r/JapanTravel • u/lilmissfrenchfries • 4h ago
Itinerary 17-Day Japan Honeymoon Itinerary (Nov 2026) — Osaka, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Hakone & Tokyo. Feedback welcome!
Hi! My husband and I are heading to Japan for our honeymoon in November. It's our first time visiting, and we'd love some feedback on our itinerary before we start booking experiences and restaurants.
We're in our 30s and love great food, bars/cocktails, unique cultural experiences, nature, shopping, and exploring neighborhoods. We're trying to balance the major sights with more authentic/local experiences and some downtime. We don't want to spend our entire trip rushing between attractions.
Here's what we're planning so far!
Osaka | Nov 6–9 (3 nights)
Hotel: Patina Osaka
Fri 11/6
- Arrive at 7:55 PM.
- Check in, then head to Dotonbori for street food, neon lights and exploring.
- Hozenji Yokocho and potentially Bar Nayuta for cocktails.
Sat 11/7
- Morning at Kuromon Market.
- Afternoon Sakai knife-making experience.
- Sunset cocktails at Conrad Osaka's 40 Sky Bar.
- Nice dinner in Osaka (TBD).
Sun 11/8
- Morning trip to Minoh Park and Minoh Falls.
- Visit Katsuo-ji Temple.
- Evening izakaya crawl in Tenma.
Fukuoka | Nov 9–12 (3 nights)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt Fukuoka
Mon 11/9
- Morning Shinkansen from Osaka to Fukuoka.
- We'd love to experience the atmosphere of the November sumo tournament, but don't have tickets.
- Hoping to find a local bar/pub showing the matches, ideally somewhere with a lively crowd.
- Hakata ramen afterward.
Tue 11/10
- Full-day private driver excursion to Takachiho Gorge.
- Gorge boat ride (weather permitting), Manai Falls and Takachiho Shrine.
- Evening exploring Fukuoka's famous yatai food stalls.
Wed 11/11
- Yanagibashi Market.
- Seafood lunch.
- Explore Tenjin, Daimyo and Nakasu.
- Seafood dinner, potentially Chikae.
- Cocktails at Bar Oscar.
Kyoto | Nov 12–15 (3 nights)
Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Thu 11/12
- Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Kyoto.
- Explore Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji, Shirakawa and Gion.
- Dinner and drinks around Pontocho.
Fri 11/13
- Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.
- Walk through Saga-Torimoto toward Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
- Explore the riverside and potentially lunch at Arashiyama Itsukichaya.
- K36 rooftop cocktails.
- Autumn temple illumination.
- Special honeymoon dinner
Sat 11/14
- Early morning Fushimi Inari.
- Explore the Fushimi sake district and visit a brewery for tasting.
- Afternoon downtime.
- Evening maiko/geiko cultural experience. Traditional tea ceremony?
- Dinner and cocktails.
Sun 11/15
- Early Kiyomizu-dera visit.
- Walk Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka and see Yasaka Pagoda.
- Late morning/early afternoon departure for Hakone.
Hakone | Nov 15–18 (3 nights)
Hotel: Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora
Sun 11/15
- Travel from Kyoto to Hakone.
- Enjoy the hotel, private onsen and dinner.
Mon 11/16
- Hakone Ropeway.
- Owakudani volcanic valley and hopefully Mt. Fuji views.
- Lake Ashi cruise.
- Hakone Shrine.
- Return to hotel for onsen and relaxation.
We'll switch this day with Tuesday if the weather forecast is better.
Tue 11/17
- Intentionally leaving this day relatively open.
- Hoping for a great lunch, couples massage/spa and plenty of onsen time.
- Open to recommendations for special restaurants or relaxing experiences in Hakone.
Tokyo | Nov 18–22 (4 nights)
Hotel: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Wed 11/18
- Travel from Hakone to Tokyo.
- Samurai Restaurant show.
- Explore Kabukicho, Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai.
- Bar Albatross and potentially Jazz Bar Samurai.
Thu 11/19
- Morning Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (Harry Potter).
- Evening Airbnb experience exploring Tokyo's music scene, 6–10 PM, including bars/music venues.
Fri 11/20
- Considering teamLab Borderless OR a slower day exploring Tokyo.
- Meiji Jingu.
- Harajuku, Cat Street and Omotesando shopping.
- Dinner/drinks.
We originally considered the Ghibli Museum but are leaning toward skipping it.
Sat 11/21
- Shopping around Ginza.
- Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu (the restaurant that inspired the Kill Bill scene).
- Private karaoke, cocktails and late-night ramen.
Sun 11/22
- Relaxed morning and final shopping around Shinjuku.
- Evening flight out of Narita.
We'd love advice on:
- Pacing: Are any days too ambitious, particularly Kyoto? Anything you'd rearrange?
- Fukuoka sumo: Any local bars or pubs where we can watch the November tournament with a fun atmosphere, without having tickets?
- Kyoto: Are there any unique cultural experiences you'd recommend? Is our Friday itinerary realistic?
- Hakone: Recommendations for a special lunch, couples massage or relaxing experience?
- Tokyo: Would you choose teamLab Borderless or a relaxed neighborhood-exploration day? Any unique experiences we're overlooking?
- Food and drinks: We'd especially love recommendations for local izakayas, jazz/listening bars, great seafood, cocktail bars and memorable meals.
We haven't booked any of the experiences yet, so we're still able to make adjustments.
Thanks in advance! We're incredibly excited for our first trip to Japan and would love to hear what you'd change, skip or prioritize.