Unique 10 Days in Japan Travel Itinerary to Avoid Crowds

Are you on the hunt for a 10 days in Japan travel itinerary that doesn’t follow the usual overcrowded places? Maybe it’s your second time in Japan and you’re hoping to explore lesser-known spots to avoid the crowds where possible? You’re going to want to keep reading!

While most tourists include Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka to their Japan 10 day travel itinerary, since 2017 I’ve been fiercely passionate about preventing overtourism issues and want to share these lesser-known gems to help you have unique travel experiences.

The most populated cities don’t need tourists, however others further afield would love the tourism boost. And I’m about to share them with you!

Having visited regularly for the past decade, as an invisible tourist I’ve uncovered many places that are often overlooked for a Japan first time itinerary, but are equally as worthy of checking out as their more famous counterparts.

If you’re wanting to visit Japan in 10 days to enjoy an alternative side of this country you haven’t seen splashed all over social media, my itinerary covering historical, cultural and underrated aspects of this beautiful nation for a unique and enriching trip will have you reading on for more!

Unique itinerary for 10 days in Japan to avoid crowds

I created this 10 days itinerary in Japan by combining two of my more recent trips. It utilises local trains and shinkansen bullet trains, but you’ll have more freedom hiring a car to easily reach the more offbeat gems for days 5, and 7-10. Don’t worry, I will explain how to do at the itinerary’s conclusion!

What to do in Japan for 10 days? To save moving hotels too often, overall this itinerary covers 1 night in Tokyo (optional) 2 nights in Fujinomiya, 2 nights in Nagoya, one night in Onomichi and 3 nights in Matsue. We’ll use a rental car to do day trips from Nagoya to Gujo Hachiman, plus Izumo and Tottori from Matsue.

With that said, let’s take a look at how to spend 10 days in Japan to avoid crowds. I’ve also included directions for how to get to each destination, where to stay and options for things to do with plenty of my personal tips dotted throughout!

DAY 1: TOKYO

TIP: If you want to avoid Tokyo altogether, skip down to Day 2 in Fujinomiya here.

Now I know this 10 day itinerary in Japan has “avoid crowds” in its title, but it’s more than likely you’ll be flying into a Tokyo international airport such as Haneda or Narita. Let’s say this is the only exception to the rule, as there is always more to see in Tokyo, right?

So while it’s inevitable that you’ll encounter crowds in Tokyo at some point, there are ways around this if you’re keen!

Lesser-known things to do in Tokyo

Having visited Tokyo around a dozen times now, my customisable itinerary for Tokyo covers plenty of places for first-time visitors but I know you won’t be able to see them all (a good excuse to head back, right?).

Avoid the crowds of Shibuya Crossing with my suggestions for lesser-known things to do in Tokyo that act as alternatives to popular spots:

• Anamori Inari Shrine – Nearby Haneda Airport, this overlooked shrine with torii tunnel is dedicated to aviation safety.
• Carrot Tower – 26th floor is free to enter, an alternative to Shibuya Sky.
• Hie Shrine – Its beautiful red tunnel of torii is a small alternative to Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
• Yanaka Ginza – Survived the WWII air raids, a great area for experiencing old world Tokyo.
• Sugamo – Known as “Grandma’s Harajuku” with plenty of small stores and a retro vibe.
• Shimokitazawa – Trendy alternative to Ginza, great area for thrifting, independent stores, boutiques, pre-loved designer goods.
• Setagaya & Sangenjaya – More residential, can see the Gotoku-ji “lucky cat” temple and King Kong at Family Mart.
• Rikigui-en Gardens – Explore a bamboo garden, akin to a small-scale Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto.
• Tea ceremony – With a 5th generation tea master, see my guide to a Tokyo tea ceremony for more.
• Atago Shrine – Situated near Tokyo Tower, it’s the place to wish for career success.
• Senso-ji at night – Much more peaceful, avoid the crowds, and stunningly illuminated at night.
• Meet a geisha – Learn some traditional artistic experiences from a geisha here in Tokyo.
• TIP: More lesser-known spots in my guide to Tokyo’s hidden gems.

DAYS 2-3: FUJINOMIYA

The majority of tourists that wish to see Mount Fuji flock to Hakone, as it’s just one hour from Tokyo. However, in more recent years it has become insanely popular – there are lengthy queues for the cable cars, buses, even to take photos at a shrine!

For a less crowded alternative (and with 100x better views), let’s head to Fujinomiya, the unseen side of Japan’s sacred mountain. My favourite and most underrated location to experience the beauty of evasive Mt Fuji, Fujinomiya is not on the mainstream tourist radar, despite the bullet train going right past it.

As the closest town to Mt Fuji, Fujinomiya was once used as the ancient starting point for pilgrims wishing to climb it from its western side when Kyoto was Japan’s capital (794 – 1868). 

How to get from Tokyo to Fujinomiya

The train ride from Tokyo Station to JR Fujinomiya Station takes between 1 hour 50 mins with a good connection, to 2.5 hours. 

This journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using the Kodama shinkansen. You’ll need to switch from the shinkansen line to the local JR line at Shizuoka Station, and take the train to Fujinomiya (about 40 mins).

Things to do in Fujinomiya

I recommend spending two nights of your 10 day Japan trip here as I learnt the weather can be so different from one day to the next. My first day was raining cats and dogs, whilst the second was clear blue skies until 9:30am!

To maximise your chances of seeing Fujisan without her cloudy blanket, the best time to see her is early morning before clouds roll in.

Trust me when I say it’s absolutely worth setting your alarm early to experience views like this from your room, and to go for an early morning walk as the sun rises over the town!

TIP: For the full details read my guide to things to do in Fujinomiya:

• Mt Fuji sunrise – This was honestly one of the highlights of all my trips to Japan. Don’t miss it!
• Food & sightseeing tour – So much fun! Try local handcrafted sweets and yakisoba, visit a sake brewery that uses water from Mt Fuji, learn the importance of Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha, visit the Mt Fuji World Heritage Centre and more.
  TIP: Book your customised Fujinomiya food tour here.
• Enjoy Mt Fuji views – Stroll along the Urui River beneath beautiful cherry blossom trees with Mt Fuji views during spring.
• Sightseeing bus tour – Hop on a sightseeing bus out of the city to experience nature’s wonders and Mt Fuji culture. See Shiraito no Taki Waterfall; Lake Tanuki (known for “Diamond Fuji”); see the cave where Mt Fuji’s goddess is believed to reside at Hitoana Fuji-ko Iseki; Enjoy ice cream from the happiest cows at Milk Land.

DAY 4: NAGOYA

On day 4 of this 10 day Japan itinerary, we’ll head from Fujinomiya to our next base for a few nights, Nagoya. This central Japanese city is often overlooked by foreign visitors to Japan, meaning it is perfect for those wishing to avoid crowds!

Fujinomiya to Nagoya

Nagoya from Fujinomiya will take around 2.5 – 3 hours on the Tokaido shinkansen, so be sure to get an earlier start. This means you can enjoy a few things in Nagoya on your first day.

We’ll base ourselves in Nagoya for the next two nights before moving on.

Things to do in Nagoya

TIP: Read my guide to why Nagoya is worth visiting for more details on each:

• Nagoya Castle and Hommaru Palace – The intricate wooden carvings, ornate paintwork, tatami rooms and decorated ceilings are a must if you love attention to detail.
• Shikemichi – This neighbourhood managed to remain untouched by the wrath of firebombs that flattened Nagoya during WWII. Its dark wooden buildings are what you’d come to expect in Kyoto.
• Endoji Shotengai Shopping Street – (undercover outdoor high street) with roots dating back to 1612. Lined with small businesses selling clothing and handicrafts to restaurants and cafés.
• Nagoya’s temples and shrines – Including Osu Kannon, moved to Nagoya from Gifu by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1612, Konpira Shrine, dedicated to the god of fire, Sengen Shrine, featuring seven 300-year old camphor trees, Togan-ji Temple, featuring a seated green Buddha, Banshoji Temple, with a modern LED display above its entrance.
• Nagoya meshi – Nagoya is known as a foodie heaven! Try this local specialties of Nagoya daytime food tour, or opt for the evening small group tour!
• Mirai Tower – Taking on the appearance of a silver version of Tokyo Tower. Don’t miss it at night when it is colourfully illuminated!
• Visit one of the many museums – SCMaglev Museum, Nagoya City Science Museum, Tokugawa Art Museum amongst these other museums in Nagoya here. 
• Nayabashi Bridge – Original bridge was built in 1610. During WWII Nayabashi Bridge was destroyed but as it was considered one of the finest in the city, it was later rebuilt.
• LEGOLAND Japan – A theme park without the crazy crowds, where I only had to wait 5 mins for rides. Read my full Legoland Nagoya review for all the details and tips for visiting!

DAY 5: GUJO HACHIMAN Day Trip

Itching to escape cityscapes? On day 5 of our 10 days in Japan, either spend more time at the museums in Nagoya or head into the gorgeous Japanese Alps in Gifu Prefecture.

Known as Japan’s hidden “water city”, Gujo Hachiman is an overlooked alternative to Kyoto but without the crowds! It’s one of my favourite places to visit in Japan.

With a preserved old town, stunning temple gardens, the home of sampuru making (Japanese replica food samples) and koi swimming in the streetside canals, its striking castle is the main drawcard.

Located just an hour from Nagoya by car, it’s the perfect spot to explore old-world Japan that hasn’t caught on with many foreign visitors just yet.

Nagoya to Gujo Hachiman

I recommend hiring a car for this as it allows more flexibility, I’ll explain how to down the page. Gujo Hachiman is 1 hour 10 mins north of Nagoya on the E41 expressway. Due to the steep incline of the castle’s hill, I recommend inputting the castle as your destination and parking at the top.

Things to do in Gujo Hachiman

TIP: My full Gujo Hachiman day trip itinerary covers these spots and how to get there in more detail.

• Start by visiting Gujo Hachiman Castle – Dating back to 1559 with incredible panoramic views over the region. Unlike Osaka Castle, Gujo Hachiman Castle was rebuilt with wood rather than concrete (making it quite squeaky to walk through!)
• Yanaka Lane – A lovely willow-lined pebble pathway with a nostalgic Edo Period vibe (1603 – 1868).
• Create a food replica at Sample Kobo – Join a workshop and make your own sample to take home, or pick up some ready-made samples as souvenirs!
• Shinmachi – Support the small local businesses by picking up some handicrafts and regional products as souvenirs.
• Igawa Lane – A narrow picturesque walkway beside a canal filled with koi fish you can feed.
• Jionzen-ji Temple – Unmissable, quiet mossy garden with a tranquil pond.
• Honmachi Street to Chokyo-ji Temple – Beautiful, preserved old street. 
• Gujo Odori Festival – Check their calendar to see if your dates will coincide with this much-beloved traditional event!

DAY 6: ONOMICHI

On day 6 of this Japan 10 day travel itinerary, we’ll bid farewell to Nagoya and head to a compact seaside town. The funny thing about this place is it is so overlooked by foreign visitors, most zip straight past it on bullet trains between Osaka and Hiroshima and never realise – can you see a theme here?

An arty seaside town with lengthy history, cliffside temples and known for cats, gorgeous Onomichi is one not often mentioned in guide books. It’s also a starting point for the gorgeous Shimanami Kaido cycling route, too.

Nagoya to Onomichi

This is another longer travel day, at 2 hours 45mins from Nagoya to Onomichi. I recommend getting another early start so you can cover the main sights in Onomichi by dusk.

Things to do in Onomichi

The great thing about Onomichi is you can choose how long or little you’d like to stay in each spot. For example, you may only wish to see a few of the 25 temples along the Onomichi Temple Walk, or have the option to spend a few hours cycling the Shimanami Kaido instead.

TIP: My full guide for a one day Onomichi itinerary covers each of these places in more detail:

• Senko-ji Temple Mountain Ropeway – Start here to easily ride up the cliffside in a few moments.
• Seto Inland Sea at Senko-ji Park Observatory – Enjoy panoramic views over the town and sea.
• Senko-ji Temple – Learn the myths behind this lovely temple built into rock.
• Onomichi Temple Walk – Admire the scenery and zen along a path of 20+ temples.
• Cat Alley – hunt down some furry residents and cat-themed artworks.
• Make a souvenir – Paint a maneki-neko lucky cat to bring home at Manekineko Kobo.
• Optional: Join a 3 hour cycle along the Shimanami Kaido.

DAYS 7-8: MATSUE

On day 7 of our 10 days in Japan, we’ll head from Onomichi to Matsue. It’s located in one of the less-visited regions of Japan by foreigners, the San’in Region.

Comprising Shimane and Tottori Prefectures, this stunning coastal area overlooking the Sea of Japan towards South Korea boasts turquoise waters, rugged ocean viewpoints, Bronze Age settlements and some of Japan’s most highly-regarded gardens. 

We’ll base ourselves here for the next three nights and do day trips to other underrated spots on days 9 and 10. Matsue pleasantly surprised me and exceeded my expectations!

TIP: You’ll need a car for these next few days in Matsue, Izumo and Tottori. More details on hiring a car in Japan down the page.

Onomichi to Matsue

2 hours 15 mins north of Onomichi on the E54 expressway. Input your Matsue accommodation as the end point in your navigation so you can leave your bags there before check in if needed.

Things to do in Matsue

With your two days in Matsue, I recommend spending one full day exploring the sights in the city itself, then the other day driving to its most awarded gardens – Yuushien and the Adachi Museum of Art, which are about 30 mins away. I can’t recommend these gardens enough!

Here are some great things to do in Matsue:

• Matsue Castle – Visit the compact castle’s interior, one of only 12 original remaining castles in the country. Built in 1611, it’s perfect for viewing during cherry blossom season in spring and is a designated National Treasure.
• Scenic boat ride – Explore the former Samurai District and take a boat ride along its canals.
• Lafcadio Hearn’s Residence & Museum – A late 19th century Greek-Irish author turned Japanese citizen, married the daughter of a samurai, and is credited with introducing the culture and wonders of Japan to the Western world through his books during this era.
• Hojicha ice cream – Try this roasted tea flavoured treat from the Gra Herun store.
• Manhole covers – Matsue has some of the coolest designs, don’t forget to look down!
• Kiyomise area – Beneath the countless overhead wires and old street lamps, pick up some handicrafts as souvenirs or enjoy a break at one of the cute cafés.
• Senjuin Temple – Visit a 200 year old weeping cherry tree and take in the scenic views over the city.
• Yuushien Garden – Some of Japan’s most exquisite gardens, with a pond of peony flowers each Golden Week in May. Enjoy tea and cake in the café overlooking the garden before leaving.
• Adachi Museum of Art – Enjoy the incredible artworks and immaculately kept grounds. The gardens have been awarded Japan’s absolute best for 21 consecutive years.
• Lake Shinji – Famed sunset spot of the gods. It was cloudy for me unfortunately, hopefully you’ll have more luck!

TIP: This video shows you how incredible the peony pond is at Yuushien Gardens during Golden Week. Of course, this event would draw crowds, but would be absolutely worthwhile seeing nonetheless!

DAY 9: IZUMO Day Trip

On day 9 of our 10 day Japan travel itinerary, we’ll head to ancient Izumo. With the expansive Lake Shinji stretching between Matsue and Izumo, it’s an easy drive between each.

Most people know Kyoto as Japan’s capital for 1,000 years, and Nara before that. But there is another, even more ancient area that is credited to being the birthplace of Japan’s kami, or gods in the native Shinto religion. Once a year, it’s believed millions of kami gather at Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine for a meeting. Would you believe this shrine once stood at 96 metres tall some 1,300 years ago?

Personally I love the mascot for Shimane Prefecture named Shimaneko— A combo of the prefectural name and neko, which means cat in Japanese!

Matsue to Izumo

45 mins west of Matsue on the E9 or E41 highways running along either side of Lake Shinji.

Things to do in Izumo

Here are some unmissable things to see in Izumo, which I recommend in the following order:

• Shimane Prefecture Ancient Izumo History Museum – Be amazed by the museum‘s Bronze Age artefacts, prehistoric ties, and just how tall (and wide) the pillars were that Izumo Taisha once stood on in ancient times. Today’s shrine is only 24 metres — a far cry from its ancient height.
  TIP: Visit the museum before Izumo Tasha Grand Shrine, as it will give you a greater understanding about aspects of the shrine itself when you’re there. The Japanese curry and desserts in the café are delicious!
• Matsu no Sando – Walk this grand pathway to the main shrine. Kami are the only entities permitted to pass beneath the torii gates along the path.
• Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine – See Japan’s largest braided shimenawa ropes on this sacred site, considered the oldest shrine in the country dating back before 700 AD. The enshrined deity is believed to be the creator of Japan, more about Izumo Taisha here.
  NOTE: To be respectful, shoulders and legs must be covered to visit the shrine. Stockings are considered fine to wear with a skirt or shorts.
• Hinomisaki Shrine – Enjoy a quick visit to this designated Important Cultural Asset.
  TIP: Catch a traditional and fascinating Kagura Performance here during the summer months.
• Cape Hino Lighthouse – Explore the rugged coastline around here and its Sunset Observation Deck.
• Inasa Beach – Watch the famed sunset behind a shrine located on a small rocky island.

DAY 10: TOTTORI Day Trip

No, this is not the Middle East, but an underrated scenic area of Japan! Dating back 100,000 years, the Tottori Sand Dunes are an incredible natural phenomenon and the main attraction here. But that isn’t all!

Located within the San’in Kaigan Global Geopark, the final day of this Japan 10 day itinerary sees us appreciating the enormity of the dunes that are part of this designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

TIP: Please be “invisible” and respectful of this area’s history. Don’t be THAT tourist etching graffiti into the sand.

Matsue to Tottori

2 hours east along Expressway 9. I suggest inputting “Uradome Coast Island Cruise” into your GPS navigation, as the centre of Tottori city is not where you’ll see today’s sights.

Things to do in Tottori

Here are some things to do on a Tottori day trip from Matsue:

• Start with a scenic boat cruise – I loved this 40 mins boat cruise around the Iwami Uradome Coast. You can book a time slot in advance or try for the next available on the day. Be sure to wait in the boarding area at least 5 mins before your departure time.
• Tottori Sand Dunes – 16 kilometres of rolling sand dunes overlooking the Sea of Japan. The highest peak is named Horse’s Back and is around 50 metres tall.
  TIP: There are camel rides here, although I would not recommend. In my book I’ve explained why in detail, but in a nutshell here on my blog I don’t support these kinds of activities using animals in tourism.
• Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Centre – Learn all about the local geology, how the dunes were formed, native flora and fauna, watch demonstrations, more info here.
• Sand dune chair lift – A brief ride from the sand dunes and above the road passing below.
• Try local specialties – I enjoyed a tempura prawn and tartare burger from Minato Café, delicious!
• Souvenir shop – Tottori has many unique, local specialty souvenirs and sand-themed products, including cakes, salt, special blue ramen, squid ink items and more. 
• Sengan Matsushima Observatory – Located up a narrow residential street, this viewpoint overlooks dramatic scenery, a secluded rocky beach and the sun sets through an arch formation twice a year. It is reminiscent of the Algarve in Portugal!
• Tottori Sand Museum – Creative sand sculptures and statues made by hand, more info here.

And here we conclude your DIY 10 day Japan tour that avoids the crowds of popular cities! If you need to get back up to Tokyo or Osaka for your flight home, you can fly from Izumo Airport which is 25 mins drive away from Matsue.

Hang on to your hire car for getting to Izumo Airport and return it there because the shuttle bus takes 1 hour and the airport is not serviced by the local JR trains.

TIP: Toyota Rent-A-Car (whom I used) doesn’t open until 8:00am, so keep this in mind if booking early flights out of Izumo Airport. Taxis from Matsue city to the airport book out days in advance. Toyota Rent-A-Car has a customer shuttle that will take you from the car yard to the airport terminals.

Things to know for getting around Japan in 10 days 

Here are some important things to know before heading off on your 10 day trip to Japan:

• Learn how to hire a car, traffic rules, what you need beforehand, petrol stations, navigating and more in my detailed guide to driving in Japan for tourists.
• Stay connected with a portable wifi, SIM card or eSim during your trip. My guide to renting wifi in Japan explains the details.
• Just so you are aware, the Japan Rail Pass does not pay off for this itinerary. Prices increased by 77% in October 2023, meaning they are no longer financially beneficial for most foreign visitor itineraries. But don’t take my word for it, you can use the JR Pass calculator here. 
• Learn some basic Japanese phrases for tourists with my free PDF cheat sheet. 
• Grab a Welcome Suica (IC) transport card at Haneda or Narita airports to use on most public transport throughout Japan. You can order in advance here if needed, otherwise pick up a Manaca IC card in Nagoya as I did. The Suica IC card shortage only affected the greater Tokyo area.
• Especially if you’re visiting Tokyo, here’s a refresher on the Japanese train symbol meanings in Google Maps to save any confusion.
• Find out the things you’re forgetting with my guide to what to pack for Japan.

Concluding this 10 day Japan travel itinerary

Is 10 days enough to see Japan? Well, not really (which is why I have been visiting every few months from Australia over the past decade!) However, ten days in Japan will give you a taste of what this country has to offer, and maybe even turn you into a fellow repeat visitor.

From the unseen side of Mt Fuji to the Japanese Alps, overlooked towns and rugged coastlines, plus some of Japan’s most immaculate gardens, the best part about this 10 day Japan travel itinerary is the promise of barely any tourist crowds!

What do you think of this alternative itinerary for spending 10 days in Japan? Are you planning to use it? Let me know or ask any questions in the comments below.

Done with 10 days in Japan? More expert Japan travel itineraries

Looking for more tried-and-tested itineraries for Japan? You need to read these posts:

• Read my Japan honeymoon itinerary (with romantic scenery even if it’s not your honeymoon);
• Itinerary for two weeks in Japan including how to see popular sights without crowds; 
• Go further with my itinerary for 3 weeks in Japan;
• Add on an amazing Kyushu itinerary to your trip;
• Take a look at all my Japan travel tips and Japanese etiquette for mistakes to avoid; 
• And for all my itineraries, travel guides and more, check my extensive Japan travel blog!

Feeling social? Explore beyond the main touristy sights with my dedicated Japan Off the Beaten Path Facebook Group or come and join me on Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram for more travel inspiration!

Until next time,

---