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Japan Golden Route: 10-Day Plan You Can Actually Do
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The 10-day version for April: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 7-day plan · 10-day plan · best time to go.
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10
days
505 km
distance
14.6 h
on trains
59
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Cherry-blossom season: magical and mobbed — book trains, stays and popular temples weeks ahead.
Day 1 Tokyo → Shinjuku
- Transit
- 1h28
- Finish
- ~15:40
- Temperature
- 8.8°C–18.2°C
- Rainy days
- ~19
- Daylight
- 12.9h
09:00
Browse vibrant stalls filled with fresh seafood and local delicacies.
50 min · Tokyo · Free
open: Varies by shop, but typically M-Sa 09:00-14:00, closed holidays and most Wednesdays
10:00
Marvel at the iconic tower's bright lights against the sky.
50 min · Tokyo
open: Daily 09:00-22:00
11:20
Marvel at the tallest self-supporting tower in the world.
50 min · Tokyo · Adults ¥2,400 to the main deck, additional ¥1,100 to the upper deck, with slightly higher admission charges on weekends and holidays. Advanced purchase tickets …
open: Daily 08:00-22:00 (varies during the year)
12:30
You will see the bustling atmosphere of Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, adorned with traditional lanterns and crowded with visitors.
50 min · Tokyo
13:50
Stroll through diverse garden styles and enjoy peaceful cherry blossoms.
50 min · Shinjuku · ¥500, seniors/students ¥250, children under 15 free
open: 09:00-16:30; open until 18:00 mid-March to June and mid-August to September, until 19:00 July to mid-August. Closed Mondays (with some exceptions) and during …
14:40
Suzuya toncya-suzuya.co.jp map ↗
Enjoy salty, filling green tea tonkatsu and other delicious varieties.
60 min · Shinjuku · ¥1000-2000 (price listed 2000)
Overnight: Shinjuku
e.g. Hyatt Regency Tokyo · Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 2 Around Shinjuku
- Transit
- 0h37
- Finish
- ~15:30
- Temperature
- 8.8°C–18.2°C
- Rainy days
- ~19
- Daylight
- 12.9h
09:30
Marvel at towering architecture and panoramic city views.
50 min · Shinjuku · Free
10:35
11:40
Experience a mix of performing arts, art museums, and dining.
50 min · Shinjuku
12:40
13:40
Explore firefighting vehicles and interactive kids' exhibits.
50 min · Shinjuku · Free
open: 09:30-17:00, closed on Mondays
14:30
Torafugu-Tei torafugu.co.jp map ↗
Experience fugu (blowfish) prepared five or six ways, fresh from the tank.
60 min · Shinjuku
Overnight here
e.g. Hyatt Regency Tokyo · Keio Plaza Hotel
Day 3 Hakone
- Transit
- 2h06
- Finish
- ~16:30
- Temperature
- 12.3°C–16.9°C
- Rainy days
- ~23
- Daylight
- 12.9h
10:25
11:25
Admire torii gates emerging from serene waters.
50 min · Hakone
12:35
13:35
Explore a curated collection of Western and Japanese art.
50 min · Hakone · ¥1800
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
14:40
Stroll through lush parkland surrounded by global sculptures.
50 min · Hakone · ¥1,600 (¥200 discount for holders of Hakone Free Pass, a ¥100 discount voucher is available on the museum's website)
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
15:30
Overnight here
e.g. Asante Inn · Hotel Suimeisou
Day 4 Kyoto
- Transit
- 3h46
- Finish
- ~17:05
- Temperature
- 6.3°C–16.8°C
- Rainy days
- ~17
- Daylight
- 12.9h
11:15
Contemplate serene rocks and raked gravel in quiet meditation.
50 min · Kyoto · ¥600
open: Mar-Nov: daily 08:00-17:00; Dec-Feb: 08:30-16:30
12:15
Marvel at the shimmering golden pavilion reflecting on water.
50 min · Kyoto · Admission fee is ¥500 for adults and ¥200 for children
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
13:20
14:35
Discover ancient art, including the world's first manga-style rabbit and monkey painting.
50 min · Kyoto · Temple grounds are free, entrance to the temple is ¥600
16:15
Overnight here
e.g. Popeye media cafe · Uronza Guesthouse
Day 5 Around Kyoto
- Transit
- 0h33
- Finish
- ~14:55
- Temperature
- 6.3°C–16.8°C
- Rainy days
- ~17
- Daylight
- 12.9h
09:00
Feel ancient reverence at a shrine revered since the Heian Period.
50 min · Kyoto · Free
open: All day
10:00
11:00
Gaze at elegant reconstructed palace grounds and architecture.
50 min · Kyoto · Free
open: Tu-Su; Apr-Aug 09:00-16:20, Mar and Sep 09:00-15:50, Oct-Feb 09:00-15:20; closed Dec 28-Jan 4
12:00
Admire splendid centuries-old structures and serene gardens in this shogun residence.
50 min · Kyoto · ¥1,300 for adults; ¥400 for junior and senior high school students, ¥300 for elementary school students, free for children under 6 years
open: Daily 08:45-16:00 (Gate closes at 17:00), Ninomaru Palace closed on Tuesdays.
13:05
Marvel at the tallest pagoda in Japan and enjoy colorful interiors and gardens.
50 min · Kyoto · Admission to grounds free; Kondō & Treasure Hall ¥500; Pagoda ¥800
open: Daily 08:30-17:30 (until 16:30 from mid-September to mid-March)
13:55
Shintogetsu shintogetsu.net
Delight in simple yet famous Yodofu and soothing soba dishes.
60 min · Kyoto · ¥650-1300
open: 11:00-17:00
Overnight here
e.g. Popeye media cafe · Uronza Guesthouse
Day 6 Higashiyama (Kyoto)
- Transit
- 0h32
- Finish
- ~15:00
- Temperature
- 6.3°C–16.8°C
- Rainy days
- ~17
- Daylight
- 12.9h
09:05
Take in breathtaking city views from this historic temple terrace.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥400 adults, ¥200 children 6–15 years
open: Daily: 06:00–18:00 (varies, check website)
10:05
Discover ancient Japanese treasures in a grand, serene setting.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Admission ¥500 (¥1500 during a special exhibition period)
open: Tu-Su 09:30-18:00
11:05
12:10
Feast your eyes on ever-changing modern and contemporary artworks.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥420. (college students receive a discount and special exhibitions require additional costs)
open: Tu-Su 09:30-17:00 (on Fridays during special exhibitions, hours may be extended to 20:00)
13:10
Contemplate meticulously maintained dry landscapes at the serene Silver Pavilion temple.
50 min · Higashiyama (Kyoto) · Admission ¥500
open: Mar-Nov 08:30-17:00; Dec-Mar 09:00-16:30
14:00
Overnight here
e.g. Hana-Touro Stay Miyagawa-cho Residence · Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Day 7 Arashiyama (Kyoto)
- Transit
- 0h46
- Finish
- ~15:15
- Temperature
- 6.3°C–16.8°C
- Rainy days
- ~17
- Daylight
- 12.9h
09:25
Stroll serene gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site with tranquil beauty.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · ¥600 (garden + temple), or ¥500 (garden only)
open: Mar-Oct: daily 08:30-17:30; Nov-Feb: daily 08:30-17:00
10:25
Visit a small shrine hidden in the bamboo forest, steeped in history.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · Entrance is free
open: Daily 09:00-17:00
11:25
12:25
13:25
Wander among thousands of Buddhist statues commemorating the unknown dead.
50 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto)
open: Daily 09:00-16:30
14:15
Shinpachi Tea House facebook.com
Savor gelatto while browsing souvenirs in this charming teahouse.
60 min · Arashiyama (Kyoto) · Gelatto single ¥350, double ¥400
open: Daily 09:00-18:00
Overnight here
e.g. Rokuō-in · Bola Bola Guest House
Day 8 Nara
- Transit
- 2h05
- Finish
- ~16:30
- Temperature
- 6.7°C–17.5°C
- Rainy days
- ~19
- Daylight
- 12.9h
10:25
Marvel at the world's largest Buddha in a grand wooden hall.
50 min · Nara · ¥600; ¥1000 to see the museum as well
open: Nov-Mar 08:00-17:00, Apr-Oct 07:30-17:30; museum opens at 09:30
11:25
Discover exquisite Buddhist art and sacred statues.
50 min · Nara · ¥500; special exhibitions up to ¥2000 (price listed 2000)
open: 09:30-17:00
12:25
13:25
Marvel at countless stone lanterns lining the temple path.
50 min · Nara · Grounds free, inside of shrine ¥500, treasure hall ¥400
14:40
Explore a reconstructed temple with rare pagodas and Buddhist art.
50 min · Nara · ¥800
open: 08:30-17:00
15:30
Senjuan Yoshimune senjyuan.co.jp map ↗
Savour warabimochi, a silky jelly, in a traditional tea room.
60 min · Nara · Warabimochi set ¥680, shaved ice from ¥1000
open: Daily 10AM-6PM
Overnight here
e.g. Ryokan Matsumae · Nara Washington Hotel Plaza
Day 9 Osaka
- Transit
- 2h00
- Finish
- ~17:30
- Temperature
- 6.7°C–17.5°C
- Rainy days
- ~19
- Daylight
- 12.9h
09:45
Marvel at the imposing concrete reconstruction of this historic landmark.
50 min · Osaka · Adults ¥1200, university/high school students ¥600, children 15 and below free
open: Daily 09:00-17:00, closed around New Years
10:50
Explore ancient architecture in a serene, historically rich setting.
50 min · Osaka
11:50
Soar high in Osaka's tallest building with panoramic city views.
50 min · Osaka
13:10
Ascend to sweeping city views from a futuristic sky observatory.
50 min · Osaka · Adult ¥2000, children 4-12 ¥500, 50% reduction for those with a disability certificate (price listed 2000)
14:30
Marvel at massive tanks filled with diverse sea creatures.
120 min · Osaka · adults (16 and over, high school), child (7-15, elementary school and junior high-school), infant (4-6)
open: 10:00-20:00 (last admission is 19:00)
16:30
Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Shop kushikatu-daruma.com map ↗
Taste famous kushikatsu skewers under a grumpy uncle's watch.
60 min · Osaka
open: Daily 11am-10:30pm
Overnight here
Day 10 Around Osaka
- Transit
- 0h40
- Finish
- ~15:05
- Temperature
- 6.7°C–17.5°C
- Rainy days
- ~19
- Daylight
- 12.9h
09:00
Admire this iconic tower symbolizing Osaka's post-war revival.
50 min · Osaka · Trip to the top ¥600, outside platform with guide and safety belt extra ¥1400
10:00
Encounter diverse animals from savannas to polar regions.
50 min · Osaka · Adults ¥500, child ¥200
open: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00
11:00
12:10
Admire ancient Shinto architecture in tranquil park grounds.
50 min · Osaka · Free
13:15
Dainenbutsu-ji Temple read more
Admire the immense wooden main hall of this historic temple.
50 min · Osaka · Free
open: Temple grounds/gate: 06:00–17:00; main hall viewing: 09:30–16:30 (closes 17:00). Free admission.
Katsura Imperial Villa
Kyoto / Arashiyama
Application or walk-in place required — optional visitJoin only with a confirmed application or an available same-day place. The guided outdoor circuit takes about 60 minutes; visitors under 12 are not admitted. This visit is not placed in the timed itinerary. Check the official calendar and assigned time before planning the day.
detailsSaihō-ji (Kokedera)
Arashiyama, Kyoto
Reservation required — optional alternativeReserve at least one day ahead. Allow about 60 minutes for the visit. This visit is not included in your timed itinerary; once your reservation is confirmed, adjust the day around the assigned time. Check the official booking and access requirements.
details🔍 Check before you book
Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.