Itinerary
Autumn Veins: Nikko, Kanazawa, Takayama & Quiet Kyoto
13 days · 41 stops · ¥190,000–¥290,000
Sun, Nov 1 – Fri, Nov 13
A 13-day loop from Tokyo into Nikko's deep forests and onsen, across to Kanazawa's gardens and Takayama's mountain old town, ending in Kyoto's quieter corners — all by train, no car needed.
Days
Guilhem Vellut / CC BY 2.0
Higashi-Gyoen
Tokyo
Schedule
Day 01 of 13Land at HND · Sun, Nov 1 · from JFK · 2 travelers
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Tokyo · 1 night
Sun, Nov 1 → Mon, Nov 2 · 2 guests
14:00
EXPLORE
東御苑
Stay ~1h 30m
Otemachi Sta.
Higashi-Gyoen, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, offers a serene escape in the heart of Tokyo. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, historic ruins, and tranquil ponds, it provides a glimpse into Japan's imperial history while being a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
~12 min by taxi (or metro)
15:42
EXPLORE
歌舞伎座
Stay ~1h 30m
Higashi-Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line/Toei Asakusa Line)
Kabuki-za is Tokyo's principal theater dedicated to kabuki, the classical Japanese dance-drama art form, standing on Harumi-dori in Ginza, Chuo City since 1889. The current building (5th iteration, completed 2013) was designed by Kengo Kuma with Mitsubishi Jisho Design, preserving the momoyama-style facade of the pre-war structure while adding a 29-story office tower behind it. It remains Japan's flagship kabuki venue, seating up to 1,964 people.
Getting around, region by region
Your route mixes city and countryside — here's the best mode for each leg.
Tokyo central → Nikko · Days 1–7
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Takayama & Shirakawa-go · Days 8–9
Rural — a rental car reaches spots no train or bus serves.
Kyoto → Nikko · Days 10–13
Dense rail network — trains and the metro beat driving here.
Rental car: Takayama & Shirakawa-go · Days 8–9
Skip it for the city legs.
Browse rental cars on Klook →Getting around
⛩️
Tobu Nikko Pass (All Area)
Round-trip from Asakusa + buses to Chūzenji, Kegon Falls & Yumoto Onsen — ¥4,780 / 4 days (¥4,160 Dec–mid-Apr).
View Tobu Nikko Pass (All Area) →🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →01 / 13
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥13,500–¥22,500 / person / day
¥345,000–¥590,000 total for 2 travellers
💴 Carry ~¥10,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 40 travel legs and 12 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
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Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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