When is the best time to visit Japan?

Spring (March-May) for Cherry Blossoms and Autumn (October-November) for fall colors are the most popular. Winter (Dec-Feb) is great for skiing and fewer crowds. Summer is very hot and humid.

Due to recent price increases, a JR Pass is only worth it if you are doing extensive travel (e.g., Tokyo to Osaka and back, plus another city). For a one-way Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka trip, individual tickets are often cheaper.

Japan is no longer as expensive as it used to be. Food is high quality and affordable. Hotels vary, but there are plenty of mid-range options. Transport is the biggest cost.

Can I use credit cards in Japan?

Japan is still quite cash-heavy, especially at small shrines, local shops, and traditional restaurants. Always carry some Yen, but major stores and hotels accept cards.

How do I get around cities?

Public transport in Japan is world-class. Trains and buses are punctual and clean. Apps like Google Maps are very accurate for train times and costs.

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Japan 10-Day Travel Itinerary

Tradition Meets Tomorrow: Ancient Temples, Bullet Trains, and Neon Cities

10 Days

$1750 - $12000+

Japan

Land of the Rising Sun: Day-by-Day

Day 1: Neon Nights in Tokyo

Morning

Arrive at Narita/Haneda & check-in to Shinjuku

Shinjuku

Afternoon

Meiji Jingu Shrine & Harajuku's Takeshita Street

Harajuku

Evening

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue dinner

Shibuya

💡 Pro Tip:

Get a Suica or Pasmo card immediately for seamless metro travel. Shibuya Sky sunset views are best booked in advance.

Estimated Cost: $60-$120

Day 2: Old Tokyo & Akihabara

Morning

Senso-ji Temple & Nakamise-dori Market

Asakusa

Afternoon

Tokyo Skytree views & Sumida Park

Asakusa

Evening

Akihabara Electric Town & themed cafe

Akihabara

💡 Pro Tip:

Asakusa is the heart of 'Shitamachi' (Old Tokyo). Try the melon pan near the temple.

Estimated Cost: $50-$100

Day 3: Digital Art & Luxury

Morning

teamLab Borderless or Planets digital art

Odaiba/Toyosu

Afternoon

Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh sushi lunch

Tsukiji

Evening

Ginza luxury shopping & cocktail bars

Ginza

💡 Pro Tip:

Tsukiji Outer Market is still the best place for fresh seafood, even though the wholesale market moved.

Estimated Cost: $80-$160

Day 4: Mt. Fuji Day Trip

Morning

Express bus or train to Lake Kawaguchiko

Mt. Fuji area

Afternoon

Chureito Pagoda views & Oishi Park

Kawaguchiko

Evening

Return to Tokyo for dinner in Omoide Yokocho

Shinjuku

💡 Pro Tip:

Visibility of Mt. Fuji is better in the morning. Check the Fuji-visibility forecast before going.

Estimated Cost: $70-$120

Day 5: Bullet Train to Kyoto

Morning

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto (2.5 hours)

Kyoto

Afternoon

Nishiki 'Kitchen' Market & Teramachi Street

Kyoto center

Evening

Gion District walk & Pontocho Alley dinner

Gion

💡 Pro Tip:

Gion is where you might spot Geishas. Be respectful and do not block their path or take photos where prohibited.

Estimated Cost: $120-$200 (including Shinkansen)

Day 6: Zen Gardens & Golden Pavilions

Morning

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

North Kyoto

Afternoon

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama

Evening

Tenryu-ji Temple & Togetsukyo Bridge

Arashiyama

💡 Pro Tip:

Arashiyama is best early in the morning. Visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama for great views of Kyoto.

Estimated Cost: $60-$110

Day 7: Torii Gates & Nara Deer

Pre-dawn

Fushimi Inari-taisha (Thousands of Torii Gates)

South Kyoto

Morning

Train to Nara (45 mins)

Nara

Afternoon

Nara Park (Deer), Todai-ji (Big Buddha) & Kasuga Taisha

Nara

Evening

Return to Kyoto

Kyoto

💡 Pro Tip:

Fushimi Inari is open 24/7. Hike to the top for fewer crowds and a beautiful view. Nara deer can be greedy—watch your bags!

Estimated Cost: $50-$90

Day 8: Osaka - The Nation's Kitchen

Morning

Local train to Osaka (30 mins) & Osaka Castle

Osaka

Afternoon

Umeda Sky Building or Cup Noodle Museum

Umeda

Evening

Dotonbori food & neon sign exploration

Dotonbori

💡 Pro Tip:

In Osaka, 'Kuidaore' means to ruin oneself by extravagance in food. Follow the locals' lead in Dotonbori.

Estimated Cost: $60-$120

Day 9: Universal Studios or Himeji Castle

All Day

Universal Studios Japan (Super Nintendo World) OR Himeji Castle Day Trip

Osaka/Himeji

Evening

Last night dinner in Shinsekai

Shinsekai

💡 Pro Tip:

If going to USJ, you MUST have a timed entry ticket for Super Nintendo World. Book weeks in advance.

Estimated Cost: $100-$180

Day 10: Last Bites & Departure

Morning

Kuromon Ichiba Market for street food breakfast

Osaka

Afternoon

Last-minute souvenir shopping at Don Quijote

Osaka

Evening

Transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX)

KIX Airport

💡 Pro Tip:

Don Quijote (Donki) is the best place for unique Japanese snacks and souvenirs to bring home.

Estimated Cost: $40-$80

Japan 10-Day Trip Budget

Plan your expenses for the perfect trip

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation (9 nights)	$800-$1200	$2000-$3500	$6000+
Meals & Drinks	$400-$600	$900-$1500	$3000+
JR Pass / Shinkansen	$350-$500	$500-$800	$1500+
Attractions & USJ	$200-$400	$500-$900	$1500+
TOTAL (per person)	$1750-$2700	$3900-$6700	$12000+

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