Japan is a popular destination for a bucket list trip, annual getaway, romantic celebration, children’s birthday, or graduation gift. Japan’s sushi, samurai, geisha, ryokans (traditional inns), and anime attract many travelers, especially families with kids and retired couples.
10 days is enough for you to visit the major cities in Japan like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while also allowing you to spend 2–3 days on day trips to nearby areas such as Hakone, Nara, and the Fuji Five Lakes.
In this article, we’ve described five wonderful 10-day Japan itineraries to help you get some ideas of your dream trip.
1. A Classic 10-Day Japan Itinerary: Major Highlights of Japan plus Family-Friendly Activities

- Tokyo–Hakone–Kyoto–Osaka
Experience the best of Japan in the “golden triangle” cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. We can arrange plenty of experiential activities to help you have a memorable trip.
Here is the hand-picked itinerary:

- Days 1–3: Tokyo
- Days 4–5: Hakone
- Days 6–8: Kyoto
- Days 9–10: Osaka
Days 1–3: Tokyo

Tokyo, with its perfect blend of history and modernity, is Japan’s charming capital that first-timers invariably visit whatever the season. Visit historical Meiji Shrine, feel the old vibe and take a manpower rickshaw in Asakusa, experience ninja crafts and sushi-making at a local home. Anime lovers, you can buy the anime products you’re interested in in Akihabara and have a fun time in Pokémon Center.
Days 4–5: Hakone

Hakone is the home of onsens (hot springs). Stay at a ryokan with an onsen for an enjoyable and relaxing time with your family, and visit Lake Ashi on a replica pirate ship.




98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
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Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!!
Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More
Lianne Stone,
May 2023
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11 days trip to Japan
I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More
LE,
May 2023
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Japan trip
Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More
Serene Storslett,
May 2023
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Quick, easy and detailed service
Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More
Lynette Whittle,
Apr 2023
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Japan Tour
Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More
Madhu,
Apr 2023
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I organized a trip to Japan for my
I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More
Luisa,
Apr 2023
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Trip to Japan. I have had the pleasure to book with…
For the reasons above, I decided to book again with Asia highlights for our trip to Japan this year in September. Until now it’s been a pleasure dealing with Albee Ning. She was so efficient and pleasant in adjusting our itinerary. Whenever I had any questions I could count on her to answer promptly. I am very lucky to have her as our organiser for our future trip to Japan. I have had the pleasure to book with Asia Highlights when we went to China in 2018. We were extremely satisfied with the exceptional services rendered by our organiser, Robert Hui and private guide William. More
Mrs Cristina Hidalgo Loris,
Apr 2023
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Albee Ning and Asia Highlights - wonderful to work with.
I and my daughter planned a trip to China and Japan. We worked with Albee Ning who was fantastic in developing a itinerary based on our desires and needs. She was extremely responsive, taking into account all of our requests and worked closely with us, it wasn't just selecting from one of several pre-developed itineraries. We decided to postpone the trip until next year and received the guaranteed refund, minus a small deposit on next years trip. We look forward to working with her again on next years trip and trips in the future. We highly recommend Asia Highlights and Albee Ning More
Nancy K,
Apr 2023
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Handcrafted tour of Japan by Asia Highlights
My initial inquiry to this company (based in China) was answered in under 10 hours by an amazing travel consultant, named Alisa. She is such a professional in the ways she conducts herself and serves her clients. Alisa is a great communicator and listener. She is very open to requests for additional experiences which require research on her part to arrange. Alisa also provides very detailed information about each experience, location, guides, private car transfers, trains, hotels. This approach is very appealing since detailed communication is so useful and important to me. Alisa also makes the process simple and easy to follow. Answered tons of questions and created the perfect tour for us. We are looking forward to this once in a lifetime visit to Japan and are so grateful we have had the chance to work with Alisa at Asia Highlights! More
Laurie Lee,
Feb 2023
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Great Overall Experience
Our guide in Tokyo, Fuki, was outstanding. We saw things we would never have otherwise seen, if Fuki had not been there. More
Todd Hankinson,
Dec 2022
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Plenty of options and personalized tours as needed
Monica Mo was very helpful from the beginning after I enquired about my travel plans to Japan. She listened with understanding and took careful notes and clarified things to make sure she got everything. More
Ginybel Belgira,
Sep 2022
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Asia Highlights especially Ms. Kanae Chida superb
Asia Highlights and particularly our Tokyo guide, Ms. Kanae Chida, were the best. When Kanae met us, she asked for details of what we wished to see and she constructed an outstanding combination of visits for the day. More
Geoff Rayner-Canham,
May 2019
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I have arranged a 27 day tour of China, Japan and Hong Kong China
Peggie's English is impeccable and she uses lots of nuances which usually only a native English speaker would know. I have found her very prompt in responding to emails and her knowledge is terrific. More
Ailsa West,
Jul 2018
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Very professional, great customer service
We travelled to Japan this May (2018). We had contacted Asia Highlights to organise our trip for us. Miss Peggie Lyoo was very helpful, super-friendly, very professional and very prompt with all her replies! More
Tibor Marton,
May 2018
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Great job!
Great job!! We had an amazing vacation to Japan. We will use Asian highlights for all of our trips to Asia More
Joe,
May 2018
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Trip-of-a-lifetime
In addition, I want to specifically mention the guides provided in certain locations. Rum, in Siem Reap, made the most memorable experience possible. His positivity was contagious - even when it felt like 1000 degrees and we were tired. He brought it all to life, and created a couple days of Ankor Wat, etc. that we will never forget! He heard my daughter's request for specific Cambodian food, and changed our itinerary to go to a village and eat at a locally known shop. He brought the dessert she asked about to us in the car! Overall, he and his driver "Lucky" were a reason to go to Siem Reap. In addition, the other guides (minus one which was switched out immediately) were stupendous. Mon in Bangkok was friendly and provided a great day there; Eak in Chiang Mai gave us a world-class food-tour and day touring the city and its surrounding temples with lots of laughs; Tommy in Hanoi kept us from getting killed in the traffic and gave a stupendous food and architecture/history tour - so very friendly and funny; the fishing village tour in Hoi An, as well as the side-car tour in Saigon, were both unforgettable! Thank you Sharon, and Asia Highlights. Would definitely use again for future trips! More
Teri Simpson,
Apr 2023
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Cambodia and Vietnam adventure!
Our guide in Cambodia, Meas Darapolaith (Pol), was absolutely amazing. He was knowledgeable, friendly and so helpful. His English was excellent and he shared important insights about history and the magnificent sites we visited. We highly recommend him! More
Jennifer Roth Krieger,
Apr 2023
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My daughter and I wanted to discover SE…
My daughter and I wanted to discover SE Asia. Being the first in that region, we wanted to use a tour service company. We ended up using Asia Highlights. From the beginning we were impressed with their services. We left home with of mind because all the pre-travel arrangements were taking care and communicate to us efficiently. All our questions were answered promptly. Once in the countries, we were welcome by our excellent tour guides. Everything was taking care for us. We did not have one issue. They selected the right tours guides for us, they were highly knowledgeable and so much attentive to our needs. We had Dhat in Vietnam and Borin in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I highly recommend Asia Highlights. I came back home so much rested, and with plenty of wonderful pictures and memories. I will definitely use Asia Highlights again for my next trip to Asia. More
Isabelle Dessaux,
Apr 2023
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Fabulous tour and guide in Cambodia
We have been touring Cambodia, guided by Borin ( and driver 007) for the last 2 days. What a fabulous experience! Borin has been a wonderful guide, the best so far in Southeast Asia, explaining the history and culture of Cambodia through his tours of the temples in and around Angkor, as well as the Landmine museum. He has answered all our questions, made sure we were comfortable, and that we have had great food. 007 made sure we always had enough water and cool towels for our face/neck.We highly recommend Borin as a tour guide for Cambodia!! More
Monica,
Mar 2023
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Best Travel Service for Asia Travel
Alisa Liu was in charge of making the arrangements and she helped us from the start to make all of the arrangements and also helped us when we had questions and requested some adjustments. Her service is of the highest professional level. We are 100% confident that our trip will be perfect. We’re also 100% confident that, if anything comes up during our trip, that Alisa will be there to guide us through and take care of us. We won’t even consider using another agency for travel around Asia and we would like to have Alisa work for us again. More
Leo Pospichal,
Mar 2023
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Days 6–8: Kyoto

Kyoto is the most traditional medieval capital of Japan where you can experience geishas, kimonos, sake, a tea ceremony, shrines, and authentic ryokans.
- Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle to understand the history of Japan.
- See beautiful geishas in Gion District and have an afternoon tea with them.
- Try on kimonos for a memorable photo and sample sake at a local brewery.
- Stay for a night at a ryokan to experience a tradition tatami bed, and enjoy a high-class kaiseki (high-class multi-course cuisine).
- Spend a day in Nara: feeding the cute deer in Nara Park could be a delightful family moment.
Days 9–10: Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s flourishing trade city, where you can sample delicious street food in Dotonbori District, visit outstanding Osaka Castle, and make cup noodles based on your preference.
You can contact us to tailor-make a tour for you if the above itinerary does not meet your requirement.
2. 10-Day Japan Spring Itinerary: The Best of the Cherry Blossom Season

- Tokyo – Fuji Five Lakes – Kyoto – Osaka
Cherry blossom in spring (March to May) is one of the most attractive and well-known sights in Japan. A lot of travelers from Japan and abroad come specifically during this time to enjoy the blossoming pink trees. Our itinerary allows you to capture the best pictures of spring cherry blossoms in the best places in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and experience Japan during its peak travel season.
We recommend you make reservations at least 6 months in advance as the top ryokans and guides are easily get fully booked well in advance.
Here is the detailed itinerary below:

- Days 1–3: Tokyo
- Day 4: Fuji Five Lakes
- Days 5–7: Kyoto
- Days 8–10: Osaka
Days 1–3: Tokyo

Tokyo is the top city for entering Japan as its international flights offer most options. There, visit the largest fish market in Japan —Tsukiji Market to sample the freshly-prepared sashimi; enjoy a steaming macha at Edo-Period (1603–1867) Hamarikyu Garden, which has stunning scenery; and take a river boat ride on Sumida River for a great view of cherry blossoms along the riverside.
Day 4: The Fuji Five Lakes

Fuji Five Lakes hosts many of the best places to view the spectacular Mount Fuji. Enter Sengen Shrine to enjoy both cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji! Bike around Lake Kawaguchiko to view picturesque nature scenery with a Mount Fuji backdrop.
Days 5–7: Kyoto

To have a deeper insight into Japan’s past, Kyoto is the destination you must visit. Visit medieval Kinkakuji Temple to get a deeper understanding of Japan’s history, see geishas in kimonos in Gion District, participate in a classical tea ceremony, and meander around Philosopher's Path to view more stunning cherry blossoms.
Take a day trip to Nara to feed deer in Nara Park, and hike on the Mount Yoshino to be in right in the middle of A LOT OF cherry blossom.
Days 8–10: Osaka

Spend a day each in Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World for a great family time, and taste authentic street food in Dotonbori District.
You can just tell us your preferences and requirements and our travel consultant will customize a tour for you.
3. 10-Day Japan Nature Itinerary: Revitalizing Countryside Views

- Tokyo – Karuizawa – Takayama and Kanazawa – Kyoto
Discover two quiet-and-picturesque small towns with this Japan itinerary, which would whisk you away to enjoy the mountain breezes, lush bamboo groves, unique Japanese farmhouses, and light hiking in a national park.
Here is a well-crafted itinerary:
- Days 1–3: Tokyo
- Days 4–5: Karuizawa
- Days 6–7: Takayama and Kanazawa
- Days 8–10: Kyoto
Start your amazing nature trip in Tokyo, the prosperous capital of Japan. In these 3 days, you’ll visit famous sightseeing spots and do your choice of family-friendly activities, like sushi-making, shopping for anime products, and/or a ninja experience.
Over the next two days, head to the mountain-bound town of Karuizawa to enjoy Japan’s natural beauty. Take a light hike in the national park to experience green forests, clear lakes, and wildlife.
Day 5 brings you to the unique farmhouses in Takayama: gassho-zukuri farmhouses have steep thatched roofs that are named after ‘praying hands’, and taste delicious Hida beef. Spend the night in Kanazawa, where you could buy gold-leaf products and sample sake at a brewery the next day.
Finish the trip in the impressive medieval capital of Kyoto. See geishas in Gion District, stay at a traditional ryokan for a night, and feed friendly deer in Nara.
4. 10-Day Japan History Itinerary: Explore Nippon’s Past

- Tokyo–Kyoto–Himeji–Hiroshima–Osaka
Get a deeper understanding of Japan’s history, and do fun things with a historical theme through this itinerary. Highlights include: trying on samurai armor at the Samurai Museum for a unique experience in Tokyo, visiting well-preserved Himeji Castle in Himeji, staying at a tradition ryokan in Kyoto, and paying a visit to Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.
Here is the suggested itinerary:
- Days 1–3: Tokyo
- Days 4–6: Kyoto
- Day 7 Himeji
- Days 8–9: Hiroshima
- Day 10: Osaka departure
This incredible journey through Japan begins in Tokyo. Meander around to catch the Edo vibe of Asakusa District, explore the Samurai Museum, and stroll through Hamarikyu Garden to see nature scenery with a classical design.
Starting on Day 4, you will spend three amazing days in Kyoto. Enjoy an afternoon tea with geishas, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, stay at a classic ryokan, and take a day trip to Arashiyama, where there is a lush bamboo forest and fresh air, as there always has been through Japan’s history.
Take a day tour in Himeji to visit the Japan’s first World Heritage site — Himeji Castle. See this outstanding castle from all angles, and enjoy the castle’s stunning Japanese-style garden.
Continue the trip in Hiroshima and Miyajima. Cherish world peace and appreciate its cost in Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. Then, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima to see the famous “floating torii gate”. Finish the trip in Osaka, exploring the lively Namba downtown area and sampling street food.
5. 10-Day Japan Cuisine Itinerary: The Foodie Tour

- Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe
Japanese food is one of the nation’s most important highlights that attracts many travelers to come to Japan. A trip to taste authentic sushi, ramen and wagyu would be well worth it, especially if you’re a self-acknowledged foodie. No matter what you want to eat, you can find a restaurant in Japan to suit your taste.
Here is the mouth-watering itinerary:
- Days 1–3: Tokyo
- Days 4–6: Kyoto
- Days 7–9: Osaka and Kobe
- Day 10: Departure
This delicious journey starts with several days in Tokyo, a metropolis with many Michelin restaurants and great local eateries. Head to Tsukiji Market to sample freshly-prepared sashimi, eat traditional snacks in Asakusa, and try the most authentic ramen and tempura.
The following 3 days in Kyoto would give you the chance to taste high-class Kaiseki, sample sake at a local brewery, and try Japan’s tofu dishes.
Osaka is considered the culinary center of Japan, where you can indulge in delicious street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) in Dotonbori and create your own cup noodles based on your palate at the Cup Noodle Museum. Take a day trip to Kobe and savor its world-renowned Kobe Wagyu, known as the Rolls Royce of beef for its exquisite flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Contact our travel advisors and we can arrange it for you.
How Much Does 10 Days in Japan Cost?

Japan rivals Europe both in terms of facilities and service standards, which means that travel in Japan costs more than in China or in Southeast Asian countries.
US$400 (and above) per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a group of 2–4 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within Japan, and hand-picked 4-star hotels. An extra US$100 or more per day is required if you’re looking to stay in 5-star hotels. Thus, the total cost for 10 days in Japan is about US$4,000 or so (international flights not included).
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.