10 Days in Japan - Tokyo, Nagano, Kyoto, & Osaka

My Japan Guide for First Timers- 10 Days

Tokyo, Nagano, Kyoto, & Osaka

I traveled to Japan with my 8 family members and my only regret was not staying longer. For a first timer who only can take a week off from work, this is the perfect itinerary to see the main cities along with one quaint village to get a well rounded trip to Japan!

Day 1 (Friday): Departure

• Depart from Newark (EWR) on an overnight flight to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). On the way there from EWR you loose an entire day. Aim for an afternoon arrival on Saturday in Japan.

Day 2 (Saturday): Tokyo Arrival & Shinjuku Exploration

• Morning: Arrive at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND). Take the Narita Express to your hotel in Shinjuku.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and leave your luggage.
• Late Afternoon: Explore Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden for a peaceful start.
• Evening: Ascend the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for panoramic city views (free!). Explore Golden Gai for a unique nightlife experience.
• Dinner: Enjoy dinner in Shinjuku's diverse restaurant district.
• Hotel: Stay in Shinjuku area
• HOTEL GROOVE SHINJUKU, A PARKROYAL Hotel 
• Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier
• Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nishi Shinjuku PREMIER 

Day 3 (Sunday): Tokyo's Iconic Districts

• Morning: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue. Explore the trendy shops.
• Midday: Harajuku: Takeshita Street for unique fashion, Meiji Jingu Shrine 
• Afternoon: Akihabara: Electric Town, arcades, anime/manga shops.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Akihabara or return to Shibuya.
• Food: Harajuku crepes, Shibuya ramen, Akihabara themed cafes.
• Hotel: Stay in Shinjuku area.

Day 4 (Monday Morning): Asakusa & Travel to Nagano

• Morning: Asakusa: Senso-ji Temple, Nakamise-dori (street market).
• Late Morning: Ueno park, and if time permits one of its many museums.
• Afternoon: Travel by Shinkansen to Nagano.
• Evening: Check into your ryokan in Nagano. Explore the town. 
• Staying at a traditional ryokan was the highlight of my families trip, you must stay in one while you're here!!
• Food: Try local Nagano soba noodles.
• Hotel: Stay in Nagano.
• Aburaya Tosen 
• Kamei no Yu
• Wafu No Yado MASUYA

Day 5-6 (Tuesday-Wednesday Morning): Nagano's Tranquility & Onsen

• Days: Explore Nagano & Nagano City City:
  • Zenko-ji Temple.
  • Explore local shops and restaurants.
  • Enjoy traditional onsen experiences (ryokans or public baths).
  • Walk around the town, enjoying the mountain views.
  • Go to Snow Monkey Park and see the monkeys!!
  • Ski! 
• Food: Oyaki (local dumplings), local Sake.
• Hotel: Stay in Nagano.

Day 6 (Wednesday Afternoon): Travel to Kyoto

• Afternoon: Take the Shinkansen from Nagano to Kyoto.
• Evening: Check into your hotel in Kyoto. Explore Gion district.
• Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Kyoto dinner.
• Hotel: Stay in Kyoto.
• Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
• Hotel ALZA KYOTO
• Hotel Gion Misen

Day 7 (Thursday): Kyoto's Cultural Gems

• Morning: Fushimi Inari Shrine (thousands of red torii gates).
• Afternoon: Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple.
• Evening: Nishiki Market for street food.
• Food: Matcha sweets, Kyoto ramen, Nishiki market street food.
• Hotel: Stay in Kyoto.

Day 8 (Friday): Nara & Osaka Day Trips

• Morning: Day trip to Nara: Nara Park (to see the deer), Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Afternoon: Day trip to Osaka: Dotonbori, Osaka Castle.
• Evening: Enjoy Osaka's street food in Dotonbori.
• Food: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu in Osaka.
• Hotel: Stay in Kyoto.

Day 9 (Saturday): Kyoto & Return to Tokyo

• Morning: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Afternoon: Explore more of Kyoto, or last minute shopping.
• Evening: Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. Check into your hotel.
• Dinner: Enjoy a final Tokyo dinner.
• Hotel: Stay in Tokyo.

Day 10 (Sunday): Departure

• Morning: Travel to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) Airport.
• Afternoon: Depart from Japan.