10 Days in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Japan's Big Four: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Hiroshima

Explore Japan's four major cities on this lively 10-day itinerary that starts in buzzing Tokyo, continues to the shrines of traditional Kyoto, then takes you to trendy Osaka and the historic landmarks of Hiroshima.

Welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins in Tokyo. You'll visit the world's tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree, see sumo wrestlers in action, and taste locally produced sake on your first few days. Catch a ferry to the futuristic island of Odaiba to see modern art and experience Japanese-style nightlife. Then you'll continue to Kyoto. You'll visit temples and shrines, then learn about geisha culture and the fine arts tradition of flower arranging, before day-tripping to Arashiyama on day five to walk through a stunning bamboo forest.

Day six brings another day trip from Kyoto, this time to Nara, where native deer wander around the historic shrines. Nearing the end of the trip, you'll continue to Osaka. Visit Osaka Castle and go on a street food tour to learn about regional delicacies before traveling onward to Hiroshima. You'll see the Peace Memorial Park, in the spot where an atomic bomb detonated during World War II, and boat to Miyajima Island before the trip ends. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Natural Wonders of Japan

Discover Japan's spectacular natural wonders and learn about the country's cultural traditions on a 10-day journey that leads you to mountain peaks, lush bamboo forests, and the country's most prized landscape garden. 

Kick off the trip in Tokyo. You'll do some sightseeing and sushi sampling in the city before getting away from civilization on day two, heading north to Nikko, home of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Toshogu Shrine — one of the most beautiful in Japan. Spend a few hours at Edo Wonderland, a cultural theme park where you’ll step back in time to the 15th century. Circle back to Tokyo for an overnight before continuing to Matsumoto Castle and onward to Chubu Sangaku National Park for a refreshing hike.

Day five brings an unforgettable adventure: via a succession of cable cars, trolleys, and trains, climbing high into the dense forests and breathtaking peaks known as the "Roof of Japan," you'll travel along the stunning Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. Spend the night in Kanazawa, exploring the famous Kenrokuen landscape garden the next day. You'll finish the trip in Kyoto, spotting geishas in the streets, then day-tripping to Nara and Arashiyama on days eight and nine, respectively, for more outdoor exploration before leaving Japan on day ten. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family Adventure in Japan

From the neon lights and whimsical character cafés of Tokyo to a ninja theme park to the thrilling heights of one of the steepest roller coasters in the world, this action-packed 10-day family holiday around Japan is perfect for adults and kids of all ages.

This family-friendly journey through Japan begins with several days in Tokyo. You'll learn how to make sushi in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef, explore interactive art in Odaiba, and make your way through colorful character cafés, gaming arcades, comic book shops, and anime stores in Akihabara and Harajuku. Take a samurai sword-fighting class at Edo Wonderland, a cultural theme park that brings 15th-century Japan to life.

Grab your camera for classic photo ops of Mount Fuji on day five, then continue to Kyoto, where you'll learn about traditional tea ceremonies and the art of crafting Japanese sweets. Kids will love the sky-high bamboo and fresh air at Arashiyama the following day, after which you'll head to Nara. Look for gentle deer wandering around the historic shrines, then continue to Osaka for the last full day of the trip. Don't miss the futuristic aquarium, Abeno Harukas — currently the tallest building in Japan — and a museum dedicated to instant ramen. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Walking the Historic Nakasendo Trail 

Step back in time on this 10-day Japan journey, which includes a multi-day hike on the Nakasendo Trail. This historic walking route was part of feudal Japan's original network of highways and laces through serene forests and quiet mountain passes. 

Historically, travelers on foot between Kyoto and Tokyo took several days to traverse the mountain path, staying overnight in jukus (post towns or post station villages) along the way. You'll do the same on this updated itinerary, starting in Kyoto with a day of sightseeing and a day trip to nearby Nara. The hike officially begins on day four. You'll walk along the Nakasendo Trail over the Magome Pass to the post town of Tsumago. You'll spend the night at a minshuku, or family-run inn.

Continue along the trail through bamboo and cedar forests to Nojiri. You'll take a dip in hot spring baths in the evening, resting before the trip takes you onward along the Torii Pass to Narai. In Kiso-Hirasawa, stop into small shops selling beautifully crafted lacquered tableware, then continue to tour Matsumoto Castle, which dates back to the late 1500s. The final stretch of the adventure leads you from Karuizawa to Yokokawa; you'll enjoy gorgeous mountain views from the trail. In Yokokawa, you'll board the train back to Tokyo, where the hike ends. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore Nature on the Island of Kyushu 

Tour natural attractions on the Japanese island of Kyushu, from steaming hot springs to a smoking volcano, on this active 10-day adventure that features volcano hiking, a "sand bath" in a coastal spa, and several cable car journeys to mountain vistas.

The itinerary begins in Fukuoka, the island capital. After some sightseeing, you'll have the chance to try a delicious regional ramen dish. Then you'll day-trip to quiet Yanagawa on day two, exploring the town's picturesque canals by boat. Move on to Beppu, famous for its hot springs, including the "Seven Hells," traditionally used for steam cooking. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to try a sand bath, submerging your body in warm sand — the custom promotes calm and offers several health benefits.

Visit the quaint resort town of Kurokawa Onsen before driving through the mountainous landscapes of Aso. Horseback riding and mountain cycling excursions are available before the next day's hike to Mt. Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan. Finish up the trip with a few days in Nagasaki. Boat to the ghostly island of Gunkanjima, home to an abandoned coal-mining town, and enjoy a cable car ride to one of the world's best night views from Mt. Inasayama. Learn more 

More Japan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other Japan itineraries, with walking tours, cultural journeys, and best-of trips to hit the highlights. 

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