Japan 10-Day Route: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto and Osaka

This 10-day Japan itinerary covers Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, and Osaka across 1,785 km. The route includes iconic stops like Senso-ji Temple and Asakusa District, Shibuya Crossing, teamLab Planets Digital Art Museum, Fuji Kawaguchiko Onsen Hotel with Mt. Fuji views, and Kyoto's Yasaka Shrine and Fushimi Inari Shrine, optimized to minimize backtracking using efficient train and car transportation.

Distance
1785.4 km
Mode
route
Start
Day 0: Travel to Tokyo
End
Ninenzaka Traditional Shopping Street
Stops
14
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Day 0: Travel to Tokyo — Japan's sprawling capital and largest metropolis, blending ultra-modern skyscrapers with traditional temples and shrines.
  2. Day 2: Asakusa — Historic neighborhood centered on Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest shrine, featuring traditional wooden architecture and bustling shopping streets.
  3. Day 3: Shibuya & Akihabara — Shibuya is known for its iconic scramble crossing and youth culture, while Akihabara is the electric town famous for electronics and anime shops.
  4. Day 7: Kyoto Pt. 1 — Ancient imperial capital featuring thousands of temples, traditional geisha districts, and beautiful gardens representing classical Japanese culture.
  5. Day 9: Universal Studios Japan — Major theme park in Osaka featuring Hollywood attractions, Japanese-exclusive experiences, and entertainment for all ages.
  6. Kyoto Arrival via Shinkansen Bullet Train — Arrival point via bullet train from Tokyo; transfer to Chapter Kyoto hotel.
  7. Aloft Hotel Ginza — Hotel base in Ginza district; starting point for Asakusa Metro journey on Asakusa Line.
  8. Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa District — 20-minute Metro ride from Ginza on Asakusa Line; visit Senso-ji Temple, shopping, and local cafes.
  9. Shibuya Crossing — Famous pedestrian crossing in Shibuya district; iconic Tokyo viewing spot.
  10. Akihabara Electronics & Gaming District — Gaming and electronics hub in central Tokyo.
  11. teamLab Planets Digital Art Museum — Digital art installation museum; popular Instagram destination.
  12. Yasaka Shrine — Traditional Japanese shrine in Kyoto; cultural and spiritual experience.
  13. Fushimi Inari Shrine — Famous torii gate shrine; visited early morning departure.
  14. Ninenzaka Traditional Shopping Street — Traditional Japanese architecture and local dining; includes Masaichi restaurant with tatami mats.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Haneda Airport is preferred but not worth extra cost if flights cheaper to Narita. Haneda is 30 min from Tokyo Central Station; Narita is 1 hour. Use train instead of taxi (cheapest option vs ~$100 taxi fare).
Where to stay
Stay near main subway lines in Tokyo for easy access to all areas. Hotels extremely expensive; use hotel points if available. Aloft Hotel Ginza is a good option.
Food
Michelin-listed ramen at ekigari Ramen (Ginza area) has silky golden chicken ramen. Expect 20-minute wait. Arrives tired from jet lag, ramen is worth it.
Timing
Most coffee shops in Tokyo open at 10am or noon. For early coffee, use 7-Eleven. Popular places like Bonding Coffee (opens 10am) have 30-45 min waits; arrive early.
Tip
Book teamLab Planets tickets months in advance as they sell out. Wear shorts; water is high in some areas. Entry ~$25 USD per person.
Food
Tsukiji Outer Market closes in afternoon and gets crowded. Arrive early to try fresh local Japanese food and market variety.
Transport
Book international driver's license at AAA before renting car. Rent car with ETC card to use toll roads without stopping. Drive on left side of road.
Transport
Shinkansen bullet train Tokyo to Kyoto: ~2 hours 15 minutes, ~$130 per person. Book tickets online ahead. Includes luggage storage and assigned seat.
Food
Buy ekiben (box lunch) at train stations before boarding. Many options available for train ride enjoyment.
Timing
Fushimi Inari Shrine: arrive by 7:30am to beat crowds and hike to mountain summit for less-crowded views. Don't stop halfway; continue to top.
Timing
Bamboo forest in Kyoto: arrive by 7:15am to avoid crowds. By 8am it's already packed. Bamboo stocks are ~90 feet tall.
Timing
Nishiki Market in Kyoto: arrive around 10:30-11am before it gets packed. Visit vendors early for small portions and variety of Japanese foods.

Video on this route

Japan Travel Planning Made Easy: 10-Day Itinerary for First-Timers

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