🗻 Overview: 10 Days in Japan
This itinerary covers the classic Japan route: Tokyo's modern energy, Kyoto's ancient temples, Mt. Fuji's stunning views, and Osaka's food scene. Best for first-timers who want to experience Japan's contrasts.
Best seasons: Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms, Autumn (Sept-Nov) for perfect weather. Avoid July-August (hot and humid).
Budget (JPY/day): Budget travelers: ¥5,000-7,000. Mid-range: ¥8,000-12,000. Comfortable: ¥15,000+
Days 1-3: Tokyo
Day 1: Arrival & Shinjuku
Transport: Narita/Haneda airport → Shinjuku (Narita Express or Airport Limousine, ¥3,000-8,000). Pick up Suica/Pasmo card at airport.
Do: Check into hotel, explore Shinjuku's bright lights, grab ramen or tonkatsu for dinner.
Cost: ¥1,500-2,000 (food). Hotel: ¥4,000-8,000 (budget) or ¥12,000+ (mid-range)
Day 2: East Tokyo
Route: Senso-ji Temple → Asakusa (explore shops) → Tsukiji Outer Market for sushi lunch → teamLab Borderless digital art experience (¥3,200)
Eat: Street food at Asakusa, conveyor belt sushi, matcha ice cream
Cost: ¥2,500-4,000 (including teamLab)
Day 3: West Tokyo
Route: Meiji Shrine → Yoyogi Park → Harajuku's quirky fashion street → Shibuya Crossing → Roppongi Hills (sunset views)
Eat: Crepes in Harajuku, ramen at Shibuya, dinner in Roppongi
Cost: ¥1,500-2,500
Days 4-5: Mt. Fuji & Hakone
Day 4: Day trip to Mt. Fuji/Hakone
Transport: Tokyo → Hakone via Shinjuku (2 hours, ¥2,500-4,000 for mountain ropeway). Or climb Mt. Fuji (5-7 hours from Tokyo).
Do: Hakone Open-Air Museum, Mount Hakone views, hot spring resort (onsen) experience
Cost: ¥2,000-3,500 (transportation + activities) + ¥6,000-15,000 (resort overnight with meals)
Day 5: Hakone to Kyoto
Transport: Hakone → Kyoto via bullet train (Shinkansen, 2.5 hours, ¥13,500). Buy JR Pass before this leg if doing multiple Shinkansen trips.
Do: Arrive in Kyoto, explore Higashiyama district (geisha district, temple-lined streets), dinner at ryokan
Cost: ¥500-1,500 (food in Kyoto)
Days 6-8: Kyoto
Day 6: Southern Kyoto
Route: Fushimi Inari Shrine (famous red gates, ¥0), Sake brewery tours (¥500-1,500), Sanjusangendo Temple
Eat: Kaiseki dinner (upscale, ¥10,000-20,000) or casual ramen (¥800)
Cost: ¥1,000-2,000
Day 7: Temple Day
Route: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Tenryu-ji Temple → Philosopher's Path → Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji, ¥500)
Eat: Tofu kaiseki (traditional, ¥2,000-5,000), street dumplings
Cost: ¥1,500-2,500
Day 8: Central Kyoto & Gion
Route: Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji, ¥400) → Ryoan-ji rock garden → Gion district walking tour → possible geisha spotting at dusk
Eat: Kaiseki dinner in Gion (Â¥5,000-15,000)
Cost: ¥1,500-2,500
Days 9-10: Osaka & Return
Day 9: Kyoto to Osaka
Transport: Shinkansen Kyoto → Osaka (15 min, ¥2,800)
Do: Osaka Castle (Â¥600), explore Dotonbori district (street food paradise), karaoke night
Eat: Okonomiyaki (savory pancake, ¥800-1,500), takoyaki (octopus balls, ¥500), ramen
Cost: ¥2,000-3,500
Day 10: Osaka & Departure
Do: Last-minute shopping at Umeda Sky Building, explore side streets
Transport: Osaka → Airport (varies, ¥2,500-5,000)
Cost: ¥1,500-2,000
Total Budget (10 Days)
- Budget: ¥70,000-100,000 + flights
- Mid-range: ¥120,000-180,000 + flights
- Notes: Suica/Pasmo card saves money on transport. Buy at airport (¥2,000 with ¥1,500 credit). JR Pass (7-day) costs ¥29,650 - only worth it if doing multiple Shinkansen trips.
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