Japan in October

We've been to Tokyo once. In preparation for that trip, we did a lot of research into things to do over the entire country. Our next trip is probably going to focus on Kyoto, so I have some things we added to our list that come recommended from people we know who have visited.

Kiyomizu-dera is a buddhist temple built in 1633. If youre going to be there in October, you'll get to see it just after restoration has completed. Not a single nail is used in it's construction. The views are impressive I am told.

Walking to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine through the torii gates.

Eikando Zenrinji Temple is know for the fall colors and large koi ponds.

Visit Monkey Park.

Visit Nishiki Market.

Walking the Philosopher's path that follows a series of canals starting at Ginkakuji. It ends at another temple and gardens.

The trail up Mt. Kurama is a good hike, or you can take a cable car to the top. They have hot springs at the top and traditional Japanese hotels, onsens.

For dinner, wander through Pontocho alley on Kamogawa River. No plans or suggestions on where to eat. The plan is to just wander around and find something that looks good.

The Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is located between Kyoto and Osaka. Grab a bottle of Yamazaki 18 or 25 to bring home. Bring me one, too.

There are something like 15 UNESCO sites within Kyoto, including Kiyomizu-dera. That list would be a great place to start for personal research. They have traditional Japanese cultural things to do like learn samauri, knife-making, etc. that look cool.

I will suggest renting a wifi hot spot at the airport when you arrive. The cell speeds are incredible in Japan. The hot spot cost us like $30 for a week. I carried it in a bag with a 20000mAH battery pack plugged into it and four people streamed phones, tablets, etc off of it seamlessly. They have sim cards, but the pocket wifi was simpler to deal with.

You should consider getting an ICOCA card and use Google Maps to navigate public transportation. I understand it's not as reliable as Tokyo public transportation, but honestly nothing in the world is as reliable as Tokyo public transportation so I'm not sure what the person who told me that meant. lol

Also, I *think* there is less English spoken in Kyoto than Tokyo, but we found Google Translate to be invaluable.

Kyoto is wonderful.

Hire a guide if you are comfortable with the concept & the cost, while Kyoto & Tokyo are "manageable" without speaking & reading Japanese, having a local as your guide & advocate can make your visit much more efficient and enjoyable.

I have a nephew who reads and speaks Japanese, he's always been my minder there.

There's enough in and around Kyoto to see for easily a couple of days.

I loved walking it.

It will be cool in October.

I'd recommend getting to Tokyo for as much time as possible as well.

If you haven't yet made your plane arrangements, fly into Kyoto (Osaka is the nearest airport) for your business, stay a day or two in Kyoto afterwards and sightsee, take the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Tokyo and sightsee there for as many days as possible there and then fly out of Tokyo for your return.

If your flights have to come & go through Osaka, that would mean to do the side trip to Tokyo a round trip from Kyoto/Osaka via Shinkansen.

Don't fly between cities, train is the only way to go.

And pay attention to where you are and what you are doing, they ALL play by the rules there and expect everyone else to do so.

Good luck on your trip. Booked Japan for November 2020 back in late 2019 and obviously had to cancel.

Hope to make it up someday soon.

Solid info. Bookmarked.