Japan has always been one of the world’s top destinations and a trip to Japan is always a dream for any visitor. Do not surprise and “panic” when you see the itinerary of Japan travel self-sufficiency up to 10 days; because this is the ideal duration and enough for you to explore the country of cherry blossoms, the land of the rising sun. And if you plan to travel to Japan shorter, it is fine, you can still “cut” to suit your personal itinerary. So, what to do in Japan for 10 days (what to do in Japan in 10 days)? Let’s check it out our Japan itinerary 10 days blog on how to spend 10 days in Japan perfectly for the first-timers with the details of Japan suggested itinerary 10 days (Japan travel itinerary 10 days) below. And now? Let’s go with Living Nomads!
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Japan itinerary 10 days: Day 1 — Explore Tokyo
Arrival at Narita or Haneda airport in Tokyo
Tokyo has two international airports: Haneda and Narita. To get to Tokyo city center, you can use Narita Express (if from Narita airport) or Tokyo Monorail (if from Haneda airport); or use public transport such as buses, taxis …
And … start exploring Tokyo!
Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree Tower
Let’s start the first day by visiting the ancient Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. Asakusa is known as the ancient capital of Tokyo, and Sensoji Temple is also the oldest temple of Tokyo, and is the most important temple in the beliefs of Buddhists in Japan. After that, you can cross the another bank of Sumida River to visit Tokyo Skytree Tower – where you can see the most beautiful sceneries of Tokyo city. On a beautiful day, you will even see the hidden shadow of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Senso-ji Temple
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
Hours: Main hall: 6:00 to 17:00 (from 6:30 from October to March). Temple grounds: Always open
Free admission
Tokyo Skytree
Address: 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
Hours: 8AM–10PM. Mon-Sun 8AM–9PM
Prices: First observatory: 2060 yen / Second observatory: 1030 yen
Website: http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/
“Bloom” in Harajuku và Shibuya district
When “your foot hit the ground”, continue your Japan travel itinerary 10 days in Harajuku, where there are so many tourist attractions such as Meiji-Jingu Temple, Omotesando and Nezu Museum. But of course, Harajuku is known for its variety, excitement and vibrant life, where you can experience both traditional Japanese culture and the most crazy “fashion” style.
Here you can be yourself, or try out the “weird” suits that you have never dare to try before, because Harajuku is the place where young people walk the streets in the most fashionable costumes you’ve ever seen. And importantly, no one laughs or looks at you with “not normal” eyes!
To end your first day, head to the most popular venue in Tokyo – Shibuya Crossing. Located in the heart of Tokyo city center, Shibuya is the place where is considered as the perfect place for you to truly feel the feeling of being part of Tokyo. Shibuya has lots of shopping malls, shops that are extremely popular with young people and have a wonderful nightlife. So, let’s have dinner and have a bloom night in Shibuya!
10 days in Japan: Day 2 — Odaiba and Tokyo Tower
Let’s spend your second day in Tokyo to exploring one of the city’s most famous and modern districts and some of Tokyo’s feature attractions.
Odaiba
This riverside district has a list of check-in locations for you, from the Rainbow Bridge to the small version of the Statue of Liberty at Shiokaze park, or the giant ferris wheel of Palette Town.
Odaiba is not too big, but not small enough for you to pack in one day; So you should only list the most wanted or outstanding destinations. Typically, you can visit the Oedo-Onsen Monogatari hot spring amusement park or interactive exhibits at the Mira Mira New Science Museum or the observatory of Fuji TV Building can be seen to see the wonderful scenery of Toyko.
Tokyo Tower
Just a short subway ride from Odaiba, Tokyo Tower is one of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings. Built in 1958, Tokyo Tower is the tallest tower in the city when completed and 13 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris – the inspiration to create it.
Take the elevator up to the top floor at an altitude of 250 meters, you will almost get the panoramic view of Tokyo from above. Particularly, for fans of One Piece manga series, surely enjoy the themed park located in the neighboring Foot Town building.
Japan travel itinerary 10 days: Day 3 — Find a quiet and traditional Tokyo
On the third day, also the last day in Tokyo, before moving to other cities, you can spend this day to exploring a different side of Tokyo, besides the bustling, fast-paced and growing life.
Yanaka and Ueno
The relaxed atmosphere of Yanaka Prefecture with the slowly pace of life and tradition is a gift for anyone visiting here. Please take the time to walk in Yanaka Ginza street, for two things: the first you can walk and buy some souvenirs for your Japanese trip; and the second, this is the “mecca” of cats. Probably, cats have become the trademark of this street.
Afterwards, take the subway to Ueno and visit the park and museum there. Ueno has Ueno Park and Zoo, Tokyo Art University, National Museum of Science and Nature, Western Art Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Theater, etc.
Tokyo Imperial Palace and Roppongi District
Just a short walk from Tokyo Station, you will find Tokyo Imperial Palace, in the past was the Edo Castle. This is the residence of the Japanese Royal Family, a large campus surrounded by moats and large stone walls.
Tokyo Imperial Palace
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Phone: +81 3-3213-1111
Hours: Tue-Sat 9AM–5PM. Mon, Sun Closed
Website: http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html
After a relaxing day and interesting sightseeing, you should go to Roppongi, located in Minato district to end a day in Tokyo. Roppongi is a popular night entertainment district for tourists, with many bars, restaurants and night clubs.
Japan suggested itinerary 10 days: Day 4: Visit Kamakura, Nikko, or Hakone during the day
A day trip to Tokyo’s suburbs is the ideal way to escape the bustle of Japan’s most highly developed industrial city and explore picturesque places nearby. And with this 10-day self-sufficiency Japanese travel itinerary (Japan travel itinerary 10 days), Living Nomads suggests that you go to Nikko, Kamakura or Hakone and the Mount Fuji area.
Read more: Nikko blog — The fullest Nikko travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Nikko, Japan.
For example, you can spend a full day or half a day in Hakone. Since there is not much time, you should prioritize visiting the destinations not to be missed. For example, Lake Ashi, where you can take in spectacular views but no less poetic of Mount Fuji and the surrounding nature.
Read more: Explore Lake Ashinoko — One of the most beautiful lakes in Hakone, Japan.
From Lake Ashi, you should take a sightseeing boat, and move to the nearby Hakone temple. If you are “more” than time, you can sit the cable car to explore the Hakone mountains. Hakone also has great museums, including Hakone Open Space Museum and Pola Museum.
Read more: Mount Fuji day trip blog — How to spend one perfect day itinerary in Mt Fuji? and Mount Fuji places to visit — Top 10 most beautiful places to visit near MT Fuji.
What to do in Japan for 10 days? — Day 5: Takayama
Takayama is located in the central of Honshu (Japan’s main island), a short distance from the west of the Japanese Alps. You can take the Shinkansen bullet train on the line of JR Tokaido to Nagoya, and then transfer to Hida Wide View Express to reach Takayama.
It can be said that Takayama is a “charming” city that produces traditional handicraft products and sake. Let’s charge your full energy and prepare for a walking day exploring Takayama Old Town, local shops, markets and museums, especially the splendid Takayama Museum of History and Art in Takayama.
Don’t forget to explore Sanmachi Suji district, heritage houses and Takayama Festival’s Floating Gallery and Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.