On the 6th day of the Japan travel itinerary 10 days, you can catch the early Hida Limited Express Wide Wide express train to JR Toyama Station, because there is no direct train between Takayama and Kanazawa. Arrive at JR Toyama Station, then catch the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which will take you to JR Kanazawa Station.

Landscape inside Kenroku-en garden.
Landscape inside Kenroku-en garden.

Kanazawa has beautiful attractions such as Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle and Omicho Market – where you can have lunch. Another destination in Kanazawa, is Higashi Chaya area, the perfect place for you to enjoy a cup of tea from one of the many local tea shops here.

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Kenrokuen in Autumn

Kanazawa's Geisha & Samurai Districts

Kanazawa japan Kanazawa's Geisha & Samurai Districts
Kanazawa’s Geisha & Samurai Districts. Picture: japan travel itinerary 10 days blog.

After a day out in Kanazawa, go back to JR Kanazawa Station to continue to Kyoto by Thunderbird Limited Express.

Higashi Chaya District
Higashi Chaya District
Interior of Chaya (茶屋) - a traditional Japanese Tea House at Higashi Chaya District
Interior of Chaya (茶屋) – a traditional Japanese Tea House at Higashi Chaya District

What to do in Japan in 10 days? — Day 7 and 8: Visiting Japa cannot be ignored in the ancient capital of Kyoto

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Cherry blossoms at Ryoanji Temple
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Nijo Castle
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Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in Autumn. Picture: japan travel itinerary 10 days blog.
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Kyoto teahouse
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Oil-paper umbrella
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Kyoto Kaiseki

Kyoto is a magical, wonderful city, filled with beauties as well as hidden cultural treasures and long-standing traditions of Japan. Kyoto is also a city with many fascinating historical sites, always keeping all visitors visiting. For those who come to Kyoto for the first time, there are 3 places that you definitely can’t ignore, namely Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shinto Shrine.

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Kiyomizu-dera-Temple and in cherry blossom season
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Golden pavilion or Kinkaku ji temple
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Fushimi-Inari-taisha shrine

On the 7th day of Japan travel itinerary 10 days, you should visit Arashiyama area and Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Pavilion Temple). This is a sightseeing spot for you to better understand the brilliant culture of the Muromachi period, along with the very unique architectural designs of Japanese people. Let’s visit Kinkakuji Temple in the morning, and you’ll feel the magnificent beauty of this architecture you should visit once in this life.

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Kinkaku ji, a must visit in Kyoto

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kinkakuji temple kyoto golden pavillion kyoto travel blog kyoto blog (1)
Picture: japan travel itinerary 10 days blog.
Kinka pork (sirloin) tonkatsu (JPY2,880)
Kinka pork (sirloin) tonkatsu (JPY2,880) in Kinkakuji
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The tourist at Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto
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Kinkakuji temple
kinkakuji temple garden kyoto (1)
In the winter

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Come to Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Pavilion Temple) in the early morning.
Come to Kinkaku-Ji Temple (Golden Pavilion Temple) in the early morning. Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 603-8361, Japan
Phone: +81-(0)75-461-0013
Ticket price: 400 yen for adults and 300 yen for students.
Opening hours: From 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily
Getting there: The City Bus Stop Kinkakuji-mae / City Bus Stop Kingaku-ji-michi

After visiting Kinkakuji Temple, your next attraction in this self-sufficient Japanese travel itinerary is the Arashiyama area. Arashiyama is a suburban area located in the western part of Kyoto city, home to rich nature and long-standing historical monuments.

Arashiyama Momiji Festival
Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama where Arashiyama Momiji Festival is held
Couple in kimono at Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kyoto
A couple in kimono at Arashiyama bamboo forests, Kyoto
Arashiyama Bamboo momiji bridge
Arashiyama Bamboo momiji bridge

Arashiyama

Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto.
Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto. Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.
Hozu-gawa River Boat Ride
Boat riding on Hozu-gawa river, Kyoto.
Arashiyama kyoto japan
Arashiyama is a suburb of western Kyoto, home to rich nature and long-standing historical monuments.

Bamboo-Forest-and-Autumn-Foliage

In the evening, spend your time to exploring Osaka at night and local delicacies, because this ancient city seems to be more vibrant, bustling and full of energy when it’s dark. Some Osaka delicacies you should try such as Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Kushikatsu. Hozanji Yokocho, Izakaya small alley located at the end of the main street Dotonbori, is also a great place to enjoy delicious food at night in Osaka.

Dontonbori Osaka miami namba
Dontonbori
osaka night
osaka night
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Takoyaki
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Osaka street food

okonomiyaki osaka

kushikatsu in osaka
Kushikatsu, must eat in Osaka
Dotonbori osaka
Dotonbori, Osaka’s bustling night food street.

Read more: Osaka blog (Osaka travel blog) — The fullest Osaka travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Osaka for the first-timers.

On the next day, arrange a schedule to visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is home to numerous famous red torii gates. This place is always crowded and a bit far from other tourist destinations, so it is better if you go there early in the morning, especially if you like taking photos. The minimum time to visit is about 1 hour, maybe longer if you like to hang out or take pictures here.

Fushimi Inari-taisha, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto temple, Japan
Fushimi Inari-taisha, one of the most beautiful shrine in Japan

Fushimi Inari Shrine - One of most famous shrine in Japan (14)

Fushimi Inari Shrine - One of the most famous shrine in Japan (1)

Hatsumode
Praying on Hatsumode (First Visit of the New Year) at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto
People bow outside of a shrine in Kyoto (Credit: Russell Kord/Alamy)

Fushimi Inari-taisha, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto temple, Japan

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and the "path" with feature red torii gates.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and the “path” with feature red torii gates.

Read more: Visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine — One of the most famous shrine in Japan.

Fushimi Inari-taisha

Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 612-0882, Japan
Hours: Open 24/7
Admission: Free

After spending about an hour at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, let’s go to Higashiyama, the historic protected area where Kiyomizudera temple is located and many other attractions. The temple is one of the oldest buildings still in existence in Japan to this day, and is known for its stunning wooden terrace.

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Cherry blossoms at Kiyomizu-dera-Temple
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Wood columns
Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Kyoto
Kiyomizu Dera Temple, Kyoto

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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the best places to see autumn leaves in Kyoto, Japan.
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. Photo: asanoxn
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Kiyomizu-dera temple in cherry blossom season
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Kiyomizu-dera-Temple and in cherry blossom season
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Kiyomizudera in winter
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Jizo statues
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the attractions you should not miss when coming to Kyoto.

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Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Address: 294 Kiyomizu 1-chome, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 605-0862, Japan
Tel: +81 75-551-1234
Ticket price: The general ticket is 300 yen.
Opening hours: From 6:00 to 18:00 daily.
Url: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/

Nearby there will be other attractions such as Gion district (famous for Geishas) and other temples, Ninenzaka (shopping street), etc. You can find souvenirs here.

Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.
Gion district. Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.

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Tourist take photos with a Geisha

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Geisha at Gion district
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Gion District
Shirakawa in Gion District, Kyoto, Japan
Shirakawa in Gion District, Kyoto, Japan
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Gion District

Especially, if you love Japanese sweet food, especially Matcha, Kyoto is “holy place” for you to enjoy this dish. Visit a traditional teahouse and enjoy a cup of delicious Matcha parfait ice cream; because even for any self-sufficient Japanese travel itinerary, there will be “enough room for a Japanese-style Matcha dish”!

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Variety Matcha dishes in Kyoto
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Matcha Ice Cream
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Matcha tea
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A random street corner in Kyoto can also become a perfect corner like this.
Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
Tempura (including eel spine kara-age) – Kawatatsu, Kyoto
Tempura (including eel spine kara-age).
Yudofu full set meal at Ryoanji Zen Temple, Kyoto, Japan
Yudofu full set meal at Ryoanji Zen Temple
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Kyoto sushi
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Tofu, one of specialties of Kyoto you must try.
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Kushikatsu

Two days can be quite few for you can feel and discover the delicate and traditional beauty of Kyoto; But above are suggestions of the most typical and main sights of the ancient capital.

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Credit: kyoto travel guide blog
Kyoto Japan
Heian Shrine
rickshaw in Kyoto
Rickshaw in Kyoto

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kyoto etiquette guide
Kyoto teahouse. Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.

Read more: Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto for the first-timers. And Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?

10 days in Japan suggested itinerary — Day 9: Nara

Credit: kyoto travel guide blog

Nara is the capital of Japan from 710 to 794. Nara has a total of 8 world heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, known collectively as the historical sites of ancient Nara. So, spend this day on your self-sufficient Japanese travel itinerary to explore beautiful Nara before visiting Osaka.

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Yoshino Chogu Ruins, Nara, Japan
Yoshino Chogu Ruins, Nara, Japan

You’ll start the day at Nara-koen Park, which has plenty of attractions such as Todai-ji Temple, Isui-en Garden and Kasuga-Taisha Shrine. A special feature of Nara-koen Park is the large number of semi-wild of deer, freely roaming. You can buy a package of deer biscuits (shika sembeisembei) to feed them, and enjoy the slow, peaceful life here. However, because it is a wild animal, be careful because sometimes they will … bite you!

Credit: kyoto travel guide blog
Deers in Nara
Feeding the deers at Nara-koen park.
Feeding the deers at Nara-koen park.

nara japan

nara japan Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.
Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.
Nara Park in cherry blossoms season
Nara Park in cherry blossoms season
Credit: kyoto travel guide blog
Todai-ji Temple

todai ji temple

todai ji temple
The World’s Largest Buddha

Next take a stroll through the Isuien Garden and head straight to the Giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu) at Todai-ji Temple.

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The rear garden of Isuien
The rear garden of Isuien

Another temple you should visit here is Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, the shrine is considered the most famous in Nara. The shrine is famous for bronze lanterns, given by Buddhists everywhere. They are only light twice a year during the 2 Lantern Festival, one in early February and one in mid-August.

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Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Kasuga-Taisha.original.34422
Torri gates. Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.
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Bronze lanterns

Kasuga-Taisha.shrine

You can also visit Kofuku-ji, a Buddhist temple used to be one of the Seven Great Temples.

Takigi Noh (Kofukuji Temple)
Takigi Noh (Kofukuji Temple)
Nanendo, Kofukuji Temple
Nanendo, Kofukuji Temple
Kofuku-ji, an ancient temple in Nara.
Kofuku-ji, an ancient temple in Nara.

From Nara, you can move to Osaka in the evening, and take a long walk in Osaka, before spending a full day for the old city.

Japan itinerary 10 days — Day 10: Continue visiting Osaka or return to Tokyo

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Namba district, Osaka

This self-sufficiency Japanese travel itinerary on final day will depend on your choice; Because many people will like to spend the last day in Japan to explore this western city, and book tickets to fly back from Kansai International Airport (or Osaka Airport). So you will have a full day of exploring Osaka.

Dontonbori Osaka miami namba
Dotonbori
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Minoo park

Minoo park osaka112

Shitennoji temple osaka
Shitennoji Temple. Credit: japan itinerary 10 days blog.

However, if you choose to fly back from Tokyo, you still have half a day in the morning to be able to visit the famous districts here such as Kita or Minami, before returning to Tokyo for your flight.

Osaka is bustling and is a Japanese tourist city with many interesting cultural values.
Osaka is bustling and is a Japanese tourist city with many interesting cultural values.
Shinsaibashi, Osaka
Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Shinsaibashi, Osaka

Some suggested attractions for you in Osaka:

  • Shinsaibashi Shopping District: The largest 600-meter shopping district in Osaka is where you can find almost everything. If you are a shopping devotee or want to take advantage of the last day in Japan to buy souvenirs, this will be the ideal destination for you.
  • Shinsekai: This is the old downtown area, bringing Osaka’s nostalgic feel with the local shops and Tsutenkaku icon tower.
  • Osaka Castle: How can you leave Osaka if you haven’t visited the place associated with culture and history and is a famous symbol of this western Japanese city? Osaka Castle is also considered one of the most spectacular castles of the land of the rising sun. Nothing is better than a few photos commemorating the Japanese tour here, right?
    Osaka Aquarium: A fun and interesting place to visit, Osaka Aquarium is a large scale aquarium with a large area in Osaka Bay area.
  • Universal Studios Japan: Besides Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan is also one of the “famous” amusement parks that attracts thousands of visitors every day in Japan. If you have a full day in Osaka, why not add this destination to your self-sufficient Japanese travel itinerary?
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With a height of 40 meters, the castle is the greatest architecture in Osaka at the time.

Read more: Osaka blog (Osaka travel blog) — The fullest Osaka travel guide blog for a wonderful trip to Osaka for the first-timers.

Osaka Castle, Osaka

Are you “satisfied” with Living Nomads’s Japan travel itinerary 10 days? Leave comments to create the perfect itinerary and interesting for your upcoming Japanese trip with your family or friends! Have a nice trip!

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You will see firsthand the “artisan” making Sushi and present it on the table.

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