10 Days in Japan: Top 5 Itineraries

Japan is a popular destination for a bucket list trip, annual getaway, romantic celebration, children's birthday, or graduation gift. Japan's sushi, samurai, geisha, ryokans (traditional inns), and anime attract many travelers, especially families with kids and retired couples.

10 days is enough for you to visit the major cities in Japan like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, while also allowing you to spend 2–3 days on day trips to nearby areas such as Hakone, Nara, and the Fuji Five Lakes.

In this article, we've described five wonderful 10-day Japan itineraries to help you get some ideas of your dream trip.

1. A Classic 10-Day Japan Itinerary: Major Highlights of Japan plus Family-Friendly Activities

Feed deer in Nara

• Tokyo–Hakone–Kyoto–Osaka

Experience the best of Japan in the "golden triangle" cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. We can arrange plenty of experiential activities to help you have a memorable trip.

Here is the hand-picked itinerary:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo
• Days 4–5: Hakone
• Days 6–8: Kyoto
• Days 9–10: Osaka

Days 1–3: Tokyo

Making sushi

Tokyo, with its perfect blend of history and modernity, is Japan's charming capital that first-timers invariably visit whatever the season. Visit historical Meiji Shrine, feel the old vibe and take a manpower rickshaw in Asakusa, experience ninja crafts and sushi-making at a local home. Anime lovers, you can buy the anime products you're interested in in Akihabara and have a fun time in Pokémon Center.

Days 4–5: Hakone

Soak onsens in Hakone

Hakone is the home of onsens (hot springs). Stay at a ryokan with an onsen for an enjoyable and relaxing time with your family, and visit Lake Ashi on a sightseeing cruise.

98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+

Sharon has been very helpful since the… Sharon has been very helpful since the beginning coordinating our itinerary in order to accommodate everything we want to see, it been great working with her More May, Jul 2023

When I first book I was scared of what… When I first book I was scared of what to expect, but oh my God! What an amazing experience this has been, from Sharon to all the guides Shawn and Mr. Ho, such amazing people! Their work is excellent More Saul Velez, Jul 2023

Albee was very helpful and responsive… Albee was very helpful and responsive in helping me make plans for their 10 day Japanese tour. More Bhavini Patel, Jul 2023

Alisa was a perfect tour consultant Alisa responded to my numerous questions with efficiency and accuracy. She was constantly suggesting options to make the trip more enjoyable More Matha Goram, Jul 2023

I highly Recommend Asia Highlights For our first guide Jun, he was amazing. Very accommodating. Kept in good communication & kept us on time for our activities. Reached out to me the night before to confirm meet times and locations. Our driver for this time was also so kind & driver was always on time. For our second Guide , Ho. He went above and beyond. He stayed in great communication. Stayed later with us on one of the days because we were worried about riding the train back alone but wanted to visit at the shopping center a littler longer, so he stayed with us and made sure we got off on the right stop! During our time with him he took pictures of us and sent them to us! He was very knowledgeable about every place we visited. He was kind and patient with our large group. He made our trip easy & memorable. The driver we had for this timeframe was also kind & always on time! We felt a bond with both guides given to us! If you want an easy going, stress free trip book with “Asia Highlights”!!! More Jessalynn Flores, Jul 2023

Working to put together a custom trip… Working to put together a custom trip with Alissa has been a great experience More Marc, Jul 2023

Wonderful Service from Sharon! Sharon at Asia Highlights has been a HUGE help in planning our trip to Japan later this year. From her initial contact to finalization of the plan, she has been very responsive, professional, patient, and knowledgeable. She was able to quickly propose an amazing itinerary and helped us customize it for our interests. She also made many great recommendations and gave us tips for the trip. I wasn’t familiar with Asia Highlights before I reached out, but after Sharon’s wonderful service, I have full confidence in them. I can’t wait for the trip and I hope it’s as awesome as Sharon’s service!!! More Ali Tahir, Jul 2023

Wonderful trip We had a wonderful time in Japan with guides Moni and Kazuko and with Jan in Singapore. Will always remember this trip! More Happy Customer, Jun 2023

Just got to say Just got to say, Monica was great in every way! So sweet and helpful with planning, itineraries, answering questions… would love to meet her in person! Thank you Monica! More Teri, Jun 2023

Monica is fantastic Monica is fantastic. She understood our needs, was very responsive and planned a perfect vacation for us. Highly recommend. More Philip Sheldon, Jun 2023

Me and my son are traveling to Japan Me and my son are traveling to Japan. Albee is magnificent. Extremely efficient, helpful, trustworthy. I am very happy she is helping us with my son's dreaming trip. More Ana Letícia Urbanin, Jun 2023

A great way to plan a dream vacation Due to circumstances, we had to delay our trip to Japan so this review is only about the process of designing the trip. Albee was always available, responsive to our goals, and competent. Based on how involved he was with our family trip, we know we will be back next year and resuming the plan he built. Really impressed with the quality and extent of resources we found through Albee and KimKim. More KC, May 2023

Yeliz - Asia Highlights Yeliz was extremely helpful and patient during our Japan trip planning and answered all my various questions. Really looking forward to our upcoming trip to Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka! More Cyndie, May 2023

Sharon’s was very patient and helpful… Sharon’s was very patient and helpful when navigating me through the trip planning process. She helped me plan a very exciting and extravagant trip. More Jonny Abad, May 2023

Wonderful 10 day trip in Japan!!! Well planned trip by Alisa . Everything was well scheduled, guides and drivers were excellent!! The cars were extremely comfortable and the hotel she chose for us was beautiful!! Enjoyed planning with her she was very professional and always offered other choices. More Lianne Stone, May 2023

11 days trip to Japan I am planning my trip to Japan in November with Sharon's help and she has provided amazing customer service.She is very responsive and put together very quickly an incredible plan for 11 days in Japan. She provided recommendations and made changes based on our interests and budget. She also provided information about visa restrictions and the best way to get tickets for transportation services. Thanks so much Sharon, looking forward to this trip! More LE, May 2023

Japan trip Hi Cathy! I just want to thank you for making our Japan trip so much fun & memorable! We loved everything that you had scheduled for us! All the guides and drivers were great & punctual! We love Japan so much that we’re planning to go back next year to different part of Japan! We’ll definitely contact Asia Highlights for our trip again! Serene More Serene Storslett, May 2023

Quick, easy and detailed service Alisa was our advisor from Asia highlights and she prepared for us a wonderful 28 day trip to Japan, taking into consideration our needs and desire not to be traveling everyday and to have a mixture of slow and busy days. We've not yet taken our trip, but very much looking forward to it Thank you Alisa for the quick response and wonderful itinerary More Lynette Whittle, Apr 2023

Japan Tour Sharon Huang did an excellent job in planningour 15 day Cherry Blossom Japan tour. Shewas available during our trip to answer our questions and readily agreed to the itinerary changes.Everything was arranged - accommodation,breakfast, guide, car, entrance fees and train tickets. The guides were knowledgeable, and managed the tour very efficiently. The drivers were punctual and very patient. We visited must see places in and near Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. We also got to experience Japanese Tea ceremony, Sushi making, Sake tasting, shopping etc.We highly recommend Asia Highlights for your travel needs. More Madhu, Apr 2023

I organized a trip to Japan for my I organized a trip to Japan for my parents who don’t speak English and Alisa was so amazing helping make an itinerary for them. They needed a Spanish guide and she coordinated everything so they wouldn’t have any trouble when they got there. She was so patient changing and adjusting the itinerary to their needs and wants, it’s been a total pleasure working with her and she always responds promptly to any question I have. I definitely recommend this company and if you can ask to work with Alisa. More Luisa, Apr 2023

Days 6–8: Kyoto

Try on kimonos

Kyoto is the most traditional medieval capital of Japan where you can experience geishas, kimonos, sake, a tea ceremony, shrines, and authentic ryokans.

• Visit the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle to understand the history of Japan.
• See beautiful geishas in Gion District and have an afternoon tea with them.
• Try on kimonos for a memorable photo and sample sake at a local brewery.
• Stay for a night at a ryokan to experience a tradition tatami bed, and enjoy a high-class kaiseki (high-class multi-course cuisine).
• Spend a day in Nara: feeding the cute deer in Nara Park could be a delightful family moment.

Days 9–10: Osaka

Sample street food in Dotonbori

Osaka is Japan's flourishing trade city, where you can sample delicious street food in Dotonbori District, visit outstanding Osaka Castle, and make cup noodles based on your preference.

You can contact us to tailor-make a tour for you if the above itinerary does not meet your requirement.

9-Day Japan Highlights Tour Tokyo - Hakone - Kyoto - Osaka

2. 10-Day Japan Spring Itinerary: The Best of the Cherry Blossom Season

Cherry blossoms

• Tokyo – Fuji Five Lakes – Kyoto – Osaka

Cherry blossom in spring (March to May) is one of the most attractive and well-known sights in Japan. A lot of travelers from Japan and abroad come specifically during this time to enjoy the blossoming pink trees. Our itinerary allows you to capture the best pictures of spring cherry blossoms in the best places in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka and experience Japan during its peak travel season.

We recommend you make reservations at least 6 months in advance as the top ryokans and guides are easily get fully booked well in advance.

Here is the detailed itinerary below:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo
• Day 4: Fuji Five Lakes
• Days 5–7: Kyoto
• Days 8–10: Osaka

10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring Mini-Group Tour Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Days 1–3: Tokyo

Boating in Chidorigafuchi

Tokyo is the top city for entering Japan as its international flights offer most options. There, visit the largest fish market in Japan —Tsukiji Market to sample the freshly-prepared sashimi; enjoy a steaming macha at Edo-Period (1603–1867) Hamarikyu Garden, which has stunning scenery; and take a river boat ride on Sumida River for a great view of cherry blossoms along the riverside.

Day 4: The Fuji Five Lakes

Cherry blossoms in the Fuji Five Lakes

Fuji Five Lakes hosts many of the best places to view the spectacular Mount Fuji. Enter Sengen Shrine to enjoy both cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji! Bike around Lake Kawaguchiko to view picturesque nature scenery with a Mount Fuji backdrop.

Days 5–7: Kyoto

Cherry blossoms on the Philosopher's Path

To have a deeper insight into Japan's past, Kyoto is the destination you must visit. Visit medieval Kinkakuji Temple to get a deeper understanding of Japan's history, see geishas in kimonos in Gion District, participate in a classical tea ceremony, and meander around Philosopher's Path to view more stunning cherry blossoms.

Take a day trip to Nara to feed deer in Nara Park, and hike on the Mount Yoshino to be in right in the middle of A LOT OF cherry blossom.

Days 8–10: Osaka

Super Nintendo World

Spend a day each in Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World for a great family time, and taste authentic street food in Dotonbori District.

You can just tell us your preferences and requirements and our travel consultant will customize a tour for you.

3. 10-Day Japan Nature Itinerary: Revitalizing Countryside Views

Folk village in Takayama

• Tokyo – Karuizawa – Takayama and Kanazawa – Kyoto

Discover two quiet-and-picturesque small towns with this Japan itinerary, which would whisk you away to enjoy the mountain breezes, lush bamboo groves, unique Japanese farmhouses, and light hiking in a national park.

Here is a well-crafted itinerary:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo
• Days 4–5: Karuizawa
• Days 6–7: Takayama and Kanazawa
• Days 8–10: Kyoto

Start your amazing nature trip in Tokyo, the prosperous capital of Japan. In these 3 days, you'll visit famous sightseeing spots and do your choice of family-friendly activities, like sushi-making, shopping for anime products, and/or a ninja experience.

Over the next two days, head to the mountain-bound town of Karuizawa to enjoy Japan's natural beauty. Take a light hike in the national park to experience green forests, clear lakes, and wildlife.

Day 5 brings you to the unique farmhouses in Takayama: gassho-zukuri farmhouses have steep thatched roofs that are named after ‘praying hands', and taste delicious Hida beef. Spend the night in Kanazawa, where you could buy gold-leaf products and sample sake at a brewery the next day.

Finish the trip in the impressive medieval capital of Kyoto. See geishas in Gion District, stay at a traditional ryokan for a night, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

11-Day Classic Japan Tour Tokyo - Takayama - Shirakawa - Kanazawa - Kyoto

4. 10-Day Japan History Itinerary: Explore Nippon's Past

Himeji Castle

• Tokyo–Kyoto–Himeji–Hiroshima–Osaka

Get a deeper understanding of Japan's history, and do fun things with a historical theme through this itinerary. Highlights include: trying on samurai armor at the Samurai Museum for a unique experience in Tokyo, visiting well-preserved Himeji Castle in Himeji, staying at a tradition ryokan in Kyoto, and paying a visit to Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima.

Here is the suggested itinerary:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo
• Days 4–6: Kyoto
• Day 7 Himeji
• Days 8–9: Hiroshima
• Day 10: Osaka departure

This incredible journey through Japan begins in Tokyo. Meander around to catch the Edo vibe of Asakusa District, explore the Samurai Museum, and stroll through Hamarikyu Garden to see nature scenery with a classical design.

Starting on Day 4, you will spend three amazing days in Kyoto. Enjoy an afternoon tea with geishas, participate in a traditional tea ceremony, stay at a classic ryokan, and take a day trip to Arashiyama, where there is a lush bamboo forest and fresh air, as there always has been through Japan's history.

Take a day tour in Himeji to visit the Japan's first World Heritage site — Himeji Castle. See this outstanding castle from all angles, and enjoy the castle's stunning Japanese-style garden.

Continue the trip in Hiroshima and Miyajima. Cherish world peace and appreciate its cost in Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima. Then, take a short ferry ride to Miyajima to see the famous "floating torii gate". Finish the trip in Osaka, exploring the lively Namba downtown area and sampling street food.

11-Day Traditional Japan Tour Osaka - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Tokyo

5. 10-Day Japan Cuisine Itinerary: The Foodie Tour

Sushi

• Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Kobe

Japanese food is one of the nation's most important highlights that attracts many travelers to come to Japan. A trip to taste authentic sushi, ramen and wagyu would be well worth it, especially if you're a self-acknowledged foodie. No matter what you want to eat, you can find a restaurant in Japan to suit your taste.

Here is the mouth-watering itinerary:

• Days 1–3: Tokyo
• Days 4–6: Kyoto
• Days 7–9: Osaka and Kobe
• Day 10: Departure

This delicious journey starts with several days in Tokyo, a metropolis with many Michelin restaurants and great local eateries. Head to Tsukiji Market to sample freshly-prepared sashimi, eat traditional snacks in Asakusa, and try the most authentic ramen and tempura.

The following 3 days in Kyoto would give you the chance to taste high-class Kaiseki, sample sake at a local brewery, and try Japan's tofu dishes.

Osaka is considered the culinary center of Japan, where you can indulge in delicious street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) in Dotonbori and create your own cup noodles based on your palate at the Cup Noodle Museum. Take a day trip to Kobe and savor its world-renowned Kobe Wagyu, known as the Rolls Royce of beef for its exquisite flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Contact our travel advisors and we can arrange it for you.

How Much Does 10 Days in Japan Cost?

Japan rivals Europe both in terms of facilities and service standards, which means that travel in Japan costs more than in China or in Southeast Asian countries.

US$400 (and above) per person per day is the typical cost for a private tour with 4-star hotels, based on a group of 2–4 people. This includes a private guide, private car, full-day itinerary, tickets for attractions, all intercity transport within Japan, and hand-picked 4-star hotels. An extra US$100 or more per day is required if you're looking to stay in 5-star hotels. Thus, the total cost for 10 days in Japan is about US$4,000 or so (international flights not included).

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