The PERFECT 10 Days Japan Itinerary For First Time Visitors

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Japan is a country with so much diversity and intrigue to explore – from the neon lights of Tokyo to the misty-clad mountains, from the ancient temples to the serene solace of the manicured gardens.

If you only have 10 days to explore the country, you’re going to want to go in armed with a well-curated itinerary to tick off all the highlights.

In this 10 day Japan itinerary, we take you to some of the most ethereal temples and shrines, show you where you can eat the world’s best sushi, give you a chance to ride the iconic bullet train, be dazzled by Japan’s innovative tech industry, and soak up Japanese pop culture.

If it’s your first visit to Japan, this itinerary will ensure you leave feeling well acquainted with the country in just 10 days.

The Ultimate 10-Day Japan Itinerary

There are so many fabulous things to do in Japan and incredible places to visit, but since you only have ten days, we recommend you stick to two classic Japanese cities; Tokyo and Kyoto.

Tokyo is where you can witness the modern, futuristic side of Japan, while Kyoto takes you back to its ancient past, offering storybook sites and an opportunity to experience the traditions, history, and culture of imperial Japan.

You can also take day trips from both Kyoto and Tokyo, so don’t feel like you’re stuck in just two places – there’s still a lot to see and explore.

How To Get Around Japan

Since you have 10-days in Japan and we’re focusing our itinerary on just two major cities, you will only have one long journey between the two destinations to account for.

You could travel between Tokyo and Kyoto via the Shinkansen, also known as The Bullet Train, but this is very expensive. Since you only do this journey once, it might not be financially worth it if you are travelling on a budget.

However, it is the fastest train in the world, and can travel at speeds up to 320 km/hr, making it an experience in its own right. So, you might decide that it’s worth spending the money.

There are lots of trains between Kyoto and Tokyo, so you don’t need to book the train in advance, but you do need the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which must be purchased before arriving.

Top tip: Sit on the left side of the Kyoto to Tokyo train for a chance to see Mount Fuji on a clear day.

If you’re not…