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Japan is a rustic with a lot variety 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.
In case 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, provide you with an opportunity to trip the enduring bullet practice, be dazzled by Japan’s progressive tech trade, and absorb Japanese popular culture.
If it’s your first go to to Japan, this itinerary will make sure you go away feeling effectively 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 suggest you stick to 2 traditional Japanese cities; Tokyo and Kyoto.
Tokyo is the place you may witness the trendy, futuristic aspect of Japan, whereas Kyoto takes you again to its historical previous, providing storybook websites and a chance to expertise the traditions, historical past, and tradition of imperial Japan.
You may also 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 rather a lot to see and discover.
How To Get Round Japan
Since you could have 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 might journey between Tokyo and Kyoto through the Shinkansen, also referred to 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 funds.
Nonetheless, it’s the quickest practice on the earth, and might journey at speeds as much as 320 km/hr, making it an expertise in its personal proper. So, you would possibly resolve that it’s price spending the cash.
There are many trains between Kyoto and Tokyo, so that you don’t must guide the practice prematurely, however you do want the Japan Rail Cross (JR Cross), which have to be bought earlier than arriving.
Prime tip: Sit on the left aspect of the Kyoto to Tokyo practice for an opportunity to see Mount Fuji on a transparent day.
In case you’re not fussed in regards to the Bullet Prepare and also you need to lower your expenses, then you may take a direct flight for as little as $30 USD with funds airways like JetStar or JAL.
There are additionally long-distance, evening buses, that are extremely snug and inexpensive. They’re often solely round $12-$15 USD every means. 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 possibly can change this itinerary round in case you are flying into Kyoto or Osaka as an alternative.
The very first thing you need to do once you land in Tokyo is get oriented. Get an area sim card from the airport – you may prebook one on Klook after which choose it up from the counter after accumulating your baggage, which might be simpler than shopping for one there (and cheaper too).
Then you definitely need to discover your resort. The principle airport that serves Tokyo is Narita Airport, which is definitely positioned 80 km (about an hour on the practice) out of the town, so you could first catch a practice 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 practice 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. In truth, all strains are color-coded, and every cease is given a quantity. In case you don’t know how one can pronounce the identify 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 obtained your bearings, it’s time to take a look at the websites…and once I say websites, I imply the wonderful 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
On the subject 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.
A number of the hottest neighborhoods are:
- Shinjuku, which is legendary for its neon-lit streets, upscale bars, and karaoke rooms. In case you like nightlife, it is a good base for you.
- Shibuya, residence to the world well-known Shibuya Crossing, the busiest crossing on the earth. It’s effectively related within the heart of the town so it’s straightforward to get to different locations rapidly, nevertheless, it may be costly.
- Asakusa, a extra conventional neighborhood identified for its Senso-ji Temple, and it additionally has extra native eating places and retailers.
- Akihabara is the place to remain in case you’re large 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 – good for many who get overwhelmed by large cities.
That will help you discover a place to remain, we’ve picked out a few of our high choices for lodging in Tokyo. Test these out:
- Guide Tea Mattress SHIBUYA: A capsule hostel, a singular type of lodging in Japan the place you sleep in pods. This fashion of lodging was invented in Japan as a means of maximising house, it’s additionally the most affordable fashion 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 sizzling spring bathtub), which is a rarity in Tokyo. There are lower than 30 lodges with onsens in the entire metropolis.
Cease 1: Dinner at Ichiran
I at all times suggest consuming at Ichiran first because it’s fast and an actual culturally immersive deal with. Though it’s a sequence, it’s nonetheless probably the most distinctive culinary experiences in Japan.
First, you get taken to a single desk the place you’re given a chunk of paper to order your ramen. Everybody will get their very own desk, with a wall on both aspect. So even in case you go along with a bunch, 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.
Then you definitely hand your paper to a server ready behind a window at your desk. After some time, your ramen will probably be served to you thru the window, after which the curtain comes down and also you’re anticipated to eat in complete isolation. You don’t ever see your server, solely a pair of fingers by way of a window.
I don’t learn about you, however typically once I’m consuming at a restaurant, I hate it once I hold getting bothered by servers “is all the things okay? how is your meal?” – in case you’re the form of “go away me alone I’m consuming” form of particular person, that is your vibe.
Day 2: Tokyo West Aspect (Shibuyu and Harajuku)
Now it’s time to actually 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.
In order for you an honest view of the crossing from above, head to the second flooring 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 purchasing avenue. Cease at one of many karaoke bars and spend an hour belting out some tunes with your mates.
In case you fancy some sushi for lunch, you may by no means go incorrect with Genki Sushi, a sushi chain identified 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 enduring 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 sort out Harajuku’s most important purchasing avenue, Takeshita.
Something goes right here and you can find numerous 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 prepare dinner at your desk.
Don’t fear, Sakura is tourist-friendly and has English-speaking employees to allow them to present you the way it’s finished. They may even prepare dinner it for you in case you’re unsure what to do.
Day 3: East Aspect of Tokyo (Asakusa and Ueno)
On the third day, it’s time to find out about Japan’s historical previous, and what higher means 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 higher be taught 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 choose up the interval artifacts.
If you’re seeking to be taught much more, go to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Cease 2: Senso-ji Temple
The principle website right here is Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Strategy the temple from Nakamise-dori and get swept up within the bustling ambiance and Japanese craft and candy retailers.
The atmospheric aspect streets are price exploring, which trace at a bygone period.
Don’t miss an opportunity to get your fortune instructed at Senso-ji too. Senso-ji Temple affords a conventional technique of fortune-telling known as “Omikuji” which is a enjoyable and simple technique to get your fortune instructed.
First, head to the Omikuji counter and make a donation of ¥100 coin into the designated slot.
Then, shake a field containing quite a lot of sticks. You must shake it in a means that just one stick falls out. Right here’s a video exhibiting the way it’s finished.
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 along with your fortune written on it. There are English translations on every fortune.
Cease 3: Ueno Park
In case you nonetheless have time and power, head to Ueno on foot. In any other case, it’s straightforward to achieve on the metro.
Ueno Park is the proper place to calm down and unwind in a tranquil backyard and do some individuals watching. The Ueno Zoo is widespread with the young and old alike.
The very best a part of Ueno Park is Shinobazuno Pond, in my view. It’s surrounded by a stunning grassy space with manicured hedges and bonsai, with a serene shrine within the heart.
In case you occur to be visiting in spring for Cherry Blossom season, THIS is the place to go to see them. There are literally thousands of them and it’s simply lovely.
Cease 4: Tokyo Sky Tree
If you’re nearing the tip of your day in Asakusa, the Tokyo Sky Tree is an remark deck providing up beautiful 360-degree views from 350 meters above the bottom.
On a transparent day you would possibly have the ability to spot Mt Fuji or go for the glittering after darkish view.
Tokyo Sky Tree is the second tallest constructing on the earth, at 634 meters excessive.
Day 4: Tsukiji Fish Market and Shinjuku
Cease 1: Tsukiji Outer Market
You possibly can’t go to Japan with out experiencing the most important seafood market on the earth. It’s probably the most widespread locations to go in Japan.
In case you actually need to see the tuna public sale, plan to reach and queue for tickets by 3:00am.
Nonetheless, even in case you don’t need to rise up in the course of the evening, Tsukiji ought to nonetheless be in your Tokyo itinerary.
Plan to reach at 9:30am as vacationers will not be 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 possibly can 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 practice station with over 3 million individuals passing by way of it every day.
Shinjuku is the Tokyo you image with its neon lights, lots of individuals and high-tech all the things. This can be a excellent place to get some purchasing finished in Shinjuku’s many shops and retailers.
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 at no cost.
For dinner, bask in one other must-have Tokyo meals expertise: dinner from a merchandising machine. No significantly, you’ll discover them in every single place!
Day 5: Day Journey to both Disney or Hakone
On the final day in Tokyo, you’ll really be leaving the town. You possibly can both select to go to a Disney (Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea), which is right for these travelling with youngsters, or head to the close by nationwide park of Hakone.
In case you favor Disney, the 2 Disney theme parks supply the traditional 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 fashion, take an in a single day journey to Hakone. A 1 evening journey to Hakone is among the greatest day journeys from Tokyo in case you’re travelling as a pair.
Finest identified for its sizzling spring resorts, or onsens, that is one other nice probability to remain in a ryokan.
An effective 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
In case you don’t fancy among the suggestions talked about above, listed here are another widespread issues to do in Tokyo:
- In case you like purchasing – head to Ginza, the primary neighborhood to modernize in Tokyo. As Tokyo’s fifth Avenue, that is residence to high-end retailers.
- In case 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 sizzling springs amusement facility, Odaiba affords numerous alternative.
- If you’re focused on electronics – head to Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek tradition wonderland.
- If you’re focused on sumo – attend a sumo event at Ryogoku in case you are visiting in January, Could or September.
- If you’re into movie – rating tickets prematurely for The Ghibli Museum and enter the world of animator Miyazaki Hayao.
- If you’re 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. In case you take the Shinkansen bullet practice, it ought to take 2 hours 45 minutes, a flight is 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the bus is 8 hours.
In case you resolve on the bus, make it an evening bus so you could have all day to discover at this time.
The place to remain in Kyoto
One of many highest methods to expertise Kyoto is by staying in a conventional Japanese inn, a ryokan.
This cultural immersion expertise lets you sleep on tatami mats, eat elaborate kaseki meals and bathtub in an onsen.
Ryokans usually embrace your meals and may be fairly costly. Whereas we’d have beloved to remain in a single for the entire time we have been in Kyoto, we opted to remain one evening.
Earlier than you go, be taught what to count on staying at a ryokan to ensure you don’t make any etiquette fake pas.
The very best neighborhoods to remain in Kyoto are:
Selecting the most effective neighborhood in Kyoto relies upon closely in your priorities and journey fashion. Listed below are just a few high contenders:
- Gion, often known as the historic geisha district with conventional wood homes and charming alleyways. Presents a glimpse into previous Kyoto.
- Higashiyama, one other historic space with lovely temples (Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine) and conventional streets.
- Kiyomizu-gojo, has a central location with quick access to public transportation and balances conventional and trendy. It’s cheaper than the historic areas.
That will help you discover a place to remain, we’ve picked out a few of our high choices for lodging in Kyoto. Test these out:
Day 7: Higashiyama and Gion
The Higashiyama district is one in all Kyoto’s greatest preserved heritage areas and a terrific 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 Website with wonderful 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 well-liked exercise for each home and overseas vacationers is to gown up in Kimono whereas exploring the world. There are many alternatives to buy within the wood 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 would possibly simply spot a geisha going to a night engagement.
Have dinner in close by Pontocho Alley, a slender avenue filled 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 aspect of Kyoto, greatest identified for its towering bamboo grove.
As probably the most widespread locations to go to in Kyoto, it will get busy rapidly so get an early begin to your day to take pleasure in some quiet time earlier than the crowds arrive.
You possibly can hire bicycles and discover the quiet and rural streets of Arashiyama.
Cease 2: Monkey Park Iwatayam
Close by Monkey Park Iwatayama affords lovely views over Kyoto and the possibility 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 website and probably the most photographed locations in all of Japan.
Generally known as the Golden Temple, that is probably the most zen place I’ve ever visited and probably the greatest issues to do in Kyoto, even with the crowds.
Each little element of the temple and exquisite gardens have been thought out so fastidiously.
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 residence to over 2,000 temples and shinto shrines and every one in all them is extremely distinctive and exquisite. It’s straightforward 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 aspect of a mountain.
The upper you stroll, the much less crowds you can find. You possibly can simply spend 2-3 hours right here following the 4 kilometers of pathways within the forest.
As probably the most well-known Kyoto sights, 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 heart 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 youngsters’ portraits drawn by a manga artist.
It’s wonderful how a lot character 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 purchasing avenue.
Amongst the memento retailers, you can find contemporary native components, tempting take-away fare and specialty meals merchandise.
Day 10: Nijo Fortress 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.
If you’re staying in Kyoto, go to Nijo Fortress, residence of shoguns because the Edo period.
That is additionally a terrific wet day exercise. This 400 12 months previous fort options lovely murals, wood 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 practice, Nara is a powerful metropolis to spend the day in.
If you’re seeking 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. If you’re 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
In case 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 time (June to August) is right for outside actions, however it could get sizzling.
Closing Ideas
This 10 days in Japan itinerary is a good way to get a style of this wonderful nation.
Visiting Kyoto and Tokyo will whet your urge for food for all of the locations to see in Japan and you can be planning your subsequent Japan journey earlier than you even go away.
Japan really is not like some other nation on earth.
In an period of globalization, Japan manages to take care of a totally overseas 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 it’s a must to go to to expertise.
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