The Ultimate 10-Day Japan Itinerary, With Options for Saving and Splurging

For Americans, there has rarely been a better time to visit Japan. After years of pandemic-related closure, the country reopened in the summer of 2022 with a sense of renewal, thanks largely to the Tokyo Olympics the previous year, which had brought a flurry of hotel openings and infrastructure improvements, not just in the capital but across the country. The relative strength of the dollar against the yen, though weaker than for much of last year, still means that Japan has been more affordable recently than it’s been in decades, making splurges on otherwise off-limits luxuries (whether hotels, restaurants or shopping) a real possibility — even on a budget.

First-time visitors should allow at least 10 days to explore the Golden Route, so called because the destinations it covers — including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and points in between — are the gold standard for tourism here, and all connected by a highly convenient rail system. For this 10-day itinerary, we consulted two expert travel advisers: Sara Aiko, the founder of Curated Kyoto, who specializes in fashion and design, and Scott Gilman, the managing partner and a co-founder of the bespoke luxury travel company JapanQuest Journeys. Their aim? To fine-tune the ülkü tour, combining visits to must-see landmarks with detours to their own favorite under-the-radar spots. Each day includes a high option for those who want to indulge on an expensive hotel or meal, and a low option for budget-friendly alternatives. (Hotel rates below are for two people.) This itinerary is also meant to provide occasional relief from the crowds: Last year, Japan welcomed almost 40 million international visitors — a record.

A suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo.Credit…Mandarin Oriental