You’ve been dreaming of Japan. Maybe it’s the glowing cityscapes of Tokyo, the matcha cafes of Kyoto, or the bowing deer in Nara. And now you’ve got 10 days. That’s enough to taste the best of it—from mountains to megacities, shrines to sushi trains.
This Japan travel itinerary was built for the curious. If it’s your first time in Japan, we’ve done the trial and error so you don’t have to. Forget endless scrolling on travel forums. This Japan 10 day trip we actually lived—and now it’s yours to follow. So zip that backpack, grab a JR Pass, and let’s get moving.
Let’s roll out the list of 10 days in Japan Itinerary!
We landed in Narita and took the Skyliner to Shinjuku—fast, smooth, and dropped us right into the action. It was loud, bright, and exactly what we wanted. Checked into a capsule hotel—clean, cosy, and surprisingly comfy.
By afternoon, we tackled Shibuya Crossing, Japan’s rush-hour madness in the best way. The Hachiko Statue was a quick photo stop, and then we wandered into Harajuku for crepes, neon socks, and loud fashion. Finished the night slurping spicy ramen in a solo booth at Ichiran—a must. If you're wondering where to start your 10 days in Japan itinerary, this is the perfect energy boost.
Mornings in Tokyo are calm. We started at Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, walking through its giant lantern gate. The scent of incense, the gold trim, the quiet prayers—it hits differently. We picked up lucky charms and shared a warm melon bun from a street vendor.
After that, we rode up the Tokyo Skytree—floor-to-ceiling windows showing the entire city. Then straight into the buzz of Akihabara, Tokyo’s anime and gadget capital. Arcades, themed cafes, and rare manga. By evening, we were chasing sushi on a conveyor belt and loving every second. If you're building your 10 days in Japan itinerary, make sure Akihabara and Skytree are on the Tokyo checklist.
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Left Tokyo behind for a day trip to Nikko. Just two hours on the limited express train and everything felt older. Colder. Sacred. We walked up to Toshogu Shrine, surrounded by mossy stones and towering cedars. The detail on the carvings was unreal.
Next, we took a local bus to Kegon Falls, where water dropped straight off a cliff into deep green. Photos don’t do it justice. Lunch was soba noodles at a family-run shop near the station. Then back to Tokyo by sunset.
A short hop on the Romancecar train took us to Hakone—steam in the air, sulphur in our noses. We cruised across Lake Ashi on a pirate-style ship with Fuji in the background (finally!). The best shot came from the Hakone Ropeway.
We stopped at Owakudani Valley to try black eggs cooked in volcanic heat—locals say eating one adds seven years to your life. That night, we stayed in a ryokan and soaked in a private onsen under the stars.
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Took the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto—silent, smooth, and fast. By sunrise, we were walking through the orange tunnels of Fushimi Inari Shrine. It felt like walking through a spell. Quiet, endless gates and fox statues guiding the path.
In the afternoon, we wandered the Gion district. Spotted a geisha from a distance and took part in a tea ceremony. Dinner was a tofu hotpot near Pontocho Alley, right by the river. Kyoto is a cultural gem on your 10 days in Japan itinerary, offering moments of calm and beauty.
An easy morning train to Nara brought us to the land of deer. Hundreds of them roamed freely at Nara Park. Buy some deer crackers and they’ll bow before you for a bite—it’s wild. We walked into Todai-ji Temple, home to one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world. It’s humbling.
Tried sweet mochi from a vendor who pounded rice right in front of us. Headed back to Kyoto by early evening and watched locals light incense by the riverside.
Osaka hit us like caffeine. Noisy, fast, and flavourful. We explored the grounds of Osaka Castle first—stone walls, cherry trees, and wide moats. Then we made our way to Dotonbori, where every sign screamed for attention.
We tried takoyaki, grilled squid balls served scorching hot, and okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake stacked with toppings. At night, we watched a street performer juggle knives under neon lights. Osaka never stops.
Took the early Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Walked through Peace Memorial Park, past the A-Bomb Dome, and sat quietly by the flame. It was a hard, necessary visit. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum gave us more than facts—it gave us pause.
We took a ferry to Miyajima Island. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine was glowing under the setting sun. Dinner was Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki—layered, loaded, and unforgettable.
Quick stop at Himeji to see Japan’s most famous castle. Himeji Castle stood tall and white against the sky. We climbed to the top, passed arrow slits, and imagined samurai walking those halls.
Lunch was a bento box on the train—simple, tasty, and neatly packed. We reached back to Tokyo by night, just in time for a calm dinner in Ginza.
We saved our last day for some quiet shopping and reflection. Wandered through Ueno Park, bought souvenirs in Ameya-Yokocho, and had one final sushi fix at Tsukiji Outer Market. Our bags were full, our feet sore, and our heads spinning with stories.
Where to Stay in Japan – Best Picks by City
| City | Best Area to Stay | Why Stay Here? | Ideal For |
| Tokyo | Shinjuku | Lively nightlife, endless food, shopping, city buzz | Night owls, first-time visitors |
| Asakusa | Close to temples, old-world charm, traditional vibes | Culture lovers, slow travellers | |
| Shibuya | Trendy, youthful, full of fashion and photo ops | Young travellers, trend-watchers | |
| Kyoto | Near Kyoto Station | Easy train access, central location, great for day trips | Fast movers, temple-hoppers |
| Osaka | Namba | Famous for street food, Dotonbori lights, shopping | Foodies, entertainment seekers |
| Umeda | Major transport hub, upscale shops and city views | Shoppers, business + leisure mix | |
| Hakone | Traditional Ryokan | Relaxing hot springs (onsen), mountain scenery | Couples, slow travellers, unwinders |
| Hiroshima | Peace Park Area | Close to memorial sites, ferry to Miyajima nearby | History buffs, reflective stays |
Look for capsule hotels, guesthouses, or hostels if you’re planning a Japan budget itinerary.
Trains: The Shinkansen (bullet train) is the quickest way to travel between cities. Use a JR Pass for long distances. Within cities, metros and local trains are convenient and efficient.
This is your all-in-one Japan transportation guide. Reliable. Punctual. Worth every yen.
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Q1: Is 10 days enough for Japan?
A. Yes, with good planning. Stick to this itinerary for the best balance of culture, food, and city life.
Q2: How much should I budget for 10 days in Japan?
A. For mid-range travel, around £100–£120 per day. Go cheaper with hostels and local meals.
Q3: Should I get a JR Pass?
A. Yes, if you’re visiting multiple cities. It’s a must-have for a 10-day plan.
Q4: Is Japan safe for solo travellers?
A. Japan is clean, safe, and respectful—perfect for solo and first-time travellers.
Q5: What’s the best season to visit Japan?
A. Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms or autumn (October–November) for fiery leaves.
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