Overview
Japan rewards a route that mixes a modern capital with the old capital. Ten days is enough to do Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka properly without rushing connections every day.
Best time to visit
Late March-April (cherry blossoms) or October-November (autumn colour) are the most rewarding but busiest and priciest. June-August is hot and humid with a rainy start; January-February is cold but quiet with good ski access near Tokyo and Kyoto.
Suggested day-by-day
- Days 1-4: Tokyo - Shibuya/Shinjuku, Asakusa, a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura, a museum or teamLab day.
- Day 5: Shinkansen to Kyoto via Nagoya or direct.
- Days 5-8: Kyoto - Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Gion, a half-day in Nara for the deer park and temples.
- Days 9-10: Osaka - Dotonbori food crawl, Osaka Castle, optional day trip to Kobe.
Practical tips
Buy a regional JR Pass only if your route justifies it - for a Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka loop, individual Shinkansen tickets are sometimes cheaper than the national pass since the 2023 price increase. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card on arrival for trains, buses and convenience stores. Book the Ghibli Museum and any sumo or kabuki tickets well in advance - they sell out.