10 Day Japan Itinerary Tokyo Kyoto Kanazawa

If you’ve got around 10 days to spend, then consider adding Kanazawa to the classic Tokyo-Kyoto itinerary. A new shinkansen line makes this itinerary a very comfortable loop of the central Japan.

[Tokyo’s Shibuya district © froderik]

Itinerary Summary

• Duration: Around 10 days.
• Perfect for: First time visitors to Japan with around 10 days in country.
• Cities visited: Tokyo, Kanazawa and Kyoto.
• Arrival City/Airport: Most people fly into Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports to do this itinerary. You can also fly via Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is the nearest international airport to Kyoto/Osaka.
• Best Season: Any time of year.
• Japan Rail Pass: A one-week Japan Rail Pass will save you a bit of money. For more details, see our Japan Rail Pass: Is It Worth It? page. Be sure to activate your pass on the day you leave Tokyo (not before).

Hire A Travel Expert To Plan Your Japan Itinerary

If you would like to hire a travel expert to help you plan your own customised Japan itinerary, please contact my company Japan Travel Consulting to discuss your needs.

The Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
You’ll probably arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT), but some flights also go into the more convenient Haneda International Airport (HND). See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for details on getting into Tokyo from the airports.

Day 2: Tokyo: Modern Tokyo
On your first full day in Tokyo, you’ll explore the modern west side of the city. See our full Tokyo Two-Day Itinerary for details.

Day 3: Tokyo: Traditional Tokyo
On your second full day in Tokyo, you’ll explore the traditional east side of the city. See our full Tokyo Two-Day Itinerary for details.

Day 4: Travel to Kanazawa
Take the new Hokuriku shinkansen direct from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station. It takes 2.5 hours and costs Y14,120. The Japan Rail Pass covers this leg. For details, see our How to Get to Kanazawa page. You’ll probably have some time to do some sightseeing on this afternoon.

[Kanazawa Castle Park © uru48ra]

Day 5: Explore Kanazawa
On this day, you’ll explore Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. For details, see our Must-Do Kanazawa One-Day Itinerary.

Day 6: Travel to Kyoto
Take a direct Thunderbird Express from Kanazawa to Kyoto. It takes 2 hours and 10 minutes costs Y6,380. The Japan Rail Pass covers this leg. For details, see our How to Get to Kanazawa page. You’ll probably have some time to do some sightseeing in Kyoto after you arrive.

Day 7: Kyoto: Southern Higashiyama
On your first full day in Kyoto, you’ll explore the temple-packed Southern Higashiyama area. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details.

[Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple © pedrosz]

Day 8: Kyoto: Arashiyama
On your second full day in Kyoto, travel west to the Arashiyama district, which is home to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. See our full Kyoto Three-Day Itinerary for details.

Day 9: Return to Tokyo
Take the shinkansen back to Tokyo. For details, see our How to Travel from Tokyo to Kyoto page. You’ll probably have some time in the afternoon to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Note, if your flight out of Tokyo leaves after 3pm, you might be able to spend this night in Kyoto (see the note below).

Day 10: Leave Japan
Return to Narita or Haneda airport and fly home. See our Tokyo Airport Transport page for transport details.

Important Note on Leaving Kyoto and Flying Out of Tokyo the Same Day

If your departure from Tokyo is after 3pm, you do not have to spend your last night in Tokyo; you can leave from Kyoto and still make your flight. As a rule, to travel from Kyoto to Narita takes around 4 hours, with transfers. The best way is to take a Hikari or Nozomi shinkansen to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and transfer to the Narita Express there (if you change at Tokyo Station, you have to walk VERY far to reach the Narita Express platforms).

If you you’re flying out of Haneda Airport, allow about 3.5 hours travel time from Kyoto to Haneda. The best way is a Hikari or Nozomi shinkansen to Shinagawa Station in Tokyo and then the Keikyu Line to Haneda.

Japan Itineraries:

• Japan Itineraries Overview
• 1 Week Japan Itinerary: Tokyo and Kyoto
• 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa
• 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto and Takayama
• 2 Week Japan Itinerary: The Grand Tour
• 7 to 10 Day Japan Itinerary: Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima
• Japan With Children Itinerary

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For a quick overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide.
• Check if a visa is required for Japan
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
• Buy Japan Rail Tickets and Shinkansen Tickets Online.
• For tips on where to stay, see Where To Stay In Kyoto.
• See my Packing List For Japan.
• Purchase an eSim or SIM card for Japan.
• Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.
• Consider a Japan Rail Pass - see if it’s worth for you.
• Consider a travel insurance.