10 days in Japan: Where else besides Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto?

I have 10 days/11 nights in Japan. Arriving in Osaka (KIX), leaving from Tokyo (NRT). Figured I'd do 3 days in Osaka/Kyoto and 5 days in Tokyo. Would like to include a couple days in the countryside or another city that is unlike the other three. Any recommendations?

Thanks.

I'd either have more time in Kyoto...splitting your trip 50-50 between there and Tokyo,with a day trip or two....or else have a few days in a smaller place between the two.

Maybe somewhere in the J Alps? They are more or less between the two cities.Takayama for example....

BTW I wouldn't spend time in Osaka.You have plenty in Tokyo,which is similar but much more interesting.

I also would spend more time in Kyoto and skip Osaka. You will be arriving from the US? So you will likely be jetlagged and tired. Head directly for Kyoto and spend 4 full days there with a day trip to Nara or Himeji, maybe an evening in Osaka if you really have something worthwhile to do there.

Takayama, Kanazawa, the Kiso Valley+Matsumoto would all make decent 1-2 night stays in the middle of your trip. But dont shortchange Kyoto or Tokyo just so you can visit MORE places.

Arriving from Hong Kong, about 9 pm.

Arriving from Hong Kong, about 9 pm.

Well you might not be jet lagged then, but still just hop on the airport train all the way to Kyoto. Dont bother with Osaka.

I appreciate the info. Thanks.

I agree with above: skip Osaka, both Kyoto and Tokyo are much more interesting. With 10 days in Japan, you could very easily visit "only" those two cities without getting bored for a second. But if you want to add another place, I would go for Takayama, as its totally different to Kyoto and Tokyo. And I would splurge and stay in a Ryokan there, where you have halfboard included and can enjoy some very traditional food. And ideally choose a Ryokan with an Onsen, so that you can experience that as well.

Thanks nathalie2!

check out Nikko. I wish I had planned to spend more time there when I went

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