How to Plan an Action-Packed 10 Day Japan Itinerary
LAST UPDATED: JANUARY 13, 2025 | TRAVEL DATES: MAY 2024 | EST. READING TIME: 16 MIN
IN THIS GUIDE ✺
Wondering how to explore Japan for the first time without taking a month-long sabbatical?
Taking a week of PTO corresponds with 10 days of travel if you play your cards right, which is why 10 days in Japan is one of the most common itinerary lengths for first-time travelers looking to visit the top cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. With Japan's incredibly efficient bullet trains, you can go from futuristic fun to ancient ambiance in less time than it takes to finish an omakase dinner.
I've guided countless friends through this exact itinerary, and they're always amazed at how much you can pack in without feeling rushed. From racing through the streets of Shibuya to relaxing in a ryokan in Kyoto, this carefully curated 10-day Japan first-timer explorations hits all the highlights while leaving room for those spontaneous moments that make travel to a new country unforgettable.
10 Day Japan Itinerary
In a hurry? Here’s a brief overview of the detailed Japan 10 day itinerary exploring the three best first-timer cities you’ll find below:
Days 1-4: Tokyo
Days 5-8: Kyoto
Days 9-10: Osaka
Day 1: Land in Tokyo - Your Adventure Begins!
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: Tokyo 3 Day Itinerary
Assuming you’re traveling from another country to Japan by air, you’re best suited to fly into Haneda Airport. This is the closest airport to Tokyo and main international airport in Japan. Don’t fly into Narita International Airport, or you’ll have quite an extended commute into the city.
Flying west across the Pacific Ocean from the Americas will have you touching down in Tokyo around the late afternoon. Use this first night to get settled in the capital.
Efficient, punctual public transportation is without a doubt the best way to travel through Japan. There’s truly no need for your own vehicle, as clean train and bus routes service every destination described in this itinerary for 10 days in Japan.
Instead, add a digital SUICA card to your virtual waller to simplify commuting. Tap your phone on turnstiles to access train stations and top your balance off on the go when your card is running low. The one notable exception is Shinkansen bullet train tickets which need to be purchased separately through Klook.
An express train line directly within the airport services Shibuya and Shinjuku, which are typically recommended as first-timer friendly home bases around the Yamanote Line. Don’t make the same mistake I did and taxi to your hotel—it’s quicker and immensely cheaper to take public transportation.
I had assumed I would be too confused to reach Hotel Century Southern Tower with a challenging language barrier to overcome, but that could not have been further from the truth. All stations and train cars have visual and verbal English directions communicated, making transit around Japan easy to navigate as a foreigner.
Once you’ve checked in and unpacked, head to Shinjuku for a night out on the town. Your first stop is Zauo, an interactive restaurant where you fish for your own dinner. Cast your rod in one of the many tanks housing a variety of aquatic species.
Once you’ve got a bite, your freshly caught seafood can be prepared as sashimi, nigiri, grilled, boiled, or deep-fried tempura fish—if two of these options sound appetizing, you can request a half-and-half preparation. The prepared dish comes out shockingly fast—I’m talking less than 5 minutes!
Continue the evening with some retail therapy, where a cartoon penguin with an annoyingly addictive jingle will beckon you into the 8-level commercial maze that is Don Quijote. A physical representation of the phrase “if TikTok Shop came to life,” the extensive product selection makes this national favorite a one-stop shop for locals and tourists.
Try not to spend too many yen on all the tax-free trinkets you didn’t realize you needed—especially since this 24/7 store is open all night—and continue the evening with a few stops around Shinjuku’s top sights. A 3D-cat billboard and Godzilla statue are notable landmarks to keep an eye out for while making your way to Golden Gai.
These tightly packed, narrow alleys retaining the charming atmosphere of post-war Japan house hundreds of unique tiny bars, each with their own themed decor. Find one of these cash-only establishments that suits your fancy and grab one of the few counter seats to give a glass of plum shōchū a try before calling it a night.
Day 2: Tokyo - Race Through Shibuya
Spend your second day in Tokyo exploring the futuristic, funky neighborhood of Shibuya. The street style scene is legendary, and it’s worth noting the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing is found here at Shibuya Scramble.
Begin your morning with a tranquil walk through Meiji Jingu, a peaceful Shinto oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Nestled inside a serene forested area, this respected spiritual site frequently hosts ceremonial rituals like weddings and festivals.
Spent a moment of reflection writing wishes on wooden ema hung around the divine tree before initiating a quiet prayer in front of the temple’s open doors. Walk under the wooden torii gates, as further exploration into the paths around the shrine will bring you past colorful sake barrels perfect for a photo opportunity.
Continue to zany Takeshita-dori, a colorful, character-filled avenue with everything from rainbow cotton candy the size of your head to animal cafes and more! This quirky atmosphere encourages eccentricities, seen in the tongue-in-cheek graphics sold inside streetwear shops and fashion boutiques strictly selling 4” platform shoes. Use any spare change to buy mystery trinkets from the gachapon vending machines.
After getting your commercial fix for the day, embark on a high-speed racing excursion where you’ll Tokyo drift through the streets of Shibuya. Like Mario Kart drivers speeding down Moonview Highway, vendors such as Street Kart Shibuya allow you to don character costumes and man single-rider go-karts through the city.
While this hilarious activity is inherently touristy, I had it on my travel bucket list forever and can now confirm it’s as fun as it looks. The absurd scene we were apart of is truly an unforgettable memory I’ll cherish forever, and for that reason I would consider this one of the top activities when planning what to do in Japan for 10 days.
After that high-speed thrill, unwind with a restorative retreat to the original Japanese head spa. We grabbed JBBQ from Gyu-Kaku on the way, then headed to Head Spa Belle Cheveu for an afternoon of utter relaxation.
This healing treatment combines the best of hair care and massage techniques. Treat yourself to the basic scalp cleansing course which is a general refreshment routine anyone can benefit from, with the process involving a before-and-after microscopic video of your roots.
Head to Shibuya Sky before dinner to see panoramic 360° views of the twinkling skyline. This bird’s eye view is particularly worthwhile considering Tokyo is the most populated metropolitan area globally, but recent restrictions have been placed on this experience. Learn how to buy Shibuya Sky tickets in 2025 as a visitor to Japan.
For dinner, prepare to take a culinary journey around the world courtesy of The Bellwood. The 12-nigiri course prepared by Chef Ayaka is truly one of a kind, with each piece evoking the flavors of countries around the world!
Only four seats are available for dinner each night, so be sure to book a reservation in advance. In addition to the ingenious innovation and advanced techniques displayed, 3 cocktails are included in the dinner price!
Day 3: Tokyo - Chiyoda City & Sumo Serenity
Begin your third day at the Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and center of imperial power. The grounds are closed on Sundays and Mondays, but every other day of the week free guided tours are offered to escort you through this highly-guarded royal site.
If you visit during one of these closure periods like we did, simply stroll through the East Gardens. Classic Japanese landscape design is on display for free amongst the moats, stone walls, and lush greenery comprising this famous public green space.
Grab a bite to eat at Tsukiji Outer Market, offering some of the freshest and most exotic seafood products found in the city. If giant tuna auctions come to mind, those have been moved to Toyosu Market.
Taste a small sampling of delicacies from as many cash-only vendors as you can, like sugar-coated strawberries and flame-grilled octopus skewers. Don’t worry about the raw fish either, as many top sushi chefs source their ingredients directly from Tsukiji, ensuring only the highest quality, fresh cuts are sold.
If you’re visiting Japan in January, May, or September you’re in luck—this is when the Grand Sumo Tournament runs in Tokyo! Marvel at this rich tradition which combines athletic prowess, ritualistic discipline, and deep-rooted heritage inside the Ryogoku Kokugikan. If you can catch a match, this is one of the best modern ways to witness samurai culture come to life.
If you travel to Tokyo outside the narrow tournament date ranges, fear not; you can experience the heart of this cultural practice with a sumo stable tour and observe the lifestyle of wrestlers in training!
Day 4: Tokyo - Artistic Exploration in Minato & Taito
Spend your last day in Tokyo exploring more artistic pursuits, beginning at Tokyo Tower. A prominent symbol of Tokyo's post-war rebirth, this red structure bears a striking resemblance to Paris’s most notable landmark. While you could buy tickets to ascend the tower, Shibuya Sky is the better viewpoint for that experience.
Instead, exploring the temples in surrounding Shiba Park. Zojo-ji dates back to the 14th century with a glistening gold interior you can explore for free. One of Tokyo's oldest public parks, keep an eye out for adorable Buddha statues wearing knit hats.
Afterwards, head to TNCA Studio to embrace the principle of wabi-sabi during a 1-hour kintsugi class. This Japanese art form involves repairing broken pottery and to turning something old into a new treasure. Shave your ceramic down before securing the pieces with golden lacquer, and soon you’ll have a custom souvenir to take home!
For lunch, a speedy omakase course is served at famed two Michelin star Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi Hills. Run by the second son of chef Jiro Ono, only esteemed personnel can grace the coveted counter of this 85-year-old sushi master today. Fortunately, his son’s restaurant is still accessible to common folk.
A sublime Edomae, or Tokyo-style concept handed down from the renowned main restaurant, the exact recipes and high-quality ingredients used in the original establishment are served during your lunch!
A speedy 45 minutes later you’ll be out the door and on your way to Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Leading up to the temple is Nakamise-dori, a lively shopping street filled with over 80 stalls selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts. The five-story pagoda adds to the temple’s picturesque beauty while the overall area maintains a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
Just down the road is Kappabashi-dori, renowned for its extensive variety of kitchenware, pottery, and ceramics. As a hub for kitchenware, find everything from traditional Japanese ceramics to modern, contemporary designs and even plastic food models used in restaurant displays.
For dinner, Nobu Tokyo is the name of the game. Like all the other gorgeous locations of this iconic establishment, a dinner at Nobu is sure to involve some of the most delicious Peruvian-inspired Japanese cuisine you’ve ever tasted. The upscale chef’s tasting menu involves an appetizer, sushi platter, sashimi salad, fish dish, wagyu dish, and soba tasting before concluding with a dessert spread.
Day 5: Tokyo to Kyoto - Kiyomizu-dera Walking Tour
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: Kyoto 3 Day Itinerary
Hop on the bullet train bright and early to whisk across the countryside to Kyoto just in time for a Kiyomizu-dera walking tour. Beginning outside the Yasaka Shrine, leave an offering at subsidiary shrines to seek good fortunate from deities overseeing important areas of life like of love and matchmaking.
Vibrant Yasaka Koshin-do is up next, where worshippers write wishes on colorful balls and hang them on the rainbow temple. Traverse the quaint area of Kiyomizu-zaka where the traditional feel of ancient Kyoto comes alive. Pass historic teahouses, sweet shops, and Japanese dried food stores along the way to the Yasaka Pagoda.
Finally arrive at Buddhist Kiyomizu-dera, the "Pure Water Temple” built upon the Otowa Waterfall. The wooden stage of the main pavilion is set 40 feet above ground, granting breathtaking views of the surrounding forest and city in the distance.
Taste the fresh waterfall by sampling the three streams transferring the benefits of longevity, intellectual growth, and romantic success to all who ingest this good fortune. Sanitized stainless steel cups are provided for your consumption.
Head towards lake Zurich to reach chocolate heaven, otherwise known as the Lindt Home of Chocolate. This state-of-the-art interactive museum offers visitors immersive experiences in the world of chocolate, educating enthusiasts on the history of chocolate, its production process, and the story of globally loved Lindt.
Continue on with an unparalleled matcha-drinking experience in the birthplace of the Japanese tea ceremony. An instructor from Tea Ceremony Nagomi will guide you through the ritual of turning this bitter powder into frothy matcha, with Japanese sweets provided to counteract sharpness of the beverage.
Warm your belly with hearty broth from Ramen Sugichiyo before perusing Nishiki Market in search of a sweet treat. "Kyoto's Kitchen," this 400-year old covered walkway will introduce you to local delicacies like tofu skin and Japanese pickles.
Experience authentic regional flavors unique to Kyoto. Sugi Honey Shop sells sugary honey concoctions blended with natural fruit juices, Mamemono-to-Taiyaki bakes taiyaki or fish-shaped filled waffles, and Kyonishiki Kanzashiya Wargo sells hair candy in the form of Japanese hair ornaments functioning like French twist pins.
Continue this cultural exploration with a trip to the Samurai Kenbu Theater. Watch a kenbu performance, a traditional Japanese stage art accompanying poems with katanas and folding fans, before donning a hakama and practicing kenbu yourself! As you’ll soon discover, the professionals make wielding these heavy swords look much easier than it is.
Grab dinner from seasonal Sushiiwa before soaking in a steamy onsen to end the day. If you stay at the central Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel like we did, a hot spring heated by geothermal forces is directly within the property—no need to leave to access these theraputic benefits!
Day 6: Kyoto - Tranquil Temples in Western Wards
Begin day 6 bright and early to reach Kinkaku-ji by the time it opens at 9:00 AM. This pavilion covered in gold leaf is one of the most visually striking buildings in Japan. It was originally built as a retirement villa for the shogun before being converted into a Zen Buddhist temple.
After exploring the complex, head deeper into the hillside to reach the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. This off-the-beaten-path attraction is the epitome of peaceful serenity, full of moss-covered rakan statues carved by everyday travelers who made the pilgrimage to learn from the temple chief. No two expressive rakan are alike, with personalized attributes which hint at the amateur carvers’ interests.
On the way to lunch stroll down Saga-Toriimoto, a preserved car-free village street. This historic district is renowned for the traditional machiya, or townhouses, lining the road.
Pass through the lush Sagano bamboo forest on your way, which features the same slender bamboo stalks as the more famous Arashiyama forest, yet notably doesn’t charge an entry fee.
Enter the Tenryu-ji Temple through the garden entrance, which requires a ¥500 admission fee, before reaching Shigetsu, the Zen vegetarian restaurant. Sit upon the tatami-matted floor and dig into a shojin ryori meal. This vegetarian school of thought regards cooking as spiritual practice which nourishes with seasonal vegetables, herbs, and wild plants.
Since you already paid the entrance fee, enjoy the natural beauty of Tenryu-ji's UNESCO World Heritage gardens after lunch. The picturesque gardens which have remained largely unchanged since their creation featuring a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees, and the scenic backdrop of the Arashiyama mountains.
Depending on your energy levels, take a breather or head back to Gion to peruse the area at your own pace and explore souvenir shops. Renowned for its traditional teahouses, geisha culture, and historic architecture, this is the most appropriate place to rent a kimono if that’s your cup of tea.
Otherwise, shop around Ninenzaka, stroll the romantic Shirakawa waterway, pose on Yasaka-dori with the Yasaka Pagoda as your backdrop, or check out Kōdai-ji, another Buddhist temple.
Round out your evening with a traditional arts performance at Gion Corner. Experience Kyoto's entertainment district culture first-hand with 7 small acts including flower arranging, koto music, and a graceful kyomai dance performed by geisha and maiko.
If you’re craving another bowl of warm ramen, casual Kyo Ramen Mitsuru is just down the street. If all this travel is wearing you down, a bowl of rich creamy soup with collagen is the perfect chicken comparable to fix you right up!
Day 7: Kyoto - Hike Mt. Kurama & Relax in a Ryokan
Another early morning, take two trains into the mountain range flanking the north side of town. Kurama station is your destination, where you’ll be greeted with the glaring red face of a Japanese devil statue. This sculpture marks the beginning of your hike through Mt. Kurama, passing 40 notable shrines along the way to Kibune.
While I was not originally thrilled about doing this 4.8 mile, 1 hour and 15 minute hike, it ended up being one of my favorite memories. Free to explore every spiritual site with leisure, there was practically no one else around! If you do one easy nature activity in Japan, the Kurama to Kibune hike should be it.
Commute back into the city to enjoy your final day touring temples beginning with the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji. Influenced by the previously built gold Kinkaku-ji, this pavilion is not actually covered in silver. Its namesake comes from the silvery appearance of the roofs’ shingles when viewed under the moonlight.
Discover a dry "Sea of Silver Sand" and meticulously maintained moss garden before heading down the Philosopher’s Path. Running along the Lake Biwa canal, advance under hundreds of cherry trees down this famous place of contemplation.
Nanzen-ji, another Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple, lies at the end of this stroll. Given how many temples are covered in this 10-day itinerary, I didn’t pay to enter. Instead, I simply enjoyed the outer structures and gardens before the next activity.
For lunch, experience first-hand the art of preparing the most famous Japanese cuisine enjoyed around the world—sushi! In this authentic sushi making class at the Umemori Sushi School, an English-speaking instructor will guide you through crafting delicious nigiri and temaki. At the end of this experience, take home a handful of souvenirs in addition to your full belly.
Take a much needed break and spend the rest of the day lounging in a ryokan, or a Japanese inn. I cannot recommend the historic Yoshikawa Inn enough, with traditional rooms overlooking a serene garden which include private onsens for utter relaxation. Drink green tea in your yukata robe, light incense, and listen to koto music for a comprehensive cultural experience.
Assuming you lodge at the Yoshikawa Inn, this ryokan is conveniently attached to a famous Tempura Counter Bar. Dig into a tempura kaiseki dinner prepared by this same restaurant, featuring 10-courses of small, artfully presented dishes.
Day 8: Kyoto to Osaka - Dotonbori Delicacies
Spend your last morning in Kyoto visiting one of the most photographed sites in Japan — the famed vermilion red tunnel of Fushimi Inari! One of the oldest Shinto shrines, arrive early to avoid crowds. While you don’t need to walk through all 10,000 torii gates to the summit, emptier segments are found further down the path where you can snap the perfect Instagram shot.
For a final bit of retail therapy, scour the vintage racks of Teramachi-dori before checking out of your ryokan and taking the train to Osaka. A much quicker journey than the ride over from Tokyo, this local route only takes 23 minutes.
Check into your Osaka accommodations, I chose the Imperial Hotel Osaka for a centrally located mid-range hotel. Once unpacked in the final city detailed in this what to see in Japan in 10 days plan, head to Kuromon Market for lunch.
To avoid repeating the similar street food market experiences you’ve had already, this trip will be a targeted hunt for local specialities. Seek out stands selling takoyaki and okonomiyaki, fried octopus-filled dishes specific to Osaka. Takoyaki is a ball-shaped fritter while okonomiyaki is a savory pancake, but the flavor profile is quite similar between both preparations.
Next head to Shinsaibashi-suji, a covered walkway 2,000 feet long full of high-end boutiques, department stores, independent shops, and international brands. This retail paradise is perfect for acquiring luxury goods, like coveted Shiseido beauty products from Daimaru or even vintage Hermes bags from the curated Orange Boutique collection.
After some window shopping, head to Dotonbori to cap off your first evening in Osaka. Known for its vibrant nightlife, lively food scene, and the famous Glico Running Man along the canal, this street comes alive at night. Grab dinner from one of the restaurants with exaggerated signage, take a cruise down the canal, or ride the ovular ferris wheel sticking out of Don Quijote.
Day 9: Osaka - Day Trip to Nara
LEARN MORE WITH A DETAILED TRAVEL GUIDE: 1 Day in Osaka
Begin your last day in Japan with a trip to Nara, the famous public park home to a herd of sacred bowing deer. If you buy the cheap "shika senbei" crackers sold around the area, the deer will literally bow to you as a request for a snack. It’s a one of a kind interaction with wild animals, and will likely be one of the most memorable parts of your Japan trip.
If you’re in need of a Western breakfast at this point, Cafe Conce is the place to go. This cozy mountain-style café overlooks the park with a fresh brunch menu full of tastes from home.
Travel back to the city and spend the afternoon exploring Osaka Castle. A large public park surrounds the central palace, containing plum groves, a wide moat, and several historic structures. Find samurai armor, artifacts, and dioramas inside the exhibit, while the observation deck is the best place for panoramic views of Osaka!
Street performers are known to appear outside the castle, and we were fortunate to see a sword-flipping acrobatic duo. For a final activity, ride golden shimmering boats around the moat.
Day 10: Osaka to Tokyo - Head Home
At long last, it’s time to return to Tokyo and fly home. The bullet train ride back lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes—be sure to sit on the left side to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.
Depending on your flight time, a more reasonably sushi conveyor belt lunch can be obtained from Maguro Donya Miuramisakiko Megumi in Shibuya Hikarie. For a final activity, stroll through Shinjuku Gyoen before heading to the airport, offering seasonal beauty across its 144 acres.
How Much Does a 10 Day Trip to Japan Cost?
Following the above 10 days in Japan itinerary cost me $3,727.11 overall as a recent graduate, omitting flight costs.
While this is no chump change, I found my overall expenses to be quite reasonable for a 10 day trip considering everything we accomplished.
I spent significantly the most in Tokyo at $1,878.93, which can be largely chocked up to expensive omakase sushi dinners. Three days in Kyoto cost me $1,460.11, with one night in a ryokan being the largest expense by far. The single full day we spent in Osaka was only $388.07, including two nights in a hotel.
The street food and temple entry fees across Japan are extremely reasonably priced, with the grand total never exceeding a few dollars. If you’re traveling on a budget, I would recommend prioritizing those experiences and cutting out many of the unnecessarily expensive restaurants suggested above.
Is 10 Days in Japan Enough?
Well, no time in Japan is ever enough, but 10 days is a great starting point to explore the three most popular cities to visit as a first-timer! From the tranquil temples of Kyoto to the flashing lights of Osaka, and from ancient exploration to modern city streets, this itinerary delivers the perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural discovery.
If you’re taking PTO to embark on this journey, you can squeeze 10 days of travel out of a week off by departing Friday night and returning Monday morning. This strategy assumes you’re based on the West Coast and can land before the workday starts. Even if that isn’t a possibility based on your home location, that’s still only 6 days off for 10 days of lifelong memories!
Remember, while this travel maximalist itinerary is packed with highlights, it's also flexible enough to adapt to your interests and energy levels. Whether you're a food connoisseur seeking the best bites or a nature enthusiast chasing the perfect shot, Japan's incredible infrastructure makes it easy to modify this route to curate your own perfect adventure—which I know you’ll love since it just so happens to be my second favorite country I’ve ever visited!
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Tokyo Customized Map (Google Maps)
Kyoto Customized Map (Google Maps)
Osaka 1 Day Tour Customized Map (Google Maps)
✺ ABOUT ME ✺
Hi, I’m Ashley. I’m determined to see the world. All of it. Are you coming with?
While I respect the digital nomads, van life, and the hardcore backpackers—that’s just not me.
I’m convinced I can travel and keep my job.
It’ll take a lifetime, but I’m going to make it to all 195 countries before my time is up—and I’m taking you along for the ride!
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