How to Spend 10 Days in Japan 2026 – A Japan Travel Documentary
#japan #hiddenjapan #japantravel
Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code LAIS at checkout. Download Saily app or go to: https://saily.com/lais
__________________
I’ve been to Japan over six times, but the usual spots — Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Mt. Fuji — are just too crowded now. So for this trip, I wanted to explore the hidden side of Japan. Over 10 days, I discovered quiet streets, timeless villages, and serene landscapes you won’t find in typical guidebooks. From the historic streets of Hiroshima and the peaceful island of Miyajima, to the mountain town of Takayama and the traditional villages of Hida and Shirakawa-go. I wandered through Matsumoto with its iconic castle, strolled the charming post town of Narai-juku, walked beneath the giant cedars at Togakushi Shrine in Nagano, met the famous snow monkeys in Yamanouchi, and finished my journey in Tokyo before flying home. Along the way, I discovered local markets, hidden cafes, quiet shrines, and relaxing hot springs — a trip that truly felt like uncovering a side of Japan few get to see.
If you’ve been to Japan before and want to see a side of it most travelers miss, this video will show you exactly what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of 10 unforgettable days.
__________________
Places we stayed at:
Hiroshima: https://trip.tpx.lv/5BbyxClE
Takayama: https://trip.tpx.lv/R6h3zLZ4
Matsumoto: https://trip.tpx.lv/yRdHtYdg
Nagano: https://trip.tpx.lv/vVSrgjaf
Yamanochi Onsen Town: https://trip.tpx.lv/HKvbzBQz
Tokyo: https://trip.tpx.lv/zxB7FNgn
Tokyo: https://trip.tpx.lv/awn1iKnq
Hiroshima Orizuru Tower admission ticket:
10% off with my Code: LAISTAHIRXKLOOK
https://klook.tpx.lv/wLZKzGrx
__________________
Chapters:
00:00 intro
00:30 Things to know before arriving in Japan
01:10 sponsor
02:24 Day 1: Hiroshima – Peace Memorial Park, Orizuru Tower
07:44 Day 2: Hiroshima – Miyajima Island, short stop at Osaka Castle
12:17 Day 3: Takayama – Shirakawa-go Village, Shiroyama Park, takayama night walk
16:35 Day 4: Takayama – Morning Market, Takayama Old Town (Sanmachi Suji), Koi fish in Hida-Furukawa
22:12 Day 5: Matsumoto Castle, cozy cafe & charming old streets
24:29 Day 6: Matsumoto – trip to post town Narai-juku, Train to Nagano
28:00 Day 7: Nagano – Togakushi Shrine, Cedar Tree Promenade and Zenko-ji Temple
31:53 Day 8: train to Yamanouchi Onsen Town & its traditional hot spring atmosphere
34:45 Day 9: Yamanouchi – Jigokudani Yaen-Koen (Snow Monkey Onsen Park)
36:27 Day 10: Tokyo – cozy cafe, new rooftop park, hie shrine, best ramen in tokyo
__________________
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laistahir/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@laistahir/
Email: laistahir@gmail.com
Shot on DJI Osmo Pocket 3
=======================
Links:
Music I use from:
https://share.epidemicsound.com/jeyxf7
–
I use SafetyWing for travel insurance – affordable and flexible. Check it out: https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26303351&utm_source=26303351&utm_medium=Ambassador
Disclaimer: The links in our description are affiliate links, if you use them we will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.
30 Comments
Big thanks to Saily for supporting this video 🙏 an exclusive 15% discount on Saily eSim data plans! Use code LAIS at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/lais
Amazing! Excellent quality! Thank you so much!
Thank you Lais for the stunning and vibrant video. May I know what is the filter color to recreate this Ghibli coloring that is featured throughout your video. Awesome!
This is lovely, thx for sharing.
Heaven on earth ❤
Thank you Lias for the awesome video. Which camera do you use for photography ??
love the video! may i ask what camera you use to record these?
Great captures! I live in Okayama prefecture and still need to fully understand Okayama city. Can;t wait for our next visit.
when was this was filmed?
I hope, I could show how much of an unique experience these 10 Days in Japan were.. This might be one of my best documenteries yet..
Just wondering, is that budget breakdown good for one person or two?
Excellent – loved the stills too
In this March I took my friends from the US to Matsumoto, Nagano and snow monkey park. This gave me some ideas for places and things to take them next time. Thanks!
What a great video! Great selection of spots, lovely color grading, beautiful pictures and matching music. Although we can't visit all of the places you shared, we really enjoyed watching every minute.
Japan always has something to offer. No matter how many times I visit there is never enough 😊
What a fabulous video of Japan that you have made its nearly moved me to tears !!!! Thank you Thank youb
The costings at the end seem low (assuming USD). We are currently planning a trip for next year for 3 weeks for a couple, just trains comes to $1200 USD. I am interested in if you have any tips you can share on how to keep transport costs down. Many thanks and lovely vid.
Hi May I ask if your walk up to Peace Pagoda was difficult ( some say it is 🙂 )
Love these videos! Fantastic aesthetic, super relaxing, great itineraries, nice music – it’s the perfect travel video. Thanks for sharing! ❤️
Wow, Miyajima Island looks fantastic!
Nice to see you in person in your videos 👍
Wonderful vid bro. I would tone down the oversaturated colors, but that's just my aesthetic.
When was this actually taken? I want to go there also. Thanks @laistahir
Thanks for sharing! Hope you have an amazing trip!
9:30 where is this?
Hi Lais,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful itinerary, just wanted to ask if you got a train pass or paid separately for each trip? Please help Lais, need some advice
Thanks in advance
I traveled to Japen few years ago. Ten days are not enough, there are so many places to see!
I ❤ Japan. Keep more videos coming. Thank you 😊
Is this Yen or US dollar?
My brother was in Japan for 3 weeks, he absolutely loved Japan – he visits yearly 😁
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing
I wish I can visit.