Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Trip Report Japan with friends in Autumn 🍂

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Mara	Jan 18th, 2026 07:34 AM

Much easier to read!!

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mara (Post 17701634)

Much easier to read!!

True
Thanks a lot for your suggestion

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 08:39 AM

Lake Kawaguchiko

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 10:27 AM

TOKYO- Senso ji Temple, Akihabara, Ueno Park, Roppongi Hills

16.11.25 Sunday ( Day 10)
Senso ji Temple, Akihabara, Ueno Park, Roppongi Hills

Got up at 7.30am. Had breakfast in the room.
We had a 48 hours Tokyo Subway pass for unlimited travel which we had purchased on Klook.
Left at 9.00 am t
walked 3 minutes to Takaracho station and took Asakusa line to Senso ji temple by metro.

Sensō-ji Temple is a must-see spot in Tokyo, located right in the heart of Asakusa and easy to reach by subway. Even with the crowds, the temple feels well organized and full of history and tradition. The walk up to the temple is lively, with souvenir shops and food stalls lining the street. Inside, you can enjoy the beautiful grounds, smell the incense, and watch locals practice their customs. It’s a great place for photos and cultural experience.
There were many couples wearing traditional clothes and doing photo sessions.

We took metro on Ginza line from Asakusa station and went to Ueno park in 5 minutes.
Reached by 11.15 am.
Roamed around till 1 pm.
It is very pretty. The foliage is not in full effect yet in mid November but the park was beautiful nonetheless. There are a lot of people early SatuVery pretty. The foliage is not in full effect yet in mid November but the park was beautiful nonetheless. The place is filled with Ginkgo trees. Its unique, double-lobed, fan-shaped leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow in autumn. Walkef further down the park to rows of Japanese maple trees that has bright red leaves.
Theriteere a lot of people early Sunday morning but the park was huge so there’s a quiet corner for everyone.rday morning but the park was huge so there’s a quiet corner for everyone. The park entrance is free.
It has a zoo, art gallery, museum, theatre, lake and many more things for everyone. Lot of beautiful statues. Many locals come here with family, children, dogs.
There are food stalls, street performers.
The atmosphere is lively. Its worth coming here

Took a Hibiya line Metro for 5 minutes to Akihabara.
There are 2 more lines " Yamanote and Kehin-Tohoku line" which are not free on Tokyo metro pass or ticket.
Akihabara is famous electronics shopping. Reached by 1.45 pm
Yadobashi Electronics mall is right at the entrance of the station. It is a 5 storied mall for electronics. We didn't buy anything. Ate at a French café right next to the entrance. Had apple pie, cinnamon roll, a bread roll with potato and mushrooms. This was the best meal we had on the trip

Walked 10 min. to the Don Qiujote mall. It is a multistoried building with lots of racks and narrow alleys. I remembered Manish market in Mumbai. Poonam bought some cosmetics. We finished our 20,000 cash of Yens. The entire street was made a pedestrian walkway. Traffic was closed on Sunday.

We took a Ginza line Metro for 4 minutes to Kyobashi station and walked 5 minutes back to hotel. Rested for an hour.

We left for Roppongi hills by 6 pm after a hot cup of tea in the room. Took a metro from Kyobashi via Ginza to Roppongi. Walked 15 minutes to a vibrant street with lots of lights. Good panoramic views of Tokyo from here. Very upmarket area. Lots of young local crowd, girls making reels. We met David and his wife from Israel. Chatted with them for a long time.
We made a few funny reels too.

We walked back to station and came back to hotel by metro.
Slept around 12 midnight

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 10:35 AM

Senso ji Temple, Tokyo

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 10:48 AM

Ueno park, Tokyo

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 11:04 AM

Akihabara, Tokyo

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 11:12 AM

Roppongi Hills, Tokyo on a Sunday evening

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 11:28 AM

Ginza Shopping and a relaxing last day

17.11.25 Monday (Day 11)
Ginza Shopping

Got up late by 8 am. Had breakfast in the room.
Started from hotel by 10 am
Took a metro from Kyobashi to Ginza metro station. Ginza is Japan's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous departmental stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes. One square meter of land in the district's center is worth over ten million Yen, i.e. 63,000 USD/ sq mtr. making it one of the most expensive real estate in Japan. Today's Ginza district was the site of a silver coin mint (Ginza means "silver mint"), after which the district was eventually named. The Ginza evolved as an upmarket shopping district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake
All shops opened by 11 am
We shopped at Uniqlo, Daiso
Bought some sandwiches and pudding and tiramisu from the basement shop at Uniqlo.
Ate outside the shop sitting on the pavement by 1.30 pm

Walked to On Cloud shoes shop. They didn't offer Tax free discount so we didn't buy. Went to Atmos shop and bought a pair of On Cloud shoes at 17000¥

We decided to not use the Metro and walk it to the hotel. We realised that we lived very close to Ginza.
Walked back through the main road to the hotel. 20 min stroll. This road has the biggest luxury brands shops alongside. Bought beer to finish the money left on the Welcome Suica card.

Rested for some time. Had a hot tub bath.
Tried web check in for a long time. The website says, your PNR is modified because you did not complete your jorney feom Tokyo. We had some tense moments. Also checked how much it would cost to book a new one way ticket to Mumbai. It was a whooping sum.

We left for a stroll to Ginza again at 6 pm. Walked back by 8 pm. Some went to eat and Indian Andhra meal.

We had beer and dinner with friends in my room 801.
it was our last night tohether on this trip.

We did some last minute packing. Weighed the bags. We were within limit.

Slept by 11.45 pm

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 11:36 AM

Glittering Ginza

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 12:04 PM

Return flight back home with loads of happy memories

18.11.25 Tuesday (Day 12)
Return flight back home with loads of happy memories

Got up at 5.45 am. Had breakfast in the room.
We had finished all the food by yesterday and there were no left over food items to carry back.
The space that was occupied by the food items was now filled by gifts shopping for near and dear ones.
Left hotel by 6.45am
Walked 20 minutes Tekko building next to Tokyo station by 7.10am
Waiting area was inside the porch.
Bus came 10 min early. Driver kept the bags inside n the bus left exactly at 7.35 am
We reached Narita airport at 9 am. 2.45 hours prior to our flight time.
We still had the tension whether we will be allowed to take the return flight. Will we have to meet higher authorities of ANA to fight out our case. I went to the counter and gave my passport. The lady on the counter scrolled several messages on her iPad and checked us all in. We were relived. This was the last leg and we had completed our self planned trip successfully. I thanked God for being with us. All of us thanked Poorva for her superlative efforts to get us this flight.
We managed to compmete our tour in much lower cost than our budget. So everyone was extremely happy on that front too. So all of us shopped as if there was no tomorrow:)

I tried a battery operated wheel chair that took me to the flight gate. This was totally new and happens only in Japan. I used my priority pass to access the airport lounge. Had some wine and good food. The flight was on time and was very comfortable. We landed at the airport at 6.30 pm. Got our bags and came out by 7.20 pm.

My 2 daughters, Son in law Jagrat and little 2 years old grandson Aditya had come to pick us up. We have been thoroughly spoilt by my daughters since they have got married 4 years ago. We get a royal reception and pick up from the airport. This makes the coming back more enjoyable and something to wait for.

We all said goodbye to each other before we dispersed, totally overwhelmed by the wonderful time spent with each other. Feeling umbled, blessed to have such wonderful friends and family and am full of gratitude.....

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 12:13 PM

Some thoughts

Some notes and thoughts:

This report is my travel journal, which we all may read sometime in future and reminisce the beautiful time spent with each other exploring a wonderful country.
Some details may sound trivial and unnecessary, but they are a part of our memory.
Writing this report took some time after the trip. Did some in the flight back home. Took some details from the photos. Had to resume work in full force after I was back. I owe and dedicate my report to the Fodorites. They have helped me shape up my itineraries on my numerous trips to Europe, Turkey, USA etc

Weather:
This played a very important role. We got the best weather in November, except 1 day of rain. Not too cold or hot. Clear sky for food photos. Mount Fuji is most visible in this month.
We didnt need any thermals or sweaters. A light jacket was sufficient.

One can stay in apatments if the group is up to 4 people. Beyond that it becomes difficult to adjust in lesser number of washrooms.

Sightseeing timing;
We started our day very early, stepping out of the hotel between 7 and 8 am. Ideally one should start with the sunrise around 6 am. It gets dark by 4.45 pm and pitch dark after 5.30 pm. If stretching the day is not physically possible, one can rest at the hotel in the afternoon for some time.
This may sound very taxing and grueling and worst than guided tours. But believe me, its the best thing you can do in Japan in November. You also beat the crowds.
You also end your day early as there is very little ine can fo after dark except dining and clubbing.

Japan is a small country but very large in terms of sightseeing and its more about experiences. One needs to either visit it minimum twice or on a big month long trip.

Experiencing the real Japan:
Language is a big barrier. Most young people in big cities speak basic English. Meeting locals, knowing how they live and getting a slice of their life, getting under their skin becomes difficult.

We met one Indian person who is a Japanese national a distant family member of one of us.

When we travel on our own to other countries, we along with the typical touristy things, try to do some things that the locals do, celebrate their festivals with them, shop from where they shop, eat where the locals eat, spend weekends like an average but fun loving local person does.

I would like to do some of those things, if I go there again.

Being a vegetarian is also a barrier in experiencing any culture, as cuisine is a very important part of it

For a person coming from a slightly conservative background, going to an Onsen can be uncomfortable. I don't really know how often do average Japanese visit onsens.

South west of Tokyo station. These 3 can be covered in this particular order
1. Uji Temple- One of the most picturesque temple with a reflection in the pond. Best visited in the morning time for good light and reflection. 15 min walk from the station through a picturesque village. ♡♡♡♡♡

2. Tōfuku-ji Temple- great for Autumn colours. ♡♡♡

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha- Temple of 10,000 Tori gates Temple right opposite Railway station. Easy to visit. One can do this quickly if one visits just the first few gates. Open 24 hours ♡♡♡♡

4. Kinkaku-ji temple- Golden- North of Kyoto Pagoda-♡♡♡♡♡ North of Kyoto station. Best viewed in the 2nd half of the day for its light and reflection in the water body.

Higashiyama District
North East
5. Ginkaku-ji Temple ♡♡♡ beautiful landscape. Good Autumn Colours

Higashiyama District- East of Kyoto.. This is the old town Kyoto and has the most interesting places.
1. Kōdaiji Temple ♡♡♡♡♡
Not to miss night lighting and projection mapping show after sunset. Beautiful temple and garden. Great autumn colours. Reflecting pond. Has a mini bamboo forest similar to Arashiyama Bamboo forest. So if one doesn't have enough time, one can visit this one.
If possible, visit before sunset and stay till after sunset for light show. But, if you have only 1 evening here, visit kiyomizu Dera temple before sunset ( 2hours) and walk to Kodaiji after sunset

2. Kiyomizu-dera ♡♡♡♡♡ .. the most famous site in Kyoto. Beautiful temple. Beautiful Autumn colours. Best sunset and panoramic view of Kyoto. Though we had a hazy evening.

3. Saanenzaka Ninenzaka and Yasaka Pagoda ♡♡ crowded streets a bit overrated. You will anyway cross them when you visit Kiyomizu Dera.

4. Arashiyama Bamboo forest id a bit overrated and takes up a lot of time to cover. It can be skipped

Shall add some thoughts and notes as an when I get them in my mind...

Thanks for being a part of.my journey...

cats53

Jan 18th, 2026 02:41 PM

Wonderful trip report and stunning photos. Thank you!

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cats53 (Post 17701704)

Wonderful trip report and stunning photos. Thank you!

@Cat35, I am glad that you liked it.
Thanks for your kind words

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 06:34 PM

I havent written about what happened to Poornima's passport.

When we went for shopping on 13th Nov., Vaishali and Poornima went to Indian Embassy at Osaka and obtained a temporary passport for her. She travelled on the passport back to India. Indian embassy staff was extremely helpful and courteous.
She almost got over the trauma in 1st 2 days.
What she missed I guess, is clicking a million photos.

We probably spoiled her plan of settling down in Japan ;)

Her daughter bought her a new iPhone 17 in India. So she got an upgrade.

She will probably work smartly to earn back the money she lost.
We saved some money on the tour cost too.

Paragkash

Jan 18th, 2026 07:53 PM

Return Jorney to home

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...72fe8be29a.jpg
Dramatic sky at Tokyo seen from the coach
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Surrealistic sky

We finally reach Narita airport to fly back home....The last leg of our journey All of us intact, healthy and happy
[img alt="Reached T1 Narita airport. Ready to check in.
The lastnleg of our journey "]https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x926/20251118_091146_4ce315acb355432fb05c1ee8d3e39d1a06 e7fa24.jpg[/img]
Reached T1 Narita airport. Ready to check in. The lastnleg of our journey
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...80ff746ee0.jpg
Our flight is getting ready to fly us back
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Airport lounge
[img alt="This looks like a si.ple boarding card.
But Poorva had to do mammoth efforts to fight with a giant airline like ANA and made them change their rule or make an exception for us and let us fly back.
Had she not done it, we would have had to spend additional 1/3rd cost of our trip only on the return flight."]https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x926/20251118_103912_e06b90d004c94b859d6bbd7578ee97b7db ca7b5f.jpg[/img]
This looks like a si.ple boarding card. But Poorva had to do mammoth efforts to fight with a giant airline like ANA and made them change their rule or make an exception for us and let us fly back. Had she not done it, we would have had to spend additional 1/3rd cost of our trip only on the return flight.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b404f602fb.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d511716db6.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4ef75e7800.jpg
Automatic chair
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...50cc9fd58a.jpg
Control pad on the chair
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0d2fd257b0.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...90675beb3c.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...16cd2aff2d.jpg
We successfully completed a journey to an exciting country... our #64
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...71622961a6.jpg
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...684ef3f1d1.jpg
Good bye Tokyo
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...73e93474a0.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8baf76f913.jpg
[img alt="Warm welcome at the airport.
Elder daughter Dr. Priyanka, Grandson Aditya and younger son-in-law Jagrat. Poorva is busy driving her car from the parking lot."]https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x926/20251118_192629_f08fbab906730db2370a0eaea44e6b29da 27eb6b.jpg[/img]
Warm welcome at the airport. Elder daughter Dr. Priyanka, Grandson Aditya and younger son-in-law Jagrat. Poorva is busy driving her car from the parking lot.
[img alt="Goodbye at Mumbai airport
With Sunil-Padmaja, Vikram Jaee...

All is well that ends well...
Truely blessed and grateful for everything in life
"]https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fodors.com-vbulletin/2000x926/20251118_192827_1fd628da22f78ca520b890a2361dbe375a 26dd17.jpg[/img]
Goodbye at Mumbai airport With Sunil-Padmaja, Vikram Jaee... All is well that ends well... Truely blessed and grateful for everything in life

Paragkash

Jan 19th, 2026 02:11 AM

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cbc39391a5.jpg

We finally reach Narita airport to fly back home....The last leg of our journey All of us intact, healthy and happy . Ready to check in. The last leg of our journey

We finally reach Narita airport to fly back home....The last leg of our journey All of us intact, healthy and happy

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...02b24e3c2f.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...678a6853a5.jpg
Warm welcome at the airport. Elder daughter Dr. Priyanka, Grandson Aditya and younger son-in-law Jagrat. Poorva is busy driving her car from the parking lot.

Goodbye at Mumbai airport With Sunil-Padmaja, Vikram Jaee... All is well that ends well... Truely blessed and grateful for everything in life

NanoBossana1985

Jan 20th, 2026 03:31 AM

man, 12 people is a huge group to manage in japan. i totally get the struggle of re-booking hotels because the layout just doesn't work for a big squad. Tbh, when i had a trip in dubai with my boys, for the airport run, i just booked Transfeero to meet us at the gate so we didn't have to wander around DXB looking for the bus stop. it’s way better than trying to squeeze everyone onto a crowded train with suitcases. Maybe you can do the same in Japan

Paragkash

Jan 20th, 2026 08:34 AM

[QUOTE=NanoBossana1985;17702022]man, 12 people is a huge group to manage in japan. i totally get the struggle of re-booking hotels because the layout just doesn't work for a big squad.

True. We were 14 of us

We tried getting a bus. It didnt work economically.
Traveling by local transport also gives us a feel of.local life. We didn't find the rush intimidating. We are from Mumbai which is probably more crowded

All times are GMT -8. The time now is 12:24 AM.

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