The PERFECT 10 Days Japan Itinerary for First Time Guests…
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Japan is a rustic with a lot variety and intrigue to discover – from the neon lights of Tokyo to the misty-clad mountains, from the traditional temples to the serene solace of the manicured gardens.
In case you solely have 10 days to discover the nation, you’re going to wish to go in armed with a well-curated itinerary to tick off all of the highlights.
On this 10 day Japan itinerary, we take you to a number of the most ethereal temples and shrines, present you the place you’ll be able to eat the world’s finest sushi, provide you with an opportunity to trip the enduring bullet practice, be dazzled by Japan’s modern tech business, and absorb Japanese popular culture.
If it’s your first go to to Japan, this itinerary will make sure you depart feeling effectively acquainted with the nation in simply 10 days.
The Final 10-Day Japan Itinerary
There are such a lot of fabulous issues to do in Japan and unimaginable locations to go to, however because you solely have ten days, we advocate you stick to 2 traditional Japanese cities; Tokyo and Kyoto.
Tokyo is the place you’ll be able to witness the trendy, futuristic facet of Japan, whereas Kyoto takes you again to its historic previous, providing storybook websites and a chance to expertise the traditions, historical past, and tradition of imperial Japan.
You may also take day journeys from each Kyoto and Tokyo, so don’t really feel such as you’re caught in simply two locations – there’s nonetheless lots to see and discover.
How To Get Round Japan
Since you might have 10-days in Japan and we’re focusing our itinerary on simply two main cities, you’ll solely have one lengthy journey between the 2 locations to account for.
You can journey between Tokyo and Kyoto through the Shinkansen, often known as The Bullet Practice, however that is very costly. Because you solely do that journey as soon as, it may not be financially value it in case you are travelling on a finances.
Nonetheless, it’s the quickest practice on this planet, and may journey at speeds as much as 320 km/hr, making it an expertise in its personal proper. So, you would possibly resolve that it’s value spending the cash.
There are many trains between Kyoto and Tokyo, so that you don’t must e-book the practice upfront, however you do want the Japan Rail Move (JR Move), which have to be bought earlier than arriving.
Prime tip: Sit on the left facet of the Kyoto to Tokyo practice for an opportunity to see Mount Fuji on a transparent day.
In case you’re not fussed concerning the Bullet Practice and also you wish to lower your expenses, then you’ll be able to take a direct flight for as little as $30 USD with finances airways like JetStar or JAL.
There are additionally long-distance, evening buses, that are extremely comfy and inexpensive. They’re normally solely round $12-$15 USD every method. Take a look at Kosoku Bus for timetables and to e-book tickets.
Day 1: Getting Oriented in Tokyo
Most individuals will begin by flying into Tokyo, so we’ll start our Japan itinerary right here. You’ll be able to change this itinerary round in case you are flying into Kyoto or Osaka as an alternative.
The very first thing you wish to do if you land in Tokyo is get oriented. Get an area sim card from the airport – you’ll be able to prebook one on Klook after which choose it up from the counter after accumulating your baggage, which might be simpler than shopping for one there (and cheaper too).
Then you definately wish to discover your lodge. The primary airport that serves Tokyo is Narita Airport, which is definitely positioned 80 km (about an hour on the practice) out of town, so you have to first catch a practice to the middle.
Tokyo Worldwide Airport (Haneda Airport) is 18km from town and takes 20 minutes to succeed in the middle on public transport.
Relying on the place you’re staying, you both wish to catch the Keisei Skyliner practice to Ueno Station, and take the metro to your lodging, or take the Narita Categorical to Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station or Shinjuku Station.
Getting round Tokyo by metro could look daunting, however as you’d count on in Japan, it’s a very environment friendly system. Actually, all strains are color-coded, and every cease is given a quantity. In case you don’t know easy methods to pronounce the identify of your cease, you’ll be able to memorize the quantity so that you don’t get misplaced.
When you’re all checked in and also you’ve obtained your bearings, it’s time to take a look at the websites…and once I say websites, I imply the superb Japanese meals experiences, as a result of let’s face it, airplane meals sucks and also you’re most likely ravenous!
The place to Keep in Tokyo
In relation to selecting lodging in Tokyo, you wish to base your self in a neighborhood that’s vacationer pleasant and near a metro. So long as you keep close to a metro, you will get your self round simply and it doesn’t actually matter the place you select.
A few of the hottest neighborhoods are:
- Shinjuku, which is legendary for its neon-lit streets, upscale bars, and karaoke rooms. In case you like nightlife, it is a good base for you.
- Shibuya, residence to the world well-known Shibuya Crossing, the busiest crossing on this planet. It’s effectively related within the heart of town so it’s straightforward to get to different locations rapidly, nonetheless, it may be costly.
- Asakusa, a extra conventional neighborhood identified for its Senso-ji Temple, and it additionally has extra native eating places and outlets.
- Akihabara is the place to remain when you’re massive on manga, anime and gaming.
- Ueno is extra family-friendly, and is near the Zoo and Ueno Park, that are pretty, peaceable inexperienced areas throughout the metropolis – excellent for individuals who get overwhelmed by massive cities.
That can assist you discover a place to remain, we’ve picked out a few of our high choices for lodging in Tokyo. Verify these out:
- Guide Tea Mattress SHIBUYA: A capsule hostel, a novel type of lodging in Japan the place you sleep in pods. This type of lodging was invented in Japan as a method of maximising area, it’s additionally the most cost effective type of lodging.
- ONSEN RYOKAN YUEN SHINJUKU: A ryokan, a standard Japanese inn with paper, sliding partitions and futon beds. This ryokan even has an onsen (a scorching spring bathtub), which is a rarity in Tokyo. There are lower than 30 inns with onsens in the entire metropolis.
Cease 1: Dinner at Ichiran
I at all times advocate consuming at Ichiran first because it’s fast and an actual culturally immersive deal with. Though it’s a series, it’s nonetheless one of the distinctive culinary experiences in Japan.
First, you get taken to a single desk the place you’re given a chunk of paper to order your ramen. Everybody will get their very own desk, with a wall on both facet. So even when you go along with a bunch, everyone seems to be eating alone.
To order, merely circle the kind of noodles you need, the way you need them cooked, and the way a lot meat you need.
Then you definately hand your paper to a server ready behind a window at your desk. After some time, your ramen can be served to you thru the window, after which the curtain comes down and also you’re anticipated to eat in complete isolation. You don’t ever see your server, solely a pair of arms by means of a window.
I don’t learn about you, however typically once I’m consuming at a restaurant, I hate it once I maintain getting bothered by servers “is every thing okay? how is your meal?” – when you’re the sort of “depart me alone I’m consuming” sort of individual, that is your vibe.
Day 2: Tokyo West Facet (Shibuyu and Harajuku)
Now it’s time to essentially begin exploring Tokyo! Beginning within the busiest epicenter of town – Shibuyu.
Cease 1: Shibuyu Crossing
Begin at Shibuyu Crossing, which was made well-known in “Misplaced in Translation.” You undoubtedly wish to expertise the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, ideally at rush hour.
If you’d like an honest view of the crossing from above, head to the second flooring of the Starbucks on the crossing the place you’ll be able to clearly see how busy this crossing is.
Cease 2: Buy groceries on Heart-Gai
Afterwards, take a wander down Heart-Gai, a pedestrian buying road. Cease at one of many karaoke bars and spend an hour belting out some tunes with your folks.
In case you fancy some sushi for lunch, you’ll be able to by no means go flawed with Genki Sushi, a sushi chain identified for serving sushi on little trains or on conveyor belts.
Cease Three: Go to Meiji-jingu Shrine and Yoyogi-koen Park
Within the afternoon, take the metro over to Harajuku Station, the enduring youth kawaii district.
However earlier than you head into the loopy world of Harajuku, head to Meiji-jingu Shrine for some peace and quiet in Yoyogi-koen Park.
Cease four: Buy groceries on Takeshita, Harajuku
After a few hours strolling the peaceable trails round Meiji-jingu, you’ll really feel higher ready to deal with Harajuku’s most important buying road, Takeshita.
Something goes right here and you will discover plenty of curious characters youthfully expressing themselves.
Cease 5: Dinner at Sakura-tei
For dinner head to Sakura-tei for okonomiyaki – Japanese savoury pancakes with octopus, which you cook dinner at your desk.
Don’t fear, Sakura is tourist-friendly and has English-speaking employees to allow them to present you the way it’s achieved. They may even cook dinner it for you when you’re unsure what to do.
Day Three: East Facet of Tokyo (Asakusa and Ueno)
On the third day, it’s time to study Japan’s historic previous, and what higher method to try this than to go to some museums and Tokyo’s oldest district, Asakusa.
Cease 1: Fukagawa Edo Museum
The Edo period in Japan was a captivating time and to raised be taught extra about it, go to Fukagawa Edo Museum.
This open-air museum recreates a working class neighborhood within the Edo period. It brings historical past to life as you’ll be able to stroll into the buildings and choose up the interval artifacts.
In case you are seeking to be taught much more, go to the Edo-Tokyo Museum.
Cease 2: Senso-ji Temple
The primary web site right here is Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Method the temple from Nakamise-dori and get swept up within the bustling environment and Japanese craft and candy outlets.
The atmospheric facet streets are value exploring, which trace at a bygone period.
Don’t miss an opportunity to get your fortune instructed at Senso-ji too. Senso-ji Temple presents a standard technique of fortune-telling referred to as “Omikuji” which is a enjoyable and straightforward solution to get your fortune instructed.
First, head to the Omikuji counter and make a donation of ¥100 coin into the designated slot.
Then, shake a field containing numerous sticks. It’s worthwhile to shake it in a method that just one stick falls out. Right here’s a video exhibiting the way it’s achieved.
Then, search for the quantity on the stick and find the corresponding drawer. Open the drawer to retrieve your Omikuji, a small strip of paper together with your fortune written on it. There are English translations on every fortune.
Cease Three: Ueno Park
In case you nonetheless have time and vitality, head to Ueno on foot. In any other case, it’s straightforward to succeed in on the metro.
Ueno Park is the proper place to chill out and unwind in a tranquil backyard and do some folks watching. The Ueno Zoo is widespread with the young and old alike.
The most effective a part of Ueno Park is Shinobazuno Pond, for my part. It’s surrounded by a stunning grassy space with manicured hedges and bonsai, with a serene shrine within the heart.
In case you occur to be visiting in spring for Cherry Blossom season, THIS is the place to go to see them. There are millions of them and it’s simply lovely.
Cease four: Tokyo Sky Tree
In case you are nearing the top of your day in Asakusa, the Tokyo Sky Tree is an commentary deck providing up beautiful 360-degree views from 350 meters above the bottom.
On a transparent day you would possibly be capable of spot Mt Fuji or go for the glittering after darkish view.
Tokyo Sky Tree is the second tallest constructing on this planet, at 634 meters excessive.
Day four: Tsukiji Fish Market and Shinjuku
Cease 1: Tsukiji Outer Market
You’ll be able to’t go to Japan with out experiencing the most important seafood market on this planet. It’s one of the widespread locations to go in Japan.
In case you actually wish to see the tuna public sale, plan to reach and queue for tickets by Three:00am.
Nonetheless, even when you don’t wish to stand up in the midst of the evening, Tsukiji ought to nonetheless be in your Tokyo itinerary.
Plan to reach at 9:30am as vacationers aren’t allowed to enter the inside market till 10:00am after enterprise is concluding.
You’ll then have about 30 minutes to wander round and see what was on the market that day, earlier than issues wind down at 10:30am.
You’ll be able to pattern the freshest (and really costly) sushi on the outer market, the place queues can get fairly lengthy for the preferred eating places.
Cease 2: Buy groceries in Shinjuku
Subsequent up, take the metro to Shinjuku.
Right here you’ll expertise the world’s busiest practice station with over Three million folks passing by means of it every day.
Shinjuku is the Tokyo you image with its neon lights, plenty of individuals and high-tech every thing. It is a good spot to get some buying achieved in Shinjuku’s many department shops and outlets.
If you wish to see Tokyo from above, however don’t wish to shell out for the Tokyo Tower, you’ll be able to ascend to the highest of the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing without spending a dime.
For dinner, bask in one other must-have Tokyo meals expertise: dinner from a merchandising machine. No significantly, you’ll discover them in all places!
Day 5: Day Journey to both Disney or Hakone
On the final day in Tokyo, you’ll truly be leaving town. You’ll be able to both select to go to a Disney (Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea), which is good for these travelling with children, or head to the close by nationwide park of Hakone.
In case you choose Disney, the 2 Disney theme parks provide the traditional Disney expertise, however with a uniquely Japanese twist.
The meals alone is value a go to with attention-grabbing snacks like gyoza canines, curry popcorn and mochi dumplings. Attempt to go to mid-week and purchase your tickets upfront, as queues might be very lengthy.
If Disney isn’t your type, take an in a single day journey to Hakone. A 1 evening journey to Hakone is likely one of the finest day journeys from Tokyo when you’re travelling as a pair.
Greatest identified for its scorching spring resorts, or onsens, that is one other nice probability to remain in a ryokan.
An effective way to benefit from the area is by doing the Hakone Circuit with the Hakone Free Move.
This lets you take 5 totally different modes of transportation by means of its countryside and lakes, in addition to entry to Hakone Open Air Museum.
Extra issues to do in Tokyo
In case you don’t fancy a number of the suggestions talked about above, listed below are another widespread issues to do in Tokyo:
- In case you like buying – head to Ginza, the primary neighborhood to modernize in Tokyo. As Tokyo’s fifth Avenue, that is residence to high-end retailers.
- In case you like leisure – head to Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, accessible by mono-rail. From theme parks to science centres, and even a scorching springs amusement facility, Odaiba presents plenty of selection.
- In case you are thinking about electronics – head to Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek tradition wonderland.
- In case you are thinking about sumo – attend a sumo match at Ryogoku in case you are visiting in January, Could or September.
- In case you are into movie – rating tickets upfront for The Ghibli Museum and enter the world of animator Miyazaki Hayao.
- In case you are into sports activities – purchase tickets to the Yomuiri Giants baseball recreation on the Tokyo Dome if visiting from March to October.
Day 6: Journey to Kyoto
The sixth day requires you to journey from Tokyo to Kyoto. In case you take the Shinkansen bullet practice, it ought to take 2 hours 45 minutes, a flight is 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the bus is eight hours.
In case you resolve on the bus, make it an evening bus so you might have all day to discover in the present day.
The place to remain in Kyoto
One of many best methods to expertise Kyoto is by staying in a standard Japanese inn, a ryokan.
This cultural immersion expertise lets you sleep on tatami mats, eat elaborate kaseki meals and bathtub in an onsen.
Ryokans usually embrace your meals and might be fairly costly. Whereas we’d have beloved to remain in a single for the entire time we had been in Kyoto, we opted to remain one evening.
Earlier than you go, be taught what to anticipate staying at a ryokan to be sure to don’t make any etiquette fake pas.
The most effective neighborhoods to remain in Kyoto are:
Selecting one of the best neighborhood in Kyoto relies upon closely in your priorities and journey type. Listed here are just a few high contenders:
- Gion, generally known as the historic geisha district with conventional picket homes and charming alleyways. Gives a glimpse into outdated Kyoto.
- Higashiyama, one other historic space with lovely temples (Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine) and conventional streets.
- Kiyomizu-gojo, has a central location with quick access to public transportation and balances conventional and fashionable. It’s cheaper than the historic areas.
That can assist you discover a place to remain, we’ve picked out a few of our high choices for lodging in Kyoto. Verify these out:
Day 7: Higashiyama and Gion
The Higashiyama district is certainly one of Kyoto’s finest preserved heritage areas and an important place to begin exploring Kyoto.
There are quite a few temples and shrines, Japanese gardens and tea homes finest explored by strolling the slender streets.
Cease 1: Kiyomizu-dera temple
The spotlight is Kiyomizu-dera temple, a UNESCO Heritage Website with superb views over Kyoto.
As you strategy the temple and stroll the heritage Yasaka and Kiyomizu-michi streets, you’ll soften into the bustling crowd.
A well-liked exercise for each home and international vacationers is to decorate up in Kimono whereas exploring the realm. There are many alternatives to buy within the picket storefronts promoting Japanese trinkets and matcha goodies.
Cease 2: Gio
In case your legs aren’t too drained, have a wander by means of the Gion district, the place you would possibly simply spot a geisha going to a night engagement.
Have dinner in close by Pontocho Alley, a slender road stuffed with eating places, many overlooking the river.
Day eight: Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji
Cease 1: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama is a district on the western facet of Kyoto, finest identified for its towering bamboo grove.
As one of the widespread locations to go to in Kyoto, it will get busy rapidly so get an early begin to your day to get pleasure from some quiet time earlier than the crowds arrive.
You’ll be able to hire bicycles and discover the quiet and rural streets of Arashiyama.
Cease 2: Monkey Park Iwatayam
Close by Monkey Park Iwatayama presents lovely views over Kyoto and the possibility to see and work together with the wild monkeys that reside on the hill.
Cease Three: Kinkaku-ji, Golden Temple
Within the afternoon, head over to Kinkaku-ji, one other UNESCO web site and one of the photographed locations in all of Japan.
Generally known as the Golden Temple, that is probably the most zen place I’ve ever visited and among the finest issues to do in Kyoto, even with the crowds.
Each little element of the temple and exquisite gardens have been thought out so fastidiously.
The golden pavilion by the lake is the spotlight. It was burnt down within the 50s by a monk who was apparently jealous of its magnificence, and so they rebuilt it utilizing EVEN MORE gold.
Kyoto is residence to over 2,00zero temples and shinto shrines and every certainly one of them is extremely distinctive and exquisite. It’s straightforward to get “templed out” in Kyoto, so that you wish to tempo your self.
Day 9: Fushimi Inari, Manga Museum and Markets
Cease 1: Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari is completely breathtaking with its pathways of orange torii gates on the facet of a mountain.
The upper you stroll, the much less crowds you will discover. You’ll be able to simply spend 2-Three hours right here following the four kilometers of pathways within the forest.
As one of the well-known Kyoto sights, undoubtedly put Fushimi Inari in your 10-day itinerary!
Cease 2: Manga Museum
Subsequent, head again to downtown Kyoto to go to the Manga Museum.
Manga and comedian books are on the heart of Japanese popular culture and the Manga Museum is sort of a manga library the place followers can devour the massive assortment.
For us, the spotlight of our go to was having the youngsters’ portraits drawn by a manga artist.
It’s superb how a lot persona the artists imbue of their drawings and they’re our favourite souvenirs from the journey.
Cease Three: Nishiki Night time Market
End your day with a Nishiki Market tour by means of this five-block buying road.
Amongst the memento outlets, you will discover contemporary native substances, tempting take-away fare and specialty meals merchandise.
Day 10: Nijo Fort or Day journey to Kibune or Nara
On your final day in Kyoto, select to discover extra of what town has to supply or do a day journey to the encompassing space.
In case you are staying in Kyoto, go to Nijo Fort, residence of shoguns for the reason that Edo period.
That is additionally an important wet day exercise. This 400 yr outdated fortress options lovely murals, picket flooring that make nightingale sounds as you step and elaborate Japanese gardens.
Spend the remainder of your day strolling the Philosophers Stroll in northern Higashiyama or taking part in a tea ceremony.
Among the finest day journeys from Kyoto is to Nara, well-known for the deer that roam freely in Nara Park and its spectacular temples.
Simply an hour from Kyoto by practice, Nara is a formidable metropolis to spend the day in.
In case you are seeking to see a few of Japan’s countryside, head to Karama and hike to Kibune.
This half day hike (four km, 2-Three hours) winds by means of temples and forest. In case you are there within the hotter months, you’ll be able to eat lunch on the platforms constructed over the river because the water flows beneath you.
Take a look at these tour choices:
Greatest Time To Go to Japan
In case you’re unsure when to go to Japan, I like to recommend you intend your go to for Spring to witness the cherry blossom season.
Spring additionally has nice climate, although it may be busy. Autumn (September to November) additionally has nice climate however is less expensive.
Summer time (June to August) is good for out of doors actions, however it may get scorching.
Last Ideas
This 10 days in Japan itinerary is a good way to get a style of this superb nation.
Visiting Kyoto and Tokyo will whet your urge for food for all of the locations to see in Japan and you may be planning your subsequent Japan journey earlier than you even depart.
Japan actually is in contrast to every other nation on earth.
In an period of globalization, Japan manages to keep up a totally international really feel that we as vacationers thrive upon.
From its wealthy tradition, to its futuristic and high-tech cities, to its orderly methods, Japan is a vacation spot that you need to go to to expertise.
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We hope you discovered this Japan itinerary useful. In case you have any questions, or wish to share your individual journey ideas, depart a remark beneath.
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