Tokyo and Kyoto in November: is it a sensible first-trip route?
Yes. Tokyo then Kyoto is the classic first route, and November is a good month for it. The Nozomi bullet train takes about 2 hours 15 minutes and costs ¥14170 one way1. Kyoto's autumn maple color is its main spectacle as November cools2.
Getting between the cities
Nozomi trains take approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to Kyoto, at ¥14170 one way1. Hikari trains cover the trip in around 2 hours 45 minutes with a few more stops3. Only Hikari and Kodama can be used on a Japan Rail Pass unless a Nozomi supplement is paid3.
Why November works
Kyoto's official guide says temperatures stay warm through October but cool down in November, which brings the deepening colors of the maple leaves2. Temples are often open at night for autumn illuminations4. Wikivoyage also names autumn as one of the two seasons to aim for if your dates are flexible5.
Holidays to plan around
Culture Day falls on 3 November, and many museums and gardens admit everyone free6. Labor Thanksgiving Day is 23 November, when some do the same6. Our call: expect busier trains and sights around both.
A split that stays relaxed
Our call: keep each city to one hotel. Spend the first days in Tokyo, take the train on a morning with nothing booked, and give Kyoto the later days so the maple color is the last thing you see.
A day in each city
The examples are the first day of Naalto's sample itinerary for Tokyo and for Kyoto.
| Train | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nozomi | About 2 hours 15 minutes1 | ¥14170 one way1 |
| Hikari | About 2 hours 45 minutes3 | Usable on a Japan Rail Pass3 |
| Kodama | About 3 hours 40 minutes3 | Stops at every station3 |
One sample day in each city
These are the first days of Naalto's sample itineraries for Tokyo and for Kyoto: when you arrive at each stop and how many minutes it is to the next one. They are samples, not bookings.
| Time | Stop | Then |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Shinjuku Gyoen (Shinjuku) | 27 min to the next stop |
| 10:45–12:15 | Meiji Jingu (Harajuku) | 20 min to the next stop |
| 12:30–13:30 | Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka (Shibuya) | 5 min to the next stop |
| 13:35–15:05 | Shibuya scramble crossing (Shibuya) | 4 min to the next stop |
| 15:10–16:40 | Shibuya Sky (Shibuya) | 6 min to the next stop |
| 18:00–19:15 | Ichiran Shibuya (Shibuya) | Last stop of the day |
| Time | Stop | Then |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00–10:30 | Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Higashiyama) | 21 min to the next stop |
| 10:45–12:15 | Gion (Higashiyama) | 9 min to the next stop |
| 12:25–13:25 | Tempura Yasaka Endo (Higashiyama) | 20 min to the next stop |
| 13:40–15:10 | Sanjusangendo (Rengeo-in) (Higashiyama) | 20 min to the next stop |
| 15:30–17:00 | Fushimi Inari Taisha (Fushimi) | 3 min to the next stop |
| 17:30–18:45 | Nezameya (Fushimi) | Last stop of the day |
Questions
Is Tokyo and Kyoto in November a good first trip?
Yes. The train takes about 2 hours 15 minutes1, and Kyoto's maple leaves turn in November2.
How long is the train from Tokyo to Kyoto?
A Nozomi takes about 2 hours 15 minutes, a Hikari about 2 hours 45 minutes13.
Are there public holidays in November in Japan?
Yes. Culture Day is 3 November and Labor Thanksgiving Day is 23 November, and some museums and gardens are free on both6.
Sources
- Nozomi trains take approximately 2 hr 15 min to Kyoto and cost ¥14170 one way. Wikivoyage: Kyoto, checked November 3, 2026.
- Kyoto temperatures cool down in November, bringing the deepening colors of autumn maple leaves. Kyoto City Official Travel Guide: seasonal info, checked November 3, 2026.
- Hikari trains take around 2 hr 45 min and Kodama around 3 hr 40 min, and only Hikari and Kodama can be used on a Japan Rail Pass unless a Nozomi supplement is paid. Wikivoyage: Kyoto, checked November 3, 2026.
- Kyoto temples are often open at night for colorful illuminations of autumn foliage. Kyoto City Official Travel Guide: seasonal info, checked November 3, 2026.
- Wikivoyage advises a tourist with a flexible schedule to aim for spring or autumn. Wikivoyage: Japan, checked November 3, 2026.
- 3 November is Culture Day and 23 November is Labor Thanksgiving Day, when many or some museums and gardens admit free entrance. Wikivoyage: Japan, checked November 3, 2026.