10-Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo

Planning a trip to Japan can feel overwhelming. There are major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto to visit, UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered across the landscape, and countless Japan experiences waiting at every corner. The Shinkansen bullet train connects most major cities, making it easier than you might think to see the highlights in 10 days in Japan. This complete Japan itinerary takes you through Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo, mixing cultural exploration with natural beauty and Japanese cuisine. From ancient temples to neon-lit shopping streets, this 10-day journey gives you the framework. What you do within that framework, the conversations you have, and the quiet moments that catch you off guard are what you will remember years from now. I followed this route myself, tweaking it after a few false starts, so what you see here is a version that actually works on the ground for a first 10-day Japan trip.

Before You Go: Essential Planning Tips

Use this section to shape the big picture of your trip before you start booking. It will help you time your visit, choose where to base yourself, and decide which extra day trips are worth building into your 10-day Japan itinerary, whether you are planning Japan for first timers or coming back on a third visit.

Quick Picks: Tokyo Day Trips Worth Adding

If you have room in your schedule, these day trips from Tokyo are easy to add and show very different sides of Japan in one extra day.

• Historic and cultural highlights: Kamakura (temples and ocean views), Nikko (mountain shrines and forests), Kawagoe (Edo-period streets and traditional warehouses).
• Nature and mountain escapes: Mount Takao (easy forest hike close to Tokyo), Nokogiriyama (cliff viewpoints and giant Buddha statues).
• Onsen and slow soaking: Hakone (hot springs with views of Mount Fuji on clear days, plus art museums and lakeside scenery).
• Coast and island air: Enoshima (island walks and sea views).
• Seasonal showstoppers: Ashikaga Flower Park (famous wisteria tunnels in late spring).

Best Time to Visit: Picking the Right Season for Your Trip

Japan is a year-round destination, but each season feels very different.

• Spring (late March to early April): Peak cherry blossom season in Japan, with Ueno Park and Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path usually in full bloom.
• Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with festivals, fireworks, and evening street life. Best if you want matsuri and a chance to climb Mount Fuji between July and September.
• Fall (October to November): Comfortable temperatures and vivid autumn colors in temple gardens and mountain areas.
• Winter (December to February): Colder weather, fewer crowds, and the clearest views of Mount Fuji. Good for onsen trips and quieter city days.

If you only care about cherry blossoms or fall colors, build your 10-day Japan itinerary around those weeks, but be ready for higher hotel prices and more crowded trains. Try to avoid Golden Week, Obon, and Japanese school holidays if you dislike crowds, because trains, hotels, and popular sights all get much busier, and popular shinkansen routes can sell out.

Where to Stay: Best Bases for a 10-Day Japan Itinerary

Choosing the right base in each city will save you time once you are on the ground.

• Kyoto: Gion and Higashiyama are best for temples and old streets. Staying near Kyoto Station is ideal for day trips and gives you an easy base if you are catching early shinkansen trains.
• Osaka: Namba and Dotonbori put you in the middle of the street food and neon. Shinsekai works well if you are watching your budget.
• Tokyo: Shinjuku and Shibuya are great for nightlife, shopping, and quick access to western Tokyo. Asakusa feels more traditional, while Akihabara suits tech and anime fans.
• Mount Fuji area: Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida offer ryokan with onsen and possible Mount Fuji views, weather permitting.
• Hiroshima: Staying near Peace Memorial Park keeps central sights walkable. Hiroshima Station is better if you are using the Shinkansen often. Miyajima Island is a special option for one night.

Cultural Essentials: Small Habits That Matter in Japan

Learning a few simple Japanese phrases before you arrive makes daily life much easier, and these useful Japanese phrases cover most everyday situations.

Key phrases

• “Sumimasen” = Excuse me / I am sorry
• “Arigatou gozaimasu” = Thank you
• “Oishii” = Delicious

Everyday etiquette

• Remove shoes when entering homes, many traditional restaurants, and some temple buildings.
• Avoid eating while walking, especially near shrines, temples, and in quiet streets.
• Stand on the left side of escalators (on the right in Osaka) and keep your voice low on trains.
• Do not tip. Good service is expected and included in the price.
• Queue neatly for trains and buses, and wait for passengers to get off before you step on.

You will often be given hot green tea at the end of a meal without needing to order it. If you are curious about deeper traditions, consider booking a short traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto. A good host will explain each step, and the quiet rhythm of the ceremony says a lot about the country’s pace and manners.

Day 1: Arrival in Kyoto, The Soul of Japan

Best for: Temples, historical exploration, cultural immersion.\ Why go: Kyoto is Japan’s cultural heart, where centuries of tradition are still lived rather than staged. Starting your 10-day Japan itinerary here gives you space to slow down before the pace of Tokyo takes over.

What to Do:

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera at sunrise
• Explore the hidden corners of the Gion District
• Walk the Philosopher's Path at dusk

You can do all three in one relaxed day if you stay in central Kyoto and start early. Your Japan adventure begins at Kyoto Station after arriving from Kansai Airport on the JR Haruka Limited Express. The ride takes about 75 minutes and costs ¥3,600, or you can use the JR Pass. Once you drop your bags, resist the urge to rest. Kyoto gives more to travelers who stay awake for its quiet mornings and slow evenings. The city’s wooden storefronts, narrow lanes, and long-held traditions shape the Kyoto experiences that make this region unforgettable. As you explore, the things to do in Kyoto feel less like tasks and more like invitations into a calm, older rhythm of the city. If you arrive before hotel check-in, use the station coin lockers for your luggage, then head straight to your first temple instead of waiting around in the lobby.

Kiyomizu-dera at Dawn: Sunrise Above the Valley

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) sits on a hillside supported by 43 feet (13 meters) of interlocking wooden pillars built without a single nail. Arriving around 6:00 AM feels early, yet the soft light over the valley turns the effort into something grounding. In spring, the temple is surrounded by clouds of cherry blossoms. In autumn, the hillside turns deep red. At the base, the Otowa Waterfall offers three streams for longevity, academic success, or love. Local visitors choose only one. Aim to arrive at Kiyomizu-dera as close to opening as you can, because by mid-morning the main terrace and streets below are already crowded with tour groups and school trips.

Hidden Corners of Gion: Kyoto’s Wooden Streets

The walk through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka leads into the preserved neighborhoods of Higashiyama and Gion, where stone paths and wooden machiya give the area its quiet charm. Small pottery shops and kimono studios open slowly in the morning. If you want a simple, nostalgic Kyoto taste, Issen Yoshoku serves okonomiyaki-style pancakes that have stayed nearly unchanged since 1947, right down to the old posters on the walls. Farther along, Kasagiya prepares wagashi using recipes handed down through generations.

Where Geiko Walks at Dusk: Lantern Light and Quiet Footsteps

As evening rolls in, lanterns glow along Hanami-koji, and Gion begins to feel almost theatrical in its stillness. Geiko and maiko move quietly to their evening appointments, and if you wait respectfully near Shijo-dori and Hanami-koji around 6:00 PM, you may catch a glimpse without intruding. Nearby, Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) glows a vivid vermillion as the sky darkens. Stay to the edge of the lanes, do not block doorways, and watch geiko and maiko from a respectful distance rather than stopping them for photos.

The Philosopher’s Path at Twilight: A Slow Canal Walk

The Philosopher’s Path stretches for 1.2 miles (two kilometers) along a narrow canal shaded by cherry trees. In spring, the blossoms drift into the water like pale confetti. Small cafes, often set in old houses, offer quiet window seats where you can sip houjicha and watch the last light fade behind the rooftops. Start the Philosopher's Path walk in late afternoon so you reach the northern end around sunset, mornings and evenings are usually much quieter than midday.

Dinner in Kyoto: Izakayas and Kaiseki

Kyoto evenings quietly encourage you to wander until a warm doorway catches your eye. Look for an izakaya with paper lanterns and a handwritten menu, where small plates arrive as they are ready and conversations stay gentle. If you want something more crafted, Giro Giro Hitoshina serves a modern kaiseki menu that lets you end your first night with seasonal flavors in thoughtful courses. You usually need to book in advance because it is a small space.

Day 2: Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest

Best for: Nature, photography, quiet escapes within the city\ Why go: The Golden Pavilion distills centuries of Japanese aesthetics into a single view, while Arashiyama’s rivers, hills, and bamboo paths show how quickly Kyoto can shift from city streets to countryside calm.

What to Do:

• Visit Kinkaku-ji at opening
• Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Explore Tenryu-ji Temple
• Hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park

Day 2 takes you into northwest Kyoto, where temple roofs, still ponds, and low mountains all compete for your attention. The morning belongs to Kinkaku-ji and its reflection in Kyokochi Pond. Midday is for the filtered light of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. By afternoon, you can decide if you want to sit quietly in a classic garden, climb to see the city from above, or stay near the river and move at a slower pace.

Kinkaku-ji at Opening: Reflections at the Golden Pavilion

Kinkaku ji (金閣寺) is best seen when the gates open around 8:00 AM, while the air is still cool and the paths are quiet. Catch bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station and give yourself about 40 minutes to get there. The upper floors are covered in gold leaf, and on clear mornings, the entire pavilion reflects into Kyokochi Pond so cleanly it looks almost like a painting. After rain, the water darkens, and the gold seems even brighter against the gray sky. The path around the pond is short but carefully designed, with each turn giving a slightly different angle on the pavilion, stones, and pines.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walking the Green Tunnel

From central Kyoto, local trains bring you to Arashiyama in about 30 minutes. Many people know this as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest they have seen in photos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove rises 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) overhead, forming a tall corridor of green. The path is only about 1,640 feet (500 meters) long, but if you slow down and listen to the bamboo knocking together in the wind, it feels longer. Light slips between the stalks, the air cools a little, and street noise fades into something softer.

Tenryu-ji Temple: A Living Japanese Garden

Just beside the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji (天龍寺) offers one of Kyoto’s most important examples of a Japanese garden. The central pond, islands, and arranged rocks date back to the 14th century, while the Arashiyama hills beyond act as “borrowed scenery,” so the garden feels larger than the temple grounds. Sit on the wooden veranda for a few minutes and watch how the view changes as clouds move over the hills and ripples cross the water. It is a simple way to understand why Japanese gardens are designed to be watched, not rushed.

Beyond the Main Path: Monkeys, Hillsides, and Yudofu

If you still have energy, continue to Iwatayama Monkey Park. The steady uphill walk takes around 30 minutes, and at the top, you find wide views over Kyoto and a troop of Japanese macaques that clearly consider the hillside theirs. Keep food and loose items zipped away because they will grab what they can. Follow the staff instructions, keep a bit of distance, and enjoy the city laid out below. Back near the river, crossing Togetsukyo Bridge gives you classic views of the hills and boats on the water. Smaller temples like Jojakko-ji on the slope above town offer quieter paths through maple trees and are especially beautiful in fall. When hunger catches up with you, look for a local restaurant serving yudofu, a simple Kyoto dish of tofu gently simmered in kombu broth that fits the calm pace of Arashiyama.

Day 3: Nara: Where Deer Bow and Buddhas Tower

Best for: Nature, wildlife, UNESCO World Heritage Sites\ Why go: Nara offers something rare, even for Japan. Sacred deer wander freely through parkland and temple grounds, and some of the country’s most important Buddhist sites sit within easy walking distance of each other.

• What to Do:
• Feed the sacred deer
• Visit Todai-ji Temple and the Great Buddha
• Walk the lantern path to Kasuga Taisha Shrine

From Kyoto, the JR Nara Line gets you to Nara in about 45 minutes, usually with no transfers if you take a rapid service train from Kyoto Station. Once you arrive, most of the main sights sit around Nara Park. The day is simple to plan: meet the deer in the open lawns, walk toward the Great Buddha, then follow the forest paths lined with lanterns. The Nara experiences you remember later are often the small ones, like a quiet moment under the trees or the way the light hits a stone lantern at the end of the day. Nara fits easily into a single day, but the memories stay with you long after you leave.

Nara Park Morning: Deer and Senbei

Start in Nara Park while the air is still cool and the crowds are thin. Deer wander across lawns and paths, and you can buy senbei crackers from stands around the park to feed them. Many deer have learned to bow before they receive a cracker, and it is common to see visitors surrounded by a small circle of heads and antlers, all waiting politely but firmly for their share. These animals are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto belief and have lived alongside people here for centuries. They are still wild, though, so feed them quickly and keep any maps or paper tucked away. If you visit with children, remind them that the deer can nudge hard when they smell senbei, it is better to feed with a flat palm and step back if they crowd you.

Todai-ji Temple: Standing Before the Great Buddha

From the open lawns of the park, follow the main path toward Todai-ji (東大寺), one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples. Inside the vast wooden hall, the Great Buddha statue rises about 49 feet (15 meters) high and weighs roughly 250 tons. The seated figure holds one hand raised in a gesture of reassurance, and most people fall quiet as soon as they step through the huge doors and see it. The building itself is often described as one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and walking across its worn floorboards toward the statue gives a sense of how long people have been coming here to pray, to think, or simply to stand and look.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine: The Thousand Lanterns Path

After Todai-ji, continue deeper into the park toward Kasuga Taisha (春日大社). The walk takes about 20 minutes and gradually leaves the open lawns behind for denser forest. Stone lanterns line the approach, sometimes in straight rows, sometimes leaning slightly under layers of moss. Many were donated over the centuries by families and worshippers, each one a quiet marker of a hope or a prayer. In early morning or late afternoon, the light comes through the trees in soft green bands, and the bright vermilion buildings of the shrine stand out sharply against the surrounding forest. It is a good place to slow your pace and let the day in Nara end without feeling rushed.

Where to Eat in Nara: Simple, Local, and Worth Your Time

Before heading back to Kyoto, stop in Naramachi for something easy and local. Edogawa Naramachi is well known for grilled unagi served over rice, a comforting dish after a full day of walking. If you want something lighter, look for shops selling kakinoha-zushi, a Nara specialty of pressed sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves. For a quick sweet, Nakatanidou often draws small crowds when the staff prepare mochi with fast, rhythmic pounding. It is a low-key way to end your day before catching the train.

Day 4: Osaka: Where Japan Lets Its Hair Down

Best for: Street food, shopping, entertainment\ Why go: If Kyoto is Japan’s refined older sister, Osaka is the fun younger sibling who is louder, friendlier, and obsessed with Japanese food. The city calls itself “Japan’s kitchen,” and once you see Dotonbori at night, it is easy to understand why.

What to Do:

• Explore Dotonbori street food
• Experience standing bar culture
• Shop in Shinsaibashi (optional: visit Osaka Castle if time permits)

From Kyoto Station, the JR Special Rapid train reaches Osaka in about 30 minutes and usually costs around ¥570, or it is covered by the JR Pass, dropping you at Osaka Station on the edge of the city center. The shift in atmosphere is immediate. Kyoto glides. Osaka moves fast. Kyoto speaks in low tones. Osaka laughs out loud. The Osaka experiences on this first day focus on food, neon, and relaxed nightlife. The things to do in Osaka are less about strict schedules and more about seeing where your appetite and curiosity lead you.

Osaka Castle: Parks and City Views

If you arrive early with some energy left, start at Osaka Castle. The current keep is a modern reconstruction, but the surrounding park, stone walls, and moats give a sense of the city’s history. In spring, cherry trees around the grounds turn the area into a popular hanami spot. From the upper floors of the keep, you get wide views over modern Osaka and a clear sense of how dense and sprawling the city really is. If you are short on time, you can walk the park grounds and moat without going inside the keep, the outside area still gives you a good feel for the site. It is a good way to understand where you have just arrived before you head into the busy streets.

Dotonbori’s Neon Soul: Signs, Smells, and Sound

As evening approaches, make your way to Dotonbori, the canal-side strip that feels like the city’s open kitchen. Oversized signs hang above the street: moving crabs, lanterns, pufferfish, and chefs. The air smells like grilled batter, soy sauce, and charcoal. The canal reflects the neon in streaks of color, and voices and music blend into a constant background hum. This is not a place for quiet contemplation. It is a place to walk slowly, see what looks good, and say yes to one more bite.

Street Food in Osaka: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki

Street food is where Osaka’s personality really comes through. Takoyaki stands dot the area, each one turning out round balls of batter filled with chunks of octopus. Fresh takoyaki should be crisp on the outside and almost creamy inside, topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes that move with the heat. Many visitors come back for a second tray without thinking about it. Let them cool for a minute before you bite, the centers stay lava hot and will burn your mouth if you rush. For something more filling, look for okonomiyaki, a savory pancake of cabbage, batter, sauce, and extras like pork or seafood cooked on a hot griddle in front of you. Places like Mizuno or Chibo around Dotonbori often have lines, which is usually a good sign. If you feel spoiled for choice, join a small-group food tour in Dotonbori so a local can steer you toward their favorite counters and stalls.

Dinner in Osaka: Standing Bars and Kushikatsu

Osaka’s evenings are perfect for exploring standing bars, known for being friendly and unpretentious. In and around Dotonbori and nearby neighborhoods, you can find kushikatsu spots where skewers of meat, vegetables, and seafood are breaded, fried, and served with a shared dipping sauce. The main rule is simple: dip once, not twice, in the shared sauce bottle. Staff will call you out if you forget. Daruma is one of the best-known kushikatsu chains, but smaller bars down side streets often feel more relaxed and local. Order a few skewers at a time, try something new, and see how long you want to stay. This is Osaka at its most honest: good food, fair prices, and plenty of people-watching. These standing counters are the easiest way to experience a relaxed Japanese bar without any dress code or reservation.

Shinsaibashi and Side Streets: Shopping and Wandering

If you still have energy after eating, walk through Shinsaibashi-suji, the long covered shopping arcade that runs north from Dotonbori. It mixes chain stores, small boutiques, and random curiosities in a single stretch. Side streets off the arcade hold cafes, bars, and small shops that stay open late. You do not need a fixed plan here. Let the lights and sounds pull you along, and turn back toward your hotel when your feet or your voice finally get tired.

Day 5: Hiroshima: Remembering and Healing

Best for: History, culture, peace memorials\ Why go: Hiroshima carries a weight that few cities do. What happened here on August 6, 1945, reshaped the modern world, yet the city you visit today is also about resilience, daily life, and a clear, steady commitment to peace.

What to Do:

• Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum
• See the Atomic Bomb Dome
• Ferry to Miyajima Island for Itsukushima Shrine

From Osaka, the Hikari Shinkansen reaches Hiroshima Station in about 90 minutes and is covered by the JR Pass. The city that greets you feels open and modern, with wide streets and a busy tram network. It takes a moment to connect this place with the photos from history books. The Hiroshima experiences on this day ask you to hold two ideas at once: the scale of what happened here and the way people have rebuilt their lives since. The things to do in Hiroshima are simple to list, but they tend to stay in your mind long after you have moved on to the next city.

Peace Memorial Park and the Dome: Standing at the Epicenter

Begin at Peace Memorial Park. At its northern edge stands the Atomic Bomb Dome, the preserved shell of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall that was almost directly beneath the blast. The exposed steel and broken walls require no dramatic explanation. Most visitors fall quiet, look up at the structure, and take a moment to understand where they are standing. Plan at least an hour in the park so you can move at your own pace and read some of the plaques instead of rushing through.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Stories Behind the History

Across the park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum presents the events of August 6 in a clear and carefully structured way. Displays include a watch stopped at 8:15 AM, fragments of clothing, melted roof tiles, and personal accounts from survivors. The museum avoids sensationalism and relies instead on specific, small details to carry emotional weight. Many visitors leave with a clearer sense of what "never again" can mean in real terms. If you are visiting with children, read the museum signs at the entrance and decide which areas you want to see, some exhibits are very graphic.

Children’s Peace Monument: Paper Cranes for Sadako

Within the park stands the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki, who became ill years after the bombing and began folding paper cranes with the hope of recovery. Today, strings of cranes sent from around the world fill glass cases surrounding the monument. The scene feels personal and hopeful, showing how Hiroshima’s story continues to be shared by new generations.

Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine: Beauty After the Weight

In the afternoon, take the short ferry to Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) on Miyajima Island. Off the shore stands its famous torii gate, which appears to float at high tide. At low tide, visitors can walk across the sand to its base. As the light changes, the gate shifts from bright vermillion to a quiet silhouette over the bay. Check the tide times before you go. At high tide, the gate seems to float in the water, at low tide, you can walk out on the sand to its base. Both are good, but feel very different. After the intensity of the morning, the sound of water and forest wind provides a gentle reset.

Dinner in Hiroshima: Okonomiyaki and Island Oysters

You can stay on Miyajima for dinner or return to the city. On the island, small restaurants often grill oysters until the shells open and the briny sweetness comes through. Back in Hiroshima, the signature dish is layered okonomiyaki, a mix of cabbage, noodles, batter, pork, and egg cooked on a large teppan. Nagata-ya, near Peace Memorial Park, is a well-known spot where the dish is made right in front of you. Ending the day with something warm and deeply local feels grounding after the history you’ve absorbed.

Day 6: Mount Fuji: Japan's Sacred Peak

Best for: Outdoor activities, scenic views, photography\ Why go: Mount Fuji is Japan’s most recognizable symbol, a near-perfect volcanic cone that has inspired artists, writers, and pilgrims for centuries. Even when clouds hide the summit, the landscape around the mountain makes the journey feel worthwhile.

What to Do:

• Visit Mount Fuji Fifth Station
• Photograph from Chureito Pagoda
• Soak in an onsen with mountain views

From Hiroshima, take the shinkansen toward central Honshu and transfer at a station such as Shin-Fuji or Mishima, then continue by bus or local train into the Fuji Five Lakes area. As you get closer, the mountain often appears suddenly, rising above towns and fields. On clear days, it looks almost unreal, perfectly shaped and snow-capped for much of the year. The experiences on this day are about viewpoints, quiet roads, and hot springs. The things to do near Mount Fuji work best if you keep your schedule flexible enough to move with the weather.

Mount Fuji Fifth Station: High Views and Thin Air

Mount Fuji’s Fifth Station sits at about 7,545 feet (2,300 meters) and is usually accessible by road from spring to late autumn. Buses wind up through forest and volcanic rock until the trees thin and the air feels cooler and drier. Even if the summit is hidden by clouds, the views across the surrounding plains and lakes give a strong sense of how isolated the mountain is from everything around it. Small shrines, walking paths, and lookout points make it easy to spend an hour or two simply taking in the scene before heading back down. If you are sensitive to altitude, move slowly and drink water, the air already feels thinner here even if you are not climbing to the summit.

Chureito Pagoda: The Classic Postcard View

On a hillside above Fujiyoshida, Chureito Pagoda is part of Arakura Sengen Shrine (新倉富士浅間神社) and frames Mount Fuji in one of Japan’s most famous views. The climb is around 400 steps, steep but manageable if you take your time. There are small rest spots on the way up if you need to catch your breath. At the top, the red pagoda stands in the foreground while the town spreads out below and Mount Fuji rises behind, when the weather cooperates. During cherry blossom season, pale pink trees fill the lower slopes, and in autumn the maples add deep reds to the scene. Even on hazy days, the combination of pagoda, town, and distant mountain feels uniquely Japanese.

Onsen and Ryokan Stay: Ending the Day in Hot Spring Water

The Fuji Five Lakes region is one of the best places to experience a traditional ryokan stay with onsen access. Around Lake Kawaguchiko and neighboring towns, many ryokan offer indoor and outdoor baths fed by hot spring water, sometimes with partial or full views of Mount Fuji from the tubs or relaxation areas. Stepping into the water after a day of buses, stairs, and viewpoints slows everything down. The combination of hot mineral water, cool evening air, and the outline of the mountain, if it appears, is one of the most quietly memorable parts of a Fuji visit. For many visitors, one night in a traditional ryokan with views of the mountain becomes the quiet highlight of their entire Japan trip. If you have tattoos, check the ryokan rules when you book. Some baths still ask guests to cover small tattoos with stickers or use private time slots.

Dinner near Mount Fuji: Houtou and Seasonal Ryokan Meals

For dinner, you can stay in your ryokan or explore local restaurants in towns like Kawaguchiko. Many ryokan serve multi-course meals built around seasonal fish, local vegetables, and small side dishes that arrive one after another, turning dinner into a slow ritual rather than a quick stop. If you prefer something more casual, look for hearty bowls of houtou, a regional noodle stew made with thick noodles and vegetables in a miso-based broth. Places such as Hotou Fudou are known for this dish and provide a warm, filling end to a day spent chasing views of the mountain.

If Clouds Hide the Peak: Fuji Five Lakes and Hakone

Mount Fuji is often covered in cloud, sometimes for most of the day. When that happens, the area still offers plenty to do. Lakeside paths around Kawaguchiko make for easy walks, small museums and cafes give you indoor options, and boat rides offer a different angle on the surrounding hills. If you have extra time in your Japan trip, spending a second night in the region or adding nearby Hakone as a stop can improve your chances of seeing the mountain clearly. The Hakone Open Air Museum combines sculpture, garden spaces, and hill views in a way that fits well with the slower pace of this part of the country.

Day 7: Tokyo: The Electric City

Best for: Shopping, technology, cultural fusion\ Why go: Tokyo blends shrines, alleyway bars, mega-malls, and neon skylines into a single restless city. It feels huge and fast, yet you can still find quiet corners where centuries-old customs continue almost unnoticed.

• What to Do:
• Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
• Explore Akihabara's electric chaos
• Watch the sunset from the Tokyo Skytree observation decks

Tokyo Station is your entry point to the capital, with its red brick facade from 1914 and a maze of underground passages, shops, and platforms. It feels like a city under the city. Once you drop your bags at your hotel, head toward East Tokyo for your first look at the capital. Over the next three days, Tokyo experiences will swing from incense and lanterns to giant screens and observation decks. The things to do in Tokyo cover a lot of ground, so this first day is about finding your bearings in the older districts and seeing the skyline from above.

Tokyo Station and First Impressions

Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi side gives you a good first sense of central Tokyo. The restored red brick building faces a wide plaza where office workers, travelers, and visitors constantly cross paths. Behind it, glass towers and business hotels rise in every direction. Inside, corridors lead to local lines, shinkansen platforms, and entire shopping streets filled with food halls and bento stands. It is worth taking a few minutes just to understand where your line to the hotel leaves from and how to get back here for longer journeys later in your trip. Take a quick photo of the station map and the ticket gate you use, it saves a lot of confusion when you are tired at the end of the day.

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa: Old Tokyo Alive

For your first major stop, ride out to Asakusa and walk toward Senso-ji (浅草寺), one of Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temples. The Kaminarimon Gate, with its giant red lantern, marks the start of Nakamise shopping street, where stalls sell ningyo-yaki cakes, senbei rice crackers, and small souvenirs. The smell of grilled snacks and sweet bean paste hangs in the air while locals and visitors move together toward the main hall. At the temple itself, people pause to bow, toss coins, and clap twice before offering a quiet prayer. Follow their lead and move to the side once you are done, so others can step forward.

Akihabara: Tokyo’s Electric Streets

From Asakusa, ride a short distance to Akihabara, often called Tokyo’s electric town. Streets here are lined with multi-story electronics shops, anime and manga stores, game centers, and bright signs stacked on top of one another. Music spills from shopfronts, screens loop trailers for games and shows, and it can feel like every surface is trying to get your attention. You do not need to be a gamer or an anime fan to enjoy a wander here. If big arcades are not your thing, explore the smaller back streets, they hold tiny record shops, retro game stores, and quiet coffee bars that feel like a different city. Even a simple walk through Tokyo’s Akihabara district shows how deeply pop culture and technology are woven into daily city life.

Tokyo Skytree: City Lights From Above

When the afternoon starts to fade, head toward Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest towers in the world and a clear landmark for east Tokyo. Observation decks offer wide views over the city in every direction. On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Fuji. Book tickets ahead online if you can, same-day slots often sell out on weekends and holidays. As the sun sets, the city slowly swaps natural light for artificial, and the grid of streets, trains, and buildings becomes a sea of small points of light. Watching Tokyo shift from day to night from this height helps make sense of just how large the metropolitan area really is.

Mini route, Afternoon in Asakusa, and evening at Tokyo Skytree

• Walk Nakamise shopping street toward Senso-ji in the early afternoon, pick up a small snack like ningyo yaki or senbei.
• Spend thirty to forty minutes inside the temple grounds, draw an omikuji fortune if you want, and enjoy the incense and lanterns.
• Just before sunset, ride the train two stops to Tokyo Skytree Station, have an early dinner or coffee in the Solamachi mall under the tower.
• Go up to the Skytree observation deck in time to watch the light shift from day to night, stay until the city is fully lit before you head back.

Dinner in Tokyo: Izakayas and East Side Streets

For dinner, stay on the east side of the city or ride back toward a station close to your hotel. Look for an izakaya on a side street rather than in a big mall complex. Places with handwritten menus, a mix of small tables and counter seats, and the sound of quiet conversation usually work well. Order a few shared plates of grilled fish, karaage fried chicken, or seasonal vegetables, and let the staff suggest something from the drinks menu if you are unsure. This first night of visiting Tokyo is less about hitting a famous restaurant and more about easing into the rhythm of the city, one small dish at a time.

Day 8: Shibuya, Harajuku, and West Tokyo

Best for: Fashion, youth culture, shopping\ Why go: This is the side of Tokyo that feels the most energetic and playful. Shibuya’s lights, Harajuku’s fashion experiments, and Shinjuku’s late-night streets show how west Tokyo balances crowds, creativity, and constant motion.

What to Do:

• Experience Shibuya Scramble Crossing
• Visit Shibuya Sky
• Explore Harajuku's Takeshita Street
• Find peace at Meiji Shrine

After a first day in East Tokyo, exploring West Tokyo gives you a different perspective on the city. The world-famous Shibuya Crossing shows how thousands of people can move together without colliding. Harajuku’s small streets reveal how trends start. Meiji Shrine offers a quiet pause just a few minutes from neon and music. By the time you reach Shinjuku at night, Tokyo from this area will feel layered and varied. This day is less about specific sights and more about walking, watching, and letting the neighborhoods speak for themselves.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Shibuya Sky: Tokyo From Street and Sky

Start in Shibuya and spend a few light cycles just watching Shibuya Scramble Crossing. When the signals change, people stream in from every direction, crossing diagonally, straight ahead, and sideways in a pattern that somehow never turns into chaos. You can watch from street level, or head up to a second-floor window in a nearby cafe for a better view. Late afternoon or early evening is the best time to watch, the crossing is full but not yet chaotic, and the lights have started to come on. Afterwards, make your way to Shibuya Sky at the top of Shibuya Scramble Square. From the open-air deck, about 755 feet (230 meters) above the streets, Tokyo stretches in every direction. On clear days, you can see Tokyo Tower and, if you are lucky, Mount Fuji on the horizon.

Harajuku and Omotesando: Fashion Experiments and Side Streets

From Shibuya, walk along Omotesando, a broad, tree-lined avenue where international brands and bold building designs compete quietly for attention. Just a turn away, Takeshita Street compresses youth culture into a narrow pedestrian lane filled with color and sound. Small shops sell everything from secondhand clothes to the latest streetwear, and crepe stands pile whipped cream, fruit, and chocolate into hand-held desserts. This part of Harajuku has long been a space where teenagers and young adults try out new styles, from gothic lolita to bright, layered street fashion, and the mix of looks changes with the seasons.

Meiji Shrine: Forest Calm in the Middle of the City

Behind Harajuku’s busy streets lies Meiji Shrine (明治神宮), reached through a tall wooden torii gate and a broad gravel path. The trees here were planted when the shrine was established in the early 20th century and have grown into a proper forest canopy. Walking toward the main buildings, city sounds fade and are replaced by the wind in the leaves and the crunch of footsteps on gravel. Stop at the purification fountain, rinse your hands and mouth lightly, and walk slowly through the main gate. It is a simple way to show respect. At the shrine itself, visitors bow, rinse their hands at the purification fountain, and offer quiet prayers. It is one of the best places to feel how Tokyo can hold both sacred space and intense commercial districts within a short walk of each other.

Shinjuku, Golden Gai, and Late-Night Tokyo

In the evening, head to Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s busiest hubs. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers free observation decks where you can compare the view with what you saw from Shibuya Sky. Down at street level, Shinjuku Gyoen provides a large park for quieter daytime walks, while small restaurant alleys and side streets come alive at night. Golden Gai is a compact area of narrow lanes lined with tiny bars, many seating only a handful of people. Some bars have regulars-only signs or table charges. If you are unsure, look for places with English menus in the window or a staff member inviting people in from the street. Some cater to regulars, while others welcome visitors and are happy to serve a simple drink and a small plate of food. If you want something more substantial for dinner, you can stay in Shinjuku for yakitori and izakaya dishes or ride out to Tsukishima for monjayaki, Tokyo’s runnier cousin to okonomiyaki, cooked on a griddle at your table. This is the part of the city where unplanned conversations and late-night walks often become the memories people talk about most. If you want a different flavor of the city, Koreatown in Shin-Okubo, one stop from Shinjuku, is packed with K-pop shops and Korean BBQ restaurants.

Day 9: Final Day in Tokyo

Best for: Shopping, last-minute sightseeing, fresh sushi\ Why go: Your last full day is the time to slow down a little, revisit favorites, and catch anything you missed. It also works as a buffer for flight days, especially if you are flying out in the evening and want a mix of good food and easy access to the airport.

What to Do:\ Eat breakfast sushi at Tsukiji\ Explore Ueno Park\ Shop in Shibuya or Harajuku

By now, you have explored Tokyo from east to west, yet the city still has more to offer. This final day focuses on simple pleasures rather than a packed checklist. Breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market, a walk through Ueno Park, and a last wander in Shibuya or Harajuku are all easy to reach with a Suica or Pasmo card.

Breakfast at Tsukiji Fish Market: Sushi to Start the Day

Begin at the outer area of Tsukiji Fish Market, which still buzzes with small shops and restaurants even though the wholesale auctions moved to Toyosu. Arrive early, around eight in the morning, to avoid the longest lines and to catch the freshest selection. The smell of sea air and grilled seafood fills the narrow lanes. Many counters specialize in fresh nigiri and simple donburi bowls. Find a standing sushi bar or a small counter, choose a set or ask for the chef’s recommendation, and let them guide you toward what is best that morning. Sushi for breakfast can feel unusual at first, yet the freshness makes it one of the most memorable meals of the trip.

Ueno Park: Museums, Temples, and Open Space

After breakfast, ride up to Ueno Park, one of central Tokyo’s largest green spaces. Paths curve around ponds, shrines, and open lawns where people stroll, relax, or sit with coffee. The Tokyo National Museum and several other museums line one side of the park, each offering a way to step indoors if the weather is hot or rainy. Around Shinobazu Pond, lotus leaves cover the water in summer, and you often see locals feeding koi or pigeons, chatting on benches, or walking with families. It is an easy place to slow your pace and let the morning settle. If you visit during cherry blossom season, expect Ueno Park to be very busy with hanami picnics under the trees, it is lively rather than quiet.

Last-Minute Shopping in Shibuya and Harajuku

Use the afternoon for any last shopping or neighborhood time. Shibuya works well if you still want fashion, cosmetics, or modern Japanese brands. Department stores and underground malls connect directly to the station, while side streets offer smaller boutiques and cafes. If you prefer something more playful, return to Harajuku for character shops, accessories, and youth fashion. Multi-story discount stores such as Don Quijote carry everything from snacks to small electronics and make it easy to pick up gifts or souvenirs in one stop. Bring a small foldable tote bag, these stores can be crowded, and plastic bags often cost extra. This is also a good moment to grab any last Japanese snacks you want for the flight home.

Evening and Departure: Leaving Tokyo Without Rushing

As your departure time approaches, plan your route to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport with a little extra margin for train changes and crowds. Airport access trains can be busy in the late afternoon and early evening, so arriving at the platform a bit early keeps the day calm. On the ride out of the city, it is common to feel that there was always one more neighborhood to visit or one more restaurant to try. That feeling is part of Tokyo’s pull. You are not meant to finish it in one trip. You are meant to leave with enough memories to start planning when you might come back.

Day 10: Departure

Your final morning in Japan does not need a plan. After nine full days of temples, neon streets, mountain views, and quiet moments you never expected, this last stretch is simply about enjoying the country at a slower pace. You might revisit a corner of Tokyo you connected with, grab one more onigiri from your favorite convenience store, or take a short walk before you make your way to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. From central Tokyo to Narita Airport, the Narita Express from Tokyo Station takes about an hour and is the simplest choice, airport buses can take longer if traffic is heavy. From central Tokyo to Haneda Airport, the Tokyo Monorail from Hamamatsucho Station takes about fifteen minutes and connects directly to the terminals.

The train ride out of the city gives you time to reflect on everything you have experienced, from Kyoto’s wooden terraces at sunrise to the soft glow of Shibuya at night. Japan has a way of settling into you through small details that stay long after the trip is over. As you board your flight, there is a good chance you will already be thinking about the places you did not have time to see and the ones you cannot wait to return to. Japan is not a destination you finish. It is one you come back to.

Practical Tips for Visiting Japan

This section brings together a few tips and practical advice that help your 10-day Japan itinerary run smoothly, from understanding the JR Pass to navigating train stations with confidence.

Getting Your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): How to Use It With Ease

The JR Pass is one of the simplest ways to move between major cities and keeps this itinerary efficient and stress-free.

• Purchase: Buy online from an authorized vendor before you arrive.
• Exchange: Swap your voucher at a JR ticket office in Narita Airport or Haneda Airport.
• Duration: A 7-day JR Pass usually covers the Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo legs of this trip.
• Gates: Show your pass at staffed ticket gates instead of automatic turnstiles.
• Reserved seats: Book at JR ticket offices for free with your pass.
• Local JR lines: The pass covers many city routes, including Tokyo’s Yamanote Line.
• Nozomi note: The pass does not include Nozomi trains, but Hikari trains follow similar routes and are only slightly slower.

If this 10-day Japan itinerary feels too train-heavy for you, you can always skip the pass and buy individual JR train tickets at the main train station in each city instead. Run a quick total for your own route. If you are only doing Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima in ten days, individual shinkansen tickets are often the better value than a pass, especially after the recent price rises.

Essential Apps and Money: Staying Ready on the Go

Japan is modern and efficient, yet still relies heavily on cash. A few tools make every day easier.

• Google Maps: For train routes, walking directions, and live updates.
• Google Translate: Use the camera mode for menus, signs, and simple phrases.
• Cash first: Many ramen shops, izakayas, and small stores still do not take cards.
• ATMs: Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven or post office ATMs, which usually accept foreign cards.
• Daily budget: Carry ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 (about $70 to $150) in cash each day.
• Cash only spots: Expect cash at street food stalls, buses, temples, and smaller neighborhood places.
• IC cards: Get a Suica or Pasmo for tap-in, tap-out travel and quick payments in many shops.

For visas, entry rules, and up-to-date Japan cost information, such as possible tourist taxes, always check the website of your local Japanese embassy before you visit.

Train Stations and Navigation: Moving Smoothly Through Japan

Train stations can feel like small cities, but simple habits reduce confusion.

• Photograph maps: Take a quick photo of the station map when you arrive.
• Use Google Maps: Follow live transfer information and platform guidance when available.
• JR vs metro: Use the JR Pass for intercity travel and JR lines, and Suica or Pasmo for subways and non-JR trains.
• Follow signs: Look for clear English signage in major stations and give yourself a little extra time at first.

Whatever route you choose, bring good walking shoes because you will easily cover several miles a day between stations, temples, and city streets.

If You Have Extra Time: Flexible Add-ons for Your Itinerary

These easy adjustments add variety without making the trip feel rushed.

• Extra Kyoto day: Skip Nara and spend a slower day in Kyoto, Kurama, or Kibune.
• Kamakura: About 50 minutes south of Tokyo, with the Great Buddha, coastal temples, and beaches.
• More time at Mount Fuji: Stay an extra night in the Fuji Five Lakes area to improve your chances of clear views.
• Hakone stop: Add a night between Mount Fuji and Tokyo for onsen, lake views, and the Hakone Open Air Museum.

What Not to Do on a 10-Day Japan Trip

• Do not pack every day from dawn to midnight. It is tempting to squeeze in one more temple or city, but most people enjoy Japan more when they leave small gaps for coffee, people watching or a short nap.
• Avoid planning big travel days on Golden Week, Obon, or New Year holidays unless you have reserved seats, trains, and stations, as they feel completely different in those weeks, and popular routes can sell out.
• Do not expect to use cards everywhere, many ramen shops, izakayas, and small shrines still only take cash. Get yen from an ATM at a convenience store at the start of each day.
• Try not to eat while walking in quiet streets or around temples and shrines. Finish snacks near the stall where you bought them, as it feels more relaxed and matches local manners.
• Do not leave the last train to chance, check the time of the final train back to your hotel area. Taxis are safe but can be very expensive on long, late-night rides.

After 10 Days in Japan: What Really Stays With You

Six months after you return home, the memories that stay with you will not be the postcard views. They will be the small, unexpected moments. A businessman on the Shinkansen folds his newspaper to make room for you. A woman at a ramen counter in Osaka smiles when you say “oishii.” The sound of wooden sandals on stone at Kiyomizu-dera just before sunrise. The quiet stillness inside a Japanese garden is where the world briefly feels like it stops moving.

This 10-day Japan itinerary carries you from Kyoto’s temples to Tokyo’s bright streets, with sacred Nara, lively Osaka, reflective Hiroshima, and Mount Fuji along the way. Cherry blossoms or autumn leaves might frame your journey. The Shinkansen bullet train will move you smoothly between most major cities, and Shibuya Crossing will surround you with thousands of people at once. Yet the moments that stay with you are the ones that slow you down and open something in you. By the time you walk through Narita or Haneda at the end of your trip, you may already be planning your return. Ten days show you how much Japan offers, but not enough to feel finished. Japan is not a place you check off. It is a place you return to, again and again, building a relationship with it one visit at a time.