10-Day Japan Adventure: Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Tokyo

  • Day 1: Universal Studios Japan
    15 minutes (6.9km) from Kansai International Airport

    Home to many themed attractions and rides, Universal Studios Japan is a great place to visit for fans of Harry Potter, Minon Park, and Jurassic Park. Get ready to immerse yourself in these fascinating worlds.

  • Day 2: Osaka Castle and Dotonbori
    30 minutes (13km) from Universal Studios Japan

    Osaka Castle, surrounded by a moat and beautiful gardens, is a symbol of power and grandeur. Dotonbori is a lively street with countless eateries, shops, and entertainment spaces where visitors can indulge in Osaka's famous street food.

  • Day 3: Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple
    2 hours (74km) from Osaka Castle

    The Fushimi Inari Shrine is known for its thousands of vibrant torii gates which form unique tunnel-like structures. Kinkaku-ji Temple, located in Kyoto, is a serene Zen Buddhist temple that features a striking golden pavilion in the center of a beautiful garden.

  • Day 4: Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple
    1 hour (42km) from Kinkaku-ji Temple

    Nara Park, known for its friendly deer and beautiful cherry blossoms, is a perfect spot for a picnic. Todai-ji Temple is another must-see landmark in Japan, housing the world's largest bronze Buddha statue.

  • Day 5: Yokohama Chinatown and Sankeien Garden
    3 hours (291km) from Nara Park

    Yokohama Chinatown is home to numerous shops and restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine. Sankeien Garden, a traditional Japanese-style garden, features beautiful flora and historical architecture.

  • Day 6: Tokyo Tower and Odaiba
    45 minutes (24km) from Yokohama Chinatown

    The Tokyo Tower is a significant landmark and popular attraction in Tokyo, offering a panoramic view of the city. Odaiba, a man-made island, offers many fun attractions such as the Gundam statue and the teamLAB Borderless digital art museum.

  • Day 7: Tsukiji Fish Market and Senso-ji Temple
    1 hour (16km) from Odaiba

    The Tsukiji Fish Market is renowned for its fresh seafood and bustling atmosphere. Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo's oldest temple and a popular spot for sightseeing and shopping.

  • Day 8: Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Shrine
    30 minutes (6.5km) from Tsukiji Fish Market

    Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, is a must-see spot in Tokyo. Meiji Shrine, located in an expansive forested area, is a tranquil and sacred spot dedicated to Emperor Meiji.

  • Day 9: Ghibli Museum and Harajuku
    30 minutes (9km) from Meiji Shrine

    The Ghibli Museum, showcasing the works of Studio Ghibli, is a magical wonderland for both kids and adults. Harajuku is a charming district filled with quirky shops and trendy cafes.

  • Day 10: Tokyo Disneyland
    1 hour (20km) from Harajuku

    End your Japan adventure with a visit to Tokyo Disneyland, an amusement park filled with countless attractions and themed lands, including Pirates of the Caribbean and It's a Small World.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Universal Studios Japan ($75, 7 hours)
  • Osaka Castle and Dotonbori (Free, 8 hours)
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple ($10, 9 hours)
  • Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple ($20, 8 hours)
  • Yokohama Chinatown and Sankeien Garden ($30, 10 hours)
  • Tokyo Tower and Odaiba ($25, 9 hours)
  • Tsukiji Fish Market and Senso-ji Temple ($15, 8 hours)
  • Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Shrine (Free, 7 hours)
  • Ghibli Museum and Harajuku ($50, 9 hours)
  • Tokyo Disneyland ($75, 10 hours)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $300

Transportation

Japan has an excellent and efficient public transportation system. For the itinerary above, it is highly recommended to purchase a Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on most trains, including the Shinkansen, for a fixed period.

The cost for a 7-day adult pass is around $300, and it can be used for the trip from Kansai International Airport to Tokyo.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit other popular areas like Kamakura or Nikko. If you have less time, consider shortening your stay in Yokohama or Tokyo Disneyland.

Airports

The primary airport for this itinerary is Kansai International Airport (KIX) located in Osaka, about 50km from Kyoto. Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda International Airport (HND) are the two airports in Tokyo, with the former being further away from the city center.

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