What is a good first-time itinerary for Japan in 10 days?

Follow a day-by-day outline of the classic Golden Route through Tokyo, Hakone or Fuji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, with options and tradeoffs for your own pace.

Published October 20, 2026 at 11:49 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: A common first-time plan for 10 days follows the Golden Route: about four nights in Tokyo, one night around Hakone or Mount Fuji, three nights in Kyoto, and a Nara outing leading to a last night in Osaka. Hiroshima can replace some of that time if you prefer. Season, interests and energy should adjust the outline.

What the Golden Route means

The Golden Route is a popular, informal name for a sightseeing line that links Tokyo, the Mount Fuji and Hakone area, Kyoto and Osaka, often with Nara added. It follows the Tokaido corridor, where the Tokaido Shinkansen (the high-speed "bullet train") runs. According to the Wikipedia article on the line, the fastest services cover Tokyo to Shin-Osaka in a little over two hours, so the corridor is easy to cross.

The route is popular with first-time visitors because it combines a modern megacity, a mountain and hot spring area, historic temples and a food-focused city, all linked by frequent trains. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) does not label any itinerary with that name, but its sample routes cover the same places.

Because it is a loose idea and not an official product, the exact stops vary. Treat the outline below as a framework, and change it to suit your interests, the season and the number of nights you can spare.

Days 1 to 4: Tokyo

Day 1 is usually arrival, check-in and a gentle evening, since flights from far away often arrive tired. Days 2 and 3 can be devoted to Tokyo districts. The GO TOKYO tourism site organizes the city into areas, and a sensible plan groups them by location, such as Asakusa and Ueno on one day, then Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku on another.

Day 4 can be a flexible day. Options include a museum, a garden, an anime and electronics district or a day trip to Kamakura or Yokohama, both of which JNTO lists as day-trip itineraries. If you prefer fewer moves, skip the day trip and use the extra time to rest.

On the morning of day 5 you will leave for Hakone or the Fuji area. Pack a small bag for the one night away, and consider sending the large suitcase ahead to Kyoto using a luggage forwarding service, which many hotels can arrange.

Days 5 and 6: Hakone or Mount Fuji

JNTO's Hakone itinerary says that from Tokyo Station the ride takes about 50 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto: roughly 35 minutes by Shinkansen to Odawara, then about 15 minutes on a limited express to Hakone-Yumoto, not counting the time to change trains. The Hakone Free Pass, which covers Odakyu trains, buses, ropeways and boats, is described on the same page.

A typical Hakone day includes an art museum, the ropeway up to Owakudani (a volcanic valley with hot springs), and a cruise on Lake Ashinoko with views of Mount Fuji when the weather is clear. JNTO notes that people with breathing difficulties may want to skip Owakudani when sulfur gases are strong.

Fuji views depend on weather and season, and the mountain is often hidden by cloud. Treat any view as a bonus, and consider an onsen (hot spring) stay for the evening. On day 6, continue by train toward Kyoto.

Days 6 to 8: Kyoto

Kyoto is the heart of the route for most visitors. The Wikipedia article on the city notes that it was the imperial capital from 794 until 1869, and that the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plan about two full days.

One day can cover the east, with Kiyomizu-dera, Gion and old streets, and another can cover the northwest and west, with Kinkaku-ji and the Arashiyama bamboo forest. JNTO's Kansai Trio itinerary lists central Kyoto highlights including Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera and Nishiki Market, so it is a useful reference for grouping them.

Arrive in Kyoto on day 6, ideally by mid-afternoon, and use the evening for a stroll. Days 7 and 8 then hold the main sights. Check opening hours for each site in advance, because closing days vary by temple and season, and keep one slower half day in case the weather turns.

Days 9 and 10: Nara and Osaka

Nara makes a good half-day or day outing. The JNTO Kansai Trio page lists a route from Kyoto to Nara that takes about one hour including walking, then Nara Park with its deer, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji Temple. From Nara, the same itinerary continues to Osaka in about an hour.

Osaka then provides the finale. JNTO highlights Osaka Castle, the neon-lit Dotonbori bridge and the city's food, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki. A relaxed final evening there suits the end of the trip, and the next morning can be spent on a last meal or shopping before heading to Kansai International Airport or taking a train back to Tokyo.

If your flight leaves from Tokyo instead, ride the Shinkansen back on the morning of day 10. The fastest service takes a little over two hours from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo, but allow generous extra time for the transfer to the airport, especially if your flight is early in the day.

Choosing variations and who the plan suits

Hiroshima is a popular alternative. JNTO describes the Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome, a World Heritage site, plus the island of Miyajima and its shrine with a torii gate standing in the sea. It is reached on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Osaka and Kyoto, though JNTO does not list times, so check current schedules.

To add Hiroshima within 10 days, shorten Tokyo by a day or drop Hakone. Families may prefer to skip the Hakone overnight and use a single hub in each city, which lowers packing and moving effort. Older travelers can swap the busiest sights for gardens and museums.

If you use the Japan Rail Pass, note that the official site says pass holders must buy a separate special ticket to ride Nozomi and Mizuho trains. Compare the current pass price with individual tickets for your route, because the pass tends to suit trips with several long rides in a short period and may not pay off for a single loop.

Pitfalls to avoid in a 10-day plan

A common mistake is trying to fit every stop into 10 days. More stops mean more packing and more time on trains. Another is leaving no buffer, so a typhoon, a late flight or a closed attraction can break the plan. Keep one flexible half day.

Check official pages for current rail schedules, ticket rules and opening hours, since all three can change from season to season. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act.

Finally, book accommodation early for spring blossom season, autumn leaf season and holiday weeks. If the plan feels crowded, drop one stop rather than shortening every stay. The itinerary works best when it matches your interests, not just a list of famous places.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a 10-day trip start in Tokyo or Osaka?

Either works. Many travelers use open-jaw tickets (arriving in one city and leaving from another) so they do not retrace their route. Compare flight prices and arrival times, then choose the order that suits your plan. Starting in Tokyo and ending in Osaka follows the Golden Route naturally.

Is Hakone necessary on a first trip?

No. It is a popular option for hot springs, art museums and possible Fuji views, but it is not required. If time is short, spend the extra night in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka instead. Many itineraries work well without it.

Can Hiroshima fit into 10 days?

Yes, but it usually takes the place of another stop. Hiroshima is reached by Shinkansen from Osaka or Kyoto. Plan at least one full day for the city and Miyajima, and check current train times and ticket options before deciding.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book 99 Things Japan Does Better Than Anyone Else is available on Amazon.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: What is a good 2-week itinerary for Japan?, What are the best cities to visit in Japan for first-time visitors? and Hakone in 2 Days: The Loop Route.