For first-time visitors to Japan, a tour covering Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama, Kyoto, and Osaka in 10 days — with most meals, accommodations, and cultural activities included — is one of the most efficient ways to experience the country.
This active small-group tour (max 22 people) comes with full support from an English-speaking guide. This article details the itinerary, highlights, and key notes. It is a strong option for your first trip to Japan (as of early 2026).
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Contents
- Tour Overview
- Why Travelers Choose This Tour
- Sample Itinerary – Daily Highlights (2026)
- Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Senso-ji Temple
- Day 2: Tokyo – Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Akihabara
- Day 3: Sushi-Making Class & Shibuya Crossing
- Day 4: Hakone – Mt. Fuji Views
- Day 5: Takayama – Sake Brewery Visit
- Day 6: Takayama Morning Market & Travel to Kyoto – Gion Walk
- Day 7: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Day 8: Kinkaku-ji & Kendo Class
- Day 9: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Osaka Dotonbori
- Day 10: Osaka Departure
- What Travelers Say (Excerpts)
- Who It’s For & Important Notes
- Summary
Tour Overview
- Tour Name: Japan Classic 10 Day Adventure
- Duration: 10 days (starts in Tokyo, ends in Osaka)
- Price: Approximately 400,000 JPY per person (individual pricing; varies)
- Group Size: Maximum 22 people (small and friendly group)
- Target: Active travelers aged 18–59 (lots of walking, moderate fitness required)
- Language: English-speaking guide
- Inclusions: Accommodations (hostels/temples/hotels etc.), meals (4 breakfasts, 3 dinners, 1 lunch), airport transfers, activities (sushi-making class, sake brewery visit, tea ceremony, kendo class etc.), tips
- Exclusions: International flights, travel insurance, some meals, additional transfers from Osaka, shinkansen (optional arrangement available) This tour involves a lot of active movement over 10 days, so travelers should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance.
- Physical Level: Moderate (near public transport, not wheelchair accessible)
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
- Ideal for first-time visitors: It covers Tokyo’s bright lights, Kyoto’s temples, and Osaka’s street food in a balanced way. The guide explains cultural context, so you can enjoy everything without confusion.
- Active and social: Small-group format makes it easy to make friends and connect with other English-speaking travelers.
- Great in every season: Spots shine with cherry blossoms in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, festivals in summer, and snowy views in winter.
Sample Itinerary – Daily Highlights (2026)
This tour is active with plenty of walking, but the guide adjusts the pace. Below are the main spots each day, plus photo tips. Basic information is added so first-time visitors can easily picture each place.
Day 1: Tokyo Arrival & Senso-ji Temple
After arrival, meet at Sakura Nippori Hostel. Explore Senso-ji Temple for your first taste of Japan. Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest temple (founded 628 AD), famous for its giant red lantern at Kaminarimon Gate. It is dedicated to Buddhist guardian deities and is a place where locals pray daily. It is a great introduction to traditional Japanese temple culture. The nearby Nakamise shopping street is lively with souvenir shops.
Photo Tips: Kaminarimon Gate and five-story pagoda at sunset; glowing lanterns at night are Instagram-worthy.
Day 2: Tokyo – Harajuku, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Akihabara
Harajuku street fashion, Meiji Jingu’s forest, Akihabara pop culture. Harajuku is the center of youth fashion and pop culture with bold street styles. Meiji Jingu Shrine (built 1920 to honor Emperor Meiji) has a huge forest (70 hectares) that feels like an oasis in Tokyo. Akihabara (“Akiba”) is the global hub for anime, manga, and electronics.
Photo Tips: Portrait in the tree-lined path at Meiji Jingu; colorful neon signs in Akihabara.
Day 3: Sushi-Making Class & Shibuya Crossing
Sushi class at Tsukiji Outer Market, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory, Omoide Yokocho alley, Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Tsukiji Outer Market (former fish market site) offers fresh seafood for a hands-on sushi class where you learn Edo-period sushi history and techniques. The free observatory gives 360° views of Tokyo’s skyline. Omoide Yokocho is a nostalgic postwar alley with affordable izakaya. Shibuya Crossing is the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Photo Tips: Overhead view of Shibuya Crossing at peak evening; close-up of your handmade sushi.
Day 4: Hakone – Mt. Fuji Views
Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji viewpoint. Traditional guesthouse stay. Hakone is a national park with hot springs and volcanic areas. The ropeway crosses Owakudani valley where you can see volcanic steam up close. Lake Ashi is famous for Mt. Fuji views. Mt. Fuji (3,776 m), Japan’s highest peak and UNESCO World Heritage site, is a sacred mountain known for its seasonal beauty.
Photo Tips: Perfect Fuji reflection on Lake Ashi; panoramic ropeway view.
Day 5: Takayama – Sake Brewery Visit
Takayama town walk, Harada Sake Brewery tasting. Temple stay (shared rooms). Takayama is called “Little Kyoto of Hida” for its preserved Edo-period streets and traditional houses. Harada Sake Brewery uses local rice for sake tasting, teaching about Japan’s rice-fermentation sake culture and production methods. Temple stay offers a quiet Buddhist lodging experience. Photo Tips: Fresh produce at the morning market; sake barrels and tasting scene.
Day 6: Takayama Morning Market & Travel to Kyoto – Gion Walk
Miyagawa Morning Market, Kyoto Gion district stroll. Pod hostel stay. Miyagawa Morning Market (over 400 years old) sells fresh produce, fruits, and crafts, showing local daily life. Gion is Kyoto’s historic geisha district with stone-paved alleys and traditional teahouses.
Photo Tips: Lantern-lit stone path in Gion; lively morning market stalls.
Day 7: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Thousand-torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera stage. Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to the Inari deity (business prosperity), famous worldwide for thousands of red torii gates forming a tunnel. Kiyomizu-dera (founded 778) has a high wooden stage (13 m) offering panoramic Kyoto views. Photo Tips: Iconic red torii tunnel at Fushimi Inari; sweeping view from Kiyomizu-dera’s stage.
Day 8: Kinkaku-ji & Kendo Class
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion, moss temple, kendo experience. Kinkaku-ji (built 1397) is a Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting in the pond – a UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing Zen meditation culture. The moss temple is known for its serene moss garden. Kendo class introduces basic martial arts and samurai culture.
Photo Tips: Golden reflection at Kinkaku-ji; action shot in kendo uniform.
Day 9: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Osaka Dotonbori
Arashiyama bamboo grove, Monkey Park, Dotonbori food tour (takoyaki, okonomiyaki). Hotel stay. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove features tall, dense bamboo paths with a mystical atmosphere. Monkey Park has wild monkeys. Dotonbori is Osaka’s famous food street with neon lights and the iconic Glico Man sign.
Photo Tips: Tall bamboo grove vertical shot; bright Glico sign neon at night.
Day 10: Osaka Departure
Free time, then transfer to Osaka Airport (optional shinkansen back to Tokyo).
What Travelers Say (Excerpts)
- “I fully enjoyed Japan in 10 days! The guide was amazing and stress-free.”
- “Lots of walking, but new discoveries every day. Made friends too!”
This tour receives high ratings on TripAdvisor and TourRadar.
Who It’s For & Important Notes
Recommended for:
- First-time visitors who want to cover Japan efficiently
- Travelers who enjoy group travel and making friends
- People interested in hands-on cultural experiences (sushi-making, kendo, etc.)
Important Notes:
- Lots of walking – comfortable shoes are essential
- Accommodations are shared style (private rooms can be arranged separately)
- Travelers should strongly consider purchasing travel insurance
Summary
This tour packs the essence of Japan into 10 days. It is more affordable than private tours while offering the fun of group travel. If you want your first Japan trip to become an unforgettable memory, check it out!
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