ourselves or missing out on key experiences. We’d love your advice on how to refine the itinerary.
Our concern is that we might be spending too much time traveling between cities towards the end of the trip. We’re wondering if we should skip Nagasaki and Himeji and instead use those days to either spend more time in Kyoto, Osaka, or even return to Tokyo earlier for a more relaxed finish.
What we need your help with:
- What can we cut or shorten to save time? We want to avoid feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
- Where should we spend more time? Are there cities or regions we should explore further?
- Are there must-see sights we shouldn’t miss along this route, especially for autumn foliage? We want to maximize our chances of seeing the fall colors!
Specific questions:
- Is this itinerary too packed for 21 days? Are there any specific areas where we’re trying to do too much in too little time?
- Which places should we consider cutting to give us more breathing room? We want to enjoy the trip without feeling rushed.
- Are there must-see sights or experiences along this route that we might be missing? Particularly interested in advice for November and catching autumn foliage.
- Do we need more time in any particular areas? Would you suggest adding more days to any of these cities or regions?
Saturday, November 16, 2024
08:45 Arrival in Tokyo
After your arrival, drive to the hotel and drop off your luggage. Afterwards, you can take a walk through the district and treat yourself to some culinary delights in a restaurant. In the afternoon, you can rest at the hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
Hotel recommendation: Gracery Hotel Shinjuku or Rembrandt Cabin Shinjuku Shinokubo
Sunday, November 17, 2024
Tokyo – First impressions
In the morning, a visit to Senso-ji Temple is on the program. You will pass Nakamise-dori Street, where you can buy various souvenirs and snacks. can get hold of. After lunch, you will visit Ueno Park and can visit the Tokyo National Museum at your leisure. At the end of the day, head to the anime district of Akihabara, where you can round off the day.
Overnight stay as per previous day
Monday, November 18, 2024
Tokyo – tradition and modernity
Today you will visit the Meiji Shrine. You can start the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
Around midday you stroll through the Harajuku district. Shopping is the order of the day on Takeshita-dori Street and in between you can relax in one of the numerous cafés. strengthen.
We head towards Central Tokyo – to the famous Shibuya intersection. Here it's worth enjoying the view from the Metropolitan Government Building. In the Shinjuku district, full of neon lights and nightlife, you can enjoy dinner.
Overnight stay as per previous day
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
Tokyo – Day trip to Odaiba
08:00 Departure from the hotel
Take the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi Station to Odaiba. The driverless elevated train runs over the Rainbow Bridge and offers a great view of the city and the bay.
Now you are spoiled for choice. The following options are available to you, among others:
- Aqua City shopping center
- Odaiba Kaihin Koen (artificial beach park)
- TeamLab Borderless
13:00 Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Further options for the afternoon program:
- – VenusFort shopping center,
- – Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)
- – Toyota Mega Web
18:00 Dinner in Odaiba z. e.g. at Decks Tokyo Beach or back at Aqua City
20:00 Return journey to Tokyo Yurikamome line or the Rinkai line
Overnight stay as per previous day
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
Tokyo – Toyama
Today the train journey to Toyama is on the program.
08:00 Departure from Tokyo Station to Toyama with the Hokuriku Shinkansen approx. 2 hours
After your arrival in Toyama, you will travel by public transport to your accommodation to drop off your luggage.
12:00 lunch z. e.g. in a sushi restaurant
In the afternoon, you are free to choose whether you would like to visit the Glass Art Museum or take a walk in Kansui Park. Optionally, you can also visit Toyama Castle and gain an insight into the history of the region.
18:00 Dinner e.g. in the restaurant "Shiroebi-tei", which is known for its "Shiroebi" (white shrimp) dishes.
Hotel recommendation: Crowne Plaza ANA Toyama or Hotel JAL City Toyama
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Toyama – Kanazawa
9:00 Departure from Toyama Station to Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen or local train approx. 25-30 minutes
After your arrival in Kanazawa, you will drive to the hotel to drop off your luggage. Afterwards, you will visit the Kenrokuen Garden and acclimatize in the peaceful atmosphere. Optionally, you can take a walk to Kanazawa Castle, which is located right next to the garden.
13:00 Lunch at the Omi-cho market
After a stop at the famous fish market, you have various options in the afternoon. For example, you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art or explore other districts such as Higashi Chaya and Nishi Chaya. A visit to the Nagamachi Samurai district, where the old samurai residences are located, is particularly worthwhile. Discover, for example, the Nomura-ke, a restored samurai house.
18:00 Dinner at Kiguramachi Chaya
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Nikko Kanazawa and Dormy Inn Kanazawa
Friday, November 22, 2024
Visit to the Kaga Onsen
9:00 Departure to Kaga Onsen by train from Kanazawa Station (approx. 30-40 minutes train ride).
In the morning, you will relax in the Kaga Onsen. Many of the ryokan (traditional inns) offer day baths. The hot springs are famous for their relaxing effect and historical ambience.
Arrival in Kaga Onsen and visit to Yamashiro Onsen or Yamanaka Onsen.
14:00 Lunch in Yuge-Kaido
You will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure before returning to Kanazawa. Optionally, you can visit the Kutaniyaki Art Museum (traditional porcelain art) or pass the time on Yuge-Kaido Street with its traditional stores and restaurants.
17:00 Return to Kanazawa
18:30 Dinner at a local restaurant e.g. at Morimori Sushi for fresh sushi
Overnight stay as per previous day
Saturday, November 23, 2024
Kanazawa – Kyoto
9:00 Departure from Kanazawa Station on the Thunderbird Express towards Kyoto. The journey takes about 2 hours.
11:00 Arrival in Kyoto
After your arrival, you will go to the hotel where you can check in your luggage. In the morning you will visit the golden pavilion – Kinkaku-ji. This is one of Kyoto's most famous temples with its beautiful golden structure reflected in the surrounding pond.
13:00 Lunch at Nishiki Market
In the afternoon, take a walk to the Kiyomizu-dera temple. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Kyoto from the wooden platform of the temple. Optionally, you can also visit the Yasaka Shrine.
18:00 Dinner in Gion e.g. Gion Nanba
After dinner, stroll through the Gion district with its narrow alleyways and traditional teahouses.
Hotel recommendation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Ekimae or Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Kyoto – Welcome to the imperial city
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, you will visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Walk through the iconic red torii gates that line the path to the summit of Mount Inari. Afterwards, head to Nijo Castle, a former seat of the shoguns with impressive gardens and historic buildings.
13:00 Lunch near the Nijo Castle e.g. Katsukura
After you have fortified yourselves, a walk through the Arashiyama bamboo forest is on the program. You will pass the Tenryu-ji Temple and can visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Hozu River and the surrounding mountains.
18:00 Dinner in an Izakaya (Japanese pub) e.g. Kushikura
Overnight stay as per previous day
Monday, November 25, 2024
Koyoto – Mount Koya
07:00 Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 Departure from Kyoto to Mount Koya (Koyasan)
First take the train to Osaka (Nankai Line from Namba Station), then continue to Gokurakubashi, from where a funicular railroad takes you to Koyasan. Total travel time approx. 3.5 hours.
After your arrival, you drive directly to the Shukubo (temple accommodation), where you drop off your luggage.
12:30 Lunch at the temple
In the afternoon, you will visit Okunoin Cemetery, the largest and most important cemetery in Japan, where the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi is also located. Then it's off to Kongobu-ji Temple, the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. Magnificent murals and a beautiful Zen garden await you.
18:00 Dinner at the temple (Shojin Ryori – traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)
19:30 evening meditation or ceremony in the temple
Temple recommendation: e.g. Koyasan Shukubo Fugenin or Koyasan Shukubo Saizenin
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Mount Koya – Osaka
You can optionally start the day with a morning prayer ceremony in the temple. This usually takes place at 06:00.
07:30 Breakfast (Shojin Ryori) at the temple
08:30 Departure from Mount Koya to Osaka
First you travel back to Gokurakubashi and then take the train to Osaka.
12:00 Arrival in Osaka
After your arrival, you will drive to the hotel. Early check-in may be possible. In the afternoon, you will explore the famous shopping street Shinsaibashi and the Dotonbori district. Enjoy the lively hustle and bustle and try local delicacies such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
You also have the option of visiting Osaka Castle with its extensive park.
18:00 Dinner in the Dotonbori district z. e.g. in imahan for sukiyaki or shabu-shabu
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka Namba Ekimae
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Osaka
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel
This morning you will visit the famous Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. This is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. The architecture and tranquil surroundings make the visit special.
12:30 Lunch at Namba Park
In the afternoon you can go to the Umeda Sky Building. Climb up to the "Floating Garden Observatory" viewing platform for a spectacular view of Osaka. Then head towards the Kita-Umeda district. Here you will find the modern shopping and business center with large department stores and numerous cafés.
18:00 Dinner in the Kita-Shinchi quarters
Overnight stay as per previous day
Thursday, November 28, 2024
Osaka – Day trip Nara
07:00 Breakfast at the hotel
08:00 Train ride to Nara approx. 45 minutes
A day trip to Nara is on the program today. After your arrival, you will visit the famous Todaiji Temple, which houses the largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. Afterwards, you will stroll through Nara Park, where you can feed tame deer.
13:00 Lunch at Nara Park
Enjoy traditional Japanese dishes in one of the restaurants near Nara Park. In the afternoon, you will visit the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine and explore the historic city center of Nara.
18:00 Dinner in Nara
19:30 Return to Osaka
Overnight stay as per previous day
Friday, November 29, 2024
Osaka – Hiroshima
07:00 Departure from Osaka to Hiroshima Shinkansen to Hiroshima (approx. 1.5 hours ride)
08:30 Arrival in Hiroshima
After your arrival in Hiroshima, you will visit the Peace Memorial Park and the associated museum. Visit the atomic bomb dome (Genbaku Dome), which stands as a memorial for peace. An emotional and informative museum about the history of the atomic bombing awaits you.
13:00 lunch z. e.g. Okonomimura
In the afternoon, you will visit the rebuilt Hiroshima Castle and learn more about the local history. Afterwards, we recommend a walk through the Shukkeien Garden. 19:00 Dinner at Hondori Shopping Street
Hotel recommendation: RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima
Saturday, November 30, 2024
Hiroshima
08:00 Ferry to Miyajima
On the sacred island of Miyajima, you will visit the Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic 'floating' torii gate.
12:00 lunch
In the afternoon, you can hike to Mount Misen peak or stroll through the peaceful surroundings.
17:00 Return to Hiroshima
18:00 Dinner at the harbor
Overnight stay as per previous day
Sunday, December 1, 2024
Hiroshima – Nagasaki
07:00 Departure from Hiroshima to Nagasaki Shinkansen to Nagasaki (approx. 3 hours, incl. train change)
10:00 Arrival in Nagasaki
After your arrival, you drive to the hotel and drop off your luggage. You will then visit the Glover Garden, a historic complex with European-style villas and a great view of Nagasaki harbor.
12:00 Lunch at the harbor
Optionally, you can visit the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum in the afternoon. Later in the afternoon, discover the historic district of Dejima, which was once a Dutch trading post, and enjoy the local cuisine.
18:00 Dinner in Dejima
Hotel recommendation: Hotel New Nagasaki or Hotel H2 Nagasaki
Monday, December 2, 2024
Nagasaki – culture and history
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, you will visit Sofuku-ji Temple. This is an impressive Chinese temple that reflects the heritage of the Chinese population in Nagasaki.
12:00 Lunch in Shinchi Chinatown
After reinforcements in the Sinchi district, you will visit the area around Oura Cathedral, the oldest church in Japan. In the evening, you can enjoy a particularly impressive view from the viewing platform of Mount Inasa. Afterwards, you will have dinner in the surrounding area.
Overnight stay as per previous day
Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Nagasaki – Himeji
07:00 Departure from Nagasaki to Himeji With the Shinkansen (approx. 4 hours train ride)
11:00 Arrival in Himeji
After your arrival in Himeji, you will drive to the hotel and have lunch in the surrounding area. Afterwards, you can visit Himeji Castle and walk through the Koko-en Garden, which is located next to Himeji Castle.
18:00 Dinner near the station
You have the rest of the evening to relax before continuing your journey the next day.
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Nikko Himeji
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Back to Tokyo
09:00 Departure from Himeji to Tokyo with Shinkansen approx. 3 hours
Afterwards departure to Tokyo (approx. 3 hours by Shinkansen). Recommended accommodation in Tokyo:
Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu
12:00 Arrival in Tokyo
After your arrival, drive to the hotel to drop off your luggage. Afterwards, you can explore the surrounding area. You can spend the afternoon relaxing or shopping for souvenirs.
Hotel recommendation: Gracery Hotel Shinjuku or Rembrandt Cabin Shinjuku Shinokubo
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Tokyo
You spend one last day in the lively capital of Japan. Remember to check in online in the morning!
Over lunchtime you will visit the Tsukiji fish market. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight stay as per previous day
Friday, December 6, 2024
Today you say goodbye to Japan and head to the airport early.
by Standard_Basket947
