“Travel. It leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller.” ~ Ibn Battua. How to create a unique 2 weeks in Japan itinerary These days, it seems like most 2 weeks in Japan itineraries speed through the same few spots along Japan’s famous old Golden Route – Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and maybe Hiroshima with rushed day trips. While these destinations are deserving of prized positions for a first-time Japan itinerary, there are a few things no one tells you. Racing around this well-trodden path has created overtourism issues in Japan, resulting in visitors taking the same old photos; standing for hours in the same lengthy queues; experiencing the same touristy things as everyone else. While this may be the preferred option for some, it’s not the only way to see the country – especially if you’re planning a honeymoon in Japan. Would you rather take advice from someone who’s been obsessed with this nation for over a decade and created an efficient blueprint for planning a rip to Japan based on multiple visits in different seasons to help transform your visit into a unique, highly personalised experience instead? Welcome to my Japan travel blog! For a country that melds their preserved past and futuristic present so seamlessly, the best way to experience Japan is by blending in. While still covering the popular cities in a relaxed way, my tried-and-tested itinerary below takes travel times into account. I’ve shared my useful insider advice and options for how to visit these places without crowds, as well as enjoying lesser-known locations in each. TIP Curious to see where an extra week can take you? My Japan 3 week itinerary combines the Old and New Golden Routes so take a look once you’re done here. If you’re hoping to curate a more authentic 14 day Japan itinerary beyond the main tourist crowds, be left in awe by stunning landscapes, enjoy unique culinary experiences, all while being immersed in fascinating history and culture, read on for more! This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Pin me to Pinterest for reference later! 📌 How to explore Japan on your own with confidence If you’re unsure about the best places to visit in Japan depending on your interests, you may be overwhelmed on where to start and wondering how you’ll get around isn’t there a language barrier?! Just consider me your Japan trip planner! Down the page I reveal options to help you curate your own personalised trip based on my own first time in Japan itinerary, and multiple trips thereafter. Overall, my advice for exploring with confidence is to Be organised and aware of what to expect before travelling this itinerary is a great pace to start! Use these Japan travel books for extra inspiration. Make use of pocket wifi more below to navigate around in Japan. Download the Google Translate app and use the real-time camera function if you’re in a pinch. Overcome the language barrier in Japan with my FREE PDF Cheat Sheet of useful Japanese phrases you’ll need on a daily basis. It’s that simple! Here are some highlights of what you can expect to experience during your 2 weeks in Japan 2 WEEKS IN JAPAN ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS by a serial visitor ~ 1 Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo ~ 2 Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima ~ 3 Arashiyama Bamboo Groves, Kyoto ~ 4 Nara ~ 5 Osaka Castle & Museum ~ 6 Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima ~ 7 Wagyu beef ~ 8 Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto. This is a lengthy article so grab yourself a cuppa and get comfortable ☕ Are you ready to plan your Japan trip itinerary? Let’s do this! Complete 2 Weeks in Japan Travel Itinerary 14 Day Guide for First-Time Visitors DAY 0 TRANSIT Fly to Tokyo overnight if possible and get excited about where you’ll be waking up tomorrow! But if you’re using the JR Pass, I suggest NOT picking it up immediately once you clear customs and immigration at your arrival airport in Japan. In April 2023, the influx of springtime visitors was so high that tourists were reporting waiting times of up to 4 hours to clear the airport. And once they did, they had another one hour wait on top to exchange their JR Pass vouchers for the physical pass at major stations. TIP My advice is to check the wait time and prepare to pick up your JR Pass from a smaller JR station in Tokyo the day after you arrive. That way you’re not doubling up on waiting time on arrival! How to get to Tokyo from Haneda Airport Getting there Haneda Airport to Tokyo Hamamatsuchō via Tokyo Monorail, 15 minutes. Cost Adult JPY 500 ea TIP Your IC/Suica Card will cover the cost of the monorail, too! How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport Getting there Narita Airport to Tokyo via Narita Express, approx. 1 hour. Cost Adult Narita Express Ticket JPY 3,250 ea A popular option is also the Narita Airport Limousine Bus. At almost half the cost of Narita Express, you’re able to book tickets in advance! For more information and prices, click here to book your Narita Airport Limousine tickets. TOKYO HIGHLIGHTS 1 Senso-ji in Asakusa ~ 2 View from Tokyo SkyTree ~3 Shinjuku Gyoen ~4 Shinjuku no Nekomae 3D TV ~ 5 Nakamise-dori, Asakusa ~ 6 Shibuya Crossing ~ 7 High-end shopping streets of Ginza ~ 8 Moon Pine of Ueno Park, Ueno. DAYS 1 – 5 TOKYO Let’s begin my sample Japan itinerary with a little word of advice Don’t underestimate the sheer size of Tokyo. It will be one of the largest cities you ever visit, with many attractions spaced out in different neighbourhoods. It’s wise to know what you want to see beforehand and plan accordingly, while allowing time for spontaneity. This will help you to not feel rushed during your visit and you’ll enjoy every minute! Where to eat in Tokyo My personal favourite places to eat in Tokyo are in Shibuya and include Han No Daidokoro incredible wagyu beef BBQ, Kirin City izakaya, and random little eateries around Shibuya’s Dōgenzaka area. I’ve also taken this Shibuya ramen tour where I was able to try 6 mini bowls with a local ramen expert, and highly recommend it! TIP Wondering what local food tours are right for you? I’ve personally undertaken multiple in Japan’s capital and reviewed them in my guide to the best food tours in Tokyo to help you choose. You also can try crèpes in Shimokitazawa, have brunch in Azabujuban, Korean food in Shin-Obuko, traditional foods in Yanaza Ginza, Maidreamin’ maid café in Akihabara, and in Shinjuku the Golden Gai/Kabukicho area and Omoide Yokocho although this is now very touristy. Most food stores don’t open until 10am. If you’re after a quick bite, I love and recommend Japanese konbini convenience stores or street food. My guide to Japanese snacks details the popular and traditional morsels to try, plus exactly where to find them! Ideas for things to do in Tokyo Planning a trip to Tokyo can be overwhelming. Where to go?? It’s easy to spend a day exploring each neighbourhood, there is so much to see – so I’ll help you choose your own adventure! Select areas based on your interests, add them to a map and group together the things you’d like to experience. It’s also possible to combine two areas in one day that neighbour each other. NOTE My in-depth Tokyo itinerary covers all the following spots I’ve visited in more detail! Shibuya 渋谷 Spend your first day discovering Shibuya by crossing “The Scramble,” world’s busiest street crossing – some 3,000 people use it at any one time. Wander through the Centre-Gai and explore the stores and eateries of Miyashita Park. Then, head up to the brand new Shibuya Sky for a bird’s eye view of the city. Don’t forget to say hello to the Hachiko Statue, a beloved icon! TIP Read my comprehensive guide to things to do in Shibuya during the day and night for more detailed info! Harajuku 原宿 Wander the peaceful grounds of Meiji Jingu, Tokyo’s major Shinto shrine. If rainbow snacks interest you, wander through the quirky shops on Takeshita-dori. It is a bit of a tourist trap these days though, so I recommend Shimokitazawa and Sangenjaya as fun alternatives. Shinjuku 新宿 Explore Shinjuku Station busiest station in the world, its new mischievous cat Shinjuku no Nekomae peering down from a 3D TV. Spot Godzilla high above Kabuchiko’s bustling streets, including the new Kabukicho Tower opened in April 2023 with trendy eateries and bars. The 2D Café is an interesting spot for refreshments, then escape to Shinjuku Gyoen for some tranquility. Start your night off at the crazy new 18+ Robot Restaurant ロボットレストラン reopening in late May 2023. Asakusa 浅草 Discover the city’s founding temple, Senso-ji. Make your way up Nakamise-dori and don’t forget to look under the giant lantern to see a fascinating dragon wood carving. The 8th floor of the Tourist Information Centre has a free observatory with views over Senso-ji and the SkyTree. Akihabara 秋葉原 Visit Electric Town for anime and electronics, Super Potato for retro games and consoles. A gaming adventure tour will suit anime lovers! Don’t miss Kanda Shrine if you’re into anime, or perhaps learn some traditional arts by meeting a geisha. Take the trip up Tokyo Skytree 東京スカイツリー for views over the city. Odaiba お台場 & Toyosu 豊洲 Start your morning by either spending a few hours at teamLab Planets book in advance here, or at the Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood. Check out Odaiba’s Statue of Liberty and Rainbow Bridge along Tokyo Bay. Minato 港区 Hamarikyu Gardens are stunning to visit whilst enjoying a traditional cup of matcha in the lakeside teahouse. There are multiple photo opportunities with Tokyo Tower as a backdrop near Zojo-ji and Shiba Park, or visit the Tokyo Tower Observation Deck! Ginza 銀座 Enjoy hip cafés and admiring funky architecture of designer boutiques. Department stores are a great insight into omotenashi exceptional Japanese hospitality. Yanaka Ginza 谷中 Not to be confused with Ginza above, this old-world area escaped the firebombing of Tokyo during WWII. It features traditional stores, eateries, snacks, and unique boutiques with handcrafted items. My guide to Yanaka Ginza details more. Shimokitazawa, Koenji & Nakano Shimokitazawa now replaces Harajuku as the trendiest Tokyo neighbourhood. “Shimokita” and Koenji are great for thrift stores, especially pre-loved designer goods. Nakano is great for anime fans and quirky finds. Ueno 上野 Check out the Moon Pine, stunning Toshogu Shrine and Benten-do in Ueno Park. For a torii gate tunnel experience without heading to Kyoto, Nezu Shrine is gorgeous at any time of year. Later, shop for souvenirs and snacks along Ameya Yokocho, an outdoor market adored by locals. Setagaya 世田谷区 Head to Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory first thing to enjoy delicious custard-filled Totoro sweets. Visit Gotoku-ji, the “lucky cat” temple mentioned in my guide to Tokyo hidden gems, and enjoy plum blossoms of Hanegi Park in February to early March. TIP For even more ideas than listed here, check my detailed guide of places to go in Tokyo. It includes fun activities and cultural experiences you can enjoy in each neighbourhood. You can also check out my guide to iconic streets in Tokyo to include during your trip. 1 Shibuya Sky views ~2 Nezu Shrine, Ueno ~ 3 Zojo-ji, Minato ~ 4 SkyTree from Asakusa 1 Incredible teamLab Borderless reopening in autumn 2023 ~ 2 View over Tokyo from the new Shibuya Sky ~ 3 Sensory overload at the Robot Restaurant, Shinjuku. OPTIONAL Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone or Mt Fuji Hakone is a popular adventure, however I believe the Fuji Five Lakes offer better views of Mt Fuji. Be sure to read my full guide to underrated day trips from Tokyo, some of them I’m sure you haven’t heard of! But getting back to Hakone, it is a fun day out even if your chances of seeing Fujisan are low due to cloud cover. The easiest way to see all the sights is to do the Hakone Round Course with the Hakone Free Pass. It includes a combination of train, cable car, ropeway, boat and bus to see lakes, hot springs, active volcanoes, art galleries and gardens. My highlights were the Picasso Museum, Owakudani black hard-boiled eggs and the Open Air Museum. Getting there Tokyo Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto stations via Odakyu Express, approx 75mins. Cost Adult JPY 6,100 ea return trip including Limited Express surcharge or free with the Hakone Free Pass. TIP Sit on the right side of the Odakyu Express from Tokyo to get the best view of Mount Fuji as you speed past. HAKONE HIGHLIGHTS 1 Lake Ashi ~ 2 Hakone Cable Car ~ 3 Sulphur mines, Owakudani ~ 4 Sailing Lake Ashi ~ 5 Cedarwood Forest ~ 6 Botanic Gardens ~ 7 Picasso Museum ~ 8 Open Air Museum DAYS 6 – 10 KYOTO Days 4-10 of my sample itinerary for Japan is beautiful Kyoto. As Japan’s ancient capital for over 1,000 years and dotted with over 2,000 temples and shrines, this dear old city deserves more than just one day of your time! There is so much more to see here than the ever-popular Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu-Dera, which I call the Big 4. My Kyoto 4 day itinerary below will help you experience a different side of this timeless city by incorporating some hidden gems in Kyoto during your time here to enrich your experience. Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto Getting there 2 hours 20 minutes from Tokyo Shinagawa station on Nozomi shinkansen Cost Adult Nozomi ticket JPY 14,170 ea, or free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass. KYOTO HIGHLIGHTS 1 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ~ 2 View from Sanjo Ohashi Bridge ~ 3 Daigo-ji Temple ~ 4 Kinkaku-ji Temple ~ 5 Fushimi Inari Shrine ~ 6 Backstreets of Gion ~ 7 Gio-ji Moss Gardens ~ 8 Kiyomizu-Dera View from my room at the Kyoto Granbell Hotel, Gion during my Japan winter trip Where to eat in Kyoto Again, I love the random small eateries in Gion’s alleyways, but can recommend Manzara-Tei in Pontocho. I’ve taken this Kyoto night tour and was able to enjoy hidden bars in the Pontocho area. On the tour, I even got to sample a special “rose sake” that I wouldn’t have been able to find by myself, read about it here! Nishiki Market is popular with locals and tourists. It’s also possible to do a cooking class, read my ramen-making experience here, while others combine traditional Kyoto cooking classes and tea ceremonies. Some allow guests to dress up in kimono. Ideas for things to do in Kyoto TIP By grouping nearby attractions together, you can visit the following locations in a day each. My full Kyoto itinerary has all the details. Downtown Kyoto As you’ll likely arrive in the early afternoon from Tokyo, explore the downtown area with its many shotengai undercover shopping arcades, see Kyoto Tower and walk along the Sanjo Ohashi Bridge 三条大橋. Maruyama Park 円山公園 and popular Yasaka Shrine are much more peaceful in the late afternoon after day-tripping crowds have left. Northern Kyoto You could start at the crack of dawn at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to avoid crowds I personally enjoyed the lesser-known and quiet bamboo groves of Kodai-ji instead. Enjoy often overlooked spots in Arashiyama such as Gio-ji Temple & Moss Gardens 祇王寺, Adashino Nembutsu-ji 化野念仏寺, then finish the day at famous Kinkaku-ji Temple 金閣寺 Golden Pavilion, one of Japan’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is perhaps Kyoto’s biggest drawcard, but I think the interior of Nijo Castle 元離宮二条城 is more impressive! Eastern Kyoto Begin the day at stunning Daigo-ji 醍醐寺 temple & gardens followed by Nanzen-ji 南禅寺 with its huge 19th century working aqueduct, or pop by Tofuku-ji 東福寺 with its exquisite Japanese maple gardens. Spend the afternoon strolling the Philosopher’s Path north to Ginkaku-ji 銀閣寺 Silver Pavilion. The Silver Pavilion is said to be the little brother of Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and in my opinion had the more exquisite gardens. Hop on over to Okazaki-jinja 岡﨑神社 if you love rabbits, as this gorgeous little shrine is dedicated to these furry friends! Central Kyoto Begin early at iconic streets Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka to spot Yasaka Pagoda without crowds. Don’t walk past colourful Yasaka Koshindo. From here, Kiyomizu-dera 東福寺 is best explored either early morning or late afternoon at sunset. Pick up some meaningful souvenirs along Shijo-dori, visit Kennin-ji 建仁寺 with its stunning dragon-painted ceiling, then spend late afternoon at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 伏見稲荷大社, a UNESCO World Heritage site you’re sure to recognise. TIP Fushimi Inari literally sits on the side of a mountain. Be prepared for loads of walking because the sign at the start is NOT to scale! If you want to avoid the crowds but don’t want to get up at the crack of dawn, this Fushimi Inari hidden hike with a Kyoto local guide might be up your alley. DAYS 10 – 12 HIROSHIMA In my opinion, everyone should visit Hiroshima at least once if given the chance. Being a history nerd, I was so interested to learn survivors’ stories and to see how Hiroshima recovered after the fateful blast in August 1945. To be completely honest, if the Atomic Bomb Dome wasn’t sitting centre stage as a reminder of the past, you would never guess the atrocity that happened here over seventy years ago. Aside from its fateful history, Hiroshima is located in a beautiful region of Japan and is worth spending a few nights to explore beyond the Peace Park. Getting from Kyoto to Hiroshima Getting there 1 hour 40 minutes from Kyoto Station on Nozomi shinkansen Cost Adult Nozomi ticket JPY 11,940 ea, or free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass. HIROSHIMA HIGHLIGHTS 1 Hondori Arcade ~ 2 & 4 Children’s Peace Memorial ~ 3 View from Royal RIGHA Hotel ~ 5 Jizoson with its nuclear shadow ~ 6 Peace Memorial Museum ~ 7 Peace Arch & Atomic Bomb Dome ~ 8 A-Bomb Dome TIP If you book a stay at the Royal RIHGA Hotel, request a corner room if possible as you’ll be treated to a 180° view over the city, which is quite breathtaking Where to eat in Hiroshima Plenty of restaurants to choose from along the Hon-dori. Try the local okonomiyaki savoury pancake, at Okonomimura, a four-storey building packed with okonomiyaki eateries! You can’t really go wrong in here as each restaurant is its own business, specialising in cooking this dish their own way. I also enjoyed sampling Japan’s famous soufflé pancakes at Happy Pancake and I didn’t have to wait in line. Want to discover more of the hidden eateries and drinking spots? For an authentic Japanese experience, you can take a Hiroshima bar hopping tour with a small group led by a local, or a best of Hiroshima foodie tour. Or even take a “Sake Town” tour in Saijo to learn more about Japanese food, culture and even make some new friends along the way! Ideas for things to do in Hiroshima TIP The following locations are part of my complete meaningful and fun things to do in Hiroshima travel guide, be sure to take a look for more detailed information! Eat, explore and shop along the Hondori Arcade. You’ll also find wonderful little souvenirs to remember your visit. Reflect at the A-Bomb Dome 原爆ドーム UNESCO World Heritage site, be amazed by thousands of colourful paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument and find Jizoson. The atomic bomb struck Jizoson and left it with a nuclear shadow, incredible and eerie. You’ll also see the Peace Arch on your way to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum 広島平和記念資料館. Artefacts that survived the blast are on display in the museum, including ceramics that were fused together due to the extreme heat from the explosion. It’s difficult to get your head around but the museum does a great job of helping you gain a better understanding about nuclear bombs and their consequences. The Peace Flame located by the Peach Arch will burn until the last nuclear weapon on Earth is destroyed, and nearby are Phoenix Trees that were blasted by the atomic bomb and miraculously survived, their charred trunks hollowed by the explosion. One of the most moving places to visit in Hiroshima is the National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. Here you’ll learn why the symbolism of water is so significant to many monuments in Hiroshima, listen to stories of survivors and see a huge soil sample of the city dating from 400 years until after the Peace Memorial Park was created in 1954. Seeing the blacked debris wedged beneath the soil is eye-opening. If you would prefer a local guide to show you around the city and explain the sights in more detail, a Hiroshima walking tour may be a good option for you. With a personalised touch and stories from a local who calls Hiroshima home, you’ll gain a greater understanding about this beautiful city. Lunch is included, too! OPTIONAL Day trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine To extend your Hiroshima itinerary, nearby Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社 is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The present shrine dates back to the mid-13th century and is one of Japan’s National Treasures. The shrine is famous for its giant floating torii gate, but there is so much more to discover here! Getting there Aquanet Ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima island, approx 45mins. Cost Not included with the JR Pass, an adult roundtrip JPY 4,000 ea. I’ve written a detailed guide for your Hiroshima to Miyajima day trip here! Take a look for more photos, ferry comparison with and without the JR Pass and why I don’t recommend using the JR Pass in this instance, and what NOT to do to help make the most of your visit. TIP Check the tide information before your trip to find out whether the Grand Torii will be in high or low tide during your visit. At high tide, it appears to float on the water and makes for stunning photos. In low tide, you can walk right beneath it and appreciate the bright vermilion colour up close. MIYAJIMA HIGHLIGHTS 1 Miyajima Natural Botanic Garden ~ 2 & 6 Grand Torii Gate ~ 3 Coins left for good luck between barnacles on the Grand Torii Gate ~ 4 Sacred deer roaming freely on the island ~ 5 Pagoda ~ 7 Tōrō stone lanterns lining a walkway ~ 8 Itsukushima Shrine DAYS 12 – 14 OSAKA Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” you can literally eat and shop until you drop in Osaka! Prepare for all your senses to be delighted in this city, from the aromas of sizzling takoyaki to the dizzying sounds of Pachinko parlours and bright neon signs assaulting your eyes. Osaka’s origins are that of a merchant city rather than samurai, so be sure to stand on the RIGHT side of escalators instead of left like the rest of the country! Getting from Hiroshima to Osaka 1h20 from Hiroshima on Nozomi shinkansen Cost Adult Nozomi ticket JPY 10,950 ea or free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass. OSAKA HIGHLIGHTS 1, Namba Shrine ~ 2 Dotonbori ~ 3 Hozen-ji ~ 4 Hozen Yokocho ~ 5 Osaka Castle ~ 6 Shinsekai ~ 7 Osaka Castle Observation Deck ~ 8 Artistic manhole cover Where to eat in Osaka World famous for its delicious street food, no Osaka trip would be complete without trying as much as possible! Kurmon Ichiba Market is popular with visitors and locals alike, or you can fish for your own dinner at Zauo Restaurant. I personally enjoyed eating my way around the Shinsekai neighbourhood with a local to show me the hidden spots I would never have found on my own. Ideas for things to do in Osaka TIP Be sure to check out my in-depth Osaka itinerary for more details than I’ve listed here. See the famous Glico Man over the river from Dotonbori 道頓堀, keep an eye out out for artistic drain covers pictured below, be amazed at all the shops and how meticulously the products are arranged. Spend the day at Osaka Castle Museum 大阪城, check out the 360º view from the observation deck and wander the beautiful grounds. During February, the peach and plum grove behind the castle is a great alternative to the overcrowded cherry blossoms of late March. Embrace the foodie scene The Japanese phrase kuidaore eat til you drop is well known in Osaka as you can literally do just that! Some great places to start your foodie adventure are Shinsaibashi-suji Arcade and Kuromon Ichiba Market. Find Hozen-ji Yokocho An Osaka hidden gem buried away in the quiet backstreets along with Mizukake Fudo. Head to the retro Shinsekai and America-mura neighbourhoods before visiting the lion’s head at Namba Shrine. OPTIONAL Day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to Nara An Osaka to Nara day trip is simple and fun! Holding a great historical significance to the country, Nara 奈良 was Japan’s first permanent capital in 710 AD. The city was heavily influenced by Buddhism, with many structures reflecting this. Deer are believed to be messengers to the gods, and roam freely around the city. To me, Nara has a spiritual aura that is not found in many other places, I just adore exploring in the late afternoon during the “golden hour!” Kyoto Station to Nara 35 mins on limited express Kintetsu train to Kintestu Nara Station closer to the Nara Deer Park, or 45mins to JR Nara Station. Cost Kintestu Limited Express 1,490 yen, or JR train free with the Japan Rail Pass. Osaka Namba Station to Nara 50mins on limited express Kintetsu train to Kintestu Nara Station, or 45mins to JR Nara Station. Cost Kintestu train 680 yen, or JR train free with the Japan Rail Pass. TIP If using the Kintestu line for your Nara 1 day itinerary, you may need to pay cash for the Limited Express portion of your ticket on board if using a Suica card to pass through the ticket gates. A member of staff will pass through to check tickets and you can pay a few yen in coins. NARA HIGHLIGHTS 1 & 4 Yoshikien Gardens ~ 2 Tōdai-ji Temple ~ 3 Some of the 3,000 tōrō stone lanterns at Kasuga-Taisha ~ 5 One of Buddha’s guardians at Tōdai-ji ~ 6 Bronze Buddha ~ 7 Kōfuku-ji pagoda, first built in 730 AD rebuilt 1426. Ideas for things to do in Nara TIP My detailed Nara one day itinerary from Osaka or Kyoto covers the below locations and more in further detail, and includes plenty of travel tips from my two visits. Todai-ji Temple 東大寺, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest wooden structure in the world. Be amazed by the giant bronze Buddha and see if you’re small enough to fit through the pillar with a hole the size of Buddha’s nostril for good luck! Yoshiki-en Gardens 吉城園 are a breathtaking world of moss and leafy surrounds. Sarusawa Pond Park & Ukimido Pond for lovely views with old structures as backdrops. Naramachi old town with its interesting English-focused Naramachi Museum. Todai-ji Nigatsu-do 二月堂 for lovely panoramic views over Nara especially at sundown! Kasuga-Taisha Shrine 春日大社 for 3,000 stone lanterns and golden suspended lanterns. Kofuku-ji 興福寺, family temple of the Fujiwara clan and some of the oldest structures in Nara. TIP For more day trip locations nearby that aren’t Universal Studios, check my detailed guide to inspiring day trips from Kyoto or Osaka that covers popular destinations and alternatives to crowded spots. Day 14 TRANSIT TO TOKYO Once you arrive back in Tokyo from Osaka or Kyoto, you can spend the day revisiting a favourite neighbourhood, exploring a new one or taking a day trip from Tokyo. I have some exciting suggestions below so read on! Getting back to Tokyo from Kyoto or Osaka 2 hours 40 minutes from Osaka Station / 2 hours 10 minutes from Kyoto Station on Nozomi shinkansen Cost Adult Nozomi ticket Osaka JPY 14,720 ea / Kyoto 14,170 ea, or free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass. Ideas for day trips from Tokyo Here are some ideas for how to spend your last day around Tokyo Yokohama 30 minutes from Tokyo One of the easiest day trips from Tokyo! So many fun things to see and do, such as the Cup Noodles Museum, Japan’s largest Chinatown, Minato Mirai, giant Gundam robot and beautiful harbour view parks. Read my full guide to things to do in Yokohama for more. Kawagoe 30mins from Tokyo If you love preserved Edo Period architecture, you’ll adore Kawagoe! Complete with and old-world bell tower, stunning Hikawa Shrine, a laneway full of cheap candies and a riverbed of cherry blossoms in spring, it’s one not to miss! My Kawagoe day trip itinerary has all the details. Kamakura 50 minutes from Tokyo Read my full day trip guide for a Kamakura itinerary! Japan’s ancient capital with many temples and shrines, Kamakura is popular for its famous giant Buddha and easy hikes nearby. Discover hidden caves, Hasedera Temple and enjoy a traditional lunch. Kawaguchiko Fuji Five Lakes 2 hours from Tokyo Lavender fields and reflective lakes paired with a backdrop of Mt Fuji means you really can’t go wrong! Nikko 2 hours from Tokyo This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is home to many temples and shrines pictured below nestled within nature’s finest scenery. There are 3 ways to get there using different discount passes, which I detail in my guide to planning a Nikko day trip itinerary. And don’t forget the lesser-known Tobu World Square here, with your favourite landmarks in miniature! Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea 25 minutes from Tokyo If you’re into all things Disney, these theme parks are the obvious choice for you. Don’t forget to book your Disney tickets in advance! 1 Yokohama ~ 2 Kamakura ~ 3 Kawagoe ~ 4 Nikko Day 15 TRANSIT Home Here’s how to head back to the airports for your flights home. I’m sure you’ll be sad as I am every time I have to leave Japan! Getting back to Haneda Airport from Tokyo Getting there Tokyo Hamamatsuchō to Haneda Airport via Tokyo Monorail, 15 minutes Cost Adult JPY 500 ea Getting back to Narita Airport from Tokyo Getting there Narita Airport to Tokyo via Narita Express, approx. 1 hour. Cost Adult Narita Express Ticket JPY 3,250 ea You can also get the Narita Airport Limousine Bus back to the airport. For more information and prices, click here to book your Narita Airport Limousine tickets. 2 weeks in Japan budget To make things even easier for you, I’ve added up the totals I’ve mentioned in this itinerary to give you an overall 2 weeks in Japan cost. This total is travelling with a mid range budget for two adults. By all means, don’t take this as absolute gospel, my preferences may differ to yours in terms of using the JR Pass and the exchange rate may alter a little but feel free to use it as a ballpark figure. You can always spend more or less than this! Things to keep in mind for your Japan two week itinerary Busy Periods and Public Holidays in Japan Once you’ve locked in your flights, it’s wise to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment during the expected busy travel periods. Note some accommodations only show availability 3-4 months in advance. New Year’s This extends from just after Christmas to the first week of January. Expect a lot of store closures and bullet trains to be very crowded as people travel home from the cities to celebrate. And remember, some ATMs take a holiday break from 1st – 3rd January, too – they won’t dispense any cash during this time. Late March – mid-April is the popular cherry blossom season so plan in advance. Find out when is the best time to visit for cherry blossoms depending on the locations you wish to view, and my spring in Japan guide has tips for avoiding crowds In late April – early May, Golden Week is the busiest time of year for travel in Japan, mainly from locals travelling around the country during these holidays. The holidays begin on 29th April and will run through to 5th May. Be prepared for crowds, or try to avoid this time as everyone in Japan is moving around and visiting their families over the break. Fall foliage Another popular time to visit Japan when the Japanese maples turn red! The season ranges from September to November throughout Japan. Silver Week Occurs every five to six years when several Japanese holidays align in mid-September to create a 4-day weekend. The next Silver Week will occur in 2026. See the full list of public holidays in Japan here. Flights to Tokyo If possible, book a red-eye overnight flight for your Japan 14 day itinerary. Most international flights will land at Tokyo Narita Airport. Haneda is better if possible as it’s only 15mins into the city by the monorail. Get a good sleep and you’ll wake up the next morning in Japan saying “こんにちは” konnichiwa ready for a full day of action! Choosing night flights means maximising every waking moment having a blast exploring. Do I need a Japan Rail Pass? Here’s how to catch the shinkansen bullet trains in Japan Contrary to popular belief, you DO NOT need to buy a JR Pass before you visit Japan. As mentioned earlier, JR has announced a huge price increase from October 2023, so read my Instagram post detailing how you can skip the price rise until December. If you have calculated how many shinkansen trips you’ll be using on your trip, the JR Pass may be for you. By purchasing this pass, train travel across JR trains in Japan where your pass is valid is free. Prices vary depending on whether you purchase a 7 day, 14 day or 21 day pass. I personally have and haven’t used the pass during my Japan trips for reasons I explain below, but if you think it will benefit you, make sure you purchase a JR Pass here before you enter Japan as previously mentioned they are more expensive once you arrive! The types of shinkansen in Japan Here’s why you may not need to buy a Japan Rail Pass before you visit, especially if you’re travelling with a mid-range budget. There are 3 kinds of shinkansen in Japan, some fast facts for each Nozomi のぞみ and Mizuho みずほ shinkansen reach speeds of 300km/h Hikari ひかり shinkansen reach speeds of 230km/h Kodama こだま shinkansen stop at all stations. The Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen are the fastest trains but are not covered by the JR Pass. Additionally, Metro tickets in all cities are only a few hundred yen each way USD and aren’t covered by the JR Pass the Metro are owned by different companies and are their own systems. If following this itinerary, you may be able to get by with a 7 day Japan Rail Pass and a 7 day Tokyo Subway Pass, as I personally find the Tokyo metro is better connected. In contrast, the popular JR Yamanote line is a loop around Tokyo, which is also fine but it’s full of tourists using their JR Passes. How much time you can save using Nozomi shinkansen Over the duration of this 2 weeks in Japan trip, I saved 3 hours of time using Nozomi over Hikari trains, and saved 5 hours of time using Nozomi over Kodama trains. Personally, I prefer to pay as I go and not sacrifice exploration time. With only 15 days including all travel time, every hour counts. My advice would be to weigh up the cost saving vs extra travel time and what that means to you before you consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass. If you’re worried about lengthy queues to purchase tickets, don’t be. Purchasing shinkansen tickets It’s simple to purchase shinkansen tickets a day or so in advance from JR stations, especially not during peak times. I can honestly say doing it this way meant I’ve never had to wait long to purchase tickets and I was ready to go on the day of travel. Plan ahead and you’ll be sweet! If you are travelling with a large suitcase as I usually am, you will need to reserve a space for it on the Nozomi bullet trains. This is a space at the back of the carriage. Just tell the ticket office staff you have a big bag when reserving your ticket. NOTE If using the Japan Rail Pass, you cannot take your large suitcase into the unreserved seating areas on the trains. There is not enough luggage space for everyone. You’ll need to reserve a seat or have your luggage forwarded according to rules introduced in May 2020. TIP Buy your shinkansen tickets a few days in advance to ensure you will get reserved seating. While English is spoken at ticket offices, when purchasing it’s useful to have pre-printed information in Japanese or English to give to the sales clerk. This is easy with a little help from Google Translate. If you know the time you’d prefer from the timetables I’ve linked below, add that in too. That way nothing will be lost in translation and your transaction will be swift and efficient! You can find the Japan Rail shinkansen timetables used for this itinerary here Westbound from Tokyo & Eastbound from Hiroshima. Mt Fuji from a bullet train travelling 300km/h between Tokyo and Kyoto Concluding my two weeks in Japan itinerary So there you have it with my 2 weeks in Japan itinerary sample! I’m a little biased, but I firmly believe visiting these cities in a loop as described here is the best itinerary for Japan. After much research I concluded this was the most efficient way to see all the main sights and also wander off the beaten path without backtracking or being short on time. The last day in Tokyo isn’t necessary from a sight-seeing perspective but to allow a buffer to not miss your flight home. Although highly unlikely in Japan, it’s wise to factor in train delays in case something unforeseen like an earthquake were to happen. We don’t want to be stuck down in Hiroshima or Osaka with no way of getting to Tokyo for our flight that same night. Why stress? Planning this way allows us to spend extra time exploring Tokyo. Go visit a new neighbourhood or revisit one of your favourites before you fly home! Although it may look like my partner and I crammed a lot when seeing Japan in 2 weeks, I can honestly say we never felt rushed. Because we were prepared it allowed us to leisurely stroll between many attractions and enjoy taking our time uncovering the wonders that make this incredible country so unique. Travelling as an invisible tourist is about being efficient and making the best use of your travel time. Finally, you don’t need to head back to Tokyo if you’ve chosen to fly out of Osaka at the end of your trip. From my home of Australia at least, I personally find return flights from Tokyo cheaper than an open-jaw Tokyo/Osaka ticket – and this includes the bullet train back to Tokyo! Feel confident travelling in Japan knowing you won’t be doing something wrong that you weren’t aware of by checking out my 30+ crucial do’s and don’ts in Japan. Worried about the language barrier? Remember to download your FREE PDF of 20+ useful Japanese phrases cheat sheet I created specifically for visitors to Japan. Simply print it out to take with you, or store it on your phone for offline use when you’re adventuring around! You’ll find hotel staff speak English and in Tokyo many people do, too. They may just be shy to speak to you in English as the Japanese are perfectionists but are very eager to help. Kindly greet someone in Japanese first before using English if you can. The further south from Tokyo you venture however, English is less widely spoken and understood. Hand gestures go a long way! In terms of getting around there are signs in English and the Metro is colour coded – very simple to navigate without knowing Japanese. TIP Find out how I quickly learnt Japanese for travelling and my favourite words in Japanese with interesting meanings to help you learn more about the culture through language. Let’s get your 2 weeks in Japan itinerary started now! What are you waiting for? Take the next step and get your itinerary to Japan started by searching for hotels in Tokyo here, or don’t forget to see where my Japan itinerary 21 days can take you. If you’re after more inspiration, I have many more sample Japan travel itineraries here. From finding hidden gems, detailed city guides, best time to visit for cherry blossoms and more, I have your Japan trip covered! If you’re wanting to learn the tips and tricks I personally use to be an Invisible Tourist, be sure to have a look through my complete “Be Invisible” archive or learn my strategies for how to “blend in” anywhere around the globe by reading my 1 Amazon New Release Book! Are you thinking of heading to Japan? What are your thoughts on this Japan itinerary 14 days? or do you have any questions about it? I’d LOVE to hear if you use this itinerary on your visit! If you found this helpful please share it with your friends or come and join me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok for more Japan inspiration! Until next time, Like it? Pin it! 📌 This Japan 2 week itinerary contains some affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase and if you do, thanks for your support! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. As always, I only recommend a product or service that I genuinely love and use myself! Australian-based Alyse is founder of The Invisible Tourist, the 1 travel blog encouraging visitors to better "blend in" abroad. Since exploring 270 cities across 32 countries, Alyse's passionate advice about cultural, historical & responsible travel has been especially popular with visitors to Japan, helping millions of tourists since 2017. Her first book details strategies for more enriching travel experiences without contributing to overtourism, and became a 1 Amazon New Release in two categories including Japan Travel. Alyse's unique approach to travelling has resulted in her work being featured on Japanese TV, in tourism textbooks, and has been shared by numerous tourism organisations globally.

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