We’ll be traveling to Japan from November 7 to 20. We’ve been to Tokyo last May, so we’ll only spend about a day there, and will focus more on Kyoto/Osaka. We’re not really into temples, so we won’t have that much here.
Here’s our itinerary. I’d love if you have any recommendations on it!
November 7
\- Arrival at Narita around lunch time
\- Check-in at hotel
\- Explore a bit, maybe go to places we haven’t been to before.
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November 8
\- Meet up with friends
\- Leave for Kyoto around lunch time
\- Arrival will be about 5pm
\- Explore Gion, maybe go on a food tour
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November 9
*Kurobe Gorge Option*
\- This part isn’t decided yet. We’re thinking of doing a trip to Kurobe Gorge, and doing an overnight stay there.
\- We’ll leave early, then arrive at Kurobe Gorge around ideally 10 AM. Then take the railway ride and stop at the stations.
\- Overnight stay
*Non-Kurobe Gorge Option*
\- Fushimi Inari
\- Nishiki Market
\- Pontocho Alley
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November 10
*Kurobe Gorge Option*
\- Go back to Kyoto
\- Arrival at Kyoto around after lunch
\- Nishiki Market
\- Tea Ceremony at 5:30pm
\- Pontocho Alley
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*Non-Kurobe Gorge Option*
\- Mt Hiei (half-day)
\- Explore Higashiyama
\- Tea Ceremony at 5:30pm
\- Maybe Pontocho Alley again?
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November 11
\- Fushimi Inari (if we haven’t gone here yet)
\- Himeji Castle
\- Koko-en Garden
\- Kobe for lunch
\- Roam Gion again
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November 12
\- Arashiyama and surrounding areas
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November 13
\- Chill day at hotel
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November 14
\- Hotel checkout
\- Arrive at Osaka
\- Umeda Sky Building
\- HEP Five
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November 15-17
\- We’ll be traveling with a friend who lives in Osaka so we don’t have to worry much about this part of the trip
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November 18
\- Nara park half-day
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November 19
\- return to places we enjoyed
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November 20
\- last minute shopping
\- leave Japan through KIX
So I’d love feedback on this, and any recommendations! I’m especially torn about November 9-10. Is it feasible to do Kurobe Gorge or should we save it for next time?
3 comments
Did the Kurobe Gorge recently. Stayed in Kuronagi onsen which was definitely the highlight of the Kurobe trip. Imo the ride itself was pretty lame and tiresome unfortunately. Going through tunnels a lot and the views from the train were so-so.
Nice little walks from Keyakidaira. If you can manage to get a nice accommodation I think it‘s worth the trip. As a daytrip I think I would have been a bit disappointed.
When you‘re in the Arashiyama area I can highly recommend Gio-ji Temple. Don‘t worry, it‘s not really a temple, just a small building and a very beautiful moss garden.
I think it’s a good itinerary, it leaves some room to relax and I guess some room for flexibility. People underestimate how tiring travel can be, especially if you are just ticking off items.
Kinda of feel you are a little stuck in Kyoto due to not interested in temples. Would you be able to share what interest you so can provide better ideas?
Kobe can be expanded to a full day if you are interested in western/Japanese architecture. It also has arima onsen and a good night view via ropeway.
Himeji has the famous castle and Okayama has castle and korakuen garden . Both of these can be day trips too. Another option is go visit lake biwa which is near Kyoto.
My views on kurobe is mix as it is quite far away , it is more suited if you are planning to be based in kanazawa / toyama then it is a better day trip option.