10 Days in Japan: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit
Table of contents
The Best Things to Do with 10 Days in Japan
Itinerary in Japan: day 1
The Asakuksa District
Located in Tokyo, the Asakusa district is a much-visit spot in this iconic city. It retains a traditional Japanese vibe and is home to an iconic Buddhist temple as well as street-food stalls and shops selling traditional crafts.
The Meiji Jingu Shrine
Located in Tokyo and built in 1920, the Meiji Jingu Shrine is Japan's most iconic Shinto temple. It is located about a 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station's southern entrance. Look for the massive Torii gate, as this is the shrine's main entrance.
Itinerary in Japan: day 2
The Narukawa Museum of Fine Arts
Located in Hakone, the Narukawa Art Museum is situated at the southern end of Lake Aski. It features a range of fascinating exhibitions that include temporary and permanent instalments. It is important to note that there is an entry fee to visit this fantastic attraction.
Mount Fuji
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to the iconic Mount Fuji. Located in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this is the tallest peak in the country and is renowned as a site of pilgrimage within traditional Japanese culture.
Itinerary in Japan: day 3
Takeno Beach
A trip to the beach is certainly in order during your Japan itinerary of 10 days, booked through Voyage Privé. This beautiful stretch of sand is located along Hyogo Prefecture's northern coast and is known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It truly is the perfect place to work on your tan while enjoying your getaway to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Izushi Castle
Located in Hy?go Prefecture, Izushi Castle has a history that goes back hundreds of years. The town itself is picturesque, with shops that are reminiscent of Japan's Edo period. From the castle itself, you can enjoy some of the best views of your entire itinerary.
Itinerary in Japan: day 4
The tea fields of Kyoto
Another must-have experience for your Japan itinerary of 10 days is a visit to the iconic tea fields of Kyoto. You will be mesmerised by the beautiful green landscapes as you find out more about how this iconic product is produced.
The Kyoto Geisha district - Gion
Gion is the Geisha district of Kyoto. During your excursion, you can experience locations like the Kennin-ji Temple and the Yasaka Shrine while learning more about traditional Japanese culture and enjoying the nightlife in the area's pub-like izakayas and sake bars.
Itinerary in Japan: day 5
Kenroko-en
Kenroku-en is a strolling-style garden located in Kanazawa. It was built during the Edo period and has been open to the public since 1871. During your visit to this breathtaking location, you can view a variety of flowering trees and other beautiful plants.
The Nagamachi samurai district
The Nagamachi samurai district is another must-visit spot during your time in Kanazawa. This unique area is known for its cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants and traditional samurai homes.
Itinerary in Japan: day 6
The Kasuga Taisha Shrine
The Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a Shinto temple located in Japan's Nara Prefecture. It was first established in 768 CE and has been rebuilt several times over the subsequent centuries. Its interior is renowned for its many stone and bronze lanterns.
The Kofukuji Temple
Another unique temple you can visit while spending time in Nara, Japan, is Kofukuji. This Buddhist shrine is one of the country's oldest and has a history that goes back more than 1,300 years.
Itinerary in Japan: day 7
Explore Yudanaka
Doing some exploring is a must while spending time in the Yudanaka area of Japan during your 10-day itinerary. Notable attractions to consider include Ryuoo Ski Park, the Yumiya Shrine and Yudanaka Onsen.
See the Snow Monkeys
Located in Nagano, the Jigokudani Monkey Park is one of Japan's most visited tourist spots. It is home to a natural hot spring that is frequented by beautiful snow monkeys that love to spend time bathing and enjoying a relaxing spa day.
Itinerary in Japan: day 8
Himeji
Located in Kansai, Himeji is a city that is known for its centuries-old castle, which is one of the few original structures remaining from the feudal period of Japan. From the castle's 6th floor, you will enjoy spectacular views of the grounds and the surrounding landscape.
Lake Biwa
Shiga Prefecture's Lake Biwa is another highly recommended spot to add to your Japan itinerary of 10 days. It is a large freshwater lake that is home to resort areas and popular beaches, such as ?mi-Maiko. Several fascinating historic sites in the area include an 8th-century Buddhist temple and the 17th-century Hikone Castle.
Itinerary in Japan: day 9
The Kaiyukan
The Kaiyukan is located in Japan's Osaka region. It is the world's largest aquarium and a must-visit spot for your holiday. During your visit, you will have the chance to see some of the world's most amazing marine life up close and personal, with the Pacific Ocean Aquarium at the heart of it all.
Minoh Waterfalls
Minoh Waterfalls is a stunning water feature located in Osaka that reaches a height of 33 metres. It is open to the public free of charge and is a must-see natural attraction that is sure to leave you with great memories and plenty of photos.
Itinerary in Japan: day 10
Ginza
For your final day in Tokyo, we recommend getting in some shopping in the famed Ginza District. It is known for its upmarket boutiques as well as its fantastic sushi bars and jewellery shops.
Harajuku
Wrapping up your 10th day in Japan in the Harajuku district of Tokyo is the perfect conclusion to a memorable holiday. This quirky area of the city is known for its trendy bars, upmarket boutiques and attractions that include the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art.
Where to stay in Japan
1. 8, 11 or 14-Night Tour of Japan
Take a fabulous tour across one of the world's most iconic regions when you book the 8, 11 or 14-Night Tour of Japan on Voyage Privé. Your journey will include stops in magical destinations like Tokyo, Hakone and Kyoto. Along the way, you will stay in a series of hand-selected hotels that offer a range of top-rated services.
As part of this incredible deal for an unforgettable cross-country journey in Japan, you can choose between a series of 3 and 4-star hotels dependent on the specific tour duration that you select. You can also take advantage of optional excursions that include a guided night tour of the Geisha district in Kyoto and a private, guided day tour of Tokyo.
What we like: We love the chance that this tour deal gives you to immerse yourself in the traditions of Japan while exploring beautiful gardens, sacred temples and vibrant cities.
2. Discover Japan 3 & 4*
Booking the Discover Japan 3 & 4* is perfect for a Japan itinerary of 10 days that encompasses the country's most iconic locations. Journey to Tokyo, Nikko and Hakonke while staying at a series of hand-picked 3 and 4-star hotels. You are sure to make lifelong memories while you surrender to Japan's magical landscapes and ancient culture.
After experiencing the electric atmosphere of the Japanese capital of Tokyo, you will journey across some of the country's most iconic landscapes with stops at the sacred valley of Koya san and the legendary Mount Fuji. You can also add an extension that gives you a night spent in a Buddhist temple located deep in the mountains.
What we like: We love the chance that this package gives you to see 3 unique sides of Japan as you go from the urban sprawl of Tokyo to the spectacular natural landscapes of Hakone. This deal wraps up with a trip to Nikko and its beautiful sanctuaries.
3. Essence & Well-Being of Japan
From the cityscapes of the Tokyo area to the ancient temples of Kyoto, the Essence & Well-Being of Japan tour is your ticket to an extended road trip across this ancient land. Your options include 8 and 10-night trips with the choice between 3 and 4-star accommodation.
This unforgettable journey across Japan takes you from the capital of Tokyo to the magical landscapes of Kyoto and Kinosaki. You will have the chance to enjoy some of the country's best shopping, dining and entertainment alongside experiences that include strolls through tranquil gardens and excursions to colourful shrines.
What we like: We love the fact that this journey across Japan gives you the chance to experience modern cities and ancient marvels in the same memorable tour.
4. Treasures of Japan in 10, 12 or 14 nights
Regardless of the tour duration that you select, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience when you book the Treasures of Japan in 10, 12 or 14 nights deal with Voyage Privé. After starting things off in Tokyo, you will journey to iconic locations such as Nara, Mount Fuji, Kanazawa and Osaka.
The price of this booking includes accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels that have been carefully chosen. It also includes Pocket Wi-Fi throughout the trip and transport between the different stages.
What we like: We love the unique experiences that this tour package offers, such as your guided tour of the Kyoto countryside.
5. Wonders of Japan
The title says it all with the Wonders of Japan tour package from Voyage Privé. From the metropolis of Tokyo to the traditional areas of Kyoto and the stunning landscapes of Mount Fuji, you will immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Japan during a journey that takes place over 10 days.
The cost of your booking includes international flights, airport transfers, 2 lunches, 2 evening meals and a pair of nights in a traditional Ryokan.
What we like: We love the fact that this private tour allows you to see the best of Japan at your own pace while experiencing several of its most amazing regions.
Practical tips for visiting Japan
If you are the holder of a British passport, there is no requirement for a visa to visit Japan for the purpose of tourism. We recommend learning a few basic phrases in Japanese during your holiday. It is also a good idea to make sure to write down the addresses that you need to locate during your stay in Japan to make it easier for locals to assist you when needed.
When to visit Japan
Many travellers recommend visiting Japan between the months of March and May or September and November. The weather during both of these periods tends to be dry and warm. If you visit during the spring, you will also get to experience the blooming of the cherry trees.
How to get to Japan
It takes around 16 hours and 30 minutes to get from the United Kingdom to Japan by plane. However, direct routes from London Heathrow to Tokyo's Haneda Airport generally take around 13 hours and 30 minutes. Bookings are also regularly available out of other top UK travel hubs like Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and Edinburgh. Upon arrival, you will find that there is a robust network of public transport options available. For many of the tour deals that we have detailed here, your travel from one part of Japan to the next is covered as a part of your cost.
What to eat in Japan
One of the best things about going on holiday to Japan is the chance to sample the county's most iconic dishes. Authentic sushi is a must, and so are menu items like Ramen, Soba, Donburi and Yakitori. You will also notice that different parts of the country have their own unique takes on these dishes. A true celebration of flavour awaits you when you sample the cuisine that the Land of the Rising Sun is renowned for. The good news is the fact that the amazing deals we have detailed here will provide you with ample opportunity to sample the best authentic Japanese dining.