Japan two week Itinerary: My exact Golden Route

Planning two weeks in Japan can feel overwhelming, I remember that vividly from planning my first trip.

It’s becasue of this that I have created a clear daily plan that others can follow, complete with a free downloadable map. I have added knowledge and experience from my other travels in Japan so you can avoid the mistakes I made. This is perfect for first-timers or those looking to explore more of Japan.

I have also included information on the best transport routes, tickets vs JR pass, cost estimates, some simple “where to stay” advice and how many nights per stop, so you can follow along with confidence when planning your first trip.

TL;DR My Two week Japan itinerary at a glance

Here is a simple summary of my recommended itinerary in Japan if you only have 14 days. Balancing enough time to soak in your destinations but also seeing a chunk of what the country has to offer. Scroll down for a detailed day by day guide of what to do at each stop.

Who this suits: first-timers who want a mix of food, culture, and easy rail days.

• Day 1-4 Tokyo
• Day 5 Hakone
• Day 6-9 Kyoto
• Day 10 Half Day Trip Hiroshima
• Day 10 afternoon and night Miyajima
• Day 11-13 Osaka
• Day 14 Tokyo

Click here to jump to my detailed daily guides for each day of the itinerary

Downloadable interactive map of my Japan Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article features affiliate links. If you click these links, and choose to book with that hotel or company, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I appreciate the support that allows me to continue providing this information

My recommended rail route, time and cost

For me, rail was the easiest way to get around Japan, it was also an experience in itself. There are other ways if you are looking to save money, with buses the most cost effective

My Top Tip! We enjoyed the shinkansen and particularly the different ekiben you can find at each station, I highly recommend trying them.

Before You Go: Essentials for First-Timers

These are few of the tricks i’ve picked up along the way to save time and money, they are by no means mandatory, but I’ve found them useful

Visit Japan Web

What’s the secret to a smooth entry to Japan? 10 minutes of work in the comfort of your own home, using the Visit Japan website and creating a QR code. that helps you skip the queues and paper forms when you land

Here’s how I set it up in under 10 minutes and saved myself from long airport lines.

Money & payments

I had a lot of people tell me “Japan is cash only” before my first trip. This was not the case, I paid about 80% of the time on card, cash for the rest. It is a good rule to have at least some cash on you at all times though

We used two reliable international cards to save on fees – Wise and Revolut. We didn’t change any money before leaving, we withdrew using these cards in the county. 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs were the most reliable.

Another point I was unaware of before leaving. Tipping is not customary, especially in restaurants. The exception to the rule; we found some tour guides welcomed it.

Keeping your phone connected

I used an eSIM and set it up before flying, then activated it on landing. It was very simple to setup and significantly cheaper than my home networks roaming charges, it also enabled me to keep my number and receive texts and calls.

A pocket Wi-Fi also works if you’re in a group or have a phone that is locked

Things I recommend booking in advance in Japan

• teamLab Borderless: Due to its popularity, recently claiming the Guinness world record as the most visited museum, definitely buy your tickets online ahead of time.
• Tokyo Disney Resort: Comprising Disneyland and DisneySea, the parks are incredibly popular. Securing tickets in advance ensures entry and allows for better planning. There are also plenty of accommodation options offering free shuttles
• Ghibli Museum: Dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, this museum requires advance reservations due to limited daily admissions.
• Sumo Tournaments: Tournaments are held seasonally, tickets sell out quickly and are notoriously hard to get hold of.
• Shibuya Sky: If you want a sunset time slot you will definitely need to book in advance, if you are more relaxed you should be ok.
• International Driving Permit: If you plan on hiring a car, or doing the Tokyo go karting, you will need this sorted in your home country before leaving
• Michelin star dinners: If you have a particular restaurant in mind, book just in case. Otherwise there are lots to choose with flexibility.

Transport & Tickets: JR Pass or single tickets?

Quick verdict – For this route, point-to-point tickets were cheaper and simpler than a nationwide JR Pass.

This explains in detail why the JR pass likely isn’t the best deal for most travellers

An IC card makes your life easy

I loaded the virtual SUICA card onto my iphone, it’s free and make transport very simple across city trains, subways, and buses. Tap in and tap out.

For those without an iPhone, you can pick up a physical SUICA or PASMO IC card at the airports and most rail stations. You can top up at station machines. These cards DONT cover the shinkansen.

Seat reservations and train types

You dont need to reserve your seats on shinkansen, but I recommend it for peace of mind and especially if you are travelling in peak seasons.

Nozomi/Mizuho are the fastest shinkanse. Hikari/Sakura are slightly slower and ticket prices can reflect that.

Travelling Light: Luggage Forwarding & Lockers

It’s possible to forward your luggage between hotel stops, so you don’t have to navigate the journey with your bags.

I know a lot of people that found this a life saver, particuarly those with families, big groups of lots of luggage.

For those looking to store your luggage for a day exploring, I did this in Hiroshima, coin lockers are readily available and most offer payment via IC card as well. There is an excellent free app that shares the location of all the options in each city.

Where to Stay on This Route (By City)

I have included my quick recommendations by city below for those in a rush. I have also written more detailed guides to each city, with excellent hand picked hotels for all budget – just click on the city name to be taken to my guide

Best area to stay in Tokyo

• Shinjuku: huge transport hub, food and nightlife; lively after dark.
• Shibuya: walkable and central for west-side sights.
• Asakusa: older streets, quieter evenings, near Sensō-ji and the river. Tends to be cheaper.

My personal favourite in Tokyo is Shibuya or Shinjuku. Both have fantastic transport links and have a lot to do day and night. Are you travelling as a family or big group, have a look at my guide to the best Tokyo hotels for families. They are apartment style accommodation or guarantee connecting rooms.

Best areas to stay in Kyoto

• Higashiyama/Gion: close to major temples and classic lanes. A lovely traditional feel.
• Kyoto Station area: simplest for day trips and those wanting ease.
• Downtown Kawaramachi: markets, dining, tram links.

My favourite in Kyoto is downtown, as you are close to a lot of the sights and their are lots of hotels to pick from.

Where to stay in Osaka

• Namba/Dōtonbori: food and night energy.
• Umeda: easy connections and calmer evenings.
• Tennoji: good value and direct rail.

In Osaka my favourite area is Namba, as you are right in amongst some of the best sights and street food. If you are a family or big group I have written a detailed guide on accommodation that will suit you.

Hiroshima/Miyajima: my choice

I stayed overnight on Miyajima. It gave me a quiet evening and dawn at the torii that I wouldn’t have had on a day trip. You can do it as a day trip, but I cannot stress enough how highly I recommend at least one night on Miyajima.

If you do, it’s a great opportunity to try a Ryokan on the island, beautiful traditional properties with fantastic food included.

I have also written a detailed 1 day guide to Hiroshima, if you want more information to make your decision.

Japan Itinerary Day 1: Shinjuku

I have written a detailed guide to Tokyo if you have a little more time, if not, read on for my highlights.

Begin your Japan Itinerary with a visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the best time to defeat the jet lag. Catch the unique Animated Cat Billboard, I bet you stay and watch this longer than you expect! The exact location is Cross Shinjuku vision, East Exit of the station.

My Top Tips: Shinjuku Gyoen is closed on Mondays and 23 Dec-3 Jan.

As night falls, explore the maze-like streets of Golden Gai, a myriad of tiny bars. It’s a sight to see and an opportunity for some good photos, but I’d also encourage going in and experiencing. This might feel intimidating at first, as it almost feels like you are walking into someone’s living room, but we tried several and everyone was very friendly. We were swapping music tips on the playlists and clinking glasses before we knew it!

When you have had your fill, head on to Omoide Yokocho (Piss Alley) for delicious yakitori cooked right in front of you. If you’re still going why not end your night with karaoke & in one of Shinjuku’s lively spots.

Or if you are ready to go out-out on your first night read my guide on the best clubs in Tokyo

Day 2: Shibuya and Harajuku

On the second of your full days, experience the famed Shibuya Crossing, the worlds busiest pedestrian crossing. I recommend doing the crossing, but also getting a view from above it, to really appreciate the scale. Also it’s good to get the obligatory time lapse video!

Following this, try an adrenaline rush of a Real-Life Mario Kart Tour around Tokyo. We loved it because if showed us more of the sights in and was a lot of fun. Please note you will need to book in advance and will need your international driving permit. It’s worth the effort to get this on your itinerary in Japan.

We used Getyourguide to book our Mario Karting in Shibuya, BOOK YOURS HERE or if you prefer, you can book with Viator

Spend the rest of your day in Harajuku, where fashion-forward streets like Takeshita beckon with their unique style and quirky eateries.

Day 3: Asakusa and Sky-High Views

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Prior to going into the temple make sure you discover breathtaking views above it from the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center (Open 9:00-20:00). This was somewhat of a hidden gem when we went and is totally free

Following the temple, there is a nice walk to the Tokyo Skytree (you can save time and money booking your tickets online) if you feel like stretching your legs. The Skytree is Japan’s tallest tower and the views are pretty special. Walk along the Sumida river and over the pedestrian bridge before witnessing the city from above.

Day 4: Akihabara’s Arcade Haven and Ueno

Dive into the heart of pop culture in Akihabara, a dream for any fans of Manga and Anime.  There are some great arcades in Akihabara too. We would recommend Super Potato for retro games and GiGO Akihabara for the latest and greatest across multiple floors (update: note that GiGO building 1 has closed, but the others are open). Seeing the locals and their passion for dance games is quite the sight, they take it very seriously!

Finally conclude your day relaxing in Ueno Park exploring its museums and zoo amid lush surroundings. There are several good options for food in the surrounding streets so why not make a full evening of it.

Optional extra day/Return to Tokyo at the end of the trip: Tsukiji Market

If you can stretch your time, I would recommend the following to truly complete your itinerary in Japan. Start the day at the Tsukiji Fish Market (open 08:00-14:00) a great way to experience fresh seafood and Japanese delicacies. Bring your appetite and your camera as the street food and smaller restaurants serve up beautiful options in vibrant surroundings.

When you are full to the brim, walk it off with a visit to Hama-Rikyu Gardens (300YEN entry) for a tranquil escape, then take a scenic river cruise from Tsukiji to Asakusa, seeing Tokyo from a unique vantage point

Hakone

Day 5: Hakone: A retreat into Nature

Following the hustle and bustle of Tokyo you can now board your Shinkansen (bullet train to us layman) to experience some true nature. Check my guide here on whether the JR pass is good value for you

I have written an in depth guide to Hakone here covering everything you need to know from activities to the best ryokan to stay in with private onsen. Read on below for the abridged version.

Accommodation is much simpler in Hakone, as there are far less places to choose from. I recommend you stay centrally, walking distance to the ferry terminal and Heiwa no Torii

This is a nice opportunity to stay in a traditional Ryokan for two reasons

1. There are several good options in Hakone
2. They tend to include delicious breakfast and dinner and food options in Hakone are limited.

One recommendation I was given before travelling to Hakone was The Hakone Free Pass (1000Y as of October 25). For me it is a Japan Itinerary must-have for anyone looking to explore Hakone with ease and affordability.

This all-encompassing pass offers tremendous benefits, including unlimited use of eight different types of transport in and around Hakone, such as the Hakone Tozan Train, Cable car, Ropeway, and even sightseeing cruise ships on Lake Ashi, basically all the activities you will want to do

Not only does it simplify travel, but it also provides substantial savings compared to purchasing individual tickets for each mode of transport. Additionally, the pass includes discounts at numerous attractions, museums, and hot springs, allowing travellers to fully immerse themselves in the Hakone experience without worrying about the costs adding up.

The order in which you will want to tackle the activities is up to you, but I’d recommend them all. We were unlucky with the weather and the cable car was closed so we visited the open air museum instead, something I’m pleased we did.

If you are a big group, or worried about making your way around, there are a lot of good private tours available as well.

Kyoto: A step back in time

Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japan, standing as a timeless testament to the country’s rich history. Once the imperial capital, this city is a living museum, home to over a thousand temples and 17 UNESCO world cultural heritage sites. This really will be a highlight of your perfect 2 week itinerary in Japan.

I have written a detailed itinerary for Kyoto, if you are looking for an extra level of planning, including a free downloadable map.

Day 6: The Historical Higashiyama Discrict

Start your Kyoto adventure with a slightly lighter itinerary, depending on what time of day you arrive. Begin with Kiyomizu-dera Temple, an iconic landmark offering breathtaking city views. Wander down the historic Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka slopes, lined with traditional shops and tea houses.

Explore Yasaka Shrine and the nearby Maruyama Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll. In the evening head to Gion to experience the ambiance of Kyoto’s famed geisha district. Keep an eye out for a Geiko or Maiko!

For dinner, consider rounding off a special day with a special meal, Kyoto has many fantastic Michelin starred restaurants

Day 7: Kyoto Temples at sunset

Visit Ryoan-ji Temple, known for its karesansui rock garden then continue to the Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion), a stunning structure covered in gold leaf. The reflection off the surrounding water is something special, so get your camera ready.

Following this, there is the opportunity to discover the tranquil Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens. Or if you are operating at a more leisurely pace today save yourself as the next activity was a real highlight.

You will likely have seen countless photos of the Fushimi Inari shrine and the thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind through the forest and lead to the sacred mountain. The reality is as good as the photos. We were both blown away by this experience combining a special site with some beautiful panoramic views of Kyoto at the top.

We decided to do this for sunset and I would highly recommend it, the views and the light were breathtaking. The hike takes 2-3 hours round trip and is something to consider when you are selecting your footwear and clothing for the day!

Day 8: Arashiyama & Beyond

Start early in Arashiyama to wander through the breath-taking Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The early start is advised  because you beat the crowds and can take in the towering forest in more serene surroundings!

Following this visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park for panoramic city views and some very cheeky monkeys, watch your belongings and don’t take food!

Now at this point you will have clocked up a good amount of steps in Kyoto alone, let alone the rest of the trip so far. I recommend two activities to take the weight off, breathe and let yourself take it all in.

A boat ride down the Hozugawa River followed by a relax in one of Arashiyama’s traditional onsens to unwind. Point to note, the majority of onsens are split into male and female so if you are there with a travel companion of the opposite sex, this will be a bit of time apart. This may or may not be a welcome opportunity for some alone time, but I’ll let you decide. It’s your Japan Itinerary after all!

Day 9: The Imperial Palace and delicious food

Your final day in Kyoto is here, you may be experiencing severe temple fatigue at this stage. If you are, I recommend one more site of historical relevance (if you aren’t then good for you, add a few more on your last day)

Explore the Kyoto Imperial Palace and gain insight into the lives of Japan’s former emperors and take some time to wander through the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden surrounding it. I recommend paying a little extra, if budget allows for a guided tour of the imperial palace, as it was fascinating to learn about the building and the history.

With a very early start tomorrow I recommend the rest of the day is a foodie one. If you haven’t yet tried Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s bustling kitchen, spend a good amount of time here. Sample the local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.

It is a good idea to cap off your time in Kyoto with a visit to the Pontocho Alley, where modern bars and restaurants line the narrow alleyway, offering a wide range of food and drink options.

Hiroshima and Miyajima

Day 10: Some true history and an island escape

The Morning: Hiroshima

Hiroshima is somewhere a lot of travellers to Japan leave off their itinerary, however we wanted to come and take in the significant historical importance of the area and were really pleased that we did. There are two recommendations for your morning; the Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. These are located a 7 minute walk apart.

I highly recommend getting the audio tour for the museum as it highlights the scale of what happened and brought another fascinating layer of humanity and education to the whole situation and its aftermath.

If you have more time and want to spend a full day in Hiroshima, read my full guide

Afternoon and evening: Miyajima Island

Miyajima is a picturesque island in Hiroshima bay renowned for it’s breath-taking scenery and rich culture, I have written a detailed guide covering what to do on Miyajima.

Whilst it is most famous for the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , the highlight of the island for us was it’s natural beauty. I love the big cities but, for me this was one of the highlights of my Japan trip.

Activities

There are three things every traveller should tick off their list in Miyajima; spectacular Itsukushima Jinja, exploring Mt Misen and the local wild deer. I suggest checking into your hotel, changing ready for a hike and then heading straight to the floating torii, camera in hand. Check the tides, as the gate is only “floating” at high tide, but given you are staying the night you will have a couple of opportunities to witness this.   

After visiting the torii gate head to the cable car station for Mt Misen. You have the option to hike or take the cable car, one of both ways. With time of the essence we opted to get the cable car up and then hike back down. The view from the top is stunning. On the walk back down take the route that enables you to see Daisho-In buddhist temple, a lesser know gem, and well worth the entrance fee. Depending on the time of year you will be back at the gate just in time to witness sunset and get some more fantastic shots of the torii gate, which may, or may not, now be floating.

No mention of the deer you say, well they will be present at all parts of this brief itinerary and we found them to be more friendly and a lot less pushy than those in Nara! Don’t feed the deer here though, as it’s forbidden on the island.

Osaka: Japan’s Kitchen

Osaka is Japan’s dynamic city of gastronomy, culture, and neon-lit entertainment. The city’s inhabitants have coined the motto “kuidadore” meaning “eat ‘til you drop”, saying everything you need to know before you get here. It’s a challenge we accepted with glee. The food throughout the trip was exceptional but this will be the best you find on your itinerary in Japan

Try my in depth guide to Osaka and how to get from Kyoto to Osaka.

Day11: Shopping and the Osaka Bay area

You will likely arrive quite late in the day having travelled from Miyajima so I recommend a light schedule for the day. Begin your Osaka adventure with a visit to Shinsaibashi, the city’s premier shopping district. The area’s covered shopping arcade stretches for several blocks, offering everything from high fashion to traditional goods. Whilst there hasn’t been much shopping on my recommended Japan Itinerary yet, this is a natural opportunity.

Conclude the day at the Tempozan Harbor Village, featuring the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest public aquariums in the world. Nearby, enjoy a ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, lighting up the night with its colorful display and offering stunning views of the bay area.

Day 12: Dotonbori’s Delights

Discover the charm of Kuromon Ichiba Market for breakfast, where you can dine on fresh sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese delicacies in a bustling market atmosphere, an ideal way to get a feel for what Osaka has to offer.

Following this make your way to the heart of Osaka’s food and neon scene, Dotonbori. Here, you’re invited to sample iconic street foods like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the famous Glico Man sign, a symbol of Osaka. Keep an eye out for the myriad of huge, elaborate neon animals and characters that adorn the street

To cap off the day explore Amerikamura, known as “Amemura” to locals, a district famous for its fashion, nightlife, and American-inspired culture. It’s the perfect place to experience Osaka’s youthful energy and world famous hospitality. We found Osakans to be some of the friendliest people we met in Japan, very happy to share a drink or a karaoke mic.

If you want to try something different, consider a day trip to Nara, for some nature.

Day 13: Osaka castle

Your final full day in Japan beckons, start your day at Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. The castle grounds offer a spacious park with hundreds of cherry trees, making it a popular spot during cherry blossom season. Be sure to make the tip to the very top of the castle for some epic views. I have written a detailed cherry blossom planning guide, to help make the most of it.

Just across form the castle is the Osaka Museum of History, offering an opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s rich past.

Your final activity in Osaka is to enjoy a relaxing stroll through Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory. This offers panoramic views of Osaka, and another fantastic picture opportunity.

It would be remiss not to cap off Osaka with more foodie delights, so make sure you get your fill on the penultimate day of your two week trip

Day 14: Head back to Tokyo to leave

Make an early start back to a Tokyo station and catch your flight, or stay another day like we did and squeeze the final bits out of a truly fantastic country. This concludes your perfect 2 week itinerary in Japan.

How much should I budget for Japan?

Budget is always subjective to the person, below I’ve tried to represent a sensible range that should cover an average amount per person per day so you have a steer to plan with.

Getting to Japan

Traveling to Tokyo from international destinations is a journey well-served by two major airports. Narita International Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND).

Narita, located about 60 kilometres east of central Tokyo, is a global gateway, connecting travellers from all corners of the world to Japan’s bustling capital. It primarily handles international flights and offers a range of transportation options to the city. These include the Narita Express (N’EX) train, limousine buses, and taxis. Take a look at my full guide to eSIMs, WiFi hotspots and sim cards in Narita airport as well as the best airport transfer options from Narita to central Tokyo.

Haneda, situated closer to the city centre, has traditionally been the domestic hub but has expanded its international terminal. This makes it an increasingly popular choice for direct flights from various countries. Offering both convenience and efficiency, Haneda allows for quicker access to Tokyo’s heart through a variety of public transport, including the Tokyo Monorail and Keikyu Line.

Arriving late into Narita or Haneda and need to stay close to the airport? Here are hotel options with free shuttle buses for Haneda and complimentary shuttles near Narita

TOP TIP! Are you planning on going to Disneyland or Disneysea? Have a look at my guide, the best hotels with free shuttle buses and get your tickets here

Is Two Weeks Enough to Explore Japan?

When planning your first trip to Japan, one of the biggest questions you might have is whether two weeks is enough time to truly experience what this vibrant and diverse country has to offer. From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the historic temples of Kyoto, the scenic beauty of Mount Fuji to the modern marvel of the bullet train, Japan is a land of contrasts, blending the ultra-modern with traditions that date back centuries.

In my opinion, for first-time visitors, two weeks in Japan offers just the right amount of time to explore the major highlights without feeling too rushed. It’s enough to get a taste of both the urban and rural landscapes, dive into the culture, and even find a few off-the-beaten-path gems. However, it’s important to manage your expectations—Japan is vast and each region has its own unique attractions and cultural nuances.

If you are unfortunate and find yourself tight on time, my perfect 7 day tour guide to Japan here could be just what you need!