The Ultimate 10 Day Travel Guide to Japan

Japan is full of beautiful cities, intriguing shrines, captivating culture, and jaw dropping architecture. This country exceeded all of my expectations and then some, so much so that Matt and I plan to head back one day.

But planning a trip to Japan can be slightly intimidating. English isn’t well spoken everywhere and getting around can look like a nightmare. So I’m making this dream vacation easy but putting together the ultimate 10 day travel guide to Japan for first timers.

Days 1-4 Kyoto

Kyoto is old world Japan. Known as the 1,000 year old capital, very little English is spoken and you feel as if you are walking through a museum. The entire city is built around shrines and temples and you don’t have to walk far to find one of these historical treasures. After our Japan trip was all said and done, Kyoto is hands down my favorite part of Japan.
For a more extensive look at Kyoto you can check out this post: How to explore Kyoto like a local.

Where to Stay- Kyoto Brighton Hotel

Temples and Shrines:

Yasaka Shrine – founded over 1350 years ago and is one of Kyoto’s most popular shrines

Kiyomizu Temple – Founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall and has stunning views of Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine – Famous for its thousands of vermilion gates, think Memoirs of a Geisha.

Ryoan-Ji – Discover zen at this temple with the famous rock garden. Founded in 1450 the creator of this magnificent garden is still unknown.

Kinkaku-Ji – One of Kyoto’s masterpieces, the Golden Pavilion was originally built in 1397 AD.\

The Cricket Temple – In Japan it is known as Suzumushi Temple. Go experience this temple, built in 1723, with lovely gardens and where the crickets sing year long. Wait in line for your turn to here the priest give his lesson on life, and every one is different. He only speaks Japanese and it is a treat to sit and listen to the beautiful language.

Things to Do:

Kyoto Imperial Palace – usually overlooked by visitors, yet this is an ethereal green area in the center of the city is full of history and some of the best examples of a Japanese Garden.

Pontocho Alley – Considered by many Kyoto residents the most beautiful street in the city, it is lined with shops and restaurants. No cars, modern buildings or gaudy signs are allowed.

A day trip to Nara – A day trip to Nara is a must. This diverse town was Japan’s first permanent capital from 710-794 and boasts 8 UNESCO World heritage sites. And there are deer, wild deer roaming everywhere – read more in this post: Discovering Nara: Japan’s Ancient City

Nijo Castle – Once the official residence of the shoguns, it gives an in-depth look at the old Japan lifestyle. The castle is known for its Nightingale corridors. The main halls of the castle were designed to chirp as they are walked on – to warn of intruders – by having the flooring nails rub against a jacket or clamp. It’s harmoniously intriguing and adds to the character of this prestigious castle.

Arashiyama – Arashiyama refers to the mountain across the Oi River and is a district in western Kyoto. Here you’ll find the Bamboo Groove, popular for its natural beauty, and quite a few temples and shrines to explore.

Path of Philosophy – Named after Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan’s most famous philosophers. He walked this path to meditate everyday on his way to Kyoto University. The stone path is lined with hundreds of cherry blossoms that create a beautiful display over the canal when in bloom….that I missed…by a week. I started at Eikan-Dō temple, which I LOVE, and the path ends at the Higashiyama District – your next stop!

Higashiyama District – Take a stroll through these narrow lanes full of wooden buildings that boast of shop vendors, food, and Japanese trinkets to gain a real feel for of the old capital city. This district goes between Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple.

Must Eats:

Honke Owariya – Go eat the best soba noodles of your life at this 552 year old restaurant. That’s right…FIVE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWO YEARS OLD. It originally opened as a confectionery shop in 1465, later switching to the ever amazing soba noodle house. Go to Honke Owariya – thank me later.

Den Shichi– Let’s talk sushi. You can’t go to Japan and NOT eat sushi. Den Shichi is not only mouth watering sushi but its the real deal experience. A tiny place with a few tables and about 10-12 seats at the sushi bar I was the only tourist in this non English speaking place and I loved every minute. So much so that I went back twice! Pro Tip – Eat the sushi pieces by hand, turning it over and only placing the fish in the soy sauce, and do not use too much soy sauce. For everything else – use chop sticks.

Day 5 – Hiroshima

Leave Kyoto in the morning and hop on the Shinkansen Train. Pro-Tip: Do NOT be late, Japanese trains do not mess around, they arrive on time to the second, and then they do not leave much time for you to board. So be on time and be efficient.

Hiroshima is definitely sobering for an American to experience. It is a eye opening to see what this country went through first hand during World War II, and the bombing that we put into action. What’s even more humbling is how the Japanese act about it today. It was a sorrowful yet enriching experience and one that every one should put into their Itinerary.

Where to Stay: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima

Things to Do:

Atomic Bomb Dome – The dome is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. When the bomb exploded on August 6, 1945, it was one of the few buildings to remain standing. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hirohsima’s past.

Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum – Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park is one of the most prominent features of the city. Before the bomb this area was the political and commercial heart of the city. For this reason it was chosen as the pilot’s target. The park’s main facility is the museum. The Peace Memorial Museum focuses on the events of the bomb and its outcome in human suffering. We were incredible lucky because we were able to sit in on a lecture given by a bomb survivor. It was something I will never forget.

Day 6 – Miyajima

Leave Hiroshima and take the ferry (right outside of the Grand Prince Hotel) to Miyajima Island. Also known as “Shrine Island” due to Itsukushima Shrine, arguable one of the most beautiful and well known shrines in Japan. There are also many Buddhist temples on the island.

This island is small enough to walk all over with lots of hiking paths to explore as well.

Where to Stay: Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto

Things To Do:

Mt. Misen – 500M high mountain that can be accessed by ropeway. Listed as one of “The Most Beautiful Views in Japan”. You’ll have a chance to see monkeys, temples and scenic vistas.

Daisho-in – one of the most important temples in Shingon Buddhism. See the sand mandala made by visiting monks from Tibet, and a cave filled with 88 icons representing the 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

Senjokaku – Pavilion of 1000 mats – this open air temple dates back to 1587. Known for its classic 5- story pagoda.

Omotesando Street – main street Miyajima. Restaurants, cafes, and shops line this cute little village street.

Where to Eat:

Kaki-ya – Famous for Japanese Oysters, and a great wine list!

Inachuu – specializes in dishes with anago eel. Be adventurous and have a bite.

Miyajima No Yado Iwasou – you’ll find a nice variety of Japanese dishes in this traditional Inn.

**Must Try** Momiji Manju is a type of Japanese pastry made in Miyajima and oh my its delicious! These little sweet treats are sold up and down the streets and come in a variety of flavors and come in the shape of a maple leaf. We even purchased some to take home but they didn’t make it through the trip…oops.

Day 7- 10 Tokyo

Depart by ferry and cab to Hiroshima Station, take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. Grab a lunch (and maybe a cocktail?) as this is about a four hour train ride.

Tokyo is one of the most hypnotizing cities I have ever been to. The city has a tendency to dance before you and the people are so kind. The best way to get to each of Tokyo’s neighborhoods is by train

Where to Stay:

Shinagawa Prince Hotel which was right across the street from a train station!

Things To Do:

Shibuya Crossing – Perhaps the busiest crossing in the world, sending people in every direction with each light change. A great way to say welcome to Tokyo! Hundreds of people and at peak times there is said to be over 1000 people that cross at a time. Its definitely a pretty exciting experience.

Yoyogi Park – Have a picnic in the park among the cherry blossoms if you are there when they are in season. This is one of Tokyo’s largest city parks, and also the location of the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Tokyo Imperial Palace – the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, it is a large park area with buildings including the main palace, which holds the private residences of the Imperial Family.

Ginza – A popular upscale shopping area of Tokyo, with numerous internationally renowned department stores, boutiques and restaurants. This area is recognized by many as one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world.

Golden Gai – The Golden Gia is a couple of blocks packed with tiny buzzing bars that are like something you have never seen before. Each bar is distinctly different and the number of customers that can squeeze into each establishment ranges from 5-30. These bars don’t even begin to open until the evening so make sure you plan accordingly.

Kaminari-mon – The Kaminari-mon is a symbol of Asakusa, and Nakamise-dori street runs from Kaminari – Mon gate to Senso-ji Temple. Its a beautiful street with a variety of shops carrying a variety of small articles made of Japanese-style paper.

Meiji Shrine– located in the Shibuya, Tokyo, is one of the largest shinto shrine that is dedicated to the defied spirits of the Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken.

There are so so so many great spots in Tokyo – the above are just a few of the great things Tokyo has to offer. Honestly, Matt and I just loved walking all over the city and ducking in and out of cafes, ramen bars, and just experiencing the culture. If you have more time to spend I definitely recommend taking an extra day or two here.