10-Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara

Morning

Start at Tokyo Skytree when it opens, generally from 10:00 AM (opening times can vary, so check the official calendar before leaving). Allow about two hours for the Tembo Deck and, if visibility is good, the higher Tembo Galleria; tickets typically start around ¥2,100–¥3,100 depending on the floors and booking method. From Asakusa, it is an easy 15-minute walk across the Sumida River, or one stop on the Tobu Skytree Line. On a clear morning you’ll see the Sumida River, Asakusa, and much of the Tokyo skyline—September can be hazy, so don’t worry if Mount Fuji is not visible.

Walk back toward Senso-ji, entering through Kaminarimon and following Nakamise Shopping Street toward the main hall. The temple grounds are free and open all day, while most shops generally begin opening around 10:00 AM. Take your time around the side lanes rather than only following the central shopping street; the quieter streets behind the temple have small cafés and traditional craft shops. For lunch, settle into Asakusa Imahan, known for beautifully marbled wagyu sukiyaki. Budget roughly ¥5,000–¥10,000 per person, and reserve if possible—lunch service is usually more manageable than dinner, but this is a popular stop.

Afternoon and Evening

After lunch, take the Ginza Subway Line from Asakusa to Ueno—about five minutes, plus walking—or use a taxi if you are carrying shopping. Spend the afternoon in Ueno Park, where the shaded paths and lotus ponds make a pleasant contrast to Asakusa’s busy streets. The park itself is free; individual museums usually charge around ¥500–¥2,000 and often close around 5:00 PM, so treat the museums as optional rather than trying to fit one in at the end of the day. Finish on Ameyoko Shopping Street, directly beside Ueno Station, where market stalls, discount shops, izakaya, and snack counters stay lively into the evening. Try grilled seafood or fruit, but keep some cash handy—smaller vendors may not accept cards.

Morning

Begin at Meiji Shrine around 8:00 AM, entering through the broad forested approach from Harajuku Station. The shrine grounds are free and usually open from sunrise until sunset; allow about 90 minutes for the quiet walk, shrine buildings, and possible wedding processions. Keep your voice low and follow the purification ritual at the temizuya before approaching the main hall. From the shrine’s south exit, it is only a few minutes to Takeshita Street, where the atmosphere changes completely: expect crowds, vintage clothing, character goods, and long queues for colorful crepes. Spend about an hour here, but avoid buying too much early in the day—shops and side streets around Ura-Harajuku are better for browsing calmly.

Lunch

Walk back toward the Omotesando side of Harajuku for Harajuku Gyoza Lou, a small, casual favorite known for pan-fried and boiled gyoza. A meal generally costs ¥1,000–¥2,000, and queues are common around noon, so arriving slightly before 12:00 PM helps. Seating is simple and turnover is quick. After lunch, take the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line from Meiji-jingumae to Omote-sando—or walk roughly 15 minutes—then continue toward the quieter Aoyama streets.

Afternoon and Evening

Spend the afternoon at the Nezu Museum, open approximately 10:00 AM–5:00 PM and generally closed on Mondays; admission is usually around ¥1,300–¥1,500 depending on the exhibition. Its collection of Japanese and East Asian art is thoughtfully displayed, but the real pleasure is the landscaped garden, where stone paths, ponds, and tea-house views provide a welcome break from Harajuku’s energy. Allow two hours, and check the exhibition schedule before going. Later, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line from Omote-sando to Shibuya—about two minutes—or walk for 20–25 minutes. Finish at Shibuya Crossing around dusk, watching the scramble from street level before exploring the surrounding Center-gai and Miyashita Park area. For a higher viewpoint without committing to a full meal, Shibuya Sky requires advance timed tickets; otherwise, the crossing is best enjoyed by simply moving through it once and then watching from a nearby café or department-store window.

Morning

Take an early Tobu Railway limited express from Asakusa to Tobu-Nikko, ideally around 7:00–7:30 AM; the reserved ride takes roughly 1 hour 50 minutes. From Tobu-Nikko Station, use the World Heritage bus toward Nishisando—a day pass is often worthwhile if you are also heading into Okunikko. Begin at Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko’s striking vermilion gateway over the Daiya River, allowing about 30 minutes for photographs. A short uphill walk then brings you to Toshogu Shrine, the richly decorated mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Give it around two hours; the carvings, five-story pagoda, and forested approach are best enjoyed slowly. Admission is typically about ¥1,300, and comfortable shoes are essential on the many stone steps.

Lunch and Afternoon

Return toward Nikko Station for lunch at a yuba restaurant such as Koshikake, Tsuruya Yuba, or another well-reviewed local dining room near the station. Nikko’s yuba—delicate sheets of tofu skin—is usually served in set meals, noodles, or hot-pot dishes, costing roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000. After lunch, take the bus back toward the World Heritage area for Rinno-ji Temple, allowing about an hour for its Buddhist statues and the landscaped Shoyo-en Garden; check the seasonal closing time before setting out, as temple facilities generally close by late afternoon. From the nearby Nishisando bus stop, continue on a Tobu bus toward Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. The winding ascent through the Irohazaka hairpins is scenic but can be slow in September traffic; allow at least 45–60 minutes each way, and visit the falls’ observation area before returning.

Evening

Keep the evening deliberately flexible: buses from Lake Chuzenji can become crowded and less frequent later in the day, so start back no later than around 4:00 PM if you need to catch a reserved train from Tobu-Nikko Station. Allow a generous buffer for the return bus, then take your reserved Spacia X back to Asakusa. If the long day leaves you hungry, the station area is practical for a simple dinner before boarding, but avoid committing to a late Tokyo reservation—the mountain-bus timetable is the part of this excursion most likely to run behind schedule.

Morning

After arriving back in Tokyo, head to Tsukiji Outer Market and give yourself about two hours to browse while the food stalls are still lively. The market is best in the morning, roughly 8:00 AM–2:00 PM, though individual shops set their own hours; aim for around 10:30 AM. Try grilled or rolled tamagoyaki, seasonal fruit, and a small sushi breakfast, but keep moving through the narrow lanes and avoid stopping in busy entrances. From Tsukiji Station, it is a short walk, and most vendors are cash-friendly, although some accept cards.

Walk or take a short taxi ride toward Hamarikyu Gardens, entering from the Shiodome side. Allow around 90 minutes for the ponds, seawater-influenced landscape, bridges, and the traditional teahouse. The garden usually opens at 9:00 AM and costs about ¥300; the wide paths make it a welcome pause after the crowded market. Have lunch back near Tsukiji Sushi Kiyoshi, where a carefully prepared sushi set is a good choice at approximately ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person. Reservations are useful if available, and plan for about an hour rather than rushing through the meal.

Afternoon and Evening

From Tsukiji, walk roughly 15 minutes to Ginza Six, following Harumi-dori into Ginza. Spend about 90 minutes browsing the contemporary shops, small galleries, and the rooftop garden, which is free and offers a surprisingly calm view over the district. The complex generally operates from late morning into the evening, but shop and restaurant hours vary. Continue on foot to Kabuki-za, only several blocks away, for the neighborhood’s grandest architectural moment. If a single-act ticket is available, it is a great way to experience kabuki without committing to a full program; otherwise, visit the theater area and browse the souvenir shops. Check the official performance schedule in advance, as same-day single-act tickets and timings can change.

Late Morning: Nijo Castle

After arriving at Kyoto Station, leave larger bags in a station locker or arrange hotel luggage delivery; travelling light makes today much easier. Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike, then walk about 15 minutes to Nijo Castle, or use a taxi if you are tired after the train. Arrive around 10:00–10:30 AM and allow roughly two hours for the former shogunal residence, including the richly decorated Ninomaru Palace and gardens. Admission is usually around ¥1,300, with final entry typically in the late afternoon; check the official calendar because opening days and hours can vary.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk or take a short taxi ride east to Nishiki Market, where the covered arcade is ideal for grazing rather than sitting down for a long meal. Browse Kyoto specialities such as yuba, pickles, grilled seafood, and seasonal sweets, keeping voices low and avoiding eating while walking through the busiest sections. For lunch, settle at Ippudo Nishikikoji, a dependable downtown ramen stop near the market; expect about ¥1,000–¥2,000 per person and a possible queue around noon. Afterward, walk approximately 15 minutes north through central Kyoto to the broad, quiet grounds of Kyoto Imperial Palace. Spend about 90 minutes exploring the palace precinct, gravel avenues, and surrounding Kyoto Gyoen park; the grounds are generally free, though individual facilities may have separate schedules.

Evening: Pontocho

From Kyoto Imperial Palace, take the Karasuma Line from Marutamachi to Shijo and continue on foot toward the Kamo River, or use a taxi for roughly 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Finish in Pontocho Alley, best enjoyed after dusk when its lanterns and narrow wooden facades become atmospheric. Wander slowly before choosing a restaurant—many establishments are small, reservation-oriented, and more expensive than daytime eateries. For a more relaxed meal, check menus around nearby Kiyamachi and expect roughly ¥3,000–¥6,000 per person for dinner. Keep the evening unhurried: today already includes the long arrival from Tokyo, and Pontocho is most enjoyable when you leave time simply to browse and follow the riverfront.

Morning

Start early at Fushimi Inari Shrine, ideally arriving around 6:30–7:00 AM via the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station—about five minutes by train, with trains roughly every 15–30 minutes. The shrine grounds are free and open around the clock, and the lower torii paths become busy quickly. Walk through the first dense tunnel of vermilion gates, then continue uphill toward the Yotsutsuji viewpoint; you do not need to complete the entire mountain loop to enjoy the atmosphere. Allow about 2½ hours, wear proper walking shoes, and carry water, particularly in September’s lingering heat.

Take a late-morning coffee break at Vermillion Espresso Bar, a short walk from the shrine’s main approach. It is a compact, popular spot known for carefully made espresso drinks and a calm pause after the climb; budget roughly ¥500–¥1,500. From there, wander through the atmospheric Fushimi Sake District, where white-plastered storehouses, willow-lined canals, and old brewery buildings make the neighborhood especially pleasant on foot. Most tastings and shops are liveliest from late morning into the afternoon, though individual opening days vary.

Afternoon

Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum to see traditional brewing tools and learn how Fushimi’s soft water helped establish its sake reputation. Plan about an hour; admission is generally around ¥600 and often includes a small tasting, but check the official schedule before setting out. Afterward, settle in for lunch at Kizakura Kappa Country, where sake-themed dishes and casual local fare make a convenient midday stop; expect approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Sake tastings are available, but pace yourself if you still plan to walk.

Finish at Tofuku-ji Temple, reached from Fushimi by a short Keihan train ride to Tofukuji Station or by walking if you still have energy. Its broad temple grounds, wooden bridges, and Zen gardens are best explored without rushing; allow about 1½ hours. The temple generally opens from around 9:00 AM, with seasonal hours and admission fees varying by garden area. September is quieter than the autumn foliage season, so you can appreciate the architecture and gardens without the intense crowds that arrive later in the year.

Morning

Start early at Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), ideally arriving around 8:30–9:00 AM, shortly after opening. The gold-leaf pavilion is at its best before tour groups fill the pond viewpoint; allow about 90 minutes for the temple gardens and photo stops. Admission is around ¥500. From central Kyoto, take Kyoto City Bus 205 or 101 toward Kinkakuji-michi—roughly 40–50 minutes, traffic permitting—or use a taxi if you want a more predictable start. Continue by taxi or bus to Ryoan-ji, about 10 minutes away; the temple opens around 8:00 AM and costs approximately ¥500. Spend an hour with its famous dry garden, then wander briefly through the surrounding grounds rather than rushing onward.

Lunch and Afternoon

Take a taxi toward Omen Ginkaku-ji in northern Higashiyama for handmade udon, allowing 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. This small, well-regarded restaurant is a good place to slow down over dipping udon with seasonal vegetables; expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person, and be prepared for a possible queue at lunchtime. Afterwards, walk to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), which is only a few minutes away. The temple is open approximately 8:30 AM–5:00 PM in September, with admission around ¥500. Its understated wooden architecture, carefully raked sand garden, and mossy slopes are a pleasant contrast to the glitter of the morning.

Late Afternoon and Evening

From Ginkaku-ji, follow the Philosopher’s Path south beside the canal toward Nanzen-ji. The full walk takes about 30–40 minutes at an easy pace, but allow 90 minutes to browse tiny craft shops, gardens, and quiet side lanes; September can still be warm, so carry water. Finish at Nanzen-ji, whose broad grounds are generally free to enter and are especially atmospheric in the late afternoon. The paid sub-temples and Sanmon Gate usually close around 4:30–5:00 PM, while the grounds themselves can be enjoyed later—check closing times if you want to climb the gate or enter a garden. For dinner, continue downhill toward Keage or Higashiyama, where the subway provides an easy return via the Tozai Line; otherwise, taxis are practical after sunset, particularly if you are tired.

Morning

Take the early Kintetsu Railway service from Kyoto Station to Kintetsu-Nara, aiming for about 7:30 AM; the limited express takes roughly 35–45 minutes and costs approximately ¥1,500–¥1,700 with the reserved-seat supplement. From the station, it is an easy 15–20-minute walk toward Nara Park, or you can use a local bus if you would rather save your legs. Begin among the park’s quiet lawns, where the deer are generally calmer in the morning; buy deer crackers only when you are ready to feed them, and bow to the deer before offering one, as some will politely—or insistently—ask for more.

Continue on foot through the park to Todai-ji, roughly 20 minutes from the central deer areas. The Great Buddha Hall usually opens around 7:30 AM and admission is about ¥800; allow 90 minutes to admire the enormous wooden hall, the Great Buddha, and the surrounding temple grounds. Keep your ticket handy if you want to explore nearby sub-temples, and avoid lingering directly beside the main gate once tour groups begin arriving.

Lunch and Afternoon

Walk east through the park’s wooded lanes toward Kasuga Taisha, allowing about 30 minutes with stops for the lantern-lined paths and stone guardians. The main shrine area is generally open from around 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with seasonal variations, and the outer grounds are free; the forest approach is the real highlight, so take your time rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. For lunch, head back toward town for Kakinoha-zushi Hiraso, where the specialty is sushi wrapped in fragrant persimmon leaves—expect roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Hours can vary, so check the day’s opening before making the walk; a taxi from the Kasuga area is sensible if you are hungry or tired.

Spend the afternoon in Naramachi, the preserved merchant quarter south of the park. From Hiraso, it is a short walk into the neighborhood, where narrow lanes lead past traditional lattice-fronted houses, small craft shops, and old-fashioned cafes. Give yourself about two hours to wander without a strict route; some buildings close around 5:00 PM, and many independent shops do not open every day. If you have energy left, walk back toward Kintetsu-Nara Station for an early evening train to Kyoto, or pause for tea in Naramachi before returning.

Morning

Take the Kintetsu Railway from Kintetsu-Nara to Osaka-Namba around 8:00 AM; direct trains take roughly 40–50 minutes. After arriving, leave luggage at your hotel or use a station locker—coin lockers around Namba Station fill quickly, so the hotel is preferable if check-in is not yet available. Continue by subway or taxi to Osaka Castle Park; from Tanimachi 4-chome Station, it is about a 15-minute walk through the grounds. Visit Osaka Castle late in the morning, allowing around two hours for the museum and observation level. Admission is generally about ¥1,200, and the castle opens around 9:00 AM; expect some queues for the elevators, particularly on weekends.

Lunch and Afternoon

For lunch, walk to Miraiza Osaka-Jo, the handsome former military headquarters beside the castle, and choose one of its restaurants for a meal with excellent views—budget approximately ¥1,500–¥3,000 per person. Afterward, walk or take the subway from Morinomiya or Tanimachi 4-chome toward Osaka Museum of History in Tanimachi. Allow about 90 minutes here: the upper galleries give a particularly good sense of how Osaka developed from an ancient capital and merchant city into the metropolis you see today. The museum is usually open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Tuesdays, with admission typically around ¥600; check the calendar if your visit falls on a holiday.

Evening

From Tanimachi 4-chome, take the Tanimachi Line to Tanimachi 9-chome, then walk south toward Kuromon Ichiba Market—about 20 minutes in total—or use a short taxi ride. Browse the market in the late afternoon for grilled seafood, fruit, tamagoyaki, and small portions rather than committing to a full meal; many stalls close by early evening, so arrive by around 4:00–4:30 PM. Finish with a walk to Dotonbori, roughly 10 minutes from Kuromon, where the canalfront lights come on and the atmosphere becomes liveliest after 6:00 PM. Have dinner around Hozenji Yokocho or the side streets off Dotonbori—allow ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person for kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, or takoyaki—and avoid restaurants directly beneath the largest signs if you want shorter waits and better value.

Morning

Begin at Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, opening from around 10:00 AM (closed Tuesdays, though schedules can vary). From Higashi-Umeda Station, take the Tanimachi Subway Line to Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station; the museum is directly connected to the station. Allow about 90 minutes for the life-size Edo-period streets, reconstructed homes, and changing-light displays that show Osaka through a full day. Admission is usually around ¥600, and arriving near opening time is worthwhile because the narrow recreated lanes become crowded later.

Walk south into Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Japan’s longest covered arcade, stretching for roughly 2.6 kilometres. You do not need to cover all of it—wander the liveliest section around Tenma, stopping for inexpensive snacks such as taiyaki, croquettes, or takoyaki. Give yourself about 90 minutes and keep an eye out for small kitchenware shops, local clothing stores, and old-fashioned coffee houses tucked just off the arcade.

Lunch and Afternoon

For lunch, join the queue at Harukoma Sushi in Tenma, a much-loved casual sushi counter known for generous portions and reasonable prices. Expect roughly ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person; queues are common, so put your name down and explore nearby streets if the wait is long. After lunch, take the JR Osaka Loop Line or a short taxi ride to Umeda, allowing around 15–25 minutes depending on the connection. Head to Umeda Sky Building for the Floating Garden Observatory, where the open-air rooftop walkway gives you an excellent panorama over Osaka’s railway lines and dense city centre. The observatory generally operates until late evening, with admission around ¥2,000; late afternoon often provides softer light and a chance to see the city begin to glow.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon at Grand Front Osaka, the large complex north of Osaka Station. It is a good final shopping stop without requiring much extra walking, with design shops, bookstores, cafés, and restaurants spread between the south and north buildings. Choose a coffee or early dinner here—budget around ¥1,500–¥4,000 per person—and take a relaxed break before your last viewpoint. Finish at the HEP Five Ferris Wheel, attached to the red HEP Five shopping centre near Osaka Station. The 15-minute ride is especially atmospheric after dark, when the illuminated streets and trains below make a fitting final view of Osaka; tickets are generally around ¥800, and the wheel usually runs into the evening. Check the operating calendar before setting out, as weather or maintenance can affect the final ride.