2-Week Japan Travel Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Japan is an amazing destination to visit. Of the several countries I’ve travelled to so far, it currently ranks as my number one favourite. I first visited in the fall of 2023, spending 16 days exploring Tokyo, Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Miyajima. The timing was perfect, the scenery was spectacular, and I left already planning my next trip.

Less than two years later, I returned for my second trip, this time during the famous cherry blossom (sakura) season, travelling with Mark and Andrew. We spent 25 days visiting Tokyo, Masumoto, Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji, Magome and Tsumago via the Nakasendo Trail, Nagoya, Shizuoka, Yunomine Onsen, Nachisan via the Kumano Kodo Trail, and the Fuji Five Lakes area.

With so many other places to visit and revisit, I’m already planning a third trip in the near future.

As you can tell, Japan is truly special. It offers an incredible blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, combined with ease of travel and excellent safety standards. This makes it perfect for first-time visitors, solo travellers, and really anyone looking for an unforgettable experience.

A 2-Week Japan Itinerary Guide

In this guide, I’ll share some of the best places to visit based on my experiences and create a comprehensive 14-day itinerary. While you can certainly explore Japan in 7-10 days, I think 14 days or more is ideal, especially if you’re visiting as a standalone destination rather than as part of a larger regional tour. This gives you enough time to experience the country’s diversity without feeling rushed.

Before we get into the breakdown, I should mention that it’s impossible to see and do everything in Japan during a short visit. You’ll either need to stay longer, or if you’re like me -limited by PTO days and other commitments – plan for multiple trips to satisfy the “Japan bug,” if that’s even possible.

So let’s start with the essentials. What should your first trip include? This is just my suggestion, not a hard rule. The beauty of Japan is that most of these experiences can be found across multiple cities, giving you plenty of flexibility in planning your route.

Here’s What Your Japan Itinerary Needs

In summary, your itinerary should include:

Don’t stress if this all looks overwhelming or impossible to fit within your 2-week Japan itinerary. In the next section, I’ll provide a day-by-day breakdown that covers all these stops and experiences.

14-Day Japan Itinerary Overview – Option 1

• Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
• Day 2: Full day in Tokyo
• Day 3: Day Trip to Kamakura or Nikko
• Day 4: Transfer from Tokyo to Mt Fuji and stay overnight
• Day 5: Morning in Mt Fuji Area, then transfer to Hakone and stay overnight
• Day 6: Morning in Hakone and transfer to Kyoto
• Day 7: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari and Uji)
• Day 8: Kyoto (Arashiyama and Nara)
• Day 9: Morning in Kyoto and transfer to Osaka
• Day 10: Full day in Osaka
• Day 11: Osaka Day Trips (Hiroshima and Miyajima or Himeji and Kobe)
• Day 12: Optional extra day for rest (for Hiroshima/Miyajima overnight stay) or back to Tokyo
• Day 13: Tokyo
• Day 14: Flight out

Why This Itinerary Works

This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see Japan’s top highlights without feeling rushed. It flows seamlessly from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji and Hakone, then west to Kyoto and Osaka, balancing big city excitement with serene nature and culture. You’ll experience everything from iconic temples and food markets to hot springs and scenic mountain views, with flexible options for day trips to Hiroshima, Nara, or Kamakura. It’s a classic route that captures the best of Japan in two well-paced, easy-to-navigate weeks.

If you want to go beyond the usual highlights and experience Japan’s charming countryside and small-town traditions, I’ve provided an alternative 2-week itinerary at the end of this post. You can jump ahead to see it here, or continue reading for the classic route.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo has two main international airports – Haneda and Narita. If possible, fly into Haneda since it’s much closer to the city, which means less travel time after landing. That said, don’t worry too much if you find a better deal flying into Narita. What really matters is your arrival time. Public transportation shuts down around midnight, so if your flight lands late, you’ll need to either wait until the trains start running again in the morning, stay overnight near the airport, or take a taxi into the city.

I typically travel with Qatar Airways when visiting Asia, and the flights I have taken to Tokyo have arrived at Haneda around 1 am. On my first trip, I was surprised to find the trains still operational and was able to ride into the city well past midnight. For my second trip, I chose to stay close to the airport and took a reasonably priced Uber to the Kawasaki King Skyfront Tokyu REI Hotel.

In any case, dedicate Day 1 to arriving in Tokyo and settling in.

Where to Stay in Tokyo

Many people recommend staying in Shinjuku or Shibuya, which are major train station hubs that make day trips and transfers easier. But I actually prefer staying in quieter neighbourhoods with well-connected metro access. Between Akasaka, Aoyama-Itchome, Asakusa, Ginza, Ueno, Daikanyama, and Nakameguro, there are plenty of great options.

My top recommendation is to stay within short walking distance of a train line with good metro connections. I’ve stayed in Asakusa, Akasaka, and Aoyama-Itchome, and they all fit the bill perfectly.

🏨 Recommended Hotels in Tokyo

FYI: Don’t be shocked when you arrive – many Japanese hotels have incredibly small rooms. These can be perfect for solo travellers, but if you’re travelling with a partner and multiple pieces of luggage, you’ll want more space. Pay close attention to the room sizes indicated when booking.

Day 2: Full Day in Tokyo

For your second day in Tokyo, plan a full day exploring the city’s must-visit attractions. Tokyo is vibrant and sprawling – you could spend weeks there and still not see everything. It’s best to tailor this day to your preference. You can check out this article to see how I spent my first 24 hours in the city – but be warned, it was a long, activity-packed day!

In this itinerary, you’ll have another opportunity to explore more of Tokyo when you return to the city later in the trip. So pace yourself and enjoy the city on day two. I do recommend starting bright and early to explore before the crowds arrive for a more pleasant experience.

Day 3: Day Trip to Kamakura (and Enoshima) or Nikko

Day 3 is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day. You can spend it exploring more of Tokyo’s exciting neighbourhoods, or consider taking a day trip to Kamakura or Nikko. On my trip, I visited both places on days 3 and 4. Looking back, I felt the day trip to Kamakura was sufficient, but I would have loved to spend more time in Nikko – ideally an overnight trip.

Again, this day depends on your travel preferences. It’s also a good opportunity to consider a day trip to Mount Fuji, although I strongly recommend staying overnight instead. However, if you only have one day to spare and the weather is clear, a Mount Fuji day trip is a solid option.

Day 4: Transfer from Tokyo to Mt Fuji

On Day 4, assuming you skipped the Mount Fuji day trip on Day 3, take an early morning transfer from Tokyo to Fuji via the Highway Bus or Fuji Excursion Limited Express.

I’ve written an extensive post about how to experience this part of Japan, including my reasoning for why an overnight trip is so much better than a day trip. Here’s the summary, though: Mount Fuji is notoriously shy, visible for only about 80 days in a year. Your best chances for clear views are in the mornings and evenings, and staying overnight gives you multiple opportunities to see it.

If you can rent a car, I highly recommend it. You’ll also need one for a seamless transfer to Hakone on Day 5. If you can’t rent a car, that’s okay too. Public transportation is available – it’s not as convenient in this area, but it’s definitely possible to get around and still have a great time.

🏨 Recommended Hotels Close to Kawaguchiko Station

This is one of the best areas to stay in the Fuji Five Lakes region. It’s the most developed, with the main train and bus stations, convenience stores, and plenty of restaurants. Because of its popularity, accommodations here tend to book out quickly, so be sure to reserve in advance if you plan to stay.

Day 5: Morning in Mt Fuji Area, then transfer to Hakone

For Day 5, you have a few options. The simplest route is to return to Tokyo and then travel to Hakone (or Kyoto and Osaka) from there. However, if you have a rental car, transferring directly from Fuji to Hakone is much more seamless and takes less time.

If you’re relying on public transportation, be aware that there’s currently no direct bus or train service from Kawaguchiko Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. You’ll need to get to Gotemba Premium Outlets first, before continuing to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

This option is quite intense, especially if you’re travelling with luggage, so it should only be considered as a last resort if you’re very keen on visiting Hakone. Alternatively, you can book a bus tour service like this one I found, which goes from Kawaguchiko to Hakone with a one-way transfer option, simplifying the journey significantly.

If you do make the transfer to Hakone, it will reward you with beautiful shrines and temples, dramatic sulfur valleys, relaxing onsen experiences, and incredible art museums – all surrounded by mountain views.

Spend this day relaxing at your onsen hotel and exploring nearby attractions at a gentle pace. If you travelled via rental car, you’ll likely feel less tired compared to using public transport. In that case, consider doing the Hakone Loop, a scenic route that takes you across Lake Ashi by boat, up the ropeway to the volcanic Owakudani Valley, and ends at the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

If you plan to do the loop, it’s worth getting the Hakone Free Pass, which covers transportation within the area and saves both time and money. You can purchase it directly from the Odakyu Rail website or on the Klook website.

I have written a comprehensive Hakone guide, which can be found here. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to plan the perfect overnight trip, including where to stay, when to visit, and the best things to see and do.

Day 6: Morning in Hakone and transfer to Kyoto

Spend your morning on day 6 visiting the Hakone Shrine and its beautiful Torii Gate before it gets too crowded, then head to Kyoto via Odawara Station.

Settle into your hotel and take your time exploring Kyoto. I like staying in the Gion neighbourhood when visiting, as it’s the perfect place for an evening stroll with its shrines, temples, riverside paths, parks, charming streets, and great dining spots.

🏨 Recommended Hotels in Kyoto

There are several wonderful hotels in Kyoto; these are some of my recommendations:

Day 7: Explore More of Kyoto and Environs

For your first full day in Kyoto, start early and make your way to Fushimi Inari Shrine. Wander through the thousands of Torii gates that line the path and enjoy a scenic hike up Mt Inari, taking in the views and serene atmosphere along the way.

Next, take a short ride to Uji and explore its beautiful temples, riverside scenery, and rich tea culture. If you can find a tea ceremony experience, this is the perfect place to enjoy it, as Uji is known as the tea capital of Japan.

If you’re up for it, continue your journey to Nara on the same train line to spend some time with the friendly deer that roam freely around the park. If not, you can wrap up your day in Uji and head back to your hotel for a relaxed evening at your own pace.

Day 8: More Kyoto – Arashiyama

Spend your day exploring Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most scenic districts. Start with a peaceful walk through the famous Bamboo Grove or its scenic alternative in Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, then visit Tenryu-ji Temple (or Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple) and its beautiful gardens.

Take a stroll along the Katsura River or cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge for lovely views of the surrounding hills. If time allows, enjoy a quiet tea break at one of the riverside cafes.

Day 9: Morning in Kyoto and Transfer to Osaka

You have one last chance to visit some of Kyoto’s most iconic attractions. Consider stopping by Nijo Castle, Ginkaku-ji, or Kinkaku-ji if you missed them earlier in your trip. Later in the day, transfer to Osaka. If you’re travelling on a weekend or holiday, you can take the Kyo-train Garaku for a fun and beautifully themed ride between the two cities.

Day 10: Full Day in Osaka

Spend the day diving into Osaka’s vibrant energy. Start at Osaka Castle for a dose of history, then visit some of the city’s unique temples and shrines, unless you’re already temple-d and shrine-d out. As evening falls, explore Osaka’s nightlife scene, from the neon-lit streets and delicious street food of Dotonbori to hidden gem jazz clubs and quirky magic cafes.

Day 11: Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima (or Himeji and Kobe)

Take a day trip to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, then hop over to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate. Alternatively, head to Himeji Castle, Japan’s most magnificent feudal-era fortress, and stop by Kobe for excellent food and harbour views. Be sure to use the Shinkansen trains to cut down your travel time significantly.

Day 12: Optional Rest Day in Osaka or Hiroshima (Overnight Stay)

Use this day to rest and recharge. In Osaka, you can relax in a café, enjoy a spa treatment, or shop around Namba. Alternatively, extend your Day 11 trip with an overnight stay in Hiroshima, giving you time to wander the city’s peaceful streets or explore Miyajima at a more leisurely pace.

Day 13: Last Day in Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for your final full day in Japan if you’re flying out from there. Spend the rest of the day shopping for souvenirs, exploring a neighbourhood you missed earlier, or revisiting a favourite spot. Cap off the evening with a memorable dinner.

Day 14: Departure from Tokyo

Time to say goodbye to Japan. After 14 days of moving around, you’ve earned the right to sleep in, at least until your flight departure allows it. Head to the airport with incredible memories from an unforgettable journey.

General Travel Tips and Considerations

• Read my Japan trip planning timeline guide here
• With Japan’s recent rail pass price increase, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass may no longer be the best value for longer journeys. Consider getting regional passes or buying individual tickets instead, depending on your itinerary.
• Cash is still widely used in Japan. While cards are accepted in many places, smaller shops, local eateries, and rural areas often only take cash. You can easily withdraw yen from ATMs in convenience stores or train stations.
• Book Shinkansen tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to save time and avoid long queues at the station. The SmartEX app is a convenient tool for checking schedules and booking seats ahead of time.
• Stay connected by downloading an eSIM before your trip. I’ve used Airalo and found it reliable and easy to set up.
• Use luggage delivery services to ease your transfers
• Finally, learn a few basic Japanese greetings and practice proper etiquette such as bowing, speaking quietly on public transport, and removing your shoes when entering homes, temples, or traditional inns. These small gestures go a long way in showing respect and enhancing your travel experience.

Before concluding this post, I promised you an alternative Japan itinerary that is still suitable for first-time visitors but includes other interesting cities and towns. Here it is.

2-Week Japan Itinerary Overview – Option 2

• Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
• Day 2: Full day in Tokyo
• Day 3: Day Trip to Kamakura or Nikko
• Day 4: Tokyo to Kanazawa (~2hr 30 mins direct commute from Tokyo Station)
• Day 5: Full day in Kanazawa
• Day 6: Day trip to Shirakawa-go and/or Takayama – Book Here
• Day 7: Kanazawa to Matsumoto early transfer (~2hr 40 mins commute, with one transfer) | Rest of the day in Matsumoto
• Day 8: Matsumoto to Tsumago and Nakasendo Trail Hike to Magome (~1 hr 40 mins commute, with one bus transfer. Then 2-3 hour hike to Magome)
• Day 9: Magome to Kyoto (~2 hr 19 mins commute, with bus and train transfers)
• Day 10-12: Kyoto
• Day 13: Stay longer in Kyoto or transfer to Osaka (you can choose to fly out from here on day 14) or return to Tokyo
• Day 14: Departure from Japan.

Japan Itinerary 14 Days | The Sum Up…

Every traveller’s Japan looks a little different, and that’s the beauty of it. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms, wandering temple grounds, or hunting for the perfect bowl of ramen, there’s something here that’ll stay with you long after you leave.

I hope you have found this 2-week Japan itinerary insightful. If you would like more detailed itineraries for each city, please let me know in the comments section. Also, please feel free to leave any questions about the itineraries you have crafted, and I will be happy to answer them! If you have visited Japan before, I’d love to hear all about your experience! Please share them in the comment section below! I wish you happy and safe travels!