Le Japon en 10 jours, de Tokyo à Hiroshima
Un itinéraire type de 10 jours à travers Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka et Hiroshima, avec ce que change chaque saison, les bases de l'étiquette, les cartes IC et comment rester connecté avec une eSIM.
En bref
- A popular 10-day route runs Tokyo, Hakone or the Mt Fuji area, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, then Hiroshima and Miyajima, moving west along the main rail corridor. It suits starting and ending the trip in different cities.
- The season changes what you see, how crowded it is and what to pack. Spring blossom and autumn leaves are beautiful but busy, summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold but sights are often quieter. Check forecasts and official sources before you go.
- Install the eSIM before you fly, switch it on when you land, and size the plan for ten days of maps, translation and train lookups. Whether tethering is allowed depends on each plan's terms.
The 10-day route at a glance
This route is a sample to help you picture the trip, not a fixed formula. Swap the order, drop a city or add a rest day as you like. The advantage of heading west is that every stop sits on the main rail corridor, you do not change hotels too often, and there is room to wander without rushing.
| Jours | Base city | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1-3 | Tokyo | Old and new districts, markets, temples, shopping and dining |
| Day 4 | Hakone or the Mt Fuji area | Hot springs, lakes and mountain views if the weather is clear |
| Days 5-6 | Kyoto | Temples, shrines, old districts and gardens |
| Day 7 | Nara, then stay in Osaka | A park, deer and ancient temples before dinner back in Osaka |
| Day 8 | Osaka | Street food, the castle and the evening entertainment district |
| Days 9-10 | Hiroshima and Miyajima | The Peace Memorial area and Miyajima island before heading home |
What each season changes
The same route feels very different across the year. Think about which season best fits what you want from the trip.
- Spring (cherry blossom): parks and riverbanks are beautiful, but crowds are heavy and rooms fill early. The exact bloom timing shifts each year, so follow official forecasts.
- Summer: hot and humid with rainy spells. Put outdoor sightseeing in the morning or evening, and carry an umbrella, water and quick-drying clothes. Many towns hold festivals and fireworks.
- Autumn (leaves): comfortable weather for walking, and Kyoto's temples and gardens look especially striking, though it is as busy as cherry blossom season.
- Winter (snow): properly cold in some areas, with sights often quieter and hot springs at their best. Pack layers and allow for possible snow delays.
Etiquette basics worth knowing
- Keep quiet on trains and subways: set your phone to silent and avoid taking calls.
- There is no tipping custom; service is already part of the price, and pushing extra money on someone can cause awkwardness.
- Public bins are not plentiful, so carry your rubbish until you find one or get back to your room, and avoid eating while walking in areas where it is frowned upon.
- Cash is still useful. Small shops, shrines and some ticket machines may take cash only, so keep a reserve on you.
IC cards for getting around
IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo and ICOCA let you tap through train and bus gates in many cities, so you skip buying a ticket for every ride, and they often work at some vending machines and convenience stores too. Cards from different regions are generally interchangeable in the main areas, but card types, how to get one and the terms of use can change, so check with the official operators.
Luggage forwarding for lighter travel
Japan has services that send bags from your hotel or the airport to your next hotel, so you can board trains with just a small bag. It suits a route like this one, with several city changes. Ask your hotel about the terms, how far ahead to hand bags over and the size limits, and keep essentials on you, such as medicine, documents and chargers.
Staying connected with an eSIM for 10 days
- Install before flying: scan the QR code or follow the install steps while you still have home wifi, then switch it on when you land. Your phone must support eSIM and be network-unlocked.
- Works on arrival: once you land, turn on data roaming for the eSIM and Google Maps, train apps and translation apps are ready straight away.
- Size the data for multiple days: a long trip uses more maps, photo uploads and video calls than you expect. If unsure, pick a plan with headroom or one that can be topped up.
- Tethering: some plans allow a hotspot for a laptop or travel companion while others restrict it, so read the plan's terms before buying.
Pre-departure checklist
- Check entry documents and current conditions with official Japanese government and embassy sources.
- Download offline maps for each city as a backup.
- Book lodging earlier than usual for festival periods or busy seasons.
- Pack a power bank and a plug adapter.
Questions fréquentes
Questions fréquentes
Is 10 days enough for this route?+
It is enough for a good overview without rushing too much. If you want more depth, drop one or two cities rather than packing more into each day.
Dois-je installer l'eSIM avant de m'envoler ou après l'atterrissage ?+
We suggest installing it before you fly while you still have wifi, then switching it on after you arrive, so you are not hunting for wifi to set it up at the airport.
Do I need an IC card?+
Not strictly, but it is very convenient because you tap through gates without buying a ticket each time. Check the current formats and conditions with the official rail operators.
Do I still need to carry cash?+
Yes, carry some, because small shops and some shrines take cash only, even though many other places accept cards or contactless payment.
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