10 Day Japan Itinerary: A Golden Route Alternative

Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or returning after falling in love with it during previous travels, planning your itinerary is one of the most difficult things you’ll do. With so many incredible destinations across the archipelago, narrowing down where to visit while maximising your time can feel overwhelming.

This 10-day Japan itinerary provides an alternative to the well-trodden Golden Route (Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka), instead offering some lesser frequented cities and towns. Bringing together urban settings and nature spots, you can experience some truly exceptional places in Japan that don’t feel completely overrun with tourists.

This itinerary is especially suitable for winter travel, as it includes visits to see the snow monkeys in Nagano and Shirakawa-go which is a winter wonderland when covered in a blanket of white. Though it’s also a great route to visit any time of the year.

view of tokyo skyline with yoyogi park at sunset from shibuya sky

10 days in Japan overview

Here’s a quick overview of how you’ll be spending 10 days in Japan with this itinerary that takes you from Tokyo to Kanazawa with stops and day trips in the Japanese Alps.

Tokyo days 1-3
Nagano days 4-6

Snow Monkey Park day trip
Togakushi Shrine half day

Kanazawa days 7-10

Shirakawa-go day trip
Takayama day trip

Before we get into it, a few notes worth mentioning. This itinerary assumes you will arrive in the evening before day one of this plan or the morning of, and that you will fly out the morning of day 11, ultimately giving you 10 full days in Japan.

I have started and ended this itinerary in Tokyo, as that is the most popular point of entry. However, you could swap out Tokyo for Kyoto or Osaka if you are arriving into Kansai International Airport instead.

sensoji temple gate with large lanterns and red temple gates

Day 1 | Asakusa, Ueno, and Akihabara

I’ve modelled these first three days of your time in Tokyo off my five-day Tokyo itinerary, so if you want more inspiration of things to see and do, it’s a much more comprehensive guide.

I always recommend starting your first trip to Tokyo in Asakusa. It’s the traditional heart of Japan’s capital and home to the iconic Sensoji Temple. Aim to arrive here before 10am to beat the crowds that fill the grounds later in the day. Pick up some local souvenirs and plenty of snacks in the streets nearby.

Before leaving Asakusa, pay a visit to Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center for a bird’s eye view over Sensoji Temple.

For the rest of your day, I recommend visiting Ueno and Akihabara and these are my suggestions of things to do in the area:

Ueno Park | Lovely any time of the year, you can spot cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in late November. While here, I suggest visiting Gojoten Shrine which features several vermilion torii gates and a quiet sanctuary among the bustling metropolis.
Kappabashi Street | If you’re into cooking there’s nowhere better to pick up quality kitchenware and unique Japanese cooking utensils than this part of town. From pans designed to cook tamagoyaki to premium quality knives, you’ll find it all here.
Retro game and anime shopping | Akihabara has earned the nickname ‘Electric Town’ and has become a haven of stores selling retro video games, anime goods, and electronics. Super Potato and Suragaya are some great spots to find retro games.
Gigo game centre | Tokyo is full of game centres, but what makes this one special is RetroG on level 6. This is where you’ll find old school games from the 80s and 90s which are full of nostalgia. The other levels of this multistorey centre are typical games, claw machines, and purikura.

brightly coloured streets under a blue sky in akihabara japan

Day 2 | Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku

Today covers the tourist hotspots of Tokyo. Neon-tinted streets, trendy shopping, and a few insta-popular photo spots. Here’s some suggestions for enjoying your time in Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku:

Takeshita Street | Start here early, because the street is hard to walk down the further into the day it gets. Here you’ll find a mix of crepe and sweet stores, fashion and accessories, and gashapon centres.
Omotesando | A short walk from Harajuku you’ll find Omotesando Hills which is home to some great coffee shops like Koffee Mameya, as well as boutique clothing stores carrying local and international brands.
Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine | Make your way to Yoyogi Park for green space just a short walk from Harajuku station. Right by the park is Meiji Shrine, the most well known of Tokyo’s Shinto Shrines surrounded by a forest. Explore the grounds, get your omikuji (fortune), and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Views over Shibuya | There are plenty of options for nabbing a great view over Shibuya and its world-famous crossing. Shibuya Sky has a bird’s eye view of the city and you can even spot Mt Fuji on a clear day. But if you’re looking for a free place to take in the scenery, Shibuya Mark City won’t cost you a penny.
Loft | If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs to take home, I always recommend Loft. It has a massive range of local goods from ceramics and glassware to food, stationery, and homewares.
Dinner at Omoide Yokocho | This narrow laneway dressed in lanterns and seasonal foliage is a popular spot for good reason. There’s loads of small yakitori bars to choose from and most only seat around 6-8 people. Grab a load of small dishes and a cold lemon sour or Asahi for the full experience.
Golden Gai | If you still have energy, make your way over to Golden Gai for a drink or two at one (or more) of the tiny bars that fill this pocket in the back streets of Shinjuku.

Day 3 | Team Labs, Tokyo Tower or Sky Lobby

Azadubai Hills is a newer upscale district in Tokyo that has some great dining, shopping, and a crowd-favourite attraction - Team Labs Borderless. Here’s some suggestions for how to spend your final day in Tokyo:

Team Labs Borderless | Reopened in 2024 at the new site in Azadubai Hills with a host of new rooms and updated projections, this interactive exhibition features various rooms with light projections and shows that are suitable for most ages. I recommend purchasing tickets in advance for timed entry.
Sky Lobby JP Mori Tower | The newest viewing spot to take in Tokyo’s skyline, you can head up to the 34th floor to enjoy the view with a drink or small bite. It tends to be less crowded than other viewing spots in the city.
Tokyo Tower | If you’d rather scale Tokyo Tower than look at it from the Sky Lobby, there are two viewing platforms at 150 and 250 metres high. There’s also a Shinto Shrine inside, which takes the crown for the shrine at the highest elevation in Tokyo.

Day 4 | Nagano

Nagano is the largest city in the prefecture of the same name and it is best known as the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. The area is often a base for those planning to visit the ski destinations around the Alps and take day trips, as you will in this itinerary.

It only takes 1.5 hours via the Hokuriku shinkansen from Tokyo and there’s plenty to do to keep you busy for a day. With a day in Nagano, I’d recommend seeing and doing the following:

Zenko-ji Temple | Established in the 7th century, Zenko-ji is one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples. There are several smaller temples located throughout the grounds, as well as Sanmon and Niomon Gates that are worth wandering around. You can also head to the second floor of Sanmon Gate to take in the panoramic views of the Nagano City and the approach to Zenko-ji Temple.
Zenko-ji Omotesando | As you walk from Nagano station to Zenko-ji Temple, you’ll inevitably climb this hilly street which is full of cafes and restaurants. Many of the shop fronts have an old-world feel thanks to their traditional townhouse style. Forret Coffee is a great place to stop along the way.
Eat Oyaki | Originating in Nagano, these tasty treats are stuffed dumplings made of buckwheat and fried/roasted on a pan. Fillings range from red bean paste and fermented vegetables to squash or miso and cheese (my favourite!). You can find these in several stores along Zenko-ji Namikase or dine in at Ogawanoshodaimonten.
Nagano Prefectural Art Museum | This modern art museum is known for its calligraphy exhibitions, among numerous other permanent and temporary exhibitions. The gardens and rooftop are also worth visiting as it offers spectacular views.
Spot Olympic Memorabilia | As the host of the 1998 winter games, there are reminders of the event located across the city. The most notable is the Omotesando Olympic Memorial Park located on the street that leads towards Zenko-ji Temple. Elsewhere, you’ll find manhole covers with the 1998 Winter Olympic games on them and even a post box.

Day 5 | Yaen Koen Jigokudani: Snow monkeys

The snow monkeys in Japan have captured hearts after images were shared showing them soaking in the local hot springs in the area. Visiting these adorable Japanese macaques is easily done from Nagano as a day trip, which is exactly what to do today.

While they’ve been nicknamed the snow monkeys, they are located in the area all year round. However, in the warmer months, they are unlikely to soak in the hot springs and instead will be spotted in the forested areas nearby instead.

You have two options to travel to the snow monkey park from Nagano, either via a direct bus via Nagano station, or via the local Nagano-Dentetsu Line from Nagano station to Yudanaka and then a bus from there.

I recommend heading to the park first thing in the morning, as it gets busy from around 11am onwards. You can read my guide to visiting the snow monkeys which has all the details on how to make the most of this day trip from Nagano.

Day 6 | Togakushi Shrine and ancient cedar forests

Today you’ll head to the mountains near Nagano for a walk through ancient cedar forests and along alpine trails that connect the five shrines that make up Togakushi Shrine: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha.

Jump on either bus #70 or #71 from Nagano station and head towards Togakushi Shrine. In summer you can alight the bus at the Okusha stop to walk through the cedar forest and to Oksuha Shrine (upper shrine). In Winter you can only go as far as Chusha Shrine (middle shrine) and will need to walk from there. The bus takes approximately 1 hour and 10 mins to Okusha Shrine, and a little less to Chusha Shrine.

If you opt for the longer walk (or are visiting in winter) you’ll pass by Kagamiike Pond, take in views of the Togakushi mountain range, and Kotorigaike pond. The most spectacular spot though is the cedar forest where centuries’ old cedar trees tower above the path below. Beginning at Zuishinmon Gate, the path climbs through this forest area before reaching Okusha Shrine at the top.

Allow around six hours for this day trip and spend the evening in Nagano - I recommend eating Soba, as it’s the traditional dish of the region.

Day 7 | Kanazawa: Exploring ‘Little Kyoto’

I adore Kanazawa and it’s a great alternative to Kyoto as it offers a similar atmosphere with far fewer crowds. It also serves as a great base for a few nearby day trips to Shirakawa-go and Takayama (more on that later).

Kanazawa has several well-preserved Edo districts, a stunning garden, and is known for its Kutani ceramics. It’s also known for gold leaf and has several great museums. Make the most of your first day here by arriving early in the day as the train from Nagano takes just over an hour on the fastest service.

Some of the best things to do in Kanazawa today:

Higashi Chaya | This area has earned Kanazawa the nickname ‘Little Kyoto’. Wooden machiya townhouses line the streets of this historic entertainment district which is full of shops, sake breweries, cafes, and tea houses. Spend the morning wandering the streets and popping into stores.
Shima Teahouse Museum | While you’re in Higashi Chaya, visit Shima Teahouse Museum for a look into geisha culture.
Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum | Gold leaf is a specialty of Kanazawa and you can enjoy it on everything from soft serve to ornate handicrafts. This museum showcases the history and cultural importance of gold leaf production in Kanazawa.
Omicho Market | Stop by Omicho Market for lunch where you can taste fresh seafood, delicious croquettes, and a range of local delicacies.
Nagamachi Samurai District | Spend the afternoon in Kanazawa’s Samurai District where preserved houses that once belonged to the families of Samurai are now a collection of cafes, stores and private residences. Don’t miss Nomura-ke Samurai Residence where you can see how the Samurai once lived in a traditional house and garden.
Oyama Shrine | This Shrine features a non-traditional yet ornate gate that blends Japanese, Chinese, and European design elements. It has a lovely garden and is worth spending 20-30 minutes visiting. You can also purchase limited edition goshuin here if you’re commemorating your travels with these shrine/temple seals.
Dinner at Fuwari | This was one of my favourite meals in Kanazawa. An upscale izakaya, the menu features numerous seasonally inspired small plates including snow crab, wagyu, and tempered vegetables. Reservations are recommended.

nomura-ke samurai residence exterior and zen garden with snow patches in kanazawa japan

Day 8 | Shirakawa-go

This is one of the best day trips you can take from Kanazawa and is easily done as a day trip (I took this tour) with an organised tour or via public transport on a bus. Shirakawa-go is a UNESCO-listed town in Gifu Prefecture where traditional thatched-roof houses fill a valley between forested mountains.

Filled with more than 60 gassho-style houses, a wander through the streets of Shirakawa-go is like stepping back to a bygone era. While you’re in town, I recommend the following activities:

Ogimachi Castle Observation Point | Walk or catch the minibus up to the viewpoint that overlooks the most popular town village of Ogimachi. The thatched roof houses are peppered in the valley below and look especially magical in the snow.

Nagase, Wada, and Kanda House | Some of the farmhouses have been turned into museums where you can see the tools and lifestyle of the village when it was a producer of silk. You don’t need to visit all three, but I do recommend at least visiting one while you’re here.

Snap photos at the Shirakawa-go Three houses | At the far end of town (opposite from the view point) are three perfectly placed houses that make for some beautiful photography compositions.

Eat local street food | This region is known for its excellent Hida Beef, a type of Wagyu. You can order a Hida Beef skewer which has been lightly salted and grilled perfectly for just a few hundred yen. Another must-try is Gohei mochi, a sticky rice skewer cooked over coals and covered in a sticky miso-soy glaze.

Discover award-winning pudding | I am not exaggerating when I tell you that you have to try the pudding from Purin no le pudding house. They offer seasonal flavours as well as the classic pudding and their famous mizu pudding.

If you’re joining an organised tour, many of these will also take you to Gokayama and Ainkoura which are other villages in this area. Alternatively, these are also accessible on bus routes from Shirakawa-go.

three houses of shirakawago in the snow with pine trees in the foreground, heavy snow, and mountains in the background

Day 9 | Takayama

Time to take another day trip from Kanazawa, this time to the idyllic town of Takayama. This is a great alternative to Kyoto thanks to the preserved old town with traditional wooden townhouses which are now the setting for sake breweries, cafes, and shops. To make the most of your day in Takayama, these are the best things to do:

Miyagawa Morning Market | Running from 7am until noon, these markets sell a mix of fresh produce, hot bites, and local wares. Running along the Miyagawa River, it’s a great starting point as you make your way from Takayama station towards the main sights of the town.
Sanmachi Suji | This is the preserved part of town that feels like it’s been plucked right from the Edo period. Wooden buildings line the street, dressed in plants and noren where the once merchant stores are now full of craft shops, sake breweries, and restaurants.
Matsuri no Mori Museum | The Takayama Matsuri festival is one of the most renowned in Japan and you can see the floats year round at the Matsuri no Mori Museum and the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition hall. The floats showcase the traditional techniques and crafts of lacquerware, metalworks, wood carving, and masks.
Takayama Shōwa-kan Museum | Take a time warp back to the 1950s at this museum that has collections of everyday items from the Showa Era (1926-1989). You can interact with games, see what shops, classrooms, and barbers shops were like, and see what life was like in post-WWII Japan.
Eat Hida Beef | I still think about the Hida Beef we ate in Takayama, it was that good! Whether you choose skewered grilled beef or seared Hida Beef sushi from a hole-in-the-wall or to enjoy various cuts at a yakiniku restaurant, this is one of the must-try foods from the area.

streets of takayama with traditional wooden houses at dusk

Day 10 | Kanazawa and return to Tokyo

Your final day will be spent in Kanazawa before you head back to Tokyo in the afternoon. This is the time to cover the sights you didn’t see on the first day in the city, including one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

Here’s what I recommend seeing on your final day in Kanazawa:

Kenrokuen Garden | One of Japan’s most celebrated gardens, Kenrokuen is spectacular in any season. The plum garden is especially beautiful in early spring, and autumn leaves transform the gardens around November each year. I’d spend around 1.5-2 hours here.
Kanazawa Castle | Just across from Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle features an impressive park and you can visit the museum inside.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art | Notable for both its exhibitions and the museum’s architecture, the modern museum opened in 2004 and is considered one of the most innovative art museums in Japan. The highlight is the numerous interactive exhibitions that allow you to engage with the art through a mix of permanent and temporary collections.

Wrapping up your 10 days in Japan, make your way back to Tokyo (or to Osaka or Kyoto if you’re flying from Kansai International Airport).

Pond at kenrokuen garden in kanazawa on a bright sunny day

Should you use the JR Pass for this trip?

No, the JR pass wouldn’t prove economical for this trip. Individual tickets are the best value for this trip. You can read my complete guide to the JR Pass to understand how to figure out whether it’s worth using on your trip to Japan.

If you swap Tokyo for Kyoto or Osaka on this itinerary because you’re flying in/out of Kansai International Airport, then it’s worth looking into the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass which can help you save. I have guides for both Osaka and Kyoto with detailed itineraries and information to make the most of your time in those cities.

I hope this Japan itinerary inspires you to consider alternative destinations beyond the Golden Route, which helps you enjoy more of this incredible country and help combat over tourism in destinations that are struggling with the tourist boom.