Japan! The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary for an Unforgettable First Trip (2025)
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here: Japan, the land of ancient traditions and futuristic cityscapes, has fully reopened its borders to the world. The surge of excitement is palpable, and for many, a dream trip is finally within reach. But where do you even begin planning for a country so rich with culture, food, and experiences?
It can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. We’ve crafted the perfect 10-day itinerary designed specifically for first-time visitors. This guide will take you through the neon-drenched streets of Tokyo, the serene landscapes of Hakone with views of Mount Fuji, and the timeless beauty of Kyoto’s temples and geishas.
Get ready to immerse yourself in one of the most fascinating destinations on Earth.
Before You Go: Essential Pre-Trip Planning
A great trip to Japan starts with solid planning. Here are a few key things to sort out before you pack your bags.
Visas & Entry Requirements As of late 2022, Japan has resumed visa-free travel for citizens of many countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most of Europe. Always double-check the latest requirements on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website, but for most travelers, a tourist visa is no longer required for short stays.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Famous for its cherry blossoms (sakura). The weather is mild and pleasant, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive season.
Autumn (September-November): Known for stunning fall foliage (koyo). The weather is comfortable, and crowds are slightly smaller than in spring.
Winter (December-February): Colder, especially in the north, but great for fewer crowds, winter illuminations, and skiing.
Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with a rainy season in June/July. It’s a great time for festivals (matsuri).
Booking Your Trip: Flights & Hotels Booking in advance is key, especially for spring and autumn. For a multi-city trip like this one, it’s wise to book your accommodations for each city before you arrive.
Flights: To kickstart your adventure, you’ll need to find the best flight deals into Tokyo (NRT or HND). We recommend using a powerful search tool to compare airlines and dates. You can start your search and find great options on TSAFIR Travel.
Hotels: Japan offers a vast range of accommodations, from budget-friendly business hotels to luxurious international chains and traditional inns (ryokans). To browse and book for all legs of your journey, a reliable platform is essential. We’ve had great success finding the perfect stay on TSAFIR Hotel for its wide selection and user-friendly interface.
The Ultimate 10-Day Japan Itinerary
This itinerary is a classic “Golden Route” that gives you a fantastic taste of Japan’s diversity.
Days 1-3: Tokyo – The Electric Metropolis
Welcome to Tokyo! After arriving at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport, make your way to your accommodation. We recommend staying in areas like Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza for excellent transport links.
Day 1: Arrival & Shibuya’s Spectacle
Afternoon: Arrive, clear immigration, and take either the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to your hotel.
Evening: Dive headfirst into the energy of Tokyo. Head to Shibuya to witness the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. Grab a spot at the Starbucks overlooking the intersection for a classic view. Explore the vibrant streets, have dinner at a local ramen shop, and see the Hachiko statue.
Day 2: Tradition and Pop Culture
Morning: Travel back in time in Asakusa. Visit the magnificent Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and walk down Nakamise-dori, a bustling market street selling traditional snacks and souvenirs.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in pop culture in Harajuku. Walk down the quirky Takeshita Street, known for its wild fashion and crepes. Then, find tranquility at the nearby Meiji Jingu Shrine, a peaceful oasis dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
Evening: Explore Shinjuku. Ascend the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free panoramic views of the city. Afterwards, wander through the atmospheric Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for some yakitori and then take a peek at the neon-lit streets of the Golden Gai.
Day 3: Markets, Palaces, and High-End Districts
Morning: Get an early start and visit the Outer Market of what was formerly the Tsukiji Fish Market (the inner wholesale market has moved to Toyosu). It’s still a fantastic place for the freshest sushi breakfast you’ll ever have.
Afternoon: Visit the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, the former site of Edo Castle and the current residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Afterwards, walk to the nearby Ginza district, Tokyo’s upscale shopping and dining hub.
Days 4-5: Hakone – Art, Nature, and Mount Fuji
Time for a break from the city. Hakone is a stunning mountain resort town in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
Day 4: The Hakone Loop
Morning: Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Odawara, then transfer to a local train to Hakone-Yumoto. Purchase the Hakone Free Pass, which covers most of your transport for the next two days.
Afternoon: Begin the famous “Hakone Loop.” Take the Hakone Tozan Railway, then a cable car, and finally the Hakone Ropeway over the steaming volcanic valley of Owakudani. On a clear day, the views of Mount Fuji are breathtaking.
Evening: End your day with a scenic boat cruise across Lake Ashi to see the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine. Check into a traditional ryokan. This is the perfect place to experience an onsen (hot spring bath) and a multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Day 5: Art and Travel to Kyoto
Morning: Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, an incredible outdoor sculpture park that blends art with nature.
Afternoon: Make your way back to Odawara Station and catch the Shinkansen directly to Kyoto. The journey is an experience in itself. Before you leave, ensure you have your next stay booked. Finding a great hotel in popular areas like Gion or near Kyoto Station is easy on TSAFIR Hotel.
Days 6-8: Kyoto – The Heart of Old Japan
If Tokyo is Japan’s future, Kyoto is its soul. With over 1,600 temples and shrines, enchanting gardens, and traditional geisha districts, Kyoto is a cultural treasure.
Day 6: Eastern Kyoto’s Famous Sights
Morning: Start at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on a hillside with stunning city views from its wooden stage. Walk down the preserved historic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
Afternoon: Explore the Gion district, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Wander through its traditional wooden machiya houses. If you’re lucky, you might spot a geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in the evening.
Day 7: Golden Pavilions and Zen Gardens
Morning: Visit Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion), a breathtaking Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflected perfectly in the surrounding pond.
Afternoon: Find your zen at Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Afterwards, head to Arashiyama on the western outskirts. Walk through the otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit the Tenryu-ji Temple.
Day 8: Thousands of Red Gates
Morning: No trip to Kyoto is complete without visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Hike through the thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind up the mountain. It’s a magical and unforgettable experience.
Afternoon: Explore Nishiki Market, a long, narrow street known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” where you can sample local delicacies.
Day 9: Day Trip to Nara
Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital and is just a short train ride from Kyoto. It’s famous for its friendly (and hungry) wild deer that roam freely.
All Day: Take a 45-minute train ride to Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple, which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue. Wander through Nara Park to feed the sacred deer (you can buy special crackers for them). Also, visit the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Return to Kyoto in the evening.
Day 10: Last Taste of Japan & Departure
Morning: Enjoy one last Japanese breakfast. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Kyoto Station, which is a modern architectural marvel itself.
Afternoon: Take the Haruka Express train from Kyoto Station directly to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your flight home, filled with incredible memories. If your flight is from Tokyo, a 2.5-hour Shinkansen ride will get you there.
Your Japanese Adventure Awaits
This 10-day itinerary is just a starting point. Japan is a country you could explore for a lifetime and never see it all. But for a first trip, this journey offers the perfect blend of modern excitement and timeless tradition.
Ready to make this dream a reality? Start by exploring your flight and accommodation options today. Your adventure is just a few clicks away!