How to Spend the Best 10 Days in Japan

Planning your very first trip to Japan and not sure where to start with the plans? First things first, I could not be more excited for you and second… I got you!!😍 This Ten Day Japan Itinerary includes a first time-visitor’s must-visits as well as some less-visited destinations.

Visiting Japan for 10 days is enough to hit the main attractions and go a bit off the beaten path. This was my personal itinerary, with a few new additional tweaks and essential tips from what I learned during my own travels.

Without further ado, here is your 10 days in Japan itinerary!👇

Disclaimer: This post has affiliate links that can help me earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. If you click through and buy with these links, thank you in advance for the extra support.💖😊

A First-Time Visitor’s Ten Day Itinerary Japan

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Day 1-3: Tokyo

🏠 Find the Best and Most Affordable Stays in Tokyo

A vibrant city street in Tokyo at night, filled with illuminated signs and billboards in various colors. A large Godzilla statue is prominently displayed on one building, making it a must-see place to visit in Japan in 2025. Pedestrians walk along the bustling street.

A vibrant display of pink, purple, and yellow orchids hangs densely from above, with lush green leaves interspersed among the flowers, creating a colorful and lush canopy—a must-see place to visit in Japan in 2025.

Welcome to your first destination in Japan – the one and only, Tokyo!

Before we dive into your first 3 days in Tokyo, it’s crucial for me to share the reminder that Tokyo is NOT just a big city – like London or Rome.

Tokyo is a metropolitan prefecture that hosts 23 wards, 26 cities, 8 villages, and more. This is something I was not aware of until I got to Tokyo myself, and it’s super important you know this.

3 days in Tokyo is enough to see it’s main attractions and most iconic cities and neighborhoods. Because of how humongous Tokyo is, I strongly recommend staying in Shibuya or Shinjuku. These two cities are home to Tokyo’s most famous attractions and are the most central, and best connected.

Alright, let’s get into your first three days in Japan and Tokyo!😍👇

4 Best Things to Do and See in Tokyo in 3 Days

🗺️ Grab the Itineraries: 3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary or 5 Days in Tokyo Itinerary

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

One of the most iconic things to do in Tokyo is walking across the Shibuya Scramble Crossing – one of the largest crossings in the world. One traffic light change, sees over 2,500 people!🤯

Shinjuku’s Golden Gai

Shinjuku is one of Tokyo’s most famous cities/wards and is a must visit. One of the best things to do there is visit the Golden Gai – a network of small streets full of local favorite izakayas. Izakayas are small restaurants/bars mostly frequented by locals.

teamLab Planets

When in Japan, you simply must visit an iconic teamLab exposition! teamLab Planets is a smaller exhibition that takes 1.5 to 2 hours to visit. Here you will find the iconic mirror room, as well as a spectacular room of 13,000 floating orchids!😍

teamLab Planets is one of the fastest selling activities, so make sure to get your tickets now before they sell out!👇

Sumo Show

What’s a more Japanese activity than attending a Sumo Show?

What’s special about this best-rated sumo show is that ex-sumo wrestlers prepare you one of their meals, chicken hot pot, and then you give sumo wrestling a shot! With this experience, you’ll get to truly enjoy this sport and learn all about it from a more cultural and deeper perspective.

Book your tickets now before they sell out!😍👇

Day 4: Fujikawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji)

🏠 Stay in Lake Kawaguchiko’s best Ryokans: Togawaso $$ and Konansou $$$

A scenic view of Mount Fuji, a must-visit place in Japan in 2025, showcases its snow-capped peak surrounded by lush green trees and cherry blossoms. A person strolls along a pathway in the foreground beneath the overcast skies.

A scenic view of a flower garden with vivid pink and white flowers arranged in a heart shape near a calm lake. Behind the lake are lush, green hills under an overcast sky, with pathways and visitors in the distance.

Did you really go to Japan if you didn’t say “hello” to the beautiful Mount Fuji?🗻

Fujikawaguchiko, also known as the town of Lake Kawaguchiko, is a destination famous for taking iconic photos of Mount Fuji. Most people tend to visit as a day trip for photos, but I can promise you – there is SO much more to this little town.

Lake Kawaguchiko is only a couple of hours away from Tokyo, and is super easy to reach. There are several ways to reach Mount Fuji from Tokyo, including high-way buses, renting a car, or group trip.

While I personally recommend staying 2 days in Lake Kawaguchiko, it is also a phenomenal day trip. With only 10 days in Japan, it’s best to visit as a day trip, or enjoy a traditional Ryokan stay and return to Tokyo the morning after.

4 Best Things to Do and See in Lake Kawaguchiko in One Day

🗺️ Grab my 2 Days in Lake Kawaguchiko Itinerary

Fuji Shibazakura Festival [spring seasonal]

One of the best things to do by Mount Fuji is visiting the incredible Fuji Shibazakura Festival, which occurs every Spring. Here, you will find over 800,000 stalks of shibazakura, also known as “pink moss”.

Shibazakura is a 30 minute commute from Lake Kawaguchiko, and you can easily book your bus and entry tickets together at the Fujikawaguchiko Station.

Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor / Momiji Kairou [fall seasonal]

If you’re visiting Japan in the fall, you’re in for a major, foliage treat! One of the best spots to admire Lake Kawaguchiko’s foliage is the Momoji Kairou, “Maple Corridor”.

Bike around Lake Kawaguchiko

One of the best things to do in Lake Kawaguchiko is bike all around the lake itself and taking in the breathtaking nature that surrounds you. As you go around this lake, you will come across several places worth visiting – including the Panoramic Ropeway, Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, and the Oishi Park.

You can easily rent your bike by the Kawaguchiko Station, where there are several bike rental shops. Some even offer electric bikes.

Stay in a Ryokan and Enjoy an Onsen

When in Japan, especially in a smaller and/or more traditional town, you simply must stay in a Ryokan and have an onsen experience! In Lake Kawaguchiko, the two best Ryokans are Togawaso and Konansou.

Togawaso is the budget friendly option, the one I personally stayed in. Everything about this Ryokan was wonderful, including the host who offered transportation to the station in the morning.

In this Ryokan, the only private thing is your own room – everything else, bathrooms and onsens, are shared. Book your stay now before it sells out – being budget-friendly, it won’t last long!

Konansou is the more luxurious Ryokan, in which you find both a public or your own private onsen. This is the perfect option if you want a more private or intimate experience. Book your spot before they sell out!

Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park

Are you a roller-coaster lover who’s always ready for the highest heights, and fastest speeds? Then you cannot miss out on the Fuji-Q Highland Amusement Park.

This park, as a fun fact, is home to some of the world’s best roller coasters and amusement park rides. The most famous rides, which hold world records, are the Fujiyama, Takabisha, and Eejanaika.

Thanks to its location, you easily see Mount Fuji from the park and can get spectacular views from certain rides.

Day 5-6: Kanazawa

🏠 Find the Best and Most Affordable Stays in Kanazawa

A bustling cobblestone street in a traditional Japanese town, lined with wooden buildings and red lanterns, presents one of the best day trips from Kyoto. Numerous people are walking, talking, and taking photos, while trees and greenery provide a picturesque backdrop under a cloudy sky.

A traditional Japanese castle is framed by branches of blooming cherry blossoms. The flowers are in soft pink hues, while the castle, with its distinctive architecture and tiled roof, stands majestically in the background against a clear sky—one of the best day trips from Kyoto.

During my travels in Japan, Kanazawa quickly became my favorite Japanese city. I’m finding myself typing quickly because I’m so eager to tell you all about this city.

Kanazawa is a city that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Here you will find incredible Geisha and Samurai districts, architecture, and one of Japan’s most beautiful Gardens – the Kenrokuen.

Kanazawa has a strong history and rich culture, and is also home to several innovations including the Golden Leaf. As a matter of fact, Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan’s Golden Leaves!

Kanazawa recently received the nickname “Little Kyoto” and I personally, disagree with this. It is NOT like Kyoto, which is a big city filled with temples and shrines at every corner.

Now-a-days people are discussing whether Kanazawa can still classify as a hidden gem, due to the recent rise in tourism. When I visited in mid-April, Kanazawa was empty – so I’m going to personally call it a hidden gem, or at least a lesser-known destination.

🗺️ Grab my Itineraries: One Day in Kanazawa Itinerary or 2 Days in Kanazawa Itinerary

On the Shinkansen bullet train, Kanazawa is 2.5 hours from Tokyo Station, and 2 hours from Kyoto Station – making it an easy day trip. While one day is better than none, I recommend visiting for 2 days to truly appreciate everything it has to offer.

4 Best Things to Do and See in Kanazawa in 2 Days

Kenrokuen Garden & Kanazawa Castle PArk

A serene Japanese garden reminiscent of Kenrokuen Garden features a large pond surrounded by lush greenery and trees. A traditional stone lantern stands near the edge of the pond, where pink petals float on the water's surface near the rocks. Visitors can be seen in the background, enjoying the tranquility.

Kenrokuen Garden is one of the 3 Great Gardens of Japan, and one of the most beautiful in the country. It’s name, “Kenrokuen”, means “garden of the 6 sublimities” – which explains that this garden is home to every quality that makes a Japanese garden “perfect”.

Here you will find a couple of teahouses, artifacts, rare cherry blossom flowers, and Japan’s oldest fountain. You will also find the Karasaki Pine trees, which are famous for their beauty and the yukizuri. Yukizuri is a technique that supports the branches of Karasaki Pine trees during the winter months.

Higashi Chaya District

A street lined with traditional wooden buildings adorned with red lanterns. Several people, including a group in light blue shirts, are walking or standing in the street. Trees with spring foliage can be seen in the background. The sky is overcast, capturing what two days in Kanazawa might feel like.

When you look up Kanazawa, 99.999% of the time you will see a picture of the beautiful Higashi Chaya District. This is Kanazawa’s largest chaya, “teahouse”, district and one of the 3 most historic ones. The Higashi Chaya District was established in 1820 and is where Geishas and Maikos would entertain wealthy merchants.

Nowadays you will find various teahouses, some of which are historic, restaurants, and artisan shops. If you want an authentic and unique souvenir, that also gives back to the locals, buy from and support the artisans.

Some of the best things to do in this district are visiting a teahouse, shopping, or booking a cultural experience.

Nagamachi Samurai District

Just as the name states, Nagamachi is a historic district that Samurai once lived in. How cool is that??🤯 This quaint district brings a very peaceful atmosphere with a small river that runs through it.

Here you will find several artisan shops, delicious restaurants, and the incredible Nomura-ke Samurai Residence and the Takada Family House.

The Nomura-ke Samurai Residence is traditional Samurai Residence that once belonged to a wealthy samurai family that served the Maeda Clan. Being the highlight of the district, if you are fascinated by the Samurai, this is a must visit!

Omicho Market

Known as Kanazawa’s Kitchen, then Omicho Market is over 400 years old and, with more than 180 stalls, is the largest market in Kanazawa. This is the perfect spot to dive deeper into the local’s daily life and enjoying the freshest seafood and delicious street food.

Day 7-8: Kyoto

🏠 Find the Best and Most Affordable Stays in Kyoto. Best Ryokan is Shiraume!

A traditional Japanese temple with ornate wooden rooftops is adorned with white paper lanterns featuring black and red kanji. Pink cherry blossom trees are visible in the foreground, and a cloudy sky is seen in the background, reminiscent of the scenic beauty found in both Osaka and Kyoto.

A serene scene featuring the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) temple in Kyoto, Japan. The golden structure sits beside a calm reflective pond with lush green trees and a blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds in the background. — Photo Credit: © IVAN KOKOULIN from Photospirit Canva

Known as the “city of 10,000 shrines”, and once the capital of Japan, Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan. In other words, Kyoto is a must visit on your first trip to Japan.

Kyoto is a fairly big city, and many of its must-sees are quite spread out. It doesn’t help that people don’t always specify if they are talking of Kyoto the Prefecture, or Kyoto the City.

The main things to do in Kyoto include sightseeing temples and shrines and cultural activities. When compared to Osaka and Tokyo, Kyoto is the most “quiet” and serene city where there is little night life and things close fairly early.

With that said, 2 full days in Kyoto is enough to see the main attractions. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you could use Kyoto as your home base for the last 4 days of the itinerary, and enjoy Osaka as a day trip.

4 Best Things to Do and See in Kyoto in 2 Days

🗺️ Grab my 2 Days in Kyoto Itinerary

Fushimi Inari Taisha

A path winds through countless vibrant orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Japan. The gates are covered in black kanji characters, and the pathway is lined with small stones. The torii create a tunnel-like effect, leading the eye forward. — Photo Credit: © Pexels from pixabay on Canva.com

I would almost say that this is a synonym to the beautiful Kyoto. The Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine famous for its famous 10,000 tori gates – all of which represent donations.

To make the absolute most of your 2 days in Kyoto, this best-rated tour brings you to all of Kyoto’s must sees in one day. This tour includes the Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and the Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion. Book your tickets now – before they sell out!👇

Gion District | Walk Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Street

The Gion District is the most famous Geisha district of Kyoto, where you find several important temples and shrines, teahouses, and historic neighborhoods. When walking around Gion, particularly the more historic streets, you will encounter Geishas and Maikos walking around.

One of the best things to do in the Gion District is walk the beautiful Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka Streets. The Ninenzaka street is where people take the famous picture of the Hōkan-ji / Yasaka Pagoda.

***Important Note: Due to over-tourism and too many bad apples (rude and disrespectful tourists), Kyoto was forced to impose several rules and tourist bans. Around the Gion District you will find wooden signs that might tell you “photography/videos not allowed” or “tourists not allowed”. Make sure to look out for those signs and respect them, or you will get a fine. As a final reminder, Geishas are not attractions, they are people – be respectful and leave them alone.

Nishiki Market

A display case contains rows of delicately crafted pastries. The top shelf shows four white, flower-shaped desserts each garnished with a small green leaf. The bottom shelf features dome-shaped sweets, some dusted with green powder and others plain white.

Trays of various tempura skewers are displayed on a wooden counter in a market or restaurant setting. The skewers include shrimp and other battered, deep-fried items, neatly arranged in rows. A wooden post with an arrow sign is visible in the background.

Known as the “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, the Nishiki Market is a 400 year-old food market and the largest of Kyoto. Here you will find over 100 stalls and shops, and endless delicious options of street food and fresh seafood.

Note: This is a long, but very narrow market that can get crowded real quick. If you are someone who struggles in crowds and tight places, you might want to avoid this market.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Kinkaku-Ji Golden Pavilion

About 30 minutes to an hour away from the city center are the incredible Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the famous Golden Pavilion.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest has more than 1,000 years of history, and is home to over 10,000 bamboos. It’s the perfect place to slow down and relax, and really take in everything you’ve seen in your first week in Japan. Most recommend visiting in the early hours, when you can admire the sun rays piercing through.

The Kinkaku-ji is a 24-minute car ride, or 44-minute bus commute from Arashiyama, and is a wonder of a temple to admire. Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this temple is true to its name as it’s top 2 floors are covered in pure gold leaf.

Day 9-10: Osaka

🏠 Find the Best and Most Affordable Stays in Osaka

A bustling nighttime street scene in Dotonbori, Osaka. Neon signs and lights illuminate the area with a prominent red and blue sign reading "Dotonbori" overhead. Cars, bicycles, and pedestrians fill the street, with buildings and shops lining both sides. A perfect end to one of the best day trips from Kyoto.

A large whale shark swims gracefully in a blue-lit aquarium tank surrounded by various smaller fish. Coral and sand cover the tank's floor, and the backdrop shows the glass of the aquarium wall. This serene scene, reminiscent of one of the best day trips from Kyoto, captures the underwater environment perfectly.

Welcome to your final destination, Osaka!

Just a 30 minute commute from Kyoto Station, Osaka is part of the “Japan trinity” – in the sense that the 3 must visits for first time visitors are always Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

On the contrary of Kyoto, Osaka is a very modern city full of vibrant nightlife and endless street food. If you are someone who prefers late night adventures and want to indulge in street food, you might want to consider making Osaka your home base for the last 2 days – or the last 4 days. By staying the last 4 days, you can take day trips into Kyoto and Nara.

Here are the best things to do in Osaka.👇

4 Best Things to Do and See in Osaka in 1.5 Days

Dotonbori

Known as the “Kitchen of Japan”, Osaka is world-renown for it’s incredible food scene – particularly street food – and vibrant night life. Dotonbori is where this reputation comes from.

In Dotonbori you surround yourself with endless restaurants and street food stalls. If you want to simply focus on eating and having a good time, here is a best-rated foodie tour!👇

Universal Studios

If you are a fan of Universal Studios, specifically of Super Mario Bros, then this needs to be on your Osaka bucket list.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan & Ferris wheel

If you are an aquarium lover or encounter a rainy day in Osaka, the Kaiyukan Aquarium is the perfect place to visit! This is one of the biggest aquariums in both Japan and in the world – it’s so big that you’ll find 2 whale sharks.

Right outside the Kaiyukan there is a ferris wheel that lets you see over all of Osaka – a mesmerizing view, especially at night time.

FAQs

Is 10 days enough to explore Japan?

10 days in Japan is enough to visit Japan’s most popular cities – Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka – and squeeze in some hidden gems or day trips.

How much money will I need for 10 days in Japan?

This completely depends on your own budget and what you want to experience in Japan. I was there with my boyfriend for 14 days, and we spent around $2,000 on our stay and somewhere around $2,000 to $3,000 on transportation, food, entertainment and shopping. As a couple who spent 2 weeks in Japan, $5,000 was enough.

How many days is ideal for a Japan trip?

For a first Japan trip, if you are able to, I highly recommend visiting for at least 10 days – with 14 days being the perfect “first trip” amount!

Can you get a 10 day Japan Rail Pass?

You cannot get a 10 day Japan Rail Pass, you only can get a pass for 7, 14, or 21 days. With that said, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t even need a Japan Rail Pass. If you already know for sure you need the JR Pass, you can always buy the 7 day pass and activate it a few days into your trip.

✨ Read this first: Do I really need a JR Pass in? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!

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