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Japan First Trip 10-Day Itinerary
Japan First Trip 10-Day Itinerary
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, train logistics, temples, neighborhoods, and food streets
Planned with Mappu
Tokyo: Neon Horizons & Ancient Traditions
✈️
Flight
Home City → Tokyo
Nov 02 | Mon
Shinjuku Skyline & Hidden Alleys
Imperial Garden Exploration
14:00
210
minutes
Begin your Tokyo journey at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a sprawling oasis that blends three distinct garden styles: French Formal, English Landscape, and Japanese Traditional. In early November, you are perfectly timed for the annual Chrysanthemum Exhibition, where master gardeners display intricate floral sculptures that have been a tradition since the Meiji era (locals recommend this timing).
Historically, this land was the residence of the Naito family, feudal lords of the Edo period, before becoming an Imperial garden in 1906. Today, it serves as the lungs of Shinjuku. As you walk through the maple tree clearings, you'll see the contrast of the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building piercing the skyline behind ancient stone lanterns. It is a peaceful introduction to the city's duality of 'high-tech' and 'high-tradition'.
Notes
Entrance fee is approximately 500 yen; last entry is at 16:00.
Suggested restaurant
Yakitori / Izakaya
$
Dive into the social heart of Tokyo at Torikizoku Shinjuku. This legendary izakaya chain is the ultimate spot for a group of friends, offering a flat-price menu where every skewer and drink is around 370 yen. Order the 'Momo Kizoku' yakitori—succulent chicken thigh with leeks—and pair it with a giant mug of Suntory premium malts. The atmosphere is loud, energetic, and provides an authentic look into Japanese after-work culture.
Nov 03 | Tue
Ancient Spirits & Pop Culture Roots
Senso-ji Temple Pilgrimage
09:00
180
minutes
Step back into the 7th century at Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. Your entry begins at the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), featuring a massive 700kg red lantern that has become the symbol of Asakusa. According to legend, two fishermen discovered a statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, in the Sumida River in 645 AD. Even after returning it to the river multiple times, it reappeared, leading to the temple's founding.
The approach, Nakamise-dori, is a 250-meter street lined with stalls that have served pilgrims for centuries. Here you can find traditional crafts and the smell of fresh 'Age-manju' (deep fried mochi) filling the air. As you reach the main hall, participate in the tradition of fanning incense smoke toward yourself for good health before offering a prayer at the altar. It’s a sensory-heavy experience that connects you firmly to Tokyo's Buddhist roots.
Notes
Arrive early to avoid the heaviest crowds; the grounds are open 24/7.
Suggested restaurant
Japanese Bakery
$
Visit Asakusa Kagetsudo to try their world-famous Jumbo Melonpan. This sweet bread isn't flavored with melon but earns its name from the crisp, patterned cookie crust that resembles the fruit. This shop has been perfecting its three-hour fermentation process since 1945, ensuring a fluffy interior and a signature crunch that makes it the definitive street snack of old Tokyo.
Nov 04 | Wed
Imperial Forests & Shibuya Highs
Meiji Jingu Shrine Walk
09:00
180
minutes
Enter the tranquil 170-acre forest of Meiji Jingu, a man-made woodland containing 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan in the early 20th century. This shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who oversaw Japan's transformation into a modern global power. The walk through the massive torii gates (made of 1,500-year-old cypress) acts as a physical 'reset,' transitioning you from the noise of the city into a spiritual sanctuary.
Once inside, look for the 'Ema' wooden tablets where visitors write их wishes and the wall of colorful sake barrels (kazaridaru) donated by breweries nationwide. Early November offers crisp morning air that makes the forest walk particularly refreshing. It's a prime example of how Tokyo integrates vast green spaces into its urban fabric, providing a place of reflection in Japan's most bustling district.
Notes
Respectful attire is recommended; photography is restricted in the inner shrine.
Suggested restaurant
Japanese Beef Cutlet
$
For a trendy and delicious lunch, head to Gyukatsu Motomura. Unlike traditional pork tonkatsu, this medium-rare beef cutlet is breaded in fine panko and served with a personal stone grill. You can sear each slice to your preferred doneness, enjoying the buttery, rich flavor of the beef. It is served as a set with barley rice, miso soup, and grated yam—a perfect high-protein meal before exploring Shibuya.
Kyoto: The Cultural Capital
🚄
Train
Tokyo → Kyoto
Nov 05 | Thu
The Kitchen of Kyoto & Gion Dusk
Nishiki Market Discovery
13:30
180
minutes
Welcome to 'Kyoto's Kitchen.' This five-block long shopping arcade dates back to 1310 and is home to over 100 shops and restaurants. Walking through Nishiki Market is a masterclass in regional Japanese ingredients, from the specific Kyoto pickles (tsukemono) to the famous dried seafood and seasonal produce that local chefs rely on for fine dining.
As you browse, you'll see artisans preparing fresh tamagoyaki (rolled omelets) and the distinctive red ceramic octopus snacks (tako tamago) stuffed with quail eggs. The market is covered by a colorful stained-glass ceiling, making it an atmospheric spot regardless of weather. It’s the perfect place to sample high-quality street food with friends while soaking in the centuries of commerce that have defined Kyoto’s culinary identity.
Notes
Be sure to try the samples, but remember that 'eating while walking' is generally discouraged; stand near the stall.
Suggested restaurant
Kyoto Obanzai
$$
Experience Kyoto's home-style cooking, known as Obanzai, at Kyosai-mi Nanba in the Pontocho Alley area. This cuisine focuses on using seasonal Kyoto vegetables (Kyo-yasai) and simple, healthy preparations. Expect delicate dishes like simmered eggplant, sesame-dressed greens, and seasonal sashimi served in a beautifully preserved wooden building that captures the historical essence of the Kamo River district.
Nov 06 | Fri
Bamboo Whispers & Golden Glints
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
08:00
210
minutes
Venture to the western edge of Kyoto to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking through the paths lined with towering stalks of green bamboo is a transcendental experience, especially in the early morning light of November. The sound of the bamboo stalks swaying and clicking against each other was designated by the Ministry of Environment as one of the '100 Soundscapes of Japan.'
Nearby, visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, whose Zen garden has remained largely unchanged for over 700 years. The 'Sogenchi Pond' reflects the surrounding mountains, which in early November will be dotted with the first reds and yellows of autumn. This area offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and religious architecture, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the entire country.
Notes
Arrive by 08:00 AM to beat the tour buses; take the JR Sagano Line for the fastest access.
Suggested restaurant
Tofu Kaiseki
$$
Specializing in Yudofu (boiled tofu), Shoraian is situated in a stunning mountain villa overlooking the Hozugawa River. In the chilly November air, there is nothing more comforting than high-quality, creamy tofu served in a hot kelp broth. The restaurant is famous for its serene views of the changing maple leaves, providing a quiet, refined lunch after the bustle of the bamboo grove.
Nov 07 | Sat
The Thousand Torii & Sake History
Fushimi Inari Shrine Hike
09:00
240
minutes
Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and sake, this shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. Each gate has been donated by a Japanese business, with the donor's name and date of donation inscribed in black on the back. As you hike through the 'Senbon Torii' (Thousands of Torii Gates), look for the fox statues (kitsune), who are believed to be the messengers of Inari, often holding keys to rice granaries in their mouths.
You don't need to hike the entire 2-3 hour circuit to the summit to appreciate the site; the first 45 minutes offer breathtaking views across southern Kyoto. It is a social, moderately active way to spend the morning, and the bright orange gates provide an incredible backdrop for group photos. Afterward, explore the base of the shrine where street vendors sell 'Inari-zushi,' vinegared rice tucked into fried tofu pouches, said to be a favorite of the foxes.
Notes
The trail is paved but has many stairs; comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable.
Suggested restaurant
Sake / Tasting
$
Head to the Fushimi Sake District, which has been the center of sake production since the 16th century due to its soft underground water. Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum or one of the local breweries to sample a flight of junmai and daiginjo sakes. Many breweries here still operate out of traditional wood-and-plaster buildings along the willow-lined Uji River, offering a perfect afternoon social activity for friends.
Osaka: Food & Neon Fun
🚄
Train
Kyoto → Osaka
Nov 08 | Sun
Osaka Castle & Dotonbori Neon
Osaka Castle Historical Tour
11:00
180
minutes
Travel from Kyoto to Osaka (just 30 minutes) and start at the majestic Osaka Castle. Originally built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the unifier of Japan, the castle played a pivotal role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The current structure is a reconstructed masterpiece surrounded by impressive stone walls and a massive moat.
The park surrounding the castle (Osaka-jo Koen) is home to over 600 plum trees and 3000 cherry trees, but in November, the focus is on the golden ginkgo trees that line the approach. Inside the main tower, a modern museum narrates the life of Hideyoshi and the castle's history through 3D models and artifacts. The 8th-floor observation deck offers a panoramic view of the Osaka skyline, contrasting the massive 'stairway to the stars' skyscraper with the historic green-and-gold eaves of the castle.
Notes
The elevator to the top can have long lines; taking the stairs is often faster.
Suggested restaurant
Osaka Street Food
$
Embrace the concept of 'Kuidaore' (eat until you drop) in the neon-soaked Dotonbori district. Start at Mizuno for authentic Osaka-style Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) or grab a box of Takoyaki (octopus balls) from the stalls under the giant mechanical crab at Kani Doraku. This area is the beating heart of Osaka's social scene and provides a high-energy environment for a night out with friends.
Nov 09 | Mon
Retro Osaka & Shinsekai Vibes
Shinsekai District Exploration
10:00
180
minutes
Step into a time capsule at Shinsekai, a neighborhood developed in 1912 with NYC's Coney Island and Paris as inspirations. The centerpiece is the Tsutenkaku Tower, which once stood as a symbol of Japanese modernity. Today, the area is wonderfully 'shabby-chic,' filled with retro gaming arcades, colorful shop facades, and Billiken statues (the 'God of things as they ought to be').
Walking through Shinsekai feels like a departure from the sleek skyscrapers of Umeda. It’s a place where you can find old-school 'Smart Ball' parlors (a precursor to Pachinko) and soak in the nostalgic atmosphere of mid-century Japan. The energy here is uniquely Osakan—friendly, unpretentious, and deeply focused on good food and social interaction. It's a fantastic spot for photography and experiencing a different layer of Japanese urban history.
Notes
Great for lunch; many famous Kushikatsu restaurants are located here.
Suggested restaurant
Kushikatsu
$
Try Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at Kushikatsu Daruma, the most famous restaurant in Shinsekai. You'll be served various items—from lotus root and quail eggs to premium beef—all breaded and fried to perfection. The golden rule here is 'No Double Dipping' in the shared sauce vat! It's a fun, interactive dining experience that perfectly suits the boisterous spirit of Osaka.
Hiroshima: Peace & Beauty
🚄
Train
Osaka → Hiroshima
Nov 10 | Tue
Hiroshima Peace Park & Soul Food
Peace Memorial Park Visit
10:30
240
minutes
Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima for a day of reflection and learning. The Peace Memorial Park is located in what was once the busiest commercial district of the city before the 1945 atomic bombing. Today, it is a serene green space dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer nuclear attack and its subsequent advocacy for world peace.
The most striking sight is the A-Bomb Dome, the skeletal ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall, which was one of the few buildings to remain standing after the blast. Walk to the Children’s Peace Monument, inspired by Sadako Sasaki, where you'll see thousands of paper cranes sent by children from around the world. The Peace Memorial Museum provides a deeply moving and necessary look at the human cost of war, making it a profound cultural anchor for your journey through Japan.
Notes
Plan for a quiet afternoon; the museum can be emotionally heavy.
Suggested restaurant
Hiroshima Okonomiyaki
$
Unlike the mixed Osaka style, Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki is layered, featuring a base of thin crepe, mountains of cabbage, sprouts, pork belly, and-crucially-yakisoba noodles. Head to Okonomimura, a three-floor 'village' of over 20 stalls. Sitting at the teppan grill with your friends while the chef assembles your savory pancake is a classic Hiroshima experience.
Nov 11 | Wed
Departure via Bullet Train
For your final day, take the Shinkansen back toward Tokyo or Osaka for your departure flight. Don't forget to purchase a premium Ekiben (station bento) at Hiroshima Station. Look for the 'Anago Meshi' (conger eel) which is a local specialty. Use the SmartEX app to book your train seats in advance to ensure your group can sit together for the long journey back.
Final Souvenir Shopping
10:00
120
minutes
Before heading to the airport, spend your final hours at a large Japanese department store like Tokyu Hands or Don Quijote. These stores are treasure troves for unique Japanese gifts—from high-quality stationery and ceramics to wacky flavored Kit-Kats and skincare products. It’s the perfect way to spend remaining yen and find mementos of your 10-day adventure across Japan.
Notes
Most stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists; bring your passport.
Quick answer
How should you plan a first 10-day trip to Japan?
Use Tokyo for Shinjuku, Asakusa, Meiji Jingu, and Shibuya; shift to Kyoto for Nishiki Market, Gion, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari; continue to Osaka for Dotonbori and Shinsekai; then add Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and okonomiyaki before the final train and departure buffer.
What does this itinerary cover?
- 01Day 1: Start gently in Tokyo with Shinjuku Gyoen, skyline energy, and a yakitori dinner near Shinjuku South Exit.
- 02Day 2: Pair Senso-ji and Asakusa with pop-culture context and an easy sweet stop at Asakusa Kagetsudo.
- 03Day 3: Use Meiji Jingu and Shibuya for the contrast between forested shrine calm and one of Tokyo's busiest urban cores.
- 04Day 4: Move to Kyoto and spend the first afternoon around Nishiki Market, Gion, and a focused Kyoto dinner.
- 05Day 5: Give Arashiyama its own day, with the bamboo grove, western Kyoto atmosphere, and a quieter meal at Shoraian.
- 06Day 6: Build the day around Fushimi Inari Taisha, then connect the sake-history thread at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.
- 07Day 7: Transfer to Osaka, visit Osaka Castle, and let Dotonbori carry the first neon-and-food evening.
- 08Day 8: Stay in Osaka for Shinsekai, kushikatsu, and retro neighborhood texture instead of rushing another transfer.
- 09Day 9: Travel to Hiroshima for Peace Memorial Park and an okonomiyaki dinner at Okonomimura.
- 10Day 10: Keep the final day as a train-and-departure buffer, with light shopping time rather than another heavy sightseeing block.
Common questions
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. Use Mappu to create your own version with different dates, pace, interests, budget, travelers, and destinations.
Can this become a live travel guide?
Yes. In Mappu, an itinerary can become a map-based audio guide while you explore, so the plan can turn into something useful on the ground.