First-timer’s guide to Japan: 10 days, Tokyo to Kyoto

The 10-day route at a glance

1. Tokyo (3 nights): neighborhoods, food and a little chaos.
2. Lake Kawaguchiko (1–2 nights): lake views, an onsen, and a chance to see Mt Fuji.
3. Kyoto (3 nights): temples, gardens and slow mornings.
4. Osaka (1 night or a day trip): eat everything.

Four bases in 10 days is plenty. If you’d rather unpack less, skip a night somewhere and give Tokyo or Kyoto the extra time. For a full day-by-day version, see my Japan travel advisor page.

What to book before you go

• Hotels first. Location matters more than you’d think, especially in Tokyo. Cherry blossom and autumn leaf season fill early.
• The restaurants you’d be heartbroken to miss. Popular spots can book up well in advance, and some take reservations only through specific channels.
• Timed-entry attractions. Some museums and immersive experiences sell timed tickets ahead and can sell out.
• A stay with a Fuji view if seeing the mountain matters to you, plus a back-up plan for cloudy days.

Getting around

Trains make Japan easy once you get the rhythm. The bullet train (shinkansen) connects Tokyo and Kyoto in a little over two hours, and Kyoto to Osaka is quick. In cities, a rechargeable IC card such as Suica or PASMO—or the version in your phone’s wallet—lets you tap through trains, buses and many convenience stores.

Before you buy a rail pass, do the math for your exact route. For many first-timer itineraries, individual tickets can make more sense. This is one of the things I check for clients.

Pro tip: Ask your hotel about luggage forwarding. Sending your big suitcase ahead to your next hotel means you can ride the train with just a day bag—one of my favorite Japan conveniences.

Little things that make a big difference

• Carry some cash. Cards are common, but smaller restaurants, shrines and shops may be cash-only.
• Tipping isn’t expected. Great service is the norm.
• Wear shoes that slip off easily. You may remove them at some temples, restaurants and traditional inns.
• Pack light. Trains, stairs and compact hotel rooms are easier with a smaller suitcase. Plus: more room for shopping.
• Go early. Popular Kyoto sights are much calmer first thing in the morning.
• Leave white space. Some of my favorite moments came from wandering into a side street with no plan.

How to pace a first trip

Pick one or two anchors per day, then let the rest happen. Mix big sights with something fun: in Tokyo, I went go-karting through the streets in a costume, and it was one of the highlights. In Kawaguchiko, rent a bike and let the weather decide when you look for Fuji. In Kyoto, plan an unhurried tea break. You don’t need to see everything to fall for Japan.

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