2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary: Complete First-Timer Guide to “Blend In”

Planning on spending two weeks in Japan for the first time? I’ve obsessively visited every few months for over a decade, so I’m here to help transform your trip into a unique, highly personalised experience you’ll LOVE every moment of!

I’ve also packed this tried-and-tested two week Japan itinerary with tips for what’s in (and out) for the year ahead because there are a few things no one tells you…

Most other itineraries were created by people who have only visited Japan in recent years, speeding through the same few spots within the “Golden Route” — Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka with rushed day trips.

This has led to outdated info and overtourism issues with visitors chasing the same pictures; standing for hours in queues for photos; doing the same touristy things as everyone else.

To top it off, they’re left disappointed with unmet expectations. I don’t want this for your two-week Japan itinerary, so I’ll show you how to “blend in.”

While still covering the popular cities in a relaxed way, my Golden Route itinerary takes travel times into account. I’ve shared useful insider advice based on my experiences, best times to visit attractions without crowds, and options to switch out overcrowded spots for lesser-known locations each day.

If you’re hoping to curate a more authentic 14 day Japan itinerary beyond the main tourist spots that suits your interests, learn where to stay in Japan, be left in awe by stunning landscapes, enjoy unique culinary experiences without queues, all while fulfilling your heart’s desires, read on for more!

• Fuji Five Lakes 2 hours from Tokyo
  Including spots with an iconic Mt Fuji backdrop such as Lake Kawaguchiko, Chureito Pagoda, Gotemba Outlets, various temples and shrines, 8 sacred ponds of Oshino Hakkai and more. Due to the popularity of local buses and their limited schedules, I reviewed this Fuji Five Lakes day trip itinerary, and I also recommend these days tours around the Fuji Five Lakes.
  TIP: Use fujisan.info to check the probability of seeing Fujisan on a given day before heading there!
• Kamakura 50 mins from Tokyo
  Japan’s ancient capital with many temples and shrines, Kamakura is popular for its famous giant Buddha and easy hikes nearby. Discover hidden caves, Hasedera Temple and enjoy a traditional lunch. Read my full one day Kamakura itinerary for more.
• Nikko 2 hours from Tokyo
  This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is home to many temples and shrines (pictured below) nestled within nature’s finest scenery. There are 3 ways to get there using different discount passes, which I detail in my guide to planning a Nikko day trip itinerary. And don’t forget the lesser-known Edo Wonderland theme park (Edo was the capital city of Japan before Tokyo) and Tobu World Square here, with your favourite landmarks in miniature!

Overnight in Fujinomiya

Prefer to spend the night near Fujisan? Located on the mountain’s western edge, I’ve named Fujinomiya as the “unseen side of Mt Fuji.” Most tourists zip right past it on bullet trains between Tokyo and Kyoto, meaning fewer crowds for us – and some of the most incredible views, just look at the sunrise view from my room below!

It is possible to visit Fujinomiya in one day on this Fujinomiya famous food tour (+ bullet train from Tokyo). However, to make the most of your visit and increase your chances of seeing Mt Fuji it’s a good idea to spend the night. Read more my guide to what to do in Fujinomiya for all the details.

DAYS 7 – 10: KYOTO

Days 7-10 of my sample itinerary for Japan is beautiful Kyoto. As Japan’s ancient capital for over 1,000 years and dotted with over 2,000 temples and shrines, this dear old city deserves more than just one day of your time! 

There is so much more to see here than the ever-popular Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-Dera, which I call the Big 4.

My Kyoto 4 day itinerary below will help you experience a different side of this timeless city by incorporating some hidden gems in Kyoto during your time here, as well as the best times to go to avoid crowds at the Big 4 to enrich your experience.

TIP: Also check out my guide to these lesser-known alternatives to Kyoto without the crowds.

Getting from Tokyo to Kyoto

2 hours 20 minutes one way from Tokyo Shinagawa station on Nozomi shinkansen, free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass.

Where to eat in Kyoto

I love the random small eateries in Gion’s alleyways, usually just Google-ing for what I feel like at the time. But I can recommend Manzara-Tei Pontochoen restaurant in Pontocho.

I’ve taken this Kyoto night tour and was able to enjoy hidden bars in the Pontocho area. On the tour, I even got to sample a special “rose sake” that I wouldn’t have been able to find by myself, read about it here! Nishiki Market is popular with locals and tourists and is therefore crowded.

It’s also possible to do a cooking class, read my ramen-making experience here, while others combine traditional Kyoto cooking classes and tea ceremonies. Some allow guests to dress up in kimono. 

You can pre-book a small group tour in advance to learn more about culture from a local guide:

• Enjoy a special evening with a maiko (trainee geisha) in Gion! This was one of my favourite experiences in Japan ever. Read my review of dinner with a maiko in Kyoto, and check availability and book here →
• What better place to have breakfast than in the “Kitchen of Kyoto” on a Nishiki Market Breakfast tour →
• Explore the mysterious laneways of Gion, enjoy hidden eateries (and maybe may spot a geisha or two) on a Kyoto night foodie tour →
• Use discount BYFOODIT5 for 5% off these ByFood tours, exclusively for my readers:
• Experience a traditional Gion & Kaiseki Kyoto Food Tour →
• Enjoy a Kyoto Market with 7 Course Lunch Tour →
• Explore the historical centre of the city on a Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour →
• Learn about Japan’s national beverage on a Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour With Lunch →
• Have a blast on a Kyoto Luxury Sake, Whiskey & Cocktail Night Tour →
• Take a day trip to experience a Matcha Kyoto Green Tea Tour Uji → (read my review in my guide to things to do in Uji and itinerary for an Uji day trip)

Ideas for things to do in Kyoto

TIP: By grouping nearby attractions together, you can visit the following locations in a day each. My full Kyoto itinerary has all the details. If you’d like to switch Kyoto for a compact, lesser-known alternative, read my day trip to Omihachiman itinerary.

• Downtown Kyoto: As you’ll likely arrive in the early afternoon from Tokyo, explore the downtown area with its many shotengai (undercover shopping arcades), see Kyoto Tower and walk along the Sanjo Ohashi Bridge 三条大橋. Maruyama Park 円山公園 and popular Yasaka Shrine 八坂神社 are much more peaceful in the late afternoon after day-tripping crowds have left.
• Northern Kyoto: You could start at the crack of dawn at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to avoid crowds (I personally enjoyed the lesser-known and quiet bamboo groves of Kodai-ji instead 高台寺). Enjoy often overlooked spots in Arashiyama such as Gio-ji Temple & Moss Gardens 祇王寺, Adashino Nembutsu-ji 化野念仏寺, then finish the day at famous Kinkaku-ji Temple 金閣寺 (Golden Pavilion), one of Japan’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. The best time to avoid crowds at Kinkaku-ji is in the late afternoon when tour buses are gone. But I think the gold-filed interior of of Nijo Castle 元離宮二条城 is more impressive and would honestly prioritise that instead!
• TIP: You can skip Arashiyama Bamboo Grove completely by taking this Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking tour with a local guide, as it visits secluded groves along the way. I loved this experience, more info down the page.

• Eastern Kyoto: Begin the day at stunning Daigo-ji 醍醐寺 temple & gardens followed by Nanzen-ji 南禅寺 with its huge 19th century working aqueduct, or pop by Tofuku-ji 東福寺 with its exquisite Japanese maple gardens. Spend the afternoon strolling the Philosopher’s Path north to Ginkaku-ji 銀閣寺 (Silver Pavilion). The Silver Pavilion is said to be the little brother of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and in my opinion had the more exquisite gardens. Hop on over to Okazaki-jinja 岡﨑神社 if you love rabbits, as this gorgeous little shrine is dedicated to these furry friends!
• Central Kyoto: Begin early at iconic streets Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka to spot Yasaka Pagoda without crowds (unfortunately the iconic cherry tree of Sannenzaka fell down so it is no longer). Don’t walk past colourful Yasaka Koshindo! From here, Kiyomizu-dera 東福寺 is best explored either early morning or late afternoon – but is usually packed for sunset. Pick up some meaningful souvenirs along Shijo-dori, visit Kennin-ji 建仁寺 with its stunning dragon-painted ceiling, then if you don’t do the Hidden Hiking Tour I mentioned, spend late afternoon at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine 伏見稲荷大社, a UNESCO World Heritage site you’re sure to recognise with its endless rows of red torii gates.

TIP: Fushimi Inari literally covers the side of a mountain. Be prepared for loads of walking because the sign at the start is NOT to scale! If you want to avoid the crowds but DON’T want to get up at the crack of dawn or go at night, this Fushimi Inari hidden hike with a Kyoto local guide during the day might be up your alley. It also visits secret bamboo groves along the way, so this could save you the trip to Arashiyama. Read my Fushimi Inari Shrine hike review for what to expect.

NOTE: Maybe you saw news that the local government closed some streets in Gion in response to tourists’ harassment of geisha. It is a few select private streets, not the entire neighbourhood. My guide to the Gion tourist ban has what you need to know.

Advance tickets for activities in Kyoto

Check out “Gear,” an incredible non-verbal performance exclusive to Kyoto. The characters really come to life and tell a story through music, magic tricks, various choreography routines and colourful lighting. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I also highly recommend my traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto with a geisha experience, I learnt so much about the history and culture surrounding tea from her. More Kyoto experiences include:

• Dinner with a maiko (apprentice geisha) →
• Forge your own knife with a master swordsmith → (or similar traditional cultural experiences here) 
• Matcha foodie day trip to Uji →
• Arashiyama Sagano Romantic Train tickets →
• Historical 4 hour city cycling tour → 
• Fu Fu No Yu Onsen entry tickets (indoor & outdoor hot springs) → 
• Kimono rental with optional photoshoot →
• Kyoto International Manga Museum tickets →
• Arashiyama rickshaw tour →

DAYS 10 – 12: HIROSHIMA

In my opinion, everyone should visit Hiroshima at least once if given the chance. Being a history nerd, I was so interested to learn survivors’ stories and to see how this city recovered after the fateful blast in August 1945.

To be completely honest, if the Atomic Bomb Dome wasn’t sitting centre stage as a reminder of the past, you would never guess the atrocity that happened here eighty years ago.

Aside from its fateful history, Hiroshima is one of the most beautiful southern Japan cities and is worth spending a few nights to explore beyond the Peace Park. 

Getting from Kyoto to Hiroshima

1 hour 40 minutes from Kyoto Station on Nozomi shinkansen, free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass.

Where to eat in Hiroshima

Plenty of restaurants to choose from along the Hon-dori. Try the local okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), at Okonomimura, a four-storey building packed with okonomiyaki eateries! You can’t really go wrong in here as each restaurant is its own business, specialising in cooking this dish their own way.

I also enjoyed sampling Japan’s famous soufflé pancakes at Happy Pancake (and I didn’t have to wait in line).

Want to discover more of the hidden eateries and drinking spots? For an authentic Japanese experience, you can take a Hiroshima bar hopping tour with a small group led by a local, or a best of Hiroshima foodie tour. Or even take a “Sake Town” tour in Saijo to learn more about Japanese food, culture and even make some new friends along the way!

Ideas for things to do in Hiroshima

TIP: The following locations are part of my complete meaningful and fun things to do in Hiroshima travel guide, be sure to take a look for more details!

• Eat, explore and shop along the Hondori Arcade. You’ll also find wonderful little souvenirs to remember your visit.
• Reflect at the A-Bomb Dome 原爆ドーム (UNESCO World Heritage site), be amazed by thousands of colourful paper cranes at the Children’s Peace Monument and find Jizoson. The atomic bomb struck Jizoson and left it with a nuclear shadow, incredible and eerie.
• You’ll also see the Peace Arch on your way to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum 広島平和記念資料館. Artefacts that survived the blast are on display in the museum, including ceramics that were fused together due to the extreme heat from the explosion. It’s difficult to get your head around but the museum does a great job of helping you gain a better understanding about nuclear bombs and their consequences.
• The Peace Flame located by the Peach Arch will burn until the last nuclear weapon on Earth is destroyed, and nearby are Phoenix Trees that were blasted by the atomic bomb and miraculously survived, their charred trunks hollowed by the explosion.
• One of the most moving places to visit in Hiroshima is the National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims. Here you’ll learn why the symbolism of water is so significant to many monuments in Hiroshima, listen to stories of survivors and see a huge soil sample of the city dating from 400 years until after the Peace Memorial Park was created in 1954. Seeing the blacked debris wedged beneath the soil is eye-opening.

• Visit Shukkeien Garden or Hiroshima Castle (obviously the castle is not original and was rebuilt in 1958).
• If you would prefer a local guide to show you around the city and explain the sights in more detail, a Hiroshima walking tour may be a good option for you. With a personalised touch and stories from a local who calls Hiroshima home, you’ll gain a greater understanding about this beautiful city. Lunch is included, too!
• Find more local tours in Hiroshima here.
• Take a quick day trip to Onomichi, an old seaside town most visitors overlook between Kyoto and Hiroshima. Filled with temples, scenic viewpoints, known for ramen and cats, it’s one not to miss for art lovers, too!

OPTIONAL: Day trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine)

To extend your Hiroshima itinerary, nearby Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社 is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The present shrine dates back to the mid-13th century and is one of Japan’s National Treasures. The shrine is famous for its giant floating torii gate, but there is so much more to discover here!

• Getting there: Aquanet Ferry from Hiroshima Peace Park to Miyajima island, approx 45mins.
• Cost: Not included with the JR Pass, an adult roundtrip JPY 4,000 ea.

As I’ve visited three times now, I’ve written a detailed guide for your Hiroshima to Miyajima day trip here! Take a look for more photos, ferry comparison with and without the JR Pass (and why I don’t recommend using the JR Pass in this instance), overlooked places and what NOT to do to help make the most of your visit.

TIP: Check the tide information before your trip to find out whether the Grand Torii will be in high or low tide during your visit. At high tide, it appears to float on the water and makes for stunning photos. In low tide, you can walk right beneath it and appreciate the bright vermilion colour up close.

DAYS 12 – 14: OSAKA

Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” you can literally eat and shop until you drop in Osaka! Prepare for all your senses to be delighted in this city, from the aromas of sizzling takoyaki to the dizzying sounds of Pachinko parlours and bright neon signs assaulting your eyes.

Osaka’s origins are that of a merchant city rather than samurai, so be sure to stand on the RIGHT side of escalators instead of left (like most of the country)!

Getting from Hiroshima to Osaka

1 hour 20 minutes from Hiroshima on Nozomi shinkansen, or free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass.

Where to eat in Osaka

World famous for its delicious street food, no Osaka trip would be complete without trying as much as possible! Kurmon Ichiba Market is popular with visitors and locals alike, or you can fish for your own dinner at Zauo Restaurant.

To avoid the crowds along Dotonbori on my second visit, I personally enjoyed eating my way around the Shinsekai neighbourhood with a local to show me the hidden spots I would never have found on my own. This unique and retro area of Osaka was mostly spared during the war, with some original buildings still dotted throughout.

Read my review of the best Osaka street food according to locals or book your own foodie tours with friendly local guides:

• Osaka Shinsekai Street Food Tour – Evening →
• Daytime Street Food Tour in Shinsekai →
• Daytime Foodie Tour in Dotonbori →
• Osaka Night Bar Hopping and Food Tour in Namba →
• Find more experiences in Osaka here.

Ideas for things to do in Osaka

TIP: You can see most of the following locations in Osaka in 2 days, then add on a day trip afterwards. Be sure to check out my in-depth Osaka itinerary for more details than I’ve listed here.

• See the famous Glico Man over the river from Dotonbori 道頓堀, keep an eye out out for artistic drain covers (pictured below), be amazed at all the shops and how meticulously the products are arranged.
• Spend the day at Osaka Castle Museum 大阪城, check out the 360º view from the observation deck and wander the beautiful grounds. During February, the peach and plum grove behind the castle is a great alternative to the overcrowded cherry blossoms of late March. Don’t miss the Time Capsule out front to be opened in the year 5000!
• Embrace the foodie scene: The Japanese phrase kuidaore (eat ‘til you drop) is well known in Osaka as you can literally do just that! Some great places to start your foodie adventure are Shinsaibashi-suji Arcade and Kuromon Ichiba Market. 
• Find Hozen-ji Yokocho: An Osaka hidden gem buried away in the quiet backstreets along with the mossy statue of Mizukake Fudo.
• Visit the giant lion’s head at Namba Shrine.
• In the late afternoon, head to the retro Shinsekai or America-mura neighbourhoods. Shinsekai dates back to the 1930’s and was known as the “New World” to showcase European architecture to Japanese locals at the time.

OPTIONAL: Day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to Nara

An Osaka to Nara day trip is simple and fun! Holding a great historical significance to the country, Nara 奈良 was Japan’s first permanent capital in 710 AD. The city was heavily influenced by Buddhism, with many structures reflecting this.

Deer are believed to be messengers to the gods, and roam freely around the city. To me, Nara has a spiritual aura that is not found in many other places, I just adore exploring in the late afternoon during the “golden hour!”

• Kyoto Station to Nara: 35 mins on limited express Kintetsu train to Kintestu Nara Station (closer to the Nara Deer Park), or 45mins to JR Nara Station.
• Osaka Namba Station to Nara: 50 mins on limited express Kintetsu train to Kintestu Nara Station, or 45mins to JR Nara Station.
• TIP: If using the Kintestu line for your Nara 1 day itinerary, you may need to pay cash for the Limited Express portion of your ticket on board if using a Suica card to pass through the ticket gates. A member of staff will pass through to check tickets and you can pay a few yen in coins. 

Ideas for things to do in Nara

TIP: My detailed Nara one day itinerary from Osaka or Kyoto covers the below locations and more in further detail, and includes plenty of travel tips from my two visits.

• Todai-ji Temple 東大寺, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest wooden structure in the world. Be amazed by the giant bronze Buddha and see if you’re small enough to fit through the pillar with a hole the size of Buddha’s nostril for good luck! 
• Yoshiki-en Gardens 吉城園 are a breathtaking world of moss and leafy surrounds.
• Sarusawa Pond Park & Ukimido Pond for lovely views with old structures as backdrops.
• Naramachi old town with its interesting English-focused Naramachi Museum. 
• Todai-ji Nigatsu-do 二月堂 for lovely panoramic views over Nara (especially at sundown!)
• Kasuga-Taisha Shrine 春日大社 for 3,000 stone lanterns and golden suspended lanterns. It’s Nara’s most celebrated shrine, with a winter fire festival held in January.
• Kofuku-ji 興福寺, family temple of the Fujiwara clan and some of the oldest structures in Nara.

TIP: For more day trip locations nearby that aren’t Universal Studios, check my detailed guide to inspiring day trips from Kyoto or Osaka (including a day trip to Uji, Himeji, Kobe and more) that covers popular destinations and alternatives to crowded spots.

DAY 14: TRANSIT TO TOKYO

I highly recommend arriving back in Tokyo at least one day before your flight home to allow a buffer for anything unforeseen, Japan is a land of natural disasters after all. It’s wise to factor in extra time for shinkansen delays due to snow, typhoons, earthquakes etc to not miss our international flight.

Once you arrive back in Tokyo from Osaka or Kyoto, you can spend the day visiting a museum or an experience such as teamLab Borderless or Planets, revisiting a favourite neighbourhood, or exploring a new one in my Tokyo neighbourhood guide! Where will you choose?

TIP: Read my honest advice on if teamLab Borderless is worth it for you, from my two visits in the old vs new locations.

Getting back to Tokyo from Kyoto or Osaka

2 hours 40 minutes from Osaka Station / 2 hours 10 minutes from Kyoto Station on Nozomi shinkansen, free on included trains with the Japan Rail Pass.

TRANSIT: Tokyo from/to Haneda or Narita Airports

I recommend flying into Haneda if it’s an option for you, as it’s closer to central Tokyo. Narita is actually located in Chiba Prefecture and is further away, but is a nice preserved town in itself if you need to spend a night there before or after a flight.

How to get to/from Tokyo via Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport <> Tokyo (Hamamatsuchō) via Tokyo Monorail, 15 minutes. Asakusa will take another 25 mins, while Shinjuku and Shibuya will add on another 30-40 mins.

TIP: Your IC/Suica Card will cover the cost of the monorail, too! 

How to get to/from Tokyo via Narita Airport

Narita Airport <> Tokyo via Narita Express, approx. 1 hour.

TIP: An alternative is the Airport Limousine Bus. At almost half the cost of Narita Express, you’re able to book tickets in advance. Find out more about Narita Airport Limousine tickets.

Money saving tips for Tokyo transport

The famed Japan Rail Pass does not pay off for this itinerary. I instead recommend purchasing individual tickets to save money. You can book these online in advance via SmartEx or Klook, at ticket machines in Japan or in person at a JR ticket office.

TIP: The Tokyo Subway Pass offers discounted travel rather than Suica (IC) Cards. Read my guide to train symbols in Japan Google Maps that easily breaks down the different types of transport cards, when to use each, and which is best for you.

Two weeks in Japan budget: How much does it cost?

To make things even easier for you, I’ve added up costs to give you an overall 2 weeks in Japan cost. This total is travelling with a mid range budget for two adults.

By all means, don’t take this as absolute gospel, my preferences may differ to yours in terms of using the JR Pass (and the exchange rate may alter a little) but feel free to use it as a ballpark figure. You can always spend more or less than this!

2 weeks in Japan cost for two adults

• Flights – Vary wildly depending where you’re flying from! From my native Sydney, Australia to Tokyo Narita or Haneda, these days 1,500 AUD or less for direct is a good deal. Flights are much more expensive since Japan reopened their borders in October 2022.
• Hotels – USD 2,200 approx / JPY 34,400
  All 3-4 star, twin share
• Long Distance Trains – USD 950 approx / JPY 148,600
  All Nozomi shinkansen trips, express train to Hakone, Ferry to Miyajima etc
• Total for 2 adults, 2 weeks excluding spending money: USD 3,150 excluding flights and spending money (approx, depends on exchange rate). 

In terms of spending money, I usually allow around USD 300-400 per week for myself. This includes Suica card top ups, temple entries, convenience store meals, small souvenirs etc. You can easily spend a lot more or a lot less, it’s entirely up to you! I’m quite the splurger on holidays and even I come home with a small amount of change afterwards.

Things to keep in mind for your Japan two week itinerary

Busy Periods and Public Holidays in Japan

Once you’ve locked in your flights for your two week trip to Japan, it’s wise to book accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment during the expected busy travel periods. Note some accommodations only show availability 3-6 months in advance.

• New Year’s: This extends from just after Christmas to the first week of January. Expect a lot of store closures and bullet trains to be very crowded as people travel home from the cities to celebrate. And remember, some ATMs take a holiday break from 1st – 3rd January, too – they won’t dispense any cash during this time.
• Late March – mid-April is the popular cherry blossom season so plan in advance. Find out when is the best time to visit for cherry blossoms depending on the locations you wish to view with my spring in Japan guide. You can also work around these less popular yet beautiful spring flowers in Japan that aren’t cherry blossoms to avoid the main crowds.
• In late April – early May, Golden Week is the busiest time of year for travel in Japan, mainly from locals travelling around the country during these holidays. The holidays begin on 29th April and will run through to 5th May. Be prepared for crowds, or try to avoid this time as everyone in Japan is moving around and visiting their families over the break.
• Fall foliage: Another popular time to visit Japan when the Japanese maples turn red! The season ranges from September to November throughout Japan.
• Silver Week: Occurs every five to six years when several Japanese holidays align in mid-September to create a 4-day weekend. The next Silver Week will occur in 2026.
• See the full list of public holidays in Japan.

Tickets for popular attractions

• Tickets for Shibuya Sky, Studio Ghibli Museum, Ginza Art Aquarium, Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour, Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea, are incredibly popular and often sell out. These and many more tickets can be purchased in advance online. Some need to be booked up to 8 weeks in advance, so be sure to take a look!
• The Sumo Tournament is only held three times per year (January, May & September) and may no coincide with your trip. You can opt to see the Sumo morning practice in their stables with a local guide instead. 

Concluding my two weeks in Japan itinerary

So there you have it with my 2 weeks in Japan itinerary sample! Heading from Hiroshima to Tokyo takes around 5 hours, so that’s the better part of a day gone. This loop itinerary is the most efficient way to see all the main sights (and also wander off the beaten path) without backtracking or being short on time.

Although it may look like my partner and I crammed a lot when seeing Japan in 2 weeks, I can honestly say we never felt rushed. Being prepared allowed us to leisurely stroll between many attractions and enjoy taking our time uncovering the wonders that make this incredible country so unique.

Finally, you don’t need to head back to Tokyo if you’ve chosen to fly out of Osaka at the end of your trip. From my home of Australia at least, I personally find return flights from Tokyo cheaper than an open-jaw Tokyo/Osaka ticket – and this includes the bullet train back to Tokyo.

More expertly curated Japan guides

• Want to avoid crowds on and off the Golden Route completely? My itineraries for 10 days in Japan and one week in Japan‘s Tokai Region cover unique destinations overlooked by most foreign tourists.
• Curious to see where an extra week can take you? My Japan 3 week itinerary combines the Old and New Golden Routes.
• Planning a special occasion? My Japan honeymoon itinerary covers romantic spots in lesser-known destinations to help you avoid crowds.
• Thinking of a road trip? My detailed 7 day Kyushu itinerary covers sights overlooked by foreign tourists, utilising train and rental car, with the option to extend to 10 days.
• Explore overlooked areas with my 10 day Shikoku itinerary and Okinawa travel guide.
• Want all the facets of Japan in one overlooked spot between Tokyo and Kyoto? My one to 7 days Izu Peninsula itinerary ticks all the boxes.
• Find more places in Japan that are off the beaten path to avoid crowds.
• And if you’re also heading to Seoul, Busan and want some ideas for lesser-known gems, my 10 day South Korea itinerary is for you!

How are you going planning your 2 weeks in Japan? What are your thoughts on this Japan itinerary 14 days? Or do you have any questions about it? I’d LOVE to hear in the comments below.

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