Japan in 10 days: what itinerary for a first trip?

Although it is preferable to plan a trip to Japan lasting at least two weeks, everyday life does not always make this possible. If you have 10 days for your trip, here is the itinerary I recommend.

For a first 10-day trip to Japan, I recommend sticking to the main highlights. Otherwise, you risk spending valuable time travelling between destinations. In my opinion, it is better to save places off the beaten track for a future trip. However, there is nothing stopping you from adding a few of our off-the-beaten-track excursions to the itinerary below.

Tokyo (days 1 to 3)

Start your trip in Tokyo, an enormous city that deserves at least three days of exploration. Easily accessible via its two international airports, Haneda and Narita, Tokyo is the main gateway to Japan. Between its skyscrapers and its more traditional neighbourhoods, you will discover a Japan where tradition and modernity coexist.

My expert tip: If this is your first time exploring the city, take a look at our guide to spending 3 days in Tokyo.

Hakone (day 4)

After the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, head to Hakone, a destination popular for its natural landscapes, hot springs and views of Mount Fuji when the weather permits. Located around an hour and a half from Tokyo, depending on your chosen route, it is an ideal stop for discovering another side of Japan.

My expert tip: If you want to make the most of Hakone, I recommend spending a night there rather than simply taking a day trip from Tokyo. This will give you time to explore the region at your own pace and enjoy the experience of staying in a traditional ryokan.

Kyoto (days 5 to 9)

Continue your journey to Kyoto, the former imperial capital and a treasure trove of Japanese heritage. With four days in the city, you will have time to discover its main temples, shrines and historic districts without having to spend too much time travelling around.

There are plenty of day trips you can take from Kyoto, including to Osaka and Nara. At the end of your trip, you can travel directly to Kansai International Airport on the Limited Express Haruka. It is a final little touch of Japan: the train is decorated with Hello Kitty characters.

My expert tip: Kyoto is a very busy city, particularly in spring and autumn. I recommend visiting the most popular sights early in the morning and grouping your visits by neighbourhood to avoid wasting time travelling between them. Take a look at our guide to discovering the city of Kyoto!

Travelling to Japan with Shanti Travel

For a first trip to Japan, I strongly recommend focusing on the main highlights. This will give you a good overview of the country's different facets, from major cities and cultural heritage to natural landscapes. Admittedly, the places I suggest are considered tourist destinations, but they have one significant advantage: getting around is easier, with well-developed transport networks, information often available in English and help more readily available if you need it.

If this is not your first trip, you will already have a better understanding of how the country works and can consider a different itinerary. In that case, I recommend focusing on a single region rather than trying to cover too much ground. Kyushu, Hokkaido, Niigata and Shikoku are all excellent options for discovering another side of Japan and taking more time to explore.

My expert tip: However, bear in mind that transport can be less straightforward outside major cities and the busiest routes. Hiring a car is often recommended, and may even be necessary to reach certain sites.

Naturally, you will have to make a few choices and accept that you cannot see everything. My advice is to prioritise the places that appeal to you most rather than trying to fit in too many stops. And if you would like to make the most of your stay without having to worry about all the arrangements, my colleagues and I are here to help you plan a tailor-made trip to Japan, adapted to your pace and interests.