You’ve finally carved out the time, booked the flight, and committed to seeing Japan for yourself. Ten days, no do-overs. But where do you even begin in a country that offers centuries of history, ultra-modern cities, volcanic coastlines, and some of the best food on the planet?

We’ve been there. As a family, we’ve taken multiple trips to Japan and explored every region we’re about to recommend. From navigating Tokyo’s train stations with kids in tow to stumbling upon quiet mountain towns that didn’t make the guidebooks, we’ve lived the trial and error so you don’t have to.

This guide is designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the best of Japan without rushing through it. It’s built on real moments: the ramen shops we returned to twice in one trip, the temples that felt unexpectedly moving, and the train rides that turned into highlights of their own.

Whether you’re drawn to ancient shrines, neighbourhood izakayas, scenic hikes, or neon skylines, our ten-day itinerary options blend the iconic with the personal so your first visit to Japan doesn’t just check boxes, it leaves an impression.

Understanding Japan Distances and Travel Times

When you think about visiting Japan it is a good idea to get your head around the size of Japan and the typical places people visit, and how long it will take you to get around.  The majority of first time visitors to Japan will typically visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with many also visiting Hiroshima.  The four cities can be visualised as a straight west to east line as you can catch a single train line which stops in all 4 cities.  The distances are travel times are as follows:

• Tokyo to Kyoto is a 457km / 284 mi distance which takes approximately 2:30 hours on the Shinkansen bullet train. Kyoto does not have an airport, so flights arrive in Osaka.
• Kyoto to Osaka is a 55km / 34 mi distance which takes approximately 30 minutes on the bullet train. There are also many local transport options to travel between the two cities. The train from Tokyo to Osaka takes approximately 2:50 hours.  Flights from Tokyo to Osaka take approximately 1 hour.
• Osaka to Hiroshima is a 326km/203km distance which takes approximately 1:45 hours on the Shinkansen bullet train.

When you plan your Japan itinerary, you should therefore consider transportation options to minimise backtracking, which will then save you time and money on your trip. 

Flights to Japan

Google Flights is a great option to find the best value flights for your trip to Japan.  Once you have researched options, we recommend you purchase your flights directly with your preferred airline.

Two 10 Day Itineraries for First Time Visitors to Japan

The two proposed 10-day itineraries for first-time visitors to Japan are summarised below, with further details to follow:

• The ‘Classic’ Golden Route First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
• The ‘Extended’ First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Mt Fuji/Hakone Region, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima

When you are planning your trip you may also be interested in checking out my article – Best Time to Visit Japan Including Tokyo, Kyoto and Sapporo.

The ‘Classic’ Golden Route First Time Japan Trip – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka 10 Day Itinerary

For first-time visitors to Japan, the main sights most people want to see are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima.  The great thing is that each of these cities is well connected by the Shinkansen or bullet train system, and you can travel quickly between cities.

My sample 10-day itinerary for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima is as detailed below.  Obviously, the specific activities for each day also need to be further considered based on your particular interests and the events available during your visit.  An advantage of this itinerary is that you have a bit more time in each location to explore, rather than moving around every couple of days.

• Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo. Click here to check out our detailed article on what to do in Tokyo.
• Day 2 – Explore Tokyo – Tour
• Day 3 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 4 – Disneysea/Disneyland or day tour to Mt Fuji. Click here to check out our detailed article on the best day tours to visit Mt Fuji.
• Day 5 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 6 –  Catch train to Kyoto (2:30 hrs), Gion evening tour
• Day 7 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 8 – Universal Studios Day Tour
• Day 9 – Nara or Hiroshima Day Tour
• Day 10 – Depart Osaka

If you prefer to travel independently, it’s easy to book your own accommodation and transportation.

Click here to check out our detailed articles on how to get around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

The ‘Extended’ First Time Japan Trip 10 Day Itinerary – Tokyo, Mt Fuji/Hakone Region, Kyoto and Osaka

The ‘Extended’ itinerary for Japan enables you to explore the Mt Fuji/Hakone area, however you will not have as much time in each location.

• Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo. Click here to check out our detailed article on what to do in Tokyo.
• Day 2 – Explore Tokyo – Tour
• Day 3 – Disneysea/Disneyland
• Day 4 – Catch Shinkansen to Mt Fuji (Odawara Station – 0:35 hrs). Stay in onsen
• Day 5 – Explore Mt Fuji / Hakone region. Check out our detailed guide on how to explore the Hakone Region.
• Day 6 – Catch train to Kyoto (2:15 hrs). Explore Kyoto, Gion evening tour
• Day 7 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 8 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 9 – Universal Studios, day trip to Nara or day trip to Hiroshima
• Day 10 – Depart from Osaka

If you prefer to travel independently it is easy to book your own accommodation and transport.

Click here to check out our detailed articles on how to get around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Hopefully you now have a much better perspective on some of the itinerary options which are available for a 10 day stay in Japan for first timers.

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