10-Day Japan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Japan itineraries

Compiled by

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Japan Itinerary, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  A 10-day tour sweeps through 5 major Japanese cities, from Tokyo's modern energy to Kyoto's historic temples. The 885km route via bullet trains includes 11 activities like sushi-making, Kendo classes, and temple stays. Travelers rate this cultural immersion 4.8/5 from 2000+ reviews.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Tokyo

    Begin in the vibrant capital. Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa during evening hours when crowds thin out. Start your morning with a Japanese language and customs orientation class. Walk through trendy Harajuku and find quiet moments at Meiji Shrine. Learn authentic sushi techniques in a hands-on class. Book an evening session since morning slots fill up with tour groups.

    
  • Day 4

    Hakone

    Take the "Romance Car" train to this mountain town. The best Mt. Fuji views come between 7-9 AM before clouds roll in. Relax at a traditional guesthouse and try your first onsen hot spring bath. Remember to shower thoroughly before entering the onsen pools. Staff strictly enforce this rule.

    
  • Day 5

    Takayama

    Travel by bullet train through Japan's Alps to this historic Edo-period town. Sleep on tatami mats in a Buddhist temple. Bring warm layers since temple rooms are not heated. The morning prayer service starts at 6 AM for those interested in the full temple experience.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Kyoto

    Spend three days in Japan's cultural heart. Start at Fushimi Inari's red gates early before tourist crowds arrive. Visit ancient temples and take a kendo class. One visitor notes: "The kendo master was incredibly patient teaching us proper form. Book the afternoon session when it's less crowded." Wear socks since you'll practice barefoot on wooden floors.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Osaka

    Finish in Japan's food paradise. Take a food tour through bustling Dotonbori street. Sample local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. A recent guest shares: "The food tour with our guide was the perfect introduction to Osaka's cuisine. They showed us local spots we never would have found on our own."

    

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• 10 Day Japan Itinerary, incl. Tokyo and Osaka

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Tokyo

    Begin in Tokyo's Shibuya district and see the famous crossing and Hachiko statue. Visit Harajuku to experience youth culture and stop by Meiji Shrine for traditional atmosphere. You'll find the best lunch deals at depachika food halls before noon when crowds are smaller. Check out the Avatar Robot Café for a unique meal that supports workers with disabilities. If you want nightlife try Shinjuku's karaoke rooms which stay open until 5 AM.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kanazawa

    Take the 4-hour bullet train to Kanazawa. Visit Kenroku-en Garden in early morning to beat the tour groups. The Higashi Chaya district looks best in late afternoon light when sun hits the wooden buildings. One visitor noted: "The preserved Samurai and Geisha districts were incredible - just don't wear heels on the old stone streets."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kyoto

    A 2-hour train ride through the Japanese Alps brings you to Kyoto. The city buses make it easy to visit Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle. Want great photos of Fushimi Inari's red gates? Arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds. You might spot geishas in Gion district during evening walks but remember photos aren't allowed.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Board a 2-hour bullet train to Hiroshima. The Peace Park is most peaceful in early morning. Take the first ferry to Miyajima Island (around 7:30 AM) to see the "floating" torii gate at high tide. Keep your belongings close as the local deer will grab papers and food. A previous visitor suggests: "Pack light for Miyajima day trips - lockers at the ferry terminal often fill up by mid-morning."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Osaka

    End your trip in Osaka the street food capital of Japan. Dotombori district shines at night with food stalls and neon lights. Sample local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. One food lover shared: "The best food stalls in Dotombori had lines of locals not tourists - worth the wait!"

    

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• 10 Day Japan Itinerary, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  Seven major cities including Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo reveal their treasures over 10 days. The route includes UNESCO World Heritage Himeji Castle, Mount Fuji's 5th station, and Kyoto's Golden Pavilion with 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners included.

  

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  • Day 1

    Osaka Arrival

    Your guide will meet you at Kansai Airport (KIX). Book an afternoon arrival if possible to avoid morning rush hour traffic into Osaka. Note that airport transfers only run from KIX, not Itami (ITM).

    
  • Days 2-3

    Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Take a 2-hour train to Himeji Castle before heading to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The next day, take the ferry to Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine. Get there before 9 AM to avoid crowds and see the torii gate during high tide when it looks like it's floating on water.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Nara & Kyoto

    Head back to Osaka and spend a morning in Nara. A recent visitor noted: "The deer in Nara Park were so friendly, but bring crackers early in the day when they're most active." In Kyoto, visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest before 8 AM for better photos and fewer people. Stop by Nijo Castle and the stunning gold-leaf Kinkakuji Temple. Watch your step on temple stairs, particularly in the morning when they might be slippery.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Mount Fuji

    Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Mount Fuji. The train reaches speeds up to 200 mph. Visit the 5th station for mountain views but have a backup plan since clouds often block the peak. One visitor noted: "Our guide timed our visit perfectly for a clear view - go early before clouds roll in." You'll also explore the scenic Oshino Hakkai ponds.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Tokyo

    Start with a Lake Ashi cruise in Hakone before moving on to Tokyo. Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building's observation deck for free city views. Sunset offers great Mt. Fuji views on clear days. Use your free time to explore different areas like Shibuya or Asakusa. According to one traveler: "The early morning tuna auction at Tsukiji Outer Market is worth the 4 AM wake-up."

    

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