Japan Itinerary and Travel Guide for First Timers: Travel Tips for 10 Days in Japan

If you had guessed that Japan is my favorite country in the world based on the sheer number of articles I’ve written about Japan on this blog… well, you’d be correct.

Mount Fuji from Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka

Visiting Japan has been my lifelong dream. I’ve become curious about the country since I was very young – I grew up in Indonesia watching Japanese anime on Sunday mornings and reading countless Japanese comic books.

Finally, I had the chance to visit Japan for the first time in 2014. I went to Tokyo and fell madly in love with the country. Since then, I have been going back to Japan every year – sometimes even more than once a year. Throughout the years, I’ve naturally learned a thing or two about traveling in Japan, and I wanted to share the knowledge with you in this post!

Here are some topics we will be covering:

Know before you go to Japan
Planning your Japan trip
Japan itinerary, what to do and where to go
- The 10 Days Golden Route Itinerary
  - Day 1 to 3: Tokyo
  - Day 4 to 5: Hakone or Mount Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi)
  - Day 6 to 7: Kyoto
  - Day 8: Nara
  - Day 9 to 10: Osaka
- Other places in Japan worth checking out
- What to eat in Japan

General tips for visiting Japan as first-timers

I think Japan is already an easy country to travel in, but I have a few tips that would make your visit even easier:

1. Download Japanese Google Translate to your phone offline – I studied elementary Japanese, yet the Google Translate app still saved my butt every day. With Google Translate, you can take a photo of anything written in Japanese (whether it is a menu at a restaurant or informational signs) and Google will translate it on the fly for you.

2. Get a Data e-SIM – My top recommendation for visiting Japan used to be to get a SIM card, but on my recent visit I converted to e-SIM and realized how much more convenient it is! Using e-SIM, you don’t need to insert a physical SIM card to your phone so you’ll still be able to keep your original SIM card while accessing data through e-SIM.

Buy a Data e-SIM for Japan: You can purchase Japan data e-SIM here through Klook

3. Reserve tickets ahead of time – Japan is currently one of the hottest destinations in the world, and it pays off to be an advance planner. Especially in Tokyo, where it’s not uncommon for tickets to be sold out.

For popular attractions like Shibuya Sky and teamLab Borderless and Planets, you’ll want to book a month in advance to secure preferred timeslots. Some train tickets might also need to be purchased in advance, especially if you’re going during a popular time (school holidays or during Sakura and Momiji season).

There was no queue for this photo — Shibuya Sky from the rooftop

4. Learn how to handle your luggage while traveling – Moving from one city to another while in Japan? You don’t have to carry your luggage everywhere. You can either send it to the next destination, or store it in a coin locker. I will elaborate more about this in the “Handling your luggage in Japan” section below.

5. Open-jaw your flight ticket – If you plan on following the golden route, it would be wise to open-jaw your ticket. This means flying to Tokyo (HND or NRT) and flying out of Osaka (KIX), for example – or vice versa if you want to start your trip from Osaka. This way, you would save some time and money since you don’t need to go back to your starting point at the end of your trip.

Fuji Five Lakes Kawaguchiko Ropeway — Lake Kawaguchi from Kawaguchiko Ropeway

6. Bring some Yen – While Japan has gone more digital in the past few years, it is still a cash-driven society. If you’re planning to visit small eateries or go outside major cities, I would bring about 5,000 yen per person per day to cover daily necessities. If your accommodations have not been pre-paid, or if you plan to do a lot of shopping, bring more!

7. Use ATMs at Convenience stores – The convenience stores in Japan, known as “konbini” in Japanese, live up to their name. You can do all kinds of things here, including withdrawing cash using a foreign ATM card. 7-ELEVEN has the most reliable ATM for tourists. There is a fee of 110 to 220 yen per transaction depending on how much money you’re withdrawing.

Wise Debit Card: Use Wise card to withdraw money from Japanese ATMs with minimal fees. Learn about using Wise while traveling here.

Also when withdrawing cash, you want to select YEN value instead of your home currency, so that the conversion will be done by your bank instead of the ATM, which will not give you a good rate. So for example, if you’re withdrawing 10,000 yen, and the ATM gives you a choice of getting 10,000 yen or the equivalent in your home currency, select the 10,000 yen.

8. Wear comfortable walking shoes – In big cities in Japan, it’s not common to drive or take a taxi. Most people walk and take the public transport for their daily activities. So chances are, you’ll be walking and exploring on foot for the majority of your time in Japan. Wear comfortable shoes that are actually made for walking, your feet will thank you later!

9. Download the cities’ Google Maps to your phone – by this, I don’t just mean download the Google Maps app. You can download the whole city map to your phone so you’ll use less mobile data when browsing the maps. I suggest to do this for every city you’re planning to visit. Here is how to download Maps to your phone.

10. Fast track your arrival in Japan – Did you know that you can make your arrival in Japan easier by completing your immigration and customs procedures before arriving in Japan? Yes, you can do this via a digital service called Visit Japan Web. I’ve written a step-by-step on how you can complete your immigration and customs procedures online. Read my Visit Japan Web guide here!

Tax-Free Shopping in Japan

If you shop in Japan at certain participating stores as a tourist, you might be eligible for tax-free shopping for purchases over 5,000 yen. The consumption tax in Japan is 10% – not a bad discount at all!

Japan Tax Free Symbol — How the tax-free symbol looks like in Japan

You’ll need to look for the tax-free symbol at the store to know whether you can shop tax-free or not. You also need to bring your passport to be eligible for tax-free shopping. To be specific, the store will want to check the immigration stamp in your passport to make sure you are indeed a tourist. There is a QR code you can obtain from Visit Japan Web for tax-free shopping, however, I would still bring the physical passport for now as VJW is a fairly new system and some shops may not accept the QR code yet.

The types of items you can purchase are categorized into two: Consumables (such as food, drinks, cosmetics, etc) and General goods (such as clothes, accessories, electronics). If your items fall under consumables, they will be put into a sealed bag as they are forbidden to be consumed in Japan. You can only break the seal after you have left the country.

I have personally done tax-free shopping at big stores like Uniqlo, Muji, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and Donki. In my experience, not all branches of these shops will offer tax-free, so you’ll need to do some research specific to the store you want to shop at. The rules vary from shop to shop – for example, all Uniqlo stores will offer tax-free, but for Muji it is only available at select stores.

Take note that tax-free shopping is not to be confused with tax refunds. With the tax-free system, you do not pay the consumption tax and then get a refund at the airport when you exit the country, like how it’s done in other countries. You simply pay 10% less on the spot at the point of purchase. For example, my purchases at Muji were 5,830 yen, out of which 530 yen was tax. Once I told the cashier I wanted to do tax-free shopping and showed her my immigration stamp on my passport, I only had to pay 5,300 yen.

Handling your luggage in Japan

A long visit to Japan often involves moving through many different cities. What do you do with your luggage when you move from one city to another? Here is what locals would do:

1. Takuhaibin: Send your luggage to your next destination

If there is one thing Japan does well, it’s logistics. When traveling domestically via Shinkansen (bullet train) or even just moving from one hotel to another hotel, many locals opt to send their luggage ahead of time to their accommodation, so that they can travel hands-free without having to mind their luggage around. This service is called Takuhaibin, and it’s available all over Japan. You can even send your luggage ahead of time to the airport before you fly!

Here are a few luggage delivery services for different areas:

2. Make use of the lockers at train stations

In Japan, there are plenty of coin lockers to store your luggage at the major train station in Japan. If you’re checking out early from your accommodation but not leaving the city until later, or if you’re arriving early and can’t check in to your accommodation yet, you can absolutely store your luggage at the train station, and then pick it up when you’re ready.

There are many different sizes of lockers, usually ranging from 300 – 700 yen. Here is a photo of what the lockers typically look like:

You can’t see the depth from the photo above, but the locker is very deep. The 300 yen option (the smallest square one) is good for backpacks. It looks small but I could comfortably fit my 10kg backpack lying flat with plenty more room. The medium 500 yen option would fit carry-on luggage, and the 700 yen option would fit a larger suitcase.

Take note that the locker fee is only good to open the locker once, so if you forget something and need to take your luggage out, you’ll need to pay the fees again. And don’t forget where your locker is! Take a photo of the location so you don’t have a hard time remembering it later.

Locker in Hakodate Station — Lockers in Hakodate Station

Coin lockers are generally only for one-day use, although some stations might let you use them for a longer time – for example, some lockers at Tokyo station can be used for up to 3 days. Make sure to not leave your items in the locker overnight before checking if you can do so. The lockers will be cleared everyday.

Lockers in Hakone in Chokokunomori station

Please also be aware that the lockers are first come first serve, and they may be all taken up if you’re at a popular train station. To ensure you have a space, pack in the morning and store your luggage first. On my first visit to Kyoto, I was not able to get any lockers at the Kyoto station since I was arriving after most hotel guests had checked out. I ended up having to carry my backpack everywhere around Kyoto.

Carrying my backpack throughout Gion in Kyoto

Japanese Rules and Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

One of the qualities Japanese people are known for is their social customs. Many of these are unique to Japan and deeply ingrained in the culture. As a visitor, you’re not expected to know the rules, but it would still be respectful to know them.

Here are a few that I think would be useful for visitors:

1. Be considerate and aware of your surroundings – This is one of the biggest social customs in Japan that shapes their culture. Japanese people fear being seen as a nuisance, troubling someone, or making others feel uncomfortable. As such, you would hardly see anyone being loud or drawing attention to themselves in public. And you should follow suit! For example, don’t talk when on the train or other public transportation. If you are listening to music while on the train, make sure to use an earpiece and that there is no sound leak. And definitely put your phone on silent mode and don’t you dare answer your phone while on the train.

2. Take off shoes when entering a house – This is not unique to Japan, it’s the practice all over Asia. We do not wear outside shoes inside our house for hygienic purposes. So, always take off your shoes at the entrance and switch to “inside” shoes if provided. If not, go barefoot. In Japan, it’s not just houses that practice this rule, some restaurants do too. You’ll be able to tell when you see a bunch of shoes at the entrance of the restaurant, and house slippers next to it that you can change into.

View of Mount Fuji from Arakuyama Sengen Park

3. Tipping is not practiced in Japan – With the excellent hospitality in Japan, it might be tempting to give a tip at a restaurant or hotel. But tipping is not at all practiced or expected in Japan. In fact, it could confuse locals who are not used to it, and might even be seen as rude/condescending, so please refrain from leaving a tip.

4. Carry your trash with you – In Japan, trash disposal is a huge deal. Because of the complex rules when it comes to trash sorting and security concerns around past terrorist attacks in the country where trash bins were involved, there are now hardly any public trash bins available in Japan. Japanese people do not appreciate when trash is not disposed of correctly, so to be safe you should bring your trash back to your hotel with you and then dispose of it at the hotel trash bin where it will be processed correctly.

5. Don’t eat while walking – This is one of the social norms that I think are very unique to Japan, but it’s such a huge deal that there is even a term for it – tabearuki, which simply means eating while walking. You’ll hardly see people eating while walking on the street, because it has been deeply ingrained that it is not a polite thing to do. This is related to the previous point regarding trash and inconveniencing others – tabearuki is believed to create more trash in public and therefore seen as rude to others. However, the rule does not apply for festivals where there are food stalls.

6. Don’t be surprised by Otoshi (compulsory appetizer) – When dining at certain restaurants or izakaya (Japanese bar), you might be served a small plate of appetizer as soon as you sit down. This is Otoshi, aka a non-optional appetizer that is served by default in izakaya establishments. You can’t choose what they will serve and you cannot refuse Otoshi. It is also not free, although the cost is minimal – Otoshi typically costs 400-500 yen. Otoshi serves as a table charge, to make sure the izakaya stays profitable even if a customer spends hours at the bar and only orders one drink.

7. Be completely naked in an Onsen – If you’re planning on visiting an Onsen (hot spring), don’t think you can get away with wearing a swimsuit or underwear. You have to be completely naked! It is considered rude and unhygienic if you wear personal clothing items.

♨️ Onsen Guide: Planning to enjoy some time in an onsen? If you’re not familiar with the customs, I recommend reading my Onsen etiquette guide before you go.

Useful Japanese Phrases

I still stand by my advice to simply use the Japanese Google Translate pack on your phone to help yourself navigate Japan. However, there are some common Japanese phrases that would be very helpful to know.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Yes	Hai
No	i-ie
Excuse me	Sumimasen
Thank you	Arigato gozaimasu
Good Morning	Ohayou
Good afternoon	Konnichiwa
Please	Onegaishimasu
Can I have the bill, please?	Okaikei onegaishimasu
How much is this?	Kore wa ikura desu ka? (while pointing at the item)
Where is the toilet?	Toire wa doko desu ka?
Let’s eat	Itadakimasu (to be said before starting to eat)
Thank you for the meal	Gochisosamadeshita (to be said at the end of the meal, before leaving a restaurant)

Useful Japanese phrases for your visit

Kamakura: Daibutsu at Kotoku-in — Daibutsu at Kotoku-in in Kamakura

Entering Japan

There are two things you can do before your arrival in Japan to make things easier for yourself. I’ll cover them one by one here:

1. Japan eVisa – Apply for Japan Visa Online (If you need one)

Japan has a visa exemption arrangement with over 70 countries. If your country is not listed as one of the countries benefiting from this arrangement, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Japan. And, you’ll need to sort this out before your arrival in Japan.

Typically, this is done by applying in person at the Japanese embassy in your country of residence. However, if you reside in certain countries, you might be eligible to apply for the Japan electronic visa, which is done completely online and a lot more convenient than having to turn up in person.

How to apply for a Japan visa online: I have written about my personal experience applying for a Japan visa online here, complete with a timeline for the visa approval and tips how to apply.

2. Visit Japan Web for Immigration and Customs

Visit Japan Web is Japan’s online service for immigration procedures and customs declarations. Even though it is not required, it would be beneficial for you and everyone else to complete the procedures on Visit Japan Web before you arrive. It’s free, fast, and all can be done online.

How to use Visit Japan Web: Need help using Visit Japan Web? I have written an extensive guide about Visit Japan Web here.

How many days should I spend in Japan?

Of course, it depends on what you want to do and how much you want to do in Japan.

Generally, I recommend spending at least 10 days in Japan to get the essential Japanese experience and get familiar with the country. This will let you explore Tokyo and other cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.

Kimono at Higashiyama District in Kyoto — Ladies wearing Kimono in Kyoto

However, I know time is a luxury, and not everyone has that time to spend traveling. In which case, 5 days could still be enough for first-timers to get a feel of the country. You can stay in Tokyo and take a short trip to Mount Fuji or Hakone.

Hakone Travel Guide - The famous Heiwa no Torii at Hakone Shrine — The famous Heiwa no Torii at Hakone Shrine

On my very first visit to Japan – that was exactly what I did – I spent 5 days and stayed in Tokyo and took a 1.5-day trip to Hakone. It was enough to make me fall in love with the country that I kept coming back every year after that, sometimes multiple times a year.

Getting to and from the airport

There are typically a few ways to get to and from the airports in Japan:

1. Airport Express Trains – In big cities like Tokyo and Osaka, there are Airport Express lines that can take you from the airport to the city center, where you can then resume your journey via local public transportation. Airport express train tickets need to be purchased separately.

🚆 Book train ticket online: Purchase Japan train ticket via Klook for easy redemption at the station once you’re in Japan.

2. Private Airport Transfer – Sometimes when you’re traveling with a big group or carrying a lot of luggage, it might make more sense to hire a private car to take you to and from the airport. This is usually not the most economical way if you’re traveling by yourself, but it is very convenient.

Getting around in Japan

Once you’ve arrived in Japan, traveling domestically within Japan will be a piece of cake thanks to the country’s extensive railway system. However, taking the train is not the only way to see this country. I’ll go over all the possible ways here:

1. Taking Shinkansen when moving from one city to another

There are a variety of trains in Japan, but the most popular way of traveling from one city to another is using high-speed bullet trains (referred to as Shinkansen) that connect most major cities. Typically, intercity trains will drop you off at the main train station of that city. From there, you can catch local trains to complete the last-mile journey to your ultimate destination.

🚆 Book train ticket online: Purchase Japan train ticket via Klook for easy redemption at the station once you’re in Japan.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple cities via Shinkansen, you might want to look into JR Pass to minimize the cost of train tickets.

All about JR Pass and Shinkansen: Learn more about JR Pass and taking Shinkansen in Japan here.

2. Driving and renting a car

If you have an international driver’s license and are comfortable with driving in a foreign country, driving in Japan could be a great option. This is an especially good idea if you’re going to destinations that are not well-served by trains. Outside major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the last-mile journey in Japan can be tough – especially in the mountain regions.

Matsumoto Castle, which I visited during a self-driving trip around Nagano

You can easily book a car rental from Klook. Most of the time, you can pick up the car from the airport or in the city, making it a very convenient option! I’ve personally rented a car in Japan for some of my trips to Nikko, Fukuoka, Nagano prefecture, and Hokkaido.

What is Klook? Klook is the leading travel and experiences booking website in Asia. And yes, they are legit! I personally always book my activities through them whenever I am traveling. See my review of Klook here.

3. Domestic Flight

Flying domestically is also a great option to go around Japan from one city to another. If you’re traveling further distances, it will save you time and money compared to using the train. You don’t need to go through immigration again, so the process is really quick and easy.

Mount Fuji from the flight from Tokyo to Osaka

I’ve taken domestic flight from Tokyo to Sapporo, which only took less than two hours. I have also taken a flight from Tokyo to Osaka just because it was cheaper to do so rather than taking the Shinkansen.

4. Getting around within a city using public transport

When you’re traveling within a major city in Japan, it would be convenient to travel using local trains. In Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll be mostly traveling using the local train because the train network in these cities is so extensive. In smaller cities, you might need to use a bus.

Pasmo and Suica, two types of IC Card in Tokyo

Local trains in Japan run on IC (Integrated Circuit) Cards as a method of payment. In Tokyo, you can get either SUICA or PASMO IC card. In Osaka, they are called ICOCA. But don’t you worry about the different names! They are all the same thing, and there is no difference whatsoever in which one you get, aside from the name.

On top of that, all IC cards can be used across different cities, for example, you could use SUICA in Osaka and you can also use ICOCA in Tokyo and other cities.

Whichever IC Card you choose, this card will be your lifeline during your stay. This card allows you to tap in and out of each train station without having to buy a ticket every single time you take a train. And because everyone has an IC card in Japan, you can even use your card balance to buy things from convenience stores and even vending machines. Whenever the balance is running low, you can easily refill the card using cash or credit card at any train station.

Virtual IC Card – How to use your iPhone as an IC Card in Japan

Good news for iPhone users – IC cards have gone virtual and you can use your phone as an IC card! This makes everything even more convenient, as you can refill the balance via your phone without having to go to the station.

Virtual IC Card: Check out my post on how to use IC Card from your iPhone!

Note that you do not need to buy a physical IC card to do this, just start the process straight from your phone! However, if you DO have an existing IC card you can also transfer the balance to your phone. Your existing card will then stop working and you can only use your phone as an IC card from that point onwards.

5. Taking a taxi in Japan

Taking a taxi is not usually the preferred way to go around Japan due to the cost, especially in cities like Tokyo where the train system could get you to many places for an affordable fare. But, it is sometimes the only option if you’re traveling late at night when the trains are no longer operating, or traveling with children or the elderly.

Taxi in Japan is a white glove service. The driver will treat you very well and help you with everything. Taxi doors will also open and close automatically, so you don’t need to open and close them manually. And please, no tipping!

Taxis should be easy enough to find in Japan. Look out for taxi stands outside of the train station, or you can try flagging down a taxi on a major road if their sign is red (indicating they are vacant and open for passengers). Make sure the license plate is green, which means it is an officially licensed taxi.

Additionally, you can use GO taxi app to call for a taxi. It works the same way as how you would order a rideshare car from Uber – you just need to specify your desired pick-up and drop-off point.

Seasons in Japan: When is the best time to go to Japan?

While I think Japan is usually great to visit most of the year, the best time to visit is still in Spring during Sakura time in mid-March to early April, or in Autumn during Momiji time from mid to end of November.

Take note of the major holidays in Japan, most notably Golden Week (first week of May) and Obon (August 13-16). You might want to avoid these dates since there will be an increase in domestic tourism.

While there are 24 ways to express seasons in Japan (called Sekki), I won’t get into that much in detail. Here is a rundown of the four major seasons in Japan:

1. Winter (December to end of February)

The weather during these months will be generally cold, but most days are sunny and pleasant. Mount Fuji will be visible most of the time. And, if you’re a skier or snowboarder, you can hit the famous ja-pow! I do believe Winter is one of the best times to visit Japan.

Iwappara Ski Resort near Tokyo — Skiing in Nagano

This beginner easy ready to take on Niseko — Skiing in Niseko

In February, you might witness Plum Blossom which can be easily confused with Sakura (Cherry Blossom). While Cherry Blossom is more known in Japan, I think Plum Blossom is just as beautiful. The color of the plum flowers is not just pale pink – it can be white, pink, or deep pink.

2. Spring (March to May)

Spring is undeniably the most popular time of the year to visit Japan. The weather is mild and comfortable. However, while it is truly beautiful due to the cherry blossom season (called Sakura in Japanese), you’ll also be nudging elbows with both international and domestic tourists.

Golden Week, one of the major holidays in Japan, takes place on the first week of May.

Hanami Dango, a snack often enjoyed during Sakura season

3. Summer (June to September)

Summer is hot, and humid, and brings rain and a chance of storms. While the weather may not be the most ideal, there are still great things to do in Japan during the summer. Music festivals like Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic typically happen in the summer.

Green summer forest in Japan during the summer

The summer months are also filled with Matsuri, aka traditional Japanese festivals. The biggest one is Obon in August, which drives domestic tourism to high levels since it’s an extra-long holiday for the Japanese.

4. Autumn (October to early December)

Autumn is the second most popular season to visit Japan. Momijigari, the act of hunting down beautiful autumn leaves, is one of Japan’s long traditions. Typically, autumn leaves will peak at the end of November, but in an unusually hot year, it could peak in early December as well.

Momiji leaf time at Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto

Take note of the typhoon season which tends to happen from July to October, with August and September being the peak typhoon season. I was in Tokyo in October 2019 during typhoon Hagibis which led to the cancellation of the Rugby World Cup, and I have to say… it was quite an experience!

The 10 Days Golden Route Itinerary for first-time visitors

The Golden Route is a popular travel route that showcases the best of Japan – from the vibrant metropolitan cities to beautiful nature and quaint traditional towns that Japan has to offer. While there are many things to see in Japan, I recommend first-time visitors follow the golden route to get the essential Japan experience. It is a tried and true itinerary!

Here is how I would go about it if I had 10 days in Japan:

Day 1 to 3: Tokyo
Day 4 to 5: Hakone or Mount Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi)
Day 6 to 7: Kyoto
Day 8: Nara
Day 9 to 10: Osaka

Day 1 to 3: Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan’s capital city and the largest metropolitan city in the world. It serves as the perfect starting point for your Japan adventures!

🗼 Tokyo Travel Guide: Wondering what you can do in Tokyo? I’ve written a very extensive post about visiting Tokyo, including itineraries and activities to do during your stay. Please check out my Tokyo Travel Guide!

I recommend flying into Haneda Airport instead of Narita if you can. Haneda Airport is close to the city center and would make it easier for you to journey into the city.

From Haneda, you can take the local train to the station closest to your hotel, or you can book a Private Transfer from and to HND to save the hassle. If you are arriving from Narita, you’ll want to take Narita Express, or Tokyo Keisei Skyliner to Ueno, whichever one is closest to your hotel. Of course, you can also take a private transfer from Narita, which is what I did on my last visit to Tokyo just so I don’t have to deal with the hassle.

Once you’re in the city, here is an example of how you can break up three days in Tokyo:

Day 1: Walk through Yoyogi Park, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Roppongi

The best way to explore Tokyo is on foot. You’ll see so many interesting shops and restaurants while walking. You can start by taking the local train to Yoyogi Koen station and walking through Yoyogi Park towards Meiji Jingu, a beautiful Shinto shrine in the middle of the park. From there, walk towards Harajuku, then continue on to Omotesando and eventually Roppongi Hills.

➡️ Tip: Read Day 1 Tokyo Itinerary here for a more detailed itinerary of this day and suggestions on where to eat.

Day 2: Explore Shibuya and Shinjuku

Start by heading to Shibuya station, one of the biggest train stations in Tokyo. Try not to get lost and look for exit A8, where you’ll get to see the famous Hachiko statue and Shibuya Scramble. If you’ve booked your tickets ahead of time, you can also check out Shibuya Sky, which in my opinion is the best observatory in Tokyo. Aside of that, Shibuya is great for shopping!

➡️ Tip: Read Day 2 and Day 4 Itinerary from my Tokyo travel guide for a more detailed itinerary of this day and suggestions on where to eat in Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Once you’re done with Shibuya, you can either head to Daikanyama if you want a more chill afternoon, or explore Shinjuku. In Shinjuku, where you can head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a nice park in the middle of the city. You can also check out Omoide Yokocho at night for some dinner and drinks.

Tokyo Itinerary: Shinjuku Gyoen — Japanese Garden in Shinjuku Gyoen

Day 3: Check out Akihabara, Ueno Park, and Asakusa

As a first-time visitor to Japan, stopping by Akihabara Electric Town is a must, where you can see all the quirky things Japan is known for – arcade games, comic books, electronics, and even a maid cafe. Also nearby is Senso-ji, one of the famous shrines in Tokyo. If you’d like to see Tokyo from above, you can also stop by Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world.

➡️ Tip: Read my Day 3 Itinerary from my Tokyo travel guide for a more detailed itinerary of this day

Nakamise Shopping Street in front of the Asakusa Sensoji Temple

Where to stay in Tokyo

Day 4 to 5: Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi

From Tokyo, I recommend exploring the mountainous region near Tokyo for some nature, fresh air, and a chance to see Mount Fuji from nearby. Two great options that are easy to reach from Tokyo are Hakone and Fuji Five Lakes. Both take about 1.5 days to explore, so I suggest taking the earliest train in the morning from Tokyo.

I also recommend choosing one of them if it’s your first time visiting Japan. You can always come back later for the other one! I think Hakone is easier to fit into the itinerary and easier to travel in without a car.

Option 1: Hakone

Hakone is a mountain town located just a few hours from Tokyo. You can enjoy a view of Mount Fuji, many nature walks, visit shrines, and of course – the crisp mountain air.

Hakone is very easy to travel in. The itinerary is already made for you – you can follow the Hakone loop, which has been designed to make it easy for tourist to explore Hakone.

➡️ Hakone Travel Guide: Wondering what you can do in Hakone and what itinerary you can follow when you’re in Hakone? Read my Hakone travel guide for everything you need to know.

Hakone Travel Guide - Hakone Gora Park — The famous Heiwa no Torii at Hakone Shrine

Where to stay in Hakone

Option 2: Fuji Five Lakes

For some people, the experience of seeing Mount Fuji is a must. Fuji Five Lakes is the closest area to Mount Fuji. In the Fuji Five Lakes area, you can expect to live the slow mountain life – go for some trekking, onsen, and easy walks around the lake.

🗻 Interested in visiting Fuji Five Lakes? You might want to read my Fuji Five Lakes itinerary, which will include everything you want to know about visiting Fuji Five Lakes and what you can do there.

However, if your main goal is to see Mount Fuji, be aware that it is often not visible even from the closest point due to clouds and humidity. Your best bet would be visiting during winter when there tend to be more dry and clear conditions, and Mount Fuji would be visible.

Chu-ike pond at Oshino Hakkai — View of Mount Fuji from Arakuyama Sengen Park

Where to stay in Lake Kawaguchi

Travel time: Getting to Osaka from Hakone

From Hakone, it’s easy to get to Osaka and Kyoto. Simply head to Odawara station and take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto. It takes about 2 hours to reach Kyoto.

You could make Osaka your base from Day 6 to 10. Kyoto and Nara is just a short trip away from Osaka and there are frequent trains between the two cities, and hotels in Osaka tend to be cheaper than Kyoto.

Day 6 to 7: Kyoto

I almost feel that Kyoto needs no introduction – whenever you see Japan being advertised overseas for tourism, I can guarantee they’re using visuals from Kyoto.

⛩️ Interested in visiting Kyoto? I’ve written a comprehensive Kyoto Travel Guide here. Be sure to check it out!

Yasaka Pagoda in Higashiyama District in Kyoto — Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto

Senbon Torii at Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto — Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto

Here is how you can break up your two days in Kyoto:

Day 6: Explore the essentials of Kyoto

You can start your day bright and early and visit the endless rows of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. After that, head to Kiyomizu-dera, the most famous temple in Kyoto.

Once done with the temple, head for a stroll around Higashiyama district, stopping by Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka for a quaint shopping street filled with souvenirs and street food. If you still have time, head down the Philosopher’s path and walk to Ginkaku-ji.

Ninenzaka in Higashiyama District in Kyoto

Day 7: Visit Arashiyama

Arashiyama is located in the west of Kyoto. The area is famous for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Iwatama Monkey Park. If you have more time, you can also check out Sagano Torokko scenic railway which starts from Arashiyama.

➡️ Tip: Check out my list of Kyoto Itinerary for more information on everything I’ve mentioned above!

Where to stay in Kyoto

While I would recommend staying in Osaka while visiting Kyoto to save costs, staying in Kyoto could still be a great option. Here are a few accommodations you might be interested in Kyoto:

Day 8: Nara

Nara, the first permanent capital of ancient Japan, is a popular day trip from Osaka due to its proximity and ease of access – it only takes 30-45 minutes to get there via local train.

🦌 Nara Travel Guide: If you’re interested in visiting Nara, be sure to check my dedicated Nara Travel Guide for comprehensive travel tips!

Nara Itinerary - Sika Deer in front of a red torii — With Sika Deer in Nara, Japan

Nara Itinerary — With Sika Deer in Nara, Japan

From Osaka, I recommend leaving early to Nara Station in the morning. Aim to arrive by 9AM, that’s when most temples and shops will start to open. You can start by visiting Great Buddha at Todai-ji, and making your way to Nigatsu-do and Sangatsu-do, which are next to each other.

Once done exploring the temple, head to Nandaimon (Great South Gate) for a chance to interact with Sika deer. There are shops by the gate that sell senbei crackers especially for the deer. Lastly, you can head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine and back to Nara station to end your day.

➡️ Tip: Read my essential Nara day trip itinerary for more detailed travel tips of what I’ve just mentioned above!

Where to stay in Nara

Similar to Kyoto, I would also recommend staying in Osaka when visiting Nara instead. However, if you want to travel slowly and stay in Nara, here are some great options:

Kotonoyado Musashino
Tsukihitei

Day 9 to 10: Osaka

Osaka is one of the largest metropolitan cities in Japan, second only to Tokyo. It’s a popular tourist destination due to its strategic location, which allows you to make multiple-day trips to interesting cities like Kyoto and Nara.

Here is what you can do in two days in Osaka:

Day 9: Explore Osaka must-do’s

Start your day by visiting Osaka Castle. The park that the castle ground is on is huge, so factor in some time to walk around the park as well, especially if it’s around Autumn. After the castle, you can make your way to Den-Den Town. It’s similar to Akihabara in Tokyo but on a smaller scale. When nighttime comes, head to Dotonbori for some vibrant night life and to find out why Osaka is known as “the kitchen of Japan”. Try some Takoyaki!

Day 10: See Osaka from above

Head to Shinsekai and go up the retro Tsutenkaku tower. I recommend topping up a small fee to access the top deck as well. The famous Namba Yasaka Shrine is also nearby. After that, you can check out any other activities you may have missed out on the first day. I recommend checking out Osaka Aquarium, or the Cup Noodles Museum. If you’ve planned ahead, you can also check out the Suntory Whiskey Distillery, but this needs to be booked in advance.

➡️ Tip: Check out my Things to do in Osaka post for more information on everything I’ve mentioned above!

Where to stay in Osaka

Other places in Japan worth checking out

If you’re staying in Japan for more than 10 days and need ideas about what you can do in the country – don’t worry, I got you! Here are some ideas you can look into:

1. Short trips from Tokyo

What to mix up the Tokyo metropolitan city life with nature, temple visits, and countryside living? Good news for you! There are plenty of options that can be reached in just under 3 hours from Tokyo. These options are perfect for a short weekend trip, or even day trips for some of them.

You could visit Hakone, Nikko, Lake Kawaguchi, just to name a few.

➡️ Check it out: I’ve done a round-up of my recommended short-trip destinations from Tokyo here. You’ll find all the places I love that can be conveniently reached from Tokyo.

2. Short trips from Osaka

The main draw of Osaka is not just the city itself. With Japan’s extensive train network, Osaka also serves as the perfect launchpad to the array of destinations in the Kansai region. From iconic temples in Kyoto to free-roaming deer in Nara, there are plenty of day trips or short trip options from Osaka.

➡️ Short Trips from Osaka: I’ve made a list of my favorite short trips or day trips from Osaka here that can be reached within an hour or even under! Have a look and see which one you’d like to visit.

3. Self Driving itinerary around Nagano Prefecture

If you like driving and exploring mountainous regions, this is the perfect itinerary for you. It’s easily doable from Tokyo and takes about five days. You’ll get to see plenty of nature and smaller cities in Japan like Karuizawa and Matsumoto.

🚗 Nagano self-driving ideas: Check out my Nagano prefecture itinerary for ideas where to go in Nagano.

Karuizawa Travel Guide — Kamikochi Karasawa Hyutte

4. Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. It’s especially popular during winter as a skiing destination and snow festival in Sapporo.

Where to go in Hokkaido: Check out my Hokkaido posts on ideas where to go and what to do

Odori Park from Sapporo TV Tower Observation Deck — The famous crossing at Susukino

What to eat in Japan

I can argue that one of the appeals of Japan is its approach to food. Food in Japan is not just there for sustenance, they are meant to be appreciated. As such, you’ll find that the experience of dining in Japan is often special – from the ingredients used, to the cultural implications around each dish.

Everyone knows about Ramen and Sushi, but there is so much more to Japanese food than just those two dishes.

Japanese Food Guide: Check out my dedicated post about classic Japanese food, and where to find them in Tokyo.