The ultimate 14-day Japan itinerary: see the best of Japan in two weeks

Japan truly is a place like no other. Before visiting we had high expectations, and somehow, it was even better than we imagined. We loved Japan so much that we returned just three months later! After these two trips, we’ve put together a 14-day Japan itinerary that takes you to the best places, with plenty of activities and of course, incredible food.

This two week itinerary is packed with experiences, so if you’re looking for a slow and relaxed vacation, this might not be the best fit. But if you want to see as much of Japan as possible in two weeks, this plan will definitely help you make the most of your time. You’ll visit famous cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, and get a real feel for Japan’s culture and history. Whether it’s your first time in Japan or your first time traveling abroad, this 14-day Japan itinerary will give you an unforgettable experience.

Is 14 days enough to visit Japan?

We think two weeks is a great introduction to the country. Of course, more time would be even better – but isn’t that always the case?

This 14-day Japan itinerary primarily covers Japan’s Golden Route, which includes Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Additionally, we’ve included Hiroshima for its rich history. Our two week Japan schedule is designed to cover all the highlights while keeping travel time between destinations to a minimum, giving you plenty of time to explore. As we mentioned in the introduction, this isn’t a slow-paced trip. But if you want to see and do as much as possible in two weeks, this is the perfect itinerary. It includes all the must-see spots and incredible experiences that make Japan so special.

We also created an off-the-beaten-path Japan itinerary for those who have more time and want to explore lesser-known destinations. If you’re looking to go beyond the usual highlights, be sure to check it out! Or, why not use it as inspiration when you undoubtedly return to Japan? 😉

Best time to visit Japan

Japan is a destination worth visiting year-round. Spring (March to May) is the most popular season, with cherry blossoms in full bloom. However, it’s also the busiest time and full of tourists, so booking everything in advance is essential if you’re eyeing this period.

Autumn (September to November) is actually just as beautiful, with vibrant fall colors covering the landscapes. Winter (December to February) turns the country into a snow-covered wonderland, especially in rural areas (not to forget Mount Fuji!). Summer (June to August) is the festival season, filled with lively celebrations and fireworks. It’s also the only time of year when you can climb Mt. Fuji, with the official season running from early July to mid September. As you can see, each season has something special, making Japan a great destination no matter when you visit.

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14-day Japan itinerary

Day 1 to 5: Tokyo

This 14-day Japan itinerary starts in Tokyo, the capital of Japan. It’s the perfect introduction to the country, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside peaceful temples, vibrant districts, and incredible food. Plus, with two major airports it’s also the most accessible city in the country and chances are high you’ll land here.

Depending on what time you arrive on the first day, you can immediately start exploring Tokyo. To begin, head to Asakusa, a traditional neighborhood, to visit Senso-ji Temple and try delicious street foods like wagyu croquettes and melon pan. In fact, Asakusa is probably our favorite area in Tokyo because of its overall vibe and big focus on delicious food. Afterward, finish your day with stunning views at Tokyo Skytree, which is conveniently located nearby. To avoid disappointment, be sure to buy your Tokyo Skytree tickets in advance to secure your preferred time slot. If possible, try to book a sunset timeslot for an even more magical experience!

On day 2, visit teamLab Borderless for an immersive art experience. After that, head to Tokyo Tower, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The red and white tower is striking from the ground, but with a ticket for Tokyo Tower you can enjoy sweeping views of Tokyo from above. In the afternoon, make your way to Tsukiji Outer Market to try street food and local specialties.

On day 3, explore Shibuya, home to the famous crossing, trendy shops, and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the unique street kart experience in Shibuya for an exciting adventure! Real life Mario Kart, anyone? 😉 Afterward, head over to Harajuku. Stroll down Takeshita Street for quirky fashion and sweets, then relax in nearby Yoyogi Park.

Day 4 is all about Shinjuku. Start with the free observation decks at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, then explore the gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen. You can also check out some quirky spots like the Giant 3D Cat and the Godzilla Head. In the evening, head to Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley lined with more than 60 small bars and restaurants.

Finally, day 5 is your chance to venture outside Tokyo. Take a day trip to Mount Fuji, visit Tokyo DisneySea, or visit Tokyo Disneyland. Not sure which park to visit? Our guide to Tokyo DisneySea vs Tokyo Disneyland breaks down the differences so you can pick the best one for your trip.

For a detailed breakdown of how to spend 5 days in Tokyo, check out our 5-day Tokyo itinerary. We also have a guide to Tokyo’s subway to help you navigate the city with ease, as well as a Tokyo food guide covering the best restaurants and street food spots.

Day 6 to 9: Kyoto

The next destination on this 14-day Japan itinerary is Kyoto, our favorite stop of these two weeks. On day 6, you’ll take your first bullet train from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, which takes about 2 hours. Tickets start at EUR 85, and you can book them in advance through Klook. We really recommend doing this to avoid confusion at the train station, and just enjoy the ride. Try to book the “Mount Fuji-side seats” to get a glimpse of Japan’s most beautiful mountain. 😉

Once you arrive in Kyoto, we recommend heading to Nishiki Market, an indoor market where you can sample local specialties like eel skewers, dango (rice flour dumplings), and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes). It’s a great way to dive straight into Kyoto’s food culture. And if you’re looking for something sweet, then definitely try out the honeycomb ice cream!

On day 7, wake up early for the perfect photo at Hokan-ji. Continue with a quiet stroll through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two historic alleys that show a glimpse of old Kyoto. We also recommend joining a traditional tea ceremony and taking a walking tour of the Gion district to learn more about the culture.

On day 8, head to Arashiyama for a day of temple hopping. Our favorites are Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Gio-ji, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. Each temple offers something unique, and together they make for a peaceful and memorable day.

On day 9, take a day trip to Nara to see the friendly deer and explore its temples and gardens. Since Fushimi Inari Taisha is on the way, you can also visit the famous shrine and its red torii gates as part of your trip.

Kyoto was, without a doubt, one of our favorite cities in Japan. It’s incredibly charming, with stunning streets, beautiful temples, and a peaceful atmosphere (if you time it right). However, because Kyoto is such a popular destination, we recommend starting your days early to avoid the crowds. In our experience, doing this allowed us to have some truly magical moments exploring the city before it got too busy.

For a detailed breakdown of how to spend your time in Kyoto, check out our 3-day Kyoto itinerary. We also have a Kyoto food guide with recommendations for the best restaurants.

Day 10 and 11: Hiroshima

On day 10, you’ll take another bullet train from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima Station. The ride takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and tickets start at EUR 70 on Klook.

You can easily see all of Hiroshima’s highlights from the moment you arrive, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Peace Memorial Park, A-Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle. Most of them are within walking distance from each other. And because you’ll be staying the night here, you’ll also have plenty of time for a visit to Miyajima Island the next day. On the island you can find friendly deer, Itsukushima Shrine, Daisho-in Temple, and the five-storied pagoda. Definitely worth the one hour train and ferry journey!

Day 12 to 14: Osaka

The last stop on this 14-day Japan itinerary is Osaka. On day 12 you’ll take your final bullet train from Hiroshima Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The ride takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and tickets start at EUR 64 on Klook.

We’ll tell you straight away: Osaka is like no other place in Japan! Where most cities in Japan are peaceful and full of culture, Osaka is vibrant, energetic, and a little over the top. It’s so different, and we think that’s what makes Osaka so much fun. It’s also the perfect place to wrap up this trip since it has a more laid-back feel where you don’t have to wake up at 4 AM to see the highlights. Here, the focus is on entertainment, shopping, and incredible food.

As soon as you arrive in Osaka, first, head to Kuromon Market for fresh street food and seafood. In fact, we had the best king crab leg of our lives here and absolutely loved browsing the candy shops for special KitKats. After that, make your way to Umeda Sky Building, where you can enjoy the best sunset views in the city.

On day 13, visit Osaka Castle, then explore the lively streets of Dotonbori and Shinsekai districts. Don’t miss Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its giant lion-head-shaped stage, a unique sight in the city. And who could forget about the Glico Running Man in Dotonbori? For a very special experience, why not watch a sumo wrestling tournament? Another fun thing to do in Osaka is a Shinsekai food tour.

To wrap up this 14-day Japan itinerary, why not spend your last day at Universal Studios Japan? With exciting attractions, unique experiences, and famous characters, it’s no surprise that it’s a great way to end your trip on a high note. Even though we’re not theme park enthusiasts, we still think visiting USJ is a must for everyone that goes to Japan. That being said, make sure to buy your USJ tickets in advance, since it’s a really popular thing to do.

For more tips and recommendations, check out our blog post on the best things to do in Osaka.

Should I buy a JR Pass for this trip?

With this 14-day Japan itinerary, you’ll take the bullet train three times. Normally, we’d recommend purchasing a JR Pass, but with the price increase in October 2023, it’s not as cost-effective, especially for a short trip. The tickets for the three bullet trains would cost around EUR 220, while a one-week JR Pass is over EUR 300, making it less beneficial for this itinerary. You can always use the Japan Rail Pass Calculator to see if it’s worth it for your trip, or check out our detailed JR Pass guide for more information.

Daily budget for Japan

We visited Japan twice, with the first trip spanning 3 weeks where we explored all the major highlights in this itinerary, along with some lesser-known gems like Hirosaki, Sendai, and Kanazawa. During this trip, we spent an average daily budget of EUR 101 per person (excluding flights). Notably, our largest expense was transportation, because we purchased a 2-week JR Pass for nearly EUR 500 per person. This comes to EUR 28 on average per day per person, just for transportation. For accommodation, we spent around EUR 25 per night per person, mainly staying in hostels with private rooms but shared bathrooms. Additionally, we spent about EUR 25 per day per person on food and drinks, EUR 16 daily on sightseeing, and EUR 8 on groceries and small expenses.

On our second trip, we spent 17 days in Japan, mainly exploring the Miyako Islands and Tokyo. We managed to reduce our daily budget to EUR 69 per person on average! Again, flights weren’t included in this figure. This time, we didn’t spend on drinks or sightseeing, and kept food costs down, spending only EUR 8 per day per person on food. Accommodation was our biggest expense, at EUR 28 per night per person, and transportation came to EUR 26 per day per person. We also spent around EUR 9 daily on groceries and other small costs.

For budget travelers in Japan, a daily budget of around EUR 50 per person is realistic. Hostel stays start at EUR 20 per night, and convenience store meals can help keep costs low. Opting for free activities can make your budget stretch, but remember that transportation can be somewhat pricey, especially as you visit more destinations.

For mid-range travelers, a daily budget of EUR 100 per person is a good estimate. This allows you to stay in basic hotels (starting around EUR 40 per night for two) and enjoy a mix of dining out, convenience store meals, and street food. You’ll also have room for activities like bullet train rides or theme park visits.

For luxury travelers, a daily budget of EUR 400 per person is realistic. Five-star hotels in Japan typically start at EUR 200 per night for two. With this budget, you can enjoy fine dining, rooftop bars, private tours, exclusive experiences, and taxis that will all make it a memorable, high-end trip.

For a deeper look at our spending and some practical tips on how to visit Japan on a budget, be sure to check out our budget breakdown for 3 weeks in Japan and our budget breakdown for 17 days in Japan.

Additional Japan tips

• Luggage transfer services: Japan’s public transport is efficient but can be crowded, especially during rush hours. Consider using luggage transfer services to send your luggage between hotels if you want to travel more comfortably.
• Cash is king: While credit cards are becoming more widely accepted, Japan is still a largely cash-based society, especially in smaller towns. Make sure to have enough cash with you, and to get rid of the smaller coins we recommend just chucking them in the machine at konbinis. ATMs at 7-Eleven are the most reliable places to withdraw money with a favorable conversion rate.
• Language tips: Although many people in Japan speak English, it’s always appreciated when you try a few basic Japanese phrases. A simple “Arigatou” (thank you) or “Sumimasen” (excuse me) can help you connect with locals and show respect for their language. Google Translate might help to get your point across more easily than expecting locals to speak English.
• Public transport etiquette: When riding public trains, always be sure to line up on the designated platform marks. Keep conversations quiet, and avoid making phone calls or eating. Priority seats are reserved for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers. Some cabins are women-only, too.
• Book popular activities in advance: To make sure you don’t miss out on must-see activities like teamLab Planets or special experiences at Universal Studios Japan, it’s best to book your tickets in advance. Popular activities can sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons, so securing your spot ahead of time ensures you won’t be disappointed. Check our guide on when to buy tickets for the most popular attractions in Japan for more information.
• Travel insurance: Before you head off on your Japan adventure, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance. It can save you from huge costs in case of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost baggage.