10-Day Japan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport, where you'll be greeted by Japan's efficient transportation system.
Transfer to your accommodation in Tokyo via the convenient airport limousine bus or the JR Narita Express.
Explore the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the world's busiest pedestrian intersection, and snap photos with the Hachiko statue.
Enjoy your first authentic Japanese dinner at one of the many izakayas in the area.
Take in the night views from Shibuya Sky, a 360-degree observatory offering panoramic views of Tokyo's skyline.

Meiji Shrine, Tokyo

Start your day with a peaceful visit to the Meiji Shrine, a serene forest sanctuary in the heart of Tokyo.
Explore the trendy shops and cafes in Harajuku, particularly on Takeshita Street, known for its colorful fashion boutiques.
Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo's largest and most beautiful parks, perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll.
Experience the futuristic side of Tokyo at the teamLab Borderless digital art museum in Odaiba.
End your day with dinner at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) in Shinjuku, sampling yakitori and other street foods.

Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa

Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple dating back to 645 AD.
Explore the bustling Nakamise Shopping Street, sampling traditional Japanese snacks and browsing for souvenirs.
Take a relaxing cruise on the Sumida River, offering unique perspectives of Tokyo's skyline and the Tokyo Skytree.
Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn about the fascinating history and evolution of Japan's capital city.
Experience Tokyo's renowned food scene with a sushi-making class or a guided tour of the Tsukiji Outer Market.

Toshogu Shrine, Nikko

Travel to Nikko (approximately 2 hours from Tokyo) to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, famous for its intricate wood carvings.
Admire the iconic Shinkyo Bridge, considered one of Japan's three most beautiful bridges.
Explore the natural beauty of Nikko National Park, including the stunning Kegon Falls and serene Lake Chuzenji.
Visit Rinnoji Temple and its treasure house containing important Buddhist artifacts.
Return to Tokyo in the evening and enjoy a relaxing onsen (hot spring bath) experience to rejuvenate after a day of exploration.

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, experiencing Japan's world-famous high-speed rail system (journey time: approximately 2.5 hours).
Visit the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountainside.
Explore the historic Gion district in the evening, known for its preserved machiya houses and as Kyoto's most famous geisha district.
Participate in a traditional tea ceremony to experience an essential aspect of Japanese culture.
End your first day in Kyoto with dinner at Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with traditional restaurants along the Kamogawa River.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple covered in gold leaf that creates a stunning reflection in the surrounding pond.
Explore the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, walking through towering green stalks that create an otherworldly atmosphere.
Visit the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, the most important temple in Arashiyama and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a rickshaw ride through the scenic Arashiyama district for a unique perspective of the area.
Cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park to see Japanese macaques in their natural habitat.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto

Visit the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple perched on a hillside, offering spectacular views of Kyoto and famous for its wooden stage built without a single nail.
Stroll through the historic Higashiyama District, with its preserved traditional buildings and quaint shops.
Explore the contemplative Philosopher's Path, a stone path following a canal lined with cherry trees, named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro who meditated here daily.
Visit the elegant Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and its meticulously maintained sand garden representing Mount Fuji.
Experience a traditional kaiseki dinner, a multi-course Japanese meal emphasizing seasonal ingredients and beautiful presentation.

Sacred Deer in Nara Park

Take a day trip to Nara (just 45 minutes by train from Kyoto), Japan's first permanent capital and home to numerous cultural treasures.
Visit the impressive Todai-ji Temple housing the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues at 15 meters tall.
Explore Nara Park and interact with the friendly sacred deer that roam freely - purchase special deer crackers to feed them.
Visit the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its bronze lanterns and vermilion columns.
Explore Naramachi, the former merchant district with its well-preserved traditional houses and shops.

Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima (journey time: approximately 1.5 hours) to learn about this city's powerful history and remarkable recovery.
Visit the moving Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which documents the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945, and advocates for world peace.
See the sobering Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), the ruins of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, preserved as a memorial.
Try Hiroshima's famous local specialty, okonomiyaki (savory pancake), at Okonomimura, a building dedicated to this beloved dish.
Visit Shukkei-en, a historic Japanese garden established in 1620 that survived the atomic bombing.

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island (about 45 minutes from Hiroshima) to see the iconic "floating" Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate standing in the sea.
Hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen for breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Try Miyajima's specialty, momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes with various fillings).
Return to Hiroshima and prepare for departure, perhaps picking up last-minute souvenirs.
Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo or fly out from Hiroshima Airport, reflecting on your journey through Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass before arriving if you plan to use the train system extensively.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, and Japan Transit Planner.
Carry cash as many smaller establishments don't accept credit cards.
Learn basic Japanese phrases - even simple greetings are appreciated.
Be mindful of Japanese etiquette: remove shoes when indicated, bow when greeting, and maintain a quiet demeanor in public spaces.