Japan 13 Days - Alps, Onsen & Kansai Foliage - November 2026

Omoide Yokocho

Atmospheric alley of tiny yakitori bars near Shinjuku Station. Dinner on arrival night.

Meiji Jingu

Tokyo's most important Shinto shrine, set in a vast forested park.

Omotesando

Tokyo's upscale shopping avenue, connecting Harajuku to Aoyama.

Yanaka Ginza

Old-school shotengai with a retro shitamachi vibe. Great alternative to Shimokitazawa.

Shibuya Sky

Open-air rooftop observation deck at Shibuya Scramble Square. Best at sunset.

Unicorn Gundam Statue

Life-size Unicorn Gundam in Odaiba. Light show at night.

teamLab Planets

Immersive digital art museum in Toyosu. Walk barefoot through art installations.

Akihabara

Electric Town. Anime, manga, arcades, and electronics.

PokéPark Kanto

Pokémon theme park at Yomiuriland. Swap for Nikko day trip if unavailable.

Kumoba Pond

Beautiful pond surrounded by autumn foliage. Morning walk before heading to Kusatsu.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

Charming shopping street in old Karuizawa. Morning stroll before bus to Kusatsu.

Yubatake

Kusatsu's iconic hot spring source field. Spectacular at dusk with steam rising.

Netsu-no-Yu

Traditional yumomi (hot water stirring) ceremony. Uniquely Kusatsu experience.

Nawate-dori

Frog-themed shopping street along the river. Dinner area in Matsumoto.

Matsumoto Castle

Japan's oldest original castle. One of only five National Treasure castles.

Daio Wasabi Farm

Massive wasabi farm in Azumino, 30 min north of Matsumoto. Optional add-on.

Taisho Pond

Serene pond reflecting the Hotaka mountain range. Created by a 1915 eruption.

Hirayu Onsen

Remote mountain onsen town in the Northern Alps. Overnight after Kamikochi.

Kappa Bridge

Kamikochi's iconic suspension bridge with mountain views. Note: closes ~Nov 15.

Sanmachi Suji

Takayama's beautifully preserved Edo-era merchant district. Afternoon exploration.

Hida Furukawa

Quiet old town 15 min by train from Takayama. Canals with koi, white-walled storehouses.

Hirase Sake Brewery

Historic sake brewery in Takayama. Also consider Will's multi-brewery walk.

Jinya-mae Morning Market

Morning market in front of the former government office. Dawn visit recommended.

Hida Folk Village

Open-air museum with relocated thatched-roof farmhouses. Afternoon visit.

Higashi Chaya District

Kanazawa's beautifully preserved geisha district with tea houses and gold leaf shops.

Kenrokuen

One of Japan's top three gardens. Stunning autumn foliage at dusk.

Sakuda Gold Leaf Workshop

Gold leaf workshop and shop in Higashi Chaya. Try gold leaf pressing experience.

Shirakawa-go

UNESCO gassho-zukuri village. Book Nohi Bus early for group of 8, sells out in Nov.

Myoryuji (Ninja Temple)

Temple with hidden passages and traps. Reservation required, especially for group of 8.

Omicho Market

Kanazawa's kitchen. Fresh seafood breakfast before heading to Kyoto.

Eikan-do Zenrin-ji

Famous for November autumn illumination. One of Kyoto's best momiji spots.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Thousands of vermillion torii gates. Late afternoon visit to catch sunset light.

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district. Evening stroll after Fushimi Inari.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Iconic bamboo forest. Arrive before 8am to beat the crowds.

Dotonbori

Osaka's neon-lit food street. Evening street food crawl.

Suntory Yamazaki Distillery

Lottery entry for tours, caps at 4-5 people. May need to split group across 2 slots.

Okunoin

Japan's most sacred cemetery. Visit at dusk AND again at dawn for the full experience.

Eko-in Temple

Temple lodging (shukubo) on Koyasan. Shojin ryori dinner. Book for group of 8.

Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue

明治神宮外苑 いちょう並木 There's a row of 146 ginkgo trees, and it's typically stunning from mid-November to early December each year. More info: https://visit-minato-city.tokyo/en/places/989 IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAYWCOKSfXl/?img_index=2 #autumn

Nakamachi Street

中町通り This is the castle town of Matsumoto, where traditional craft shops and various dining establishments line the streets. More info: https://nakamachi.org/en/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmtWzUoyUkY/?img_index=6

Golden Gai

ゴールデン街 #tokyobynight

Hirayu no Mori (hotel & hot spring)

ひらゆの森の温泉 There are a total of 16 outdoor baths (onsen) available, for both men and women combined. You can also enjoy private rental onsen for day trips. More info: https://www.hirayunomori.co.jp/en/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHP--IygcXK/?img_index=1 #onsen

Ryukaeno Falls

竜返しの滝

21st Century Museum

#architecture

Shinjuku Gyoen National Park

新宿御苑 It's one of the big parks in Tokyo. It's especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. More info: https://fng.or.jp/shinjuku/en/ IG spot: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4NkUZdyYiH/?img_index=5 #sakura #nature

Nanzenji Temple

南禅寺 During the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the vibrant red leaves surrounding the large Sanmon gate. At other times of the year, it tends to be relatively quiet and enjoyable. More info: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1175/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzyWMZ2S1ri/?img_index=10 #temple #autumn

Takayama Retro Museum

飛騨高山レトロミュージアム It's a museum where you can enjoy the atmosphere of Japan from around the Showa era, approximately from the 1940s to the 1970s. More info: https://retromuseum.jp/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C3U7ahwSOsy/?img_index=4

Nagamachi Samurai District

長町武家屋敷跡 There are preserved old-style earthen walls, stone-paved alleys, and splendid samurai residences lining the area. More info: https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/attractions/detail_10195.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ct1Q9KHy_9B/?img_index=4 #architecture

Kōdaiji Temple

Nambayasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine

八坂神社 This is a historic shrine that has been guarding Kyoto since ancient times, even before the Heian period. The lantern illumination at night is beautiful. More post: https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfOmPVEFxPn/ #shrine

Pontocho Area

Tenjuan at Nanzenji

南禅寺 天授庵 It is one of the sub-temples of Nanzen-ji. The autumn foliage is beautiful. More info: https://souda-kyoto.jp/guide/spot/nanzenji-tenjuan.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzyWMZ2S1ri/?img_index=1 #autumn #temple