Brimming with cultural riches and culinary adventures, Japan offers fresh delight around every corner. And thanks to world-class transport connections via bullet train and local networks, this captivating destination is easy to navigate too. We’ve hand-picked three cities on Japan’s main island of Honshu — Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto — for a flexible, ten-day itinerary. Are ten days enough for Japan? Of course not! But these must-see spots will give you and your love a tantalising introduction to the country’s unique experiences and renowned omotenashi (Japanese hospitality).
YOU & ME IN TOKYO. Day 1 – 5 (four nights)
Japan’s capital needs little introduction. Home to the world’s tallest tower (Tokyo Skytree), busiest intersection (The Shibuya Crossing), and more Michelin stars than any other city (foodie couples rejoice!), this neon-drenched wonderland still manages to feel warmly inviting within its neighbourhoods.
What to see & do in Tokyo:
Picnic in a park
Tokyo knows how to strike a juxtapose: traditional with hyper-modern, sleek skyscrapers with beautiful gardens dotted throughout this big, buzzy city. Stop at a tea house for refreshments or do as the locals do and bring a picnic, winding your way through the paths at your own pace. Try the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, an urban oasis dating back to the Edo Period (1603-1867) for a romantic haven of maple trees, cherry trees, tea houses, and ponds, with Tokyo’s sculptural skyline serving as a dramatic backdrop. Perfect for hanami (the practise of enjoying cherry blossoms) enthusiasts.
Eat & repeat
Tokyo’s red-hot culinary scene takes Japan’s food obsession to the next level so get those gourmet bucket-lists ready. Fine dining is easy to find but you’ll also enjoy plenty of delicious, budget-friendly options (including three Michelin-starred ramen shops!) and chances to sample the ‘Four kings of Edo’: tempura, soba, sushi and eel. Our only tip? If your hearts are set on a date night restaurant, don’t forget to book!
Take your love sky-high
Get a bird’s eye view of this 24/7 metropolis from the world’s tallest tower, the Tokyo Skytree, a dizzying 634 metres above the streetscape. On a clear day you can see to Mount Fuji while countless twinkling lights create a magical ambience after dark. Couples will also love the 332-metre Tokyo Tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower (you’ll soon see why), for incredible city views.
Experience ‘old Japan’ in Asakusa
Nestled in northeast Tokyo, Asakusa is the centre of Tokyo’s atmospheric shitamachi (old city), a treasure-trove of cultural sites, foodie haunts, and ancient temples, including Senso-ji Temple (circa 645), one of the oldest in Japan. Step back in time and explore the beautifully preserved Edo period (1603 – 1868) architecture and soak up the nostalgic atmosphere of the Sumida River, home to Japan’s most famous haiku poet, Matsuo Basho, all without leaving the capital.
Related: A complete guide to Tokyo’s Asakusa
Head to Harajuku
Fashionable types flock to the high-end boutiques and head-turning street style of Tokyo’s Harajuku district. Explore the serene surrounds of Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shinto shrine before surrendering your credit card to Omotesando — a budget-blowing, tree-lined boulevard of luxury brands — or Takeshita-dori shopping street. It’s all about the fashion here: from incubating trends to providing a stage for the city’s youth culture, cosplay enthusiasts, and goths.
One for the modern art-lovers
Head to teamLab Borderless and immerse yourselves in the future-forward art collective’s light sculptures and captivating digital art installations. A unique and magical destination to experience together.
Where to stay in Tokyo:
Honestly, the options are endless. For a special stay, choose Tokyo’s first five-star luxury ryokan, HOSHINOYA Tokyo. A refined take on the traditional Japanese inn, this elegantly exclusive 17-storey escape features the unique Otemachi Onsen and spa, fed by hot spring waters that gush from 1,500 metres below. hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/.
Another excellent choice is The Palace Hotel,a luxurious five-star haven located in Marunouchi (perfect for dining & shopping) and opposite the Imperial Palace gardens. palacehoteltokyo.com
And if you’re searching for accommodation in Asakusa, don’t miss OMO3 Asakusa by Japanese hospitality brand, Hoshino Resorts. This lovely boutique hotel, just a minute from Senso-ji Temple, features a modern Japanese aesthetic and panoramic views into the heart of Tokyo.
CHARMED BY KYOTO. Day 5 – 8 (three nights)
Journey from one capital to another in just over two hours via the Shinkansen bullet train. Located west of Tokyo, the name kyoto means “capital city” because this enchanting escape was once the imperial capital of Japan (794 – 1868). A destination steeped in history, charm, and cultural riches, Kyoto may be best known for cherry blossoms and geishas. But we’ve found much more to explore. From temple-hopping to unforgettable kaiseki dining experiences, Japan’s Eternal City is endlessly romantic.
What to see & do in Kyoto:
Stroll the Southern Higashiyama district
The Southern Higashiyama district includes the elegant geisha enclave of Gion and offers a nostalgic journey into Kyoto’s rich history. This magical and deeply evocative destination boasts some of the city’s best-preserved streets, characterised by narrow lanes flanked by traditional machiya wooden townhouses, many of which have been transformed into tea houses and restaurants. Watch for geiko and maiko gracefully gliding through the streets. Our tip?Consider walking in the evening, when the lanterns are lit, for a taste of old Japan.
Go temple hopping hand-in-hand
You can’t go to Kyoto without paying your respects at a temple or two. The city’s most famous Shinto shrine is Yasaka (also called the Gion Shrine), between the popular Gion and Higashiyama districts. Marvel at its grand vermilion gate, stroll the tranquil gardens or join the vibrant Gion Festival in July. A little further afield, ascend the stone-paved paths leading to the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site perched on a hillside overlooking the city. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is another must-see, nestled among the lush, forested slopes of southern Kyoto and dating back to the 8th century. Its most iconic feature is undoubtedly the 10,000 torii gates lining a four-kilometre path up Mount Inari.
Indulge in Kyoto’s fabulous food scene
A feast for the senses, Kyoto offers a gastronomic adventure around every corner. From slurping down ramen to snacking on sushi to sipping your way around the many izakayas (similar to Spanish tapas bars). For iconic street food, the Nishiki Market has been brimming with fresh seafood, traditional sweets, and local delicacies for over 400 years. Three to try are tako-tamago (octopus balls stuffed with quail egg), tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette), and yatsuhashi, sweet and crispy treats filled with red bean paste, matcha, black sesame, and chocolate. For a slightly more serene experience, try a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya.
Book a romantic dining experience
Speaking of food, we highly recommend the city’s most elegant offering, kaiseki. This haute cuisine, degustation-style experience is greatly influenced by the distinguished ceremonial feasts of Japan’s imperial era, usually consisted of a series of carefully crafted courses served with great reverence. Some notable establishments are Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama (visit the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove while you’re in the area), Kikunoi in Southern Higashiyama, and riverside gem Pontocho Misoguigawa where Japanese Kaiseki-style cuisine is married with classic French cooking, pioneering the unique ‘French Kaiseki’ style.
Related: Kyoto’s best restaurants – from Ramen to date night!
Go forest bathing in Arashiyama
Arashiyama, the second-most significant sightseeing area in Kyoto, is renowned for its temples and shrines. However, the district’s highlight is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (also called the Sagano Bamboo Forest). Take your time and enjoy the Japanese concept of ‘forest bathing’ in this romantic place.
Take in Kyoto from the Tower
Rising 131 metres above the low-slung Kyoto skyline, Kyoto Tower is impossible to miss. Head up to the viewing platform for a bird’s-eye view of the city before exploring the area’s restaurants, hotels, and souvenir shops.
Step back in time
… at the World Heritage-listed Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun (hereditary military leader) of the Edo Period. The castle’s feudal architecture and fortifications are seriously impressive.
Snap up a local souvenir
For a memento unique to Kyoto and Japan, head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center for woodblock prints, ceramics, kimonos, and more unusual items like a cotton Godzilla curtain! Or wander the atmospheric lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, just south of the Yasaka Shrine and Kōdai-ji Temple, lined with charming shops selling traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local treats.
Where to stay in Kyoto:
There are endless options, but we love the authentic, live-like-a-local experience offered by Hoshino Resorts at OMO5 Kyoto Gion. The position is perfect, right in the heart of old Kyoto, just steps from the famed Yasaka Shrine and part of a geisha district. With a fusion of contemporary Japanese style and traditional ambience, this boutique hotel connects you with the local culture. Don’t forget to order the excellent set breakfast, supplied by local institution, Izusen.
SMITTEN WITH OSAKA. Day 8 – 10 (two nights)
It only takes 15 minutes by bullet train (or 50 minutes by commuter train) to travel south from Kyoto to Osaka. Japan’s third-largest city is a captivating melting pot — a lively, food-obsessed metropolis that marches to the beat of its own drum. This personality-plus destination radiates a distinct energy that makes it perfect for any Japan itinerary.
What to see & do in Osaka:
Dine in Dotonbori
No visit to Osaka is complete without a stroll through the iconic Dotonbori district, the city’s vibrant epicentre of food and entertainment. This neon-lit wonderland is a feast for the senses, the air thick with the tantalizing aromas of sizzling street food and people enjoying it! As you wander through the bustling alleyways, be sure to sample the local specialties including the fluffy, savoury delights of okonomiyaki, a type of savory pancake, or mouthwatering takoyaki, bite-sized balls of battered octopus that are a beloved street food staple. For a convivial dining experience, seek out the izakaya-style eateries that dot the side streets where you can savour juicy yakitori skewers washed down with frosty mugs of local craft beer.
Turn up the heat in a hot spring bath
Japan’s long love affair with onsen (natural hot springs) mean you won’t have any trouble finding a nice hot soak in Osaka. Nestled in the mountains in Kobe (it’s just13 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Shin-Kobe Station), Arima Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest bathing sites, dating back more than 1,000 years. Choose between the ‘silver water’ bath (ginsen) and ‘gold water’ bath (kinsen) and enjoy the ancient allure of this charming destination. For something completely different, Osaka’s seven-storey Spaworld takes cues from the bath houses of the world. You’ll want to spend a day dipping from hammam to Greek herbal bath, Blue Grotto to Finnish sauna, Japanese stream to Roman bath house, and swimming with tropical fish in Atlantis.
Uncover Osaka’s architectural gems
From the ancient to the retro-futuristic, Osaka showcases a distinctly Japanese melding of old and new. Start your architectural journey with Osaka Castle, a 16th-century, five-storey fortress that has been meticulously restored. Climb to the top for sweeping views of Osaka’s skyline before strolling the 15-acre castle grounds. For a taste of Osaka’s more contemporary architectural marvels, head to the Nakanoshima district where you’ll find a stunning array of skyscrapers, museums, and public spaces. Want more incredible views? Take a whirl on the 112-metre Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
Follow the cool kids to Horie and Amerika-mura
Head to the Horie district and Tachibana-Dori neighbourhood (also known as Orange Street) for a fashion-forward blend of independent boutiques, stylish cafes, and hidden art galleries. Originally home to Osaka’s furniture makers, this area is perfect for design devotees. For a taste of Osaka’s youthful, counterculture side, venture into the eclectic Amerika-mura (or America Town) neighbourhood for vintage shops, retro-inspired eateries, and street art.
Channel your inner child at Universal Studios Japan
For a dose of pure, unadulterated fun, venture to the exhilarating world of Universal Studios Japan. Soar through the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, venture into the colourful universe of Super Nintendo World or navigate the streets of Osaka in the Fast & Furious Supercharged experience.
Unwind at the serene Hozenji Temple
Amidst the pulsating energy of Osaka, there are moments of peace and tranquility to be found. One such oasis is the Hozenji Temple, a centuries-old shrine nestled in the heart of the Dotonbori district. As you step through the red torii gate and into the serene courtyard, the city fades away, replaced by the soothing sounds of trickling water and the gentle rustling of leaves. Take a moment to light a candle, make a wish, or simply bask in the calming ambience.
Embrace the Osaka bar scene
As the sun sets over Osaka, the city transforms into a nightlife wonderland. Start your evening at a cosy izakaya as locals gather to unwind, indulge, and revel in the joy of good food and good company. As the night wears on, you might stumble upon quirky karaoke joints, underground cocktail lounges, or even the occasional neon-lit pachinko parlor.
Where to stay in Osaka:
An urban oasis right in the heart of the city, Zentis Osaka will delight you with its elegant rooms and suites, gorgeous local artworks, and well-equipped guest lounge. A stylish base to relax, recharge, and plan your next adventure.
Read more: Discover Kyoto Prefecture: A Guide Beyond the Famous City // Why You’ll Love a Honeymoon in Japan: Romance, Culture, and Unforgettable Experiences
