Japan 10-Day Classic
Ten days on the Golden Route plus its two great extensions: Nara's bowing deer from Kyoto and an overnight in Hiroshima with Miyajima's floating torii.
Trip overview
- Nara's deer without changing hotels
- Miyajima's torii in morning light
- Kyoto gets a true third day
Best time to visit
October–November is the connoisseur's window — foliage, clear skies, softer crowds. Sakura weeks are magnificent but book everything months ahead.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Tokyo — Arrive
- 🏮16:00Asakusa at dusk & early dinner
- 🏮
Day 2 · Tokyo — Modern West
- ⛩️09:00Meiji Shrine & Harajuku
- 🌃16:00Shibuya & Shinjuku evening
- ⛩️
Day 3 · Tokyo — Center
- 🍣08:30Tsukiji Outer Market & Ginza
- 🖼️16:00Odaiba or museums
- 🍣
Day 4 · Hakone — Onsen Night
- 🚡09:30Hakone loop & ropeway
- ♨️17:00Ryokan onsen & kaiseki
- 🚡
Day 5 · Kyoto — Higashiyama
- 🚄11:00Shinkansen to Kyoto
- 🛕15:00Yasaka to Kiyomizu-dera at golden hour
- 🚄
Day 6 · Kyoto — Dawn Torii & Bamboo
- ⛩️07:00Fushimi Inari at dawn
- 🎋11:00Arashiyama & the Philosopher's Path
- ⛩️
Day 7 · Nara Day Trip
- 🛕09:00Todai-ji's Great Buddha
- 🦌12:00Nara Park's bowing deer
- 🏮16:00Back to Kyoto for dinner
- 🛕
Day 8 · Hiroshima
- 🚄09:00Shinkansen west
- 🕊️14:00Peace Memorial Park & museum
- 🥞19:00Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki dinner
- 🚄
Day 9 · Miyajima & On to Osaka
- ⛩️08:30Ferry to Miyajima's floating torii
- 🚄15:00Shinkansen to Osaka
- 🐙19:00Dotonbori dinner
- ⛩️
Day 10 · Osaka — Finale
- 🏯09:30Osaka Castle & Kuromon Market
- 🍢18:00Shinsekai farewell kushikatsu
- 🏯
Budget
Estimated total cost: 1,200 USD for 10 days.
Includes accommodation, local transport, food, and activities. International flights not included.
Travel tips
- October–November is the connoisseur's window — foliage, clear skies, softer crowds. Sakura weeks are magnificent but book everything months ahead.
- Carry local currency for small eateries and street food; cards are widely accepted in cities.
- Book popular restaurants in advance during peak season.
- Use public transit where possible — most stops in Tokyo are tourist-friendly.
Recommended restaurants
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