10 Days in Japan: Itinerary, What to Do & Where to Go

Got only 10 days in Japan? Even on a time-crunched trip, you’ll quickly discover: There’s no place on earth quite like Japan.

Japan is quirky and strange, yet oddly familiar; ultra-modern, yet deeply traditional. Trudging through the coolest places to visit in Japan, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite for travelers around the world.

Spend time on your Japan itinerary exploring Tokyo, one of the world’s biggest cities. Dig into Japanese culture and history at destinations like Nikko, Kamakura, Nara, and the country’s cultural capital, Kyoto. End it all off by exploring the country’s culinary prowess in Osaka, Japan’s favorite city for traveling foodies.

Pressed for time on your vacation? Plan the ultimate East Asia holiday and discover what to do in Japan in 10 days with this complete 10-day itinerary!

Where to go in Japan in 10 days: A complete itinerary

You’ll be surprised by how much you can uncover in Japan in 10 days. Unlike traveling in many countries elsewhere in Asia, zipping around Japan is quick and comfortable thanks to an ultra-modern transportation system.

Many of the most popular destinations in Japan are crammed close together. Here, you’ll spend far more time exploring the country than sitting aimlessly in transit.

In this 10-day itinerary, you’ll find a handful of obvious choices and a few lesser-known towns perfect for day-tripping. Fitting in the stops here will cover the country at a broad stroke and give you a solid appreciation for Japan.

Tokyo

4 Days

There’s no better place to begin exploring Japan than Tokyo. Not everyone agrees. But wander along the neon-splattered avenues of Shinjuku, sip on a biiru (beer) in a traditional izakaya, or snatch a moment of relaxation in Yoyogi Park, and you’ll discover why Tokyo snagged the first slot on this Japan itinerary.

You could easily spend your entire 10 days in Japan in Tokyo without a single moment of boredom. (Not that you should do that on your first trip to Japan!)

I’d suggest dropping at least 4 days in Tokyo. That way, you’ll have time to explore the city more leisurely while leaving time to take in a couple of Tokyo day trips. (More on that later.)

What to Do in Tokyo

The world’s most populated city holds no punches for keeping you occupied. With only a couple of days, of course, you can’t expect to see it all. At the minimum, try to fit in these interesting things to do in Tokyo:

Get in on the action at Tsukiji Fish Market

Tokyo’s most famous attraction isn’t your typical tourist magnet. A stinky fish market isn’t the place I’d normally want to spend a holiday! Even so, fighting your jet lag for an early morning visit to Tsukiji Fish Market is the perfect way to start your first day in Tokyo.

The early morning tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market attracts quite a crowd. If you’re not a morning person, I feel your pain. You’ll need to tough out a pre-4 am arrival to snag one of the 120 entrance tickets. Keep in mind public transportation won’t be running yet.

Should the early-morning blues keep you from the tuna auction, you can still head to Tsukiji Inner Market to explore the shops and food stalls. Work up a hearty appetite? Chow down on an über-fresh sushi breakfast at the Tsukiji Outer Market to fuel up for your day.

See Tokyo at its most traditional in Asakusa

No area in Tokyo is more intriguing to wander around than Asakusa. Japanese wooden architecture mingles with traditional izakaya (pubs), ryokan (inns), and souvenir shops to create an escape from central Tokyo’s ultra-modern façade.

Start your journey at Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate) and amble along Nakamise-dōri, a street lined with traditional souvenir shops. If you’re looking for kitschy Japanese souvenirs for loved ones back home, this is the place to whip out your yen.

At the end of Nakamise-dōri, walk through Hōzōmon and make your way to Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and well-manicured gardens of the inner grounds of Sensō-ji are worth exploring, even if briefly, before moving on.

My advice for experiencing Asakusa, beyond these few top Asakusa attractions, is to simply wander. Every side street seems to have something worth stumbling upon, whether it’s interesting architecture or a food stall wafting an intriguing aroma that beckons a taste.

Suck in the urban buzz in Shinjuku

Experience the electricity of Japan’s capital city in Shinjuku, the beating heart of modern Tokyo. When you imagine Tokyo’s blazing neon and never-ending chaos, you’ve got Shinjuku on your mind. And I doubt it will disappoint!

Exploring the streets of Shinjuku is where you’ll either come to love or hate Tokyo. (Although I’d bet on the former!) The energy in Shinjuku is infectious, and once you get used to the chaos, it’s a wild ride that every traveler to Japan should take.

There are a ton of things to do in Shinjuku, even if most aren’t of the typical “tourist” variety. A must-do (and free!) activity is to scale up to the observation deck at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a picture-perfect view of Tokyo’s skyline from above.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

I can’t say that figuring out where to stay in Tokyo will be easy. Hotels in Tokyo are among the most expensive in the world, and even with the efficient (if crowded) public transportation in Tokyo, the city’s size presents a problem for the unfamiliar.

Narrowing your search to the areas within walking distance (or a short metro ride) of Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Ginza is a good idea. These districts offer excellent entertainment and dining options and are well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation. Here are a few ideas:

Getting to Tokyo

Tokyo is a major Asian airline hub and, along with Kansai Airport near Osaka and Kyoto, is the most convenient entry point into Japan from abroad. Two major airports serve Tokyo, Narita International (NRT) and Haneda (HND), with the former serving most international flights. Several airlines, including ANA, fly from major destinations worldwide to Tokyo.

From the United States, expect to pay about $550-650 return at the cheapest. Flights from Canada to Tokyo have increased in recent years, with the cheapest flights generally hovering around C$850-1000. Flights from West Coast North American cities like Vancouver, San Francisco, and Los Angeles are usually the cheapest.

Looking for cheap flights to Tokyo? I’d recommend starting your search at Cheapoair!

Nikko

Day Trip from Tokyo

Even if the swarm of day trippers gets on your nerves, you can’t deny the awesomeness that is Nikko. The small Japanese city, set among lush woodlands, is one of Japan’s top tourist destinations and one of the most popular day trips from Tokyo.

Planning an extra day in Tokyo will give you time to head up north to explore Nikko’s ancient moss-covered shrines and temples. If you can spare it though, spend two days in Nikko to delve into the full experience. (Use these ideas for where to stay in Nikko to help plan it out.)

What to Do in Nikkō

Fitting in a day trip to Nikko from Tokyo will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your first trip to Japan. Most of your time in Nikko will be spent digging through UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples that whisk you back into Japan’s ancient past

Start your day peeking around to find these interesting things to do in Nikko:

Experience the grace of Rinnō-ji Temple

Crossing over postcard-perfect Shinkyō Bridge, one of Japan’s most famous sights, you’ll enter into the mysterious world of Nikkō’s UNESCO World Heritage area. Although the Shinkyō Bridge technically belongs to the Futarasan-jinja Shrine, the first major site you’ll stumble upon after crossing the river is the Rinnō-ji Temple.

Rinnō-ji is less a single building than a Buddhist temple complex. Fifteen buildings adorn the site, with the main hall, Sambutsu-dō (Three Buddha Hall), acting as the anchor. Even with Sambustsu-dō under renovation until 2021, it’s still worthwhile to explore Rinnō-ji.

Besides the large wooden Buddhist deities at Sambutsu-dō (Bato-Kannon, Senju Kannon, and the Amida Nyorai), keep on the lookout for Shoyo-en, a beautifully-manicured traditional Japanese garden. The ideal time to visit Shoyo-en is in autumn, when the leaves explode into a cavalcade of fall colors.

Step back into ancient Japan at Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine

The most important site in Nikko is the Tōshōgū Shrine, the final resting place of the first shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu. When you dream of ancient Japan, it probably looks something like this massive temple complex.

At Tōshōgū, Buddhist elements are sprinkled among traditional Japanese features to create a shrine unlike any other in Japan. Start exploring Tōshōgū at the Ishidorii, the main entrance gate. From here, you’ll spot Gojūnotō, a five-story Buddhist pagoda and Japan’s tallest.

The main shrine area begins at Omotemon, where you’ll be able to start gazing upon the traditional Japanese architecture of buildings such as Sanjinko (Three Sacred Storehouse) and Shinkyūsha (The Sacred Stable).

While wandering around Tōshōgū, try to spot the four famous wooden carvings by Japanese sculptor Hidari Jingoro: nemurineko (sleeping cat), and iwazaru, kikazaru and minazaru (the three monkeys).

Connect with nature at Futarasan-jinja Shrine

Just beyond the Nikkō Tōshōgū Shrine, in the shadow of Nantai-san (Mount Nantai), lies Nikkō’s most famous religious site, Futarasan-jinja Shrine. Unlike other Nikko shrines that deify the Shoguns, Futarasan-jinja serves to worship nearby mountain deities.

The structures at Futarasan-jinja aren’t quite as ornate as Tōshōgū or Rinnō-ji, but it is Nikkō’s oldest shrine, dating back to 1619. For the views alone, the trip up to Futarasan-jinja is worthwhile.

Getting to Nikko

There are a multitude of options available for traveling between Tokyo and Nikko. One of the cheapest—and most convenient—is the Tobu Railways route from Tobu Asakusa Station.

Tickets run about ¥1360 each way, taking two hours. Foreigners should consider the Tobu Nikko City Area Pass (¥2,670). It’s slightly cheaper than two one-way tickets between Tokyo and Nikko and includes, in addition to return transportation from Tokyo, local transportation in Nikko, and various discounts.

Using a Japan Rail Pass on the Tokyo-Nikko route is more challenging. Routes between Shinjuku and Nikko use the Tobu network for part of the route, meaning the standard JR Pass won’t fully cover the two-hour route. Other Japan rail passes, including the JR Tokyo Wide and several JR East passes, do the trick, however.

Kamakura

Day Trip from Tokyo

Aside from Nikko, the most popular one-day escape from Tokyo is Kamakura. The small coastal city is one of the most important from medieval Japan, wearing its history on its sleeve with a massive concentration of temples and shrines strewn throughout town.

Day trippers beware: Kamakura can crowded; it’s one of the most popular destinations in Eastern Japan. And with good reason. Carve out extra time to get the full Kamakura experience. Otherwise, stick to the basics and get excited for one of the coolest day trips from Tokyo.

What to Do in Kamakura

Kamakura’s got more than a little Kyoto in it. Like Japan’s former imperial capital, Kamakura is jam-packed with historic temples and shrines. On a day trip, you can’t expect to see them all. Get started with these few interesting things to do in Kamakura:

Get eclipsed by the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu)

One of the most famous landmarks in all of Japan, the Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) makes the trip to Kamakura worthwhile on its own.

Standing beside the 13-meter-high bronzed Buddha lets you appreciate the grandeur, surpassed in Japan only by Nara’s own Daibutsu at Todaji Temple.

Wander through the bamboo garden at Hokokuji Temple

There’s a small army of temples stationed in Kamakura. Choosing any one temple over another is challenging. But Hokokuji Temple is special. Set among hilly woodlands, this small Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple is isolated from the rest of the city, a serene escape from the chaos of urban Japan.

The temple itself is humble, lacking the showy and ornate details you might find elsewhere. The real treat of Hokokuji Temple lies in the bamboo garden hiding behind the temple’s main hall. Wandering through the stone paths that wind through thousands of bamboo trees is rewarded with a break at a secluded tea house with incredible views of the forest.

Getting to Kamakura

On Japan Railways, it’s a quick trip between Tokyo and Kamakura. From Tokyo Station, the JR Yokosuka Line offers direct trains to Kamakura Station, taking about one hour (¥920 each way).

Starting in Shinjuku? Hop onto the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line. It’s the same price as above, but not all trains offer a direct connection to Kamakura Station. Be sure only to use trains bound for Zushi, or else you’ll need to change trains at Ofuna Station to reach Kamakura.

Kyoto

4 Days

Dreams of Japan are always fulfilled with a stop in Kyoto. The old imperial capital is Japan’s most intriguing major tourist destination, where temples dot the backstreets, geishas shuffle around, and gardens and shrines hide in the deepest recesses.

Unload at least four days in Kyoto to take the city in at a relaxed pace and leave room for a couple of awesome Kyoto day trips.

What to Do in Kyoto

Exploring Kyoto begins with stepping away from its modernity to dig into the past. Not sure where to start the journey? Load up your Kyoto itinerary with some of these awesome things to do in Kyoto:

Admiring Kyoto’s spectacular temples and shrines

With over 2,000 temples and shrines located in the city, every nook and cranny in Kyoto seems to hide a scene that takes your breath away. The most impressive temples and shrines aren’t always the easiest ones to reach. Test your navigation skills and seek out some of these:

• Kiyomizu-dera: Famous temple perched on a mountain overlooking the city. Visit in the evening to see the temple—and the panorama of Kyoto—at its most enchanting.
• Fushimi Inari-taisha: Shinto shrine famed for its 10,000 or so vermillion gates along the hiking trails that lead up Mount Inari. Hiking to the top takes a couple of hours, but excellent views of Kyoto present themselves halfway up the mountain at about the 45-minute mark.
• Kinkaku-ji: Rising from a tranquil pond that reflects its image perfectly, Kinkaku-ji (or Golden Pavilion) is Kyoto’s most iconic temple and most well-known symbol.

Walk with the geisha in Gion District (Gion-Shinbashi)

Within Kyoto’s modern center, there’s no more intriguing place than Gion District (Gion-Shinbashi). This traditional entertainment district offers one of the last remaining glimpses into Kyoto’s past with its old wooden merchant houses, restaurants, and teahouses.

The most popular stretches for travelers looking for Gion’s old-world charm are Hanami-koji Dori, north of Kennin-ji, and Shirakawa-minami Dori, a beautiful, quiet street along a cherry-tree-lined canal. In and around either of these areas, you can enjoy some of the area’s tastiest restaurants serving up kaiseki (haute Japanese cuisine) Kyoto-style. (Just don’t expect it to come cheap!)

Besides simply taking to the streets, the most memorable souvenir in Gion-Shinbashi is a chance encounter with a geisha. The full authentic geisha entertainment package is exclusive and quite expensive; as a traveler, it’s unlikely you’ll experience it without prior connections in Kyoto. But your chances of seeing a geisha wandering the streets of Gion are higher than anywhere else.

If you miss out on spotting a geisha, don’t worry: There’s a daily cultural show for foreigners at Gion Corner that speeds through Japanese culture and traditions and features performances from geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha).

Explore Arashiyama District

Prowling through Arashiyama District is the perfect escape from Kyoto’s bustling center. Start exploring Arashiyama at Monkey Park Iwatayama, not far from the Arashiyama railway station. About 10 minutes of uphill walking will set you up with sweeping views over Kyoto, shared with a troop of cheeky monkeys all too happy to relieve you of your belongings if you’re not on guard.

Elsewhere in Arashiyama lies one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, Tenryu-ji Temple. Dating back to the 14th century, Tenryu-ji Temple and its gardens are worth exploring, even if just for a half-hour.

Whatever your schedule, save time for Arashiyama’s most unique attraction, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s one of the most famous sites in Kyoto—and with good reason. The short walk, starting just north of Tenryu-ji Temple and running to Okochi Sanso, feels quite otherworldly as slivers of light slice between bamboo trees swaying and reaching towards the sky.

Where to Stay in Kyoto

Moving from the capsule and love hotels filling up the Tokyo accommodation scene, Kyoto feels almost like a completely different country!

Like Tokyo, hotels in Kyoto are plentiful but expensive. The selection is, however, noticeably more traditional; finding a place to stay in Kyoto is generally a more “classic” Japanese experience than in the capital. Here are a few ideas to start your search:

Getting to Kyoto

The most convenient, though not cheapest, way to move between Tokyo and Kyoto is by shinkansen (bullet train). The two quickest trains are the Nozomi (2h20) and Hikari (2h40), costing ¥13,710 and ¥13,400 respectively. The Japan Rail Pass only covers the Hikari trains.

The cheapest but slowest option to get between Tokyo and Kyoto is by bus. Buses between the two cities take between 6 and 9 hours, which is not exactly a good use of a travel day. Tickets, however, will cost you only ¥3,520.

Nara

Day Trip from Kyoto

Anyone seeking the ultimate Japanese cultural experience mustn’t ignore Nara. Like Kyoto, Nara was once Japan’s capital, the country’s first permanent one. From its heyday, Nara left behind a trove of cultural sites whose exploration belongs on any serious trip to Japan.

With extra time on your trip to Japan, consider overnighting in Nara (check out this guide to the best hotels in Nara to help you choose where to stay). Otherwise, visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto or, if you want to visit later in the trip, Osaka.

What to Do in Nara

Only Kyoto compares with the number of cultural attractions you’ll find in Nara. Get started planning out things to do in Nara with these suggestions:

Seek enlightenment in front of Daibutsu (Great Buddha) in Todai-ji Temple

Hopefully, you’re not templed-out yet: You wouldn’t want to miss Todai-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most beguiling tourist attractions.

The grand main hall of Todai-ji Temple, Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha), is home to Daibutsu (Great Buddha), a 15-metre-high bronzed Buddha statue. While the immense Daibutsu is bound to captivate you, Daibutsu-den itself is impressive. (It’s the world’s largest wooden building!)

Explore the backwoods of Kasuga-Taisha Shrine

One of the most magical features of Nara is its setting. And perhaps no Nara attraction shows it off better than Kasuga-Taisha Shrine.

On the surface, Kasuga-Taisha is much like other Shinto shrines you’ll find throughout Japan. What makes this one special is the network of lantern-lined pathways and auxiliary shrines strewn throughout the complex. Visit Kasuga-Taisha Shrine in early February or mid-August to see the lanterned paths lit up in full glory.

Hang out with the deer of Nara-koen (Nara Park)

Many of Nara’s top attractions—Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-Taisha Shrine, and Isui-en Garden—lie within Nara Park (Nara-koen), a massive and beautiful green space stretching to the east of the city center.

Beside the park’s temples, shrines, and gardens, the stars of the show are the over one thousand deer that roam freely within the grounds. The abundance of wildlife gives Nara a vibe, unlike any historical town you’ll find anywhere else in the world.

Although the deer are used to human contact and mostly docile, be careful if you decide to feed them; they can get (unintentionally) aggressive when hungry.

Getting to Nara

Both JR (Japan Railways) and Kintetsu Railways offer train services from Kyoto to Nara. Direct JR trains depart Kyoto Station for JR Nara Station every half hour (45 minutes; ¥710).

Kintetsu offers both limited express and express trains from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu Nara Station. Limited express trains leave twice an hour (35 minutes; ¥1120), while express trains leave hourly (45 minutes; ¥620).

Note that a Japan Rail Pass only covers JR trains to Nara.

Himeji

Day Trip from Kyoto

There’s not much to Himeji at first glance. It looks like any other big Japanese city, a jumble of high-rises and urban sprawl. That is until you see what hides amidst.

What to Do in Himeji

No, Himeji’s hardly one of the most diverse places to visit in Japan. But what Himeji does, it does well. Very well, indeed. Hidden among the traffic-laden streets lies one of Japan’s most well-kept secrets among foreign visitors. Make a quick trip and discover these few unmissable things to do in Himeji:

Dabble in Japan’s feudal past at Himeji Castle

There’s one major reason that Himeji is one of the most popular day trips from Osaka or Kyoto: Himeji Castle. The UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle isn’t just one of the finest castles in Japan but anywhere in the world.

Dating back to the mid-14th century, Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles. Neither war nor natural disaster managed to break its spirit. Much of Himeji Castle’s mojo bubbles from its illustrious centuries-old history and the distinctive white façade that slapped it with the nickname White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo).

The castle complex encompasses over 80 buildings guarded by the main 5-storey Tenshukaku (Castle Tower). Take your time exploring Himeji Castle, stopping along the way for massive views of the city to get the full experience.

Unwind in Kokoen Garden

Inch just west of Himeji Castle to relax in the serenity of Kokoen Garden. Unlike the neighboring castle, Kokoen Garden doesn’t have hundreds of years of history to back up its good looks. The garden is a fairly new creation, jumping onto the scene in the early 1990s.

Designed with styles dating back to the Edo Period, Kokoen Garden disguises its young age well. Nine walled gardens decorate the space, once occupied by a feudal lord. Walking through Kokoen Garden—among stone bridges, ponds, and maple trees—is a treat all year round. Visit in autumn for an extra dash of color!

Walk in the footsteps of history at Mount Shosha (Shoshazan)

Dreams of ancient Japan come to the fore at Mount Shosha. Hiding among the deep forests at the top of Mount Shosha, a 30-minute bus ride from Himeji Castle, is the massive Engyoji temple complex. Over one thousand years of history stand between us and the origins of Engyoji.

You’ll need to expend a little energy to dig into the complex. From the upper ropeway station, it’s about a 30- to 35-minute walk to Mitsunodo, a trifecta of wooden temple halls. The tranquil setting and classical Japanese wooden architecture of Mitsunodo makes it a favorite among film crews looking for a stand-in for ancient Japan. Along the way, eat up the views at Maniden, a stunning wooden temple clinging to the slopes of Mount Shosha.

Getting to Himeji

Whether you’re visiting Himeji from Osaka or Kyoto, there are a number of train services to get you there quickly.

From Osaka, take the Shinkaisoku commuter trains on the JR Kobe line. The trip is 57 minutes from Osaka and costs ¥1,450.

Starting in Kyoto, hop onto the Hikari shinkansen to get to Himeji in less than an hour (starting at ¥4750). Cheaper but slower trains (90 minutes) leave Kyoto about every 15 minutes. Japan rail passes, including the one-day JR West Kansai Pass, are valid for these routes.

Osaka

2 Days

Second in urban Japanese awesomeness only to Tokyo, Osaka is a must-visit stop. While Osaka lacks the obvious historical and cultural underpinnings of nearby Kyoto, this modern and energetic Japanese city hides a handful of amazing attractions among its neon-plastered streets.

To squeeze the most out of your stay, spend at least two days in Osaka—more if you can spare it. One day in Osaka itself, with time carved out for one of the most popular day trips from Osaka, is a good introduction to Japan’s second city.

What to Do in Osaka

A long history predates Osaka, a surprising fact considering the tough-to-crack modern veneer. On the surface, Osaka feels much like other large Japanese cities. Osaka’s not exactly that simple, though.

The city prides itself on its uniqueness. Whether showing off Osaka’s unique food or their favorite cultural attractions, Osakans are fiercely proud. There’s a healthy rivalry between Osaka and Tokyo, with neither side ever emerging as a clear-cut winner on all accounts. Why not decide yourself by tackling these few wonderful things to do in Osaka:

Relive the history of medieval Japan at Osaka Castle

If we’re comparing tourist attractions in Tokyo to Osaka, there’s nothing in the Japanese capital whose grandeur rivals Osaka Castle. To say Osaka Castle had a rough history is an understatement. Originally built in the late 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Osaka Castle has been destroyed and rebuilt, whether by rival rulers or natural disasters, several times in its long history.

From 1665 until the twentieth century, the former site of Osaka Castle stood empty. It wasn’t until 1931, when the current intrawar-period reincarnation was completed, that the former regality of the castle was revived. Most amazing is that despite much of Osaka getting wiped out by WWII bombing campaigns, Osaka Castle still stood.

Although Osaka Castle is hardly as impressive as nearby Himeji Castle or Matsumoto Castle, walking around the grounds—admiring the refurbished castle tower, stone walls, gates, and moats—is a great way to spend part of an afternoon. Visit during cherry blossom season to see Osaka Castle at its most magical.

Assault the senses in Shinsekai

One of my favorite things about Japan is the pure intensity that a visit to a big Japanese city brings. And Shinsekai is one of the coolest places in Osaka to get your fill.

Following a popular industrial expo held in Osaka in the early 1900s, Shinsekai developed into an exposition piece itself. The area was modeled after both Paris and Coney Island in New York. The most obvious landmark hearkening back to Shinsekai’s origins is Tsutenkaku Tower, a 103-metre-high tower unmistakably tributing the Eiffel Tower. The main observatory deck, sitting above 90 meters, provides an epic view of Osaka.

Besides wandering around colorful Shinsekai, some of Osaka’s tastiest food hides among the busy streets. Follow the smells and the crowds to deliver kushikatsu, a famous Osaka snack resembling skewered tempura, straight to your tastebuds.

Let the night lights flood your eyes in Minami

Tokyo has Shinjuku; Osaka has Minami. Osaka’s famed reputation for unleashing Japan’s craziest drinking and partying scene starts right here in the luminescent Minami (Namba), the city’s most popular entertainment district.

Minami isn’t only about burning the midnight oil. It’s also one of Osaka’s main food and shopping districts. Dotonbori, an area in Minami named after the canal running through it, is the most exciting place to walk at night in Osaka. Experiencing Dotonbori is best done through the senses, none more prominently than taste. Grab a bite of okonomiyaki or takoyaki at any hour to let your tastebuds decide who reigns in the Osaka vs. Tokyo food battle.

Fashionistas will likewise find a reason to linger around Minami. Loosen your purse strings (or dust off your wallet) in Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s trendiest shopping area; Amerikamura, an edgier alternative district; or Den Den Town, the city’s high-tech heaven.

Where to Stay in Osaka

The good news: You’ll get a much better bang for your buck when searching out where to stay in Osaka compared to Tokyo or Kyoto, especially when looking in the mid-range and luxury. Get your search started with these top Osaka hotels:

Getting to Osaka

From Kyoto, it’s a breeze to get to Osaka. The shinkansen (bullet train) completes the trip between JR Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka in just 12 minutes for ¥1420.

A slightly cheaper alternative is the Special Rapid Service on the JR Kyoto Line. Unlike with the shinkansen, you’re able to travel directly to Osaka Station (the main train station) on the JR Kyoto Line in just 28 minutes. The cost is quite a bit less, too, coming in at ¥560 each way.

More 10-day Japan itinerary ideas

• Got more time but enjoy a slower pace? Add in a couple of days in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, and partake in more day trips. Other awesome Japanese destinations like Yokohama, Hakone, and Kobe are just steps away from these cities.
• Looking for some epic adventure? Carve out time to hike up Mount Fuji.
• Want more culture and a smaller town feel? From Tokyo, head to Kyoto via Takayama, a beautiful traditional city set among the mountains.
• Need something a little more offbeat? Explore Japan’s rugged north, where volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and handsome seaside towns await. Start planning your getaway with this complete 7-day Hokkaido itinerary.

Things to know before you go to Japan

When to go to Japan

The Japanese take pride in the fact that Japan is a four-season destination. Summers are hot & humid, and winters, depending on what you’re used to, can be cold & chilly—especially in the northern fringes of Japan in Hokkaido.

Overall, for most travelers, the best time to visit Japan is either April or November.

Visiting in April, you’ll get a chance to see the majestic Japanese cherry blossoms take over much of the country under relatively sunny skies and mild temperatures. Likewise, November sees the beauty of Japan’s fall foliage unfold.

Whatever time of year you choose to visit, be prepared for anything Japan will throw at you with this complete Japan packing list.

Is a Japan rail pass worth it?

Like many countries in Europe, Japan is a place that simply begs to be explored by train. The train system in Japan is one of the world’s most efficient and most innovative. It’s comfortable, quick, and convenient and is, by far, the easiest way to tackle your 10 days in Japan with gusto.

Want to save some serious coin? I’d highly recommend picking up a 7-Day Japan Rail Pass or 14-Day Japan Rail Pass. With little more than one or two longer shinkansen (bullet train) trips, a Japan rail pass will often pay for itself.

Not convinced yet? I’ve written up a short guide—”Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?“—to help you decide whether the Japan Rail Pass is the right move for your trip.

Other Japan travel planning resources

• Guidebooks: As much I rely on technology, I rarely travel without print guidebooks. Lonely Planet Japan provides one of the more comprehensive and up-to-date travel guides for Japan.
• Phrasebooks: Although it’s becoming easier to find English speakers in bigger Japanese cities, there’s no doubt you’ll run into language barriers in Japan. The Lonely Planet Japanese Phrasebook is a great partner to travel along with.
• Language learning resources: To go more into depth with learning Japanese, Teach Yourself Get Talking and Keep Talking Japanese is an excellent audio course for beginners. For a more comprehensive overview, check out Teach Yourself Complete Japanese.
• Vaccinations: There are no required vaccinations for Japan. The CDC recommends being up-to-date with your routine vaccines. Travelers should consider getting vaccinated against Hepatitis A & B and Japanese encephalitis if planning an extended trip or spending significant time outdoors and in rural areas.

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