Ten days gives you enough time to move beyond the classic Tokyo-Kyoto loop and add depth: a slow day in Nara among the deer, an overnight in Hiroshima, or time to get lost in Osaka’s food neighborhoods. This itinerary covers three major cities, two day trips, and leaves flexibility for your own detours.
Before You Go
- Read the First-Time Japan Guide for entry requirements, IC cards, connectivity
- A 14-day JR Pass covers all Shinkansen segments in this route — check the Japan Rail Pass guide
- Book Kyoto accommodation early: it sells out months ahead in peak seasons
Days 1–2 — Tokyo: Arrival
Day 1: Arrive, settle in, explore your neighbourhood. Jetlag management is the priority. Day 2: Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine. Evening in Shinjuku. This mirrors the 7-day itinerary — see the 7-Day Itinerary for full details on Tokyo days.
Day 3 — Tokyo: Asakusa, Akihabara
Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (early morning). Nakamise Shopping Street. Afternoon: Akihabara for electronics, or Ueno for museums. Evening: ramen or sushi in the area.
Day 4 — Day Trip: Nikko or Kamakura
Nikko is 2 hours north of Tokyo by JR — ornate Tosho-gu shrine complex, cedar forest, waterfalls. Kamakura (1 hour south) has the Great Buddha, temples, and coastal scenery. Choose one; both are full-day trips.
Day 5 — Tokyo to Kyoto via Shinkansen
Depart Tokyo Station mid-morning. Nozomi to Kyoto: approx. 2 hours 15 minutes. Check in, then afternoon at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Walk the lower torii gate tunnels — the full hike to the summit takes 2–3 hours if time permits. Evening in Gion.
Day 6 — Kyoto
Morning: Arashiyama — Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Garden. Afternoon: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji. The extra day compared to the 7-day plan allows you to slow down in Arashiyama and linger at Tenryu-ji.
Day 7 — Nara Day Trip from Kyoto
Nara is 45 minutes from Kyoto by express train. Nara Park: freely roaming deer, Todai-ji (housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha), Kasuga Taisha. Half-day is enough; return to Kyoto for evening in Higashiyama — Kiyomizudera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, lantern-lit streets.
Day 8 — Hiroshima Day Trip from Kyoto/Osaka
Hiroshima is 1.5 hours from Kyoto by Shinkansen (change at Shin-Osaka if needed). Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a deeply moving half-day. Miyajima Island (20 minutes by ferry) has the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Return to Osaka in the evening — it is slightly closer to Hiroshima than Kyoto.
Day 9 — Osaka
Osaka is 15 minutes from Kyoto by Shinkansen. Dotonbori for street food (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu). Osaka Castle. Afternoon: Shinsekai neighbourhood or Shinsaibashi shopping. Evening: the city’s reputation as Japan’s food capital is well-earned — dinner is the highlight of any Osaka day.
Day 10 — Osaka Departure
Final morning: any missed Osaka spots, or a return to Dotonbori for one last meal. If flying from Kansai International Airport (KIX), allow 75–90 minutes travel from central Osaka. If flying from Tokyo, the Shinkansen to Haneda or Narita takes 2.5–3.5 hours depending on connections.
Practical Notes
- The 7-day and 10-day routes share the same core; the extra 3 days add Nara, a slower Kyoto pace, and Hiroshima.
- Accommodation: book at least 2–3 months ahead for Kyoto in spring or autumn.
- A 14-day JR Pass covers all Shinkansen segments and most JR local trains in this itinerary.
- Prices and timetables change — confirm current fares before travel.
More Japan itinerary options: 7-Day Japan Itinerary | First-Time Japan Guide | Travel Hub