A ten-Day Itinerary Across Japan - Discovering the Must-See Highlights

Ten days in Japan provides enough time to experience the highlights of Japan without feeling rushed. In ten days, you can cover the essential experiences of Japan's major cities and allow for excursions to iconic landmarks outside the main cities. The efficient transportation system, particularly the Shinkansen (bullet train), facilitates swift travel between cities, maximizing time spent exploring rather than in transit. 

Tokyo (Days 1-2)

Tokyo is typically the starting point for a 10-day itinerary. A good idea for a first day in Tokyo is exploring the districts of Shibuya and Harajuku, renowned for their vibrant culture and fashion. Shibuya, home to the famed Shibuya Crossing, is a key spot for Tokyo sightseeing and provides a firsthand view of the city's energy. Shibuya's streets are lined with a variety of shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. In contrast, nearby Harajuku, known for its unique street fashion, caters to a younger crowd and those interested in alternative fashion trends. For a second day in Tokyo, the historical district of Asakusa and the district of Akihabara are another good choice. Asakusa, one of Tokyo's older districts, is centered around the Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple. The road leading to Senso-ji, known as Nakamise Street, is lined with shops selling traditional Japanese crafts and snacks.
A short train ride from Asakusa is Akihabara, a district synonymous with Japan's contemporary anime culture. Akihabara is a haven for fans of manga, anime, and video games, featuring a plethora of stores specializing in electronics, collectibles, and pop culture merchandise. An optional visit to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the world’s tallest towers, offers panoramic views of the city.

Nikko (Day 3)

Nikko is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, primarily known for their elaborate and historically important temples and shrines. The most notable among these is the Toshogu Shrine. This shrine stands out for its intricate wood carvings and lavish decorations, diverging from the more understated style typical of Japanese religious architecture. Toshogu, along with Futarasan Shrine and Rinno-ji Temple, forms the core of Nikko’s World Heritage sites. Nikko’s surrounding mountains and waterfalls provide a picturesque backdrop to these historic sites.

Hakone and Mount Fuji (Days 4-5)

Hakone is known for its scenic beauty, close proximity to Mount Fuji and as pristine place to experience the hot springs (onsen) in Japan.  A notable feature of Hakone is its view of Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic and highest peak. Weather permitting, the views of Mount Fuji from Hakone are spectacular. Another highlight in Hakone is the Hakone Open Air Museum, which integrates art with nature, displaying sculptures and installations in an outdoor setting. A cruise on Lake Ashi, a crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption, completes the Hakone experience.

Kyoto (Days 6-7)

Our next stop is Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and a city that encapsulates the essence of traditional Japanese culture.  First is the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, it is an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. The gates, donations from individuals and businesses hoping for good fortune, create a network of trails leading into the wooded forest of Mount Inari. The shrine's unique and visually striking torii gate pathways make it one of the most photographed sites in Japan. After visiting Fushimi Inari, visitors are close to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Gion retains an old-world charm, with its well-preserved machiya (traditional wooden townhouses) and narrow lanes. The district offers an array of teahouses, shops selling local crafts, and opportunities to see traditional Japanese performances. 
Next on our stop is Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, one of Kyoto's most iconic structures. This Zen Buddhist temple is famous for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting brilliantly in the pond it overlooks. The surrounding garden, designed in the Muromachi period style, complements the temple. A short distance from Kinkaku-ji is Ryoan-ji, known for its rock garden, which is considered one of the finest examples of karesansui, a dry landscape rock garden. A visit to Arashiyama, particularly its bamboo grove, is also highly recommended. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto.

Nara (Day 8)

Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan, is home to several well-preserved temples and cultural landmarks, with Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park being the primary attractions. Todai-ji Temple, a landmark of Nara, is renowned for housing one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in Japan, the Daibutsu (Great Buddha). The temple complex itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds great importance in the history of Japanese Buddhism. The Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which houses the statue, is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Adjacent to Todai-ji is Nara Park, known for its free-roaming deer. These deer are considered messengers of the gods in Shinto religion and are a symbol of the city. Visitors can interact with the deer and feed them special crackers sold in the park.

Osaka (Day 9)

Osaka is known for its lively atmosphere and culinary scene. One of the key attractions in Osaka is Osaka Castle, a landmark with a storied past that played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan in the 16th century. The castle, surrounded by a moat and park, features a museum that provides insights into its history and significance. The observation deck at the top offers views of the city.
A visit to the Dotonbori district is also must. This bustling neighborhood, located along the Dotonbori canal, is the heart of Osaka's entertainment and nightlife. It is famed for its bright neon lights, extravagant signage, and an array of shops, bars, and restaurants. Osaka is particularly celebrated for its cuisine, with local specialties such as takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake).

Tokyo (Day 10)

The final day of our 10-day Japan itinerary brings travelers back to Tokyo for a concluding day, often reserved for last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Good choices include Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district. The area boasts high-end boutiques, department stores, and designer brands, alongside art galleries and upscale restaurants.
Another good destination for the day is Odaiba, a popular entertainment and shopping district on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. Odaiba presents a futuristic landscape, with its innovative architecture and attractions like the Palette Town shopping complex, the futuristic Toyota Mega Web, and the Oedo-Onsen-Monogatari hot springs. The area also offers panoramic views of the Rainbow Bridge and the Tokyo waterfront.