Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

10-Day Japan Itinerary: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, USJ & Tokyo (Jan 9‑18, 2026)

Viewed by 373 travelers

Day 1 (Jan 9): Arrival in Osaka & Dotonbori Exploration

Morning: Arrive at Kansai International Airport, take the Nankai Express to Namba and check into your hotel. Refresh and enjoy a quick stroll around the lively Dotonbori canal.

Afternoon: Dive into Osaka’s street food scene with takoyaki and okonomiyaki at Kuromon Market, then wander the shopping arcades of Shinsaibashi.

Evening: Experience the neon lights of Dotonbori, snap photos of the iconic Glico sign, and unwind with a river cruise.

Find Hotels

Day 2 (Jan 10): Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building

Morning: Visit the historic Osaka Castle, explore its museum and stroll through the surrounding park.

Afternoon: Head to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory.

Evening: Dine in the bustling Umeda district and enjoy rooftop bars overlooking the city skyline.

Find Hotels

Day 3 (Jan 11): Day Trip to Kyoto

Morning: Take a rapid train to Kyoto and start at Fushimi Inari Taisha, walking through thousands of vermilion torii gates.

Afternoon: Visit the golden pavilion of Kinkaku‑ji, then wander the historic streets of Gion for a glimpse of geisha culture.

Evening: Return to Osaka and relax with a casual dinner in the Namba area.

Find Hotels

Day 4 (Jan 12): Day Trip to Nara

Morning: Catch a train to Nara and explore Todai‑ji Temple, home to the massive Great Buddha statue.

Afternoon: Stroll through Nara Park, feed friendly deer, and visit Kasuga Taisha shrine.

Evening: Head back to Osaka, enjoy a quiet evening at your hotel, or explore a local izakaya.

Find Hotels

Day 5 (Jan 13): Universal Studios Japan (USJ)

Morning: Arrive early at Universal Studios Japan to beat the crowds and start with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Afternoon: Ride the thrilling attractions such as Jurassic Park – The Ride and Minion Park, and catch a live show.

Evening: Stay for the night parade, then return to Osaka for a late‑night snack in the Shin‑Sakana district.

Find Hotels

Day 6 (Jan 14): Travel to Tokyo & Shibuya

Morning: Take the Shinkansen to Tokyo, check into your hotel in Shinjuku, and drop off luggage.

Afternoon: Dive straight into the scramble at Shibuya Crossing, explore Shibuya Center‑Gate, and visit the Hachikō statue.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in the lively Shibuya izakayas and soak up the neon atmosphere.

Find Hotels

Day 7 (Jan 15): Asakusa & Akihabara

Morning: Wander the historic streets of Asakusa, visit Senso‑ji Temple, and browse the Nakamise shopping lane.

Afternoon: Head to Akihabara for electronics, anime merchandise, and a themed café experience.

Evening: Return to Shinjuku for a rooftop dinner with views of the Tokyo skyline.

Find Hotels

Day 8 (Jan 16): Harajuku, Meiji Shrine & Shinjuku Gyoen

Morning: Stroll through Meiji Shrine forested grounds, then explore the quirky fashion scene of Harajuku (Takeshita‑dori).

Afternoon: Relax in the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, perfect for a picnic.

Evening: Experience the nightlife of Kabukicho, perhaps catching a karaoke session.

Find Hotels

Day 9 (Jan 17): Odaiba & Tokyo Skytree

Morning: Travel to Odaiba, enjoy the futuristic architecture, and visit the teamLab Borderless digital art museum.

Afternoon: Walk along the seaside promenade, ride the Ferris wheel, and shop at DiverCity.

Evening: Conclude the day with a visit to Tokyo Skytree for breathtaking night views.

Find Hotels

Day 10 (Jan 18): Tsukiji Market & Departure

Morning: Savor fresh sushi at the outer Tsukiji Market and browse the food stalls.

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping in Ginza or relax in Hamarikyu Gardens before heading to the airport.

Evening: Depart from Haneda/Narita with memories of an unforgettable Japan adventure.

Find Hotels

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Dotonbori – 2 hrs – Free (food costs optional)
  • Kuromon Market – 1.5 hrs – Free (meals ¥1,500‑¥3,000)
  • Osaka Castle – 2 hrs – ¥600 admission
  • Umeda Sky Building – 1 hr – ¥1,500
  • Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto) – 2 hrs – Free
  • Kinkaku‑ji (Kyoto) – 1 hr – ¥400
  • Gion (Kyoto) – 1.5 hrs – Free
  • Todai‑ji (Nara) – 1 hr – ¥600
  • Nara Park – 2 hrs – Free (deer feed ¥200)
  • Kasuga Taisha (Nara) – 1 hr – Free
  • Universal Studios Japan – Full day – ¥8,900 (1‑day pass)
  • Shibuya Crossing – 1 hr – Free
  • Senso‑ji (Asakusa) – 1 hr – Free
  • Akihabara – 2 hrs – Free (shopping optional)
  • Meiji Shrine – 1 hr – Free
  • Harajuku (Takeshita‑dori) – 1.5 hrs – Free
  • Shinjuku Gyoen – 1.5 hrs – ¥500
  • teamLab Borderless (Odaiba) – 2 hrs – ¥3,200
  • Tokyo Skytree – 1 hr – ¥2,100 (Tembo Deck)
  • Tsukiji Outer Market – 2 hrs – Meals ¥2,000‑¥4,000
  • Transport (Shinkansen & local) – 10 days – Approx. ¥30,000 (JR Pass)

Total Estimated Cost: ¥66,600 (excluding meals, souvenirs, and optional activities)

Tips

If you need more time in Kyoto’s cultural sites, consider shifting a half‑day from Tokyo to add an extra night in Kyoto and reduce one night in Tokyo. Conversely, for a faster pace, you can skip the evening stroll in Nara and head straight back to Osaka, freeing up afternoon time for additional shopping in Osaka’s Nipponbashi district.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version