Many of us associate Japan with being a futuristic and minimalist country. But it never forgets its unique heritage and cultural traditions. Some of the world’s most famous temples are found here, along with beautiful outdoor excursions.
If you’re up for journeying to this funky, colorful and eclectic country, planning is key. You often hear stories about travelers flying into Japan and not knowing where to start.
Of course, you could opt to spend your entire ten days in one city. But for some of us, exploring the best parts of Japan is far too exciting.
In this 10-day Japan itinerary trip, you’ll find everything you need for a care-free journey around the country.
10 Day Japan Itinerary: What to Know
The first thing you’d probably want to be aware of before planning your 10 days in Japan is if you need a visa. Foreign travelers can gain access to Japan for 90 days without a visa, as long as they have their return ticket booked. The first part of your travel is already sorted.
Plan a trip to Japan in 10 days during a season that suits your needs. In winter, crowds are fewer, but there’s also an icy chill in the air. This is a perfect time to see the snow-capped mountain, Fuji, and experience the natural hot springs firsthand.
Summer attracts all the tourists and offers you a chance to appreciate the outdoors. However, Japan can get very hot and humid in the summer – particularly in Tokyo. The end of May to the end of June is also the rainy season.
The best time to visit Japan is spring (March-April) and autumn (October – December). The weather is still pleasant and the country is generally less crowded. Spring is cherry blossom season, and autumn brings some stunning fall foliage.
Japan 10 Day Itinerary Trip Planner: How to Get There
Tokyo is the most common point of entry into Japan. Tokyo has two airports that receive international flights, Narita and Haneda airports. Narita Airport is quite a bit farther away from central Tokyo so if possible fly into Haneda rather than Narita airport at the start of your 10 day Japan itinerary.
Haneda handles most domestic flights (but also international flights – JAL operates from Haneda Airport), and Narida handles more international flights.
If you must fly in or out of Narita airport, then I suggest using the more expensive option of the Narita Express train. The journey from Narita Airport to Tokyo station takes one hour and is direct.
The good news is that if you have purchased the Japan Rail pass (which is a great idea if you are spending time in Japan) it covers the Narita Express Train.
If you are flying into Haneda airport, the fastest and easiest option is to take the Keikyu Airport Line to Shinagawa and then swap to the JR Yamanote or JR Keihin-Tohoku line to Tokyo Station. This will take about 35 minutes
For the purpose of this 10 day itinerary in Japan, the best airport to fly into would be Narita or Haneda . You’ll already be in Tokyo and won’t need to travel far to reach your first destination.
Meet, Greet and Wifi at the Airport
Japan Rail has a brilliant Meet and Greet service where they will meet you at the airport after arrival and get you going with your rail ticket, Pocket Wifi for Japan and take you to your next mode of transport – so good after a long journey.
Japan Guide to Getting Around
Tokyo has a fantastic metro system. Buy your Tokyo metro pass online before you go to avoid queues (there are 24, 48 and 72-hour options available).
The Japan Rail Pass offers amazing value to overseas visitors. The pass covers virtually every train in Japan – including most bullet trains – and costs just USD$270 for 7 days rail travel. 14 and 21-day options are also available. As is a very reasonably priced upgrade to first class. Amazing value for Japan’s excellent trains.
You’re most likely going to need Google Maps on hand. Google Translate is a big help too. Once you’ve flown into Tokyo Narita Airport, you can easily buy a sim card from the vending machines.
During your trip, you’ll be taking a combination of travel routes, as each city is suited to different forms of public transport. Some days you’ll be traveling by bus, others by train, and some by plane.
I am crazy about Japan. Check out some of my other posts on Japanese landmarks, Kanazawa Japan, What to do in Tokyo in one day, 2 days in Kyoto, the Nakasendo and What is Japan famous for.
Money
The Japanese currency is the Yen. Whilst many places accept credit and debit cards, cash is still the most common method of payment. Many smaller restaurants, taxis, and shops will only accept cash so do make sure you have some on you at all times during your trip.
10 Day Japan Travel Itinerary
Planning a trip to Japan is essential for making the most of your time. And, part of this planning is knowing what to do each day. Below is a detailed itinerary for Japan that includes the country’s most cherished villages, temples, and attractions for your 10 day days in Japan.
⇒ Don’t miss my other posts on Japan – One Day in Tokyo, 2 Day Itinerary Kyoto, the best things to do in Kanazawa and what to expect on the Nakasendo Trail.
Tokyo (Days 1-4)
Tokyo is one of the biggest reasons travelers from around the globe book a plane ticket to Japan. There aren’t many cities of this great size. This is precisely why you’d want to spend a larger portion of your time wandering around its colorful and vibrant streets.
Day 1: Spend the Day in Shibuya and Ginza
Spend your first day in Shibuya to get a taste of this lively city and bustling culture. Be prepared for everything to catch your attention; the bright billboards, chatty people, and flashing lights.
If you don’t believe that it’s that busy, attempt to cross the ‘scramble street’, which has as many as 3000 people crossing at a time. It’s a good thing everyone is so organised in Tokyo, so crossing is manageable.
There’s an array of tasteful restaurants, street food, and fashion stores in the area to keep you on your feet. And if you’re looking for something different to do in Shibuya, check out Saideigama Pottery Studio.
I took a pottery class at this Tokyo studio which involved learning and then practicing the art of Kin-Tsugi.
Kin-Tsugi is a pottery style that involves taking old pottery that has broken and restoring it using gold leaf dust and paints – making it even better the second time around or giving it a second chance.
This is actually quite spiritual and embodies the belief that just because something may have broken, it can be even more wonderful once it is repaired. And obviously, this is very environmentally friendly.
We went through six stages to restore our broken ceramics and make them even more beautiful. It was quite a meditative experience.
Ginza is perhaps the most famous neighborhood in Tokyo and home to lots of action and very large Japanese department stores such as Matsuya and Mitsukoshi. It is also the home of many foreign brands as well as some great restaurants and sushi bar and is one of the top places to explore in Tokyo.
Ginza is home to the flagship Muji store which is spread over six floors and includes both a restaurant and a hotel.
The main point of Ginza is the Wako Clock Tower – use this to orient yourself during Tokyo sightseeing.
Don’t miss a visit to the oldest bakery in Japan – Kimuraya. Kimuraya is famous for its Sakadane Anpan which are traditional Japanese sweet buns featuring different flavors of bean paste.
Day 2: Start the day at the fish market and then explore the Streets of Harajuku
Tokyo has long been famous for having the world’s largest wholesale market with fish. The fish market was traditionally part of Tsukiji Market. However, the Tsukiji fish market has now moved to Toyosu market.
The famous early morning tuna auctions are now held at Toyosu market between 530 and 630am. If you don’t want to see the tuna auction, then it is fine to visit the market a little later in the morning.
Expert Travel Tip – if you plan to visit Toyosu market head there for breakfast rather than lunch. Apparently, the quality of the fish at breakfast is superior to what is available at lunchtime.
After your early start, spend the rest of your morning exploring the iconic Tokyo streets, while the rest of the day can be spent enjoying some time outdoors.
Harajuku is known for its quirky collection of Hello Kitty shops, colorfully-dressed pedestrians, and vintage clothing stores. Use this opportunity to pick up some souvenirs, gifts for your family and friends, and a delectable sweet treat. Their Japanese souffle pancakes are pretty famous here.
When you’re all shopped out, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to visit some hidden gems. Like the Meiji Shrine.
The shrine is set in a forest that is home to around 100,000 trees—a great contrast to city life. Visitors can wander through the shrine and make their own offerings in the main hall.
The Meiji Shrine is open from 5 am to 6 pm every day, and admission is free.
Another fantastic temple option is to visit Sensoji, the oldest temple in Tokyo and home to the statue of the holy Buddha. This is one of Tokyo’s most popular and colorful temples and one of the most popular places to visit in Tokyo.
Enter Sensoji Temple through the Kaminarimon Gate. There is then a 200-metre historic shopping area before the second gate and the five-story temple.
Day 3: Embark on a Day Trip To Mt. Fuji
Book Your Day Trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji
A day trip to Mount Fuji is one of the locals’ favorite pastimes. You won’t need to do much planning in terms of how to get there, given that it’s a popular travel destination. From the center of Tokyo, simply hop on the year-round bus service to journey to the mountain.
Getting off depends on where you’re keen on exploring. Fuji-Q Highland, Fuji-San Station and Kawaguchiko Station are the major stops.
Stop at Yamanakako and Kawaguchiko for the chance to explore the surrounding lakes, where there are plenty of places for light strolls. Alternatively, hiking enthusiasts can embark on a day’s trek.
Popular trails on Mount Fuji:
- Gotemba trail: 1,450m
- Subashiri trail: 2,000m
- Yoshida trail: 2,300m
- Fujinomiya trail: 2,400m
Please note that the hiking trails are only open in the summer months from July until September.
Day 4: North Eastern Tokyo
Since its opening in 1958, the Tokyo Tower has been the landmark of Tokyo. However, in 2012 a new tower opened in Tokyo, the Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree is now the tallest tower in Tokyo at 634 meters tall vs the 333 meters of Tokyo Tower.
The highest point for observation is on Tokyo Skytree at 450 meters. Visiting one of these towers and taking in the view is a must-see in Tokyo.
⇒ Skip the Queue ticket for Tokyo Skytree
The tallest building in Japan hosts an array of exciting activities. Shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants are found within Skytree. If you’re in the mood to treat yourself to a lunch or dinner date at Musashi Sky Restaurant. Incredible food, paired with breathtaking views, is pretty hard to beat.
Access to the Skytree is gained by purchasing a ticket, often, lines for tickets can be quite lengthy. Try to get there as early as possible, to avoid wasting time in long lines, especially on the weekends.
The highest point for observation is on Tokyo Skytree at 450 meters. Visiting one of these towers and taking in the view is a must-see in Tokyo.
⇒ Skip the Queue ticket for Tokyo Skytree
The Skytree is open from 9 am – 9 pm each day.
The 115 million square metres Imperial Palace Tokyo is only actually open two days a year – January 2 and on the emperor’s birthday which is now February 23. However, it is still one of the top things to see in Tokyo as it is possible to walk around the palace and see the beautiful gates.
Around the walls of the Imperial Palace Tokyo are stones with flowers reflecting each of the prefectures in Japan.
There are several photogenic gates and towers, including the Mount Fuji watchtower, the Sakurda mon gate and the Tatsumi Watch Tower (my personal favorite). The Tokyo Imperial Palace also has a couple of beautiful bridges – particularly the Nijubashi Bridge in front of the main entrance.
Plus, as the Imperial Palace is located next to downtown Tokyo, it is possible to get some nice photographs contrasting traditional and modern Tokyo.
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace Tokyo are open to visitors on Tuesday-Thursday and Saturdays and Sundays.
Day 5: A Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo
With Tokyo being your current base location, you can get up bright and early and venture to the picturesque village, Nikko. Out of all the Japanese destinations, this village is one of the most beautiful.
A day here is a day spent wandering through ancient temples and shrines. You’ll appreciate imperial villas and their impressive architecture. Centuries ago, Shinto and Buddhist worshippers gathered on these mountainous landscapes.
Top temples in Nikko:
- Toshogu Shrine
- Taiyuin Temple
- Rinnoji Temple
- Futarasan Temple
The Nikko National Park is visited daily for leisurely strolls near the lakes, hikes, monkey spotting, and for dips in the hot springs.
Nikko is particularly well known for its beauty in autumn. At the beginning of November, it transforms into a village of burnt oranges, deep reds, and golden yellows. Don’t forget to pack a camera for this day trip.
Tokyo Restaurant Suggestions
I enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Kakurebo Minami Aoyama. Aoyama is one of the more upmarket neighborhoods in Tokyo and a nice place to explore. Kakurebo Minami was a very stylish Japanese restaurant. We had our little booth with very comfortable seating.
Lunch was a bento box containing chicken and ginger with rice, radish in a bowl of white miso soup, a fantastic crab croquette, more seafood, and best of all, fantastic sashimi. It was a great meal.
If you’re looking for a tasty and casual dinner, check out Tsukiji Market in Ginza. This was the location of the famous Tokyo Fishmarket (see above), which has now moved.
However, the retail and restaurant sections of Tsukiji market are still open, and this is a great place to pick up a delicious seafood meal.
If you love ramen, check out Tokyo Ramen Street. As you may imagine, this underground street inside Tokyo Station is decorated in a traditional style and filled with famous ramen shops.
Another great option for a meal in Tokyo is to take a Yaktabune cruise. A Yakatabune is a privately owned rather fancy Japanese boat. A fantastic activity if you only have 24 hours in Tokyo is taking a Yaktabune cruise in the evening, including a fantastic dinner.
The boat itself is very photogenic, with lots of red lanterns and has a friendly and busy atmosphere.
Onboard the Yaktabune cruise is red wine, white wine, beer, plum wine, and sake – all the drinks you could want. The food was fantastic. As you would expect, there is a whole variety of seafood on offer.
Massive legs of crabs, raw, grilled, and tempura prawns, and loads of delicious vegetables. Best of all was a boat filled with sashimi.
The Yaktabune boat tour covers several must-see Tokyo locations, including its two tours all lit up and stops for photo opportunities.
Boutique Hotels in Tokyo
If you’re staying in Tokyo, you’ll want to get as central a location as possible. This will, without a doubt, make it easier to hop from one excursion to the next.
On my most recent visit to Tokyo, I stayed at the Keio Presso Inn Tokyo Station Yaesu. The hotel has a fantastic location. It is a short walk to Toyko station and within walking distance of Ginza.
The rooms at the Keio Presso Inn are small but perfect. The shower was very powerful, and the small bathroom contained every toiletry item you might need. The highlight for me was the toilet. There were so many buttons and options and, best of all, a warm seat.
The room at the Keio Press Inn Tokyo was very small, but like the bathroom, had everything I could possibly need. There was a hairdryer, a kettle, space to hang clothes and best of all lots of power points and USB points for charging.
I found that Japan does not have the most fantastic coffee. However, my room at the Keio Presso Inn came with delicious drip coffee bags.
The Keio Presso Inn wasn’t at my usual boutique hotel level, but it was an excellent hotel and a perfect place if you are only staying one night in Tokyo.
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Another cute boutique hotel in a great location in Ginza is The Celestine. Just a three-minute walk from Shimbashi station, the rooms at The Celestine have a modern minimalist design without sacrificing comfort.
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Another option, if you are limited in time, is to stay close to the airport. If you are flying in or out of Haneda airport, I recommend staying at the Keikyu EX Inn in Haneda.
Like the Keio Presso Inn, the Keikyu EX Inn is small but fitted out with virtually everything you could need for a one-night stay. It also has a free airport shuttle bus service.
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Hiroshima (Days 6-7)
After 5 day based in Tokyo, you’ll be ready and well-prepared to venture out to Hiroshima. Hiroshima was hit with an atomic bomb during WWII. It has since been transformed into a bustling, lively city with plenty of exciting adventures.
There are two main options as to how to get to this city. The first is by plane – generally a popular option and reasonably well-priced.
The second is to take the Shinkansen, the bullet train. It’s fast and luxurious and is generally covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Day 6: Ferry Ride to the Island of Miyajima
Miyajima can be accessed directly by ferry from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Port. The boat trip will take you 45 minutes, costing you 2,200 yen one way, or 4,000 yen for a round trip.
Alternatively, take the train with your JR Pass from Hiroshima Station and then take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station.
You may not know it, but you’ve probably already seen photos of this island. The iconic floating red Torii Gate is the biggest symbol of the island, standing 18 m tall.
When the tide is high, it appears as though the enormous gates are floating upon the water. But come low tide, the waters retract and you can walk underneath the impressive structure.
Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on the island that also appears to float on parts of the water. Built-in the 12th century, it’s long been a famous temple worldwide. It’s now deemed a UNESCO heritage site.
Day 7: Atomic Bomb Dome
A trip to Hiroshima isn’t complete without acknowledging the city’s history. On the 6th of August 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped, right in the center of Hiroshima.
As destructive as the bomb, the Promotional Hall retained its structure. It now serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the event.
Travelers can get to the dome by tram, as it sits right along the Genbaku Dome-Mae tram stop. You can walk around the entire area to visit the nearby attractions.
Places to visit around the dome:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- Cenotaph for Atomic Bomb Victims
- The Peace Bell
- Flame of Peace
- Children’s Peace Monument
Hiroshima Boutique Hotels
Iwaso is a beautiful boutique hotel on Miyajima Island. It is a Japanese-style hotel with both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. The rooms feature traditional tatami floors and futon bedding.
Traditional multi-course meals featuring local seafood can be served in your room or the dining room. And they have a karaoke room.
⇒ Read more Reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now
Also on Miyajima Island is the lovely Kurayado Iroha. This boutique hotel features a stylish, minimalist Japanese design aesthetic with traditional tatami-mat flooring and flat-screen TVs. And there are indoor and outdoor baths with views over the Setonaikai Sea and Otorii Shrine gate.
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Kyoto (Days 8-9)
Book Kyoto’s Top Tourist Attractions
Getting from Hiroshima to Kyoto is easy as both their stations are connected by the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen train lines. The journey will only take 1 hour and 40 minutes, meaning you’ll still have time for activities throughout the day.
Kyoto was once the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, which is precisely why it’s a city steeped in history and tradition. You’ll see many temples in Kyoto that still serve as houses for hundreds of monks. You’ll notice them by their long flowing robes and quiet, content demeanor.
Kyoto is easy to explore by public transportation (trains, buses, taxis and subways) or at your own pace (by walking).
Day 8: Temples, Bridges and Bamboo
Kinkakuji Temple, or the Golden Pavilion, is considered one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
You’ll want to get here at the opening time (9h00 – 17h00), as there are fewer crowds, and it’s more photogenic.
There are plenty of places to see on the temple grounds. As you walk through the terraces, you will find an abundance of statues, the beautiful Anmintaku Pond, and the Sekkatei Teahouse. Towards the exit, there is a small tea garden and some souvenir shops to explore.
The Ryoanji Temple is a pleasant 20-minute walk from the Golden Pavilion. This temple is noted for having one of Japan’s most famous rock gardens, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups.
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The beautiful garden has an interesting design around a large pond and is lovely to see. A restaurant at the park specializes in Yudofu (boiled tofu) and is a must-try.
After admiring the gardens, take a 15-minute bus to Arashiyama, a district on the outskirts of Kyoto. This is one of the most popular neighborhoods, for a good reason. It has some incredible tourist attractions, from bamboo forests to temples.
The Togetsukyo Bridge crosses the Katsura River and is an iconic landmark of the Arashiyama area. The road to the bridge is known as the Sagano shopping district and is home to many Kyoto highlights.
It’s lined with plenty of restaurants and tourist shops. It’s an ideal place to relax and stop for some lunch.
A lovely restaurant just before you cross the bridge is Arashiyama Yoshimura. They serve divine tempura, soba noodles, and other delicious Japanese dishes.
Next up is Arashiyama Iwatayama Monkey Park. This park is on a mountain near the south of the Katsura River. It is home to 130 snow monkeys, also known as the Japanese macaque monkeys.
The entrance to the park is located near the Togetsukyo bridge, marked as the Torii gates, where you can buy your tickets for 550 yen per person. It’s an enjoyable 30-minute uphill climb to the top, boasting stunning scenery.
Once you reach the summit, there are stalls where you can buy snacks such as bananas, peanuts and different fruits to feed the monkeys.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most famous places in Kyoto and is a truly picturesque sight. It consists of a long stretch of bamboo forest that meanders behind the streets of Arashiyama.
Walking along the path aside from the river, you will join the trail toward the Jojakkoji Temple, your next stop.
End your day with one of the most authentic things to do in Kyoto. Appreciate the peaceful gardens at the Jojakkoji temple on a mountain slope.
Why not experience the authentic art of tea drinking by participating in a tea ceremony at the Jojakkoji temple? You can learn about the ancient ritual of tea drinking, and its significance to the Japanese culture, and sample different teas while you’re at it.
Day 9: Explore East Kyoto and Gion
Known as Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is a Zen temple that dates back to 1490 and is celebrated for its beautiful gardens and incredible views.
Despite its name, Ginkauji is not covered in silver, though these were the original plans. But the plan was abandoned due to delays and the death of the patron Ashikaga Yoshimasa.
Known as Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavilion is a Zen temple that dates back to 1490 and is celebrated for its beautiful gardens and incredible views.
The Silver Pavilion provides beautiful gardens and half a dozen other temple buildings. Though the main hall (Hondo) is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy walking along a circular path through the terraces savoring the peaceful scenery.
The walk is picturesque, and as you saunter along the canal, you will pass several temples, restaurants, and boutique stores. If you continue, the Nanzenji Temple is a 30-minute walk along this path.
The Philosopher’s Walk is a pedestrian walkway along Lake Biwa Canal. It’s lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees and is best seen during spring. It got its name from Japanese philosophers that stroll this walkway.
Take a guided tour to learn about different sites in the area along the Philosopher’s Walk.
A great little stop along the Path of Philosophers is the Honen-in Temple. It’s a free temple to add to your Kyoto itinerary and a delightful sight to discover, hidden under a thick canopy of trees.
Gion is known today for its charming, historical atmosphere and represents an enormous part of Japanese culture. The narrow, stone-paved streets run alongside wooden homes and tea houses.
Gion is situated in the Higashiyama district and is one of the few remaining Geisha neighborhoods in Japan.
You probably won’t take any public transport for the day, as walking around is too much fun. There’s so much to see and do along the way.
Although there are plenty of temples to visit and shops to explore, you’ll be quite satisfied by simply wandering around with nothing on your agenda.
The best time to spot geishas is around sunset as they enter wooden teahouses, known as okiya, for an evening of work. I suggest booking a guided tour to see the traditional geisha women and learn about the picturesque neighborhood.
Gion is particularly incredible to visit during the evening time. The red and yellow lanterns are lit as the sun sets, illuminating the streets.
After you see the elegant geishas, walk through Nishiki Market and the Teramachi Shopping Arcade.
Day 10: Take one of Kyoto’s popular day trips
Nara is one of Kyoto’s most popular day trips, and it’s easy to understand why. With your JR Pass, you can easily travel from Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station in as little as 45 minutes. Trains depart from the station every 30 minutes.
Many travelers fall in love with the charming wildlife and nature in Nara Park. Visitors come from around the world to see the deer roaming these parks. Probably because legend has it that these deer bow to passing people.
A second option combines a hike and a temple visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine.
This 5 km hiking loop will take you around an hour and a half to complete. But, feel free to stay in the park for as long as you, please. It starts at the Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station, so you won’t have a problem finding it.
The start of the hike requires some stair climbing, which isn’t too strenuous. Most of the walk occurs through the iconic Shinto shrine gates. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful sub-shrines and see new views of Kyoto.
The hike can get pretty busy, so don’t expect it to be a peaceful walk out in nature. Rest assured; it’ll still be one of the best walks you do in Japan. Plan your walk for 6 am or 8 pm.
After your day trip, head back to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen line on the bullet train through to Tokyo.
Boutique hotels in Kyoto
The beautiful Junei Hotel in Kyoto looks to create comfort in its guests by echoing all of the senses. The interior design uses Kyotogami – an embossing technology using woodblocks.
An excellent Japanese breakfast with multiple elements will be delivered to your room in the morning. But you may struggle to leave your bed! The mattresses at the Junei Hotel are manufactured by Serta, and the linen is made by Kyoto Nishikawa. A perfect Japanese boutique hotel!
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With only 12 rooms, this villa in Rakuchu, Kyoto, is a mix of tradition and innovation and has a “hideaway” feel to it. Each room at Villa Sanjo Muromachi has Kyo-Tara paper artboards with traditional patterns.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Japan Itineraries
What are some popular destinations to include in a Japan itinerary?
Some popular destinations to include in a Japan itinerary are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara, Mount Fuji, Hakone, and Sapporo.
How long should I plan to stay in Japan for my itinerary?
This depends on your travel goals and budget, but typically, a week to 10 days is enough time to see some of the major destinations, while two weeks or more allows for a more comprehensive trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Japan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit Japan, when the weather is mild and there are beautiful cherry blossoms and fall foliage to see. However, summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) also have their own charms and attractions.
How should I budget for my Japan trip?
Japan can be an expensive destination, but there are ways to save money. Budget for accommodations, transportation, food, and attractions, and research discounts and deals in advance.
What are some cultural customs and etiquette to be aware of in Japan?
In Japan, it is important to be respectful of cultural customs and etiquette, such as removing shoes before entering someone’s home, bowing as a sign of respect, and avoiding loud or disruptive behavior in public places. It is also important to be familiar with Japanese dining etiquette, such as using chopsticks correctly and saying “itadakimasu” before a meal.
Final Thoughts on the 10 Day Itinerary for Japan
This Japan itinerary 10 days highlighted the most spectacular parts of the country. All travelers may be interested in different things. But the atmosphere and sense of adventure in these traditional cities make them appealing to all kinds of people.
Whether you’re traveling to Japan for the first time, or you’re an expert, this itinerary can boost your adventure. It makes for a unique experience of the country.
The Tokyo section of this blog was hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government – thank you. The balance of the research for this blog was paid for by me. JAL provided a very comfortable return flight and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government covered all of my costs in Tokyo eg meals, accommodation, transport etc. But as always my views are my own – and can I say I absolutely loved this trip.
This 10 Day Japan Itinerary post includes affiliate links. That means if you click through and end up making a purchase I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.