10-Day Travel Itinerary for Japan

1. Day 1: Tokyo
   60 minutes from Narita International Airport (via train)

   Spend the day exploring the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower, wander through the beautiful gardens of the Imperial Palace, and experience the sensory overload of Shibuya Crossing.

2. Day 2: Mt. Fuji
   2 hours from Tokyo (via bus)

   Take a day trip to the breathtaking Mt. Fuji. Climb up to the 5th Station for panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding countryside.

3. Day 3: Kyoto
   2.5 hours from Tokyo (via train)

   Head to the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, and visit historic temples such as Kiyomizu-dera and the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Take a walk through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

4. Day 4: Nara
   1 hour from Kyoto (via train)

   Visit the charming city of Nara, home to over 1,000 friendly deer. Take a stroll through Nara Park and visit the Todai-ji Temple, which houses a massive statue of Buddha.

5. Day 5: Hiroshima
   2 hours and 30 minutes from Nara (via train and high-speed ferry)

   Take a sombre but important visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful Miyajima Island, home to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine.

6. Day 6: Osaka
   1 hour from Hiroshima (via train)

   Indulge in the foodie paradise of Osaka, sampling local delicacies such as okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and udon. Stroll around the buzzing streets of Dotonbori, known for its neon lights and bustling nightlife.

7. Day 7: Kanazawa
   2.5 hours from Osaka (via train)

   Explore the well-preserved Edo-era streets of Kanazawa and visit attractions such as the Kenroku-en Garden and the Nagamachi Samurai District. Check out the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.

8. Day 8: Hakone
   4 hours from Kanazawa (via train and bus)

   Relax in the natural beauty of Hakone, famous for its hot springs and scenic views of Mt. Fuji. Visit attractions such as the Open-Air Museum and take a ropeway ride for stunning views of the area.

9. Day 9: Tokyo
   1.5 hours from Hakone (via train)

   Spend a second day exploring the vibrant city of Tokyo. Visit the quirky Harajuku district and the serene Meiji Shrine. Take a relaxing boat ride around the Imperial Palace moat.

10. Day 10: Tokyo
    Depends on your departure time

    Wrap up your trip with a visit to the fashionable Ginza district and indulge in some shopping or spa pampering. Alternatively, visit the Tsukiji Fish Market for a taste of the freshest seafood around. Depart from Narita International Airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Tokyo Tower (1-2 hours, ¥1,200)
• Imperial Palace (1-2 hours, free)
• Shibuya Crossing (30-60 minutes, free)
• Mt. Fuji (full-day trip, prices vary depending on tour)
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple (1-2 hours, ¥400)
• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (1-2 hours, free)
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (1-2 hours, free)
• Todai-ji Temple (1-2 hours, ¥600)
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (1-2 hours, ¥200)
• Itsukushima Shrine (1-2 hours, ¥300)
• Dotonbori (2-3 hours, prices vary depending on food)
• Kenroku-en Garden (1-2 hours, ¥310)
• Nagamachi Samurai District (1-2 hours, ¥550)
• Open-Air Museum (1-2 hours, ¥1,600)
• Harajuku (1-2 hours, free)
• Meiji Shrine (1-2 hours, free)
• Boat Ride (30-60 minutes, ¥1200)
• Tsukiji Fish Market (1-2 hours, free)

Total Estimated Costs: ¥6,110 - ¥7,170 per person

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider visiting the beautiful Island of Hokkaido for skiing and snowboarding or the Okinawa Prefecture for beautiful beaches and snorkelling. For those with less time, consider cutting out a few cities or choosing 1-2 cities to explore in-depth. Don't forget to try the delicious street food offerings and always double-check the opening hours and location of attractions before visiting.