Days 1-3: Tokyo Deep Dive
Three full days allow you to go beyond Tokyo's highlights. Day 1: Asakusa (Senso-ji), Tokyo Skytree (¥2,100 for Tembo Deck), and Akihabara. Day 2: Tsukiji Outer Market for breakfast (budget ¥2,000), then teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills (¥3,800), followed by Roppongi and Tokyo Tower at night. Day 3: Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, Omotesando architecture walk, Shibuya Sky (¥2,000), and evening in Shinjuku's Golden Gai. The extra day versus 7 days means less rushing and time for neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa (vintage) or Yanaka (old Tokyo). Daily budget: ¥12,000-¥15,000.
Tip: Dedicate one evening to a department store basement (depachika) food hall — Isetan Shinjuku or Mitsukoshi Ginza are culinary wonderlands with free samples.
Day 4: Kamakura Day Trip
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura (55 minutes, covered by JR Pass). Visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in (¥300), explore the bamboo garden at Hokoku-ji (¥400 including matcha), climb to Hasedera temple for ocean views (¥400), and walk the atmospheric Komachi-dori shopping street for souvenirs and sweets. For lunch, try shirasu (tiny whitebait fish) on rice — Kamakura's local specialty (¥1,200-¥1,500). End the day at Enoshima Island if time permits — the views of Fuji over the ocean at sunset are spectacular. Day total: ¥5,000-¥8,000.
Tip: Rent a bicycle near Kamakura Station (¥600/day) to cover more ground. The town is compact but spread out enough that cycling saves significant time between temples.
Days 5-6: Hakone and Kyoto Transfer
Day 5: Activate your 14-day JR Pass. Hakone loop day trip from Tokyo. Stay overnight in Hakone at a ryokan for the full hot spring experience (from ¥15,000/person with dinner and breakfast at Ichinoyu Honkan). Day 6: Morning onsen soak, then train to Kyoto. From Hakone-Yumoto to Odawara (15 min), then Shinkansen to Kyoto (2 hours). Afternoon arrival in Kyoto gives time for Nishiki Market grazing and an evening walk through lantern-lit Gion.
Tip: A ryokan overnight in Hakone is the best introduction to Japanese bathing culture before heading to Kyoto. Book one with a private outdoor bath (rotenburo) for maximum relaxation.
Days 7-8: Kyoto Immersion
Two full days in Kyoto allow proper exploration without rushing. Day 7: Eastern Kyoto — Kiyomizu-dera (¥400), walk through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka historic lanes, Kodai-ji temple (¥600), and afternoon at the Philosopher's Path with stops at Nanzen-ji (free grounds) and Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavilion (¥500). Day 8: Western/Northern Kyoto — Kinkaku-ji (¥500), Ryoan-ji rock garden (¥500), Arashiyama bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji (¥500), monkey park (¥550), and boat rides on the Hozu River (¥4,100). Evening: Pontocho alley dinner. Daily budget: ¥8,000-¥12,000.
Tip: Start Day 7 at Kiyomizu-dera at opening (6 AM) — you will have 30 minutes nearly alone before tour buses arrive from 7:30 AM onwards.
Day 9: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima (100 minutes, JR Pass). Visit the Peace Memorial Museum (¥200) and A-Bomb Dome — allow 2 hours for the emotionally powerful exhibits. Then ferry to Miyajima Island (10 minutes from Hiroshima Port, JR Pass covers JR ferry). See the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine (¥300), hike or take the ropeway to Mt. Misen summit (¥1,840 return) for island panoramas, and enjoy grilled oysters (¥300 each) and momiji manju (maple-shaped cakes, ¥100). Return to Kyoto or continue to Osaka. Day total: ¥6,000-¥10,000.
Tip: Check tide tables — the torii gate floats at high tide and you can walk to its base at low tide. Both perspectives are photogenic but high tide is more iconic.
Day 10: Osaka and Departure
Final day in Osaka — Japan's kitchen. Morning: Osaka Castle area (¥600 tower entry). Late morning: Kuromon Market for the freshest sashimi and wagyu beef bites (¥3,000 grazing budget). Afternoon: Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi for street food and last-minute shopping. Must-try: takoyaki at Wanaka (¥600), gyoza at Chao Chao (¥500), and cheesecake at Rikuro Ojisan (¥895 whole cake, perfect airport snack). For Kansai Airport: Nankai rapi:t express from Namba (34 minutes, ¥1,290). Total 10-day budget excluding flights/accommodation: ¥100,000-¥140,000 per person.
