2-Week Japan Itinerary: Make The Most Of Your Time with Our FREE Downloadable Plan

Are you planning to visit Japan for 2 weeks? Have you thought of a specific plan to make the most of your time here? You don't know what places to visit and how to get between them? You don't have experience booking hotels or using utility services here? Cabin Zero can answer all those questions for you with the Japan itinerary 2 weeks that we have compiled from the real experiences of our experts below. Read on because after this article and our Japan packing list, you will be able to confidently visit the Land of the Rising Sun and return with the most interesting experiences. Plus, there is a free, downloadable plan for your convenience at the end.

Is 2 Weeks Enough Time to Visit Japan?

Yes, 2 weeks is a pretty good amount of time to explore Japan. You have enough time to visit major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as the surrounding cities, if you know how to arrange your time effectively. Japan has a convenient public transportation system that makes commuting between cities easy with the least travel time, even if you only have 2 weeks to travel.

Read on for a Japan itinerary 2 weeks that Cabin Zero has compiled from the real-life experiences of travel experts to help you have the most fulfilling vacation.

>>> Maybe you’re also interested in: 2-Week Holiday Packing List - What To Prepare For A 2-Week Trip?

Japan - one of the most visited countries in the world. Photo by chanchai on Adobe Stock

Week 1

Day 1: Depart From Your Home Country

The first day will be spent in transit, mostly on the plane. You will be flying an 11-13 hour overnight flight from cities in the US and Europe. If possible, take a direct flight so you can get more rest. You may want to bring snacks, entertainment, and sleeping gear for the extended time in the air.

Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo – Settle In

Take the bullet train to your pre-booked hotel. With a time difference of up to 9 hours, most visitors choose to spend the first day resting and preparing their bodies and minds for the following days. You can explore the surrounding areas and enjoy a bowl of ramen or sushi for dinner. After a good night’s rest, head to Kyoto on your 2nd day.

Or you can head to Kyoto right away, just after landing. Take a scenic ride and spend about 2 and a half hours on the Shinkansen. Once you arrive, you may want to retire to your hotel and recharge to explore the historic Gion district in the evening. You may even spot a geisha here. 

Day 3: Tokyo → Kyoto – Welcome to Ancient Japan

Now we officially begin. Let’s start your trip to Japan by exploring Kyoto, the country’s cultural capital. It is home to numerous Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, palaces, and gardens, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Make use of your jet lag and beat the crowds by starting to explore as early as 5:00 am.

Afterwards, take a stroll along the Shirakawa Canal and enjoy a relaxing dinner and sample Kyoto’s exquisite tofu dishes or seasonal specialities. Finally, head back to your hotel and rest up for an exciting day 4 ahead.

Day 4: Kyoto – Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, And Gion

Exploring the iconic Fushimi Inari is a must for your Japan itinerary 2 weeks. Photo by Prism6 Production on Adobe Stock

Get up early, as Kyoto fills up quickly with tourists, especially in the popular areas. We’ll start the day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of vermilion torii gates wind up the hillside. Then, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and stroll through the quaint streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Next, have lunch at Nishiki Market and try Kyoto-style sushi or yatsuhashi sweets. At the end of the day, head back to Gion, where you can sample tea at wooden teahouses and enjoy a cultural performance.

Day 5: Kyoto – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove And More

We’ll spend the morning exploring the Arashiyama area, starting with the Sagano Bamboo Forest, or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which connects to Arashiyama Park. Then, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, just 700m away, one of the six most famous temples in Kyoto. The temple is surrounded by gardens with stunning views, so you can take some great photos there. 

Head to the edge of the park for views of the Katsura River, and if you’re up for a bit of climbing, go to Iwatayama Monkey Park for a fun encounter and city views. At the end of the day, enjoy a relaxing boat ride or relax at a riverside cafe before heading back to central Kyoto for a casual izakaya dinner.

Day 6: Nara Day Trip – Temples And Friendly Deer

Deerly beloved in Nara Park. Photo by minatocamera on Adobe Stock

We’ll leave Kyoto for a short trip to Nara. Nara is only about 50km from Kyoto and, with a convenient train system, it only takes about an hour to get there. You’ll visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha, the world’s largest wooden structure, and the record-breaking 500-ton bronze Vairocana Buddha. 

Then, stroll through Nara Park to meet the friendly (and hungry) deer. Afterwards, enjoy a quiet lunch near the park and stroll through the picturesque Isuien Garden or Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Finally, return to Kyoto in the evening for a relaxing final night in the ancient capital.

Day 7: Kyoto → Osaka – Food, Lights, And Energy

Continue your Japan itinerary 2 weeks by getting lost in the energy of Osaka. Photo by YUSHENG HSU on Adobe Stock

Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, a convenient way to get there in just 15 minutes. Then head to Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most famous castles, and indulge in street food and shopping in Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. 

In the afternoon, explore the Kaiyukan Osaka Aquarium to see the amazing marine life of the Pacific Rim. Universal Studios is another famous destination in Osaka with lots of things to explore, so if it’s on your list, plan accordingly to spend at least a day here.

Don’t forget to try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) for delicious and affordable options ranging from £3 to £8. In the evening, take a ride on the Don Quijote Ferris wheel or sing your heart out at karaoke before heading back to your hotel to end your day in Osaka and rest up for the rest of your exciting adventures.

Week 2

Day 8: Osaka → Hiroshima – History And Reflection

After a fun-filled day in Osaka, we will spend the 8th day on a light-hearted experience learning more about history in Hiroshima. Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima; the journey should takes about one to two hours. 

Then, spend the day visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to commemorate those who lost their lives in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. You will see items left by the victims, photos, and other documents that convey the brutality and inhumanity of nuclear weapons and spread the message of "No More Hiroshima". 

You can find several options for lunch, both in the park, such as Aogiri, the Visitors' Lounge, and nearby eateries. Then, take a relaxing walk through Shukkeien Garden or sample Hiroshima's unique okonomiyaki for dinner and return to the hotel to rest for the next destination of your Japan itinerary for 2 weeks.

Day 9: Miyajima Day Trip – Sacred Island Adventure

Stand in awe before the 'floating' torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. Photo by coward_lion on Adobe Stock

Start your day by taking a morning ferry to Miyajima Island, or Shrine Island in Japanese, home to the famous “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Like Nari, there are wild deer here, and they are quite friendly towards humans.

During the day, they are easily spotted at tourist spots, and at night, they sleep along the walking paths. However, you are strictly not allowed to feed them, due to a policy issued by the local government to protect both the deer and the island’s environment. 

You can snack on grilled oysters and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes) while exploring the island’s temples and forests. If you’re an energetic type and up for some exploring, take the Daisho-in Course, one of the best day hikes in Japan, or take the ropeway up Mount Misen for breathtaking views. You can choose to stay at a ryokan on the island for a romantic evening or head back to the city to stay overnight.

Day 10: Hiroshima → Tokyo – Shibuya, Harajuku & Shinjuku

Spend the last days of your Japan itinerary 2 weeks in the vibrant city of Tokyo. Photo by chanchai on Adobe Stock

Make sure to activate your JR pass for the next leg of your trip. Take the bullet train from Hiroshima to Tokyo direct on the Nozomi line (around 4 hours). If you have a JR Pass, you’ll use the Hikari or Sakura trains (slightly slower by ~1 hour). Remember to book a morning train so you can have a full afternoon in Tokyo.

Visit Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. The shrine is open to the public all year round and is free of charge. 

Then, take a stroll down Takeshita Street, a popular shopping street with unique fashion stores, especially kawaii fashion, as well as shops selling sweets, cosmetics, and other items. While you’re there, head to Shibuya to experience the famous Scramble Crossing and see the Hachiko statue.

To cap off your day, head to Shibuya Sky at Shibuya Scramble Square for panoramic views and dinner before heading back to your hotel to prepare for the next day’s schedule.

Day 11: Tokyo Day Trips

There are many Tokyo day trips you can do. Nikko, Kamakura, or even a short half-day to Mt. Takao, to name just a few.

If you want to recharge for day 11 of your Japan itinerary 2 weeks, opt for Hakone, a famous hot spring town with stunning views of Mount Fuji. Now, don’t head straight to the hot springs, but spend the day exploring Lake Ashi on a pirate-style cruise instead. Then we’ll visit Hakone Shrine with its lakeside torii gate and take the Hakone Ropeway for views of Mount Fuji.

People who come here often stay at a ryokan, a traditional inn where you can experience Japanese culture and lifestyle. Finally, enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner and end day 11 by soaking in the healing waters of the hot springs.

Day 12: Tokyo – Asakusa, Akihabara & Ueno

We will also start the day gently with a visit to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest and most important temple. You can also buy interesting souvenirs along Nakamise-dori Street, which stretches from the main gate of Sensoji Temple to the main hall. Only 250m long, this street sells almost all kinds of souvenirs such as food, clothes, toys, decorations, etc. However, don’t rush to buy too much because the trip is long, and you don’t want to stock up too much at the beginning. 

In the afternoon, head to Akihabara if you are a fan or even not a fan of anime, video games, and comics. The cafes here are also really interesting, with staff dressed as maids or butlers serving tea and desserts. If you have time, visit Ueno Park or the nearby Ameyoko Market before returning to your hotel. 

Day 13: Tokyo - Shopping/Relaxing

Dedicate the last day of your 2-week Japan itinerary to shopping or relaxing at an onsen spa. Take it slow and shop to your heart’s content. Be sure to budget accordingly; if you do a lot of shopping, it’s hard to keep your expenses in check.

Afterwards, have dinner at an izakaya, enjoy the delicious food, and reflect on everything you’ve experienced. Finally, head back to your hotel to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s flight. 

Day 14: Fly Back Home

Pack your bags and head to the airport for your flight. If you have time, grab a bowl of ramen or pick up some snacks at the airport duty-free. Due to the time difference, you’ll be more likely to arrive the same day. It’ll be tiring, but you’ll have some great memories of your time in Japan.

Must-Know Tips for a Fulfilling Trip

A Reliable Backpack

Why do you need a backpack instead of a suitcase for travelling to Japan? You’ll be hopping on and off trains whilst trekking an endless flights of starts in those massive stations. Your Japan itinerary will likely include day trips. You’ll walk a lot in Japan, easily 10,000–20,000 steps a day of sightseeing. So yes, a backpack or at least a daypack is a must-have for your Japan travel trip.

• Our bags are light, ideal for the warm, humid weather of Japan.

• Our backpacks are underseat approved, which means no more baggage fees.

• Kyoto to Nara. Osaka to Kobe. Hiroshima to Miyajima. A CabinZero backpack is the perfect size for carrying the essentials for day trips without feeling bulky.

• CabinZero bags come with a lifetime warranty, so you can invest once and travel for decades.

Transportation

Accomodation

Tips: 

• Use Japanese Booking Sites like Jalan.net and Rakuten Travela for a wider selection of Japanese-style accommodations like ryokans.

• Book early, especially in peak seasons (March-April for cherry blossoms, October-November for autumn leaves).

• Attend some of the best festivals in Tokyo if you visit during the summer.

• Check amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, breakfast, and access to laundry facilities or an onsen.

• Stay close to train/subway stations to save walking time.

• Try different styles (hotel, ryokan, capsule, Airbnb) to experience Japan more fully.

• Read reviews on sites like TripAdvisor or Google Maps to get a better sense of the quality and service.

• Don't worry about tipping in hotels, restaurants, or taxis.

• Be mindful of cultural norms regarding noise levels, cleanliness, and use of facilities. 

• Get yourself updated with the latest info for a digital nomad.

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Start Your Japan Itinerary in 2 Weeks Now

Hopefully, with the itinerary that Cabin Zero has planned as well as useful tips drawn from the experience of experts, you can rest assured to enjoy your Japan itinerary 2 weeks. In addition, since you will be going through many cities, choose the most compact backpacks to be able to carry the necessary items, like Cabin Zero's adventure backpacks.

Tell us what you think or leave us any questions below. Follow us on social media and look forward to our next articles for practical travel tips.

Duyen Pham