On our first visit to Japan, we wanted to see as much as possible So, we created a Japan Itinerary to the country’s top three spots: Kyoto, Mt. Fuji and Tokyo.
These three destinations are distinctly different, which is ideal for those traveling to Japan for the first time. Now we are sharing our detailed Two-Week Japan Itinerary to help you plan your perfect trip!
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How To Plan for 2 Weeks in Japan
Planning a trip to Japan can be mind-boggling. The country is packed with ancient sights, lush nature and modern marvels.
For people going for the first time, choosing which attractions to include in a Japan Itinerary can be a real task. Don’t stress! Just follow our advice and we’ll help you get it sorted.
Pro Tip: Consider using our Travel Planning Printables to get your vacation to Japan organized.
About Our Japan Itinerary for 14 Days
Our Japan trip plan can be done in either direction – starting in either Kyoto or Tokyo. We chose to start in Kyoto because it was easier to get acquainted with than Tokyo.
Kyoto
Kyoto is located in the Kansai region of Japan. For more than 1,000 years it served as the Imperial Capital and ranked as the country’s largest city until the 16th century.
Nestled in the valley of a mountainous region, Kyoto has a mix of ancient districts, modern architecture and spectacular temples.
Top Tip: For more specific information, read our detailed articles – Kyoto Temples and Kyoto Itinerary.
Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji Five Lakes District
Lake Kawaguchi – or Kawaguchiko – is located near Mt. Fuji in Japan’s Five Lakes District. The nature retreat is a popular tourist destination and one of the best places for incredible Mt. Fuji views.
Pro Tip: Read our trip post, Things To Do in Kawaguchiko, for more information.
Tokyo
Tokyo became the capital of Japan in 1869. The sprawling city is comprised of 23 Wards and densely packed with skyscrapers, iconic sights, shopping malls and restaurants.
Top Tip: Read our complete Tokyo Itinerary, as well as our posts on Where To Eat, Fun Bars and Top Temples.
2 Week Japan Itinerary Details
Alright, let’s get into our detailed day-by-day sightseeing for 14 days in Japan!
Day 1: Arrive in Kyoto and Explore
Make your way to Kyoto and settle into our suggested accommodation. Then, kick off your Japan vacation itinerary by seeing the sights in central Kyoto.
Visit prime attractions, like the famous Rengeoin Sanjusangendo Temple, Nishi Honganji Buddhist Temple and the Nijo Castle.
Spend the afternoon eating your way through the fare at Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. The hall features more than 100 food stalls where you can try fresh seafood and sweet treats.
End your first day with a craft beer at Bungalow or Kyoto Beer Lab. Alternatively, get a total local experience with drinks and fried snacks at Hyaku.
Day 2: Discover Arashiyama and Top Kyoto Sights
Get an early start and catch a train to Arashiyama. The district is known for its Bamboo Forest, quaint temples and lush gardens. Don’t miss Gioji Temple and Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple.
By mid-day, hop aboard a historic tram and rattle through the suburbs to our recommended lunch spot. Okonomiyaki Katsu is a small family-owned Japanese savory pancake shop.
In the afternoon, visit two of Kyoto’s most iconic sights: the Kinkakuji Temple (also called the Golden Pavilion) and the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
End your day at Kyoto Station, where you can feast on delicious conveyor belt sushi at Sushi no Mushashi before heading to the top of the Kyoto Tower.
Day 3: Follow Famous Kyoto Routes and Gion
Make your way to Fushimi Inari Shrine where thousands of red torii gates straddle the 2.5-mile hillside path. Follow the looping trail that leads to viewpoints away from the masses.
Next, grab something quick to eat from the vendors set up outside the shrine before hopping on a train back to Kyoto City Center.
Now visit Ginkakuji Temple (also called the Silver Temple) before starting a peaceful walk down Philosopher’s Path.
Detour to nearby temples and museums (if time allows), eventually making your way to Yasaka Shrine. From here, walk through the famous Gion District to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Kiyomizu dera Temple.
Choose a different route back to the heart of Gion. Keep your eyes peeled for Geisha who are walking to functions in the district’s traditional tea houses.
Then cross the river to Pontocho, a picturesque lane lined with upscale restaurants and bars, and pick a location with a view for dinner.
Day 4: Take a Kyoto Day Trip
Osaka is easily accessible from Kyoto and has multiple malls as well as Universal Studios and the Aquarium Kaiyukan.
A day trip to Nara will certainly include visiting the Deer Park, plus Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Shrine.
In Kobe, you can try the famous wagyu beef, spend time at the harbor and ride a ropeway to the mountaintop.
You can plan your own adventure or join one of the many tours offered from Kyoto. Some operators even combine destinations into full-day trips from Kyoto.
Day 5: Travel to Mt. Fuji via Bullet Train
Travel by the high-speed Tokaido Shinkansen train to the Mount Fuji 5 Lakes District (Mishima Station). Then connect onward to Lake Kawaguchi by bus.
Once there, drop your bags off at your accommodation (recommended; Kawaguchiko Hotel), then set off on a lakeside stroll.
Walk to the southeast corner of the lake, where you can set sail on a boat cruise or soar to the mountaintop on the Kawaguchiko Ropeway. Both options provide excellent views of Mt. Fuji, if you’re lucky!
Find a place to eat dinner near the lake. If you are craving something besides Japanese cuisine, try the wood fired pizzas at Pizzeria Onda!
Day 6: Find the Best Fuji Views
Today, make it your mission to find the absolute best views of Mount Fuji. Buy an unlimited ride pass on the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus and traverse all three routes.
Start off on the Blue Line and ride to the Lake Shojiko Panorama Observatory stop. On clear days, the view across the lake is phenomenal. As you may have guessed by our photos, we did not have any!
Return on the Blue Route, but disembark at the Wind Cave stop. Explore the Wind Cave and/or Ice Cave, then set off on a trek through the Aokigahara Sea of Trees Forest.
Walk north through on the Jukai Nature Trail and end at the Saiko Bat Cave where you can pick up a Green Line bus back to Lake Kawaguchi.
Get off the bus at the Herb Hall stop (and pop in, if so inclined). Now hop on a Red Line bus around the lake to the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center for more incredible views across the lake.
Eat dinner at one of the restaurants on the east side of Lake Kawaguchiko. If staying at the Kawaguchiko Hotel (or any place with an on-site onsen), end the day soaking in the thermal pool.
Day 7: Fuji Hiking Trails and Japanese Fusion Food
Put on your hiking shoes and hit the Mt. Fuji trails! Attempt to conquer the peak if you are visiting during the climbing season (July-August). Just plan for an 8- to 12-hour hike round trip!
Or, avoid the crowds and hike Misutoge. This full-day trek offers incredible views of Mt. Fuji along the way.
Winter visitors to Japan (or those not interested in hiking) can get a thrill at Fuji-Q Amusement Park or enjoy a relaxing day at the many museums and temples around Lake Kawaguchiko.
Whatever you decide to do, end your day indulging in the fare at Izakaya High Spirits. The owner is the host, server and cook…and he’s amazing.
Feast on tapas-style fusion cuisine in the small and cozy space. Call or message a day ahead to make reservations, as it books up quickly!
Day 8: Travel to Tokyo
Check out of your hotel in the morning and head to the Kawaguchiko Station…but it’s not time to go to Tokyo just yet!
Store your luggage in a station locker and hop on a Fujikyuko Line train to Shimoyoshida.
From the station, follow the marked route to the Chureito Pagoda. Take the trail into Arakurayama Sengen Park to the viewing platform that (on clear days) perfectly frames the red, five-story pagoda next to Mt. Fuji.
Back at the Kawagucho Station, cross the street to Hoto Fudo to eat a bowl of the region’s famous noodles before catching the bus to Tokyo.
The route between Tokyo and Kawaguchiko is serviced by multiple companies and the ride should take about 2 hours with most buses terminating at Tokyo Station.
Now navigate to your hotel (recommended: Hotel MyStays in Asakusa or Sotetsu Fresa Inn in Roppongi).
Rather than jumping into sightseeing, spend the evening discovering your new neighborhood without a checklist in hand. Leisurely stroll the streets and see if you can find any hidden gems!
Day 9: Experience Historic and Modern Tokyo
Start your Tokyo exploration at the city’s famous Sensoji Temple – the oldest and largest one in Tokyo. Then get a birds’ eye view of the area from the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center.
Next ride the subway to the Ueno District. Stroll the lanes and sample the food at the popular Ameyoko Market and walk to Ueno Park, where there are some of Tokyo’s best museums.
Then spend the afternoon at Tokyo SkyTree – the iconic broadcasting tower that ranks as the third tallest tower in the world.
Visit the observation deck or partake in other area entertainment, such as the Sumida Aquarium, Planetarium, Solamachi Shopping Center or the Tokyo Postal Museum.
Maybe even make a stop on the 22nd floor of the Asahi Brewery Building if you didn’t go up SkyTree.
Return to Asakusa via the Azuma Bridge, a great vantage point of the Tokyo skyline and Sumida River.
Eat dinner at Sometaro Okonomiyaki, where you can make your own savory pancakes in a comfortable lounge. Then, stroll down Hoppy Street, perhaps stopping for a cold beer.
Finally, swing by the historic Kamiya Bar for a classic cocktail, Denki Bran. If you still have some pep in your step, end the evening back at Sensoji Temple, which is beautifully illuminated at night.
Day 10: Japanese Culture and Tokyo Nightlife
Today you can explore three of Tokyo’s iconic districts: Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku.
Start off with an overhead view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks. There is a north and south observatory and they’re both free!
Back on the ground, make your way to Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park for some nature in a relatively relaxed environment.
Now join the city’s youth for a full dose of Japan’s Kawaii culture on Takeshita dori. Feast on sugar laden crepes, ice cream and cotton candy while shopping for ‘cute’ gifts and souvenirs.
Continue your shopping spree at Tokyo Plaza Omotesando (an upscale mall with a rooftop Starbucks), Cat Street (one of the trendiest streets in Tokyo) and Shibuya Center-Gai (a pedestrian lane lined with fashion outlets and bizarre shops).
Now mingle with the masses at Shibuya Crossing – one of the world’s busiest intersections – and do ‘The Shibuya Scramble’ from one corner to the next.
Then pop up to the rooftop of the Magnet shopping center and watch the madness from above, too!
Spend the evening in Shinjuku. Eat dinner at one (or more) of the hole-in-the-wall eateries that specializes in yakitori – grilled chicken on a stick – at Omoide Yokocho.
End the evening bar-hopping in Golden Gai. Comprised of six narrow alleys and almost 200 bars, it is one of the best nightlife districts in Tokyo!
Day 11: See More Iconic Tokyo City Sights
Start off with fresh sushi and auction action at the Toyosu Fish Market (which replaced Tsukiji Fish Market). After you get your fill, continue on to Odaiba Island in Tokyo Bay.
In addition to shopping centers, Odaiba is also home to Sega World Joypolis, Madame Tussaud’s and Legoland.
While in Odaiba, keep an eye out for a few odd sights, such as the replica Statue of Liberty, the white Rainbow Bridge and a 60-foot-tall Transformer.
Back in the city center, go to the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Walk along the outer plaza to the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace for the best views.
For another impressive Japanese Garden, go to Hotel New Otani’s Garden, which features koi ponds, red bridges and a waterfall.
Now visit the grounds at the Akasaka Palace State Guest House, which was built in 1909 as the Crown Prince’s Palace. It has hosted many summits and dignitaries over the years.
Afterwards, walk to Hie Shrine for a less-touristy shrine experience. Be sure to check out the back-entrance staircase that is covered in torii gates.
Next, visit Japan’s second-tallest structure: the 1100 foot Tokyo Tower. Take in the views from the observation deck, then go to the historic Zojoji Temple next door.
Six of the Tokugawa shoguns are buried in a mausoleum here and the main gate ranks as Tokyo’s oldest wooden structure.
Detour east into the neighborhood and find the Meishu Center; here you can get an informal introduction to sake and inexpensive tastings.
Next, catch a subway to Roppongi and go shopping (Tokyo MidTown and Roppongi Hills Mall) or visit top art museums (Mori Art Museum, Suntory Museum of Art and 21_21 Design Sight Gallery).
Then, eat a satisfying meal of ramen at Ippudo (claimed by many to be the best ramen in Tokyo). Finally, set off on an adventure in Roppongi nightlife!
Day 12: Tokyo Shopping in Ginza and Gaming in Akihabara
Home to luxury retailers and high-end flagship stores, Ginza sit on some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Shop ‘til you drop…then head to Akihabara.
The Akihabara District is nicknamed Electric Town for the abundance of electronic shops, computer goods and video games.
In addition to geeks and gamers, fans of anime and manga also congregate here. Join in the fun and test your skills at one of the top arcades, like HEY Taito, Super Potato or TAITO Station.
End the day at one of the Maid Cafes, try your luck at a Pachinko Parlor or sing your heart out at a Tokyo karaoke joint. Either way, stay in Akihabara after dark when the neon lights come on.
Day 13: Learn More About Japanese Culture
Just a half-hour from Tokyo, Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan and home to 3 million residents.
The area has a large Chinese population, many of whom live in the 150-year-old Chinatown. Take in the colorful streets and delicious fare – then check out The Cup Noodles Museum before heading back to Tokyo.
In the afternoon, participate in a cultural activity in Tokyo. Book a Geisha Experience, dress in a traditional kimono, learn to be a Samurai Warrior, go on a Go-Kart Street Tour or join a guide for a food tour.
If you would rather forego a paid tour, create your own obscure Tokyo Temple Tour or use our list of What To Eat in Tokyo for some foodie fun!
Day 14: Revisit Your Favorite Tokyo Spots
On the last day of your Tokyo Itinerary, we recommend revisiting some of your favorite spots. Delve deeper into a neighborhood – venture off the beaten path and wander down side streets.
Pop into a local shop and dine at a restaurant that doesn’t have an English menu. Be adventurous and just point to an item and see what gets delivered to your table!
Best Way To Travel Around Japan
We researched and agonized over the most economical way to travel through Japan. By basing ourselves in 3 locations and flying into one destination and out of another, we only needed city-to-city transport twice.
The Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass) offers unlimited rides on numerous networks (but not all) at a low price. They can be purchased for 7, 14 or 21 days and start at about $250.
While it eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets to many destinations, they are valid for limited (or no) local transport once in the city.
For example, JR Passes cannot be used on Kyoto Metro and are only good when riding JR Buses. After analyzing our Japan Itinerary, we did not find the JR Pass to be financially beneficial.
How We Paid for Public Transport in Japan
From Kyoto to Kawaguchi, the Shinkansen cost about $100 each. Plus, another $20 each for the bus from Mishima Station to Lake Kawaguchi. The bus from Kawaguchi to Tokyo was about $16 each.
For transportation in both Kyoto and Tokyo, we used pre-paid IC Cards (more on that next). In Kawaguchi, we opted for the 2-Day Unlimited transport card, which cost about $13 each.
IC Cards
The most convenient way to pay fares in Tokyo and Kyoto is with an IC Card. They are loaded with money and fares are paid by tapping in and out on a card reader.
Simple enough, right? Well, not exactly. There are (at last count) 10 different IC cards. Which one you purchase will depend on what city you are in.
In Kyoto you buy an Icoca card and in Tokyo a Suica or Pasmo. That said, all of the cards are valid in Japan’s major cities.
The only hang up on using an IC Card outside the ‘zone’ it was purchased in is getting a refund. That’s the value of the card – about $5 – plus any unused amount.
This can only be done through the issuing office. Suica cards cannot be refunded in Kyoto and Icoca cards cannot be refunded in Tokyo.
So, before we departed from Kyoto for Kawaguchi, we refunded our Icoca cards at the JR Office at the train station.
The Suica card was even easier to return. We used the machine at Tokyo Narita Airport to completely refund our remaining balance, plus the cost of the card.
2 Weeks in Japan Budget
The total price of visiting Japan can be exorbitant. As cost-conscious travelers, we averaged (as a couple) about $180 per day.
We stayed in budget hotels, used public transportation or our own two feet. Also, we skipped many of the expensive entertainment options.
We rarely splurged on meals, yet sampled an array of excellent cuisine. Plus, often grabbed lunch on-the-go from Japan’s famously economical convenience stores. We also limited our alcohol consumption.
Japan Itinerary Travel Essentials
- Our itinerary for 2 weeks in Japan is a jam-packed and covers some ground. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. I like these by New Balance and Kris prefers Merrell.
- Whether you travel with a backpack or a suitcase, make sure you have your favorite day bag to organize and secure all of your everyday items.
- Rather than relying on your phone, upgrade to an actual camera. We travel with a Canon Rebel with a 18/135mm lens.
- Trip insurance may help with cost incurred from lost luggage or cancelled flights and could assist if you got injured or ill abroad. Consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Start planning your trip to Japan! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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