We (3 adults aged \~40) are planning to visit Japan for the first time in early November (Flights booked for 4th to 14th) and seek advice from the pros on the itinerary below.
What we love to include: Autumn foliage (if possible), Unesco sites, Nature & landscapes, Local food and culture, some unique Japan experiences like stay in a ryoken, visit an onsen etc
Not really into pop culture, anime, crowded places (I know we cant avoid this but still..)
**Please suggest any day trips from Tokyo or Kyoto** (I found many blogs recommend Nikko and Nara but both seem to have similar experiences) **that will provide some additional flavor to the trip. Also, any advice on where I should book a Ryoken (preferably with Kaiseki dinner included) that is affordable but is authentic too?**
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo (Narita Airport) At 6.15am
Check-in at your hotel and settle in. \[Book near Asakusa / Ueno station for 3 nights\] –
Have lunch near hotel
Tokyo Tower – Observatory (2 hours)
Shimokitazawa – Hipster cafes, trendy clothing etc.
Shinjuku Gyoen (2 hours)
Tokyo Ramen Festa 2023 for dinner
Day 2: Tokyo
Morning – Mount Takao hike
After lunch – Sensoji Shrine & roam about Asakusa
Akihabara – Electronics shopping
Day 3: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo
Visit Toshogu Shrine and explore the surrounding area (3 hours).
Enjoy Lake Chuzenji (2 hours).
Kegon Falls
Tobu world square (1 hour)
Return to Tokyo in the evening (2 hours).
Day 4: Lake Kawaguchiko
Check-in at your hotel and settle in.
Enjoy the weather and view around the lake
“Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
Arakurayama Sengen Shrine/Park
Day 5: Lake Kawaguchiko / Mt Fuji
Momiji Kairo
Oshino Hakkai
**Ryoken / Onsen experience \[Book here or Kyoto ??\]**
Oishi Park
Day 6: Kyoto
Travel from Kawaguchi to Mishima & take shinkasen to Kyoto (this seems to be the most recommended route)
Check-in at your hotel and settle in. \[Book hotel near Gion\]
Visit Kiyomuzu Dera & KodaiJi – Enjoy evening time special autumn illuminations)
Dinner at Pontocho Alley
Day 7: Kyoto
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (2-3 hours).- Reach early (before 830am) or later after 5pm – 8 pm
Tofukuji Temple (only if autumn foliage has started)
Rest + lunch
Nanzen-ji Temple
Philiospher walk
Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) – Optional
Enjoy evening around Gion near hotel
Day 8: Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo forest – Need to reach before 8am else it gets very crowded
Tenryuji Temple and
Open for now – **Some suggestions for post-lunch activities (Any other recommendations??)**
`Optional – Sagano train ride from Arashiyama / Kameoka stn to Sagano area and the Hozukyo Ravine (is this worth it???)`
or
`Optional – Nijo Castle
/ Matcha Tea experience at Nijo Castle teahouse`
or
`Optional – Ohara half day trip (Sanzenin temple)`
Day 9: Kyoto
(TBD)
Day trip to Nara OR
2D1N in Shirakawa-go / Takayama OR
**Please suggest if any other places near Kyoto offer different experiences that are not covered in my itinerary**
Day 10: TBD
Day 11: Reach Tokyo for lunch – Flight back home at 17:20
If there is a better way to plan this itinerary or anything I can take out, feel free to advise.
Thanks in advance, guys!
