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Japan is absolutely jam-packed with travel wonders. It’s an oft-repeated cliché, but the combination of tradition with modernity, and intertwining of natural purity within the urban environments, means that Japan gets under your skin like very few other places.
It often surprises foreigners just how many fantastic destinations there are in Japan. When you dig beneath the surface, you’ll find how hard it is to fine-tune your plan down into just a 2 week Japan itinerary. You could easily travel around Japan for months, even years, and still discover interesting new areas throughout the archipelago.
It would be tempting to just play it safe and only visit those big-hitter destinations we’ve all heard of. However, after countless visits to Japan, I deeply believe even first timers should spend at least a few days off the well-trodden tourist trail. Sure, there are those must-see sights, especially in Tokyo, which you should try to get into your plans. But as this 2 week Japan itinerary will show you, the magic of Japan lies away from the foreign tourist crowds. Getting off the beaten track here is surprisingly easy, and you’ll get a truly local feel of Japan.
Another great thing about moving slightly away from the crowds is to spread the economic benefit of tourism beyond those squarely on the tourist trail. In my opinion, balance your 2 week Japan itinerary with a few stops in quieter places, as well as the essential sights.
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Before you go: A note on over-tourism in Japan in 2025
You might have heard about the massive explosion in foreign tourist arrivals to Japan after the Covid-19 pandemic.
With the weak Japanese yen and strong US dollar in recent times, increasing numbers of overseas visitors have flocked to Japan, especially to the ever-popular destinations of Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji. Japanese authorities have even put out advisories to visitors, including maps of hotspots to avoid and tangible steps tourists can take to moderate over-tourism’s impact upon local society.
Days 1-4 Tokyo
Predictably enough, your first stop in Japan will most likely be Japan’s mammoth of a capital city – Tokyo. This sprawling megacity can be a mind-boggling experience at first, but we’ve already got you safely covered with plenty of recommendations here.
Even though most people’s Tokyo is almost synonymous with “hectic”, there is an absolute wealth of varied experiences you can have in the city.
Tips for a local introduction to Tokyo
Here are just some examples of how you can get a well-rounded impression of the city, by countering “lively Tokyo” against “peaceful Tokyo”:
- Once you’ve experienced Shibuya’s scramble crossing and crowded shopping district, head over to the tranquil forested park near the Meiji Shrine.
- After admiring the architecture of Sensoji temple in Asakusa and the vibrant tourist shopping street of Nakamise-dori, take a riverside stroll through Sumida Park up to Matsuchiyama Shoden.
- Shinjuku’s bustling station, shopping streets and Kabukicho district are impressive in their own way, but it’s not far to walk through the backstreets to quiet neighborhood shrines, such as the Inarikio Shrine.
- If you’ve sufficiently soaked up the atmosphere of gaming and anime fandom in Akihabara’s famous Electric Town, walk north up to Ueno Park. Depending on the time of your visit, the springtime sakura (cherry blossom) or fall colors will impress you just as much as the frenetic vibe of Akihabara.
- Just a few minutes’ walk away from the renowned Tsukiji fish market (a truly unforgettable experience) are the Hamarikyu Gardens. Here you can take in the feeling of a meticulously sculpted Japanese garden, peacefully nestled among skyscrapers.
As you can see from the above, Tokyo is truly whatever you make of it. The huge choice of experiences possible within this megapolis is what makes this one of the world’s greatest cities. Find your own version of Tokyo by taking short detours away from the crowded spots. Whether you’ve found a small sake bar in the backstreets of Shibuya, or you’re following our Japanese snack food checklist, the odds are you’ll fall in love with Tokyo like so many before you.
Tokyo neighborhood guide
With so many identities, where to stay in Tokyo can be an overwhelming question. If you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time on this 2 week Japan itinerary, any of the following neighborhoods are good choices:
| Neighborhood | Atmosphere and attractions |
|---|---|
| Shinjuku | Modern district with a dizzying array of shopping, dining and entertainment options, making Shinjuku everything that you imagine about Tokyo. |
| Shibuya | Home to Tokyo’s famous scramble crossing and more neon-lit shopping areas. |
| Harajuku | The renowned home of Japanese youth culture and fashion, with shopping options ranging from thrift stores to high-end designer malls such as Omotesando Hills. Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Shrine park are nearby. |
| Asakusa | Low-rise historical neighborhood next to the Sumida River, with cultural sites and hidden local temples round every corner. |
| Ginza | Tokyo’s financial hub, with high-end shopping and excellent connectivity throughout Japan thanks to Tokyo Station. Ginza is also on the doorstep of the Imperial Palace park. |
| Roppongi | Known for its nightlife and prestigious art galleries and museums, Roppongi is a fresh alternative to the slightly more mainstream districts listed above. |
Day 5: Mt Fuji and the Five Lakes
There is perhaps no mountain anywhere on Earth that is so iconically representative of its nation. Mt Fuji is probably Japan’s most recognizable symbol, and is a highly recommended stop on the first-timer’s 2 week Japan itinerary. No matter which season you visit, Fuji-yama’s majestic shape – and its sheer scale – will leave you awe struck.
Set on the north side of Fuji’s slopes, the Five Lake region is a popular scenic spot from which to admire the mountain and surrounding landscape. Lake Kawaguchi is the biggest of the Five Lakes, and a number of beautiful walks on the lake’s north shore afford spectacular views of Mt Fuji to the south over the water.
You can either visit Mt Fuji and the Five Lakes region as a day trip from Tokyo, or even better with a night stop in a hotel or traditional inn near the town of Fujiyoshida. The town is quite easily accessible by train or bus from Tokyo. There are sightseeing buses around the lakes, or you can hire a car in Fujiyoshida to explore more isolated viewpoints and accommodation options around the lakes.
Days 6-7: Kyoto
From the modern capital to the historical capital (the characters 京都 mean ‘capital city’), Kyoto boasts such rich cultural heritage that it is a worthwhile stop during your 2 week Japan itinerary. Having been the imperial capital for over a thousand years, the innumerable shrines, temples and palaces throughout the city place Kyoto firmly among the top destinations in Japan.
Top attractions in Kyoto include the Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple and Higashiyama surrounding it, Kinkaku Temple, and Tofuku Temple. You’ll probably have also seen Instagram shots of the Fushimi Inari Shrine’s extended path of torii gates – it’s an impressive sight, but expect crowds (especially in peak season). Continue further up to Mt Inari for collections of shrines and lovely views of the city.
Two days in Kyoto should be enough time to get a good feeling for the main historical attractions. Having said that, feel free to extend your stay to three days to enjoy it at your own pace.
Sakura (cherry blossoms) in Kyoto
As you’ll probably know, the time for viewing (and photographing) Japan’s famous sakura is the spring, around April. Many websites such as this one carefully forecast and track the start of the sakura season, from south to north. Kyoto can be very busy during the sakura viewing season.
The most famous sakura spot in Kyoto is the Philosopher’s Path – a promenade attracting photographers from all over the world. Alternatively, you’ll be able to see sakura at many Kyoto’s temples. The Kyoto Botanical Gardens, removed from the sakura mania of Kyoto’s central sights, are also well worth a visit.
Days 8-10: Osaka
The modern neighbor of Kyoto – Osaka – is more reminiscent of Tokyo. An environment of skyscrapers endlessly stretching across the expansive Kansai plain, Osaka is home to architectural marvels, many cultural spaces such as museums and galleries, heritage sites like Osaka Castle, fantastic restaurants, and a wide range of shopping options.
While technically third in size behind Tokyo and Yokohama, Osaka is often considered to be Japan’s second city in terms of cultural impact. Locals here are known for being accommodating and friendly.
Day trip to Nara
Dedicate some of your time in Osaka to a day trip south to Nara, another ancient capital city of Japan. Nara’s history developed under the strong influence of Buddhism in the Japanese archipelago, and its UNESCO-listed ancient monuments are all well worth exploring. You can stay the night, but one day is sufficient on this 2 week Japan itinerary.
Nara Park is a highlight for many visitors, too, thanks to the many white deer which make this place famous. While here, check out the Kofuku Temple, Todai Temple, and Nara National Museum, which houses an impressive selection of Buddhist artwork.
Days 11-12: Kinosaki Onsen
The time has come to get firmly off the well-trodden tourist route, and experience one of the most quintessentially Japanese experiences – onsen. After days of pavement-pounding in Japan’s cities so far, Kinosaki Onsen is where you’ll take the weight off your feet. The onsen baths in Kinosaki Onsen are perfect for soaking in one of Japan’s most historical destinations.
You might have seen already how much we rave about Kinosaki Onsen, so much so that it is a recommended stop even on this first-time 2 week Japan itinerary.
Kinosaki Onsen is not a big place. The town is essentially just a few streets, squeezed between forested slopes and the mouth of the Maruyama River. But this is part of what makes it so special – it’s a chance to truly unwind and feel the comfort of Japan’s nature.
If you choose to splurge on accommodation at any point throughout your Japan trip, do it in Kinosaki Onsen. Stay a night at one of the ryokan (traditional inns) here, and you’ll probably get a pass to visit the other onsen throughout the town.
If an onsen sounds like your kind of vacation, don’t miss our ultimate guide to the best onsens in Japan.
Days 13-14: Choose your own adventure
You’ll have found out by this point that your time in Japan passes by very quickly. You’ll probably be heading back to Osaka, with two more days left on your 2 week Japan itinerary. Choose from the following options, according to your departure point from Japan and your own interests.
1. If you’re interested in history: Hiroshima
What happened in Hiroshima needs no introduction. The Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome are the reason most tourists will visit Hiroshima, and it is of course incredibly important to learn about WW2 history during your trip here. The Children’s Peace Monument is particularly touching.
Beyond the memorials, however, you’ll find a cosmopolitan, modern city with excellent food and impressive nightlife. Staying a night or two in Hiroshima will give you a real insight into authentic Japanese life and friendly locals.
Hiroshima is connected on the main high-speed shinkansen line towards Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu. Since you’re this far west in Japan already, a great option to extend your trip further would be Kitakyushu, followed by the ferry to Busan, South Korea.
2. If you’re interested in traditional villages: Takayama
Takayama is a small town in Gifu prefecture, sitting in a quiet valley between the high peaks of the Japanese Alps.
The quaint old town of Takayama was once a wealthy merchant town in the days of the shogun and samurai. Many old-style buildings remain in place to this day. Many of the traditional homes, shops, inns and sake breweries still preserve their traditional thatched roofs, and they are open to inquisitive tourists today. Takayama is great for exploring the surrounding nature, as well as more hidden-away onsen. The Hida Folk Village is nearby, too, offering a glimpse into rural traditions from this mountainous area of Japan.
To reach Takayama, you’ll probably have to get the shinkansen to Nagoya, before changing to the local JR Hida line.
3. If you’re interested in rural onsen: Izu Peninsula
If the onsen experience of Kinosaki Onsen really captured your heart, then you’ll be pleased to hear about the Izu Peninsula.
Approximately 30 miles long, this rural peninsula is known for its hot springs, numerous waterfalls, forest trails and rugged coastline. At under two hours from Tokyo, it’s one of Tokyoites’ favorite weekend getaways. A final stop in Izu is especially convenient if your flight home leaves from Haneda Airport.
To get here, head back on the shinkansen from Osaka towards Tokyo, but get off at Mishima station. The local train down to Shuzenji will take you to the main town in Izu, where you’ll find a whole host of day-use onsen, sento (public bathhouses) and ryokan accommodation.
4. If you’re visiting in winter
If you’re visiting Japan in winter, you have just entered a whole new league of potential travel destinations. From the powdery ski slopes of Hokkaido, to the winter sports hub of Nagano – you won’t run out of places to visit for a true Japanese winter experience.
And best of all, we have you covered in our dedicated ultimate guide to winter in Japan.
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