10-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Timers

Reserve the Tokyo and Kyoto hotels as soon as rates open; late-November foliage weekends are among Kyoto’s hardest lodging dates. Book the ryokan’s dinner-inclusive plan at the same time because kaiseki seating is tied to check-in.

Ginza Kojyu is the trip’s reservation-only dinner and has very limited counter seating. Ask your Tokyo hotel concierge to request it as soon as the restaurant’s November calendar opens, then confirm the current cancellation policy.

Buy the Tokyo–Kyoto Shinkansen seats when sales open, normally about one month before travel. Select ordinary reserved seats on the right side in the Tokyo-to-Kyoto direction for a possible Mount Fuji view when weather is clear.

Add a digital Suica to a compatible phone before departure and load a modest balance for Tokyo and Kyoto transit. Each traveler needs a separate transit card or phone, and Shinkansen tickets remain a separate purchase unless linked through SmartEX.

Kyoto’s headline foliage sites become congested quickly. Keep the early starts at Tofuku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera and Eikando, and confirm any special evening illumination dates and entry procedures closer to November.

No rail pass is assumed: individual Shinkansen tickets plus stored-value transit should cost less than a nationwide pass for this route. Avoid large luggage on city buses; forward suitcases from Tokyo to the Kyoto hotel and carry an overnight bag to the ryokan.

Tokyo and Kyoto in mid-to-late November commonly have cool mornings, mild afternoons and occasional rain. Bring a packable rain shell and layers that can be removed indoors; temple buildings and ryokan corridors can feel colder than modern hotels.

Cards are widespread, but carry several thousand yen for temple admissions, market counters and older ticket machines. Withdraw cash from a major convenience-store ATM rather than relying on currency-exchange booths.

At the ryokan, remove outdoor shoes at the entrance and follow staff guidance for slippers, tatami and bathing. If using the communal bath, wash before entering the tub and confirm the property’s current tattoo policy if relevant.

The schedule involves long walking days and numerous temple stairs. Convenience stores and station lockers make it easy to travel light; use luggage forwarding and keep any prescription medicine in its original packaging with documentation.