Japan Itinerary 10 Days: Tokyo to Kyoto To Osaka in 10 Days (FREE TEMPLATE INSIDE)

Planning ten days in Japan, but not quite sure where to begin? It is quite possible than you might think, especially if you follow this Japan itinerary 10 days. It will take you through three amazing cities within Japan, starting in Tokyo, then slowing things down in Kyoto, and ending with the energy of Osaka. 

Along the way, you will also pick up a few practical tips, from sorting out the basics to packing appropriately for Japan. There is even a free downloadable 10-day itinerary you can keep on your phone, so you do not have to second-guess your plans once you are there.

The Logistics Checklist for Japan

We really think the best way to spend 10 days in Japan comes down to planning and organising a few key details early on. Some of these might seem quite basic, but they are often the ones people overlook, even if they have travelled before.

Let’s start with the absolute must-haves:

• Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the duration of your stay in Japan. It is also a good idea to have a couple of blank pages for entry stamps, just in case.

• Visa: Not everyone needs a visa to enter Japan. Travellers from countries like the United States or the United Kingdom can usually visit for a short stay without one. Still, it doesn't hurt to double-check the latest requirements before you go.

• Pocket WiFi or eSIM: Free public WiFi in Japan is not as common as you might expect. The easiest option is to get an eSIM so you can connect as soon as you arrive. If you are travelling with others, renting a pocket WiFi can be a good alternative.

• Travel insurance for Japan: It is not required, but we would still recommend it. Japan is very safe overall, but unexpected situations can happen. Having insurance simply gives you peace of mind if anything goes wrong.

• Cash in Japanese yen and a payment card: You might expect most places to take cards, but that is not always the case in Japan. We actually came across a lot of spots that only take cash, especially smaller shops and places outside the bigger cities.

• JR Pass or IC card: If you are travelling between cities, a JR Pass can help you save quite a bit on train fares, including Shinkansen. IC cards like Suica or Pasmo are much more convenient for buses and metro lines, such as the Tokyo Metro or Toei lines. If you are using an iPhone, just add one to your Apple Wallet and tap as you go.

A scene of cherry blossoms in full bloom in Japan. Photo by Richie Chan on Adobe Stock

And here are a few everyday essentials to pack for Japan 10 day itinerary:

• A good pair of walking shoes: You will be walking a lot in Japan (think 15,000+ steps per day), so make sure you bring something comfortable that will not hurt your feet after a long day.

• Layered clothes: In spring and autumn, a couple of long-sleeve tops and a light jacket or cardigan usually do the job. Summer can get quite hot, so breathable fabrics like linen or cotton are best. If you are going in a colder winter, pack a warm waterproof jacket and a few thermal layers.

• Travel adapter: Japan uses two-pin Type A plugs. If you are coming from the UK or Europe, you will need an adapter for your devices. It is easy enough to pick one up online before your trip.

• Toiletries: There is no need to bring too much. Throughout our Tokyo Kyoto Osaka 10-day trip, we found plenty of options at drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, or Sundrug. For smaller items, we often just stopped by 7-Eleven or Daiso and grabbed what we needed.

• Prescription medication: Not all medications are allowed to be brought into Japan, so check with the Japan embassasy with your country via email. We would also recommend keeping it in its original packaging with clear labels, carrying a copy of your prescription and a short note from your doctor explaining what it is for.

• A couple of packing cubes: They help you fit more into your bag and keep everything from turning into a mess.

Japan Itinerary 10 Days - A Quick Look

• This itinerary is for Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka with an outbound flight from Osaka.

• However, if the open-jaw ticket (into Tokyo, out of Osaka) is much more expensive, you can land in Tokyo and head to Osaka right away, then move to Kyoto, and finally spend your last days back in Tokyo before flying home.

• Alternatively, you can focus on 2 locations (such as Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka and Kyoto) with some day trips included. Although you won’t be able to do the Golden Route in Japan, it is less of a rush, and you can experience more of everything.

Days 1–3: Tokyo

With only three days in Tokyo as part of a 10-day Japan itinerary, it is hard to see everything the city has to offer. You will need at least 5 days to see all this city has to offer.

We felt the same on our first trip. But these suggestions will still help you get a good feel for the city. You'll find bustling urban streets alongside serene temples, as well as some surprisingly beautiful art spaces.

Tokyo Tower is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. Photo by f11photo on Adobe Stock

Day 1: Shinjuku, Shibuya & Harajuku

Up to this point, we would say that Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku are the three areas that best reflect the many sides of modern Tokyo. Harajuku blends the calm of Meiji Shrine with colourful, trendy streets. Shibuya is a favourite among shoppers. Shinjuku, on the other hand, really comes alive at night.

SHINJUKU

For your first morning, we would suggest starting with a slow walk around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Shinjuku Station. If you visit during cherry blossom season, it is also one of the best Hanami spots in Tokyo.

That said, you should not spend your whole day here. Shinjuku is better known for its nightlife. Come back in the evening, and you will see a completely different side of it, with neon lights, bars, and plenty of karaoke spots tucked away in the side streets.

HARAJUKU

From Shinjuku, simply take the JR Yamanote Line and get off at Harajuku Station after just a couple of stops.

From there, it is a short walk to Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

We still remember how peaceful it felt as soon as we passed through the large torii gate and followed the forest path inside.

But what delighted us most was perhaps a traditional wedding that took place inside the shrine, which we were fortunate enough to witness.

Around midday, head back towards Harajuku Station and make your way to Takeshita Street. It is a lively pedestrian street, and to be honest, it can feel a bit overwhelming with the crowds and noise.

But it is also part of the experience, particularly if you are following a first time in Japan itinerary. You will find all sorts of quirky things, from Japanese-style photo booths to colourful crepe stands and oversized rainbow candy floss.

SHIBUYA

And of course, you cannot miss Shibuya’s famous Scramble Crossing, often said to be the busiest crossing in the world, along with the well-known Hachiko statue just nearby. Both are only a short walk from Shibuya Station.

A bustling scene at Scramble Crossing in Shibuya. Photo by anekoho on Adobe Stock

Huge screens flashing, music playing, and people moving in every direction at the crossing, all at once. It almost feels like stepping into a movie scene. What surprised us, though, was how organised everything still felt. 

In the same vicinity, it is worthwhile stopping by the shopping complex called Parco. The mall is centred around Japanese pop culture. There are shops for Nintendo, Pokémon, and other famous brands.

Shopping is rather lovely since there are many photo zones featuring life-size figures. The basement level also has a good range of food options to try.  Overall, it is an enjoyable stop to include in a Japan 10-day itinerary.

Day 2: Asakusa And Akihabara

Asakusa and Akihabara might look a bit out of the way compared to other parts of Tokyo, but they are actually quite close to each other. Visiting both in one day is very doable and still feels relaxed.

What we found worked best was starting the morning in Asakusa. Take your time walking around and looking through the small shops in the area. In the afternoon, head over to Akihabara and stay until early evening.

ASAKUSA

If you are coming from Tokyo Station, there are a few different routes you can take. The quickest one, at least for us, was to hop on the JR Yamanote Line towards Ueno or Ikebukuro and get off at Kanda, just one stop away. From there, switch to the Ginza Line and stay on for six stops until Asakusa.

Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by SeanPavonePhoto on Adobe Stock

One of the main streets here is Nakamise, which leads straight to Senso-ji Temple, a must-see destination on any first-time-in-Japan itinerary. It is lined with small stalls selling all sorts of things, from yukata and traditional fans to daruma dolls and lucky cat figures.

There is also plenty of food to try along the way. Just keep in mind that eating while walking is not really encouraged here, as the street leads directly to a temple. Most people either step aside or find a quiet spot before eating.

Walk all the way down Nakamise, and you will reach the large Hozomon Gate, which leads into the temple grounds. The whole area has a really nice atmosphere and feels well cared for.

Many people come back in the evening when the lanterns are lit. Even though you cannot go inside the main hall at night, walking around and taking photos still feels quite special.

AKIHABARA

Getting from Asakusa to Akihabara is really straightforward; it only takes about 10 minutes on the Tsukuba Express. Akihabara is often described as the go-to place for anime, games, and all kinds of electronics. It is also the kind of area we would immediately mention if someone asked, “What should I not miss in Japan?”

If you feel like trying your luck, pop into one of the many arcades along the main streets. Taito Station Akihabara is a good example. There are claw machines, purikura photo booths down in the basement, and rows of arcade games. Most of them are around 100 yen per go, and the staff are usually friendly and helpful.

Plush toy characters displayed for sale in an anime shop in Akihabara, Tokyo. Photo by Aerial Film Studio on Adobe Stock

You might also notice people dressed in anime-style outfits handing out flyers for maid cafés. It can feel a bit unusual at first. We were not completely sure what to make of it either, but it is part of Japanese pop culture. If it is not your thing, just smile and walk on.

Not far from JR Akihabara Station, there is an area known as Denki gai, or Electric Town. It is full of shops selling anime figures and gadgets at affordable prices that you won't find anywhere else. Additionally, you can also find interesting vintage/second-hand tech gadgets at a store called “Hard-off”.

Day 3: teamLab Borderless and More in Minato

TeamLab Borderless is something we really want to highlight in this Japan Golden Route guide. Unlike most museums, it is not static. The projections move from room to room and sometimes even follow you as you walk through the space. What makes it enjoyable is that you can interact with the installations rather than just look at them.

Glowing ambience in teamLab Borderless. Photo by Matteo on Adobe Stock

We were in it for almost two hours and thought it was enough time to see everything. Generally, this museum is a lot of fun and especially interesting to visit with kids, as they will have plenty of space to run around and play. Here are a few quick notes:

• Opening hours: 9 am to 9 pm, with last admission one hour before closing

• Ticket prices: 1500 to 3800 yen, available online or at the entrance

• Address: Inside the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Azabudai Hills, Minato

• Directions: Take the Marunouchi Line to Kasumigaseki Station, then switch to the Hibiya Line. From there, it is about a ten-minute walk.

Minato might not be the first place you think of when planning your first time in Japan itinerary, but chances are you will end up here at some point.

A few of Tokyo’s popular spots are located in this area, including Tokyo Tower and Roppongi Hills. If you still have some time after visiting teamLab, stopping by one or two of these places is a nice way to round off the day.

Days 5–7: Kyoto

It is recommended that on your fourth day, you should travel from Tokyo to Kyoto via the Shinkansen train service. It may be pricey, but it is certainly the best choice available. Your tickets can be bought online or even directly at the station.

While Tokyo feels hectic, Kyoto can be considered the exact opposite. At least for us, Kyoto was much calmer and more laid-back, with numerous temples, serene roads, and bamboo forests all around. It is often what comes to mind when someone asks, “What is the prettiest part of Japan?”

Day 5: Fushimi Inari Shrine And Nishiki Market

For your first day in Kyoto, we would suggest heading south. Try to kick off early and make your way to Fushimi Inari Shrine.

FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE

The shrine itself is beautiful, but what really stayed with us was the walk. The main path, lined with those bright red torii gates, stretches for quite a long way, around 2.5 miles. But do not just stick to the main route. If you have time, take a few smaller paths along the way. There are little shrines, fox statues, and even a few quiet tea spots awaiting to be explored.

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Photo by pinglabel on Adobe Stock

NISHIKI MARKET

In the afternoon, head back towards the centre of Kyoto and spend some time at Nishiki Market. It is not a huge market, but there is a bit of everything. You will find street food, small handmade items, and plenty of local specialities, including matcha, which Kyoto is known for.

Day 6: Arashiyama

For your Japan itinerary 10 days, Arashiyama is one of those places that you might regret missing. It blooms with cherry blossoms in spring and is painted with colourful foliage in autumn.

Arriving at Arashiyama, however, would depend entirely on your location. While we stayed in the vicinity of Kyoto Station, we merely boarded the train to reach Saga-Arashiyama. Bus No. 28 is another option to consider if trains are not your preferred mode of transportation.

ARASHIYAMA BAMBOO GROVE

It must be admitted that most tourists visit Arashiyama for its bamboo forests. And indeed, they truly justify their reputation as depicted in pictures. Bamboo grows tall and dense from both sides, with rays of sunlight shining through while you walk along the trail.

Nonetheless, it should be noted that there is nothing tranquil about this place. It can become rather crowded, especially during daytime hours, and sometimes you have to dodge the crowd or step aside to let a rickshaw pass.

OTAGI NENBUTSUJI TEMPLE

This temple is located a little further out in the northern part of Arashiyama, so it is not the easiest place to reach by public transport. We ended up taking an Uber, which saved us both time and effort.

What sets this place apart from other destinations on our Japan 10-day itinerary is the presence of 1,200 stone statues of “rakan”, the disciples of Buddha.

Each one has its own look, expression, and even a bit of personality. Some appear thoughtful, others quite playful, and a few look as if they have drifted off into a daydream. Many of them are covered in moss, which adds to the slightly unusual atmosphere.

The stone statues of Rakan in Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto. Photo by pierrick on Adobe Stock

TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE

Kyoto has plenty of old bridges that catch your eye, but few offer views quite like this. Togetsukyo, which spans the Katsura River, sits right in front of the mountains and looks especially beautiful in spring and fall.

Day 7: Gion And Kinkaku-ji Temple

GION DISTRICT

There seems to be an unwritten rule that when you are in Kyoto, it is almost essential to visit the Gion district. This area is one of the key highlights of any Japan 10 day itinerary and offers a real sense of traditional Japan. It has plenty of wooden buildings lining the streets, along with small shops and local eateries. If you're lucky enough, you might even catch a glimpse of a geisha walking through the streets of Gion.

KINKAKU-JI TEMPLE

While this temple is not located very close to the heart of Kyoto, we can assure you it's worth the journey to get to know it. When we visited, we were lucky to have clear skies.

The golden exterior of the temple shone in the sunlight and reflected beautifully on the still water in front of it. Perhaps this sight was among the most unforgettable experiences for us in Kyoto.

Unlike most temples in most Japan Golden Route guides, you will not be allowed to roam the place freely, as there is a designated path you must follow.

There are also a few small souvenir stands where you can buy snacks and good luck charms. One small detail we really liked was the ticket itself, which is designed to look like a traditional “goshuin” stamp. It makes a nice keepsake to take home.

Days 9–10: Osaka

We just found Osaka a bit easiergoing than Tokyo and Kyoto, and also more affordable than those cities. The journey from Kyoto to Osaka is extremely fast.

For instance, taking the Shinkansen train will take you approximately 14 minutes. The trains depart from Kyoto Station and terminate at Shin Osaka Station. If you want, you can do Osaka as a day trip only. 

Day 9: Osaka Castle And Dotonbori

OSAKA CASTLE AND ITS SURROUNDING PARK

Osaka Castle during the cherry blossom season. Photo by shirophoto on Adobe Stock

As far as we know, Osaka Castle dates back to the 16th century, having been constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

It was known to be one of the largest castles of its era. Similar to any other landmark in this Japan itinerary 10 days, it too faced destruction and was again reconstructed.

The castle's architecture is fascinating, with multiple levels. What really caught our attention was the mix of colours, soft green, white, black, and touches of gold.

The golden tiger decorations on the roof were something we did not expect and definitely stood out.

While touring the grounds, you will see several signs describing the castle's history. It is fairly helpful that some of the signs are written in English.

DOTONBORI

After spending a day in Osaka Castle, we travelled to Dotonbori at night. The food is the main attraction of Dotonbori. With such a variety of foods to sample, it can be quite daunting at first glance. Pivot BASE is a fairly well-recommended place to fill your belly.

One very famous dish is takoyaki, which consists of soft batter balls filled with pieces of octopus and topped with sauce and mayonnaise. Apart from takoyaki, we saw sushi, crab dishes, and many other snacks. 

Day 10: Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan

This can be skipped if your stay in Japan is very short. However, with a Japan 10 day itinerary, it makes sense to dedicate an entire day to visiting Universal Studios Japan. This theme park features a good variety of attractions, from relaxing ones to those that might excite you.

Although we aren't big fans of the Harry Potter stories, visiting the theme park's Harry Potter zone felt special somehow. We also really loved drinking a bottle of cold Butterbeer while admiring Hogwarts Castle up close.

There were many people in the Super Nintendo World. However, being a fan of Nintendo video games from childhood, it was impossible not to enjoy the attraction. Mario Kart was super fun, as well as the Donkey Kong ride.

Regarding express passes, we felt we didn't require any. You will not really know what you want to prioritise until you are there anyway. Most rides have English subtitles, but not all of them.

We advise getting there early, by 10 AM, and taking your time with the rides you are most interested in. Even then, the day will be great for you.

Japan Travel Tips

You probably have a rough idea of what your 10-day Japan itinerary will look like. Now, let's take a look at some handy tips to make the whole trip feel smoother and avoid awkward situations with locals.

Ready-to-eat meals in Japanese convenience stores are not only tasty but also reasonably priced. Photo by naka on Adobe Stock

Smart Ways to Manage Your Budget

These are a few things that worked well for us and helped keep the cost of travelling to Japan down without missing out:

• Consider purchasing the Japan Rail Pass. If you plan to travel frequently between cities on JR trains, this can save you quite a bit. It comes in 7, 14, or 21-day options, so you can pick what fits your plan.

• Be a bit strategic with food. Places around train stations are often surprisingly good and not too expensive. Convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are an excellent choice for breakfast or lunch. You can also find simple meals at places like Matsuya or Sukiya for just a few hundred yen.

• Shop later in the day. Supermarkets like My Basket, Life, or Aeon often mark down ready-made food in the evening, sometimes by quite a lot after 7 pm. It is a good chance to grab bento, sushi, or fried snacks at a lower price.

• Try free or low-cost activities. Many temples and shrines do not charge an entrance fee. Places like Senso-ji or Gotoku-ji in Tokyo, and Namba Yasaka Shrine in Osaka, are good examples.

Some of our friends even asked us, “Is 3000 dollars enough for 10 days in Japan?” We would say that for one person, yes, it should be more than enough, as long as your main flights are already covered and you are not planning anything too fancy. With around 300 dollars a day, you can comfortably use public transport, enjoy good food like ramen and bento, and still have some left for souvenirs from places like Daiso or Don Quijote.

Understanding Japanese Etiquette

People in Japan do not expect you to know every single rule. Even so, it is better if you learn a few important facts about the country before visiting it, such as:

• Appropriate dress in temples and shrines. You will not usually see strict dress codes at the entrance. However, Japanese people generally dress formally in these places, so it is wise not to wear tight shorts or tops that show too much flesh.

• Onsen etiquette for tourists. This Japanese practice requires visitors to undress completely upon arrival at the bathing area. It is also essential to wash oneself with soap before entering the hot springs. Talking must be done in whispers while in the bath.

• Shoe removal. In certain temples, restaurants that follow traditions, ryokans, and even houses, you will be expected to take off your shoes before entering. Signs include lowered entrances, tatami mats, and a shoe cabinet near the entrance.

So, what to avoid when visiting Japan? Here are some important facts:

• Do not expose the tattoos in public places, such as onsen. The perception of tattoos in Japan is gradually improving, but they are still considered associated with the Yakuza. It is advisable for tourists to search for private onsen or other tattoo-friendly options if they have difficulty concealing their tattoos.

• Shouting and making personal phone calls while using public transportation would not be viewed favourably by Japanese citizens. Tourists who need to use their phones should step into the small areas between train carriages.

• It is uncommon to tip in Japan, and tipping may even seem rude to the locals. A better way to express gratitude would be to bring a token from your home country.

Packing Light for Smoother Travel

We really cannot stress this enough, particularly since, in a Japan 10 day itinerary, you will be using trains and the subway frequently. The public transport system and many ryokan are not designed to handle large suitcases, unless you book luggage space on certain Shinkansen trains. And if changing trains is involved, you are sure to encounter several staircases along the way.

In such a situation, a cabin-sized backpack or something you can comfortably carry up and down stairs makes a big difference. It just saves you a lot of trouble while navigating.

One last point from our own experience: The hotels, ryokans and onsen take care of your basic toiletries such as sleepwear, soap, shampoo and shower gels. So you won't have to pack a lot of those things. Perhaps, only a couple of T-shirts for sleeping.

Your Downloadable 10-Day Japan Itinerary

Here's a ready-to-print version of the 10-day Japan itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka. It will help you stay on track with what's coming up, all in an effort to make the most of your ten days in Japan without feeling rushed.

Getting Set for Japan

This Japan itinerary 10 days, taking you through Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, will serve as an ideal beginning for your plans. The advantage of having a rough itinerary is that you will feel more at ease once you arrive because you will have to do little else but follow the flow. One thing we found really helpful was packing light. Travelling from one city to another, using the train connections, as well as passing through the airports, will be less of a hassle without carrying a large, heavy bag. A sturdy, compact backpack from CabinZero would be an appropriate choice here.

Quyen Pham