The PERFECT 10 Days Japan Itinerary For First Time Guests

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Japan is a rustic with a lot range 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 need 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, offer you an opportunity to experience the long-lasting bullet practice, be dazzled by Japan’s revolutionary tech trade, and absorb Japanese popular culture.

If it’s your first go to to Japan, this itinerary will make sure you go away feeling properly 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 suggest 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 can even 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 by way of the Shinkansen, also called The Bullet Prepare, however that is very costly. Because you solely do that journey as soon as, it won’t be financially price it in case you are travelling on a price range.

Nevertheless, it’s the quickest practice on the earth, and might 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 price 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 Cross (JR Cross), which should be bought earlier than arriving.

High 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 Prepare and also you need to get monetary savings, then you’ll be able to take a direct flight for as little as $30 USD with price range airways like JetStar or JAL.

There are additionally long-distance, night time buses, that are extremely comfy and reasonably priced. They’re normally solely round $12-$15 USD every means. 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 may change this itinerary round in case you are flying into Kyoto or Osaka as an alternative.

The very first thing you need 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 decide it up from the counter after gathering your baggage, which might be simpler than shopping for one there (and cheaper too).

Then you definitely need to discover your resort. The primary airport that serves Tokyo is Narita Airport, which is definitely positioned 80 km (about an hour on the practice) out of the town, so it’s essential first catch a practice to the middle.

Tokyo Worldwide Airport (Haneda Airport) is 18km from the town and takes 20 minutes to achieve the middle on public transport.

Relying on the place you’re staying, you both need to catch the Keisei Skyliner practice to Ueno Station, and take the metro to your lodging, or take the Narita Specific to Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station or Shinjuku Station.

Getting round Tokyo by metro could look daunting, however as you’ll count on in Japan, it’s a very environment friendly system. In actual fact, all traces are color-coded, and every cease is given a quantity. In case you don’t know the way 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 acquired your bearings, it’s time to take a look at the websites…and once I say websites, I imply the wonderful 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

On the subject of selecting lodging in Tokyo, you need 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.

Among the hottest neighborhoods are:

• Shinjuku, which is known 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 the earth. It’s properly linked within the heart of the town so it’s simple to get to different locations shortly, 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 retailers.
• Akihabara is the place to remain for those who’re large on manga, anime and gaming.
• Ueno is extra family-friendly, and is near the Zoo and Ueno Park, that are pretty, peaceable inexperienced areas inside the metropolis – good for individuals who get overwhelmed by large cities.

Cease 1: Dinner at Ichiran

I all the time suggest consuming at Ichiran first because it’s fast and an actual culturally immersive deal with. Though it’s a sequence, it’s nonetheless some of the distinctive culinary experiences in Japan.

First, you get taken to a single desk the place you might be given a chunk of paper to order your ramen. Everybody will get their very own desk, with a wall on both facet. So even for those who go together with a gaggle, 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 definitely hand your paper to a server ready behind a window at your desk. After some time, your ramen might 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 palms via a window.

I don’t find out about you, however typically once I’m consuming at a restaurant, I hate it once I hold getting bothered by servers “is every part okay? how is your meal?” – for those who’re the sort of “go away me alone I’m consuming” sort of individual, that is your vibe.

Day 2: Tokyo West Aspect (Shibuyu and Harajuku)

Now it’s time to actually begin exploring Tokyo! Beginning within the busiest epicenter of the town – Shibuyu.

Cease 1: Shibuyu Crossing

Begin at Shibuyu Crossing, which was made well-known in “Misplaced in Translation.” You undoubtedly need to expertise the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, ideally at rush hour.

If you need 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 Middle-Gai

Afterwards, take a wander down Middle-Gai, a pedestrian procuring avenue. Cease at one of many karaoke bars and spend an hour belting out some tunes with your mates.

In case you fancy some sushi for lunch, you’ll be able to by no means go unsuitable with Genki Sushi, a sushi chain identified for serving sushi on little trains or on conveyor belts.

Cease 3: Go to Meiji-jingu Shrine and Yoyogi-koen Park

Within the afternoon, take the metro over to Harajuku Station, the long-lasting 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 4: 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 primary procuring avenue, Takeshita.

Something goes right here and you can find a number 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 prepare dinner at your desk.

Don’t fear, Sakura is tourist-friendly and has English-speaking workers to allow them to present you the way it’s executed. They could even prepare dinner it for you for those who’re undecided what to do.

Day 3: East Aspect of Tokyo (Asakusa and Ueno)

On the third day, it’s time to study Japan’s historic previous, and what higher means to do this than to go to some museums and Tokyo’s oldest district, Asakusa.

Cease 1: Fukagawa Edo Museum

The Edo period in Japan was an enchanting time and to higher 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 decide 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 website right here is Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Method the temple from Nakamise-dori and get swept up within the bustling ambiance and Japanese craft and candy retailers.

The atmospheric facet streets are price exploring, which trace at a bygone period.

Don’t miss an opportunity to get your fortune informed at Senso-ji too. Senso-ji Temple provides a conventional technique of fortune-telling known as “Omikuji” which is a enjoyable and straightforward method to get your fortune informed.

First, head to the Omikuji counter and make a donation of ¥100 coin into the designated slot.

Then, shake a field containing a variety of sticks. You should shake it in a means that just one stick falls out. Right here’s a video exhibiting the way it’s executed.

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 along with your fortune written on it. There are English translations on every fortune.

Cease 3: Ueno Park

In case you nonetheless have time and power, head to Ueno on foot. In any other case, it’s simple to achieve on the metro.

Ueno Park is the proper place to chill out and unwind in a tranquil backyard and do some individuals watching. The Ueno Zoo is widespread with the young and old alike.

The very best 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 literally thousands of them and it’s simply stunning.

Cease 4: Tokyo Sky Tree

In case you are nearing the tip of your day in Asakusa, the Tokyo Sky Tree is an statement deck providing up beautiful 360-degree views from 350 meters above the bottom.

On a transparent day you would possibly have the ability to spot Mt Fuji or go for the glittering after darkish view.

Tokyo Sky Tree is the second tallest constructing on the earth, at 634 meters excessive.

Day 4: Tsukiji Fish Market and Shinjuku

Cease 1: Tsukiji Outer Market

You may’t go to Japan with out experiencing the most important seafood market on the earth. It’s some of the widespread locations to go in Japan.

In case you actually need to see the tuna public sale, plan to reach and queue for tickets by 3:00am.

Nevertheless, even for those who don’t need to rise up in the midst of the night time, Tsukiji ought to nonetheless be in your Tokyo itinerary.

Plan to reach at 9:30am as vacationers aren’t allowed to enter the internal market till 10:00am after enterprise is concluding.

You’ll then have about half-hour to wander round and see what was on the market that day, earlier than issues wind down at 10:30am.

You may pattern the freshest (and really costly) sushi on the outer market, the place queues can get fairly lengthy for the most well-liked 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 3 million individuals passing via it every day.

Shinjuku is the Tokyo you image with its neon lights, plenty of individuals and high-tech every part. It is a excellent place to get some procuring executed in Shinjuku’s many malls and retailers.

If you wish to see Tokyo from above, however don’t need to shell out for the Tokyo Tower, you’ll be able to ascend to the highest of the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing totally free.

For dinner, take pleasure in one other must-have Tokyo meals expertise: dinner from a merchandising machine. No severely, you’ll discover them in every single place!

Day 5: Day Journey to both Disney or Hakone

On the final day in Tokyo, you’ll truly be leaving the town. You may both select to go to a Disney (Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea), which is right for these travelling with youngsters, or head to the close by nationwide park of Hakone.

In case you desire Disney, the 2 Disney theme parks supply the traditional Disney expertise, however with a uniquely Japanese twist.

The meals alone is price 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 night time journey to Hakone is without doubt one of the finest day journeys from Tokyo for those who’re travelling as a pair.

Finest 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 Cross.

This lets you take 5 totally different modes of transportation via 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 here are another widespread issues to do in Tokyo:

• In case you like procuring – 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 provides a number 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 event 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 8 hours.

In case you resolve on the bus, make it an evening bus so you might have all day to discover right now.

The place to remain in Kyoto

One of many perfect methods to expertise Kyoto is by staying in a conventional Japanese inn, a ryokan.

This cultural immersion expertise means that you can sleep on tatami mats, eat elaborate kaseki meals and tub in an onsen.

Ryokans usually embrace your meals and might be fairly costly. Whereas we’d have liked to remain in a single for the entire time we have been in Kyoto, we opted to remain one night time.

Earlier than you go, be taught what to count on staying at a ryokan to ensure you don’t make any etiquette fake pas.

The very best 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 a number of high contenders:

• Gion, referred to as the historic geisha district with conventional wood homes and charming alleyways. Presents a glimpse into previous Kyoto.
• Higashiyama, one other historic space with stunning temples (Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine) and conventional streets.
• Kiyomizu-gojo, has a central location with easy accessibility to public transportation and balances conventional and fashionable. It’s cheaper than the historic areas.

Day 7: Higashiyama and Gion

The Higashiyama district is one in every of Kyoto’s finest preserved heritage areas and an ideal place to begin exploring Kyoto.

There are quite a few temples and shrines, Japanese gardens and tea homes finest explored by strolling the slim streets.

Cease 1: Kiyomizu-dera temple

The spotlight is Kiyomizu-dera temple, a UNESCO Heritage Website with wonderful views over Kyoto.

As you method the temple and stroll the heritage Yasaka and Kiyomizu-michi streets, you’ll soften into the bustling crowd.

A preferred exercise for each home and overseas vacationers is to gown up in Kimono whereas exploring the world. There are many alternatives to buy within the wood storefronts promoting Japanese trinkets and matcha goodies.

Cease 2: Gio

In case your legs aren’t too drained, have a wander via 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 slim avenue stuffed with eating places, many overlooking the river.

Day 8: 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 some of the widespread locations to go to in Kyoto, it will get busy shortly so get an early begin to your day to take pleasure in some quiet time earlier than the crowds arrive.

You may lease bicycles and discover the quiet and rural streets of Arashiyama.

Cease 2: Monkey Park Iwatayam

Close by Monkey Park Iwatayama provides stunning views over Kyoto and the prospect to see and work together with the wild monkeys that dwell on the hill.

Cease 3: Kinkaku-ji, Golden Temple

Within the afternoon, head over to Kinkaku-ji, one other UNESCO website and some of the photographed locations in all of Japan.

Generally known as the Golden Temple, that is essentially the most zen place I’ve ever visited and probably the greatest issues to do in Kyoto, even with the crowds.

Each little element of the temple and exquisite gardens have been thought out so rigorously.

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, they usually rebuilt it utilizing EVEN MORE gold.

Kyoto is residence to over 2,000 temples and shinto shrines and every one in every of them is extremely distinctive and exquisite. It’s simple to get “templed out” in Kyoto, so that you need to tempo your self.

Day 9: Fushimi Inari, Manga Museum and Markets

Cease 1: Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari is totally breathtaking with its pathways of orange torii gates on the facet of a mountain.

The upper you stroll, the much less crowds you can find. You may simply spend 2-3 hours right here following the 4 kilometers of pathways within the forest.

As some 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 large assortment.

For us, the spotlight of our go to was having the children’ portraits drawn by a manga artist.

It’s wonderful how a lot character the artists imbue of their drawings and they’re our favourite souvenirs from the journey.

Cease 3: Nishiki Night time Market

End your day with a Nishiki Market tour via this five-block procuring avenue.

Amongst the memento retailers, you can find recent native components, tempting take-away fare and specialty meals merchandise.

Day 10: Nijo Citadel or Day journey to Kibune or Nara

To your final day in Kyoto, select to discover extra of what the town has to supply or do a day journey to the encircling space.

In case you are staying in Kyoto, go to Nijo Citadel, residence of shoguns for the reason that Edo period.

That is additionally an ideal wet day exercise. This 400 yr previous fortress options stunning murals, wood 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 collaborating in a tea ceremony.

One of many 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 powerful 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 (4 km, 2-3 hours) winds via 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.

Finest Time To Go to Japan

In case you’re undecided when to go to Japan, I like to recommend you propose 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 right for outside actions, however it might probably get scorching.

Remaining Ideas

This 10 days in Japan itinerary is a good way to get a style of this wonderful nation.

Visiting Kyoto and Tokyo will whet your urge for food for all of the locations to see in Japan and you can be planning your subsequent Japan journey earlier than you even go away.

Japan actually is not like some other nation on earth.

In an period of globalization, Japan manages to keep up a totally overseas 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 it’s a must to go to to expertise.

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