10-Day Japan Itinerary — Day-by-Day Plan

Ten days in Japan is the ideal sweet spot: enough time to add a ryokan night at the foot of Mount Fuji and a full day in Hiroshima and Miyajima to the classic route, without rushing. You’ll combine big cities, temples, onsen, and a sacred island, with the shinkansen tying it all together.

Looking for fewer days? See the 7-day itinerary. Want more? See the 14-day itinerary.

Day 1 — Arrival in Tokyo

Arrival in Tokyo. Buy a Suica card, check into your hotel, and take a first walk through Shibuya or Shinjuku — lights, the famous crossing, and a bowl of ramen. Early to bed — tomorrow is a full day.

Hotels in Tokyo near a main station

Day 2 — The Heart of Tokyo

Morning at Senso-ji in Asakusa, afternoon at the Imperial Palace gardens or Ginza, evening at Tokyo Skytree or Shinjuku. For details see the Tokyo guide.

Tokyo tours — book in advance

Day 3 — Day Trip from Tokyo

A day trip of your choice: Nikko for the golden forest temples, Kamakura for the giant Buddha and the sea, or another day in Tokyo with teamLab and the Tsukiji market. This is also a good time for shopping and packing before the move to Hakone.

Day 4 — Hakone and a Ryokan by Fuji

Today you leave the city: train to Hakone, a cruise on Lake Ashi, the Owakudani ropeway, and views of Mount Fuji. Tonight in a traditional ryokan: a hot onsen bath, a multi-course kaiseki dinner, and sleep on a futon mattress. One of the most authentic Japanese experiences on this route.

Ryokans and hotels in Hakone

Day 5 — Move to Kyoto

Morning: shinkansen to Kyoto. After check-in, start with eastern Kyoto: Kiyomizudera, the cobbled Higashiyama lanes, and the Gion district in the evening. Dinner at Nishiki Market. See the Kyoto guide.

Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6 — Western Kyoto

Early morning at Fushimi Inari, then the Arashiyama bamboo grove and the golden Kinkakuji pavilion. In the evening, a tea ceremony or a kimono walk in the geisha district. Give Kyoto time — the city rewards a slow pace.

Tours and experiences in Kyoto

Day 7 — Nara and Osaka

Day trip to Nara: the friendly deer and the giant Buddha at Todaiji. In the afternoon, move to Osaka and join the energy of Dotonbori — takoyaki and okonomiyaki. See the Osaka guide.

Hotels in Osaka

Day 8 — Osaka and Himeji Castle

A day in Osaka: Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, and the Amerika-Mura district. Castle lovers: a day trip to the White Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful (40 minutes by shinkansen). A final evening of street food and neon.

Tours and tickets in Osaka

Day 9 — Hiroshima and Miyajima

Shinkansen to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours from Osaka). Morning at the Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome — a moving and important experience. Afternoon: ferry to Miyajima island — covered in the Hiroshima guide: the floating torii gate and freely wandering deer. Overnight in Hiroshima.

Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 10 — Departure

Final morning: Hiroshima Castle or the Shukkeien garden. Then shinkansen back to Osaka or Tokyo for your flight. You’ve completed a rich and balanced ten-day trip!

Logistics and Pass Timing

JR Pass timing: activate it on day 4 or 5 to cover Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka–Hiroshima within the 7-day window. Accommodation: 3 nights Tokyo, 1 night Hakone, 3 nights Kyoto/Osaka, 1 night Hiroshima. Book the Hakone ryokan well in advance.

Transport: Shinkansen, Suica, and Pass

The backbone is the shinkansen: Tokyo–Kyoto about 2.5 hours, Osaka–Hiroshima about 1.5 hours. Inside cities, Suica or Pasmo covers the metro and buses. For Hakone there’s a separate Hakone Free Pass, worth it for one or two days. Download a navigation app for exact train times, and avoid rush hour with large luggage.

Variations and Tips

Nature lovers can swap a day in Osaka for an extra night in Kawaguchiko. Families: a day at Universal Studios Osaka. Experienced travellers: swap Hiroshima for traditional Kanazawa. Want to add Takayama and the Alps? See the 14-day itinerary.

Common Mistakes and Tips

Don’t pack in too many stops — ten days is comfortable for five regions. Reserve shinkansen seats during peak season, especially on the Osaka–Hiroshima leg. Carry cash: many small restaurants and temples don’t accept cards. Book the Hakone ryokan months ahead during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Build in one light day for flexibility and rest.

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Continue from here: read the main Japan guide for a full overview, browse the itineraries index for more options, or move on to the 14-day itinerary which adds Takayama and Kanazawa.