10 day itinerary
Japan
Personalized with:Kurokawa onsenKyotoNakasendo trailTokyoYakushima island
Itinerary
Japan is such a beautiful country with a rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious food. I’m excited to help you plan your 10-day adventure! Here’s a fun and engaging itinerary that includes all your must-see spots:
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . After clearing customs, take the Narita Express or the Airport Limousine Bus to your hotel in Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Once you’ve settled in, head to . Check out the famous Crossing and grab a bite at a local izakaya.
- Evening: Explore and stroll down Takeshita Street for quirky shops and delicious crepes. Don’t forget to visit the serene nearby.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration
- Morning: Visit and the iconic . Enjoy some traditional snacks from the stalls leading up to the temple.
- Afternoon: Head to for some anime and tech shopping. If you’re a fan, consider visiting a themed café!
- Evening: Take a river cruise on the for a different view of the city, then enjoy dinner in —perhaps some sushi or tempura!
Day 3: Travel to
- Morning: Take a train to (about 2 hours) and then a bus to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) and relax in the onsen. Enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
- Evening: Savor a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, featuring seasonal ingredients. Don’t forget to soak in the onsen under the stars!
Day 4: to Kyoto
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a morning soak in the onsen. Then, take a bus back to and catch a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto (around 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive in Kyoto and check into your accommodation. Visit (the Golden Pavilion) and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
- Evening: Head to , the famous geisha district. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant and keep an eye out for geisha on their way to appointments.
Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture
- Morning: Start your day at , famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates. Hike up the mountain for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Visit and explore the charming streets of . Don’t forget to try some matcha ice cream!
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony experience or a kaiseki dinner to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s culture.
Day 6: Adventure
- Morning: Take a train to and then to (about 2.5 hours total). From , take a bus to .
- Afternoon: Hike the scenic from to (about 2-3 hours). Enjoy the beautiful countryside and traditional post towns.
- Evening: Stay overnight in at a minpaku (guesthouse) and enjoy a home-cooked meal.
Day 7: to
- Morning: After breakfast, explore a bit more before heading back to and then to .
- Afternoon: From , take a shinkansen to Kagoshima (about 2 hours), then a ferry to (about 2 hours).
- Evening: Check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxing evening. Try some local seafood for dinner!
Day 8: Exploration
- Morning: Start your day with a hike in , famous for its ancient cedar trees and lush greenery. It’s a magical place!
- Afternoon: Visit the , one of the oldest trees in the world. It’s a bit of a trek, but totally worth it for the experience.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and unwind. Enjoy a local dish like yakushima pork for dinner.
Day 9: Yakushima to Tokyo
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll on the beach or a quick dip in the ocean.
- Afternoon: Take the ferry back to Kagoshima and then the shinkansen back to Tokyo (about 6 hours total).
- Evening: Arrive in Tokyo and enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Consider trying a teppanyaki or shabu-shabu experience!
Day 10: Departure
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping in or .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport, filled with wonderful memories and experiences from your trip!
And there you have it! A delightful 10-day itinerary that takes you through the best of Japan, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene beauty of . Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! Safe travels! 🌸✈️