How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in Japan (2024/2025)

Spending 10 days in Japan is ideal for first-time visitors and a top choice among vacationers. You could thoroughly explore the major city highlights in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You could also enjoy 1–2 days exploring nearby gems, such as Hakone, Nara, and the iconic Mount Fuji.

Since 2016, we have been thoroughly exploring Japan during our annual site inspections. We would like to share our insights and suggestions with you and assist you in planning an unforgettable 10-day trip to Japan.

1. Choose from the Best Cities to Visit

For a 10-day trip to Japan, we recommend that you explore 3–4 destinations to explore the highlights of the country: its high technology, culture, food, etc. at a relatively leisurely pace.

For your first trip to Japan, we recommend that you visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. They perfectly blend modernity and history, covering most of the highlights of Japan. All of them are easily connected by the Shinkansen within 3 hours.

Tokyo: A Mix of Modernity and Tradition

Tokyo is often chosen as the first or last stop for a Japan trip because it has the most international flights.

We suggest you allocate the biggest portion of time to Tokyo, such as 3–4 days, as it has the most experiences and activities to do. In Tokyo, you could explore Japan's high-tech, culture, anime, fashion, and bustling streets.

You should also not miss nearby Mount Fuji if you are fond of natural beauty and the great outdoors. We suggest you spend 1–2 days at Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of Mount Fuji to appreciate the scenery. You would find a refreshing contrast from modern and bustling Tokyo. Mount Fuji is about 2 hours away from Tokyo so it is very easy to have a day trip there from Tokyo.

Kyoto: Filled with Japanese History and Culture

Kyoto is the best city to learn about Japan's history and to have the most unique experiences in Japan, such as meeting geishas and staying at a Japanese-style ryokan inn.

In Kyoto, you could admire the historic shrines, experience the elegance and grace of the geishas in Gion district, savor the tranquility of staying in a ryokan, and engage in an authentic tea ceremony.

In addition to experiencing the cultural charm of Kyoto, spend half a day exploring the natural beauty at the bamboo groves in Arashiyama or feeding deer in Nara.

We highly recommend having a guide with you in Kyoto. Kyoto has more than just old buildings — it has the history behind them. Your private guide would delve deep into the stories and significance behind these architectural gems. If you travel on your own, you may only be able to appreciate the buildings' appearance.

Having a private car with a collection service is also crucial. Buses in Kyoto provide easier access to attractions compared to the subway. However, you might end up on the wrong bus or wait 10 to 30 minutes for the right one. You won't want to waste your time on the road.

So, if you're looking for a delightful and smooth trip, our Japan travel advisors are ready to customize your experience based on your preferences and make your dream trip happen.

Osaka: Japanese Culinary Paradise

Osaka is known as a mecca for diverse Japanese cuisines. Try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) when in Osaka. Another highlight of Osaka is Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan.

Spend 1–2 days enjoying the local dishes and exploring its rich cuisine culture alongside an adventure to Super Nintendo World or whatever interests you there.

Osaka is the second choice for entering or departing from Japan at similar prices to Tokyo, but it has a smaller range of international flights compared to Tokyo.

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2. 10-Day Classic Japan Itinerary (Most Chosen)

This 10-day itinerary offers first-timers a complete trip to Japan, covering must-sees in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. It offers you insights into the country's history, delicious food, Mount Fuji, and unique culture.

To have a deeper experience of each highlight and less tiredness, we recommend you plan to visit 3–4 highlights each day.

Here's our handpicked itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Tokyo (Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Mount Fuji, and sushi-making)
• Days 5–7: Kyoto (Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Gion district, and a tea ceremony)
• Days 8–9: Osaka (Osaka Castle, ukiyo-e printmaking, and a food tour in Shinsekai)
• Day 10: Departure

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo has two international airports: Narita and Haneda. Narita offers more international flights but is farther from the city (60–90 minutes). Haneda is closer to the downtown area (20–30 minutes) with fewer international flights.

It's easy for you to take a train from the airport to the city center by following the clear English signage. If you prefer a direct transfer from the airport to your hotel, choose a private car service to pick you up at the airport. We could take care of it if you book your trip with us.

After a long flight, do not plan any visits on your first day. Take a good rest and adjust to the jetlag, so that you could fully enjoy your upcoming journey.

Where to stay in Tokyo:

For convenient access to attractions and a wide range of dining options nearby, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo in Shinjuku is an excellent choice for a 4-star hotel according to our field visits.

Day 2: Tokyo City Highlights

Begin your trip at Meiji Shrine in the downtown area. With over 100,000 tall trees surrounding it, you would feel like you're in a forest once you enter. The shrine is a 30-minute walk from the gate along a wide stone path.

While Meiji Shrine is spacious and you won't feel crowded when you visit, we still suggest going in the morning for a more peaceful experience with fewer travelers. If you're lucky, you might even witness a traditional Japanese wedding.

A 10-to-20-minute walk from Meiji Shrine would lead you to Harajuku and Omotesando, Tokyo's vibrant fashion district, where you could enjoy dining and shopping.

End your trip at the most visited temple of Senso-ji in Asakusa, which is known for its legend of a golden statue of Kannon, and the historic shopping street of Nakamise-dori Street.

Generally, Senso-ji is crowded from 9 am to 5 pm, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to escape the crowds and don't want to shop at Nakamise-dori Street, you're highly recommended to visit it between 7 am and 8 am or after 7 pm. The temple's red lanterns are lit at night, giving it a mysterious vibe that is different from the daytime.

Most shops on the old Nakamise-dori Street only accept cash and their prices are about a third more expensive than those at other temples. For souvenir shopping, the new Nakamise-dori Street outside the temple is a better option. It has fewer travelers and a wider variety of products.

Day 3: A Day Trip to Admire Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi

Driving for about 2 hours from Tokyo, you would arrive at Lake Kawaguchi. It's the best place to appreciate Mount Fuji due to its easy accessibility and extra observation decks. The main ways to get to views of Mount Fuji are boating, taking a cable car ride, doing some light hiking, and biking.

If you prefer less physical effort and want to admire Mount Fuji up close, a boat ride on the lake and taking a cable car ride are recommended. Boating offers a more interesting and serene experience to visit the mountain, while the cable car is easier and suitable for those who want to capture pictures of Mount Fuji from a high observation deck.

If you're an outdoor enthusiast and want to explore different views around the lake of Mount Fuji, light hiking or biking is ideal for you.

Since public transportation in Lake Kawaguchi isn't very convenient, having a private car while visiting is advised. That way, you could get to the attractions quickly and spend more time enjoying them instead of being on the road. We would handle it for you if you book with us.

Day 4: Tokyo Sushi Experience

A highlight of this day is to experience sushi-making with a chef. You could choose to do this at a restaurant or a local's home, both offering a similarly interesting and expert experience. Your chef would introduce you to different ingredients and teach you how to shape the rice. You would get to make about 10 pieces of sushi for your lunch.

For the rest of the day, explore the city and discover popular districts, such as Shibuya. Renowned for its iconic Shibuya Crossing, it draws numerous visitors who go there to experience it. The Starbucks on the second floor provides one of the best vantage points for capturing panoramic photos of the crossing.

Day 5: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto

Traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto on the comfortable high-speed Shinkansen takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Upon arriving at Kyoto Station, you should easily get through the station by following the clear English signs. It may take you about 20 minutes to exit the station due to its large size.

Where to stay in Kyoto:

Kyoto is the perfect place to experience traditional Japanese hotels called a ryokan (a Japanese inn), due to its well-preserved old buildings. Kyoto Ryokan Kinoe is well-received by our clients for its fully Japanese vibe and kaiseki feasts.

If you feel you would only like to sleep on a tatami and experience a ryokan for 1 night, and then spend the remaining 2 nights in a star-rated hotel, the Hotel Higashiyama by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel in the downtown area is a good choice for a 4-star hotel.

Day 6: Kyoto City Highlights

We highly recommend exploring history-filled Kyoto accompanied by a local private guide for a better understanding of Japanese history.

Start your journey at Kinkaku-ji, a temple covered with gold leaf. Many Japanese student groups visit it to delve into Japan's history. The temple you see today was rebuilt in 1955 after the original one was destroyed by fire.

Unlike the ordinary tickets for other attractions in Japan, the ticket for Kinkaku-ji is a shuin (a temple visitor seal stamp) with a blessing message that could also be kept as a souvenir.

Within 10 minutes of walking along the approach path, you would catch sight of Kinkaku-ji. Admire its exterior reflected the lake as visiting inside is not allowed. There's no turning back at Kinkaku-ji so you would have to move straight ahead in one direction.

Next, visit 400-year-old Nijo Castle and don't miss Ninomaru-goten Palace inside it. You are required to respectfully walk barefoot through the corridors to get a closer look at the rooms, where you could admire well-preserved murals. Some rooms feature mannequins dressed in Edo-period clothes to show you the rooms' original functions.

Then, savor your lunch at Nishiki Market. The market closes at 5pm, making lunchtime the perfect time to visit. It's full of Japanese snacks, restaurants, and animal cafés. According to Japanese custom, eating and walking could be seen as rude, so avoid it. If you're unsure about what to try, your guide could offer recommendations according to your preferences.

During the rest of the day, explore around Gion district, where you could have the chance to encounter a geisha.

Day 7: Kyoto City Highlights

In the morning, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of orange-red torii gates. You would climb a hill to admire these torii. The most picturesque view is found halfway up the hill. You don't have to trek all the way to the summit as the scenery isn't as impressive and it could be quite exhausting.

Afterward, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony. You would learn how to use traditional Japanese tools to grind tea, brew tea, and drink it. While traditional tea ceremonies are typically performed on the knees, you could sit comfortably during this experience.

In the afternoon, take a 30-minute drive to enjoy the bamboo groves in Arashiyama. You could explore the bamboo groves on foot or by taking a rickshaw ride. In our experience, opting for a rickshaw ride is better. The rickshaw follows a special path that is inaccessible to pedestrians, ensuring fewer people are around and a more peaceful experience.

Day 8: Transfer to Osaka and Explore by Yourself

Osaka is 15 minutes by Shinkansen from Kyoto. If you'd rather not lug your suitcases during the long walks of the transfer, you could opt for a private car providing an hour's drive directly from your Kyoto hotel to your Osaka hotel.

Where to stay in Osaka:

Hotel Vischio Osaka by Granvia is an excellent 4-star hotel located in the lively Umeda district. It offers easy access to the airport and various dining options.

Day 9: Osaka City Highlights

You could try your hand at the unique ukiyo-e printmaking with the guidance of experienced staff. Learn how to color and print your favorite design. To make the most of your experience and enjoy the exhibits fully, aim to arrive before 3 pm as the venue closes admission at 4:30 pm.

Osaka is famous for its wide range of Japanese food. Relax with a half-day food tour at Osaka's food hub in Shinsekai. Don't miss sampling takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake), and seafood.

Day 10: Departure

Say farewell to the exotic charm of Japan and fly home. We can provide an airport transfer service for a smooth departure and peace of mind.

3. A 10-Day Japan Itinerary for a Family with Teenagers

This 10-day itinerary is specially designed for families with teenagers or teenagers (younger children will probably not fully appreciate the activities offered). It is filled with top-rated experiences that are perfect for kids without too many temple visits in the major cities of Japan.

Here's a handpicked itinerary for your inspiration:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo (Pokémon Center, teamLab Borderless, sushi-making, and Akihabara)
• Days 4–5: Hakone (stay at a ryokan with onsen)
• Days 6–7: Kyoto (kimono-wearing, Nishiki Market, and feeding the deer in Nara)
• Days 8–9: Osaka (ninja experience, cupnoodle-making, and Super Nintendo World)
• Day 10: Departure

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

You may fly into either Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. Narita Airport takes over an hour to reach the city center, while Haneda Airport only takes 20–30 minutes.

Although taking public transportation in Tokyo from the airport to the hotel is convenient, many of our family clients prefer to have a private car drive them directly to the hotel. This option saves more time on the road, eliminates the need to navigate, and ensures a stress-free journey from the start.

Where to stay in Tokyo:

Based on our experience, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku in Shinjuku and Shiba Park Hotel in Minato are excellent 4-star hotels in Tokyo for families with teenagers. Both offer triple rooms, convenient transportation to attractions, and a variety of dining options nearby.

Day 2: Tokyo City Highlights

Tokyo offers more family-friendly experiences than other cities in Japan, and it would never disappoint family groups. Besides visiting popular highlights, such as Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji, you could also enjoy the kid-favored Pokémon Center and teamLab Borderless.

Tokyo has four Pokémon Centers, all located near popular attractions. Among them, Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is the most recommended for its comprehensive products and large size.

• Pokémon Center Shibuya is the only center where you could enjoy DIY Pokémon shirts.
• Pokémon Center Tokyo DX is less crowded, has relatively comprehensive products, and has three exclusive Pikachu dolls.
• Pokémon Center Skytree Town is the smallest of the centers, with a limited product range and one special Pikachu doll holding onto a Skytree.

TeamLab Borderless is an interactive high-tech museum that is attractive for families. The Tea House is one of the major highlights. Watch a magical flower bloom in your cup as you brew your tea. It's advised to wear light-colored clothes for better photos. Also, avoid wearing skirts as the halls feature glass floors.

Day 3: Tokyo City Highlights

Immerse yourself in the anime hub of Akihabara, experience sushi-making, and have some free time to explore on your own.

Akihabara is filled with anime shops but some are only for adults and are not suitable for kids. Therefore, it's important to choose your store wisely. Here are five family-friendly shops in Akihabara that you shouldn't miss based on our inspection:

• Radio Kaikan: has the newest garage kits, trading cards, and limited edition collectibles
• Animate: a must-see for anime fans, providing an extensive variety of manga and merchandise
• Bic Camera: includes almost every type of electronic product
• Suruga-ya: specializing in 90% secondhand figurines and rare collectibles
• GiGO Building 1/2/3: hosting thousands of claw machines and Gashapon capsule toys

We recommend trying your hand at making sushi during lunchtime as you could savor your delicious creations. With a chef guiding you every step of the way, you would learn about different ingredients, shape rice, and make about 10 pieces of sushi with various flavors.

Day 4: Transfer to Hakone

It takes about 2 hours to travel from modern Tokyo to the rural Hakone by Japan Railway. You would take a cable car to visit the volcanic valley of Owakudani with active sulfur vents and enjoy the serene countryside views by yourself.

The top thing to do in Hakone is to stay at a ryokan with an onsen. A room in a ryokan could host 3–5 people so your whole family could stay together. The public onsens in ryokan are separated by gender and you need to be naked when soaking in the hot spring.

When booking a ryokan in Hakone, make sure to choose a package that includes breakfast and dinner. Due to restaurant closures in Hakone at about 6pm, enjoying a late dinner could be challenging. You might have to settle for convenience store food. The breakfast options usually offer a mix of Western and Japanese dishes, while dinner is typically a kaiseki.

Where to stay in Hakone:

Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is a great place to stay in Hakone for its convenient transportation.

Day 5: Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto

Transfer to Kyoto by Shinkansen in about 2 hours. Spend the rest of the day leisurely exploring ancient Kyoto.

Where to stay in Kyoto:

Kyoto Ryokan Kinoe is an ideal choice for your family's stay in Kyoto. It's an authentic Japanese-style ryokan that is close to attractions and offers a variety of food options.

Day 6: Kyoto City Highlights

Besides visiting the top highlights of Nijo Castle and Fushimi Inari Shrine, you could also dress in kimonos to photo the old streets and enjoy an animal café in Nishiki Market.

If you are wearing a kimono, it's better to walk on a flat road rather than visit shrines, which have many steps. This is because you can't take long strides in a kimono and you might not want to walk far in Japanese clogs.

Visit Nishiki Market during lunchtime since the market closes at 5pm. You could find abundant Japanese food and different themed animal cafés featuring Shiba Inu, owls, pet pigs, and more.

Day 7: Feed Deer in Nara and Transfer to Osaka

To make the most of your time, it is recommended to feed deer in Nara on your way to Osaka. Nara is the perfect place to have a close interaction with deer as they are well-protected in the park and temple due to locals believing they are messengers of God.

Nara Park is the most famous spot for close interaction with deer but be prepared for large crowds most of the time. About a 10–15 minute walk from Nara Park, you would find another natural deer park called Mount Wakakusa. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer visitors.

After feeding the deer, you could reach Osaka in just an hour's drive to enjoy its abundant food.

Where to stay in Osaka:

For your stay in Osaka, Hotel Vischio Osaka by Granvia is excellent. It offers triple rooms, many restaurants nearby, and convenient transportation to the airport.

Day 8: Osaka City Highlights

If your kids love ninjas, then Osaka is ideal to experience the world of ninjutsu. You could dress like ninjas and learn ninja skills from a master. While Tokyo offers ninja experiences too, Osaka is cheaper by about US$50 per person for a similar experience.

After that, create your own cupnoodles at the CupNoodles Museum. You could design your cup, add noodles, choose seasonings and toppings, and seal your creation. It doesn't require a reservation but visit early to avoid the crowds during peak times.

Day 9: Enjoy Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan

If you're planning to visit Universal Studios Japan during your summer vacation, take a portable fan to stay cool. Download the USJ app in advance to get the park map and check project waiting times.

For the best experience at Universal Studios Japan, it's strongly recommended to buy an Express Pass to shorten your queue times. Otherwise, you might find yourself spending hours in queues and only enjoying two or three popular rides a day.

There are four main Express Pass options: 3-Hour VIP Pass, Express 7, Express 4, and Express Premium. The 3-Hour VIP Pass is recommended for families, but it sells out quickly. In this case, Express 7 serves as a great backup. Express 4 and Express Premium offer less value, so they could be alternatives if the first two options are sold out.

Day 10: Departure

Head to Kansai International Airport and fly home. Our private transfer service is available to eliminate any hassles and stress.

4. How Much a 10-Day Trip to Japan Costs

The typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels is US$350–500 per person per day, based on 3–5 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within Japan, and handpicked 4-star hotels. Therefore, the total cost for 10 days in Japan is about US$3,500–5,000 (international flights not included).

During peak times, such as the cherry blossom season (March to April), Christmas, and New Year, travel costs could be up to twice as expensive as usual. To secure better hotel options, we recommend planning at least 3 months in advance for your trip if you want to travel during these periods.

5. How to Get Around in Japan

The Shinkansen is the most popular way to travel to most cities in Japan. It's high-speed, comfortable, and convenient. You could easily travel from Tokyo to Kyoto in 2½ hours and it takes just 15 minutes to get from Kyoto to Osaka.

The Shinkansen features both Green Car and Ordinary Car seats. The Green Car offers an upper-class experience with more space while the Ordinary Car offers more than enough legroom for the majority of travelers.

Reserved seats and non-reserved seats are two types of tickets when booking the Shinkansen. It's recommended to buy reserved seats for you to sit together with your partner/family/friends. Non-reserved seats may lead to you being seated separately.

• Reserved seats are available in both Ordinary Cars and Green Cars, and you're advised to reserve your seat at least 1 week in advance.
• Non-reserved seats are in Ordinary Cars. Sit anywhere without a specific seat but you might have to stand if all seats are occupied.

If your luggage is oversized, exceeding the dimensions of 160–250 cm (63–98 in), it's better to reserve a seat in the last row in front of the designated area for oversized luggage on the train.

Many hotels and supermarkets in Japan provide luggage delivery services, allowing you to send your suitcase to your upcoming destination or airport, and reducing the hassle of carrying your luggage around.

You could buy tickets at the train station but reserving the tickets online is easier to ensure the seat availability. However, you would need to sign up for a free membership by providing your credit card details. We could handle it if your trip is booked with us.

6. Choose Your Best Time to Visit Japan

The best times to visit Japan are in spring (March to May) for the cherry blossoms and in autumn (September to November) for the autumn leaves. Both periods offer comfortable weather and more sunny days.

Summer (June to August) in Japan is hot and humid, with average temperatures of 20–31°C (68–88°F). Sometimes, the temperature exceeds 38°C (100°F). It's also the rainy season in Japan but it doesn't rain every day. Compared to July and August, June is a better time for a family vacation in Japan as there are fewer crowds and cooler weather.

Winter in Japan (December to February) is cold and dry, with an average daily high of 10°C (50°F). It's the perfect time to unwind in an onsen at a ryokan or enjoy the unique sight of monkeys soaking in hot springs.

Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip to Japan

You could take one of the above 10-day itineraries as a starting point and we would customize your Japan itinerary from there. Or you could just tell us your preferences, and we would make it happen. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.