Japan is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world, offering a unique combination of ancient tradition and technological modernity. In 10 days, it's possible to cover the country's main destinations, from the capital Tokyo to the cultural heart of Kyoto, through the Mount Fuji region, the charming deer park in Nara and the vibrant city of Osaka.
This itinerary was designed to make the most of each destination without unnecessary rush, with strategic connections via the country's train system (including the Shinkansen). The Tokyo → Hakone → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka sequence is the most efficient geographically and allows for a natural progression between the different styles of each region.
10-day Japan itinerary: day-by-day overview
Day-by-day itinerary
- 3 days in Tokyo, Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku and Skytree
- 1 day in Hakone and Mount Fuji, day trip from Tokyo
- 3 days in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari, Gion, Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji
- 1 day in Nara, deer park and Todai-ji
- 2 days in Osaka, Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and Umeda
Days 1 to 3: Tokyo
Tokyo deserves at least 3 days. The city combines historic neighbourhoods like Asakusa with ultra-modern areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku. With over 13 million residents in the city and nearly 40 million in the metropolitan area, it is one of the largest and most organised metropolises on the planet.
Day 1: Asakusa and east Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple and one of the most visited in Japan. Arrive early to enjoy a quieter atmosphere. Nakamise Street, leading up to the temple, is great for souvenirs and traditional sweets.
Ueno Park, museums, zoo and green spaces. Ideal for an afternoon stroll.
Akihabara, geek neighbourhood with electronics, anime, manga and themed cafés.
Tokyo Skytree (evening), one of the tallest observation decks in the world. At night, the view of illuminated Tokyo is extraordinary.
Day 2: Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku
Shibuya Crossing, start the day at the world's most famous intersection. The Hachiko statue is right at the station exit.
Harajuku, Meiji Shrine in the forest, followed by Takeshita Street with its young and creative fashion.
Shinjuku (afternoon and evening), skyscrapers, izakayas, the lit-up Kabukicho and Golden Gai for those who want to explore historic corridor bars.
Day 3: Tsukiji, Ginza and Odaiba
Tsukiji (outer market), fresh seafood first thing in the morning. One of Tokyo's best gastronomic experiences.
Ginza, sophisticated street with modern architecture and designer stores.
Odaiba, artificial island in the bay with city views, interactive museums and a life-size Gundam robot.
Day 4: Hakone and Mount Fuji
Hakone is about 1h30 from Tokyo and is the best spot to see Mount Fuji without climbing it. On clear days, the reflection of the mountain in Lake Ashi is one of Japan's most iconic images.
Lake Ashi, boat cruise with views of Mount Fuji.
Hakone Ropeway, panoramic views over the volcanic valley.
Owakudani, active volcanic area with sulphur vapours and the famous black eggs cooked in volcanic water (kurotamago).
At the end of the day, take the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto (about 2 hours).
Days 5 to 7: Kyoto
Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan. A former imperial capital for over 1,000 years, the city is home to dozens of temples and shrines listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as preserved neighbourhoods that maintain the traditional Japanese style.
Day 5: Fushimi Inari and Gion
Fushimi Inari Taisha, shrine with thousands of red torii gates forming corridors up the mountain. Arrive early or at the end of the day to avoid crowds.
Kiyomizu-dera, hillside temple with a large wooden platform and panoramic views of Kyoto.
Higashiyama, preserved neighbourhood with historic streets ideal for walking.
Gion (evening), the geisha district, with traditional architecture and a unique atmosphere at dusk.
Day 6: Arashiyama
Bamboo Grove, bamboo forest, one of Japan's most photogenic landscapes.
Tenryu-ji Temple, UNESCO Zen garden on the edge of the bamboo.
Katsura River, trails and bridges in a peaceful natural area.
Pontocho and Kawaramachi (evening), best restaurant and bar options in central Kyoto.
Day 7: Classic temples
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), covered in gold leaf, reflected in a lake. One of the most photographed temples in the world.
Ryoan-ji, famous for its rock zen garden, considered one of Japan's most significant.
Day 8: Nara
Nara is 45 minutes from Kyoto by train and is perfect for a full day. The city was Japan's first capital and still retains its unique historic atmosphere.
Nara Park, hundreds of sacred deer roam freely. You can feed them with biscuits sold by street vendors.
Todai-ji Temple, houses one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues. The main building is the largest wooden structure on the planet.
Kasuga Taisha, Shinto shrine with hundreds of stone lanterns along the access path.
In the late afternoon, take the train to Osaka (about 50 minutes).
Days 9 and 10: Osaka
Osaka rounds off the itinerary with energy and gastronomy. The city has a reputation for being the most laid-back in Japan, with incredible street food, vibrant nightlife and diverse attractions.
Day 9: Castle and Dotonbori
Osaka Castle, built in the 16th century, the castle is the city's historic symbol. The surrounding park is huge and pleasant for walking.
Shinsaibashi, Osaka's main covered shopping street, ideal for browsing and feeling the local rhythm.
Dotonbori (evening), Osaka's most famous street, with giant neon signs, the Glico Running Man and restaurants of every kind.
Day 10: Umeda and Shinsekai
Umeda Sky Building, observation deck with 360° views over Osaka. The Floating Garden Observatory is one of the most beautiful in the country.
Shinsekai, retro neighbourhood with the Tsutenkaku tower and kushikatsu restaurants (breaded skewers). A completely different atmosphere from the modern city centre.
Tennoji, park, zoo and modern shopping centre to wrap up the itinerary at a leisurely pace.
Planning your Japan trip: essential tips
Before starting your Japan itinerary, it's important to understand some practical aspects of the trip. Despite being an extremely organised country, Japan has some particularities around transport, payments and communication that make a real difference to the experience.
Essential apps
- Google Maps, main app for transport and routes
- Google Translate, helps with menus and communication
- Suica or Pasmo, digital cards for public transport
- Japan Travel (Navitime), detailed train routes
Internet in Japan
- Internet works normally, no restrictions
- Recommended to use eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi
- Public Wi-Fi exists but is not always reliable
- Having constant internet makes navigation much easier
How to pay
- Cash is still widely used
- Cards accepted in most places, but not always
- ATMs don't always accept international cards
- Always carry some yen for small expenses
Getting around Japan
- Shinkansen (bullet train), main option between cities
- Local trains, efficient within cities
- IC cards, simplify all transit payments
- Domestic flights, only useful for longer distances