10-Day Japan Itinerary
Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
02 February 2023
This is the ultimate 10-day itinerary for Japan, stopping in Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka! Whether you’re solo traveling or going with a group, this is a great guide for what to do in this beautiful country as well as recommendations for food, accomodations, and more.
Overview
Days 1-3: Tokyo
Day 4: Nikko (Day Trip From Tokyo)
Days 5-7: Kyoto
Day 8: Nara (Day Trip From Kyoto)
Day 9: Osaka (Day Trip From Kyoto)
Day 10: Tokyo
Pre-Travel Guide
Where to Get The Best Flight Deals: Some Tips & Tricks
Google flights and Skyscanner are definitely my top choices for finding amazing deals on flights since you can track flight prices and compare deals from different airlines.
Where to Stay: Recommended Hotels & Hostels
I wanted to keep things simple, so I decided to just stay in 3 accomodations: one in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. I strongly suggest booking accomodations in centrally-located areas, preferably close to a train station. That will ensure that you’ll be able to easily reach all of your destinations!
Tokyo
$$$: Muji Hotel Ginza
$: Nine Hours Hamamatsucho (Capsule Hotel)
$: Akihabara Bay Hotel (Female Only Capsule Hotel) — really great for women who are solo traveling!
Kyoto
$: The Millennials Kyoto (Capsule Hotel)
Osaka
Another great option is to stay in a traditional ryokan for a few nights. It’s an amazing experience and completely different than a typical hotel. Here are some options:
Tips for Budget Travel
I highly recommend staying in a hostel or a capsule hotel for an amazing budget option or even just a cool experience! If you’re up for it, it’s a great way to meet other travelers and save some money on accommodations. They are also popular among solo travelers because they can be a much more affordable housing option. Here are two modern ones in Tokyo: Click here to check out the one on the left, and here for the right!
Best Times to Visit Japan
Spring: Sakura (Cherry Blossoms)
One of the main reasons people love to visit Japan in the spring is to see the thousands of sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom all over the country. Different areas have different bloom times, so if you plan your trip wisely, you can see the full bloom in multiple cities.
Cherry Blossoms at Inokashira Park, Tokyo
Autumn
Another great time to visit is in Autumn when the Japanese maple trees are in full bloom. The leaves are a vibrant red, and many restaurants and food vendors will sell items with seasonal ingredients like chestnuts.
Japanese Maple Trees
Summer & Winter
Summers tend to be very hot and humid. The dry and sunny winter weather is great for snow-sports like skiing or snowboarding in the northern regions.
How to Get Around Japan
Japan has an amazing public transportation system with trains, Shinkansen lines (bullet trains), buses, and ferries to take you to wherever you need to go. If you’re not a resident of Japan, you have the option to buy a Japan-Rail (JR) Pass that gives you access to most transportation options for a specific amount of time — there is a 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day pass. You can purchase the pass in three ways:
On the Japan Rail Pass Reservation website
At an overseas JR-designated sales office or agency
At a ticket office in Japan: only available until March 31, 2023 to those with foreign passports. Note the price will be higher than if you buy it before you get to Japan.
The pass can save you a lot of money if you plan to take the Shinkansen lines: most common ones are between Tokyo to Kyoto or Osaka. Use this JR pass calculator to find out if you should buy it!
Travel Insurance
You should consider buying travel insurance in case of illness, baggage delays, flight delays or cancellations. Check with your credit card company to see if they offer any insurance. Some recommended companies are World Nomads and Allianz Travel Insurance.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
10-Day Japan Itinerary
Day 1: Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! You’ll be flying into Haneda or Narita Airport, and you will need between 30 minutes to an hour to get from the airport to the center of the city. You will be quite tired after such a long flight, especially if you’re flying to Japan from North America, so it’s best to not plan too much for this first day. Instead, explore the area in which you’re staying — try some delicious food, walk around, and get some rest so that you’re ready to go for the rest of the trip.
Day 2: Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku (West Side)
Today you’ll be exploring these three fun areas on the west side of Tokyo!
Stop 1: Shibuya
When in Shibuya, you have to go see the Shibuya Crossing which is the Tokyo version of Times Square in New York! Check out the Starbucks in that area for a great overhead view.
If you love dogs, check out the Hachiko Statue of the most loyal dog in the world, located right near Shibuya Crossing. The Meji Shrine is also nearby: it is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.
Stop 2: Harajuku
This is an iconic area for trendy fashion and streetwear — you’ll probably see people dressed in the “Harajuku style” or in cosplay! Check out Takeshita Dori (left image), the famous shopping street where you’ll find dozens of clothing stores and other shops. Crepes are a very famous food in Harajuku, so make sure to try one. There are also interesting things to do besides shopping such as go to a hedgehog cafe! The image on the right is of the famous Tokyo Plaza Kaleidoscopic Escalator where you can take a cool selfie.
Stop 3: Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the entertainment district where you’ll find endless restaurants, attractions, stores, and more! Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the best spots to see cherry blossoms in the spring. Go to the 45th floor of the nearby Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for an amazing view of the park for free!
I highly recommend going to Omoide Yokocho, aka Piss Alley or Memory Lane. It’s an area of small alleyways filled with shops that serve amazing ramen, soba, yakitori, and sushi. You really can’t go wrong with any of them!
Day 3: Asakusa & Akihabara (East Side)
Stop 1: Asakusa
Asakusa is the spiritual center of Tokyo with the Sensoji Temple being the main attraction. On the way to the temple, you can stop by Nakamise Dori shopping street to check out small shops and street foods.
Ueno Park is another amazing spot to see cherry blossoms in the spring! But you’ll find people here throughout the year walking around, having picnics on the grass, boating on the river, and enjoying the views.
Another popular spot is Suzukien Asakusa where you can try the world’s most intense match gelato! They have seven different levels of matcha concentration in addition to other flavors like hojicha, genmaicha, and black sesame.
Stop 2: Akihabara
This district is a must-see for anime lovers and tech geeks. You’ll find stores dedicated to selling anime, figurines, and manga as well as the latest high-tech gadgets. Other popular stops are gaming cafes and other themed cafes.
Stop 3: Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji Fish Market is definitely a place you do not want to miss! You’ll find dozens of vendors selling the freshest seafood, including sushi, sashimi, and more. If you want to learn more about the Tsukiji market and Japanese food in general, you can book a food and walking tour that take you around to sample all kinds of foods!
Stop 4: teamLab Planets Tokyo
Explore the immersive exhibits within teamLab Planets TOKYO, a must-see attraction on any visit to Tokyo. Discover digital art installations made of lights, sounds, and different materials to delight all five senses. Many people highly recommend this exhibit if you like interactive and modern art!
Day 4: Nikko (Day Trip From Tokyo)
There are three main destinations for day trips from Tokyo: Nikko, Kamakura, and Hakone. This itinerary will take you to Nikko, but the other two are great options as well. Nikko is a excellent break from city life with its giant gates, ancient mosses, stone lanterns, and beautiful waterfalls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there are many ways of getting from Tokyo to Nikko by train.
Stop 1: Shinkyo Bridge
Walk over the famous Shinkyo Bridge which is located at the entrance to Nikko’s shrines and temples.
Stop 2: Rinnoji Temple
Next is the Rinnoji Temple, home to the three Buddha statues. This temple was founded by the Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to Nikko in the 8th century.
Stop 3: Toshogu Shrine
Make your way to the Toshogu Shrine which is perhaps the most famous shrine in Nikko. Here, you will find the “Three Wise Monkeys”: see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
Stop 4: Futarasan-jinja Shrine
Another notable stop is Futarasan-jinja Shrine. It is dedicated to the deity of Mt. Futarasan and represents the spiritual heart of Nikko.
Day 5: Kyoto (North Side)
Wake up early, and take the 7:00/7:30am bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto! You’ll arrive around 10:30am, and you’ll want to find a coin locker or a hotel to store your luggage for the day. Note that unlike Tokyo, public transportation in Kyoto mostly depends on buses rather than trains, so expect transportation time around the city to take a little longer. If you’re traveling with a big group, consider booking a tour with a guide or a customizable tour!
Stop 1: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This is one of the most photographed areas in Kyoto — a wide angle lens on your phone or camera will help you capture the towering bamboo trees. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk through the forest, so you can spend time taking photos here.
Stop 2: Iwatayama Monkey Park
Located about 15-20 minutes away by walking is the Iwatayama Monkey Park. The entrance to the park is near the orange shrine gate at the south side of the Togetsu-kyo Bridge. This park is home to 120 snow monkeys, which are also called Japanese Macaque — they are the monkeys that always appear in pictures of hot springs.
Stop 3: Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Take the bus from the park to the Kinkaku-ji Temple. This is a very famous temple in Japan because the top two stories are completely covered in gold leaf!
Some other fun activities include a traditional tea ceremony, a sake tasting, or a night foodie tour!
Day 6: Kyoto (East Side, Part 1)
Stop 1: Fushimi Inari-taisha Gates
The Fushimi Inari-taisha Gates is another iconic spot in Kyoto. It is known for its thousands of bright red Torii gates that line the way up to the summit of the sacred Mount Inari. The gates represent the door between the secular world and the spiritual world of the Shinto religion.
Stop 2: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple known as the “Temple of the Pure Water Spring.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its three-story pagoda that towers over the city.
Stop 3: Nishiki Market
You have to stop by Nishiki Market for the amazing food! There are hundreds of food stalls selling all kinds of street food as well as delicacies. One of the most famous foods there is the tako tamako, a baby octopus stuffed with a quail egg and seasoned with soy sauce!
Stop 4: Tetsugaku-no-michi (Philosopher's Path)
This has to be one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in the spring. Cherry blossom trees line the pedestrian-only stone path stretching along a canal, and it takes about 30 minutes to walk the entire path.
Day 7: Kyoto (East Side, Part 2)
There’s a lot to do in Kyoto, so it’s good to break it up into more than one day.
Stop 1: Ninenzaka
Ninenzaka is a traditional Japanese street with pedestrian-only cobblestone roads that connect a few temples, and the street is lined with small restaurants and shops. You might see Japanese people dressed up in kimono or yukata here. If you’re up for it, wake up early and come here for a picturesque sunrise.
Stop 2: Pontocho Alley
This is another famous alley located in the Gion district that is lined with small shops and restaurants in traditional wooden buildings. There are often geishas walking around in the evenings, and many people like to go to the tea houses here.
Stop 3: Maruyama Park
Check out Maruyama Park, especially in the spring, to see the huge weeping sakura tree accented with night lighting during full bloom. It is a large green area with many gardens, restaurants, and places to sit. You’ll find many people walking around and having picnics here.
Day 8: Nara (Day Trip)
Nara is a great day trip from Kyoto as it only takes one hour to get there if you take the JR Nara Line express train from Kyoto station.
Stop 1: Nara Park
The first thing you’ll probably notice is the deer! There are deer everywhere, and they’re extremely kind and friendly to people. You can buy crackers to feed them from vendors on the street. Make sure to try the famous mochi shop nearby called Nakatanidou Mochi! They have mochi-pounding demonstrations (mochitsuki) about every half hour, and it’s so cool to see how coordinated they are — their hands are so fast! If you wait to buy the mochi from the demo, you’ll be able to get the freshest mochi, super warm and soft.
Stop 2: Todai-Ji
Todai-ji is a Buddhist temple with one of the tallest Buddha statues in all of Japan, standing at 15 meters tall. This temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop 3: Kasuga-Taisha Shrine
You’ve probably seen dozens of shrines at this point, but Kasuga-Taisha Shrine is the most important shrine in Nara. It is dedicated to the deity responsible for protecting the city, and it’s famous for the 3000 bronze lanterns that decorate the outside.
Day 9: Osaka (Day Trip)
Osaka is super close to Kyoto, so you can see it in a day trip. If you have the JR Pass, take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, and you’ll arrive in 15 minutes!
Stop 1: Osaka Castle
This five-story castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, and it is surrounded by a large park and picnic area. For a panoramic view of the city, climb the stairs or take the elevator up to the observation deck at the top of the castle.
Stop 2: Dotonbori Street
Head to Dotonbori Street for the best food and cool attractions! This is the area with the famous animated billboards, one well-known one being the Glico Man.
Make sure to try the takoyaki (left image), okonomiyaki (right image), and udon as those are the most famous dishes from Osaka. If you want recommendations from a local, try a local foodie tour or a bar-hopping tour!
Day 10: Back to Tokyo!
After nine days of fun, it’s time to head back to Tokyo! The fastest Shinkansen (Nozomi) will get you from Kyoto to Tokyo in 2 hours and 20 minutes, but this line is not covered by the JR Rail Pass. To use the pass, take the next fastest Shinkansen, the Hikari line, which will get you there in 2 hours and 40 minutes. You may want to consider using a luggage delivery service if you have a lot of luggages with you — they are usually very affordable, and your hotel concierge can help you arrange it!
Happy Traveling!
Hope you have an amazing time in Japan! If you purchase or book something using the links in this guide, I earn a small commission, but you pay the same price — If you found this itinerary useful, consider using my links to support this blog, and feel free to share the guide with a friend! Thank you for your support.
