10 Day Japan Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for First Timers (With Tips & Map)

From historic temples to futuristic skyscrapers, tranquil gardens, neon-lit streets, time-honored traditions, and cutting-edge technology, every corner of Japan offers something unique to discover.

And while exploring Japan is an experience like no other, planning your first trip here can definitely feel a little overwhelming – trust me, I’ve been there!

Luckily for you, I’m here to help! 

After spending the past two years living and traveling across Japan, I’ve put together the perfect 10-day route to help you make the most of your visit.

This itinerary hits all the major highlights, while still giving you enough flexibility to soak up Japan’s charm at your own pace. 

Over the next 10 days, we’ll explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Tokyo, wander through Kyoto’s iconic temples, take a day trip to Nara’s famous deer park, and wrap up with the bustling energy (and amazing food!) of Osaka.

Sound good? Then let’s dive right in and discover the perfect 10 day itinerary for Japan!

During both of these seasons, you’re likely to encounter mild temperatures, minimal rain, and plenty of sunshine.

That said, spring and fall are also peak travel seasons for the country. So, you should expect larger crowds and longer wait times – especially during cherry blossom season.

If you wish to avoid this, consider visiting in winter. While temperatures will certainly be colder, the country is typically less crowded and offers more affordable prices.

As an added bonus, your chances of seeing Mt. Fuji increase significantly during the winter months!

And finally, we have summer, which I honestly don’t recommend – at least not for this itinerary.

Summer in Japan is not only hot and humid, it’s also when the country experiences its rainy season. So, it’s best to avoid this, if at all possible.

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit Japan around the holidays, be sure to set aside some time to check out the local Christmas markets!

There are two international airports here for you to choose from – Haneda Airport (HND) and Narita International Airport (NRT).

Generally speaking, international flights traveling from the United States and Europe transit through Narita. While, those coming from Asia typically fly into Haneda.

While it does take a bit longer to travel from the airport to downtown Tokyo, there are several transportation options available for you to choose from.

Below, I’ve provided a quick breakdown of how you can get around Japan, both locally and between cities!

While you can purchase individual transit tickets as you go, I recommend using an IC Card instead.

These prepaid, refillable transportation passes are valid on most forms of local transit across the country – so you only need one for your entire trip!

You can purchase them upon arrival at the airport or from any major train station. 

Or, alternatively, if you have an iPhone, you can download an IC Card directly to your Apple Wallet. Unfortunately, this option isn’t available yet for Android users.

While you can use IC Cards to travel aboard most regional trains, they are not valid on the Shinkansen. So, you’ll need to purchase separate tickets if you plan to travel by bullet train.

You can pre-book Shin tickets online or purchase them upon arrival at the train station. Although, I do suggest booking them in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the busy season.

Pro Tip: While the Japan Rail Pass (which is a combo pass for the bullet train) is a great option for those traveling to multiples destinations, I don’t recommend it for this 10 day itinerary. Simply put, it’s much more cost-effective to purchase your tickets separately.

From ancient shrines and colorful temples to bustling shopping districts, expansive parks, cutting-edge museums, and buzzing nightlife, this city truly has something for everyone!

And, while you could easily spend weeks (possibly months) exploring all that Tokyo has to offer, four days should give you just enough time to get a feel for the city.

For this itinerary, I recommend spending three days exploring the city’s most popular districts. Then, on your fourth day, you can venture outside of the city on a day trip.

• Shinjuku: This lively district is packed with plenty of things to do. Here, you can take a peaceful stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, appreciate the panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and snap a photo with the iconic Godzilla Head in Kabukicho. At night, head to Omoide Yokocho or Golden Gai for tiny alleyway bars and a unique look at Tokyo nightlife.
• Shibuya: Home to the famous Shibuya Crossing (yes, it’s as chaotic as it looks!), this area is a hub of energy and youth culture. Don’t miss the sky-high views from Shibuya Sky, pay a visit to the peaceful Meiji Shrine, and explore the nearby neighborhoods of Harajuku and Omotesando for trendy fashion and cute cafes.
• Central Tokyo: Want to mix tradition with modern flair? Central Tokyo has you covered. You can walk around the Imperial Palace, visit the tucked-away Hie Shrine, get that classic skyline view from Tokyo Tower, and sample delicious street food at the Tsukiji Outer Market. For something truly unique, visit the immersive art exhibitions at teamLab Planets or teamLab Borderless. 
• Asakusa: Step back in time in Asakusa, home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest and most famous temple. Along the way, you’ll pass by Nakamise-dori, a street lined with traditional snacks and souvenirs. And if you’re up for more views, the Tokyo Skytree is just across the river!
• Ueno: If you’re into museums and parks, Ueno is your spot. Spend a couple of hours exploring Ueno Park, then check out a few of these popular museums: Tokyo National Museum, The National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and/or The National Museum of Western Art.
• Akihabara: This area is a must-visit for anime, manga, and gaming lovers. Popular destinations here include Radio Kaikan, known for its collectibles; Mandarake, popular for its rare manga; and Super Potato, the go-to spot for retro games. You’ll also find giant electronics stores here packed with the latest gadgets.
• Day Trip Options: If you’re looking to explore beyond the city, Tokyo has plenty of great day trip options! Popular picks include the historic town of Kamakura, the vibrant port city of Yokohama, the stunning natural beauty of Nikko National Park, scenic spots near Mount Fuji, and the unique charm (& wildlife!) of Nagano.

I find the area to be really convenient in terms of transportation, especially if you plan to take a few day trips outside of the city.

In addition to this, the area is home to numerous hotels as well as bars, restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers – which makes it an excellent option, especially for first-time visitors. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to check the distance from your hotel to the subway station! As long as you stay somewhere close to a subway stop you should be fine – regardless of the area!

As the former capital of the country (a position it held for over a thousand years!), the city is filled with ancient temples, sacred shrines, imperial palaces, and beautifully preserved traditional gardens.

Needless to say, there’s a lot to explore here – and you only have four days! So, it’s important to make every moment count!

For this itinerary, I recommend spending three days discovering the highlights of Kyoto. Then, on your fourth day, you can head out on a day trip to Nara!

You can take the Tokaido Shinkansen Line from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station directly to Kyoto Station.

Travel time for this varies from about 2 to 3.5 hours depending upon the specific train. 

• Appreciate Kyoto’s Shrines & Temples: Kyoto is home to so many temples and shrines that it would be impossible to list them all here! That aside, a few of the most notable include: the Golden Pavilion (aka Kinkaku-ji), the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless red torii gates, and Kiyomizu-dera, which offers stunning views of the city. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to also check out Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple and Nanzenji Temple. 
• Explore the Gion District: The historical heart of Kyoto, Gion is the place to go to soak up classic old-world Japanese charm. Here, you can wander through narrow alleyways like Shimbashi Street, visit local tea houses, and appreciate the views of Yasaka Pagoda. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha!
• Discover Kyoto’s Royal Past: As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is home to two important imperial sites – Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. While the Imperial Palace served as the emperor’s official residence for more than 500 years, Nijo Castle was home to Japan’s most famous shogun (aka warlord). 
• Visit Arashiyama District: Most famous for its beautiful bamboo groves, Arashiyama is the perfect nature-filled escape. Here, you can explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, go for a boat ride down the Hozugawa River, and observe free-roaming monkeys at the Monkey Park Iwatayama. 
• Head Out on a Day Trip to Nara: Located just 40 minutes from Kyoto, Nara is best known for its friendly, free-roaming deer (which are seriously adorable). But beyond the deer, the city is steeped in history and is home to some of Japan’s oldest and most significant cultural landmarks, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Its central location offers easy access to many of the city’s top attractions – not to mention public transportation here is widely and readily available.

On top of that, the downtown area is packed with a variety of hotels, restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, markets (including Nishiki Market!), and lively nightlife, making it an excellent option for first-time visitors. 

Here, you’ll find iconic landmarks, bustling districts, delectable street food, and vibrant nightlife. Not to mention easy access to several nearby destinations.

It goes without saying, but there’s a lot to experience here! So, it’s important to make the most of your time.

For this itinerary, I recommend spending one day exploring Osaka’s main attractions. Then, you can head out on the second day for a quick side trip to Himeji or Kobe.

Out of these two, I recommend taking the special rapid train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.

Not only is it more affordable, it’s still relatively fast offering travel times of about 30 minutes.  

The bullet train, on the other hand, is a bit faster, traveling from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station in about 15 minutes. However, it’s much more expensive.

Unless you have the Japan Rail Pass (which, again, I don’t recommend for this particular itinerary), the extra time saved usually isn’t worth the added expense.

• Discover Historical Landmarks: Osaka is home to some fascinating historical landmarks. While Osaka Castle is undoubtedly the city’s most famous (and rightly so), another one that I’d recommend is Shinsekai “New World” District, which features the famous Tsutenkaku Tower. This nostalgic, retro district offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century Japan.
• Explore the Minami District: Encompassing the areas of Namba, Dotonbori, and Shinsaibashi⁠, Minami is Osaka’s top shopping and entertainment hub. Here, you’ll find a variety of shopping malls, restaurants, bars, clubs, karaoke venues, and street food vendors. The area is even home to the city’s famous lion head shrine, Namba Yasaka Shrine.
• Visit Osaka’s Shrines & Temples: Speaking of shrines, Osaka features several historic religious sites. Some of the most notable include Shintenno-ji Temple, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, and Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, which is known for its beautiful and peaceful setting.
• Indulge in Osaka’s Street Food: Osaka is often called the “Kitchen of Japan,” and for good reason – the food here is incredible! Head to Kuromon Ichiba Market to sample some of the best street food in the city. And don’t forget about Dotonbori, which is known for its abundant street food vendors. 
• Venture Out on a Day Trip: Osaka offers easy access to two of my favorite cities – Himeji and Kobe. While Himeji is a small city known for its rich history and iconic castle, Kobe is a charming seaside destination celebrated for its laid-back atmosphere and incredible local cuisine. A visit to either (or both if you have extra time!) is sure to be exciting and memorable!

🌟For a more detailed guide on what to do in Osaka, be sure to check out my Osaka itinerary!

Both of these areas offer easy access to a variety of bars, clubs, restaurants, cafes, shopping streets, and (most importantly!) street food vendors.

In addition, public transportation is readily available – making it quite easy to get around and explore other parts of the city.

• Hiroshima & Miyajima Island: Head south of Osaka for a few days of exploration in Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Both destinations offer a mix of natural scenery, rich history, incredible cultural sites, and delectable local cuisine!
• Tokyo Extended: Prolong your stay in Tokyo and explore more of the city. A few additional attractions worth mentioning include the Tokyo Disney Resorts (encompassing Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea) and the Harry Potter Studio Tour.
• Osaka Extended: Similarly, you can extend your stay in Osaka to see more of the city and surrounding area. This is also a great option if you’re interested in visiting Universal Studios Japan.
• Kyushu: For a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, head to Kyushu. Here, you can explore the incredible southern cities of Fukuoka, Beppu, and Nagasaki!
• Okinawa: If you’d like a bit of fun in the sun, venture down to Okinawa. The islands here are home to crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and endless sunshine!

🌟 For more inspiration on where to go, be sure to check out my recommended destinations for first-time visitors to Japan!

In my opinion, it’s one of the best apps to have in Japan, offering quick, real-time translations between English and Japanese.

You can even snap photos of signs or convenience store items, and it will translate the text for you.

Just be sure to download both the Japanese and English dictionaries for offline use. That way you have access to it no matter where you go.

These are all widely available at most major airports and can be obtained upon arrival.

However, it’s best to reserve them in advance – especially during the busy season – to ensure availability.

Generally speaking, pocket Wi-Fi devices are great for those traveling in groups. Meanwhile, SIM cards and eSIMS are more convenient for solo travelers.

Pro Tip: Your phone must be unlocked in order to use a SIM card or an eSIM. So, be sure to check with your carrier beforehand to confirm the status of your phone.

To avoid disappointment, I highly recommend booking tickets, tours, and time slots ahead of time, especially during peak travel season.

Attractions that are known to sell out quickly include: Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Tower, TeamLab Museums, Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo Disney Resorts, Universal Studios Japan, and the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

Hotels, trains, car rentals, and even popular restaurant are also known to book up quickly. So, I highly recommend pre-booking and reserving these in advance as well!

Given this, it’s a good idea to carry some yen with you – just in case you need it.

You can exchange money before your trip or withdraw cash upon arrival. 

In fact, most convenience stores in Japan (like 7-Eleven and Family Mart) have ATMs that are foreigner-friendly. So, withdrawing cash is quick and hassle-free.

So, be sure to pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes – you’ll be glad you did.

Trust me, there’s nothing worse than traveling with sore feet!

Pro Tip: Most pharmacies in Japan sell soothing foot pads, which can be a lifesaver after a long day of walking!

You can do so through Japan’s official website – Visit Japan Web.

Simply input your information and the system will generate a QR code that you can scan upon arrival at the airport.

This bypasses the need for paperwork and can save you time at Immigration and Customs.

Pro Tip: If you won’t have service when you land, be sure to screenshot your QR code. You can then save it to your photo gallery, so you can still access it while offline.

Instead of cramming in too much, focus on the places and experiences that matter the most to you. 

This will allow you to more fully enjoy your trip at a more relaxed pace. Plus, it’ll leave more room for spontaneous discoveries along the way.