10-Day Japan Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Guide

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Let’s be real—there are about a million different ways you can spend 10 days in Japan! I know I struggled to narrow down my must-visit spots. Before I even booked the trip, I had to accept that this was going to be my first trip to Japan, but definitely not my last. Japan is such a unique, vibrant, and yes, slightly overwhelming (in the best way possible) country. There’s just no way to see and do it all in a 10-day Japan itinerary!

While part of me wanted to venture off the beaten path and explore the hidden gems, I decided to focus on the iconic cities for my first trip. It felt like the perfect way to dip my toes into the culture and get familiar with navigating around. So, in this 10-day itinerary, I’ll take you through Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fujikawaguchiko—some of Japan’s most exciting and unforgettable cities!

Related read: Be sure to check out these helpful posts: Japan Packing List, Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan, and Everything You Need to Know for Planning a Trip to Japan!

10-Day Japan Itinerary

Day 1-4: Tokyo With a Day Trip to Mt. Fuji

To kick off your Japan trip, chances are you will be flying into either Haneda or Narita. Haneda is much closer to the main areas of Tokyo, so it totally makes sense to kick off your 10 days here!

Tokyo has to be included in your 10-day Japan itinerary—it’s arguably the most iconic city in the country and, of course, the capital! This dynamic city blends the ultramodern with the traditional, creating an unforgettable experience that showcases Japan’s unique culture and innovation. Expect to dive into the world of flashing lights, towering skyscrapers, delicious street food, and peaceful pockets of serenity tucked away in the middle of the chaos.

As for the day trip to Mt. Fuji, I didn’t want to set a specific day for it since the visibility can really be hit or miss, depending on the weather. Fujikawaguchiko, the charming town at the base of the mountain, is the perfect escape from Tokyo’s hustle—it’s quaint, peaceful, and offers stunning views of Fuji when the weather cooperates. Expect the train ride from Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko to take around 2 hours.

We didn’t plan well and ended up doing an overnight trip on a day when the mountain was hidden behind clouds (summer rainy season, what can you do!), but even without the view, the town itself was lovely and worth a visit.

Best Things to Do in Tokyo

• Tsukiji Fish Market— A foodie paradise with endless stalls of fresh seafood, unique snacks, and local treats. Get there early to catch the best bites, from sushi to freshly grilled eel! This was one of my favorite things that we did in Tokyo because we got to try so much delicious food!
• Tokyo Tower— An iconic red and white landmark inspired by the Eiffel Tower, offering amazing views of the city. It’s especially beautiful at night when it’s all lit up—perfect for a dazzling skyline photo!
• teamLab Borderless— An immersive digital art museum like no other, where interactive, floor-to-ceiling light installations make you feel like you’ve stepped into a dream! Definitely one of the more unique things to do in Tokyo.
• Shibuya Scramble— Dive into the buzz of one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world! It’s an iconic Tokyo moment, and nearby shops and cafes make for excellent people-watching spots. For epic views, check out Shibuya Sky! Make sure you book your tickets in advance.
• Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho— Step into a tiny alleyway packed with cozy izakayas (Japanese pubs) serving up yakitori skewers and beer. The retro vibe is the perfect throwback to old-school Tokyo!
• Takeshita Street— A Harajuku hotspot full of quirky shops, colorful fashion, and funky street food. Keep an eye out for the famous rainbow cotton candy!

These are just a few top things to do in Tokyo, but check out my full 4-day Tokyo itinerary for more details. If you want to spend a little less time in Tokyo, I also have a 3-day itinerary and a 2-day itinerary as well!

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Shibuya is the perfect home base. It’s centrally located, just 15 minutes from Takeshita Street and about 30 minutes from the Tsukiji Fish Market (your farthest outing aside from your day trip). Here are some solid hotel options near Shibuya Station:

• Budget Option: Tokyu Stay Shibuya is a highly-rated choice with spacious rooms. It’s a bit quieter, yet still conveniently close to Shibuya Station and all the major attractions.
• Mid-Range Option: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is situated directly above Shibuya Station and has stunning views of the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
• Luxury Option: If you’re looking for a bit of indulgence, the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is a 5-star gem offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and is just a short stroll from Shibuya Station.

Check out all the available options in Shibuya and pricing for your dates here. And if you want to learn more about other popular neighborhoods to stay in Tokyo check out my full guide.

Day 4-7: Osaka With a Day Trip

Next up on your 10-day Japan itinerary is Osaka! You’ll be taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Osaka, which is not only a super convenient way to travel but also an experience in itself. Depending on where you leave from in Tokyo, the ride takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, watch the scenery zoom by, and maybe even snack on some bento boxes (highly recommend!).

Osaka is known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” and let me tell you, if you’re a foodie, this city will steal your heart! From mouthwatering street food to Michelin-star restaurants, Osaka is the ultimate culinary playground. The vibe here is lively, a little bit gritty, and a lot of fun.

It’s known for being a more laid-back and approachable city compared to Tokyo, with friendly locals and a nightlife scene that’ll have you exploring until the early hours. Expect to dive into delicious dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes)—seriously, come hungry!

With three days in Osaka, I definitely recommend using one of those days for a day trip. Whether you head to Nara or Universal Studios Japan is totally up to you! We opted for Universal Japan, and while it was pretty cool (Nintendo World fulfilled all my childhood dreams), I kinda wish we’d chosen Nara instead.

But that’s probably because I’m not the biggest amusement park fan, and we live less than two hours from Universal Orlando, which is even bigger!

Nara, on the other hand, is famous for its adorable deer and stunning temples, so if you’re into history and cute animals, that might be your better bet! Universal Studios Japan is a 50-minute train ride from central Osaka and Nara is a 1-hour train ride and a 20-minute walk from Osaka.

Best Things to Do in Osaka

• Dotonbori— This lively street is the heart of Osaka’s food and nightlife scene, filled with neon lights, tasty street food, and the iconic Glico Running Man sign. Perfect for strolling, snacking, and soaking in the vibes!
• Kuromon Market— Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” Kuromon is a foodie paradise with over 150 stalls offering everything from fresh seafood to grilled meats and sweet treats. Bring your appetite, and don’t leave without getting a tempura crab leg!
• Osaka Castle— A beautifully reconstructed castle with historical displays and lovely surrounding gardens, it’s the perfect place to soak in some culture and enjoy a scenic walk.
• Explore Shinsekai – This quirky, retro neighborhood feels like a step back in time with its vibrant colors, neon signs, and vintage charm. Explore the nostalgic streets, admire the Tsutenkaku Tower, grab some kushikatsu (fried skewers), and enjoy the one-of-a-kind atmosphere!
• Day Trip to Nara or Universal Studios Japan— Choose between a trip to Nara to visit the friendly deer and stunning temples or head to Universal Japan for thrill rides and an immersive trip to Nintendo World. Either way, it’s a day well spent!

For a detailed guide on making the most of your time in Osaka, check out my 3-day itinerary (which includes a day trip option) or my 2-day Osaka itinerary (for a shorter stay without a day trip).

Where to Stay in Osaka

I’d recommend staying near Namba Station. This area is perfect if you want to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to Dotonbori, great food, shopping, and entertainment. Here are three hotel options:

• Budget option: GRIDS PREMIUM HOTEL OSAKA NAMBA – This chic and modern hotel with a central location near Namba Station so you’ll be just steps away from Osaka’s lively nightlife, Dotonbori, and shopping streets, making it a perfect budget-friendly pick.
• Mid-range option: Centara Grand Hotel Osaka – A sleek, comfortable hotel with breathtaking city views, and just steps away from Namba’s exciting shopping and dining scene!
• Luxury option: Hotel Royal Classic Osaka – A stunning high-end hotel that offers top-notch service, sophisticated dining, and rooms with panoramic city views.

Check out all available accommodations with pricing for your dates here.

Day 7-9: Kyoto

After soaking up all the energy and delicious food in Osaka, it’s time to head to Kyoto! Luckily, Kyoto is less than an hour away by train, depending on where you’re leaving from in Osaka. The quick and easy ride will transport you from the modern hustle of Osaka to the tranquil, historical beauty of Kyoto.

Kyoto was hands down my favorite place during our 10 days in Japan! If Mt. Fuji hadn’t been shrouded in clouds the entire time, it would’ve tied, but Kyoto just had this magical, timeless feel that was hard to beat. It’s like stepping back into “Old Japan,” where history oozes from every corner. The city is filled with ancient temples, serene gardens, and traditional wooden teahouses that make you feel like you’ve been transported to another era.

Fun fact: Kyoto used to be Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years, and you can feel that deep historical significance as you wander through the streets. The vibe is much more peaceful and calm compared to Tokyo or Osaka, with the perfect blend of traditional and modern.

My personal experience? I could’ve stayed here forever just soaking it all in. There’s something so special about walking through the narrow alleys of Gion, spotting geishas in their beautiful kimonos, or catching a quiet moment at a centuries-old shrine. It was truly a dream.

Best Things to Do in Kyoto

• Tea Ceremony— Experience an authentic tea ceremony and get a taste of Japanese culture in the most elegant way! It’s a peaceful, immersive activity that’s so unique to Kyoto. This was one of my favorite things we did in Kyoto! You can read my full tea ceremony review here.
• Shijo-Dori Street Shopping— This bustling street is packed with trendy boutiques, traditional shops, and tasty snacks. It’s perfect for souvenir shopping.
• Arashiyama Monkey Park— Get up close with wild Japanese macaques monkeys and enjoy one of the best views of Kyoto! The short hike up is worth every step when you reach the top!
• Higashiyama District— Wander this historic district and take in Kyoto’s old-town charm, visiting iconic places like Yasaka Shrine, Hokan-ji Temple, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple that make it feel like you’re stepping back in time.
• Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine— Famous for its thousands of red torii gates, this shrine is a breathtaking spot for photos and a bit of a hike if you’re up for it. It’s as magical as it looks in the pictures!

For a complete itinerary, check out my guide on how to spend 2 days in Kyoto.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

For a quick 2-day stay in Kyoto, I recommend staying near Kyoto Station. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Kyoto. Its convenient location is perfect for exploring the city with easy access to iconic sites and plenty of dining and shopping options nearby. Here are a few great choices:

• Budget option: Via Inn Prime Kyotoeki Hachijoguchi — This hotel in Kyoto has cozy rooms at a very affordable rate. Plus, its proximity to Kyoto Station means you can hop on a train or grab a quick bite without hassle!
• Mid-range option: Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA — Our favorite hotel from our 10 days in Japan! The spacious rooms provide amazing value for the price, and the location can’t be beat! Plus, you’ll find a relaxing onsen right at the hotel, making it a perfect place to unwind after exploring the city.
• Luxury option: Hotel Granvia Kyoto — If you’re looking to splurge, Hotel Granvia Kyoto is where it’s at! Directly connected to Kyoto Station, this chic hotel features an indoor swimming pool, stylish decor, and both a steam room and hot tub.

For all accommodation options in Kyoto with pricing for your dates check here!

Day 10: Make Your Way Back to Tokyo

On Day 10, it’s time to make your way back to Tokyo to wrap up your amazing 10 days in Japan! The Shinkansen ride from Kyoto to Tokyo is a little over 2 hours, so it’s quick and super convenient. You can sit back, relax, and reflect on all the unforgettable experiences you’ve had.

Whether you want to squeeze in some last-minute shopping or just soak up the final moments in the city, Tokyo is the perfect place to end your adventure on a high note!

Getting Around Japan

Getting around Japan is pretty straightforward and efficient. In cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, you’ll mostly rely on trains, subways, and buses, all of which are easy to navigate. For travel between cities, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is the way to go—super fast, comfortable, and saves a lot of time.

Apple or Google Maps works perfectly here, showing you which lines and routes to take, and most signs are in English too, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost!

Add a Suica card to your Apple wallet. These rechargeable cards make transit a breeze, covering trains, subways, and buses. You can easily load the card and tap to pay—no need to buy individual tickets each time. For the Shinkansen you will need to buy separate tickets.

For more details about Suica cards, getting around, and other helpful tips for your Japan trip check out Things to Know Before Traveling to Japan, and Everything You Need to Know for Planning a Trip to Japan.

Are you ready for an epic 10 days in Japan?!

Wishing you an amazing time exploring for your 10 days in Japan! Whether you’re diving into the energy of Tokyo, soaking up Kyoto’s history, or indulging in Osaka’s food scene, there’s so much here to make your trip unforgettable. Enjoy every stop, take it all in, and have the best adventure!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Japan blog posts:

One day in Kyoto

Kyoto Tea ceremony review

Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama in Kyoto guide