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Japan is a rustic with a lot range and intrigue to discover – from the neon lights of Tokyo to the misty-clad mountains, from the traditional temples to the serene solace of the manicured gardens.
When you solely have 10 days to discover the nation, you’re going to need to go in armed with a well-curated itinerary to tick off all of the highlights.
On this 10 day Japan itinerary, we take you to among the most ethereal temples and shrines, present you the place you may eat the world’s greatest sushi, offer you an opportunity to journey the long-lasting bullet prepare, be dazzled by Japan’s revolutionary tech business, and take in Japanese popular culture.
If it’s your first go to to Japan, this itinerary will make sure you go away feeling nicely acquainted with the nation in simply 10 days.
The Final 10-Day Japan Itinerary
There are such a lot of fabulous issues to do in Japan and unimaginable locations to go to, however because you solely have ten days, we advocate you stick to 2 basic Japanese cities; Tokyo and Kyoto.
Tokyo is the place you may witness the trendy, futuristic facet of Japan, whereas Kyoto takes you again to its historical previous, providing storybook websites and a possibility to expertise the traditions, historical past, and tradition of imperial Japan.
You can too take day journeys from each Kyoto and Tokyo, so don’t really feel such as you’re caught in simply two locations – there’s nonetheless so much to see and discover.
How To Get Round Japan
Since you have got 10-days in Japan and we’re focusing our itinerary on simply two main cities, you’ll solely have one lengthy journey between the 2 locations to account for.
You may journey between Tokyo and Kyoto by way of the Shinkansen, often known as The Bullet Prepare, however that is very costly. Because you solely do that journey as soon as, it may not be financially price it in case you are travelling on a price range.
Nevertheless, it’s the quickest prepare on this planet, and might journey at speeds as much as 320 km/hr, making it an expertise in its personal proper. So, you may determine that it’s price spending the cash.
There are many trains between Kyoto and Tokyo, so that you don’t have to guide the prepare prematurely, however you do want the Japan Rail Cross (JR Cross), which have to be bought earlier than arriving.
High tip: Sit on the left facet of the Kyoto to Tokyo prepare for an opportunity to see Mount Fuji on a transparent day.
When you’re not fussed concerning the Bullet Prepare and also you need to get monetary savings, then you may take a direct flight for as little as $30 USD with price range airways like JetStar or JAL.
There are additionally long-distance, night time buses, that are extremely comfy and inexpensive. They’re often solely round $12-$15 USD every approach. Take a look at Kosoku Bus for timetables and to guide tickets.
Day 1: Getting Oriented in Tokyo
Most individuals will begin by flying into Tokyo, so we’ll start our Japan itinerary right here. You may swap this itinerary round in case you are flying into Kyoto or Osaka as an alternative.
The very first thing you need to do if you land in Tokyo is get oriented. Get a neighborhood sim card from the airport – you may prebook one on Klook after which decide it up from the counter after gathering your baggage, which might be simpler than shopping for one there (and cheaper too).
You then need to discover your resort. The principle airport that serves Tokyo is Narita Airport, which is definitely situated 80 km (about an hour on the prepare) out of the town, so you want to first catch a prepare to the middle.
Tokyo Worldwide Airport (Haneda Airport) is 18km from the town and takes 20 minutes to achieve the middle on public transport.
Relying on the place you’re staying, you both need to catch the Keisei Skyliner prepare to Ueno Station, and take the metro to your lodging, or take the Narita Categorical to Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station or Shinjuku Station.
Getting round Tokyo by metro could look daunting, however as you’ll count on in Japan, it’s a very environment friendly system. The truth is, all traces are color-coded, and every cease is given a quantity. When you don’t know the way to pronounce the title of your cease, you may memorize the quantity so that you don’t get misplaced.
When you’re all checked in and also you’ve bought your bearings, it’s time to take a look at the websites…and after I say websites, I imply the superb Japanese meals experiences, as a result of let’s face it, airplane meals sucks and also you’re in all probability ravenous!
The place to Keep in Tokyo
In the case of selecting lodging in Tokyo, you need to base your self in a neighborhood that’s vacationer pleasant and near a metro. So long as you keep close to a metro, you will get your self round simply and it doesn’t actually matter the place you select.
Among the hottest neighborhoods are:
- Shinjuku, which is known for its neon-lit streets, upscale bars, and karaoke rooms. When you like nightlife, this can be a good base for you.
- Shibuya, dwelling to the world well-known Shibuya Crossing, the busiest crossing on this planet. It’s nicely related within the middle of the town so it’s simple to get to different locations rapidly, nevertheless, it may be costly.
- Asakusa, a extra conventional neighborhood recognized for its Senso-ji Temple, and it additionally has extra native eating places and outlets.
- Akihabara is the place to remain if you happen to’re massive on manga, anime and gaming.
- Ueno is extra family-friendly, and is near the Zoo and Ueno Park, that are beautiful, peaceable inexperienced areas throughout the metropolis – excellent for many who get overwhelmed by massive cities.
That can assist you discover a place to remain, we’ve picked out a few of our prime choices for lodging in Tokyo. Examine these out:
- E-book Tea Mattress SHIBUYA: A capsule hostel, a singular type of lodging in Japan the place you sleep in pods. This type of lodging was invented in Japan as a approach of maximising area, it’s additionally the most affordable type of lodging.
- ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU: A ryokan, a conventional Japanese inn with paper, sliding partitions and futon beds. This ryokan even has an onsen (a scorching spring tub), which is a rarity in Tokyo. There are lower than 30 inns with onsens in the entire metropolis.
Cease 1: Dinner at Ichiran
I all the time advocate consuming at Ichiran first because it’s fast and an actual culturally immersive deal with. Though it’s a sequence, it’s nonetheless one of the vital distinctive culinary experiences in Japan.
First, you get taken to a single desk the place you might be given a bit of paper to order your ramen. Everybody will get their very own desk, with a wall on both facet. So even if you happen to go together with a gaggle, everyone seems to be eating alone.
To order, merely circle the kind of noodles you need, the way you need them cooked, and the way a lot meat you need.
You then hand your paper to a server ready behind a window at your desk. After some time, your ramen shall be served to you thru the window, after which the curtain comes down and also you’re anticipated to eat in whole isolation. You don’t ever see your server, solely a pair of palms by way of a window.
I don’t learn about you, however typically after I’m consuming at a restaurant, I hate it after I maintain getting bothered by servers “is every little thing okay? how is your meal?” – if you happen to’re the type of “go away me alone I’m consuming” type of individual, that is your vibe.
Day 2: Tokyo West Aspect (Shibuyu and Harajuku)
Now it’s time to essentially begin exploring Tokyo! Beginning within the busiest epicenter of the town – Shibuyu.
Cease 1: Shibuyu Crossing
Begin at Shibuyu Crossing, which was made well-known in “Misplaced in Translation.” You undoubtedly need to expertise the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, ideally at rush hour.
If you’d like a good view of the crossing from above, head to the second ground of the Starbucks on the crossing the place you may clearly see how busy this crossing is.
Cease 2: Buy groceries on Middle-Gai
Afterwards, take a wander down Middle-Gai, a pedestrian procuring avenue. Cease at one of many karaoke bars and spend an hour belting out some tunes with your folks.
When you fancy some sushi for lunch, you may by no means go incorrect with Genki Sushi, a sushi chain recognized for serving sushi on little trains or on conveyor belts.
Cease 3: Go to Meiji-jingu Shrine and Yoyogi-koen Park
Within the afternoon, take the metro over to Harajuku Station, the long-lasting youth kawaii district.
However earlier than you head into the loopy world of Harajuku, head to Meiji-jingu Shrine for some peace and quiet in Yoyogi-koen Park.
Cease 4: Buy groceries on Takeshita, Harajuku
After a few hours strolling the peaceable trails round Meiji-jingu, you’ll really feel higher ready to deal with Harajuku’s essential procuring avenue, Takeshita.
Something goes right here and one can find plenty of curious characters youthfully expressing themselves.
Cease 5: Dinner at Sakura-tei
For dinner head to Sakura-tei for okonomiyaki – Japanese savoury pancakes with octopus, which you cook dinner at your desk.
Don’t fear, Sakura is tourist-friendly and has English-speaking workers to allow them to present you the way it’s performed. They could even cook dinner it for you if you happen to’re unsure what to do.
Day 3: East Aspect of Tokyo (Asakusa and Ueno)
On the third day, it’s time to study Japan’s historical previous, and what higher approach to try this than to go to some museums and Tokyo’s oldest district, Asakusa.
Cease 1: Fukagawa Edo Museum
The Edo period in Japan was an interesting time and to raised study extra about it, go to Fukagawa Edo Museum.
This open-air museum recreates a working class neighborhood within the Edo period. It brings historical past to life as you may stroll into the buildings and decide up the interval artifacts.
In case you are trying to study much more, go to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Cease 2: Senso-ji Temple
The principle web site right here is Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Method the temple from Nakamise-dori and get swept up within the bustling environment and Japanese craft and candy outlets.
The atmospheric facet streets are price exploring, which trace at a bygone period.
Don’t miss an opportunity to get your fortune informed at Senso-ji too. Senso-ji Temple gives a conventional technique of fortune-telling referred to as “Omikuji” which is a enjoyable and simple option to get your fortune informed.
First, head to the Omikuji counter and make a donation of ¥100 coin into the designated slot.
Then, shake a field containing plenty of sticks. You’ll want to shake it in a approach that just one stick falls out. Right here’s a video exhibiting the way it’s performed.
Then, search for the quantity on the stick and find the corresponding drawer. Open the drawer to retrieve your Omikuji, a small strip of paper together with your fortune written on it. There are English translations on every fortune.
Cease 3: Ueno Park
When you nonetheless have time and power, head to Ueno on foot. In any other case, it’s simple to achieve on the metro.
Ueno Park is the right place to calm down and unwind in a tranquil backyard and do some folks watching. The Ueno Zoo is fashionable with the young and old alike.
The perfect a part of Ueno Park is Shinobazuno Pond, for my part. It’s surrounded by a beautiful grassy space with manicured hedges and bonsai, with a serene shrine within the middle.
When you occur to be visiting in spring for Cherry Blossom season, THIS is the place to go to see them. There are millions of them and it’s simply stunning.
Cease 4: Tokyo Sky Tree
In case you are nearing the tip of your day in Asakusa, the Tokyo Sky Tree is an commentary deck providing up beautiful 360-degree views from 350 meters above the bottom.
On a transparent day you may have the ability to spot Mt Fuji or go for the glittering after darkish view.
Tokyo Sky Tree is the second tallest constructing on this planet, at 634 meters excessive.
Day 4: Tsukiji Fish Market and Shinjuku
Cease 1: Tsukiji Outer Market
You may’t go to Japan with out experiencing the most important seafood market on this planet. It’s one of the vital fashionable locations to go in Japan.
When you actually need to see the tuna public sale, plan to reach and queue for tickets by 3:00am.
Nevertheless, even if you happen to don’t need to stand up in the midst of the night time, Tsukiji ought to nonetheless be in your Tokyo itinerary.
Plan to reach at 9:30am as vacationers aren’t allowed to enter the interior market till 10:00am after enterprise is concluding.
You’ll then have about half-hour to wander round and see what was on the market that day, earlier than issues wind down at 10:30am.
You may pattern the freshest (and really costly) sushi on the outer market, the place queues can get fairly lengthy for the preferred eating places.
Cease 2: Buy groceries in Shinjuku
Subsequent up, take the metro to Shinjuku.
Right here you’ll expertise the world’s busiest prepare station with over 3 million folks passing by way of it every day.
Shinjuku is the Tokyo you image with its neon lights, plenty of individuals and high-tech every little thing. This can be a excellent place to get some procuring performed in Shinjuku’s many malls and outlets.
If you wish to see Tokyo from above, however don’t need to shell out for the Tokyo Tower, you may ascend to the highest of the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing free of charge.
For dinner, bask in one other must-have Tokyo meals expertise: dinner from a merchandising machine. No severely, you’ll discover them all over the place!
Day 5: Day Journey to both Disney or Hakone
On the final day in Tokyo, you’ll truly be leaving the town. You may both select to go to a Disney (Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea), which is good for these travelling with youngsters, or head to the close by nationwide park of Hakone.
When you want Disney, the 2 Disney theme parks supply the basic Disney expertise, however with a uniquely Japanese twist.
The meals alone is price a go to with fascinating snacks like gyoza canine, curry popcorn and mochi dumplings. Attempt to go to mid-week and purchase your tickets prematurely, as queues may be very lengthy.
If Disney isn’t your type, take an in a single day journey to Hakone. A 1 night time journey to Hakone is without doubt one of the greatest day journeys from Tokyo if you happen to’re travelling as a pair.
Finest recognized for its scorching spring resorts, or onsens, that is one other nice likelihood to remain in a ryokan.
A good way to benefit from the area is by doing the Hakone Circuit with the Hakone Free Cross.
This lets you take 5 totally different modes of transportation by way of its countryside and lakes, in addition to entry to Hakone Open Air Museum.
Extra issues to do in Tokyo
When you don’t fancy among the suggestions talked about above, listed below are another fashionable issues to do in Tokyo:
- When you like procuring – head to Ginza, the primary neighborhood to modernize in Tokyo. As Tokyo’s fifth Avenue, that is dwelling to high-end retailers.
- When you like leisure – head to Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, accessible by mono-rail. From theme parks to science centres, and even a scorching springs amusement facility, Odaiba gives plenty of alternative.
- In case you are concerned about electronics – head to Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek tradition wonderland.
- In case you are concerned about sumo – attend a sumo event at Ryogoku in case you are visiting in January, Might or September.
- In case you are into movie – rating tickets prematurely for The Ghibli Museum and enter the world of animator Miyazaki Hayao.
- In case you are into sports activities – purchase tickets to the Yomuiri Giants baseball recreation on the Tokyo Dome if visiting from March to October.
Day 6: Journey to Kyoto
The sixth day requires you to journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. When you take the Shinkansen bullet prepare, it ought to take 2 hours 45 minutes, a flight is 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the bus is 8 hours.
When you determine on the bus, make it an evening bus so you have got all day to discover immediately.
The place to remain in Kyoto
One of many easiest methods to expertise Kyoto is by staying in a conventional Japanese inn, a ryokan.
This cultural immersion expertise permits you to sleep on tatami mats, eat elaborate kaseki meals and tub in an onsen.
Ryokans usually embrace your meals and may be fairly costly. Whereas we might have beloved to remain in a single for the entire time we had been in Kyoto, we opted to remain one night time.
Earlier than you go, study what to count on staying at a ryokan to ensure you don’t make any etiquette fake pas.
The perfect neighborhoods to remain in Kyoto are:
Selecting the perfect neighborhood in Kyoto relies upon closely in your priorities and journey type. Listed below are a couple of prime contenders:
- Gion, often called the historic geisha district with conventional picket homes and charming alleyways. Affords a glimpse into outdated Kyoto.
- Higashiyama, one other historic space with stunning temples (Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine) and conventional streets.
- Kiyomizu-gojo, has a central location with easy accessibility to public transportation and balances conventional and fashionable. It’s cheaper than the historic areas.
That can assist you discover a place to remain, we’ve picked out a few of our prime choices for lodging in Kyoto. Examine these out:
Day 7: Higashiyama and Gion
The Higashiyama district is certainly one of Kyoto’s greatest preserved heritage areas and an amazing place to start out exploring Kyoto.
There are quite a few temples and shrines, Japanese gardens and tea homes greatest explored by strolling the slender streets.
Cease 1: Kiyomizu-dera temple
The spotlight is Kiyomizu-dera temple, a UNESCO Heritage Web site with superb views over Kyoto.
As you method the temple and stroll the heritage Yasaka and Kiyomizu-michi streets, you’ll soften into the bustling crowd.
A preferred exercise for each home and international vacationers is to gown up in Kimono whereas exploring the world. There are many alternatives to buy within the picket storefronts promoting Japanese trinkets and matcha goodies.
Cease 2: Gio
In case your legs aren’t too drained, have a wander by way of the Gion district, the place you may simply spot a geisha going to a night engagement.
Have dinner in close by Pontocho Alley, a slender avenue stuffed with eating places, many overlooking the river.
Day 8: Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji
Cease 1: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama is a district on the western facet of Kyoto, greatest recognized for its towering bamboo grove.
As one of the vital fashionable locations to go to in Kyoto, it will get busy rapidly so get an early begin to your day to get pleasure from some quiet time earlier than the crowds arrive.
You may lease bicycles and discover the quiet and rural streets of Arashiyama.
Cease 2: Monkey Park Iwatayam
Close by Monkey Park Iwatayama gives stunning views over Kyoto and the prospect to see and work together with the wild monkeys that dwell on the hill.
Cease 3: Kinkaku-ji, Golden Temple
Within the afternoon, head over to Kinkaku-ji, one other UNESCO web site and one of the vital photographed locations in all of Japan.
Generally known as the Golden Temple, that is probably the most zen place I’ve ever visited and top-of-the-line issues to do in Kyoto, even with the crowds.
Each little element of the temple and exquisite gardens have been thought out so rigorously.
The golden pavilion by the lake is the spotlight. It was burnt down within the 50s by a monk who was apparently jealous of its magnificence, and so they rebuilt it utilizing EVEN MORE gold.
Kyoto is dwelling to over 2,000 temples and shinto shrines and every certainly one of them is extremely distinctive and exquisite. It’s simple to get “templed out” in Kyoto, so that you need to tempo your self.
Day 9: Fushimi Inari, Manga Museum and Markets
Cease 1: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari is totally breathtaking with its pathways of orange torii gates on the facet of a mountain.
The upper you stroll, the much less crowds one can find. You may simply spend 2-3 hours right here following the 4 kilometers of pathways within the forest.
As one of the vital well-known Kyoto points of interest, undoubtedly put Fushimi Inari in your 10-day itinerary!
Cease 2: Manga Museum
Subsequent, head again to downtown Kyoto to go to the Manga Museum.
Manga and comedian books are on the middle of Japanese popular culture and the Manga Museum is sort of a manga library the place followers can devour the large assortment.
For us, the spotlight of our go to was having the children’ portraits drawn by a manga artist.
It’s superb how a lot persona the artists imbue of their drawings and they’re our favourite souvenirs from the journey.
Cease 3: Nishiki Evening Market
End your day with a Nishiki Market tour by way of this five-block procuring avenue.
Amongst the memento outlets, one can find contemporary native substances, tempting take-away fare and specialty meals merchandise.
Day 10: Nijo Citadel or Day journey to Kibune or Nara
In your final day in Kyoto, select to discover extra of what the town has to supply or do a day journey to the encompassing space.
In case you are staying in Kyoto, go to Nijo Citadel, dwelling of shoguns because the Edo period.
That is additionally an amazing wet day exercise. This 400 12 months outdated fortress options stunning murals, picket flooring that make nightingale sounds as you step and elaborate Japanese gardens.
Spend the remainder of your day strolling the Philosophers Stroll in northern Higashiyama or taking part in a tea ceremony.
One of many greatest day journeys from Kyoto is to Nara, well-known for the deer that roam freely in Nara Park and its spectacular temples.
Simply an hour from Kyoto by prepare, Nara is a formidable metropolis to spend the day in.
In case you are trying to see a few of Japan’s countryside, head to Karama and hike to Kibune.
This half day hike (4 km, 2-3 hours) winds by way of temples and forest. In case you are there within the hotter months, you may eat lunch on the platforms constructed over the river because the water flows beneath you.
Take a look at these tour choices:
Finest Time To Go to Japan
When you’re unsure when to go to Japan, I like to recommend you propose your go to for Spring to witness the cherry blossom season.
Spring additionally has nice climate, although it may be busy. Autumn (September to November) additionally has nice climate however is less expensive.
Summer season (June to August) is good for out of doors actions, however it may well get scorching.
Last Ideas
This 10 days in Japan itinerary is an effective way to get a style of this superb nation.
Visiting Kyoto and Tokyo will whet your urge for food for all of the locations to see in Japan and you’ll be planning your subsequent Japan journey earlier than you even go away.
Japan actually is in contrast to another nation on earth.
In an period of globalization, Japan manages to keep up a totally international really feel that we as vacationers thrive upon.
From its wealthy tradition, to its futuristic and high-tech cities, to its orderly methods, Japan is a vacation spot that you must go to to expertise.
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We hope you discovered this Japan itinerary useful. When you’ve got any questions, or need to share your individual journey suggestions, go away a remark beneath.