10-Day Classic Japan Discovery Tour

Explore the best Japan with our ultimate travel guide.

This trip will take you to the essence of Japanese culture and natural scenery, from the futuristic and historically rich Tokyo to the picturesque foot of Mount Fuji, then to the traditional and culturally rich Kyoto and Nara, and finally to the bustling Osaka. You can explore the best angles to view Mount Fuji at Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai， stroll under thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, interact with the gentle deer in the beautiful Nara Park, and explore the lively Shinsaibashi and Dōtonbori, tasting the authentic cuisine of the Kansai region.

If it's your first trip to Japan, this will be a perfect travel plan. The route is rich in diverse scenic spots and the itinerary is well-paced. If you plan to go on vacation in Japan in March or April, the splendid cherry blossoms will accompany you throughout your this journey.

Itinerary Sketch

Tour Highlights

1. An international metropolis where modernity and history blend together.

2. Exploring the Best Angles to Appreciate Mount Fuji.

3. Experience the romantic inheritance of civilization on the ancient streets of Kyoto.

4. The Japanese Sika deer in Nara Park welcome you.

5. In the culinary paradise of Osaka and the kitchen of Kyoto, there are countless delicacies to tantalize your taste buds.

Itinerary Overview

This is a classic travel route in Japan that we highly recommend. It is particularly suitable for your first trip to Japan with your family or loved ones. Of course, there are still many other places worth visiting along the route. We are more than happy to customize it according to your interests and preferences.

Day 1   Seoul Arrival

Welcome to Japan, the "Land of the Rising Sun", where the natural scenery is beautiful, and the traditional culture of the East, which is reserved and inclusive, blends wonderfully with the modern civilization of the West, which is open and progressive. With the passage of time, it continues to emit a brilliant cultural light.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, meet your driver at the airport and then take a private car to your hotel.

Day 2  The highlights of cultural and natural landscapes in Tokyo.

Enjoy a daytime tour of this charming city with a dedicated guide. The itinerary begins with a visit to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple. The Nakamise Shopping Street in front of the temple is one of the oldest commercial streets in Japan, and now it offers a variety of traditional snacks and rich and interesting souvenirs for visitors.

The 634-meter Tokyo Skytree is not far from Sensoji Temple. By ascending to the observation deck of the Skytree, you can enjoy a panoramic view of this international metropolis by the bay. On a day with high air visibility, you can even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji in the distance.

In the afternoon, visit Meiji Shrine, which enshrines the spirit of Emperor Meiji and is a popular venue for traditional Japanese weddings. Then, take a stroll in Shibuya, where is listed as a "24-hour non-sleeping street" like Shinjuku. Be sure not to miss Omotesando Shopping Street,  many flagship stores of world-class fashion brands are gathered there.

Day 3  The sequel to Tokyo's most wonderful cultural and natural landscapes.

The Imperial Palace is located in the heart of Tokyo and is the residence of the Emperor of Japan and his family. We can visit the East Garden, which are open to the public. Then, we can go to see the Tokyo Tower, which has stood in Tokyo for over 60 years and is a landmark building with red and white stripes.

End your day at the Hamarikyu Onshi Teien, a Japanese garden from the Edo period surrounded by skyscrapers. This is the perfect representation of the contrasting charm of Tokyo.

Day 4  From Tokyo to the foot of Mount Fuji

After breakfast, we drive for about two hours to Fujiyoshida Town in the Fuji Five Lakes area.

Oshino Hakkai is renowned for their charming rural scenery. The shimmering lake water blends seamlessly with the majestic Mount Fuji, creating a breathtaking view. Countless photographers come here to capture the natural beauty of Mount Fuji and the well-preserved village.

Fuji Sengen Shrine is the earliest Sengen Shrine built on the northern slope of Mount Fuji. However, what makes this place most famous is not its historic buildings but seven huge cedar trees that have been growing for nearly 1,200 years. Among them, the largest tree has a girth of 7 meters and a height of 45 meters.

Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the best spots to enjoy Mount Fuji. At the highest point of the park, you can capture the iconic mountain from an excellent angle. During the cherry blossom season, you can even photograph the three most representative symbols of Japan at the same time.

Day 5  Viewing Mount Fuji from Kawaguchiko Lake.

Just a few kilometers away from Fujiyoshida City lies Kawaguchiko Lake. Here, you can take a cruise on the lake or cycle around it to enjoy the lake view and have the chance to capture stunning photos of Mount Fuji. As a symbol of Japan, this snow-capped, perfectly conical volcano is not only the highest peak in Japan but also a sacred mountain in the hearts of the Japanese people.

Oishi Park is a park on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. It features vast lavender fields by the lake, from where the magnificent Mount Fuji can be seen in full view. If the weather is fine, be sure to take the cable car by the lake to the top of the mountain, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mount Fuji.

Day 6  Bid farewell to Mount Fuji and head for Kyoto.

This morning, we will head to Odawara Station and then take the Shinkansen to Kyoto using your train ticket. After arriving at Kyoto Station, please go to the hotel by yourself. The rest of the day is at your own disposal.

Kyoto is a thousand-year-old ancient city. Before the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1868, it was the capital and political, economic and cultural center of Japan. It is rich in cultural heritage and is called "the hometown of the soul" by the Japanese. It is a place that symbolizes Japanese culture. Stroll freely in this ancient city and feel the thick atmosphere of historical and cultural accumulation. During this free exploration time, Higashiyama District and Nishiki Market are very worth visiting.

Day 7  Kyoto Highlights.

Today, you will explore this former imperial capital under the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide and visit some of Kyoto's World Heritage Sites in your own private vehicle.

Your day will start with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera. In the quiet morning, walk leisurely up the hill through the historic streets to Kiyomizu-dera. Standing on the 13-meter-high viewing platform of the main hall, overlook the panoramic view of Kyoto and admire the architectural masterpiece built without a single nail. This iconic site in Kyoto is an excellent place for sightseeing.

The entire precinct of Kinkaku-ji Temple has been designated as an important historical building within the "Cultural Properties of the Ancient Capital, Kyoto" by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and it has now become one of the most famous temples in Kyoto.

Nijo Castle, built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603 and modeled after the Tang Dynasty's Chang'an City in China, is one of the most famous historical buildings in Kyoto. It is surrounded by a high stone wall and moat that is 500 meters long from east to west and 400 meters long from north to south. Nijo Castle is the top cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto. The seasons when plum blossoms and chrysanthemums are in full bloom are also good times to visit.

Day 8  An all-day excursion in Nara.

Nara is very close to Kyoto, only about 40 kilometers away, and the transportation is very convenient. You will be accompanied by a local guide from your hotel to Nara.

During the 75 years from the 8th to the 9th century, Nara was the capital of Japan. Many temples, shrines and other ancient sites built at that time are scattered throughout the city. After a thousand years, they are still well-preserved.

Nara Park is very large, covering an area of over 660 hectares. Many famous historical sites are mostly located within the park. Compared with the repeatedly rebuilt ancient buildings in other places like Kyoto, the temples and shrines in Nara are older, more intact and more unique. What is more well-known is that there are over 1,300 gentle and endearing Japanese sika deer living in the park, so Nara Park is also called Deer Park by the locals.

Among many ancient temples, Todaiji Temple is the one that must not be missed. It is the largest wooden structure in the world and also the home of the largest Buddha statue in Japan.

Day 9  Explore Osaka Castle and enjoy the local cuisine.

We set off from Nara to Osaka in the morning. The two places are about 30 kilometers apart and it takes about one hour to get there.

Today's itinerary starts with Osaka Castle. The existing Osaka Castle was rebuilt on the site of the original Osaka Castle from 1620 to 1629. It is generally believed that the Donjon of Osaka Castle is a symbol of Japanese castles.

After visiting Osaka Castle, you will embark on a very relaxing and pleasant journey. Take the very popular Osaka Aqua Liner to experience the scenery within the city of Osaka. The beautiful views along the way will allow you to fully appreciate the charm of Osaka, the water city.

Then reach the city center of this fine food capital, the bustling Dōtonbori, and enjoy a street food tour. Shinsaibashi Shopping Street is a retail paradise and the most prosperous shopping street in Osaka. Before ending this trip to Japan, you can freely purchase your favorite goods and souvenirs here.

Day 10  End the trip to Japan in Osaka.

Before your private driver takes you to Osaka International (Itami) Airport or Kansai International Airport for your return flight, you still have some spare time. You can choose to have a good rest, get ready for your return journey, alternatively, explore the nearby areas of the hotel at your own pace to satisfy your lingering curiosity.

We believe that during this trip to Japan, there must be some wonderful moments that you will always remember.