10 Days in Japan: Highlights of Japan

Are you in the process of arranging your first Japan tour but have no idea where to begin when it comes to selecting the top sites to see and how to explore the country? Here is our most recommended itinerary that shows you the best of Japan in 10 days. It includes almost most of the popular attractions that are uniquely Japanese, such as the lively Osaka city, the sacred Itsukushima Shrine, the historic Nijo Castle and Quater Gion District, and the spectacular Mount Fuji, to name a few.

Tour Route: Osaka - Kobe - Himeji - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Tokyo - Mt. Fuji - Tokyo

Day 1-2 Osaka: Paradise for Shopping & Food

Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, is a deep blend of historical and cultural heritage and modern civilization. Here, you can enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.

Go shopping in the Shinsaibashi's various stores and department stores. Or, dig the authentic food in Dotonbori, one of the most exaggerated and creative snack streets throughout Japan. You can find all kinds of food here, such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, ramen, sushi, etc. From far away, you can see the signboards of octopuses, giant crabs, and blowfish hanging on the walls of the stores, which will make your mouth water just by looking at them. At night, the view of Osaka will be even more impressive, and you can also dress in a traditional kimono and take some precious pictures.

Dotonbori, Osaka

Day 3 Kobe & Himeji: Sake Making Process & Himeji Castle

On the third day, you'll explore Kobe and Himeji.

Hakutsum Sake Brewery Museum in Kobe is an interesting place. It is a museum converted from a sake brewery, where the process of making sake is restored in the form of statues and props. You can taste and learn about the ancient and modern sake brewing process. If you like the taste of sake, you can buy some yourself or bring it to your friends as a gift.

In addition, the famous Kobe beef can also be found here. Just let us know if you're interested in trying the most luxurious beef in the world.

Himeji Castle is also known as the White Heron Castle because of its white walls and eaves that resemble a white heron with wings ready to fly. It is a famous World Heritage Site. The castle consists of 83 buildings with a highly developed defense system and elaborates protective devices. You can definitely feel the grandeur of Japanese architecture and the superb skills of Japanese craftsmen there.

Day 4 Hiroshima: Itsukushima Shrine

Miyajima Island, a rustic and nature-filled island, has been considered an island where spirits have existed since ancient times. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, where you'll see one of the most iconic scenes in Japan - the enormous red torii standing in the sea. High and low tides present two completely different views, so check the station's tide schedule before you leave.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is located in the center of Hiroshima and was established to commemorate the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. The park's main building is the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is used as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. The remnants of this ruined building are a constant reminder to humankind to stay away from war and love peace!

Hiroshima

Day 5-6 Kyoto: Historical Temples & Geisha Culture

Kyoto, the capital of Japan, has a long history and is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, spend two days visiting Kyoto's top attractions and learn about the stories behind them. Admire Nijo Castle's traditional frescoes and carvings, enjoy a bird-eye view of Kyoto from the Kiyomizu Stage of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, capture the glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple, and walk through the famous flower street Quater Gion District where you may catch a glimpse of geishas with refined dressing, hike across a 2.5 miles path lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates in Fushimi Inari-Taisha, and so on.

Geisha

Day 7-10 Tokyo: City Tour with Excursion to Mount Fuji

Tokyo, located in the middle of the Kanto Plain in Japan, is an international metropolis facing Tokyo Bay. It has become the pivotal center of Japan in many fields, such as politics, economy, culture, and transportation, as well as the largest city in Asia.

Ginza is the most representative shopping district in Japan and is home to many large department stores and luxury flagship stores. Among them, Ginza Mitsukoshi is a landmark building. In addition to being a long-established department store, it also has various limited-time exhibitions. If you are lucky, you may stumble upon your favorite theme exhibition! Akihabara Electric Town is one of the world's leading electrical consumer goods business districts. It is home to many stores selling electronic products and electrical equipment such as computers, cell phones, stereos, camera equipment, game consoles, and more. In addition, there are many stores related to anime and games, which attract many young people who pursue fashion and trends. If you are an anime lover, you can't miss this place.

Located in the bustling Shibuya district of Tokyo, Meiji Shrine is the most visited shrine every year. One of its greatest features is that it is located in the middle of a forest and covers a large area. When you are in Meiji Shrine, you can't hear the hustle and bustle outside at all, as if you are in a paradise, with only insects and birds chirping and the sound of the leaves. Sensoji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo. The main gate of the temple is called Raimon Gate, and the huge red lantern there has become the landmark of Sensoji Temple. And its main hall is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist god of compassion. If you are not interested in Buddhism, you can go to the Nakamise Dori. It is a lively street with hundreds of stores where you can buy all kinds of souvenirs, good luck items, and food. In addition, you can also go to experience the charm of the Japanese tea ceremony. You can learn the tea ceremony with an experienced teacher in an exquisite kimono, which will surely be a special experience.

Mount Fuji

Before wrapping up your Japan tour, take a day excursion to Mount Fuji. There is no better way to end your trip to Japan than with Japan's most famous business card! Mount Fuji is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan, with its conical peaks and breathtaking natural scenery surrounding it. You can enjoy the view of Mt. Fuji in many ways, such as taking a cruise on Lake Kawaguchi or getting to a vantage view platform by taking a ropeway. Either way, the stunning scenery is sure to make the trip worthwhile.

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Highlights of Japan: Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima & Tokyo 10 DAYS Explore This Tour

Related Articles

Mount Fuji Travel Guide

Whether it's Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, popular cities in Japan will bring you unique and unforgettable travel experiences. Travel with Odynovo, you can explore the traditions and characteristics of Japan to the maximum extent possible during your exciting ten-day trip.