10 Days Taiwan & Japan Itinerary
Embark on a 10-day adventure through Taiwan and Japan, exploring iconic cities like Taipei, Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. This itinerary balances cultural immersion with modern exploration, offering a taste of East Asia's rich heritage and cutting-edge innovation.
Duration
10 days
Budget
$2500-3500
Best Time
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and vibrant scenery
Activities
66
Daily Avg
USD300/day
Cities
Taipei (2d), Jiufen (1d), Tokyo (1d), Taipei (1d), Tokyo (2d), Osaka (1d), Kyoto (1d), Osaka (1d)
Pace
Fast
This trip combines the vibrant street food scene and traditional culture of Taiwan with the modern marvels and ancient temples of Japan. It offers a diverse experience, blending bustling cityscapes with serene natural beauty, all within a relatively short travel time.
Your itinerary covers 9 of 12 must-have experiences
Food Adventure
Day 2: Shilin Night Market
Temple & Shrine Visit
Day 2: Longshan Temple
Scenic Hike
Day 9: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Cultural Immersion
Day 3: Explore Jiufen Old Street
Modern Marvels
Day 2: Taipei 101 Observatory
Day Trip to Nature
e.g., Hakone (from Tokyo), Nara Park (from Osaka)
Tea Ceremony
e.g., Tea houses in Kyoto, Tea rooms in Taipei
Onsen Experience
e.g., Onsen towns near Hakone, Beitou Hot Spring (Taipei)
Anime & Manga Exploration
Day 7: Akihabara
Gardens
Day 6: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Castle Visit
Day 10: Osaka Castle
Shopping
Day 1: Explore Ximending
Taiwan and Japan boast incredibly diverse and delicious food scenes. From bustling night markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for every palate. Prepare for fresh ingredients, unique flavors, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
Must-Try Dishes
Delicate steamed dumplings filled with flavorful broth and meat. A true culinary masterpiece, best enjoyed piping hot with ginger and soy sauce.
📍 Din Tai Fung (Taiwan), local dumpling shops in Taipei and Shanghai (Taiwan).
A hearty and flavorful soup with tender braised beef, chewy noodles, and a rich broth. Every shop has its own secret recipe, so try different variations!
📍 Night markets, local noodle shops throughout Taiwan.
Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma and surprisingly delicious flavor. Usually deep-fried and served with pickled vegetables and chili sauce. An acquired taste, but a must-try for adventurous eaters.
📍 Night markets, street food stalls.
Vinegared rice topped with fresh seafood or other ingredients. From classic nigiri to elaborate rolls, sushi is a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine.
📍 Sushi restaurants, Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo), conveyor belt sushi restaurants.
Food Neighborhoods
Known for diverse street food and late-night eats.
Known for its vibrant street food scene, particularly takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Known for its fresh seafood and sushi.
Known for traditional Taiwanese snacks and desserts.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available in both countries, especially in larger cities. Look for restaurants with vegetable-based dishes or request modifications. Vegan options are less common, but some restaurants can accommodate requests. Halal food is less prevalent, but you can find some options in Muslim-friendly areas. Always be mindful of common allergens like soy sauce, shellfish, and peanuts.
In both Taiwan and Japan, it's considered polite to use chopsticks correctly and avoid sticking them upright in your rice bowl. Slurping noodles is acceptable and even encouraged in Japan, as it shows appreciation. Avoid wasting food. Tipping is generally not expected in either country.
Lantern Festival (Taiwan)
February/MarchCelebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month with lantern displays and cultural performances.
Cherry Blossom Festivals (Japan)
March/AprilVarious festivals celebrate the blooming of cherry blossoms, attracting large crowds.
Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, Japan)
JulyOne of Japan's most famous festivals, featuring elaborate processions and traditional performances.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶N/AFREE
02:00 PM - Arrival at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Arrive at the airport, go through immigration and customs.
- 🚶Airport MRT or Taxi$15
03:00 PM - Airport to Taipei City Hotel
Take the Airport MRT or a taxi to your hotel in Taipei City.
- 🚶N/AFREE
04:00 PM - Hotel Check-in & Refresh
Check into your hotel and take some time to relax and freshen up.
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- 🚶Walk$10
05:00 PM - Explore Ximending
Wander through Ximending, a popular shopping and entertainment district.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk$5
07:00 PM - Dinner at Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle
Try the famous Ay-Chung Flour-Rice Noodle in Ximending.
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- 🚶Walk$15
08:00 PM - Ximending Nightlife
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Ximending, browse shops, or grab a drink.
Ximending
Lively area with great shopping, dining, and nightlife, perfect for first-time visitors.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
Expect comfortable temperatures with occasional rain showers. Spring is known for cherry blossoms, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Pack layers to adjust to changing conditions.
Spring and Autumn are considered shoulder seasons, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Golden Week in Japan (late April - early May) can cause increased travel costs and crowds.
Getting Around
World-class public transport with punctual trains and buses
Suica / Pasmo / ICOCA
Get a Japan Rail Pass for multi-city travel. Trains stop around midnight.
Travel
USD 300-500 (flights and bullet trains)Accommodation
USD 50-100 per nightFood
USD 40-60 per dayActivities
USD 30-50 per dayUtilize public transportation such as subways and buses. Consider purchasing day passes for cost savings.
Opt for budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, or capsule hotels.
Eat at local eateries and street food stalls for affordable and authentic meals. Take advantage of free activities like visiting parks and temples.
- Purchase a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively by bullet train.
- Learn basic Mandarin and Japanese phrases for smoother interactions.
- Download translation apps for easy communication.
- Get a local SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi for convenient internet access.
- Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette.
- Carry cash, as some smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Universal adapter
- 3Reusable water bottle
- 4Lightweight rain jacket
- 5Portable charger
Visa requirements check & application
Confirm if your nationality requires a visa for Japan or Taiwan well in advance (typically 3-6 months before travel).
Flights & Accommodation
Book 6-12 months ahead for peak seasons (cherry blossom, autumn foliage, Golden Week, Lunar New Year) or popular areas to secure better prices and availability.
Japan Rail Pass (if applicable)
Purchase *before* arriving in Japan if you plan extensive inter-city train travel, as it's often cheaper and some passes must be bought outside Japan.
Ghibli Museum / TeamLab Borderless / Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
Tickets are highly competitive and sell out months in advance; book immediately when sales open (typically 1-3 months prior).
Popular High-End Restaurants / Kaiseki Experiences
Many require reservations weeks or even months ahead, often through your hotel concierge or a third-party service.
eSIM/Pocket WiFi
Arrange before departure for immediate connectivity upon arrival, especially for eSIMs, to avoid hassle at the airport.
Travel Insurance
Essential for unforeseen medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage. Purchase as soon as your first non-refundable booking is made.
Taipei 101 Observatory / Taroko Gorge tours
Book Taipei 101 tickets online for discounted rates and to skip lines. Taroko Gorge tours, especially private ones, can fill up, book a few weeks ahead.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app
📍 Taoyuan International Airport (Taiwan), Chunghwa Telecom stores
📍 Narita/Haneda International Airport (Japan), SoftBank stores
📍 Sakura Mobile website (pre-order and pick up at airport)
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and some public areas in both Taiwan and Japan. However, public WiFi can sometimes be unreliable. Pocket WiFi or a local SIM card is recommended for consistent connectivity.
Useful Apps
Download offline maps and translation packs before you go. Consider purchasing a portable charger to keep your devices powered up. Check the network compatibility of your phone before purchasing a SIM card. Pre-booking a pocket WiFi or eSIM can save time and hassle upon arrival.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two flat parallel pins + round ground
100V
50/60Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — tipping can be considered rude
Not expected
Not expected; leave a tip in an envelope if desired
Japan has a no-tipping culture. Excellent service is the standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Taiwan and Japan are generally very safe for tourists. Be aware of your belongings in crowded areas and follow local guidelines.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
119
119
English support available at #7119 (medical) and #9110 (police non-emergency)
Payments
Cash is still widely used, especially at small shops and rural areas
Accepted at major stores and hotels; less common at small restaurants
IC cards (Suica/Pasmo) widely accepted at convenience stores and transit
Carry cash — many places are cash-only. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are ideal due to pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Avoid Golden Week in Japan (late April-early May) for fewer crowds.
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- Weather-aware recommendations
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- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
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Trip Summary
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