10 Days Japan Tour Recommendation

Here’s a recommended 10 days itinerary for those who want to enjoy a holiday in Japan. This private 10 days Japan tour follows the Golden Ring route, allowing you to explore Japan’s charming countryside destinations such as Fuji Kawaguchiko, Kamikochi, Shirakawago, Takayama, Toyama, and Kanazawa, combined with the vibrant city experiences of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Day 1 Tokyo

Asakusa

Asakusa is one of Tokyo’s most famous districts, best known for Sensō ji Temple, the city’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. The area retains a traditional atmosphere, with bustling shopping streets like Nakamise dori, lined with stalls selling local snacks, souvenirs, and crafts. Visitors can also enjoy rickshaw rides, riverside views along the Sumida River, and the contrast between historic temples and modern landmarks such as the nearby Tokyo Skytree.

Odaiba

Odaiba is a futuristic entertainment district built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It offers a mix of shopping, dining, and attractions, from teamLab Borderless digital art museum to the life size Unicorn Gundam statue. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront views of the Rainbow Bridge, relax at seaside parks, and explore landmarks like Palette Town and DiverCity Tokyo Plaza. With its blend of modern architecture, technology, and leisure, Odaiba is a must-visit spot for both families and couples.

Day 2 Fuji

Gotemba Premium Outlet

Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan’s largest and most popular outlet shopping malls, located near the base of Mount Fuji. With more than 200 international and Japanese brand stores, it offers luxury fashion, lifestyle goods, and great bargains. The open-air layout provides stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days, making shopping here a unique experience that blends retail therapy with sightseeing.

Fuji Kawaguchiko

Fuji Kawaguchiko is one of the best places to enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially from Lake Kawaguchi. The area is famous for its natural beauty, hot springs, seasonal flower parks, and traditional ryokan stays. It’s also a great spot to experience cultural attractions like the Chureito Pagoda and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and boat rides on the lake.

Day 3 Matsumoto

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle, also known as the “Crow Castle” for its striking black exterior, is one of Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved original castles. Surrounded by a moat and scenic views of the Japanese Alps, it offers a glimpse into samurai history and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore its wooden interiors, steep staircases, and exhibits showcasing weapons and armor.

Wasabi Farm

Daio Wasabi Farm in Azumino is Japan’s largest wasabi farm, famous for its lush green fields and clear spring water streams. Visitors can stroll along scenic walking paths, see traditional water mills, and taste unique wasabi-flavored treats such as wasabi ice cream and wasabi soba. It’s a refreshing stop that combines nature, culture, and local flavor.

Day 4 Kamikochi Takayama

Kamikochi Spot

Kamikochi is a breathtaking alpine valley in the Japanese Alps, known for its clear rivers, wooden suspension bridges, and panoramic mountain views. It’s a paradise for nature lovers, offering scenic walking trails and seasonal beauty, especially during spring and autumn.

Takayama Old Town

Takayama Old Town is a beautifully preserved district with traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and charming streets that reflect the atmosphere of Edo period Japan. Visitors can stroll through Sanmachi Suji, sample local delicacies, and enjoy the blend of history and culture in this mountain town.

Day 5 Alpine Route Toyama

Tateyama Alpine Route

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a spectacular mountain sightseeing route through the Japanese Alps, famous for its dramatic landscapes, massive snow walls in spring, and stunning views year round. Visitors can experience a variety of transport modes cable cars, ropeways, and buses while enjoying breathtaking alpine scenery.

Toyama

Toyama is a coastal city on the Sea of Japan, known for its fresh seafood, historic castle park, and as the gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It offers a blend of nature, history, and modern charm, making it a relaxing stop on your journey through central Japan.

Day 6 Kanazawa

Kanazawa Castle

Kanazawa Castle is a historic landmark surrounded by beautiful gardens and impressive stone walls. Once the seat of the powerful Maeda clan, the castle grounds now offer peaceful walking paths and seasonal scenery, making it a highlight of Kanazawa’s samurai heritage.

Kenrokuen Garden

Kenrokuen Garden is one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens, celebrated for its seasonal beauty, teahouses, and serene walking paths. With ponds, stone lanterns, and traditional bridges, it offers a perfect example of classic Japanese garden design.

Higashi Chaya District

Higashi Chaya District is Kanazawa’s historic geisha district, known for its traditional wooden teahouses, narrow streets, and cultural charm. Visitors can enjoy tea experiences, explore craft shops, and soak in the atmosphere of old Japan.

Day 7 Shirakawago Gifu

Shirakawago Old House

Shirakawago is a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its gassho zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs, designed to withstand heavy snow. Visitors can explore traditional houses, learn about rural life, and enjoy stunning scenery in every season.

Gifu City

Gifu City is known for its historic Gifu Castle perched on Mount Kinka and the traditional cormorant fishing on the Nagara River. The city blends history, culture, and scenic views, offering a unique glimpse into Japan’s heritage.

Day 8 Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto’s most iconic Shinto shrine, famous for its thousands of bright red torii gates winding up Mount Inari. It’s a spiritual and scenic spot that combines cultural heritage with beautiful hiking trails.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a scenic district in western Kyoto, best known for its Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and beautiful riverside and mountain views. It’s especially popular in autumn and spring for its seasonal landscapes and cultural sites.

Day 9 Osaka

Osaka Caslte

Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, surrounded by vast park grounds and moats. The castle features a striking main tower with a museum inside and offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

Shinsekai

Shinsekai is a retro district in Osaka with a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere, lively street food stalls, and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. It’s a great place to try local specialties like kushikatsu while enjoying the old-fashioned charm of the city.

Day 10 Tokyo

Akihabara

Akihabara, often called “Electric Town”, is Tokyo’s hub for electronics, anime, manga, and gaming culture. The district is filled with multi-story shops selling gadgets, computers, collectibles, and rare anime merchandise. It’s also famous for themed cafés, especially maid cafés, that offer a quirky and uniquely Japanese experience. At night, Akihabara lights up with neon signs and billboards, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both tech lovers and pop culture fans.

Ginza

Ginza is Tokyo’s most upscale shopping district, filled with luxury boutiques, department stores, fine dining, and art galleries. Known for its modern architecture and vibrant nightlife, it’s the perfect place to experience Tokyo’s elegance and style.