First-Timer’s Japan Itinerary: Avoiding Tourist Traps in 10 Days
A 10-day plan I give friends who want the hits without the tourist-trap fatigue.
Overview
- Bases: Tokyo (5 nights) + Kyoto/Osaka (5 nights)
- Move count: 1 hotel change
- Style: Early mornings, calm neighborhoods, good food
Days 1-5: Tokyo
- Stay: Asakusa/Ueno for calm nights, easy trains
- Do: Senso-ji at sunrise, Yanaka Ginza stroll, Meiji Shrine early, teamLab once
- Skip/Limit: Busy view decks at peak; pick one (Shibuya Sky or Skytree early)
- Eat: Sushi lunch sets (Ginza), ramen (Shinjuku/Ikebukuro), izakaya in Ebisu
Day 6: Hakone Day Trip
- Onsen + ropeway + Lake Ashi. Back to Tokyo to keep luggage light.
Days 7-10: Kyoto/Osaka Base
- Stay: Kyoto station area (easy trains) or Osaka Namba (cheaper)
- Kyoto: Fushimi Inari at sunrise, Kiyomizu mid-morning, Philosopher’s Path late afternoon
- Osaka: Dotonbori late night, Kuromon Market morning snacks
- Day trips: Nara for a half day (morning), Uji for matcha
Pacing Rules
- One “big” sight per morning, food + strolling afternoons
- Book one special meal; keep the rest casual
- IC card + a few Shinkansen legs; no JR Pass needed