Our 2-Week Japan Itinerary lets you explore its diverse wonders, from bustling cities to peaceful temples.
You’ll have time to soak in Japan’s unique culture.
You can stay at a traditional ryokan, try local food, and maybe catch a sumo match.
Let’s get straight into it.
Planning Your Trip
Getting ready for Japan takes some prep work.
Here’s what to sort out before you go.
Securing the Essentials
Start by choosing when to visit.
Spring brings cherry blossoms, autumn offers vivid leaves.
Book your flights early for better deals.
Narita and Haneda are the main airports for Tokyo.
Buy a Japan Rail Pass before your trip if you’re visiting multiple cities.
It covers most long-distance trains and can save you money.
Travel insurance is a must.
Check visa requirements as many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Understanding Public Transportation
Japan’s trains and subways are clean, fast, and punctual.
In Tokyo, get a Suica or Pasmo card.
These prepaid cards make travel simple.
If you’ll be exploring the city a lot, the Tokyo Subway Pass offers unlimited rides for a fixed period.
An eSIM makes mobile data easy to set up in advance, useful for navigation and translation apps.
Avoid rush hour when possible as the trains can get very crowded.
Tokyo: The Modern Metropolis
Tokyo offers a blend of old and new.
Skyscrapers stand beside historic temples.
Iconic Landmarks
Visit Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower for sweeping views of the city.
Check out Meiji Shrine, nestled in a quiet forested area.
In Ueno Park, you’ll find museums, temples, and even a zoo.
Cultural Hotspots
Akihabara is ideal for tech and anime fans with shops packed full of gadgets and goods.
At Tsukiji Outer Market, enjoy fresh sushi and lively street stalls.
For youth fashion and quirky style, Takeshita Street in Harajuku is the place to be.
Shopping and Fashion
Ginza offers luxury brands and department stores.
For variety, Shinjuku is packed with shops ranging from souvenirs to electronics.
Kyoto: City of a Thousand Temples
Kyoto is known for history, gardens, and temples.
Historic Sites
Visit Kiyomizu-Dera Temple for great views and the Otowa Waterfall.
The Golden Pavilion reflects beautifully in its surrounding pond.
Stroll through Gion District in the evening for a glimpse of Kyoto’s traditional side.
Natural Beauty
Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest for a calm, scenic experience.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous for its winding path of bright orange torii gates.
End your day in a Japanese garden for quiet reflection.
Osaka: The Nation’s Kitchen
Osaka is all about great food and fun city vibes.
Downtown Fun
In Dotonbori, bright signs and food stalls line the canal.
Try takoyaki or okonomiyaki for a local meal.
Shinsaibashi is a lively shopping street, while Kuromon Market is packed with fresh eats.
History and Landmarks
Osaka Castle offers insight into Japan’s samurai past.
Explore its museum and the scenic grounds around it.
Nearby shrines and temples provide a peaceful break from city life.
Hiroshima and Miyajima
These destinations balance powerful history and natural scenery.
Peace and Reflection
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the A-Bomb Dome serve as moving reminders of the past.
The museum shares stories of those affected and encourages peace.
Visit Hiroshima Castle to explore more of Japan’s feudal history.
Island Experience
Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and see Itsukushima Shrine, which appears to float at high tide.
Ride the cable car up Mount Misen for sweeping views.
Watch out for the friendly deer roaming the island.
Day Trips from Major Cities
Japan’s efficient rail system makes short trips easy and rewarding.
Cultural Getaways
From Tokyo, visit Nikko for ornate temples or Kamakura to see the Great Buddha.
From Kyoto, head to Nara for Todaiji Temple and its friendly deer.
Outdoor Escapes
From Tokyo, explore Hakone for Mount Fuji views and a Lake Ashi cruise.
From Osaka, Mount Koya offers forest trails and temple stays.
Japanese Cuisine: A Culinary Journey
Food is a big part of the Japan experience.
Must-Try Dishes
In Osaka, enjoy takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors or small shops.
Kyoto’s Nishiki Market is full of local snacks and treats.
In Fukuoka, slurp up a rich bowl of tonkotsu ramen.
Food Experiences
Join a cooking class to learn the basics of sushi or tempura.
Try a multi-course kaiseki dinner.
Each dish is a visual and flavourful experience.
Outdoor and Nature Experiences
Japan is rich in natural scenery for every season.
Mountains and Valleys
In Nagano, try hiking routes like Kamikochi.
Nikko National Park in autumn is known for colourful leaves and scenic trails.
Beaches and Coasts
Okinawa has white sands and clear waters for snorkelling and diving.
In the Izu Peninsula, kayak along the coastline and keep an eye out for marine life.
Entertainment and Leisure
There’s plenty of fun for all interests.
Modern Fun
Visit teamLab Borderless in Tokyo for digital art you can walk through.
Theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea offer unique rides and shows.
At night, explore Shinjuku’s Golden Gai—tiny themed bars tucked into narrow alleys.
Cultural Performances
Watch kabuki or noh theatre for a look into Japan’s classical performing arts.
In Kyoto’s Gion, some tea houses host short shows with music and dance.
Shopping and Souvenirs
From local crafts to fun gadgets, there’s something for every taste.
Where to Shop
Tokyo’s Ginza is great for high-end brands, while Harajuku is perfect for youth fashion.
For tech and anime items, Akihabara delivers.
Kyoto has traditional items like fans and ceramics.
In Osaka, visit America Mura for funky streetwear.
Popular souvenirs include green tea, sake sets, chopsticks, and character goods.
Markets and Malls
Visit malls like Omotesando Hills in Tokyo or Namba Parks in Osaka for variety and convenience.
Don’t miss 100-yen shops or department store basements—they’re treasure troves for affordable finds.
Before You Go
A few final reminders
Wear comfy shoes and expect a lot of walking.
Bring a small towel for public bathrooms.
Learn a few simple Japanese phrases as the locals will appreciate it.
And carry cash as many places don’t take cards.
Stay quiet on public transport and try using chopsticks when eating.
Tipping isn’t common and often not welcomed.
Enjoy your trip.
Japan has so much to offer!
