So you’ve got 10 days in Japan and want to see the best of the country without feeling rushed? You’re in the right place. Visiting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is known as Japan’s Golden Route because it’s the perfect mix of modern marvels, cultural gems, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
In this 10-day Japan itinerary, we’ll help you see Japan’s best sights and clue you in on some of the top tours to take—saving you precious time and money along the way.
So, let’s jump into your day-by-day guide!
Your 10-Day Japan Itinerary
For this trip, we recommend spending 4 nights in Tokyo, 3 nights in Kyoto, and 3 nights in Osaka. This will give you a good sampling of the country and can all be covered with public transportation, including the Shinkansen bullet train, the metro rail, and city buses.
However, purchasing a JR Pass is unnecessary for this route as paying as you go is much less expensive than the $500+ 14-day JR Pass.
4-Day Tokyo Itinerary – Neon Lights, Noodles, & Mt. Fuji Views
Let’s start your Japan adventure in Tokyo! For a short 4-night stay in Tokyo, it’s best to stay in the Shibuya or Shinjuku neighborhoods to have easy access to all the neon-lit excitement this modern city is known for.
✈️ Travel Tip: Try to fly into Haneda Airport, which is only a 30–40 minute train ride to Shibuya or Shinjuku. Avoid Narita Airport if possible—it’s about 1.5 hours away by public transport.
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Day 1: Iconic First Impressions
- Arrive at your accommodations and head to the iconic Shibuya Scramble, the world’s busiest intersection. Have fun crossing the street a few times!
- Go up to Shibuya Sky for a magical sunset view over Tokyo. (Tip: Book in advance because sunset times sell out quickly! Check their availability here!)
- Enjoy dinner at TsuruTonTan Udon Noodles, located on the 13th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. It’s one of our favorite udon spots in town.
- Want a little nightlife? Head to Nonbei Yokocho, a charming alley of izakayas or Japanese bars lit by lanterns with cozy outdoor seating.
Day 2: Quirky Tokyo Vibes
- Visit one of Shinjuku’s many animal cafes—we loved the Cat Cafe Mocha, but you’ll also find dog, owl, pig, and even snake cafes here!
- See the Giant 3D Cat Billboard in Shinjuku. The playful kitty is interesting to see and is a memorable spot to take photos.
- Snap a selfie at the colorful Kabukicho Main Gate.
- Try okonomiyaki (a savory Japanese pancake) at Teppan Baby.
- Walk down Godzilla Road to see the life-sized Godzilla Head—he might even breathe smoke at the top of the hour!
- Channel your inner Mario with a Shibuya Kart ride. This is by far the most fun we had in Japan! Just don’t forget your international driver’s license for this activity!
- End your night in Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho which translates to Memory Lane. The narrow alleyways filled with izakayas are charming and a great place to feel the pulse of Tokyo.
Day 3: Traditional Culture & Tower Views
- Take the metro to Asakusa, a beautiful neighborhood rich in history.
- Visit Senso-ji Temple. You can either go as you are or rent a kimono for a few hours to take gorgeous pictures by the temple.
- For lunch, grab sushi from a conveyor belt at Kura Sushi. This sushi restaurant is addictively fun, incredibly delicious, and surprisingly affordable!
- Cap off the day with city views from the towering Tokyo Skytree.
Day 4: Mt. Fuji Day Trip
The easiest way to see Japan’s most famous mountain is to book a Mt. Fuji day trip. These group tours will pick you up from Tokyo Station and take you to some of the most scenic spots around Mt. Fuji. Just sit back and relax as you are conveniently guided to the best parks and lakes around Mt. Fuji.
However, before booking any trip to Mt. Fuji, it’s important to check the weather because Mt. Fuji is notoriously difficult to see due to cloud cover. So, check the See Mt. Fuji website to see the best weather days for viewing the mountain.
If you are lucky enough to have good weather, you can book your Mt. Fuji tour below.
3-Day Kyoto Itinerary – Temples, Torii, and Tranquility
Your next stop on this 10-day Japan itinerary is Kyoto. Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan filled with stunning temples, geishas, and tea ceremonies.
So, hop on the Shinkansen (Japan’s bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. The ride takes about 2.5 hours, and if you take the train in the morning, you have the whole afternoon to explore Kyoto.
Where to Stay: We recommend staying near Nishiki Market or Teramachi Shopping Street for easy access to great food and shops.
Day 5: Traditional Kyoto Welcome
- After your morning train ride, grab lunch at Nishiki Market, a dream for foodies.
- Wander the charming streets of Sannenzaka, then visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for sweeping city views.
- Enjoy dinner at Pontocho Alley, where traditional charm meets cozy riverside dining.
Day 6: Torii Gates & Zen Gardens
- Get up early to beat the crowds at Fushimi Inari Shrine. You can do a short 30-minute hike through thousands of torii gates to a view point or climb to the top of the mountain if you dare in about 1.5 hours.
- Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the peaceful Ryoan-ji Rock Garden in the afternoon.
Day 7: Relaxing Day in Arashiyama
- Start in the dreamy Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
- Enjoy lunch by the river at Kameyamaya Restaurant.
- Take a tranquil Japanese houseboat ride on the river.
- Hike to the Arashiyama Monkey Park for views and playful monkey encounters.
3-Day Osaka Itinerary – Castles, Street Food & Super Mario
Your final stop on this 10-day Japan itinerary will be the city of Osaka which is a good mix of history, neon lights, and theme parks.
Day 8: Arrival + City Sights
- Take a one-hour train ride from Kyoto to Osaka. Drop off your bags and hit the streets!
- Explore Osaka Castle. Built in 1597, this castle and museum is a great way to appreciate the historic side of Osaka.
- Dive into Dotonbori’s buzzing nightlife and street food scene in the evening. Grab a snack and take a night cruise on the Dotonbori River. Take an evening boat ride down the river and enjoy all the beautiful city lights.
Day 9: Day Trip to Nara
- Take a 50-minute train to Nara.
- Feed the friendly deer at Nara Park. (Tip: feed them individually—they get a bit aggressive in groups!)
- Hike Wakakusayama Hill for scenic views.
- Visit the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and see the lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
- Grab lunch at Vegan Cafe Ramuna—a great spot whether you’re vegan or not.
Day 10: Nintendo Land at Universal Studios Japan
If you want to be filled with wonder, take a day trip to Universal Studios Japan. But this is no regular trip to the theme park. The real highlight of this park is Nintendo Land which is like taking a walk through the Super Mario games. It’s over the top true to the game and was a delight to see.
You do need reservations to enter Nintendo Land, so be sure to use the Universal Studios App to reserve your spot as soon as you enter the park. And naturally, while you are in the park, check out the other amazing areas like Harry Potter, Demon Slayer, and Jurassic Park.
✈️ Getting Home
On your last day, take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo Station, then use public transport to reach the airport.
Again, we highly recommend flying in and out of Haneda Airport—it’s faster and more convenient than Narita.
✨ Final Travel Tips for Japan:
- Get an IC Card (like Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca) for super-easy travel on buses and trains.
- Use an eSIM for international data to research and navigate to destinations easily.
- Pack light! A 22-inch roller suitcase, a backpack, and one personal item will keep you mobile and stress-free as you navigate Japan.
- No need to book train tickets in advance—just go to the station and buy on the spot.
Exception: If traveling during Golden Week (April 29–May 6), book all transport and accommodations in advance.
Now, that you have a great 10-day Japan itinerary, check out more informative Japan tips below.
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