The Ultimate 10-Day Japan Tour Itinerary

On the surface, Japan seems to be very modern country, yet scratch a little deeper and you’ll find that travelling around the country offers countless opportunities to engage with the nation’s rich cultural heritage. You can sleep on futons and tatami mats in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) and make your way to an onsen; you can experience meditation with monks or make a foam of bitter matcha (powdered green tea;) you can even delve into the lives of the ancient samurai and ninjas. Japan has the potential to fascinate even the most seasoned traveller, with the splendour of a Kyoto Geisha performance to the simple beauty of a Zen rock garden, and our Local Designers have designed a 10-day Japan tour for the perfect introduction to this vivid, diverse country!

This 10-day Japan tour itinerary offers up the top tips to make the most out of this extraordinary country. Ten days is more than enough for a first-time visitor, but if you have a few more days, you could easily stretch this schedule to two weeks in Japan or skip one or two destinations if you just have a week in Japan.

Before You Visit Japan: Top Tips

Japan is a remarkable country with a perfect combination of cutting-edge technology ahead of the rest of the world and centuries-old customs and shrines, all surrounded by stunning scenery and a world-class cuisine. This mash-up of traditions and beliefs has its own set of dos and don’ts. Even though Japan is well-known for its structure, it has its own set of standards and norms, just like any other society.

Norms in Japan;

• Tipping is not expected, and rarely practiced. And if you tip too much, the waiter may give the money back, believing that you have made a mistake.
• Japanese people are typically respectful, and they frequently control the level of their voices; in public places, you will typically only hear whispers or utter quiet, and public transport tends to be very quiet!
• The same goes for pointing, which is frowned upon in Japan, and photographing individuals without their permission. The general accepted tradition is to take off your shoes when you enter someone’s house.
• Many establishments in Japan do not provide English translations of things (even though many Japanese people speak very good English).
• Unlike other parts of the world, cash is king; few places allow credit cards, so be sure you have sufficient cash.

If you would like to learn more about the Japanese traditions whilst travelling the country, check our fully-customisable 16-Day Shogun and Samurai Roads Tour.

Trips you may like

9-Day Authentic Samurai and Sake Experience

This 9-day trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will immerse you in rich history and culture, as you uncover two of the things that make Japan truly unique; Sake and Samurai. When it comes to Sake, you’ll learn about the various processes behind making sake and the unique properties that make each style of sake different – and just how many different ways there are as you explore local sake breweries throughout Niigata and Yamagata. Now, it is time for your first introduction to the history of the Samurai. You’ll start in Nagoya and head out to Inuyama, where your swordsmith training will begin. Beginning with an exploration of Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s five national treasures, you will then spend the next two days learning the art of sword-making, its importance in Samurai and Japanese culture, its origins and the training behind it. Next, you will have the rare opportunity to meet with katana artisans in their own ateliers, where you will watch their crafts being practised firsthand and learn the history of their trade. You’ll visit a tsukamakishi (hilt-wrapper), a shiroganeshi (habaki-maker), a sayashi (scabbard-maker), and a togishi (sword polisher), and might even see their own personal antique collections on this tour! This bucket-list trip captures the heart and history of Japan; Samurai and Sake, but also allows you time to explore the spiritual side of Japan, following walking trails to temples, meeting extraordinary locals and embracing the culture of this unique destination. Accommodation listed or similar.

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6-Day Tradition Meets Future in Tokyo & Kyoto

Japan is a real feast for all of your senses, with sumo, geisha, sake, karaoke, onsen, and izakaya waiting to be discovered. Spend six days exploring the highlights of this enthralling country, centred around Japan’s two major cities, Tokyo and Kyoto. Begin your trip with a guided tour of incredible Tokyo, where you will explore Tokyo’s dazzling lights, the Tsukji Market, famous for its tuna auctions and the ultra-cool shopping district of Shibuya, complete with a never-ending array of lights and mega-street crossings. Boarding the Shinkansen bullet train, you will travel at up to 320km/h from Tokyo to Kyoto in complete comfort. Arriving in Kyoto, you will be guided through the wonders of this city, visiting the famous Gion ‘Geisha’ district, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Nishiki Market, otherwise known as Kyoto’s kitchen! The highlight of this trip is a traditional group tea ceremony with an authentic Geisha, where you will learn the importance of this sacred Japanese ritual. Transferring back to Tokyo for the final leg of your journey, you will have the opportunity for last minute sightseeing and shopping before your private airport transfer! Thousands of years of history are concentrated in this fascinating nation – come and explore Japan’s attractions for yourself. Accommodation listed or similar.

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10-Day Nature and Unique Culture of Japan

This 10-day journey highlights the hotspots, hidden gems, nature and unique culture of Japan! Taking you through parts of modern Tokyo, to the traditional and historical former capital Kyoto, stopping along the way in the food and nightlife capital of Japan, Osaka. From the serenity of grand gardens to conveyor belt sushi restaurants at the top of skyscrapers; from the observation decks sprinkled around the city to the humble little ramen shops tucked away on side streets, it’s understandable why Tokyo is the most popular starting point for travellers coming to Japan. Tokyo is where you will uncover the hot-spots and the hidden gems of the city. Next stop, historic Kyoto. From your first day in Kyoto, you may very well feel the elegant ambience of a city entrenched in history. Here you will be immersed in Japan’s culture with a local guide, exploring the beautiful scenery that is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, taking part in a traditional tea-ceremony and wandering amongst free-roaming deer in nearby Nara . Known by many as the food capital of Japan, the city of Osaka, your next stop is bright, vivacious, and friendly, however it also has a historical side. Here, you will explore Osaka Castle, a monument that played an integral role in the unification of Japan, before strolling down Dotonbori, where you can see the popular Glico running man display and try out Osaka’s signature foods: Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki. This trip is the perfect trip for travellers looking for a combination of Japanese culture, nature and food. Accommodation listed or similar.

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14-Day Highlights of Japan: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto & Osaka

Embark on a two-week trip that covers all the major Japan highlights! From historical to modern, from urban to rural; you can enjoy the great diversity of Japan. In each area, local guides will show you the highlights of the region and introduce the local culture. The trip starts in Tokyo, the current capital of Japan. You will receive an introduction to Japanese culture and learn about modern Japanese life. Then, you’ll visit Hakone where you can appreciate a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji. You’ll then venture out to the countryside of Takayama, which is a small rural town with its own unique culture and traditions. From Takayama, you will visit Shirakawago, which is a well-preserved old folk village by car. Then, you’ll head to north to Kanazawa, a city produced by the Samurai which is home to the most beautiful Japanese garden. You will then visit Kyoto, one of the most beautiful cities in Japan and the mecca of Japanese culture. Here, you can experience authentic Japanese things such as food, culture, temples, art, gardens, crafts and more. You’ll then travel to Nara by train or car. Nara is an older city than Kyoto and it was the centre of Japanese religion and academia. Finally, you’ll head west to Osaka, the second biggest city in Japan. Osaka is famous as a paradise of street food with very open-minded and friendly local people! Geographically, Osaka is very close to Kyoto, but you will find a huge difference between them. From Osaka, you will take a day trip to Hiroshima by bullet train before heading back to Tokyo where your trip will come to an end!

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Japan’s Top Destinations

There are many beautiful sites and fascinating things to see and do in Japan during your 10-day Japan tour. From traditional villages to historical pagodas, active volcanos and national parks, it is impossible to visit them all in ten days, but they are certainly worth it if you revisit Japan or have an additional day.

Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are the “big three” cities to visit in Japan. If you have time or an additional day in one of the main three cities and can take a day excursion out of town, Mt Fuji, Nara, Hiroshima, Nagasaki are all worth visiting.

If you don’t have ten days but still want to make the most out of your time in Japan with unique experiences, you should consider these trips:

• If you are into art, this 7-Day Art-Focused Tour in Shikoku might be perfect for you.
• Getting married soon? Customise this 7-Day Japan Honeymoon trip!
• Love the great outdoors? Have a look at this 6-Day Nature Lovers Tour of Shikoku
• Fascinated by Japan’s recent history? You will enjoy this 4-Day Samurai Craft tour

How to Travel in Japan: It’s All About Rail

Travelling by rail between cities in Japan is the most convenient option. The most cost-effective way to get train tickets is to buy a Japan Rail Pass, which permits you to travel on any JR train for a certain number of days (7, 14, or 21 days), including the high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains.

You must purchase this pass before you arrive in Japan, and it will be sent to you to carry with you. The purchase of this rail pass is an initial expenditure, but if you use it for two trips between cities, you will have saved money. The rail pass makes travelling throughout the country worry-free and straightforward, as it eliminates the need to book tickets for each train or transit between cities. But don’t worry, our local designers can organise the rail pass as part of designing your perfect itinerary.

Introducing The Ultimate 10-Day Japan Tour Itinerary

Days 1-3: Tokyo

The first destination on any 10-day Japan tour will most likely be Tokyo. Tokyo offers it all: temples and shrines, beautiful parks and amazing food, and rich history and culture. The city’s contrasts will surely strike you, from the bustle of Shibuya Crossing and beauty of iconic Tokyo Tower to the quiet and zen of Yoyogi Park. The easiest way to explore the city is on foot with a local guide.

Visit Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market was formerly one of the world’s largest fish marketplaces in Tokyo, Japan, and even globally. The market was so vast and spanned so much room both indoors and out that it was relocated to a much larger location in October 2018. The outside sector of Tsukiji is still worth the trip for the atmosphere and feel of a part of the market operating since 1935.

Toyosu Fish Market is the new market’s name, which comprises over 600 businesses that relocated from the former location, stores, restaurants, and a tuna bidding. This market has surpassed Tsukiji Fish Market’s previous record as the largest fish market globally.

The best way to visit the market is by going with a local guide, who will help you choose the freshest ingredients, like on this 2-Day Tokyo Private Tour.

Buddhist Temple Senso-ji

The Senso-ji Buddhist Temple, one of the city’s most colourful, oldest, and most visited temples, is your second destination on day one of the schedule. The temple was finished in 645AD for Kannon’s goddess. When you arrive at the Shrine, you will enter by the Kaminarimon gate, the temple’s outer entrance.

Through the gate lies a 200-metre commercial lane named Nakamise, a historical monument where locals sell traditional goods such as sweets, souvenirs, and folding fans. The main hall and the five floors of the pagoda are placed outside the Hozomon Gate in the next section of the temple.

Harajuku

Tokyo is ideal for a culinary tour, as the city is brimming with excellent cuisine. Harajuku is a terrific destination for a food tour with regional snacks, inventive pastries, one-of-a-kind sweets, and wild meals.

After a morning spent exploring Harajuku, it’s time to unwind at Yoyogi Park and stroll among the ponds, as well as picnic areas. The Cat Cafe Mocha is an excellent place to stop for lunch, where you may eat or drink while cuddling the cats.

The Tokyo National Museum, which houses over 110,000 distinct artworks and ancient relics, is an excellent destination to visit in the afternoon. The museum is housed in six buildings and has a wide range of exhibits and galleries in a picturesque location.

Robot Restaurant & Show

The Robot Restaurant and Show, located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, is unlike anything else in the world, with rainbow lamps and music blaring everywhere. Even the building’s outside is distinctive, with robots and neon lights in the windows. You venture down a lengthy neon hallway into the bar when you enter the building while waiting to enter the main door.

The event is unlike anything else with drummers, clowns, glow sticks, and robots. The event lasts an hour and a half, and spectators will be entertained throughout in ways they have never experienced before.

Visit Nikko

Nikko, located north of Tokyo, is mainly comprised of a national park and is best known for its magnificent temple of Toshogu and the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu. For centuries, the national park has been known as a Buddhist and Shinto worship centre. It features lakes, waterfalls, walks, hot springs, hikes, and animals.

Nikko is a terrific destination to explore, go out into nature, and learn about Japan outside Tokyo. If you would like to spend more days in nature, this 4-Day Nikko National Park Exploration Tour From Tokyo might be the perfect fit for you.

Try Karaoke

Karaoke is a typical night-time activity in Japan. In Japanese culture, people entertain their guests with singing, and karaoke seems to be the perfect choice for their passion for entertainment and creativity.

Tokyo features a plethora of karaoke establishments ranging from single-person booths to karaoke nightclubs with live music and private karaoke low-key gatherings.

Eat Sushi

You can’t visit Japan without trying the country’s most famous cuisine, Japanese sushi. Sushi is available in every part of Tokyo, with a wide range of options ranging from classic to sushi rolls rolled in algae and deep-fried dumplings.

Day 4: Mount Fuji

Taking a Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo may be the ideal option for you if you don’t want to deal with all of the planning and transportation yourself or if you don’t want to worry about missing your ride back to Tokyo.

Mount Fuji is less than two hours’ drive from Tokyo so makes it the perfect addition to your 10-day Japan tour. There are numerous attractive spots to visit to draw cultural and environmental enthusiasts. A visit to this region is also an excellent way to break your stay in Tokyo and get away from the city’s hustle and bustle for a day.

The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is where Mount Fuji is located, and it’s only around 100 kilometres from Tokyo. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 and has long been a popular day excursion from Tokyo. Most day tours to Mount Fuji from Tokyo will also take you to Lake Kawaguchiko or Hakone since they are the most accessible from Tokyo.

Days 5-7: Kyoto

Kyoto is a unique city, and you will undoubtedly love your visit here. You may visit Kyoto in a single day, but we suggest you spend at least three beautiful days in Kyoto during your 10-day Japan tour.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Begin your day early to see Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. This Instagrammable bamboo grove is a famous tourist destination. The best time to visit Bamboo Forest is to snap those beautiful photos as soon as possible in the day, before the main crowds arrive. You may also spend a little time in this region travelling off the usual route to see some stunning views.

Taking the JR Rail from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station is the quickest and easiest method to get to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Trains begin running at 7.08 am and run every 30 minutes. It takes roughly 20 minutes to get there. The Bamboo Forest is a ten-minute walk from the railway station and is very well sign-posted.

Arashiyama also has a lot to offer in terms of activities. The temples in the vicinity are gorgeous, and the Kameyama Koen Park is a must-see sanctuary. In the winter, you can even find snow monkeys. Some paths lead you around the region and offer beautiful views.

Tenryu-Ji Temple is a popular tourist destination in Arashiyama. We would also recommend Nison-In Temple, well-known for its maple trees.

You can also visit the Otago Nenbutsu-ji Temple and its 1200 sculptures. This temple is rarely frequented, yet it is a one-of-a-kind destination.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Temple is situated atop Mt Inari, a 233-metre peak that takes around three hours to reach. This well-known temple is accessible through the Fushimi Inari Station. The path from the station to the Shrine is well sign-posted. The Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions, and as a result, will be popular. Our advice is to avoid trying to capture pictures immediately when you arrive, where the main crowds are. You will be able to photograph the tori gates as they loop around the shrine if you walk a little distance from the entrance.

There are approximately 10,000 gates, so you’ll be able to find a location away from the crowds. Another alternative is to arrive later in the evening when the main crowds tend to dissipate .

Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji is a two-story gold-covered Buddhist temple. That’s two whole storeys plated in gold — a Kyoto Temple which you need to see to believe. If you want an iconic shot with the temple, you’ll need to arrive early to avoid the crowds, similar to the other tourist attractions in Kyoto.

Day 8: Nara

Nara is one of the best day trips from Kyoto. The two cities are only 35 kilometres apart, and thanks to Japan’s perfect public transport system, you can ride a high-speed train between them in 35 to 45 minutes, according to which train line you take.

Nara was previously known as Heijo when it was created in 710 as Japan’s oldest permanent capital, instead of the usual practice of moving the capital with each monarch. As a result, Nara is home to some of Japan’s oldest temples and ancient artefacts meaning it is well worth the detour.

Days 9-10: Osaka

With Universal Studios, the Kaiyukan Aquarium, and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, a trip to Osaka Bay is a terrific way to start your time in this beautiful city. After all that exploring, it’s time for some food, and an excellent spot to stop is the Tempozan Marketplace (near the Ferris wheel), which has food vendors and food stalls with both Western and Asian cuisine.

A fun traditional thing to do in the city is a Bunraku, a Japanese puppet theatre founded in Osaka. This art form is a fascinating spectacle to watch, with giant puppets telling stories from history and mythology; with performances typically running for  two hours.

A go-karting trip around Osaka is a thrilling and unique way to view the city. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity allows you to visit the city’s key attractions, gorgeous surroundings and even dress up in Mario costumes.

The Namba Yasaka Shrine has a lion-shaped face that you can approach; it is claimed to ward off evil spirits and bring only good fortune. After touring the temple, why not sample Okonomiyaki, a Japanese pancake, comparable to pizza that can be topped with cabbage, pork, and other delicious ingredients.

Osaka Castle was completed in 1931 and traces back to 1583; it is a spectacular sight to visit on day two in Osaka. Visitors can take the lift to the top of the tower to see the stunning views of the city. Some of the highlights of Osaka are found in this 7-Days Essentials of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto Tour.

Plan Your 10-Day Japan Tour!

Are you ready to explore Japan’s major cities on an exciting tour to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto? Travel between Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto to learn about Japan’s history, culture, and architecture.

Mount Fuji, soaking in a traditional onsen, seeing one of the country’s oldest temples, and learning the traditions of traditional tea ceremonies are just a few of the highlights you can experience during your trip to Japan!

Intrigued by Other Unique Japan Trips?

Explore our gallery of fully-customisable 10-day Japan tour to get started. Our Local Designers in Japan have handled all of the necessities to get you started, from city escapes to national parks and can customise any of these trips to suit your budget, travel style and interests.

Know what you’re looking for? Tap ‘Design Your Own Trip,’ answer a few simple questions and provide our expert Local Designers with as much information as you like. They’ll then get to work designing your perfect Japan trip built to fit all of your interests and travel requirements!