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17 Best Travel Scratch Off Maps and Tracking Maps

We love keeping track of our travels with scratch off maps. It’s so satisfying to come home from a trip and scratch off another country, state, or national park! These maps are motivating, and decorative, and they make the perfect gift for any travel lover.

The best part is, you can find a scratch off map for nearly everything! Whether you want to track all the national parks, the 50 states, every country, or even the best foods in each country – there’s probably a scratch map for it. We personally have three different scratch maps and a push pin map, and we love and use them all.

We put together a list of the best travel scratch off maps available, so you can start tracking your own travels, or gift a loved one with a new travel ritual that they’ll cherish forever.

Related Posts: ➟ 21 Best Travel Accessories To Level Up Your Travel Game ➟ 19 Must-Have Beach Essentials That Will Fit In Your Carry-On Bag ➟ 4 Best Google Flight Hacks: How to Find Amazing Flight Deals

Antisocial Tourist contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions allow us to continue creating this blog’s content.

World Scratch Off Maps

1. world scratch off travel map + bonus europe map.

This classic world scratch off map is a statement piece with a beautiful multi-colored design that reveals itself as you scratch your way through the world.  It even comes with a bonus large scale scratch off map of Europe!

2. Transparent World Scratch Off Map

This transparent world scratch off map is made of durable and flexible plastic, so it will last forever.  You can also write on it with a rewritable marker!   

3. Deluxe World Scratch Off Map

This black and gold world map is fit for a king.  Regal and classic, it will make a statement in any traditional study or workspace. 

United States Scratch Off Maps

4. united states tie dye scratch off map.

This United States scratch off map is petite and stylish.  A beautiful tie dye design is revealed as you scratch away the States, and it’s small enough to fit in a standard frame or on a bulletin board.  We have this map and we love it!

5. United States and Landmarks Scratch Off Map + Bonus National Parks

This United States scratch off map includes 85 different landmarks that can also be scratched away, and it comes with a separate bonus national parks scratch off map! 

6. America The Beautiful Scratch Off Map

This United States scratch off map is designed to reveal a photo of each state as you scratch your way through the country.  Some of America’s most beautiful landscapes are captured.    

7. United States Transparent Scratch Off Map

This transparent United States scratch off map is made of durable and flexible plastic, just like the transparent world map above.  You can also write on it with a rewritable marker!

US National Parks Scratch Off Maps

8. us national parks arrowhead design scratch off map.

This national parks scratch off map is a great choice for any park lover.  The arrowhead design matches the National Parks logo and each park that gets scratched off will reveal a beautiful picture and the State where the park is found. 

9. US National Parks Window Design Scratch Off Map

This national parks scratch off map has a sharp and clean appearance and it reveals a different selection of pictures from the arrowhead version. 

Europe Scratch Off Maps

10. europe scratch off map + bonus europe landmarks.

This Europe scratch off map is perfect for travelers who want to work their way through all the European countries.  It also includes a round-up of the best landmarks in Europe that can be scratched off as well. We just purchased this Europe map for our own use, and now we’re more motivated than ever to scratch off each country!

Landmark & Bucket List Scratch Off Maps

11. greatest 100 world destinations scratch off map.

This destination scratch off print is a great alternative (or addition) to a map.  With 100 of the world’s greatest destinations, from Easter Island to the Grand Canyon, it’s guaranteed to motivate any aspiring traveler. 

12. Best 100 Hikes of the National Parks Scratch Off Map

This hiking scratch off print is meant for the avid hiker in your life.  The print covers 100 of the absolute best hikes found throughout the US national parks!

13. Greatest 100 Foods of the World Scratch Off Map

This world food scratch print will make the perfect gift for your foodie friends who travel! Checking off new destinations is always a great feeling, but adding specific goals for each place can make it even more exciting.    

Other Travel Tracking Maps

14. united states personalized photo map.

Compose your own collage of travel photos with this personalized photo map of the US!  This map is also double-layered so you can use a rewritable marker on it without writing on your pictures.  It even comes with a photo template to cut your pictures to fit each State perfectly.

15. United States Push Pin Map

This push pin map of the US is perfect for travelers who want to mark exactly where they’ve been in each state.  Sometimes scratching off an entire state just doesn’t do a trip justice if you’ve spent time traveling from city to city. 

16. Wooden World Map Wall Art with Push Pins

This stunning wooden world map is a bold but sophisticated statement in any space.  It comes with a beautiful set of push pins made of each country’s flag, making this wall art a functional travel tracking map.

17. Wooden United States Map Wall Art with Push Pins

This smaller wooden map of the US is a great alternative to the world map above for travelers who have a goal of visiting all 50 States.  This wall art is also functional and comes with a set of push pins to track your travels. 

Scratch Map Frames

It’s not necessary to frame your scratch off map, but it does add some style (and protection). Ours are framed and hanging proudly in our home. There are a ton of frames to choose from, just be sure to check the exact dimensions of the scratch off map that you purchased! This is the frame we use, which is available in a few different sizes.

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Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides  here  and follow us on  Instagram  ( @AntisocialTourist ) or on  Facebook  to see our latest adventures!

Brilliant Maps

Making Sense Of The World, One Map At A Time

17 Best Scratch Maps For Your 2024 Travel Adventures

Last Updated: December 6, 2023 12 Comments

Looking for the best scratch map to record your travel adventures or to give as a gift?

Below we profile 15 brilliant options from world maps to maps of the USA & Europe to a glow in the dark map, a gourmet food map and even a scratch off globe.

We’ve included the most important points about each map to help you decide which one(s) are right for you. And, if you’d like to buy a scratch map, we’ve also included handy links direct to Amazon.

Scratch Off World Maps

1. scratch the world.

Description: This is a brilliant concept map allowing visited destinations to be scratched off revealing the beautifully styled up to date world map underneath.

It’s the perfect map or gift for the travel enthusiast allowing complete personalization of the map to display a unique travel story. Simply grab a coin and start scratching off all the destination’s you have been lucky enough to visit creating your own personalised continually changing world map.

Not only are countries featured on the map, there are also cities shown on the top layer and the world map underneath, allowing for more detailed scratching. This is the perfect world map for planning the next holiday when the last one is disappointingly over and the holiday washing is in the machine!

It also makes a brilliant and unique gift for the traveller in your life. The world map is printed onto high quality silk art paper with a gloss coating for luxury and works exactly like a scratch card, once the gold scratch is removed it reveals the mapping underneath.

Size: 33.11 x 23.39 inches (84 X 59 cm) Weight: 8.8 ounces (250 g) Price: $28.49

Buy: Click Here To Buy the Scratch The World Map on Amazon

2. Luckies of London Scratch Map – Deluxe Edition

Description: Travel in Luxury and style with the new Deluxe Edition of the original Scratch Map. It’s name speaks for itself really! It is indeed deluxe! It has all the excellent features of the original Scratch Map but is larger, with added islands, more intricate detail and more style!

It’s black background with copper foil covering looks sophisticated and slick on any wall and the bright colors of the map underneath look smashing against it’s stylish backdrop.

The Scratch Map Deluxe also offers incredibly intricate geographical details like land and ocean relief so you get a more complete view of the world you are travelling.

In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept of the scratchable map, here’s a bit of info: The Scratch Map allows you to log your travels by scratching off the top foil of the place you’ve visited, revealing a colorful map underneath and giving you a beautiful, interactive and 100% personalized map of the world.

Itching to go travelling? Scratch it!!

Size: 32.5 X 23.4 inches (83 x 59 cm) Weight: 8 ounces (227 g) Price: $35.95

• Click Here To Buy buy the Luckies of London Scratch Map – Deluxe Edition on Amazon

3. Discovery Map Scratch off World

Description: A stylish scratch map that will definitely exceed your expectations. Exploring new lands and scratching off the layer with a coin, you will create the unique bright map of your personal discoveries.

Moreover, you can mark your activities with special stickers that go together with the map.

Behind the silver layer there is a treasure of travellers’ attractions: Capital and major cities, tourist centres, resort, national parks, rivers, lakes, mountains, deserts and more.

Now includes regional divisions such as US States, Canadian provinces and more.

High quality laminated paper covered with soft scratch that ensures the map will not be damaged during scratching.

Also includes the following accessories:

• Piece of felt, to remove scratch remains
• Special stickers to mark your active journeys
• Travel predictions
• A coin to scratch off the layers
• A greeting card

Size: 35 x 24 inches (89 x 61 cm) Weight: 12.8 ounces (363 g) Price: $36.90

Buy: Click Here To Buy Discovery Map Scratch off World on Amazon

4. Scratch Off World Map Poster with US States and Country Flags

Description: One of the most detailed scratch off world map on the market, features beautiful, vibrant colors, accurate cartographic details of the terrain, country flags and landmarks. Matte black design completes the classy look while laminated finishing protects from accidental scratches.

US state lines are clearly outlined for you to track your adventures in America. Scratch off more states as you explore more of the country. Provincial lines in Canada and Australia are marked too!

Size: 24 X 17 inches (61 X 43 cm) Weight: 7.2 ounces (204 g) Price: $32.97

• Click here To Buy the Scratch Off World Map Poster with US States and Country Flags on Amazon

5. Scratch Off World Travel Tracker Map With US & World Flags

Description: The Landmass Goods world scratch map has a gold top foil area, much like a scratch ticket, with vibrant colours underneath.

Featuring 210 flags of the world, terrain data, and state outlines for Australia, Canada and the USA.

The scratch off world map makes a perfect gift for the traveller in your life.

Features include:

• Flags of the world – 210 flags of the world that you can scratch before or after you visit as an added interactive piece
• US, Canada and Australia state outlines – Scratch off which states you’ve been to in these countries instead of scratching off the entire region.
• Gift Ready Packaging – A beautiful triangular box containing a poster tube wrapped in tissue paper. To open the box you pull a “plane tab” and guide it around the box.

Size: 17 x 24 inches (43 x 61 cm) Weight: 4 ounces (113g) Price: $29.99

Buy: Click Here To Buy The Scratch Off World Travel Tracker Map With US & World Flags on Amazon

6. Scratch Off World Flag Map

Description: The moment you scratch off the gold foil layer of the place you visited, a colorful flag of the country will be revealed.

Each country has clear detailed borders, and the vibrant colors will not fade away.

This scratch off travel map also comes with 186 country flags on the bottom in alphabetical order. All of the United States, Canadian Territories, and European countries are specifically delineated.

Made of high-quality glossy paper with a golden foil layer. It comes with free additional tools for an easy scratch experience: a scratch pen for tiny details, a blue pick for large areas and a microfiber cloth to get rid of the foils after the scratch.

Size: 23 x 33 inches (58 x 84 cm) Weight: 6.4 ounces (181g) Price: $29.99 ( 10% off exclusively via this coupon BRLMAP10 )

Buy: Click Here To Buy The Scratch Off World Flag Map on Amazon

7. Deluxe Scratch Off World Map – Large Places I’ve Been World Travel Map

Description: Unlike flimsy paper that can tear and take damage over time, this map is printed on a special type of flexible plastic that is designed to last decades.

Includes: A Special scraper, A Marker + eraser, Felt cloth, Luggage tag, Fastening pins

The perfect way to show off where you’ve been travelling while brightening up your wall with a vibrant and individual map.

This large scale map has a silver top foil layer and, as you scratch off newly visited places, reveals a whole new full-colour world below.

Just grab a coin to remove the upper scratch layer and show the countries you have been to, creating a vivid record of your travel adventures!

Size: 31.5 x 23.6 inches (80 x 60 cm) Weight: 11.2 ounces (318 g) Price: $49.99

Buy: Click Here To Buy Deluxe Scratch Off World Map – Large Places I’ve Been World Travel Map on Amazon

8. Deluxe Gold Scratch Off World Travel Map

Description: The black stylish world travel map with the gold coating is the best way to remember the good times and adventures abroad.

It’s one of the biggest maps on the market. Excellent high-resolution printing with classy vibrant color combinations make this stunning large world map poster a precious and stylish addition that will make your guests’ heads turn!

US state lines are clearly outlined, so you can track your adventures in the United States. Scratch off more states as you explore more of the country. Also, another 10 major countries are divided into regions and states.

Size: 35″ x 25″ (89 X 64 cm) Weight: 12.3 ounces (349 g) Price: $42.99

Buy: Click Here To Buy The Deluxe Gold Scratch Off World Travel Map on Amazon

9. Bucket List World Map – Scratch Edition

Description: The Bucketlist scratch off edition map covers the world’s most awesome destinations, from big name spots to little known gems. Scratch silver coating and discover the amazing detail and awesomeness of the world scratch by scratch.

Everything from road trips, breathtaking landscapes and adrenaline rushes to man made marvels and eats and treats.

A unique gift for any traveller, or great fun way for children to learn about the world.

Size: 38 x 22 inches (96 x 57cm) Weight: 12 ounces (340 g) Price: $39.99

Buy: Click Here To Buy The Bucket List World Map – Scratch Edition On Amazon

10. Luckies of London Scratch Map, Capitals Edition

Description: One of Luckies newest Scratch Map map designs, Scratch Map Capitals world map poster is printed on a black matte paper, this time featuring more detail about the capital cities of the world including key facts about populations, density, altitudes, and age.

Allowing you to remove the foil from the countries AND capital cities, Scratch Map Capitals map offers a more detailed record of where you’ve been and reveals an array of vibrant purples, greens, blues and pinks underneath.

Size: 32.5 x 23.4 inches (83 x 59 cm) Weight: 11.4 ounces (323g) Price: $35.95

• Click Here To Buy Luckies of London Scratch Map, Capitals Edition on Amazon

11. Landmass Goods Black Scratch Off World Map

Description: Made by cartographers and designers with a check-in bag full of attention to detail and only the essentials. Track your road trips and adventures in America. Each state is outlined so you can show where you’ve been in the US, Australia and Canada.

Size: 17″ x 24″ (43 cm X 61 cm) Weight: 4 ounces (113 g) Price: $29.99

Buy: Click Here To Buy the Landmass Goods Black Scratch Off World Map On Amazon

12. Scratchable World Map with Bonus A4 Map of the US

Description: The adventure doesn’t have to stop when you come back home. Plan new explorations, relive your adventures and share your experiences with the help of your new scratch the world travel map, in the comfort of your living room!

Take a coin, scratch off the golden foil layer and reveal a whole new exciting and colorful world below. From Argentina to Zimbabwe, all countries are clearly separated with precise border lines and different vivid colors, with all capital cities marked on both layers and 196 scratchable country flags below.

Clean and non-distracting design with clear, easy to read fonts will fit well in any interior from cozy children’s bedrooms to modern offices.

• Track your trips and let all your guests know where you’ve been to.
• Plot the holiday of your dreams, or map your personal bucket list.
• Teach your kids world geography, country flags and the regions of your home country.
• Add some life to that boring plain wall at your home or office.

Or just scratch it all off at once, like a massive lottery ticket!

ENNO VATTI scratch-off map is a wonderful gift for all the travelers in your life and will spark a passion to explore the world even in the most home-loving friends or family members. Challenge your buddies to travel more and check who’s got the most countries (or states) scratched by the end of the year! Surprise your children and create exciting tasks to make learning geography fun!

Comes in a stylish, gift-ready recycled cardboard box – no need for wrapping, so you’ve got one less thing to worry about.

Limited time special deal: order right now and get a A4 sized map of the US for free!

Size: World map: 33″ x 23″ (84 X 58 cm), US Map: 12″ x 8.3″ (30 X 21 cm) Weight: 13.6 ounces Price: $24.97

Buy: Click Here To Buy The Scratchable World Map with Bonus A4 Map of the US On Amazon

13. Inspired Maps’ Scratch Off World Map Poster Designed by A U.S. Cartographer

Description: This map differs from others in the following ways:

Zoomed Insets: The insets allow for more detailed scratching, and they include the following areas:

• Hawaii (Nihaui, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Kanoolawe, Hawaii – Big Island)
• Eastern Caribbean (Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Virgin Is., Anguilla, St Martin, St Barthelemy, Antigua & Barbuda, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados)
• Central and Eastern Europe (i.e. – Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo)
• Eastern Mediterranean (i.e.- Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Cyprus, Northern Cyprus)

232 Flags of the World: Divided into the following categories (Most scratch maps on the market only have 210 flags):

• United Nations Member and Observer States
• Non-Member Self Declared States (i.e- Taiwan, Northern Cyprus, Kosovo)
• Dependent, Autonomous and other territories (i.e. – Greenland, Puerto Rico, Guam, Christmas Island, Turks & Caicos, etc.)

Color: A majority of scratch maps on the market today have a “black sea” of water. Inspired Maps uses a light blue waters and bright, jewel colored tones for those who appreciate a more “traditional” look. Also included topographic elements to add dimension to the map (i.e.- mountainous terrain, rivers, etc)

Outlined States/Provinces are included for: USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Russia, China & Brazil (Note: Mexico is also divided into different states but the states are not named on the map- just the outlines).

Experienced Cartographer: Inspired Maps worked closely with a cartographer in the U.S. with over 25 years of cartographic experience. He used a cartographic computer program to ensure accurate labelling of countries, seas, etc. (None of the country names, seas, etc. were manually typed, which is not the case with all scratch maps, as we have noticed some maps with spelling errors).

Each order also includes:

– Double sided Adhesive Tape Dates to stick on a frame backing, etc. – 0.71mm Scratch Pick (made from Delrin) for the broad scratching areas of the map – Precision Scratch Pen for the smaller countries, islands and borders – Wiping Cloth to remove Foil Particles – Microfiber Accessory Bag for storing accessories – Magnifying Strip to better view the smaller areas of the globe

Size: 34″ x 24″ (86 X 61 cm) Weight: 11.2 ounces Price: $29.98

Buy: Click Here To Buy Inspired Maps’ Scratch Off World Map Poster Designed by A U.S. Cartographer On Amazon

Other Scratch Off Maps

14. Luckies of London Scratch Map – Europe Edition

Description: After many requests, Luckies have made you the Europe Scratch Map! The idea behind the Scratch Map range is that whenever you’ve been somewhere, in this case, Europe you can scratch off the black foil (like you would with a scratch card) to reveal the finer details of the place you visited.

Its a fabulous way to teach yourself a bit of geography and heaps of fun keeping track of your travels. The European Scratch Map comes packaged in a protective cardboard tube so its easy to post out as a gift.

Size: 23.4 x 16.5 inches (59 x 42 cm) Weight: 11 ounces (312 g) Price: $27.95

• Click Here To Buy Luckies of London Scratch Map – Europe Edition on Amazon

15. USA Travel Tracker Map with National Parks

Description: Gift ready packaging and highly detailed map to scratch off your US Travels. Printed on the gold foil is the state names, national parks and state capitals.

Hidden underneath is the interstate highways to follow your road trips, as well as major cities and river systems for added detail.

For a bonus to hikers, it includes the Appalachian trail and Pacific Crest trail.

Size: 24 x 17 inches (61 x 43 cm) Weight: 4 ounces (113 g) Price: $29.99

• Click Here To Buy the USA Travel Tracker Map with National Parks on Amazon

16. Luckies of London Gourmet Scratch

Description: Hot on the footsteps of the world renowned Scratch Map, Luckies teamed up with Snow Home and Alison Hardcastle to create a scratchable word map which encourages you to eat your way around Europe’s finest and weirdest foods.

The Gourmet Scratch Map is beautiful in black but when you begin scratching the real magic happens; reveal vibrant colors which demonstrate in no uncertain terms just how well rounded your taste buds are. An amazing gift for anyone who loves their food and their travel.

Size: 31.5 x 23.6 inches (80 x 60 cm) Weight: 8 ounces (227 g) Price: $32.69

Buy: Click Here To Buy Luckies of London Gourmet Scratch Map on Amazon

Bonus: Luckies of London Scratch Globe

Description: This really is a map with a difference, well, a few differences. Scratch Globe is a gold foil coated map of the world which allows you to scratch off where you’ve been on your travels.

When you’ve scratched off the country or continent you’ve been to, a rich and colorful map with geographical detail is revealed underneath.

Scratch Globe comes flat packed, ready to assemble so makes for an excellent gift to post to someone recently back from their holidays!

Size: 7.9 x 7.9 x 7.9 inches (20 x 20 x 20 cm) Weight: 8.6 ounces (244 g) Price: $32.95

Buy: Click Here To Buy the Luckies of London Scratch Globe on Amazon

World Scratch Map Travelogue

Material: Laminate, Card, Colored Foil Item Weight: 190 gm Product Dimension (cm x cm x cm): 22.5 x 2 x 17 Price: $27.99

Buy: Click Here To Buy on Travelnuts

Looking for more map posters? The check out: 37 Eye-Catching World Map Posters You Should Hang On Your Walls

Have a friend who who’d love a scratch map? Then why not share this post with them or better yet buy one of the maps above as a gift?

Click To Get My 10 Best Brilliant Maps For Free:

Other popular maps.

Map Of The World’s Tectonic Plates

Map Of The Most Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly Countries In Europe

Kazakhstan Was The Last Soviet Republic To Leave The USSR (4 Days After Russia), Which Means That For 4 Days, This Was The Map Of The Soviet Union

Lawyers Per Capita By US State & Canadian Province

Star trek map of the alpha & beta quadrants.

The Genetic Map Of Europe

Extremely Detailed English Map Of The Paris Catacombs

Number of Prisoners Per 100,000 People Around The World

Marina Carrental says

December 22, 2017 at 4:59 pm

It is good idea for a present somebody… maybe your sister or brother… i think they will be happy

Innozard says

June 8, 2018 at 8:51 pm

great article this is very helpful

Klaudia says

July 31, 2018 at 2:42 pm

I personally love traveling and having these is so great! Having to see which countries I have already been to and places I still have to see.

Great idea and article!

Joe Layne says

September 26, 2018 at 11:38 am

We have the world map and it’s great but I’d love to see one of just the Caribbean! We like to travel to different islands down there but these maps obviously have a difficult time capturing such small areas.

Brilliant Maps says

October 2, 2018 at 7:43 pm

Great idea, hope someone is reading this who makes these maps.

Dave Fisherman says

May 6, 2020 at 3:49 am

I love, Maps very intresting. you should make/sell, A map of the future of America based, on the map in you article, IF the 1866 bill to annex Canda ect. passed Congress. Thanks Dave-Fisherman.-U.S.A.

Carol A. Lin says

August 26, 2020 at 6:09 pm

I absolutely love the book! After reading your book, I again looked to Simon Winchester’s book, “The Map that Changed the World”, William Smith and the birth of geology. It’s a rather sad story but the ultimately Mr. Smith was recognized for his innovative mind.

October 8, 2020 at 8:22 pm

christina says

February 23, 2023 at 4:47 pm

Is that really helpful?

February 23, 2023 at 4:51 pm

I had no idea these existed. They are absolutely adorable. I only wish they weren’t all sold through Amazon. I’ll search individually for the ones I want directly on their sites. Thanks for the detail and reviews of each. Excellent gift idea.

July 21, 2024 at 3:01 pm

The link under each map shown does not take you to the actual map on Amazon, but to more or less the same Amazon page that lists hundreds of similar scratch maps with similar names. I haven’t been able to locate the one I was interested in. It would be helpful if you stated under each map the name of the producer and, if possible, its website. Thanks.

July 22, 2024 at 7:22 pm

The issue is Amazon automatically redirects you to the closest Amazon store to your location. So the links are to the US site, but likely redirect to the Italian or UK one.

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Good Weather Travel Scratch Map

Good Weather Travel Scratch Map Series are designed for travelers all over the world. Our scratch maps allow people to record their travel memories and track their travel progress in a unique and delicate way. If one can engrave their travel memories by their own hand, those beautiful moments will never be fade.

All travel experience and moments are a precious treasure to one's life.

Make Your Journey Special

A delicate scratch map is the best way to keep a record of your adventures .   You’ll soon find yourself coming up with reasons to go on holiday, racing to reveal all the scratch map treasures.

Our scratch maps fits in IKEA frame perfectly . Just hang it on the wall and create the best house decor yourself !

These scratch maps is beautifully packaged in a colorful cylindrical box . If you plan on giving it as a gift, it will make a beautiful presentation for your love one.

Four Editions, Four Countries

World Scratch Off Map - Travel around the World Scratch Map

Regular price $37.99 Sale price $28.99

Japan Scratch Off Map - Travel to Japan Scratch Map [NEW Edition]

Regular price $35.99 Sale price $26.99

Korea Scratch Off Map [2024 Version] - Travel to Korea Scratch Map

Regular price $34.99 Sale price $27.99

Thailand Scratch Off Map - Travel to Thailand Scratch Map

Regular price $32.99 Sale price $25.99

Deliver you message privately

Handwritten letters always carry more power than the digital one.

Express your genuine emotions through the scratch postcard and prepare the surprise for you beloved one on every remarkable date and anniversary.

Scratch off the film and discover the content underneath double the excitement of receiving a handwritten letter.

Let's Take A Look!

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• Travel Essentials & Accessories

13 Best Scratch Off Travel Map for 2024

Published: October 5, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Catherin Saucedo

• Plan Your Trip

Introducing the 13 Best Scratch Off Travel Map for 2023: A Comprehensive Guide. The year 2023 is full of exciting adventures and exploring new destinations. For avid travelers and wanderlusters alike, having a scratch off travel map is the perfect way to keep track of your journey and showcase your wanderlust. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we have compiled a list of the 13 best scratch off travel maps for 2023, featuring high-quality, visually appealing designs that will inspire you to embark on new adventures and create unforgettable memories. From detailed maps of specific continents to world maps with intricate cartography, these scratch off maps are both functional and decorative. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first big adventure, these maps are an essential tool to document and cherish your travel experiences. Get ready to scratch off new destinations and immerse yourself in the joy of exploration with the 13 best scratch off travel maps for 2023.

Jump to Review

Nebula Watercolor Scratch Off Travel Map

This product has a rating of A. * What does this rating mean?

Overall Score : 8/10

The Scratch Off Travel Map is a unique and beautiful way to track your travels. Made with premium laminated art paper, this stunning map features a Nebula watercolor design inspired by the enchanting beauty of the Universe. Scratch off the gold foil to reveal the countries, cities, oceans, and island groups you've visited. It also comes with a bonus Europe map for more detailed tracking. The set includes an accessories kit with a scratching pick, mini magnifying glass, and cleaning cloth, all conveniently stored in a luxury kitbag. With its high quality and thoughtful design, this scratch off map is the perfect gift for travel enthusiasts. Start exploring the world and scratch off your adventures!

Key Features

• Unique art to track your travels
• Geographical details of countries, cities, oceans, and islands
• Bonus Europe map included
• Accessories kit with scratching pick, magnifying glass, and cleaning cloth
• Premium laminated art paper
• Full refund if not satisfied

Specifications

• Dimension: 16.54Lx27.56Wx0.01H
• Stunning design with Nebula watercolor
• Comes with a bonus Europe map
• Accessories kit keeps maps pristine
• High quality laminated art paper
• Some places appear dark or tiny
• Map may be small and difficult to read

The Scratch Off Travel Map offers a visually appealing and interactive way to track your journeys. The Nebula watercolor design adds a touch of enchantment to the map, making it a beautiful piece of art. The inclusion of a bonus Europe map allows for more precise tracking. The accessories kit ensures that the maps remain in excellent condition, and the high-quality laminated art paper adds durability. While some users may find that certain places appear dark or small, overall, this scratch off map provides an enjoyable experience for travel enthusiasts. Whether as a gift or for personal use, it is a fantastic way to document and celebrate your adventures.

USA Scratch Off Map

Overall Score : 8.7/10

The Scratch Off Map Of United States is the ultimate travel accessory for adventurers of all ages. With its vibrant artwork and easy-to-read fonts, this map is a fun and educational way to keep track of your travels. Simply scrape off the yellow foil to reveal the surprise underneath and uncover the unique features of each state. The map comes in a black paper tube along with a scratching tool and rubber guitar pick. Measuring 16 inches by 20 inches, it will fit perfectly in any commercial frame. Hang it on your wall and create lasting memories of your adventures while checking off states on your bucket list. This scratch-off map is the ideal gift for travelers, kids, teachers, and RV owners.

• Ideal depiction of each state with vibrant artwork
• Easy-to-read fonts on high quality 250gsm paper
• Includes black paper tube, scratching tool, and rubber guitar pick
• 16 inch x 20 inch map is suitable for framing
• Great for educational purposes and tracking adventures
• Color: States
• Dimension: 17.75Lx2.25Wx2.25H
• Fun and interactive way to track your travels
• High quality materials and vibrant artwork
• Suitable for framing and hanging on the wall
• Ideal for both kids and adults
• Great gift for travelers, teachers, and RV owners
• Tool may scratch too deeply and cause white scratches
• Some users found it difficult to scratch off the foil

The Scratch Off Map Of United States is a must-have travel accessory for anyone looking to track their adventures and explore the uniqueness of each state. With its vibrant artwork, easy-to-use design, and high quality materials, this map is both educational and fun. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just starting to explore the United States, this scratch-off map is the perfect companion. Hang it on your wall and create a visual representation of your bucket list and memories. With its thoughtful packaging and excellent customer ratings, it is a great gift option as well. Get your hands on this map and embark on a journey of discovery across the United States!

TRAVELISIMO Scratch Off Map of United States

Experience the thrill of discovery with the TRAVELISIMO Scratch Off Map of the United States. This 12×17 inch map features stunning watercolor paintings that come to life as you scratch off the gold coating. Perfect as a gift for any occasion, it is a proud display of your wanderlust and can fit a standard US frame. Made with premium foil material, the map is durable, portable, and radiantly designed to elevate the aesthetic appeal of any room. The scratch-off design sparks a sense of adventure and the 25 included accessories ensure an effortless and enjoyable experience. Uncover your journeys and experience the joy of discovery with TRAVELISIMO.

• Experience the thrill of discovery with stunning watercolor paintings
• 12×17 inch map, perfect as a centerpiece for your home or office
• Ideal gift for travelers on any occasion
• Durable, portable, and radiantly designed with premium foil material
• Includes 25 accessories for an effortless and enjoyable experience
• Color: Black
• Dimension: 12.00Lx17.00Wx0.20H
• Size: 12 x 17 in.
• Great value with all tools included
• Wonderful educational tool for kids
• Perfect small size for easy use
• Fun and unique way to document travel
• Beautiful map that enhances the travel experience
• Does not include a scratching pencil
• Some customers received missing accessories
• No additional information on the map

The TRAVELISIMO Scratch Off Map of the United States is an exciting and visually stunning travel accessory. It allows you to uncover your travel journeys in a unique and interactive way. The map’s compact size, durable construction, and radiant design make it a perfect addition to any home, office, or classroom. The included accessories further enhance the experience, making it effortless and enjoyable. While it lacks some additional features like state information, it still provides a captivating and beautiful representation of your travels. Whether as a gift or for personal use, this scratch-off map brings a touch of adventure and wanderlust to your life.

Scratch Off World Map Poster

Overall Score : 8.5/10

The Scratch The World Travel Map is an extra large wall map that allows you to scratch off the destinations you have traveled to and reveal a colorful political map underneath. With cartographic detail featuring country and state borders, this map is perfect for showcasing your travel adventures. The map comes in an XL size of 23 x 33 inches, providing detailed mapping that smaller maps lack. It is a great gift for adventurers and young explorers to plan their trips and record their journeys. The map is delivered crease-free and ready to display in a tube. Made by Maps International, a renowned cartographic company with over 50 years of experience, this map offers cartographic excellence in design and detail.

• Cartographic detail world map with US states
• Extra large wall map measuring 23×33 inches
• Fully updated with the best mapping detail
• Perfect gift for travelers and young explorers
• Creaseless delivery in a tube
• Made by Maps International with 50 years of experience
• Color: Gold
• Dimension: 34.61Lx2.01Wx20.51H
• Size: 23 x 33 Scratch the World Map
• Detailed cartographic mapping with US state lines
• Large size for extra map detail
• Great gift for travel enthusiasts
• Crease-free delivery
• Made by an experienced and renowned cartographic company
• Some duplication of certain areas on the map
• Text may overlap regions
• Missing Caribbean islands
• Minor scratches on the map
• Cardboard case for storage

The Scratch The World Travel Map is an excellent travel accessory for those who want to visually document their journeys. Its extra large size and detailed cartographic mapping make it stand out among other scratch-off maps. While there are some minor flaws like duplication and overlapping text, these do not detract from the overall functionality and beauty of the map. It makes for a unique and thoughtful gift for travel enthusiasts of all ages. With its crease-free delivery and the reputation of Maps International, this map is a reliable and high-quality product. Start scratching off your destinations and create a visual representation of your travel adventures.

Premium Scratch Off World Map & Deluxe US Map Set

Overall Score : 9/10

Are you a traveler? Does someone you know love to travel? We designed this Large Scratch Off Map (17 x 24”) for people like you! The Black & Gold Scratchable Map will let you track your travels and share your experiences with family and friends! Package includes a World Map, a Map of the United States, and accessories: scratch tool, memory stickers to pin each new adventure, and a magnifying strip so you can see the smallest details.

• Track and share your travel experiences
• Perfect gift for travelers
• Includes World Map, US Map, scratch tool, memory stickers, and magnifying strip
• High-quality glossy laminated paper
• Protective foil for crisp and clear images
• Deluxe tube packaging to prevent damage
• 100% satisfaction or money-back guarantee
• Dimension: 24.00Lx17.00Wx0.01H
• Size: World Map 17 x 24 inch
• High-quality materials
• Detailed and vibrant design
• Includes accessories for convenience
• Durable deluxe tube packaging
• Excellent customer service
• Possible minor misplacements and typos on the map
• Container may arrive slightly dented

The Scratch Off World Map Poster And Deluxe United States Map is a must-have for travelers who want to track and share their adventures. With its high-quality materials, detailed design, and included accessories, it offers great value for money. The vibrant colors hidden beneath the scratchable surface make the maps visually appealing. Although there may be minor misplacements and typos on the map, they do not detract significantly from the overall experience. The durable deluxe tube packaging ensures that the maps arrive in perfect condition. Additionally, the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction through their money-back guarantee and excellent customer service is commendable. Get ready to embark on a journey of exploration and make memories with this premium travel map set.

See Many Places Scratch Off Map of The United States

Overall Score : 8.3/10

Capture your adventures with the See Many Places Scratch Off Map of The United States! This unique and fun scratch map allows you to commemorate every new adventure and voyage in America. With a coin or your fingernail, you can easily scratch off the foil coating to mark the states you've visited. The map features colorful and detailed drawings of each state, making it a gorgeous and decorative addition to your home wall. Measuring 20 X 16", the map is easy to frame and hang. It comes with a protective tube and bag to ensure optimal condition upon arrival. Whether you're a kid, adult, retiree, or avid traveler, this scratch off map makes the perfect gift. Experience the excitement of scratching off states and tracking your travels with this See Many Places Scratch Off Map of The United States!

• Track Your Travels
• Colorful and Detailed Drawings of Each State
• Easy to Frame and Hang
• Protective Tube Included
• Perfect Gift for Travel Enthusiasts
• Dimension: 20.00Lx0.00Wx16.00H
• Size: Small
• Colorful and detailed drawings of each state
• Comes with a protective tube for safekeeping
• Perfect gift for all ages and travel enthusiasts
• May not lay flat as described
• Scratch off film may wear off over time

The See Many Places Scratch Off Map of The United States is an engaging and decorative travel accessory that allows you to visually track your adventures. With its colorful drawings and unique scratch-off feature, you can create a personalized map of the USA. The map’s size is perfect for framing and it comes with a protective tube for safekeeping. While some users have experienced issues with the map not laying flat or the scratch-off film wearing off, overall, this product offers a fun and interactive way to celebrate your travels. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning a family road trip, this scratch off map is a wonderful addition to your travel accessories.

JARLINK Scratch Off USA Map Poster

The JARLINK Scratch Off USA Map Poster is a unique and fun way to keep track of your travels. It is an exquisite gift for any occasion and comes with a set of accessories. The map is easy to use with multiple tools provided to scrape off the gold foil and reveal a beautiful watercolor painting of the places you have traveled. It can be displayed on a bulletin or corkboard, and you can also place flags and stickers in cities already marked on the map. The map is durable and portable, coated with a premium foil material and packaged in a convenient cylindrical packaging. Overall, it is a perfect gift for travelers of all ages.

• Exquisite Gift For Traveling
• Easy To Use
• Record Your Travel
• Durable & Portable
• Package Content: JARLINK Scratch off USA Map 1, Accessories25
• Color: White
• Dimension: 12.80Lx2.20Wx2.20H
• Size: 12"x17"
• Unique and fun way to track travels
• Comes with a set of accessories
• Easy to use and scrape off
• Perfect size for framing or displaying
• Durable and portable packaging
• Some parts may be difficult to scratch off
• Scratching too hard can damage the map
• Lacks variation in color

The JARLINK Scratch Off USA Map Poster is an ideal gift for travel enthusiasts. It offers a unique and interactive way to record your travel experiences and serves as a beautiful piece of artwork. The map is easy to use and comes with helpful accessories for scratching off the foil. While some parts may be challenging to scrape off and the lack of color variation may be a minor drawback, the overall quality and design make up for it. Whether as a personal keepsake or a gift for loved ones, this map is a must-have for any avid traveler. Get ready to embark on a colorful journey across the United States!

XL Scratch Off World Map with Flags – Traveler's Dream

Get ready to scratch off some wanderlust goals with this X-Large Scratch Off World Map! It's a colorful and impressive masterpiece featuring the flags of all 195 countries. Explore and scratch off the U.S. states and regions of the largest countries. This map is not only educational but also motivating, encouraging you to explore new places and cultures and feel grateful for your past adventures.

• X-Large frameable scratch off world map
• Flags of all 195 countries
• Includes U.S. states and regions of largest countries
• Motivates exploration and gratitude
• Dimension: 35.00Lx0.04Wx23.42H
• Size: 36.00" x 24.00"
• Impressive design with colorful flags
• Large size for easy viewing of countries
• Educational and motivating
• Comes in gift-ready packaging
• Edges may not lay flat
• May not fit standard frames

The XL Scratch Off Map of The World with Flags is a must-have for travel enthusiasts. Its impressive design, featuring the flags of all 195 countries, makes it a beautiful piece of wall art. The large size and clear lettering allow for easy scratching and viewing of countries. It is not only educational but also motivating, encouraging you to explore new places and feel grateful for your past adventures. The only downsides are that the edges may not lay flat and it may not fit standard frames. Overall, this scratch off map is a great gift for travelers and a perfect addition to any home or office.

USA Scratch Off Map + National Parks Poster by Bright Standards

The Scratch Off Map of United States + ALL 63 US National Parks Scratch Off Poster by Bright Standards is the ultimate travel accessory for adventurers and park enthusiasts. This travel map kit includes a 17×24 inch USA scratch off map and a 12×16 inch US National Park scratch off map, along with flags, map pins, adventure stickers, a scratch pen, cloth, and eraser. It is a fun and interactive way to track your travel goals and explore famous landmarks across America. With 85 must-see landmarks and 15 adventures featured, this scratch off poster set serves as the perfect gift for men, women, teens, and even teachers or grandparents. The beautifully customized graphics and gift-ready package make it a special keepsake to treasure your travel memories for years to come. Frame and display both your scratch off US map and scratchable national park poster to spark exciting conversations with family and friends. However, keep in mind that scratching the map can be a bit difficult, and the scratches may be visible and cause minor damage to the poster. Overall, this travel map kit is a fantastic way to tell your travel story and inspire new adventures.

• Track your adventures
• Ultimate bucket list inspiration
• Best gift for travelers & Park lovers
• A special keepsake
• Fun way to tell your story
• Color: US Map + Bonus NP Poster
• Dimension: 16.90Lx24.00Wx0.30H
• Includes both US map and National Park poster
• Inspires travel goals and exploration
• Makes a great gift for various occasions
• Customizable and gift-ready package
• Spark conversations with family and friends
• Map can be difficult to scratch
• Scratches may be visible and cause damage to the poster

The Scratch Off Map of United States + ALL 63 US National Parks Scratch Off Poster is a highly recommended travel accessory. With its interactive and customizable features, it serves as a great tool for tracking your adventures and inspiring new travel goals. The inclusion of both a US map and a National Park poster adds extra value to the product. Despite the minor drawbacks of difficulty in scratching and visible scratches, this travel map kit is an ideal gift for travelers and park lovers. It not only allows you to tell your travel story but also acts as a conversation starter. Overall, it is a special keepsake that beautifully captures your travel memories and encourages further exploration in the United States.

Landmass Scratch Off Map – Deluxe Travel Tracker Map

Overall Score : 8.4/10

The Landmass Scratch Off Map is the perfect travel accessory for adventurers and wanderlusters. This deluxe world map poster allows you to scratch off the places you've been, revealing a vibrant and colorful map underneath. With its clean and detailed design, including 210 flags of the world, state outlines, and island outlines, this scratch off map is a treasure for any traveler. It comes in a unique triangular box with extra features like a scratch tool and stickers. The Landmass Scratch Off Map makes an excellent gift for travel enthusiasts and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Plan your next adventure and track your travels with this stunning travel tracker map.

• Scratch Off Map Of The World
• Clean, Accurate, And Detailed Design
• A Treasured Gift
• Extras Included
• Satisfaction Guarantee
• Color: Black and Gold
• Dimension: 17.70Lx3.70Wx3.50H
• Size: 17 (h) x 24 (w)
• High-quality craftsmanship
• Includes flags of the world
• Comes with extra features
• Lifetime warranty
• Scratching tool may not work well
• Difficult to keep flat without a frame
• Some foil outlines may not match map underneath

The Landmass Scratch Off Map is a stylish and well-designed travel accessory that allows you to visually track your adventures. With its clean typography, detailed cartography, and vibrant colors, it’s a beautiful addition to any wall. The inclusion of 210 flags of the world adds a unique touch to this scratch off map. While there are a few minor drawbacks like the scratching tool and keeping the map flat, the high-quality craftsmanship and lifetime warranty make up for it. Overall, the Landmass Scratch Off Map is a fantastic gift idea and a must-have for travel enthusiasts.

Large Scratch Off Map of United States

The Large Scratch Off Map of United States is a hand-drawn travel map that allows you to showcase your trips in the USA. It features vibrant illustrations and comes with a complete set of accessories, including location flags, a scrape pen, wall-hanging stickers, activity stickers, and a microfiber cloth for easy cleaning. This map measures 23×16 inches and comes with two background options, white or black, to match your home decor. It is made of durable 250gr thick paper, fully laminated with a gold foil top layer for a deluxe design. This map makes a perfect gift for travelers and is ideal for home decoration or classroom use. Hang it on your wall and add color to a dull room!

• Show Off Your Trips in the USA
• Complete Travel Map Set with Accessories
• Add Color to a Dull Wall
• Durable and Deluxe Design
• Surprise a Loved Traveler
• Color: Black Original
• Dimension: 1.00Lx1.00Wx0.20H
• Size: 1.00" x 1.00"
• Hand-drawn vibrant illustrations
• Comes with a complete set of accessories
• Large size with two background options
• Durable 250gr thick paper
• Makes a unique gift for travelers
• State borders are not accurate
• Easy to accidentally scrape off unvisited states

The Large Scratch Off Map of United States is a fantastic way to showcase your travel adventures. Its hand-drawn vibrant illustrations and complete set of accessories make it a standout product. The large size and two background options allow you to personalize it to match your room decor. The durable construction ensures it will last, and the gold foil top layer adds a touch of elegance. While it may not have perfectly accurate state borders, it still serves as a fun and decorative piece. Overall, it makes a great gift for travelers and a stylish addition to any home or classroom.

Gam3Gear Scratch Off Travel Map Japan Edition

The Gam3Gear Scratch Off Travel Map Poster Japan Map Edition is the perfect way to remember your adventures in Japan. This unique tracker poster allows you to scratch off the gold foil layer, revealing the places you've visited. It's not only a great decoration for your home but also a personalized travel atlas that can be a prime gift for friends and kids. The map is easy to use, simply scratch off the place you want to go. It's made of high-quality paper and comes packaged in a super high-quality matte finish tube. The map is white in color and measures 15.75 x 11.81 inches. With its beautiful design and practicality, this scratch-off map is a fun and inspiring way to track your travels in Japan.

• Remember your adventures in Japan with a scratch-off map
• Can be a prime gift for friends and kids
• Easy to use, just scratch off the place you want to go
• Made of high-quality paper and packaged in a matte finish tube
• Japan edition map with a white color design
• Size: 15.75 x 11.81 inches
• Beautiful design and pastel colors
• Sturdy and well-made
• Comes with a scratcher (guitar pick)
• Great for tracking and planning travels
• Some major cities and places are omitted on the map
• Difficult to keep the map flat without weighing down the corners
• Different scratcher than shown in product photos

The Gam3Gear Scratch Off Travel Map Poster Japan Map Edition is a fantastic way to document your adventures in Japan. It has a beautiful design and is made of high-quality materials. While it may have some minor flaws like omissions on the map and difficulty in keeping it flat, overall it is a fun and inspiring travel accessory. Whether as a gift or for personal use, this scratch-off map is a great addition to any traveler’s collection. Track your journeys and let this map be a reminder of the incredible places you’ve explored in Japan.

Scratch Off World & USA Map Travel Poster

The Scratch Off World Map is a perfect gift for travelers who want to keep track of their adventures. This set includes a large 30" x 17" world map and a smaller map of the USA, both featuring detailed country flags. The maps are scratchable, allowing you to reveal the places you've visited. The package comes in a cool wooden tube and includes a marker for writing memories after scratching off the places visited. The maps are made of high-quality paper that doesn't tear or rip easily. With its attractive design and interactive feature, this travel poster is sure to inspire more trips and serve as a great memory keeper.

• Detailed world and USA maps
• Large 30" x 17" size
• Scratchable surface
• Includes marker for writing memories
• Premium-quality paper
• Dimension: 30.00Lx17.00Wx0.10H
• Interactive way to track travels
• Attractive and sturdy packaging
• Includes separate USA map
• Marker for writing memories
• Colors not as vibrant as advertised
• Lacks detailed regional divisions

The Scratch Off World Map + Scratch Off USA Map Travel Poster is a fantastic accessory for travel enthusiasts. Its scratchable surface and detailed design make it a fun and interactive way to track your travels. The package is well-made and the maps are of high quality. The inclusion of a marker for writing memories adds a personal touch. Although the colors may not be as vibrant as expected, it doesn’t take away from the overall experience. The only downside is the lack of detailed regional divisions, which may be important for some travelers. Overall, this travel poster is a great gift and a wonderful addition to any traveler’s wall.

Buyer's Guide: Scratch Off Travel Map

Why choose a scratch off travel map.

• Visualize Your Travel Adventures : A scratch off travel map allows you to visually track and reminisce about your travel experiences. Simply scratch off the top layer of countries or regions you have visited to reveal a vibrant and personalized map.
• Aesthetic Appeal : These maps are not only functional but also serve as a unique decorative piece for your home or office. The colorful design and the element of surprise make them a visually pleasing addition to any space.
• Ideal Gift : Scratch off travel maps have become a popular gift choice for travel enthusiasts. They offer a thoughtful and interactive way to document one's adventures and make for a memorable gift that can be cherished for a lifetime.

Factors to Consider

• Map Size : Determine the ideal size of the map based on where you plan to display it. Consider wall space, frame dimensions, and ease of scratching off the countries or regions.
• Material Quality : Look for maps made from high-quality materials that offer durability. Maps with a laminated or glossy finish are often more resistant to accidental damage.
• Design and Details : Assess the design and level of details provided on the map. Some maps offer additional information like major cities, landmarks, and famous attractions, enhancing the educational value and overall experience.
• Scratch Off Layer : The scratch off layer should be easy to remove without damaging the map underneath. Opt for maps with a smooth, scratch-resistant coating to ensure a satisfying and seamless scratching experience.
• Included Accessories : Check if the map comes with additional accessories such as a scratch tool, magnifying lens, or adhesive tape for easy display.

Frequently Asked Questions about 13 Best Scratch Off Travel Map for 2023

Absolutely! Scratch off travel maps can be a great educational tool for children, fostering their curiosity about the world and teaching them about geography in a fun and interactive way.

Yes, many scratch off maps are designed to fit standard-sized frames. However, be sure to check the dimensions of both the map and the frame to ensure a perfect fit.

While it may be a bit tricky, it is possible to carefully scratch off countries or regions that were accidentally scratched. Take your time and use a gentle touch to avoid damaging the map.

Scratch off maps are generally designed to be fade-resistant, but exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods may cause some fading. It is recommended to display your map away from direct sunlight to maintain its vibrancy.

Yes, you can use a coin as a scratch tool for most scratch off travel maps. However, some maps come with a specially designed scratch tool or stylus for a smoother and more precise scratching experience.

Many scratch off travel maps include adhesive tape or other hanging options to allow for easy display without a frame. However, using a frame is recommended for added protection and a more polished look.

Scratch off travel maps are available for both world travelers and specific regions. Choose a map that fits your travel goals, whether it is documenting global adventures or exploring a specific continent or country.

While scratching off countries or regions is the primary interactive feature of these maps, some designs may offer additional space for marking visited cities or writing notes. Check the specific map’s features or consider a separate travel journal for more detailed note-taking.

Yes, scratch off travel maps come in various themes and designs, catering to different preferences. Aside from the traditional world maps, you can find maps focused on specific interests like food, wildlife, or even fictional maps inspired by literature or movies.

Replacement maps or scratch off layers are not commonly available for purchase separately. However, these maps are designed to last, and it is unlikely that you will need a replacement for normal use.

To clean your scratch off travel map, gently wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water, cleaning agents, or abrasive materials, as they can damage the scratch off layer and the map itself.

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Top 15 Best Scratch Map Suitable for World Travelers

Track your journey by using the best scratch map ! In fact, these scratch maps that we listed will help you feel motivated to visit other places around the globe.

In this digital era, we can easily fulfill all of our needs as long as we are connected to the internet. It is also undeniable that many apps can facilitate you in finding the locations you want to visit, or marking locations that you have visited. However, there are still many people who prefer manual and analogous ways to fulfill their satisfaction. Furthermore, this analog-type will give you a pleasure that can not be presented by any apps.

In fact, one of the analog ways of enjoying your travel is to use a scratch map. It is a map designed so that users can mark and trace their journey. Moreover, there are many variations of scratch maps that you can adjust to your necessities.

Covered Areas

Based on the areas, scratch maps has several types, such as country-specific maps, continent-specific maps, and world maps.

• Country-specific maps usually contain country details, including landmarks, provinces, and some even include culinary information. This map is also suitable for you who will be traveling to a specific country. However, the minus point of this is that not every country’s scratch maps are available in the market;
• Continents-specific maps are containing detailed territories of countries, such as in Europe, America, or the Caribbean;
• World maps are more complex than the other two because it has a much broader area. However, the minus point of this map is the small size area, sometimes are not included in the map.

There are several map details that you can consider, such as:

• First, country or state flags as well as colors. Some scratch maps are providing flags details, others only providing different color for each state after you rub the foil;
• Second, a landmark. These scratch maps are mostly available in a country-specific map;
• Then, label. Some of the scratch maps are providing a border to differentiate each region, while others don’t provide it;
• Lastly, the scale. It will help you to determine how long you will be staying in a place since you know the exact area.

There are two types of map projections that you can take into consideration, that is:

• Mercator Projection

This type has a rectangular shape, and it will be making your map look full but the minus point is that the areas that are far from the equator, such as Canada , Australia , and other kinds of deviated from the latitude position. But, this map is travelers favorite;

• Robinson’s Projection

This type also has a pseudocylindrical shape that gives the illusion of a globe. Its curved and less distorted edges, this map looks rather blank at the edges.

There are several types of materials used to make scratch maps, and the most common are paper and plastic.

• Maps made of paper usually coated with foil and have a texture that is rather smooth and fragile. In fact, if you scratch too hard, it is easily damaged. This type is also more difficult to roll and easy to tangle;
• Not different from the characteristics of plastic in general, maps made from plastic are and very durable. It is easy to roll and more flexible than the paper one.

Some types of maps use a foil, which becomes too strong over time and makes it difficult to scratch and detach. So, it makes it easier to damage.

We know that plastic is a big enemy of the environment, so many materials for making scratch maps are not environmentally friendly. But some manufacturers make their products from recycled materials. You should be more observant while choosing the map products that you will buy.

Size is an important thing to consider because this will be affecting your way of packing during the trip. First, you have to know whether you want a map with a large size that fills the room, or small size map that is friendly to the size of your backpack. There are also three most common types of scratch map sizes, which are 32.5inch x 23.5inch, 17inch x 24inch, and 17inch x 11inch.

A small map is the best for those of you who change locations a lot because it’s easier to pack and doesn’t require a lot of space. But, if you want something more aesthetic, a large map is the best choice. It’s easier to scrapped than the small one.

Price is an important thing to consider because it will be affecting your travel budget. In fact, there are several price ranges to choose from:

• First is the cheapest. With prices ranging from $20 to $30. It is usually has a small size and made of paper;
• Then the medium price. With prices ranging from $30 to $40. This price is also the most common on the market, and it’s usually providing markers or scrubbing tools;
• Lastly, expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $80. It has a larger size as well as a decorative design. Furthermore, with this price, you can get a map made of plastic, the best quality, and sometimes included the frames.

Accessories

Accessories usually include frames, foil scrubbers, a stylus for small-sized areas, microfiber, felt cloth, and travel markers. In fact, microfiber and felt cloth are used to eliminate tin foil shavings to keep the map neat.

Other Information

Some other information that you should know before buying are:

• A small area of the countries or small islands are sometimes not depicted on world maps;
• In addition, to remove the foil on the map, don’t use sharp things. You can use guitar picks or coins because this material has blunt edges;
• Dry your hands before touching, because sweaty hands aren’t good for the foil.

After knowing the important things that you should consider before buying, it is time to choose the type that you will buy.

We have compiled 15 scratch maps from Amazon that you can choose

Note: Sequential numbers do not determine their rank.

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Pro’s and Con’s of Each Scratch Maps

1. travelbug – watercolor world scratch off map | us states and canadian province.

• Eye-catching package design.
• It also includes scratching tools.
• State borders are precisely marked.
• It weighs more than 1Kgs

2. JetsetterMaps – Scratch Your Travels | United States of America Watercolor Art Map

• Light in weight.
• Unisex design of packaging tube.
• Includes as well as packages.
• Scratching tools not included.
• The packages are temporary.
• Lastly, it’s small in size only.

3. Earthabitats – Scratch Off USA Map Poster

• 100% satisfaction warranty.
• It perfectly serves a lot of details.
• Various of scratching tools are included, as well as magnifiers.
• No detail information on the packaging style.
• Only available in the color of black.

4. Maps International – Scratch Off Map Of Europe

• Packaging tubes are included and crease-free delivery.
• It also uses high-quality materials.
• Across the world, delivery are also available.
• Quite heavy with 7 ounces weight.
• Scratching tools don’t include.

5. Luckies of London – UK Scratch Map

• High quality and easy to scratch material.
• Various size options.
• Heavy shipping weight (more than 1kgs).
• It can be delivered in several countries only.

6. Maps International – Scratch the World

• High-quality material.
• Detail information in each area.
• Crease free delivery.
• Quite heavy with 8.8 ounces weight.

7. Luckies of London LTD – Scratch Map Original

• Premium quality materials.
• Geographically details.
• Despite its large size, it’s an inexpensive product.
• Quite heavy with 9.8 ounces weight.
• No warranty.
• Scratching tools and packaging doesn’t include.

8. Luckies of London LTD – Scratch Off Map World Poster Deluxe Edition

• More details than the original version.
• Environmentally friendly material.
• Luxurious look.
• Inexpensive.
• Scratching tools and packaging tubes don’t include.

9. Scratchiez – Scratch Off World Map + Scratch Off USA Map Travel Poster | US States and World Country Flags Detailed

• It includes tube packagings.
• Every purchase got an extra US scratching map.
• 252 scratchable flags in the world.
• Lastly, it’s 100% satisfaction warranty.
• Scratching tools don’t include unless updating to a premium package.

10. W Wanderlust Maps – Scratch Off Map of the World + USA Map

• Scratcher tools are included, as well as stickers.
• It doesn’t include packaging.
• Minimum purchase is 4 items

11. Travellization – XL Scratch Off Map of the World with Flags

• Lifetime warranty.
• Extra large.
• Containing 196 country’s flags in the world.
• Lastly, perfect for nomads travelers.
• Scratching tools are not included unless updating to a premium package.
• Quite expensive.

12. Scratch Story Maps – Scratch Of Map of The World with States

• Accessories such as bags, erasers, stickers and magnifying glass are included.
• It’s also Inexpensive.
• It doesn’t include the packaging tube.

13. Earthabitats – Scratch Off World Map Poster

• Accessories such as scratching tools, memory stickers, erasers, and magnifiers are included.
• It doesn’t have tube packaging.

14. My Map – Gold Scratch Off World Map Wall Poster

• Stylishly designed tubes are included.
• 100% money guarantee.
• Accessories such as greeting card felt pins, buttons, stickers, a small cartoon cutout, and a guitar pick are included.
• It weighs more than 1Kgs.

15. Landmass Goods – Black Scratch Off World Map Poster with Flags

• Scratching tools and stickers are also included.
• The packaging is an eco-friendly triangular box.
• Without the discount is quite expensive.

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Japan Scratch Travel Map with Frame

Japan Scratch Map - Leave your travel footprints by scratching off the surface layer. Follow the map and plan for the next trip!  

❤  scratch travel map,  japan edition + wooden frame, ❤  scratch off places that you've traveled, ❤  original design by good weather, ❤  easy scratch formula, ❤  map size : 40 x 30 cm or 15.75 x 11.82 inches, ❤  tube size : 32 cm or 12.60 inches, ❤  free scratch pick  , ship to hong kong only.

Make every adventure more meaningful with Japan Scratch Travel Map . After you’ve visited a place, you can reward yourself by scratching off the gold foil layer covering that location on the Japan Scratch Map !

Japan is one of the most amazing, beautiful, and friendly countries in the world. Japan is a high-tech world mixed with the politeness and respect of their past. This unique culture attracts millions of visitors every year and most of them will visit Japan again and again.  The Scratch Travel Map package provides a tailor-made scratch pick . It’s a lot easier to control the angle and how hard we scratch it, comparing with a silver coin.  Perfect for a perfectionist like me!

Underneath you’ll find beautifully vibrant colors and details. you’ll soon find yourself coming up with reasons to go on holiday, racing to reveal all the scratch map treasures. packaged in a super high quality matte finish tube, scratch maps are the ultimate way to keep track of your travels and give a truly thoughtful gift to a traveler or even dreamer who always has his next trip in mind..

If you want to frame up your scratch map, feel free to CLICK HERE to read our blog!

If you want to see how gadgeticloud scratch maps stand out from the others, feel free to click here to see the comparison, let's explore things to do, places to go and must try foods and desserts in japan with our unique japan scratch travel map designed.  you can also hang up your map on the wall as a decoration. the scratch map size is only 40 x 30cm, very light and portable. it comes in tube size which is so convenient for travelling and shipping.  a warm reminder: the frame can be found in ikea..

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Check Out Travel blogger JerryC's Review

D O Y O U R E M E M B E R Y O U R F I R S T S A K U R A 🌸 . #刮刮地圖 #日本旅行地圖 #日本旅行地圖 #世界旅行地圖 #scratchmap ‪#gadgeticloud A post shared by Jerry.C 謝利 (@jerryctravel) on Jan 21, 2018 at 11:36pm PST

Here's What the Blogger (loksiuin) Says!

Check out the review from Celestia Faith Chong

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Travel to Japan - Japan Scratch Travel Map

By Jackie Chow Dec 06, 2019 0 comments

Welcome to Japan!! Here comes the Japan Scratch Travel Map !

Japan is one of the most amazing, beautiful, and friendly countries in the world. japan is a high-tech world mixed with the politeness and respect of their past. this unique culture attracts millions of visitors every year and most of them will visit japan again and again..

Speaking of Japan, some cities and delicious food will definitely appear in your mind. Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka. Sushi, Sashimi, Ramen... Let's open the Japan scratch map and explore Japan together now! Some parts of Japan can be vaguely seen on the cover of the scratch map . That’s so colorful! I can’t wait to spread it out! Although I have been to Japan a few times and already visited some famous sights, now looking at the Japanese scratch map , I found that there are so many attractive places that I’ve never been to! I wish I will have more chances to visit them all later on.

The Scratch Travel Map package provides a tailor-made scratch pick. (The latest design is with scratch pick) It’s a lot easier to control the angle and how hard we scratch it, comparing with a silver coin. Perfect for a perfectionist like me!

The theme color of the Japan scratch map is light pink , which represents Japanese Sakura . Can you feel the Warmth and Freshness of Spring? Spring in Japan is from March to May. The cherry blossoms, known in Japan as sakura , are usually only in full bloom for around one week. For many Japanese, the blooming of the cherry blossom trees symbolizes human life, transience and nobleness. Let me scratch off the part that I visited before…Akita ken!

I was so attracted to the Japanese Akita (Famous dog type in this prefecture) before I did any scratching!! Now I can even see the adorable Akita with rich colors. I successfully unlocked and brought it to life again!

We can also see the torii gate of goza no ishi shrine (famous shrine in akita) near the dog. i really went there years ago, wait. i notice there are some drawings on the upper-left corner and bottom-right corner on the japan scratch travel map these are food & drink, things to do and travel seasons. it even reminds me what i can eat and play when i visit different places. i can scratch one drawing from each one of them, i chose my favourite sake, the yukata i wore(japanese traditional clothes) and my favourite season winter. it is also worth noting that we could not see what’s hidden behind before we did scratching. for example, we could only see a little snowman before scratching; but a ground full of now afterwards. we can feel how much effort good weather spent on designing these maps so as to keep the scratching maps mysterious. what a thoughtful design, you can also hang up your map on the wall as a decoration. just like this the scratch map size is only 40 x 30cm, very light and portable. a warm reminder: the frame can be found in ikea..

Time flies. Our scratching travel trip to Japan ended here. If you want to know more about other Scratch Travel Maps, visit our Thailand , Korea and World Scratch Map tours.

• Tags: Japan scratch map

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XL Scratch Off Map of The World with Flags - 36 x 24 Easy to Frame Scratch Off World Map Wall Art Poster with US States & Flags - Deluxe World Map Scratch Off Travel Map Designed for Travelers

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About this item.

• X-LARGE FRAMEABLE SCRATCH OFF WORLD MAP: 36 x 24 inches | This is a DISPLAY QUALITY, Extra Large Scratch Off Map World Poster. This huge world map is one of the most requested gifts for moms travelers, kids and young families. It’s large enough so that you can see each and every country. Even the tiniest islands can be scratched off. Also, this Scratch Off Travel Map comes in a designer gift-ready packaging to delight the bucket list enthusiasts in your life.
• FLAGS OF ALL 196 COUNTRIES | This quality Travel Scratch Off World Map is created by an international team of cartographers and designers w/ travelers in mind. It features clear lettering, lively colors, and the official national flags of all 196 sovereign countries. Looks impressive framed or pinned on the wall in your living room, den, child's room or office. This travel map of the world makes a wonderful gift for travelers: friends, family, or co-workers. It is also eco- and kid-friendly.
• U.S. STATES AND REGIONS OF LARGEST COUNTRIES | This World Scratch Off Map includes authoritative maps of Canada, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, China, India, Australia, UK and other countries. All provinces and states are outlined. This premium scratch off map of the world large is perfect for road-trip lovers, digital nomads, globetrotters, graduates, traveling families and retirees.
• MAKES YOU GRATEFUL AND MOTIVATES TO EXPLORE | It's not just about learning Geography, Cultures and Global Economy in a very interactive way. It's about feeling grateful for all the life adventures you've already had. It's about encouraging your curiosity and hunger to explore new places and cultures. It’s about new travel goals, because travel is the best education and the only thing that makes us richer. Get this travel tracker world map and start scratching off where you’ve been!
• YOU WILL LOVE YOUR SCRATCH OFF MAP | Hello, we are Travelization - the friendliest travel community online. Nice to meet you! We're a socially conscious company that preaches travel-education and minimalism. We stand behind this original travel map poster. If you are not happy with your purchase, we are here to help. We will always do what is right!

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How did we get our start?

Hi, we are Andri & Vira, the founders, explorers, and die-hard customer-centric entrepreneurs. Travelization started in 2016 as an online community for travelers and world citizens.

What makes our products unique?

We focus on the quality of everything we do, from the product designs to customer care.

Why do we love what we do?

Throughout the journey of building this family business we've had a lot of ups and downs. However, the most rewarding part of doing what we do is the kind of friendships we've built with our real customers.

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Product Description

Congrats! You have found the original Scratch Off Map. Do not compromise with a once in a lifetime purchase. Your loved ones deserve the best quality.

Designed to inspire, this original detailed XL Scratch Off Map with states and flags comes in a giftable tube.

Looking for a Scratch Off World Map poster for yourself or a globetrotting friend or family member? You've probably noticed that most available maps look pretty much the same.

The Travelization Scratch Off Map of the World with States and Flags is different. This travel map is designed in the USA and made to the highest quality standards. This large premium quality Scratch Off World Map poster is the original Scratch Off Map with detailed cartography.

Your Travelization World Map Features:

· Extra Large 36" X 24" Frameable Poster Size

· Thicker 250GSM Laminated Paper

· All 195 Independent Country Flags

· States/Regions Outlined for the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, China, India, Australia, and the UK

· Compact Stainless Steel Pick for Scratching Off the Gold Foil

· Clean Design. No B.S.

Traveling is the best education. Travelization World Map Scratch Off Poster is simply the best travel education tool, a must-have for any traveler's home!

Plus, you get access to a global travel community online to exchange tips and tricks for life-changing travel experiences.

Be sure, this travel world map makes a great trip planning tool and a much-appreciated special occasion gift for travelers.

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the appearance, quality, and ease of use of the maps. They mention that the paper is thick, sturdy, and well-laminated. Some appreciate the gift value, size, and value for money. However, some customers have mixed opinions on the scratch resistance.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the appearance of the map. They mention it has gorgeous colors and details for each country. Customers also say it's versatile for any style room and is cool for travelers.

"...The flags are also aligned well and do not look messy . The material—omg the material!..." Read more

" Loved the look and size of this map. Scratches off fine. Also like that it shows the states of the United States." Read more

"I really like how this map subdivides the larger countries . It's standard that U.S., Canada, and Australia are subdivided by state and territory...." Read more

"This high quality map looks classy but also serves as great motivation for booking more travel!" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the map. They mention it's extremely high-quality, sturdy, and well-laminated. Customers also appreciate the size and water-resistant quality.

"...The material—omg the material! It has a thick water-resistant quality to it so that when I was done scratching off the map and dusting off the gold..." Read more

" Excellent quality " Read more

"Great quality manufacturing and presentation. Thick, durable construction with great color way. Matches well with their hanging frame...." Read more

"It seems well made and scratching it off doesn't mess up the map itself which I was concerned about...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the quality of the map. They mention it's excellent, well-done, and will not disappoint. Customers also say it'll be a useful and helpful tool to keep track.

" awesome product , really easy to scratch and enjoy with your travel partner... we love it!!!!" Read more

"The product is great " Read more

"...This doesn't mean I do not love the map. It is fantastic , and had us discussing where in the world we wanted to go visit next!..." Read more

"... Extremely well done :US states and territories of all the big countries like Canada, Brazil, Russia, Australia, India, China, UK, etc...." Read more

Customers find the map easy to use. They mention it's colorful, detailed, and easy to find and read. They also appreciate the directions on how to safely unravel the poster. Customers also mention the individual states and regions are clearly outlined. Overall, customers are satisfied with the quality and presentation of the product.

"...It easy to scratch off with clear lines and text . The flags are also aligned well and do not look messy. The material—omg the material!..." Read more

"Great quality manufacturing and presentation . Thick, durable construction with great color way. Matches well with their hanging frame...." Read more

"...It had a lot of details , even the names of tiny islands, and it includes the country flags at the bottom...." Read more

"...The scratch off is convenient and easy to use , and it’s very aesthetic in my house. Overall very satisfied and would recommend." Read more

Customers like the gift value of the map. They say it's perfect as a gift or for anyone who loves to travel a lot. Customers also mention it'll make an excellent gift for travelers. They appreciate the tube is really gift-ready, and the actual map has all the information. They mention it makes a great graduation gift for the military, children of deployed, or as heirloom. Overall, customers say it is a beautiful gift and a good souvenir to keep a record of where you've been.

"This was a great gift for my daughter , she travels a lot and wanted to mark off where she has been...." Read more

"...I love the tube that it comes in. Very nice clean design and definitely gift ready ...." Read more

"...It’s packaged in a way that kept it pristine vac included a cool guitar pick to scratch off the countries and flags. This is well worth the money." Read more

"A great gift for frequent travelers !..." Read more

Customers like the size of the map. They mention it's nice, fits in their 24x36 frame perfectly, and the tool included is a nice size to scratch off small counties and states. Customers also say it'll hang up on a frame in their room, is easy to stay within the lines, and is perfect for their bedroom wall.

"I was really happy with the size and durability of this product...." Read more

"...It's so huge that even the tiniest islands won't escape your scratching frenzy...." Read more

"It’s a great size , love the detail, color is great, but it doesn’t scratch very well. It’s too difficult and comes off as messy...." Read more

"...easily see details, very versatile for any style room, and the size is perfect . The scratch off portion is much more durable than I expected." Read more

Customers appreciate the value for money of the maps. They say it's a great buy and worth the price.

"...got a real deal with this product as I truly believe it is underpriced for the quality . Thank you travelization - Yev and Lana" Read more

"Excellent product for the price. 100% worth the money ! It's actually bigger than I expected it to be, but thats a good thing...." Read more

"...Cool in theory, not worth it in real life ." Read more

"...This is well worth the money ." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the scratch resistance of the map. Some mention it's convenient and easy to use, while others say the side of their hand on it was enough to start scratching it off. They also mention the durable material makes it perfect for scratching off visited destinations.

"...It easy to scratch off with clear lines and text. The flags are also aligned well and do not look messy. The material—omg the material!..." Read more

"...I saw one picture that someone posted saying it was too hard to scratch off ... it looked like they had it on the bed and let their Kid go to town..." Read more

"Loved the look and size of this map. Scratches off fine . Also like that it shows the states of the United States." Read more

"...The foil scratches off REALLY easily , which I'm happy with - I was slightly skeptical since according to some reviews the scratching was difficult...." Read more

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Scratch Off Map

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10 Days in Japan: A First-Timer’s Complete Japan Itinerary

last Updated: August 16, 2024 hiroshima japan kyoto miyajima nara osaka tokyo

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Looking for the best way to spend 10 days in Japan?  You’re in the right place! 

Continue reading for tons of first-hand tips, recommendations, and a complete 10 day Japan itinerary, which can easily be turned into two weeks in Japan if you’ve got a few more days.  I absolutely LOVED my time in the country, and with some proper planning, I can guarantee you will too.   

Japan is over-stimulating and over-whelming in the best way possible. An absolute thrill to the senses. 

From the shiny bright lights of Tokyo’s Akihabara District to the serene temples and zen gardens in Kyoto , Japan is a country where the past and the future collide more than you initially realize.

I can promise you that every bite of food will be better than the last, and you’ll be saying oishi (“delicious” in Japanese) during every meal.

If you can visit during cherry blossom season, you’re in for a real treat – the streets will be lined with the most beautiful bunches of white and pale pink flowers you’ve ever imagined, which in turn makes the country smell absolutely phenomenal.

Japan is quite literally the most fascinating country I’ve explored to date. (And I just hit my goal of 30 countries by my 30th birthday a few months ago!) #killingit

I’d love to spend more time in Japan, and am highly encouraging everyone I know to discover this little piece of Asia sooner than later. So today, I am sharing with you my 10 day Japan itinerary, all heavily researched (for hours!) before my trip and followed pretty much to a T.

Overview of this 10 Day Japan Itinerary

When I initially started planning my trip, I was worried that 10 days in Japan wouldn’t be enough. Thankfully, I proved myself wrong and was able to see and do  oh so   much , as well as stuff myself silly with all those Japanese snacks I had heard so much about. [Spoiler alert: bring stretchy pants.] 

The country is filled with so many fascinating areas, but 10 days in Japan will give you enough time to see the highlights. To be completely honest, this Japan itinerary is rather jam packed, yet highly efficient (I promise!), although I suggest slightly modifying it if you’d like a more relaxed trip or are traveling with kids.

While we’re at it, check out all my travel planning tips right over here!

This Japan itinerary starts in Tokyo , makes a day trip to either Kamakura, Nikko, or Hakone, then ventures south to Kyoto , with day trips to Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima Island. Distances really depend on the mode of transport you use, with bullet trains being the fastest.

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4: day trip from Tokyo
• Days 5-6: Kyoto
• Day 7 : Nara and Osaka
• Day 8 : Miyajima and Hiroshima
• Day 9 : morning in Kyoto  → Tokyo
• Day 10: Tokyo in morning/afternoon  → airport

Japan is a decently large-sized island country located in Eastern Asia, being slightly smaller than California .  Rest assured, the entire country is connected via trains. In my experience, Japan may have the most efficient and well-connected public transportation system in the world (and that’s coming from someone who spent their childhood riding the extensive New York City subway).

Despite holding the title for the 10th most populated country in the world (aka: it’s crowded), you can still find some peace and solitude in the many gardens and temples located just about everywhere.

Pre-Travel Guide to Japan

Where to get the best flight deals to japan:.

I swear by Skyscanner and Google Flights , and always always always use these two sites when looking for airfare.  The option to watch prices and get email notifications are top notch and one of my favorite features of the two. 

Always check budget airlines that may not be listed, especially if you are coming from other areas in Asia with shorter flight times.  A great list of budget airlines can be found here .

For reference, we flew premium economy on China Airlines with a short layover in Taipei for about $1200 round trip from San Francisco – during Easter and cherry blossom season – but I saw deals for under $800 in coach. [I’m not complaining about the upgrade that my husband insisted on buying, but know that cheaper flights are out there.]

If you’re coming from the East Coast USA, flights will be a bit more expensive but shouldn’t be more than $500 more or so.

Where to stay:

In an effort to keep things simple (and avoid changing accommodation every night or two – what a pain!), this itinerary will have you staying in 2 main areas (Tokyo and Kyoto).

I highly advise booking accommodations near centrally located train stations in each as it’ll be easiest for the day trips mentioned in the 10 day Japan Itinerary below.

I opted to stay near Shibuya Station in Tokyo, as it’s centrally located and easy to reach other districts. In Kyoto we stayed near Kyoto Station as we were taking a bunch of day trips and wanted to be able to walk to our accommodation easily after a long, busy day on the road bullet train.

• Luxury:  Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel
• Mid-Range:  Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyo
• Budget:  Shibuya Tokyu Rei Hotel
• Check out other hotels in Tokyo here.
• Luxury:  Hotel Granvia Kyoto
• Mid-Range:  Kyoto Century Hotel
• Budget:  Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto
• Check out other hotels in Kyoto here.
• Yado Kiramachi
• Kyoto Takasegawa Bettei
• Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado

Airbnb is also a great option and a good way to save some money if you’re spending a few nights in one spot (always check the cleaning and booking fees, as these can greatly increase the price should you only need a 1-night stay).

New rules regarding Airbnb rentals were implemented in June 2018, and now listings must be registered and display a license number on their booking page. Thankfully all current listings on Airbnb are compliant (the company removed any which failed to register in 2018), so you can be sure your booking is absolutely legit.

While I’d love to recommend the Airbnbs we stayed in during our trip to Japan, they are no longer available. However, there’s tons more to choose from – just check out the Airbnb website .

When to visit:

There’s never a horrible time to spend 10 days in Japan, but each season has their pros and cons.

Spring : If you’re hoping to see the ever-so-beautiful cherry blossoms, April is your best bet. That being said, it’s also the month most people visit Japan for that very reason. I visited in early to mid-April, and while yes it was crowded, the beauty of the cherry blossoms found throughout the country was well worth it.

Fall : Autumn is another wonderful time to visit Japan, as you’ll get to experience the vibrant fall colors (bright red leaves) from September to November.

Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy (although the rain tends to dissipate in early July), while winter (Dec-Feb) is generally cool, sunny, dry and great for snow-sports in the mountains.

Note that weather varies dramatically throughout the country, so be sure to plan accordingly especially if you visit higher altitudes.

Read Next: When to Visit Japan (Weather, Seasons, Festivals, and Crowds)

How to get Japanese Yen:

I highly advise you to NOT exchange your money at a currency exchange kiosk before or after you land as you won’t get the best rates. Instead, take out local currency (Japanese Yen) at the airport via ATM machine.

If you travel quite frequently, consider applying for a Charles Schwab bank account. The company refunds any and all fees associated with foreign transaction ATM withdrawals. You’ll pay no ATM fees anywhere in the world, including your home country. It’s what I’ve been using for years and it’s saved me 100’s in unwanted pesky fees.

Surprisingly, considering it’s crazy-advanced technology and all, Japan is mostly a cash society; yes, we were exceptionally wowed by that! Expect your credit card to get rejected at most places (especially small eateries and of course street-food stands) and be sure to carry enough Yen with you.

If you’re coming from the US, an easy way to figure out USD to JY is to move the decimal point two spots to the right >> 100Y = approximately $1USD. Just for quick reference, 10,000Y = approximately 100USD.

How to Get Around Japan:

If you’re visiting Japan from elsewhere in the world (i.e. you are not a resident of Japan), you are able to purchase a JR train pass for varying amounts of time.  The JR pass gives you access to all of the trains, most Shinkansen lines (bullet trains), the ferry to Miyajima, and a few other transportation lines.  Options include 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day.

I used a 7-day JR pass during my trip, and I highly advise you to do the same if you’ll be following this 10 day Japan itinerary. The Green Car option, while a bit more expensive, is JR’s version of “first-class” and most definitely worth it in my opinion.  Note that it does not cover all bus routes/lines and some local trains, but these only cost about 100-300Y ($1-3USD), so no biggie.

If you plan on using a JR pass, you NEED to purchase it before you enter the country . Once you arrive in Japan, there is no option to buy it. And when I say no option, absolutely NO option at all.  

Once you purchase the pass (which must be done outside of Japan) you will receive a voucher in the mail (within a few days) which you will then exchange upon your arrival in Japan at a designated JR ticket booth in major train stations. 

Buy your Japan Rail Pass here (it’s the company I used and our voucher arrived promptly in the mail). There was free delivery straight to our home which I greatly appreciated, and once in Japan we saved a ton of money on the Shinkansen (high-speed bullet train), and breezed through the JR rail stations like a boss.

I can’t imagine doing Japan any other way than with a JR Pass. Check out the options (standard and green pass) here.

UPDATE — Buying a JR Pass in Japan : The Japan Rail Pass be will sold at a higher price point and on a trial basis in Japan through October 1, 2023 at major stations and airports. However, if you know you’ll be using one, miiiight as well save a bit of money and purchase it beforehand from a trusted company . There’s really no reason not to.

The public transportation system in Japan is top-notch, and although extremely overwhelming (at first, trust me), it’s by far the best (and most cost effective) option for getting around throughout the country.

Electricity and Power in Japan:

Japan uses the same 2-pronged electrical outlets as found in the USA. If you’re coming from America, note that some electrical devices use a three-pronged plug.

It’s also important to understand that the amount of voltage is different and you’ll need a converter (different than an electrical adapter) to change the amount of electricity pushed to each device if you plan on bringing anything which uses an excessive amount of power (including hair dryers, curling irons, and/or straightening irons). 

If you don’t want to worry about this, I suggest you invest in dual-voltage devices made especially for travel like this  dual-voltage blow dryer , dual-voltage mini straightener , and this dual-voltage curling iron .

Using a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan :

If you’ve done any research on Japan, you probably came across something called Pocket Wifi . What is it exactly and why should you consider getting it for your trip to Japan?

Pocket Wifi is exactly as it sounds — a small portable device that you can keep in your pocket (or purse/backpack/day bag) that provides wifi to all your devices (cell phone, iPad, computers, etc). And the best part? One Pocket Wifi will power up to 10 devices, so you can share the same Pocket Wifi with your family and friends.

Since wifi is less common in Japan than in other countries (surprising, right?!), this handy little device does wonders! You will be able to find free wifi in your hotel/ryoken, Starbuck locations around the city, and some other restaurants, but I always recommend having your own, especially if you’re visiting any smaller cities. Do note that some ryokans and older hotels might only have LAN cable internet access, instead of wifi, so you’ll definitely want a Pocket Wifi there!

You’ll use wifi on your phone for just about everything in Japan — train schedules, getting around, translating important phrases, making FaceTime calls to family, etc. You don’t wanna be without it when you need it!

And they make it so super easy — the Pocket Wifi will be delivered straight to your hotel in Japan! Once you’re done with your trip, use the convenient prepaid envelop to return your router from any address in Japan. Couldn’t be simpler than that!

Check out the benefits and purchase your Pocket Wifi here. Honestly, a life saver!

Useful Japanese Phrases:

• Hello/Good Afternoon: konnichiwa
• Good bye: sayonara
• Delicious: oishi
• Thank you: arigatō
• Please: kudasai
• Where’s the toilet: benjo wa doko desu ka?
• Does anyone speak English? Eigo no hanaseru hito wa imasen ka

Packing tips for Japan:

Clothing : Seaso ns are kind of temperamental in Japan, and you may be wishing you brought different clothing. Therefore, I highly suggest you pack layers for your trip to Japan. An umbrella (cute ones here , here , and here ) and light raincoat (like this or this one ) are recommended as well.

We encountered much more rain during our 10 days in Japan than we had originally planned for, and I’m glad I brought along a raincoat. If you don’t want to stuff a coat in your luggage, consider bringing along a poncho  just in case.

Electricity and Power : As noted above, most of Japan’s electrical outlets are the 2-pronged “Type A” type (100 Volt, 50-60 Hz).

If you have a device with a 3-pronged or European/UK-style plug, you may need a travel adapter (for all devices) and power converter (for high powered devices like a hair straightener or blow dryer).

Pack comfy shoes that are easy to take off. You’ll need to slip off your shoes at various temples, at the airport, at ryokans, and some restaurants. My favorite ones here (on sale), here , and here .

I also suggest bringing along socks if you don’t want to go barefoot… These sushi socks are quite cute and perfect for the occasion…  🙂 

Small throwaway bags for garbage. You won’t find many garbage cans around Japan in general, and it’s expected that you keep your trash on you until you can throw them away. Keep a small bag in your purse/backpack for this purpose. A small foldable tote is perfect for this, and can be used for spontaneous shopping trips.

Pack light. Navigating Japan is much easier when you have a small suitcase, especially since Japanese trains (and train stations) do not cater to travelers with a lot of luggage. In addition, there’s not as many elevators or escalators as you might wish, so remember, you may be carrying your luggage up and down a few flights of stairs.

I recommend traveling with a small rolling suitcase (one that fits in the overhead bin on an airplane like this one or this one ) and a backpack (I have this one and love it).

Stay organized with packing cubes , which also help you fit more into smaller suitcases (I’m able to fit about a months worth of summer clothing using packing cubes and packing strategically).

Language : If you’re up for it, you can also consider taking along a small Japanese Phrase Book . The language is quite difficult, and Google Translate (which won’t work without wifi or a cell plan) saved our butts far too many times.

Japanese written language uses characters, which you’ll see all over the place.  Thankfully, most signs are written in phonetics using the alphabet we use.

We were also surprised by the low number of people who speak any English. Save yourself some frustration and pack a lightweight phrase book in your bag. Interested in learning some Japanese before your trip?

This book looks like loads of fun, and I’m actually thinking of buying it before my next trip back to the country. (The Japanese language is difficult you guys, just trust me.)

Travel Insurance for Japan

Yes, you need this. I always recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. You never know what might happen (flight delays, lost baggage, illness), and travel insurance definitely helps with all of those unfortunate unexpectancies.

I highly recommend the companies World Nomads and SafetyWing . I’ve recently been buying coverage with SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related costs (which most travel insurance companies do not do).

Whenever we travel, we always buy a short term plan (depending on how many days/weeks we’ll be away) before leaving for any trip! Even if you don’t end up using it, peace of mind is 100% worth it in my opinion.

Find plan options and pricing here (and at only a few bucks a day, there’s no excuse not to!) I always say, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford your trip. It’s that easy.

Buy your travel insurance now — don’t wait until it’s too late!

10 Days in Japan:  A Complete Japan Itinerary

And now, the fun part! The 10 day itinerary in Japan!

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo!

You’ll most likely be flying into Narita Airport  and will need a little over an hour to get into the city center via the Narita Express.  After such a long flight (with lots of time difference), it’s best not to plan much on this first day – hello, jetlag! 

I suggest exploring the area you’re staying in (my suggestions: Shibuya or Akihabara) and devouring your first Japanese dinner of either ramen or pork Katsu.

During my stay, I opted for an AirBnB in Shibuya , which has an epic nightlife with tons of stuff going on, restaurants included (even if “partying” isn’t your thing- it sure ain’t mine!).  Use this first afternoon/night to relax and rest up, as the rest of this itinerary will be go-go-go!

Day 2: FULL DAY IN TOKYO (West Side)

Today’s all about modern Tokyo !  You’ll be exploring the western districts of the city, including Shibuya, Harajuku, and Shinjuku – just saying these names are fun!  You can either walk from district to district as they are fairly close together, or buy single use train tickets to hop between each. 

DO NOT USE YOUR JR PASS YET as it will expire before you finish needing it later on during the trip. Train tickets within Tokyo are not very expensive, and you won’t be needing many today anyways!

Stop 1: Shibuya

If you opted to stay in Shibuya, you won’t need to take a train here!  Shibuya is Tokyo’s version of Times Square , and with all the bright lights and massive amounts of people, it’s easy to see why.  Be sure to check out the world-famous Shibuya Crossing , where 100’s of people scramble across the street at once. 

For the best view above, head to Starbucks (you’ll need to order something before going upstairs), or find the Keio Inokashira Line at Shibuya Station for another perfect view.

Also say “Hello” – or Konichiwa — to Hachiko (the most loyal dog in the world statue) at Shibuya Crossing and do some shopping at Tokyu Hands .

Meiji Shrine shouldn’t be missed as well, which is the Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken.  You’ll be seeing lots of shrines and temples during your time in Japan, and Meiji is a great one to start with! 

If you’re lucky, you may even witness a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony!  I, however, was not so lucky.

Stop 2: Harajuku

If you want to get a taste for Japanese street style, visit Harajuku.  On Sundays, you can see traditional Harajuku Girls dressed in elaborate costumes and anime – so fun! Try and spot the girl in the photo below all decked out in costume. If you can’t make it on a Sunday, you can get a feel for Japanese street style any day of the week. 

You can reach Harajuku by taking the Yamanote line to Harajuku Station, although it’s not a far walk from Meiji Shrine.

Walk down the famous shopping street of Takeshita Dori , where you’ll find a whole mess of fun stores and fun cafes.  Note that most shops don’t open until 11am, but if you’re following this itinerary, you’ll probably arrive here around 1pmish or so. 

Be sure to try a crepe – the unofficial street food of Harajuku, which you’ll find all over Takeshita Dori!  We also visited a hedgehog café and played with them for about 45 minutes or so.  A super quirky and super weird area, definitely not meant to be missed!

Read Next: Top Things to do in Harajuku

Stop 3: Shinjuku

Shinjuku is the largest neighborhood in Tokyo (dubbed the crazy entertainment district), and you’ll find thousands of restaurants, shops, entertainment, and other attractions that you could easily spend all day here. 

With limited time, we spent a decent portion of the afternoon and night here and felt that was sufficient enough to see the highlights.

Many people opt to see the ever-so-popular Robot Restaurant , which I’ve heard is an other-worldly experience, but after reading reviews, we decided against it.  Do your own research and decide for yourself whether this show is worthy of your time and money. 

Whether you decide to spend part of the evening at the Robot Restaurant, I highly encourage you to make a visit to Omoide Yokocho , commonly known as Piss Alley. 

Piss Alley is a small network of alleyways along the tracks northwest of Shinjuku Station filled with dozens of tiny eateries serving ramen, soba, sushi and yakitori.  Just pick one with open seats and go in – they’re all worthy of some stomach real-estate.

Consider the free observation deck on the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building , visit Shinjuku Gyoen (a large public park near Shinjuku Station being a perfect cherry blossom spot – check on hours, we missed the entrance by about 20 minutes 🙁 ), and find an epic view of the area from the pedestrian overpass near the northwest corner of the Shinjuku station.

Day 3: FULL DAY IN TOKYO (East Side)

Now it’s time to experience the more traditional side of Tokyo , including Sensoji Temple and Ueno Gardens.  Another bird’s eye view can be seen today, at nearby Tokyo Skytree.

If you’re staying in Shibuya like I did, you’ll need to take the train from Shibuya Station to Asakusa Station (35-45 min on train) via the JR Yamanote Line to Ginza or Asakusa Line. Make sure to purchase single tickets – do NOT activate your JR pass yet!

Asakusa and Sensoji Temple

Asakusa is the spiritual heart of Tokyo and a good place to start your day!  Sensoji Temple is the main attraction here, and you’ll start your morning journey at the Kaminarimon Gate . 

As you walk toward the temple buildings, check out the historic  Nakamise Dori shopping street, pick out some souvenirs and grab a Japanese snack (or two!) before exploring Sensoji Temple. 

Consider drawing Omikuji (written fortunes) while here.  If you’re up for it and are interested, check out the surrounding old-fashioned neighborhoods around Asakusa.

Sumida Park and Tokyo SkyTree

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, I highly advise you to visit Sumida Park , which is an absolutely wonderful spot to see the flowers in bloom!  It was one of the least crowded public parks we went to and FULL of cherry blossoms! 

I cannot recommend this spot enough!  Bring a snack or two and sit on a blanket for the ultimate experience. We got sakura donuts from Mister Donut (located all around), and ate our flower-themed treats amongst the cherry blossoms.

Next up – Tokyo SkyTree , the tallest tower in not only Japan, but the entire world!  At 634m (2,080 feet),  the complex has two observation decks with great views over the city.  There’s even a glass floor for any of you brave souls!  Expect a cue, so plan on spending a bit of time here.  The Tokyo Skytree is about a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute train ride from Asakusa.

If you don’t wanna wait in line, I highly encourage you to book your skip-the-line Tokyo SkyTree ticket in advance. You can even upgrade to include the Tembo Galleria.

End the afternoon at Ueno Park , another large public space located in central Tokyo and another lively cherry blossom spot.  There are more than 1000 cherry trees of multiple varieties lining its central pathway and lots of temples and shrines here to check out, as well as museums and a zoo if those are of interest to you.

You’ll most likely want to take the JR train from Tokyo SkyTree to Ueno Park.  

Akihabara District

Wake up because we’re off to Tokyo’s crazy Akihabara District! Spend the evening perusing the many electronic shops, including Yodobashi Akiba – the world’s largest with nine stories stuffed with hi tech equipment – for geeks with money.

You’ll also find Japan’s diehard fan anime culture here, with stores devoted to anime and manga; just be sure to keep kids away from the adult-only sections (I wondered at first why all the anime was butt naked)! 

You could easily fill up a whole afternoon and night in Akihabara, from its maid and Gundam cafes, gaming centers (check out Super Potato Retro Shop if you want to be transported into the 90’s), and just gazing at the bright lights.

Day 4: DAY TRIP from Tokyo — 3 Options

Today you’ll activate your JR pass and start putting it to use!  Now that you’ve explored Tokyo, get out of the busy city center and explore another nearby area.  There are numerous day trips you can take from Tokyo , and depending on your interests, you may want to visit more than one! 

Unfortunately this ten day Japan itinerary only allows for one, but if you have another day or two to spare, you could easily do all three. 

I opted for Kamakura because of the rainy and cold weather, but I would have loved Nikko or Hakone had the weather been more cooperative that day. With two weeks in Japan, you can most definitely do all three if you’d like.

Here are my three recommended day trips from Tokyo:

1) Kamakura

Don’t miss the Great Buddha of Kamakura (at Kotokuin Temple), easily the most popular attraction in the area, and literally hard to miss at 44 feet.  Here you’ll find the second largest Buddha in all of Japan. 

Another site not to miss, and only a few minute walk from the Great Buddha – the Hase Dera Temple , which is a beautiful temple located on a hillside overlooking the ocean.

There’s also a bamboo forest at Hokokuji Temple , similar to that in Kyoto, and it’s possible to see Mt. Fuji on a clear day from Kenchoji Temple. 

Once you’ve had your fair share of temples, or are just hungry for some lunch, head on over to Komachi-dori , the busiest commercial street in Kamakura. Try the local specialty of Shirasu-don , (a Whitebait rice bowl), which you’ll easily find in numerous restaurants on the busy street.

Not interested in venturing to Kamakura alone and prefer a group tour?  Looking back, I wished I booked a tour.  Although it wasn’t too far away, we got a bit confused on the train and wasted a bunch of time trying to navigate our way to Kamakura, and then even more time once we arrived.

Many of the tours include other highlights like a tea ceremony and a view of the Bay, which we missed by going alone. I recommend these (from Tokyo) which cover all the top attractions:

• Full Day Trip to Kamakura, Yokohama, and Tokyo Bay (from Tokyo) : Not only does this day tour from Tokyo take you to all the highlights of Kamakura, but you’ll also get to have lunch in Yokohama’s bustling Chinatown, visit the traditional Japanese-style sunken garden of Sankei-en (including tea rooms!), and admire the modern cable-stay Yokohama Bay Bridge.
• 5 Hour Nature and History Walking Tour:  This walking tour follows a hiking route from Kita-Kamakura to Hase-dera Temple, passing many historic temples and shrines.  You’ll be able to enjoy some wonderful panoramas from a hiking trail that offers views in all directions. Note that transportation is not included.

Literally sick of the city and need to get some nature into your life?  Nikko may just be your answer.  Full of ancient moss, stone lanterns, vermillion gates, and towering cedars, there’s a reason why this area is one of Japan’s most visited areas.

Located about two hours north of Tokyo, Nikko is the site of the famous Toshogu Shrine , the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu (VIP in Japan), and numerous other temples and shrines. Don’t miss the famous Shinkyo bridge , the beautiful Nikko National Park (on a sunny day), Kanman-ga-Fuchi Abyss, and Kegon Falls . 

I’m quite bummed we didn’t make it here as all the photos look absolutely spectacular, but now I’ve got another reason to return to Japan!

Trying to fit in a lot during your one day in Nikko?  Consider a group tour which gets you around easily to all of the highlights.

Day Trip Options here: 

• From Tokyo: Nikko World Heritage Full-Day Tour :  Explore the beautiful mountain landscape of Nikko, Japan, experience the majesty of the Tamozawa Imperial Villa, bow to the three golden Buddah’s at the Rinnoji Temple, explore the surrounding landscape with a trip to Kirifuri Falls, and have a relaxed Japanese lunch at a local restaurant.
• Nikko: Autumn Leaves and World Heritage Full–Day Tour :  Discover the beautiful autumn leaves and world heritage of Nikko. During your full-day tour by air-conditioned coach, visit Nikko’s natural sights, Senjo-gahara and Kegon waterfalls, and Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Perfect during those autumn months!

If you have more than 10 days in Japan, check out these additional day trips from Tokyo .

If seeing Mt. Fuji is on your bucket list, then I definitely recommend making the day trip to Hakone. 

Once arriving, you have a whole slew of options to fill your day, including the Hakone Tozan Cable Car for stunning views, the Hakone Ropeway for even more epic views, Owakudani with views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day, and a small Buddhist alter. 

You can also take a Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and spend time at the Hakone Open Air Museum (art gallery). Brave? Try a black egg!

If you’re not up for heading to Hakone alone , there are numerous day trips from Tokyo that leave the transportation and planning up to someone else.  You’re on holiday – treat yourself and save yourself the hassle! I recommend the followings tours:

• From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Trip by Shinkansen : Spend a day trip traveling to Mt. Fuji, Japan’s most famous symbol and highest mountain. Enjoy the view from the 5th Station before visiting the nearby resort town of Hakone, known for its onsen hot springs. Return to Tokyo by bullet train!
• From Tokyo: Mt. Fuji and Hakone Tour with Bullet Train :  Get spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and its surrounding mountains on a day trip from Tokyo. Cruise across Lake Ashi by boat and take the ropeway up Mt. Komagatake. Relax in the hot springs resort of Hakone, and then catch the bullet train back to Tokyo.

However, note that seeing the mountain is never guaranteed and it’s possible you may make the trip only to be disappointed.  Some months out of the year have higher chances of visibility, including the winter months.  If it looks like a questionable morning with lots of clouds, I highly suggest you alter your plans and opt for either Nikko or Kamakura instead.

Day 5: MORNING BULLET TRAIN TO KYOTO then EXPLORING

First Bullet Train Ride!

*Note that you’ll be required to make a seat reservation if you have opted for the Green JR Pass.  Make this reservation when you first exchange your JR voucher for a ticket, or the night before leaving for Kyoto.  Don’t wait until the morning of because it’s possible the reservation desk will not be open yet.

Get up nice and early, grab some breakfast in the station/on the way to the station, and take a 7:00/7:30am bullet train from Tokyo Station (you may need to transfer at Shinagawa Station) in route for Kyoto! 

If you take this early morning train ride, you’ll arrive in Kyoto around 10:30am or so, which is necessary if you want to see a bunch of Kyoto sites today.  Once you arrive in Kyoto, put your luggage/bags into a coin locker (roughly 500-900 Yen for two suitcases for the entire day) and get exploring!

A note about Kyoto’s public transportation: Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto relies on large public buses. We were unaware of this and unfortunately caught off guard when we couldn’t take fast trains to get around. Give yourself some extra time as it’ll take longer to get around. Embrace it – look outside the window on the bus and take in some local Kyoto life.

Arashiyama Area

Catch the bus to the  Saga-Arashiyama Station , where you’ll be hanging out for a few hours.  First up, Tenyru-Ji Shrine and its accompanying zen garden.  So many beautiful plants and flowers (nicely labeled in both English and Japanese) here, such as the Japanese wisteria, which you’ll never see outside of Japan.

Once you exit the garden, you’ll come across the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove/Forest .  Walking through the Bamboo Grove is definitely one of the essential experiences to have in Kyoto so don’t pass it up! 

The grove is much smaller than I thought, taking roughly 15 minutes to walk through, but is absolutely excellent for photography.

Walk through slowly to take it all in, and don’t forget to look up at the towering bamboo!  Bring a wide-angle lens and if possible, a go pro, in order to include as much of the bamboo in your photos!

Before you head to the Monkey Park (coming up next!), you’ll most likely come across a lovely area with small eateries and a beautiful, green emerald lake. A good spot for some photos in my opinion!  🙂  We enjoyed a few vending machine coffees and teas here (you’ll be doing that everywhere in Japan too, you’ll see!).

Read Next: Top Things to do in Kyoto and Attractions

Next up, walk to the Iwatayama Monkey Park !  Yes, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk completely uphill to reach the park, but definitely worth it!  Just be aware, the Google Maps directions to this attraction are wrong.

The entrance to the park is simply near the orange shrine gate at the south side of the Togetsu-kyo bridge. Look for a cartoon picture of a monkey and you’re golden!

The park is a nice change from the temples and shrines you’ll be seeing a lot of in Kyoto, and it’s so much fun to feed the monkeys for only 100Y.  There’s also a wonderful view of Kyoto from up here.  

Before anyone gets mad at those pictures of the monkeys “behind bars”, please know they are free to roam wherever they’d like throughout the park, and us humans are actually put in an enclosed area when feeding them. This is to protect both the animals and us.

We could have easily spent hours watching the monkeys and admiring the view, but off to the Golden Pavilion it was!

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

If you’ve got more time today, take the bus to the Golden Pavilion , which is super impressive and made entirely of gold!  Reflected in the lake, it’s no wonder this is one of the top things to do in Kyoto. 

Make sure to try some Japanese flavored ice cream here, such as green matcha and/or black sesame, my new favorite!  It’s guaranteed to be crowded, but very, very worth it in my opinion.

*Don’t forget to head back to Kyoto Station to collect your bags before heading to your hotel or AirBnb for the night!

Day 6: FULL DAY IN KYOTO

Nishiki Market

Start the day at the Nishiki Market – known for its different food stalls where you can try all kinds of Japanese cuisine and treats. 

Stroll for an hour or so up and down the streets of the market, stopping whenever something tickles your fancy. The market is a great place to dive into some of the more unusual dishes – don’t be a chicken, try them!

However, absolutely don’t leave the market without trying tako tamago – the infamous candied baby octopus stuffed with a quail egg.  It tastes way better than it sounds – I could have eaten three!

Want a taste of those cutesy animal donuts you’ve possibly seen all over the internet? You can try them here – at Floresta Donuts .  I had a hard time eating mine as it was just too cute to bite into! Quite possibly my favorite thing I ate during our 10 days in Japan! SO cute!

After your fix of Japanese delicacies and donuts, walk on over to Gion, Kyotos famous geisha district.  If you’re lucky you may spot a real true-life geisha , although they tend to walk fast to their destination and don’t like to show their face. 

However, if you do spot one, but courteous and don’t obviously follow them or point your camera directly to their face.  Show respect for their culture. I wasn’t so lucky and didn’t spot any on my trip.

Higashiyama District

End the day at the Higashiyama District, the world famous hub of Kyoto’s best-known shrines and temples.  And let me tell me, this place is worth checking out. It’s one of my favorite areas in all of Kyoto .

Make sure to walk down Sannenzaka and Ninensaka – the two most beautiful streets in the district, with numerous souvenir shops and eateries.  It can get rather crowded during the day (for good reason!), so we chose to come a bit before dusk had encountered a less cramped experience. 

Still cramped, but less cramped than I imagine mid-day would be. You’ll find some eats on the walk – make sure to try a sakura cream puff !

Kyomizu-dera Temple , a listed UNESCO site, should be next on your list.  Again, it’s quite busy, but the view out over a sea of trees is hard to beat – just imagine this during cherry blossom season (absolutely to die for!) And yea, try an onigiri maki – an emoji in the wild!

Finish off this (long and tiring) day by walking part of the Philosopher’s Path (found on Google Maps as  Tetsugaku-no-michi) , a path that runs along a narrow river and is lined with more cherry blossom trees than you can ever imagine! 

You’ll end at the Silver Pavilion, although not as fancy and intricate as the Golden Pavilion, and not even lined in silver, but still impressive nonetheless.

Day 7: DAY TRIP TO NARA AND OSAKA

It’s time for some day trips today, and we’ll be crossing off two in one day’s time!  Head to Nara from Kyoto Station (via JR Nara Line – roughly 1 hour on the express train), then after seeing some of the top temples, head on over to Osaka and eat everything!

Get ready to interact with some deer in Nara Park , which can be found all throughout the area and are literally impossible to miss!  And oh yea, those crackers you see being sold on the street?  Those are for the deer, not us hungry humans!

A few temples to see: Todaiji (must visit Unesco World Heritage Site with super tall Buddha), Kasaguga Taisha Shrine (the most important shrine in Nara), Kofukuiji Temple, and Gangou-ji Temple.  If you’ve had enough of temples by this time, head over to Osaka and skip a temple or two.

Tip : Get the Nara Kotsu one day pass (it’s more of a wooden plague you can wear around your neck if you please) for 500 Yen.  This sightseeing bus brings you around to the top attractions in Central Nara, and is good for most of the buses you see throughout the city.

Off to Osaka for the rest of the day!  Many people skip Osaka as they think it’s just another large city like that of Tokyo, but we absolutely loved our few hours here!  Don’t skip it!

First up, the ever-so-beautiful Osaka Castle , one of Japan’s most famous landmarks!  Get off at Osakajokoen Station. 

Note that the castle may very well be closed by the time you reach it depending on how long you spend in Nara (last admission is 4:30pm in April, a bit later in the summer months), but the outside alone is worth the train and short 20 minute walk!

Next up, Dotonbori Street !  It’s an absolute madhouse full of people, shops, and eateries, and an absolute must-do while in Osaka.  Be sure to look up and admire the moving animal billboards found on the buildings.

Osaka is the food capitol not just of Japan, but of the entire world.  Hence, you’ll want to eat everything in sight (just leave some room for a Kobe beef dinner).  Try beloved regional dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki (fried octopus balls – tastes way better than it sounds), udon, and hiyashi ame ginger drink.

Rule of thumb: if there’s a long line, the food is out of this world.  Wait and you’ll be rewarded.

If you want to get some shopping on, head on over to nearby Shinsaibashi, the city’s premier shopping district.  We chose to skip the shopping and focused on stuffing our faces 😉

Great dinner suggestion: Tsurugyu.  This place is all about Kobe beef , and is super fresh and decently priced.  Expect to pay around 5,000Y per person, drink included.  Reservations are highly recommended, although we somehow got extremely lucky and were able to sit at the bar – but don’t count on this!

Day 8: DAY TRIP TO MIYAJIMA AND HIROSHIMA

Get ready for another jam-packed day.  Yes, it’ll take a while to get here, but trust me, on a clear, sunny day, it’s 100% worth it and absolutely beautiful. 

Take an early morning bullet train to Hiroshima, which takes roughly 2 hours from Kyoto Station, then a local JR train to Miyajimaguchi Station, then finally the JR ferry to Miyajima.  All included in your JR Pass .

You can choose to visit either Miyajima or Hiroshima first, but I highly recommend visiting Miyajima during high tide to see the gate “floating” in the water.  Check tide schedules online.

If you opt for Miyajima first (again, tide dependent), and take an 8am bullet train out of Kyoto Station, you’ll reach Miyajima by approximately 11am.

Head straight to the tori gate (after some deer interaction of course, yes there’s deer here and they’re SUPER friendly, just watch your food). 

You’ll want to snap a million photos because this place is just so damn beautiful it’s hard not to!  You can also check out the floating shrine as well, which we loved and was unlike any other shrine/temple we saw in Japan!

Spectacular views your thing? Take the Miyajima Ropeway (~15 minutes, $17 roundtrip) for better-then-great views of the whole area from the top of Mt. Misen . There’s a bus at the base of Miyajima Island which will take you to the ropeway station fo’ free as well if you’re already feeling super tired from your journey.

Before heading back to the ferry, pick up some ice cream (green tea or black sesame, you are in Japan!) – perfect on a hot, sunny day.

Take the ferry back to Miyajimaguchi Station, then the JR train to Hiroshima.  Note that you’ll need to either take a tram or buy a Hiroshima Sightseeing Hop-On, Hop-Off Loop Bus “Meipuru-pu” to get around in Hiroshima super easily – which is free of cost for JR pass users . 

We took the sightseeing bus to Hiroshima Castle , and then to the area with the A-Bomb Dome , Children’s Peace Monument , and Peace Memorial Museum and Park .  The museum was closed by the time we arrived, but we were still able to wander around at the memorials and pay our respects.

End this super long day eating okonomiyaki at Okonomimura , a humungous multi-level eatery with tiny stalls of different shops making varieties of the famous pancake.  Just for reference, we made it back on a bullet train around 8:30/9pm, getting back to Kyoto around 11pm.  Told you it was a long day.  😉

Day 9: KYOTO THEN BULLET TRAIN BACK TO TOKYO

Today’s your last day in Kyoto, so it’s time to do those last-minute things you missed, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine.   Put your bags in coin lockers at Kyoto Station before heading out for the day (just don’t forget to pick up before the bullet train heading back to Tokyo!)

Morning/Afternoon in Kyoto

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine (Taisha): COME EARLY BEFORE THE MASSES ! No matter how tired you are, do not skip Fushimi Inari Shrine!  To get here, you’ll need to take the JR Line (Nara or Keihan Main) from Kyoto to Inari Station. 

The shrine is comprised of over 10,000 beautiful orange-y red tori gates arching over a scenic, possible 2-hour-long walking trail. You don’t need to do the entire circuit, but definitely make it past the initial arch as this is the most populated one due to its close proximity to the start. 

Make sure to notice the numerous fox statues along the shrine grounds, as they are thought to be Inari’s messengers and hold much importance to this area. And get some inari sushi if you’re a bit hungry – look how cute they are! Definitely one of my favorite things we did during our 10 days in Japan.

Read Next: Alllll the best things to do in Kyoto

2. Nijo Castle: One of Kyoto’s most popular and impressive sights, and a wonderful place to walk around on your last official morning in the city. The grounds are large with numerous fortifications, a lovely castle, beautiful moat, and gardens.

Inari Shrine to Nijo Castle: Head back to Kyoto Station, then take the JR Sagano train to Nijo stop

3. To-Ji Garden and Temple: Depending on your groups level of tired-ness, you may choose to skip these gardens (which are a 15 minute walk from Kyoto station).  We were too pooped from the week’s festivities to even think about wandering around here, and let’s face it – I saved myself an hour or so of complaints from my husband. 

We both get a little grumpy when the tiredness kicks in.  If you do decide to go, you’ll find the tallest wooden pagoda in Japan, a lovely garden with a koi fish pond, and some beautiful cherry blossoms. Next time for me!

Bullet Train to Tokyo

Once you’re done with your activities in Kyoto, back on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo it is!

The bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo takes around 3 hours or so, and with our stomachs grumbling already, we opted for a dinner of bento boxes to take on the train with us.  You’ll find a handful of stalls in the train station selling a wide variety of food options, with bento boxes being absolutely perfect for the long train ride!

Since you’ll only be in Tokyo for one additional night and will need to take the train from Tokyo station to Narita International Airport the next day, I suggest staying in the Ginza area, 1 or 2 stops on the train depending on which line you take.

It also lets you explore a new area the next morning before heading off to the airport.

Recommended hotels in Ginza:

• Luxury : Millenium Mitsui Garden Hotel  (where we stayed and we absolutely loved it! – and less than $150 a night!)
• Mid-Line : Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Ginza  (super chic upscale hotel at affordable rates in a great location)
• Budget : Tokyo Ginza Bay Capsule Hotel  (if you don’t know what a capsule hotel is… go check that out!)

Day 10: SUSHI BREAKFAST AND OFF TO THE AIRPORT

Before heading out for the day, it’s a good idea to check out of your hotel to avoid rushing back for the mid-morning check-out time, and be sure to ask your hotel to store your bags (which you’ll pick up later before heading off to the airport).

Sushi Breakfast at Tsukiji Market

On your last official morning after 10 days in Japan (cue the sad face), there’s nothing better than an authentic sushi breakfast!  And no better place to get fresh sushi than at the Tsukiji Fish Market – the world’s largest, busiest fish market! 

Note that the Tsukiji Fish Market is comprised of two parts – the inner market (the Uogashi wholesaler market) and the outer market.  The inner market is where you’ll find the early-morning wholesale tuna auction (think 4am, yes, really that early), while the outer market is for all of us foodies hoping to satisfy our taste buds with some seafood goodness.

While Daiwa Sushi and Sushi Dai are two of the most common sushi shops in Tsukiji Market, the lines are astronomically long.  We picked a place at random and had a wonderful experience – the fish was fresh, service was adequate, and prices were competitive.

You won’t find mediocre sushi anywhere in this area, so decide for yourself (and your hungry belly) if waiting in those long lines is worth it.

If you have a little extra time and wanna learn about Japanese food culture and the market in general, consider signing up for a Tsukiji Outer Market Food and Drink Walking Tour . You’ll sample bonito, katsuobushi, dashi stock, sushi, sake, fresh tuna, local omelets (my all-time fave) and so much more. I so wish we did this as we didn’t learn much about the market and honestly didn’t even know where to begin on our own — there’s so many stalls and we didn’t know half of the foods!

Next time we’re in Japan I REALLY wanna take this combined tour of the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market and sushi-making class! I love taking cooking classes when I travel (I’ve made macarons in Paris, egg tarts in Lisbon, and tamales in Mexico so far), so I think sushi in Japan is next for me!

Shopping in Ginza

After filling up on some sushi (and ice cream, because, why not?!), head back to Ginza for some upscale window shopping.  This district is home to the most expensive shopping and real estate in Tokyo – kind of like New York’s Fifth Avenue, but with more lights!

Off to the Airport

Depending on your flight time, you may have a bit more time, but it’s always wise to get to the airport extra early for international flights. 

Head back to your hotel, collect your bags, head to Tokyo Station, then to Narita Airport (takes approximately 1 hour via Narita Express), have one more Japanese meal at the airport, and say goodbye to this eclectic yet charming country.

If you have any questions on this 10 day Japan itinerary, please ask below in the comments! If you follow this itinerary (exactly what we did), I can promise you not only will you see so much in such a short period of time, but you won’t be stressed out planning either!  🙂

TRAVELING TO JAPAN SOON? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of  World Nomads  and SafetyWing when traveling abroad.

Recently, I’ve been mostly using SafetyWing since they cover pandemic-related claims (most travel insurance companies do not). Be sure to protect yourself from possible injury, lost baggage, travel delays, and theft before it happens.  Learn more and Sign up here.

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Feel free to share this 10 day Japan itinerary with a friend (just copy and paste the link!), and get started planning your trip! Have you been to the country before? What were your favorite things to do in Japan?

Photos via Day 1a | Day 2 and Steam Fire at Asakusa  | cherry blossoms | Akihabara | Hakone 1 and 3 | Hakone 2 |

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September 23, 2020 at 10:18 pm

Great post! We are planning to visit Japan around cherry blossoms season next year. Your 10-day itinerary seems perfect. We might add 3 to 4 days to it as we love to follow the slow pace when we travel 🙂

September 23, 2020 at 10:47 pm

You’re gonna have the best time ever – I wish I could go back and do my entire itinerary again! An extra few sounds would be perfect; we had to rush around a lot!

April 13, 2021 at 11:26 pm

Very elaborate Japan guide! Hope to visit this wonderful place in the near future!

March 27, 2022 at 5:54 am

Thanks so much, this was very helpful, and fun to read. I’ve been once by myself and hope to return with my wife. If it’s not too personal, what was the total cost of the trip for two?

April 4, 2022 at 6:16 pm

Hi Bill! So glad the post was helpful! Unfortunately it’s really hard to say the total cost, as it greatly varies depending on what hotels you choose, activities you do, and restaurants you eat at! With that being said, the street food is absolutely phenomenal and a great way to save a bit of money! We loved it all!

April 7, 2022 at 1:22 am

such an amazing post and trip, wish i can go there very soon. thankyou for sharing 🙂

July 18, 2022 at 8:44 am

I am so very grateful for your post. I have been researching for months and this is the most helpful post I have found! We will be traveling to Japan April 2023 for my sons graduation present. We will only have 7-8 days there. If you were to take off 1-2 days which would they be. Right now I am thinking one less day in Tokyo but not sure what else to eliminate.

July 20, 2022 at 6:58 pm

So glad you found it helpful! I would cut off the day trip from Tokyo, and eliminate a day in Tokyo like you suggested. You can see the main highlights of Tokyo in 2 long, jam packed days. It’ll be a very hectic and tiring trip, but you’ll see a lot in just a week! I cannot wait to go back to Japan! Enjoy your trip — sounds like it’ll be a special one!

August 29, 2022 at 1:19 pm

I’m planning a trip to Japan and this has been super helpful! One question though, did you mainly find lodging in just Tokyo and Kyoto? And you did day trips out of those cities but would return back?

August 29, 2022 at 8:42 pm

Hi Francesca — yup, did exactly that! I stayed in Tokyo and Kyoto and did day trips! SO much to see! Have such a great trip! I cannot wait to go back to Japan!!!

October 1, 2022 at 10:40 pm

Hey! your post is SUPER helpful for my 10 day trip I want to take in April 2023! But I was curious if you visited any hot springs or passed by any while on your trip? I want to go to one with my boyfriend and have a relaxing dip 🙂 I look forward to the trip and your trip sounds like something we would follow to enjoy our time! thnk you 🙂

October 2, 2022 at 4:33 pm

Hey there! We didn’t have time for any on our first trip, but spent a few days at an onsen in Mt. Muji on our second trip! Highly recommend adding that in if you’re looking for some peace and quiet! It was incredible!

August 9, 2023 at 9:19 am

Hi! Which onsen do you recommend?

November 1, 2022 at 11:18 am

Can u suggest a place to do one day of kintsugi lesson. I love your itinerary and plan to follow it to the T. And will definitely share my experience once I am back… I have about 13 days…one last thing..anything that a vegetarian can eat

November 6, 2022 at 2:26 am

Excellent guide! May I know is the 7-day JR pass one-way only (Tokyo -> Kyoto)? Do we need to buy another ticket/pass for the bullet train from Kyoto back to Tokyo?

November 6, 2022 at 4:32 pm

The JR pass works for all directions! As long as it’s still within the 7 days if you buy the 7 day pass! You can use the pass as many times as you want within the time frame you buy it for. It’s great!

November 27, 2022 at 10:18 pm

love your itinerary! i’m planning to visit japan in december and wondered if the disneyland in tokyo was worth it?

November 28, 2022 at 7:47 pm

Hi Rama! How exciting! I’ve never been to Tokyo Disney so unfortunately cannot comment! Have a great trip! Japan is easily one of my favorite countries!

January 19, 2023 at 12:04 pm

This post is amazing! We are planning a trip to Japan and this has everything. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experiences!

January 20, 2023 at 5:15 pm

Of course, so glad it’s helpful! Let me know if you have any questions! We loved our trips to Japan and can’t wait to go back!

February 9, 2023 at 2:03 pm

Thank you so much for sharing, this is super helpful! I was wondering, if you were to have stayed at a ryokan during this trip, when / in which city would you recommend staying? I’m currently planning a 10 day try and would like to follow your itinerary but also want to squeeze in a stay in a ryokan!

March 22, 2023 at 6:38 am

I just wanted to thank you. My wife and I returned last night from our first trip to Japan, 11 nights in total. We followed your itinerary almost to the letter, including all three day trips from Tokyo – Kamakura, Nikko and Hakone.

It was an extra special trip for us, celebrating my 50th birthday, and your itinerary made the incredibly intimidating task of knowing how to structure a short trip to Japan, manageable and endlessly rewarding.

I commend you for your excellent research and wanted you to know how valuable of a service you are providing!

March 28, 2023 at 7:06 pm

Just to be clear, you’re recommending just two home bases during the ten days in Japan: Tokyo and Kyoto? We’re going in October and are booking hotels. So – one hotel in Tokyo and one hotel in Kyoto from which we see those cities and take day trips. It’s that simple?

April 5, 2023 at 11:07 am

Yup — makes it so much easier than booking a different hotel for every night! 🙂 The train system is amazing in Japan and you can easily get to so many day trips from both major cities.

April 26, 2023 at 3:42 pm

We are planning a trip to Japan in April 2024 and I came across you blog post. Amazing post and your detailed itinerary is very helpful. I’m wondering if there is any advantage of choosing Narita vs Haneda airport. We will be flying from SFO and have options to both.

April 27, 2023 at 2:05 pm

If you can find a flight to Haneda for a decent price, I’d actually choose that! It’s much closer to Tokyo itself. However, more airlines fly into Narita. I’ll be looking into Haneda for my next trip! 🙂

May 9, 2023 at 4:22 pm

Thank you so much for this very helpful itinerary. My husband and I are planning to visit in early December to celebrate my 60th birthday. Your suggestions and recommendations were very helpful and I will definitely be using them. Thank you again.

May 9, 2023 at 5:54 pm

Glad it was helpful! That’s so exciting — what a special spot for a birthday! Have the best time, and let me know if you have any questions!

May 21, 2023 at 2:06 am

We are booked on a cruise around Japan for 10 days but coming in earlier to do some land tours and hopefully see things we will not be able to do on the cruise. All your information was so informative and will be looking more into it all. We will be leaving Sydney Australia on 23rd March 2024 specifically for Cherry Blossom time.

August 9, 2023 at 9:17 am

Hi! We are flying to HND arriving June 8th at 21:05. We depart from NRT June 20th. I haven’t booked any accommodations yet. I’m trying to follow your itinerary. How many nights would you recommend in Tokyo and Kyoto? Should we stay in another city for a few nights to reduce traveling time? Regarding the JR Pass, we fall in between the 7 day and 14 day pass. I’m thinking the 7 day pass should be enough if we start using it day 4 or 5. Thank you!

November 5, 2023 at 2:56 pm

Hi Jess. Your itinerary was the inspiration for my first visit to Japan last month with my niece. We followed the majority of the 10 days outlined including all of the daytrips except for Hakone. Your suggestions were excellent because each day trip was unique and memorable. Your tips on where to purchase the local currency, the JR train pass as well as the packing tips were incredibly helpful. We also made it a point to try every single one of your foodie recommendations. Black sesame and Sakura were definitely our favorite Japanese flavors for ice cream. Nishiki Market, Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, the floating shrine in Miyajima, the Great Buddha statues at Kotokuin in Kamakura and at Todaji in Nara, Okonomimura in Hiroshima, Fushimi Inari Shrine were absolute highlights. Thank you so much for sharing this well-researched and well-organized itinerary that helped us make the most of our truly breath-taking adventure in Japan.

November 8, 2023 at 12:16 am

So glad it was helpful and that you had an amazing trip to Japan! Every time I go back I’m already planning my next trip! Such a wonderful, diverse country!

December 18, 2023 at 4:02 pm

Hello, I want to make sure I understand your itinerary. At the beginning, does it call for 4 or 5 nights in Tokyo?

January 16, 2024 at 12:46 pm

What would you add to this itinerary if you travel with 12 and 13 year old children?

January 20, 2024 at 10:56 pm

Hi there! I don’t have kids so not sure I’m the best person to ask! There’s tons of things to do in Tokyo for people with all different interests though.

February 20, 2024 at 5:16 am

Fantastic info for a possible first time visitor. Thanks so much! Just querying the following part of your page though:

“If you’re coming from the US, an easy way to figure out USD to JY is to move the decimal point two spots to the right >> 100Y = approximately $1USD. Just for quick reference, 10,000Y = approximately 100USD.”

If I move the decimal place to the right for 100.00Y that equal 10000 USD based on the above. Should that have said “move the decimal place two spots to the left (which would = 1.00)

February 20, 2024 at 5:19 am

Ignore all that.. I now see it from the US point of view – i.e. move the US decimal point two spots to the right to get JPY. Sorry! Great site, really appreciate ethe information.

March 7, 2024 at 3:50 pm

what is the latest the bullet trains operate for example taking a day trip from Kyoto to Osaka at what time do you have to head back? Is there a website were we can see this?

April 20, 2024 at 2:29 pm

Hi. My name is Jack, I live in Japan for more than 10 years and run a personal blog jackinjapan.com I would be glad if you can read my work)

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