Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
This moderate-paced 10-day itinerary uses 5 bases — Tokyo (2 nights), Nikko (1 night), Hakone (1 night), Kyoto (4 nights), Osaka (2 nights) — to keep hotel changes low while covering Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka. Daily spend for mid-range travelers is around ¥24,000 per person including accommodation.
Why this route is ranked #30
Ranked #30 with 88/100: a multi-stop route with more transfer time, strong Golden Route highlights (Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone), moderate pacing for autumn travelers, and good value at ¥24,000/day.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Route Efficiency & Transit Pacing | 26.4 / 30 |
| Iconic & Cultural Depth | 22 / 25 |
| First-Timer Accessibility & Logistics | 17.6 / 20 |
| Cost-to-Value Ratio | 13.2 / 15 |
| Seasonal Flexibility | 8.8 / 10 |
| Total | 88 / 100 |
Day-by-day plan
Arrive in Tokyo
Arrive, pick up an IC card and settle in. Easy first afternoon: Asakusa Senso-ji, Ueno Park and Akihabara.
Tokyo: Meiji Jingu
Meiji Jingu, Harajuku, Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky at sunset
Travel to Nikko
Morning transfer to Nikko (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.
Travel to Hakone
Morning transfer to Hakone (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Hakone loop: Romancecar, Owakudani, Lake Ashi cruise and an onsen ryokan night.
Travel to Kyoto
Morning transfer to Kyoto (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Fushimi Inari at dawn, then Higashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera and Gion.
Kyoto: Arashiyama bamboo grove
Arashiyama bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji and Kinkaku-ji
Kyoto: Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle and the Philosopher's Path
Day trip: Nara
Day trip from Kyoto: Todai-ji Great Buddha, Nara Park deer and Kasuga Taisha.
Travel to Osaka
Morning transfer to Osaka (forward big luggage with takkyubin the day before). Afternoon: Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market and Dotonbori street food.
Osaka: Shinsekai kushikatsu · depart
Shinsekai kushikatsu, Umeda Sky Building and Namba nightlife Head to the airport in the afternoon.
Transport & rail pass notes
Use an IC card (Suica/ICOCA) for local trains and buses. Long-distance legs may justify a regional or national JR Pass — check with our JR Pass Calculator.
What to book ahead
- Hotels in peak sakura (late Mar–early Apr) and koyo (Nov) seasons
- Shinkansen seats on weekends & holidays
- Signature experiences in Tokyo
Ways to adapt this route
- Short on time? Drop Osaka and add a night to Tokyo.
- Travelling in winter? Check seasonal closures for mountain roads and ropeways.
- Use our Itinerary Builder tool to customise this plan.
Tokyo Nikkō Hakone Kyoto Nara Osaka
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Tokyo, Nikko, Hakone?
Yes — this plan gives Tokyo (2 nights), Nikko (1 night), Hakone (1 night), Kyoto (4 nights), Osaka (2 nights), which is enough for the main highlights at a moderate pace.
How much does this 10-day Japan trip cost?
Roughly ¥240,000 per person for 10 days (≈¥24,000/day) excluding international flights.
Do I need a JR Pass for this itinerary?
Enter your legs in our JR Pass Calculator; single tickets or regional passes are often cheaper.
When is the best time to do this route?
Late March–May and October–November for the best weather.