Japan is such an amazing place to visit. From the food to the traditional culture, I had a lot of fun exploring. I’m not usually a fan of big cities, but for this trip I decided to lean into urban centers for an all-city Japan 10-day itinerary.
This is basically my actual trip to Japan last fall, with a few edits based on the experience. The trip is open-jaw starting in Tokyo, stopping in Kyoto, and ending in Osaka. A lot of people would probably spend less time in Osaka, but I actually enjoyed it more than Tokyo (gasp!).
Planning Your Japan Trip
When you’re planning to visit big cities like Tokyo, you have to break things down into neighborhoods. Choose wisely what area of town you’ll stay in and group your activities accordingly. I’ve laid out this itinerary for different neighborhoods on different days.
That said, Japan is super easy to get around. You can do this entire trip with trains and subways; they go everywhere in Japan! There’s usually no need to book train tickets in advance, just get your tickets or load your IC card and go. More on transportation later.
Most tickets for activities can be purchased the same day, but I’ve highlighted a few things that might be worth booking in advance. I’ve also included some memorable food experiences, but there are more general tips on eating in Japan at the end. Cool? Let’s go…
10-Day Japan Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
We kick things off in Tokyo, Japan’s sprawling capital city. If you’re coming from the US like me, you’re in for a long and disorienting flight. Keep things simple on the first day.
If you have time, I’d spend it walking around one of Tokyo’s food alleys looking for something good to eat for dinner. Check out Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku for a classic food alley experience, with lots of yakitori restaurants and a lively atmosphere. Order a few skewers of meat, grab a beer, and celebrate making it to Japan.
Day 2: Tokyo
Start your day early with breakfast from one of the convenience stores like 7-Eleven. They’re everywhere! And the breakfast options are great–try an onigiri, a ball of rice with tasty filling like tuna and mayo or salmon. You can copy/paste this breakfast plan for the rest of your trip too.
After breakfast, visit Meiji Jingu shrine. It’s a sacred place for Japan’s traditional religion known as Shinto; the shrine is dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. You’ll see a couple huge torii gates as you walk through the beautifully forested grounds of the shrine.
After that head over to Harajuku and check out Takeshita Street. You can widow shop the cutesy fashion that the neighborhood is famous for, plus there are plenty of sweet treats like crepes to try.
Finish the day over in Shibuya, where you can see the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Pedestrians line up on all sides of this busy intersection and, when the lights finally turn green, everyone “scrambles” across the crosswalks at once. It’s fun to watch and fun to participate in.
Shibuya is a hub for all kinds of shopping. While I’m not a huge shopper, I definitely recommend visiting the MEGA Don Quijote store. It’s a multi-level discount emporium, selling just about everything from souvenirs to electronics to snacks.
For more details, check out my post 11 Things to Do in Tokyo on Your First Trip.
Day 3: Tokyo
Get another early start (sorry) and take the subway to Tsukiji Outer Market for one of Tokyo’s food-related highlights. Tsukiji was once the location of the largest wholesale fish market in the world, and today it holds a treasure trove of food stalls and restaurants to explore. Sushi and sashimi for breakfast? Yes, it’s totally worth it for some of the best seafood ever. You can also book a tour if you’d prefer to explore with a guide.
In the afternoon, slow down and appreciate one of Tokyo’s museums. If you’re into history and culture, it’s hard to beat the Tokyo National Museum. You definitely wanna see samurai armor, right? I went for a more contemporary experience at teamlabPlanets, an immersive art exhibition inspired by nature. Projections of flowers and colors surround you in a whimsical world that’s perfect for taking wild Instagram pictures. Get timed tickets in advance for best availability.
For the evening, your mission is to climb high into the sky and take in the unforgettable view of Tokyo at night. You’ll see the skyscrapers and neon lights fanning out in every direction of a city that seems to go on forever. I went with an old-school option at Tokyo Tower. It’s a nostalgic symbol of the city that was built during Tokyo’s post-war years. Another option is the modern Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan. With observation decks at 350 and 450 meters, it delivers views that are truly epic.
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto
All aboard! It’s time to experience Japan’s famous shinkansen bullet train. The fastest version (nozomi) zips you from Tokyo to Kyoto at 186 mph, covering the distance in around 2 hours and 15 minutes. While it’s possible to buy tickets in advance, I found it easier to just buy tickets at the station. By the way, it’s common to bring a bento meal or a snack on the shinkansen, so make sure to stock up.
Once you’re settled in Kyoto, head for downtown Kyoto and Nishiki Market. There are many food options around the market. A great afternoon activity is the Samurai and Ninja Museum right by the market. It may sound cheesy, but you’ll be surprised how much you learn about samurai history before lining up to throw ninja stars.
Also make sure to visit Nishiki Tenmangu shrine. Rows of paper lanterns lead you to a small Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of learning. And they have a robotic fortune teller!
Heading to Kyoto? You can read my full Kyoto travel guide here.
Day 5: Kyoto
With a full day in Kyoto, it’s time to see some of the shrines and temples that made the city famous. I would start with the most famous of all, Fushimi Inari Shrine. Pass beneath hundreds of vermillion red torii gates and many fox statues as you hike the paths of the beautiful shrine complex.
After the shrine, head back to Higashiyama and get a taste of a traditional tea ceremony. There are a few operations that teach you about the traditions in a fun, low-pressure way. We went with Tea Ceremony Nagomi (advance tickets recommended).
For the afternoon, take some time to explore one of Kyoto’s major zen Buddhist temples. It’s tempting to race around and see several of them, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Check out Kodaji, Kenninji, or Kiyomizu-dera in the central part of Higashiyama Ward.
Cap your day with a nice dinner. On my trip, we went to an obanzai restaurant, a place that features local homestyle dishes. If you’re looking for something fancy, Kyoto is famous for kaiseki ryori, traditional restaurants with elaborate tasting menus. Definitely get reservations for that.
Day 6: More Kyoto OR Day Trip to Nara
Today you have a choice: see more of Kyoto or make a day trip out to the beautiful city of Nara. Full disclosure: I did not do this day on my trip because scheduling reasons. However, I feel pretty confident in both of these options.
Option #1: explore the western side of Kyoto starting with the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Wander through a world of towering bamboo that seems to go on forever. Get there early to avoid crowds!
There are many temples to visit nearby, but avid sightseers will enjoy a trip over to Kinkakuji, the golden temple. This stunning pavilion is covered in gold leaf and seems to float dreamily on the shore of a pond.
Nara was Japan’s first capital, and it’s home to some seriously beautiful temples. It’s only an hour away by train and a worthy day trip. In Nara you’ll find the massive Todaiji temple and lots of…deer? Yes, Nara is famous for their sacred deer that eagerly interact with humans, especially those with food.
Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka
Leaving Kyoto and heading for Osaka! It’s a short train ride, so you can actually split the day between the two cities with a little planning.
Start out at Kyoto’s Nijo Castle, a feudal era castle built by the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Inside the wooden halls you’ll see lots of murals and get a sense of the refined lifestyle of the shogun’s court. I recommend getting the audio guide to explain things.
After the castle, take the train to Osaka. The Hankyu Line limited express gets you there in 45 minutes, direct to Osaka Umeda station. There you can toss you luggage in a locker and find lunch at one of the many places around the station.
While you’re there, walk over to the Umeda Sky Building for impressive views of Osaka from 40 floors up. The 20th-century-futuristic building is pretty cool too.
After that, it’s time to dive into Osaka’s food scene with a food tour in Shinsekai. Specifically this tour by Osaka Food Tours was one of the best things I did in Japan, so I’d recommend it. Shinsekai has a cool nostalgic feel that contrasts with the more contemporary Dotonbori, the other food and nightlife area you should check out.
Day 8: Osaka’s Universal Studios
Today we have a day filled with wonder at Universal Studios Japan! This may be controversial, but I’m a theme park fan and I think Universal is 100% worth a day of your trip.
First of all, yes you can get there on the train via the JR Yumesaki Line. Buy your park tickets in advance and arrive early as the park often opens ahead of schedule.
Your first priority should be Super Nintendo World, a super immersive area that puts you in the world of Mario and friends. The headline ride is Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, an interactive dark ride where you join a Mario Kart race! Admission to the area requires a timed entry, which you can grab on the Universal Studios Japan app once you’re at the park.
My favorite area is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which features a recreation of Hogwarts Castle and Hogsmeade Village. Even if your not a huge HP fan, its fascinating to see how a British fantasy world is interpreted in Japan. Plus there’s Butterbeer.
Day 9: Osaka
Check out another famous attraction at the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan). It’s one of the world’s largest aquariums, featuring a massive three-story tank that’s home to dozens of species including whale sharks and manta rays.
After that, it’s time to get serious for a moment. Head over to Osaka Castle, an important historical site and symbol of the city. The mighty castle was started in the 1500s by feudal lord Hideyoshi Toyotomi who played a pivotal role in unifying Japan. The original castle was destroyed multiple times, so what you see today is a modern restoration with a museum inside and great views from the top floor observation deck.
For the evening, it’s gotta be Dotonbori. By now you’ve probably been through Osaka’s biggest nightlife district, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy one last night out in Japan. Stop by the huge Don Quijote store and ride their inexplicable Ferris wheel. Find the tiny Hozenji Temple and make an offering for good luck. Wander the warren of streets in search of local specialties like takoyaki and kushikatsu.
Day 10: Departure from Osaka
Alas, your trip through three of Japan’s great cities has come to an end. Take one last train ride to Kansai International Airport and head for home.
Train and Transportation Tips
Japan’s train system is remarkable. You can get just about everywhere by train. There is some nuance to the different types of trains and operators, but for purposes of trip planning the main difference is between the shinkansen and everything else.
The shinkansen is Japan’s famous bullet train. It’s extremely fast, extremely cool, and somewhat expensive. For long trips like Tokyo to Kyoto, it’s definitely worth it. You’ll need to book individual tickets, preferably with seat assignments. It’s easy to buy these at the train station (that’s what I did). You can also buy them online via Smart Ex, although users report difficulties with some foreign credit cards. Advance reservations are only needed if you’re traveling during a super busy time like the Golden Week national holidays.
For basically all other trains, you can simply pay-as-you go using Japan’s IC Card system. The cards have different regional names, but they all work interchangeably. Unfortunately sales of the normal cards have been suspended due to a semiconductor shortage, but as of early 2024 it’s still possible for tourists to get a temporary one. In Tokyo, look for either a PASMO Passport card (available at Narita and Haneda airports and some train stations) or a Welcome SUICA card (currently only available at Haneda airport). If you have an iPhone, you can also add a virtual IC card on your phone instead.
Once you have the card, you load money on to it at ticket machines for your train rides. Paying by IC card is super easy. Simply tap your card at the gates when entering and leaving train platforms and the fare is automatically deducted. The cards can also be used on buses, at convenience stores, and even at some vending machines!
You may be wondering how rail passes fit into this picture. I’m hopefully gonna save you some time and money by advising that for this itinerary, a rail pass is NOT worth it. They’re tempting, sure, but the passes are expensive and can be confusing. If you want to check whether a pass is worth it you can enter your itinerary into this calculator to estimate.
Where to Stay in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka
For advice on where to stay, I am great indebted to two sources: Jonathan DeHart’s Moon Japan guidebook and the fabulously detailed recommendations of Nerd Nomads. Check those out if you want specific hotel recommendations.
Tokyo
Where to stay in Tokyo is a much debated question, and there isn’t a best answer. I think everyone will have their own preferences. Here are a few options I’d consider.
- Shinjuku – Neon and nightlife make this neighborhood famous, and transportation connections via Shinjuku Station can get you anywhere in town easily. If you want to be in the middle of the hype, Shinjuku is for you.
- Shibuya – Famous for shopping and restaurants, Shibuya is another area that puts you in the middle of Tokyo’s most exciting things to do.
- Ueno and Asakusa – For a more laid-back feel, check out Asakusa and Ueno. These are the older areas of Tokyo, quieter and less focused on nightlife.
Kyoto
I think you’ve got three top options for where to stay in Kyoto. Check out my full Kyoto travel guide if you’d like to know more!
- Gion/Southern Higashiyama – This is the most famous area with traditional architecture and lots of temples. It’s beautiful. The only tradeoff is that it can be pricey.
- Downtown Kyoto – This area has lots of dining and shopping, and it’s close to Gion. Excellent transportation connections mean you can get anywhere in town easily.
- Kyoto Station area – If you’re on a budget or planning to take a lot of trains, consider staying near the main train station. It’s not as charming, but you can reach other areas of town with a short subway/train ride.
Osaka
For your first time in Osaka, I’d pick between two major areas of town.
- Dontonbori/Minami – The most famous area of town, with all the food options you could ask for and lots to do. If you want stay close to the best of Osaka’s nightlife, look no further.
- Umeda/Kita – Slightly less hype but still great is the Umeda/Kita area. This area is home to Osaka’s biggest business district and the main train station, so the transportation connections are excellent.
More Tips for Visiting Japan
There are too many unique things about Japan to cover, but here are a few things I found helpful on my first trip there.
- Convenience stores (konbini): Use them! The big three are 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart, and they are literally everywhere in Japanese cities. They are home to surprisingly great food and drink, including easy breakfast items like pastries and onigiri (stuffed rice balls). Some larger stores even have seating areas! Convenience stores also have most essentials you might need, from care products to minor electronics.
- ATMs and Money: Debit cards from the US and elsewhere do not function everywhere in Japan, so get cash before you need it. The best options are 7-Bank ATMs, found at 7-Eleven stores everywhere. A surprising number of smaller businesses in Japan only accept cash.
- Finding restaurants and bars: Food and drink in Japan are amazing, but they can present some challenges. In general, you can search Google Maps or ask for recommendations. It’s honestly unlikely you’ll have a bad meal anywhere. Sometimes great establishments are tucked away on upper floors of buildings, so don’t be afraid of looking a little lost. A sign or menu in English is a signal that foreigner visitors are eagerly welcomed.
- Easy options for eating: If you need an easy dining option, many shopping centers and department stores have a food court on the basement level. Or you can check out one of Japan’s reliably good restaurant chains.
- Tipping: Don’t tip at restaurants and bars. It’s just not a thing in Japan. Private tour guides are an exception to the rule. They will probably appreciate a tip if you’re so inclined.
- Food and drink to-go: It’s generally considered rude to eat while walking around. If you’re at a food stand or a walk up window, there’s usually a designated area to eat. Just sit or stand nearby instead of walking away. Drinks are less of a problem, but be warned that it’s hard to find trash cans in public!
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