Welcome to Japan! This 10-day itinerary is crafted for first-time European visitors arriving in Tokyo with a passion for cultural heritage and authentic gastronomy. You'll experience Tokyo's vibrant neighborhoods and street food scene, Kyoto's ancient temples and traditional gardens, Osaka's culinary heart, and Nara's sacred deer and Buddhist monuments. With a moderate budget of approximately €100–120 per day, you'll stay in comfortable business hotels and dine at excellent local restaurants without breaking the bank. This journey balances iconic sights with hidden gems, giving you a genuine taste of Japan's traditions and modern energy.
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This is a 10 days plan starting in Tokyo. Answer one more question — your daily budget — and we'll write the same kind of day-by-day plan for you.
Yes, a 7-day JR Pass (~¥29,650) is highly recommended. You'll take at least 4–5 shinkansen journeys (Tokyo↔Kyoto, Kyoto↔Osaka, Nara day trip), which easily exceed the pass cost. It also covers local trains in Tokyo and Osaka.
Yes, comfortably. Budget breakdown: hotel ¥7,000–8,000, meals ¥4,000–5,000 (mix of casual and nicer restaurants), temples/museums ¥2,000–3,000, transport covered by JR Pass. Occasional splurges fit within this range.
Spring (late March–April, cherry blossoms) and autumn (October–November, mild weather and fall colors) are ideal. Avoid summer (humid, crowded) and winter (cold, some attractions have reduced hours).
Haneda is closer (14 km). Take the Keisei Skyliner (~¥3,100, 60 min to Ueno) or JR Express (~¥3,000, 60 min to Tokyo Station). Narita is further; Skyliner is the fastest option (~¥2,500, 90 min).
The JR Pass covers all shinkansen (bullet trains) between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Trains are punctual, comfortable, and frequent. For day trips, local JR and private railways are included; use IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) for seamless local transit.