Dear All,

We, 3 adults will visit Japan end of this Nov. We are nature lovers , enjoy scenic landscape especially the changing colours of autumn leaves. We are not really keen on visiting shrines. Below is our itinerary. Kindly advise on it.

27.11.18 (Tues, Osaka): Reach Osaka early morning. Find a place to rest before checking in.
Relax and explore the surrounding in the evening.

28.11.18 (Wed, Osaka): Osaka Castle, Dontonbori street

29.11.18 (Thurs, Kyoto): Cycling around Arashiyama Bamboo Forest,Okochi-Sanso Villa,Golden Pavilion, Stroll at downtown

30.11.18 (Fri, Kyoto): Botanical Garden, Gion, and Philosopher’s Walk, Stroll at downtown

1.12, 18(Sat, Takayama)

2.12.18 (Sun, Takayama)

3.12.18(Mon, Shirawakago)

4.12.18(Tues, Kanazawa)

5.12.18(Wed, Kanazawa)

6.12.18 (Thurs, Alpine Route)

7.12.18 (Fri, Matsumoto)

8.12.18 (Sat, Hakone)

9.12.18(Sun,Tokyo) : Join Tuna Auction tour at Tsukiji Market, Visit Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, Metropolitan Building, Takeshita Dori,Tokyo

10.12.18(Mon) Early flight to K.L

We have some doubts:

1. Should we stay in Tokyo for the Alpine Route, Matsumoto, Hakone trips?
2. Any places of interest especially for nature lovers can we add in?
3. Is there any places we can go for a short walk at this time of the year? too cold?

P/S We have not booked any accommodations yet. We are budget travellers, however we don’t mind stay in a mid- range hotel for a few nights. Any comments or suggestions on our plans are much appreciated.

You are trying to squeeze a lot into a short time and will be traveling often. The full Alpine Route is open until November 30, so I think you will be too late. Tsukiji fish market is probably going to be closed on Sunday.

As to your question 1: absolutely not. Day-tripping from Tokyo to those places would be a waste, involving a good bit of backtracking, time, and cost. Lodging cost in Tokyo will be higher than if you stayed more local to where you are going. Before the Alpine Route you could stay a night in Kanazawa or Toyama and then end the day in Matsumoto.

Also, when you are booking lodging be sure to indicate that you are three adults. Some places charge per person, not per room.

And at that time of year, if you want to see fall colors then you should be heading south from Kyoto, not north where you will be too late.

Double check the Tsukiji fish auction calendar, I thought they are closed on Sunday. Also be aware Sunday is the day most Japanese are off, popular sites will be extremely crowded so plan accordingly.

Thank you mrwunrfl and curiousgeo for your swift replies.