10-Day Adventure Itinerary in Japan

• Day 1: Explore the neon-lit streets and bustling alleys of Tokyo. Start by visiting Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple, then head to the Shibuya crossing for a taste of Japan's busiest intersection. End the day with a visit to Shinjuku's Golden Gai, a warren of tiny drinking dens.
• Day 2: Travel to Hakone for a scenic hike along the old Tokaido Road. Take a dip in the steaming waters of an onsen and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner.
• Day 3: Take the bullet train to Kyoto and visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. Stroll through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market and see the famous Geisha district of Gion at night.
• Day 4: Rise early to see the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine before the crowds arrive, then take a day trip to Nara to see the Todai-ji Temple and its giant Buddha. End the day with a visit to the stunning Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Day 5: Visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and see its famous floating torii gate, then climb Mount Misen for stunning views.
• Day 6: Explore the outdoor paradise of Yakushima, with its ancient cedar forests and mountain trails. Take a dip in one of the island's many waterfalls.
• Day 7: Visit the picturesque city of Kanazawa, with its beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts. See the stunning Kenrokuen Garden and enjoy some of Japan's finest seafood.
• Day 8: Take a day trip to the stunning Takayama Old Town and see the ancient Hida Folk Village. Enjoy the local Hida beef and sake.
• Day 9: Summer visitors can climb Mount Fuji; winter visitors can ski in the Hakuba Valley. Both can enjoy a traditional onsen and hot pot dinner.
• Day 10: End the trip in Osaka, the food capital of Japan. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, take a canal boat ride, and visit the towering Umeda Sky Building.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple (2 hours, free)
• Tokyo to Hakone transport (2 hours, ¥2,500)
• Onsen and Kaiseki dinner in Hakone (4 hours, ¥20,000)
• Bullet train from Hakone to Kyoto (3 hours, ¥14,000)
• Nijo Castle (2 hours, ¥1,000)
• Geisha district of Gion (2 hours, free)
• Todai-ji Temple in Nara (3 hours, ¥1,000)
• Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park (2 hours, free)
• Miyajima Island (6 hours, ¥2,000)
• Yakushima Cedar Forest (4 hours, free)
• Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa (2 hours, ¥310)
• Holiday Folk Village in Takayama (3 hours, ¥700)
• Mount Fuji Climb (12 hours, ¥5,000)
• Umeda Sky Building in Osaka (2 hours, ¥1,500)
Total Estimated Costs: ¥48,010

Transportation

Japan has an excellent public transportation system, with many different options available to travelers. The bullet train is a fast and efficient way to get between cities, but can be expensive. Local trains and buses are cheaper, but can take longer. Visitors should also consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass for long-distance travel.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the snow monkeys in Nagano or the historic temples of Kamakura. If you have less time, consider skipping Yakushima and Mount Fuji. Remember that many attractions in Japan close early, so be sure to plan your day accordingly. It's also a good idea to bring cash, as many smaller shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards.