Japan Classic Route in 10 Days
Japan
Overview
Japan's classic 'Golden Route' extended west to Hiroshima: Tokyo's neighbourhoods and food scene, a night in the hot-spring town of Hakone for Mt. Fuji views, Kyoto's temples with a Nara day trip, Osaka's street food, and Hiroshima's Peace Memorial and nearby Miyajima. A Japan Rail Pass covers almost every train leg.
- Duration
- 10 days
- Pace
- Fast-paced
- Transport
- Public transport
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- €1,400–€1,750
Route
1. Tokyo2. Hakone3. Kyoto4. Osaka5. Hiroshima
Highlights
- Fushimi Inari's thousand torii gates in Kyoto
- Mt. Fuji views (weather permitting) from Hakone
- Miyajima's floating torii gate near Hiroshima
- Osaka's Dotonbori street food
Worth knowing
- A fast-paced route — Japan rewards slower travel if time allows
- Mt. Fuji is frequently obscured by cloud, even in good weather windows
- Accommodation books out fast around cherry blossom (late March–April) and autumn colours (November)
Day by day
Day 1
TokyoMain activities
- Arrive
- Shinjuku or Shibuya evening
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 2
TokyoMain activities
- Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
- Akihabara or Harajuku
Optional additions
- teamLab digital art museum
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 3
TokyoMain activities
- Tsukiji Outer Market breakfast
- Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park
Optional additions
- Day trip to Nikko
Overnight: Tokyo
Day 4
Tokyo → HakoneMain activities
- Train to Hakone (~1.5h)
- Lake Ashi cruise, Mt. Fuji viewpoints
Optional additions
- Hakone Open-Air Museum
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Hakone
Day 5
Hakone → KyotoMain activities
- Shinkansen to Kyoto via Odawara (~3h)
- Gion district evening walk
~3 hoursOvernight: Kyoto
Day 6
KyotoMain activities
- Fushimi Inari's torii gate trail
- Kiyomizu-dera temple
Optional additions
- Arashiyama bamboo grove
Overnight: Kyoto
Day 7
Kyoto areaMain activities
- Day trip to Nara — Todai-ji Temple and the deer park
~45 minutes each wayOvernight: Kyoto
Day 8
Kyoto → OsakaMain activities
- Train to Osaka (~30min)
- Osaka Castle
- Dotonbori street food
~30 minutesOvernight: Osaka
Day 9
Osaka → HiroshimaMain activities
- Shinkansen to Hiroshima (~1.5h)
- Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Miyajima's floating torii gate
~1.5 hoursOvernight: Hiroshima
Day 10
HiroshimaMain activities
- Return toward Osaka for departure
Overnight: Hiroshima
Alternatives
Shorter version · 7 days
Drop Hiroshima and Hakone, keeping Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara only.
Longer extension · 14 days
Add Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps between Hakone and Kyoto.