Japan Itinerary 10 Days for Beginners – An In-Depth Guide

Traveling to any country for the first time in not too easy when you want it all to be perfect. If you are flying to explore Japan and want to experience everything that would make your trip memorable. To make it easy for you, we are here to guide you in depth with our Japan itinerary 10 days.

Japan is full of amazing adventures, vibrant cities, intriguing shrines & cultural attractions. There’s a lot to explore in this country but how to? Read this blog post till end to make your days in Japan memorable, unforgettable & amazing.

Prepare Yourself Beforehand with Our Japan Itinerary 10 Days

Japan 10-day itinerary is incomplete without proper planning & know-how. To make the most out of your Japan travel itinerary experience, you should know what places to explore & what not to.

When you start Japan trip planning, you may think that it would not be enough to explore Japan in only 10 days. But thankfully, this country has various fascinating sites & highlights that you could easily explore with this Japan travel guide.

Days 1-3: Tokyo

Start your trip in Japan with Japan’s capital, Tokyo. You can arrive Tokyo through two main airports named as:

• Narita International Airport (NRT)
• Haneda Airport (HND)

Haneda airport is closer to city but has limited international connections as compared to Nerita Airport. After long-haul flights, everyone wants to reach as early as possible so it is recommended to fly internationally through Haneda Airport.

During your Japan itinerary 10 days family, you can go to explore these attractions to spend 3 days in Tokyo:

1. Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa

Senso-ji temple is considered as one of the most famous & photographed temples all over the Tokyo. The 5-story pagoda, incense trails and vast eaves will take you to previous Tokyo history. The entry to this temple is free. Make your visit memorable with tour guide so you can know about laid back Tokyo’s history in depth.

Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Phone: +81 3-3842-0181

2. Tokyo Skytree

For panoramic views, go to Tokyo Skytree. This is a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida, Tokyo. Back in 2010, it became the tallest tower in Japan with 29 floors. For better comfortable city views, a night time is the best time to go here. For any tourist, it’s a worth-exploring place.

Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan

Phone: +81 570-550-634

3. Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park+

Meiji Shrine is a famous shrine & Yoyogi park is a large forested area. Yoyogi park features scenic paths for walk & stroll while exploring the beautiful nature. During the initial days of new year, this shrine welcome more than 3 million visitors around the globe. 1 to 2 hour is recommended to explore this shrine & adjacent park.

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

Phone: +81 3-3379-5511

4. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya crossing with distinctive shopping districts is famous for its food, shopping and music trends. Also, it’s home to various departmental stores, shopping malls & stores. You can visit this crossing during any time of the day without paying a single penny. If you are not interested to do shopping, you can just explore the vibrant shopping district.

Address: Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan

Hours: Open 24/7

5. Tsukiji Outer Market

During your Japan itinerary 14 days, do not forget to go to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood. This is one of the famous Japan’s towns where you will find Japanese traditional foods, restaurants and mixture of wholesale & retail shops. Shop, eat and have unique experience in this market are the three ways to explore completely.

Address: Japan, 〒104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji

Phone: +81 3-3541-9444

6. TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Popular, impressive, & immersive museum known for its futuristic digital art installations. Once you are in teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum, you have only 90 seconds to take photos and enjoy the exhibition. While exploring this museum, you will get one of a kind hidden gem experience that would be difficult to find in any other part during Japan itinerary 10 days Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka.

Address: Garden Plaza B, B1, 5 Chome-9 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan

Phone: +81 3-6230-9666

Days 4-5: Hakone

Take a break from urban sightseeing in the scenic Hakone region. Hakon is hot springs and small-town resort located just south of Tokyo near Mount Fuji. Visitors normally visit this town as a day trip from Tokyo when your days in Tokyo being ended.

On your Japan itinerary 10 days winter, here are some of the famous experiences that should try in Hakone region.

1. Ride the Hakone Ropeway

Hakone Ropeway offers breathtaking views of Owakudani with mesmerizing ride fun. This is one of the most famous tourist spots that must be visited by everyone.

From the above, you can see various other scenic spots that is difficult to see from ground. Explore the Lake Ashi’s glittering views from above in early-evening and it will look like the place don’t seem real.

Founded

• April 2, 1959

How Long it Takes?

• 24 minutes

2. Relax in Onsen

Experience the Onsen’s hot springs bath in Hakone. In Japan, Hakone is famous for its hot springs resorts and known as “onsen theme park”. There are numerous baths to explore in the area with their own unique history and charm. You can find any type onsen like family-friendly and couple-friendly with mountain views.

Top-Rated Onsens in Hakone

• Hakone Yuryo Onsen
• Tenzan Onsen
• Tenseien Onsen
• Yunosato Okada
• Yu-asobi-dokoro  Hakone no Yu

3. Visit the Open-Air Museum

Other than the above-mentioned spots, you can start your 4 day trip in Hakone by visiting the Open air museum. A lovely open-air museum filled with interesting sculptures with beautiful surrounding hill views. You can see all the exhibitions of this museum within hardly 60 to 90 minutes.

Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan

Phone: +81 460-82-1161

4. Cruise on Lake Ashi

One of the best ways to get to Lake Ashi is by taking Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora at the northern end of the lake.

Enjoying boat cruise on Lake Ashi is one of the enjoyable experiences which will make your Japan itinerary 7 days more amazing. Other than cruising, you can enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji from lake.

Average depth

• 15 m (49 ft)

Length

• 3.728 mi

Days 6-8: Kyoto

Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan enriched with famous cultural attractions, bright lights & golden pavilion. Also, this capital is home to cultural shrines & temples. To get to Kyoto from Hakone, you can take a train to Kyoto as it comes with easily accessibility.

In Kyoto, you can enjoy your itinerary by doing these things:

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates which features a network of trails. There are several reasons why most of the tourists want to visit this shrine i.e., exploring mountains and shrine buildings. Admission to Fushimi Inari Shrine is totally free as you don’t need to pay a single penny.

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan

Phone: +81 75-641-7331

2. Historic Gion District

A historic district in Kyoto which is famous for shrines, teahouses, restaurants and temples. In Gion district, explore the local dishes, explore backstreets and go to Ichiriki Chaya Tea House. Hanamikoji is one of the famous Gion’s district streets that must be visited by any traveler. You can stay here for 1 day.

How to Go to Kyoto?

• Bus, taxi or subway from station.

3. Kinkaku-ji

The official name of Kinkaku-ji is Rokuon-ji, a golden pavilion. This building attracts a lot of visitors annually just because of having cultural and natural essence and it’s all gold. One hour is enough to explore this place so try to manage your time so you can easily explore other unique places too.

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan

Phone: +81 75-461-0013

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A natural bamboo forest located in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. The other names to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove are Bamboo Forest and Sagano Bamboo Forest. For photographers, this place is a unique paradise with photogenic views. To avoid crowds, early morning hours are best time visit and capture scenic pictures.

Address: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan

Phone: +81 75-343-0548

5. Nishiki Market

Nishiki market is must-visit spot during Japan itinerary 10 days autumn and famous for its food specialties. It is located in downtown Kyoto’s narrow street lined with restaurants, shops & bars. There is no admission fee to enter into this market and no time restriction before 5 p.m. Do not forget to bring cash if you want buy something from here.

Address: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8055, Japan

Phone: +81 75-211-3882

6. Day Trip to Nara

For day trips, Nara is favorable and recommended destination for many tourists. One day is enough to explore famous Nara attractions and stroll around the city. If you have Japan rail pass, you can easily get to Nara without paying extra costs within hour. Most of the Nara’s famous attractions are within walking distance.

Top Rated Attractions

• Kasuga Taisha
• Nara Park
• Nara National Museum

Day 9: Osaka

You can take a train from Kyoto to get to Osaka, if you have more time, you can spend 2 to 3 days in Osaka, otherwise 1 day is enough to make your itinerary memorable. If you want to get to other destination, you can use Osaka’s two famous airports named as Kansai International Airport & Osaka Itami International Airport.

In Osaka, you can do these things to enjoy Osaka itinerary,

1. Osaka Castle

In Chūō-ku, Osaka Castle is one of the famous Japanese castles with unique landmarks. During 16^th century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, it played in important role in Japan unification. The entry ticket to Osaka castle is free if your child age is under 15 and for adults, it is only 600 yen so everyone can easily explore.

Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

Phone: +81 6-6941-3044

2. Dotonbori Entertainment District

Dotonbori district is the bright heart of Osaka and famous as tourist spot with vibrant nightlife scenes. Enormous restaurants/ shops, gaudy neon lights and amazing signage urge visitors to flock into this location. The Glico Running Man & Dotonbori’s food culture are most famous experiences that every visitor should try.

Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan

Phone: +81 6-6211-4542

3. Kuromon Ichiba Market

Kuromon Ichiba is a spacious market where vendors sell shellfish, fresh produce and street food. You can visit this market between 8 am to 5 pm. If you want prefer a less crowded experience, try to visit this place early in the morning. Plus, you can explore the historic charm of this market where local farmers also present their artifacts.

Address: 2 Chome Nipponbashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan

Time to Spent: 1 hour

4. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Do you know that Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is the world’s largest aquarium? The innovative presentation, large tanks and vast areas to explore nature from all around the world. Forget to visit this aquarium on weekends as it’s usually overcrowded. You can visit early or at the end of the weekday.

Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

Phone: +81 6-6576-5501

Day 10: Hiroshima

End your Japan trip with a visit to Hiroshima as it’s one of the recommended trips for visitors who is in Osaka. Hiroshima is walkable-friendly as there’s no need of any public transportation for commuting. You can explore Hiroshima on your footstep.

Here are some things in Hiroshima that you can do:

1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum displays and collects famous belongings that was left by the victims. The admission fee to this museum for adults is only 200 yen. In just 2 hours, you can explore this memorial park & museum fully. If you want to visit during first and last time of the day, you have to book reservations.

Address: Japan, 〒730-0811 Hiroshima, Naka Ward, Nakajimacho, １丁目1−10

Phone: +81 82-504-2390

2. Shukkei-en

A small garden with picturesque lakes, bridges, koi fish and stunning hills. Shukkei-en in English means “shrunken-scenery garden” which is also a good description of garden itself. From 1620, this garden has a strong history. Around the main pond of garden, you can enjoy tea on teahouses with surrounding scenery.

Address: 2-11 Kaminoboricho, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0014, Japan

Phone: +81 82-221-3620

3. Hiroshima Castle

It is also known as Carp Castle that was formerly the residence of daimyō of the Hiroshima Domain. Hiroshima Castle is famous for a symbol of Hiroshima. It is recommended that you should take a short trip to this iconic & historic destination. One hour is enough time to explore Hiroshima Castle with anyone.

Address: 21-1 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima, 730-0011, Japan

Phone: +81 82-221-7512

4. Mitaki-dera

A historic Japanese temple with laid-back history and culture. Mitaki-dera was founded back in 809 during Daidō era. The entrance to Mitaki-dera is completely free. This area is best Japan itinerary 10 days autumn as it features fascinating views with autumn colors. Inside Mitaki-dera, there’s a small teahouse where you can enjoy simple traditional local food.

Address: 411 Mitakiyama, Nishi Ward, Hiroshima, 733-0805, Japan

Phone: +81 82-237-0811

5. Itsukushima Jinja

Itsukushima Jinja is a shinto shrine located on Itsukushima Island. This is famous for its floating torii. In 1996, it was considered as the UNESCO world heritage site. The shrine and torii gate are built over water that not only provide the unique views but also urge visitors to capture photogenic views.

Address: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima 739-0588, Japan

Phone: +81 829-44-2020

Insightful Tips to Make your 10-day Japan Itinerary Memorable

Before going on a trip, everyone wants to make their journey memorable and comfortable. In above, we shared with you Japan itinerary for 10 days in detail with things to do, famous attractions and other notable things. But still, there are some essential travel tips that you need to follow to make it more memorable. The following are these:

1. Plan Wisely

If it’s your first time, plan your Japan itinerary wisely, try to focus on exploring what Japan has to offer in unlimited range. Japan has both urban and rural experiences.

Do not forget to visit famous Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. If you want to visit less-crowded spots, consider visiting cities like Kanazawa, Mount Fuji and Takayama.

2. Must Use JR Pass

To enjoy unlimited rides on JR trains, must go for JR pass. This pass not only save you on your travel expenses but also make your commuting hassle-free or stress-free. You can travel on shinkansen bullet train.

3. Pack Wisely

One thing to mention here is that Japanese public transportation including buses & trains have limited space of large luggage. So, try to pack light and if it’s not possible, you need to use Yamato Takkyubin to send your bags to other destination.

4. Travel with Cash

Do not commit a mistake to travel without cash. Credit cards are only accepted in famous cities. In smaller towns or markets, a cash is required as ATMs are available only at convenience stores like Lawson, 7-Elevn & Family Mart.

5. Must Learn Basic Japanese Phrases

When travel to any other country, try to learn basic local language phrases so you won’t face any issues. By learning common Japanese phrases, it would be helpful and appreciated. You can learn these Japanese phrases:

• sumimasen (excuse me/sorry)
• arigato gozaimasu (thank you)
• konnichiwa (hello)

Ending Note!

Japan, a land of contrasts, offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, this Japan itinerary 10 days showcases the country’s highlights.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture, enjoy delicious cuisine, and explore beautiful landscapes. Japan is a country that will leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return.

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