The Perfect 10-Day Japan Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Are you planning your first trip to Japan and looking for the perfect 10-day Japan itinerary? Get ready for an incredible adventure! I may be biased, since I called this country home for seven years, but no place is quite as special as Japan.
From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, Japan offers a perfect blend of modern excitement and ancient tradition. With so much to see, planning a first trip can feel overwhelming.
To help you make the most of your visit, here’s my 10-day Japan itinerary for first-time visitors, packed with must-see highlights and unforgettable experiences. If you’d rather have a custom itinerary built around you, reach out and I’ll do the legwork for you!
10-Day Japan Itinerary at a Glance
- Days 1–3: Tokyo
- Day 4: Nikko day trip
- Day 5: Bullet train to Hiroshima
- Days 6–7: Hiroshima and Miyajima
- Days 8–10: Kyoto, Arashiyama, and Nara or Fushimi Inari
Days 1–3: Tokyo
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Central Tokyo
I always recommend hiring a walking guide for your first day. They’ll help you get your bearings and show you how to use the trains and buses.
Tokyo highlights to explore:
- Panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower
- Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, and the famous Hachiko statue nearby
- Takeshita Street in Harajuku for trendy fashion and street food
- The serene Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace East Gardens
- Dinner with a view of the city, somewhere like The Moon
Day 2: Tsukiji, Asakusa, and Senso-ji Temple
Start your morning at the Tsukiji Outer Market for traditional Japanese food, or take a sushi-making class. Then head to Asakusa to visit historic Senso-ji Temple, browsing the traditional shops along Nakamise Street on your way in. Later, take a scenic cruise on the Sumida River and end the day with views from Tokyo Skytree.
Day 3: Modern Tokyo and Cultural Experiences
Spend the morning exploring Odaiba’s futuristic architecture, then experience one of the immersive teamLab digital art museums (teamLab Planets in Toyosu or teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills). In the afternoon, dive into anime, manga, and video games in Akihabara. This is a great day for a ramen food tour, too!
Day 4: Nikko Day Trip from Tokyo
Nikko, in the mountains north of Tokyo, is known for its natural scenery and ornate shrines and temples. It’s the perfect day trip to experience Japan’s cultural heritage and natural beauty. Start at Toshogu Shrine, then head to Kegon Falls and peaceful Lake Chuzenji. Wander through Nikko National Park before dinner and the trip back to Tokyo.
Day 5: Bullet Train to Hiroshima
Take the Nozomi bullet train (Shinkansen) to Hiroshima, a city with a profound history. I recommend reserving your seats in advance. If you have large suitcases, you’ll also need to reserve an oversized baggage seat, or you can send your luggage ahead with a luggage forwarding service.
Days 6–7: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Day 6: Hiroshima
I recommend a private guide for at least a half day to visit the memorials, including Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Explore the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and its museum, then end the day at beautiful Shukkeien Garden.
Many people ask me if visiting Hiroshima felt uncomfortable. For me, it felt very peaceful. It’s a somber reminder of the devastation that occurred and of the resilience of the Japanese people. It was an inspiring and humbling experience, and I recommend going if you have time.
Day 7: Miyajima Island
Miyajima, a short ferry ride from Hiroshima, is famous for its “floating” torii gate and lush scenery. Visit the iconic Itsukushima Shrine, then hike or take the ropeway to the summit of Mount Misen for breathtaking views. My favorite part of Miyajima was the friendly deer that roam the island. My daughter loved seeing them up close!
Days 8–10: Kyoto
Day 8: Travel to Kyoto
Take the bullet train to Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s cultural heritage and my personal favorite. Kyoto has countless temples, traditional wooden houses, and beautiful gardens. After dropping off your bags, visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and its Zen garden. Then explore the historic Gion district, known for its teahouses and geisha culture, and visit Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Have dinner around Shinbashi-dori and end the night with a stroll along the Shirakawa canal.
Day 9: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama, on the outskirts of Kyoto, is famous for its bamboo groves, river views, and rich cultural heritage. I recommend a half-day walking or bike tour. Wander through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit Iwatayama Monkey Park, and see Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple with beautiful gardens. Finish with lunch at one of the many local food spots.
Day 10: Nara Day Trip or Another Day in Kyoto
Option 1: Nara. Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is home to some of the country’s oldest temples and a park where deer roam freely. Meet the deer in Nara Park, then see the giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple. If you’ve already been to Miyajima, I recommend skipping Nara.
Option 2: Fushimi Inari and a Tea Ceremony. Start early with a hike through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. It’s open 24 hours and gets very crowded by 10:00 AM, so set your alarm and start by 7:00 AM. I highly recommend fitting this in! In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
From Kyoto, you can fly home from Osaka’s Kansai International Airport or take the bullet train back to Tokyo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planning a First Trip to Japan
Is 10 days enough for a first trip to Japan? Yes. Ten days is enough to see Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Kyoto at a comfortable pace, with a day trip or two. Of course if you have longer, there are plenty of other places to explore!
What is the best time to visit Japan? Spring (late March to early April) for cherry blossoms and fall (November) for autumn colors are the most popular times. Both book up early, so plan ahead.
How do you get around Japan? The bullet train connects the major cities quickly and comfortably. Within cities, trains and subways are easy to use once a guide shows you the basics.
Let’s Plan Your Perfect Japan Itinerary
This 10-day itinerary gives you a taste of Japan’s rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Japan always offers something new.
I will warn you, though: you may fall in love with the culture, the people, and the beauty and end up living there for seven years, like I did!
I plan custom Japan trips with hand-picked hotels, bullet train tickets, private guides, and experiences like sushi-making classes and food tours, plus free time to explore on your own. Connect with me or email [email protected] to start planning.
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