Japan is one of the most fascinating countries you can visit. Whether it’s the rich culture and old world charm of Kyoto or modernity of Tokyo and its fast paced lifestyle, everything is worth experiencing in Japan. The natural beauty of Japan is also top notch where you can witness the beauty of Mount Fuji or experience the cherry blossoms.
In short, a trip to Japan can never go wrong and the country offers something for every traveler. If you are going to Japan for the first time then it may be overwhelming to plan an itinerary with so many places to see and so much to do in Japan. That is where our Japan itinerary will come to rescue you from planning your trip on your own.
Here is the ideal 2 week Japan itinerary that you should follow if you are a first time visitor to make the most of your trip.
Get A Rail Pass: before we start our Japan itinerary, it is advised that you get a rail pass so that you can travel in the metro and trains in the country.
Japan’s train network is well made and you can easily use trains to go from one corner of the country to another without any hassle. To make your train journey more seamless and economical, invest in a rail pass as soon as you arrive in the country.
Day 1 to 3: Explore Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the largest cities you will explore and it requires a minimum of two days. As soon as you arrive in Tokyo, go to your hotel and freshen up. If you are too tired then we would suggest you have a quick meal and rest before you start your trip.
Visit the fish market: the fish market of Tokyo has been moved to Toyosu where you will also find some of the best restaurants to eat too. Here you can take a food tour and explore the food culture of Japan closely. Do cafe hopping and find the best food to try in Japan in this region.
Visit the Sensoji Temple: Sensoji Temple is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Japan and it’s worth seeing with your own eyes. It’s a beautiful five storey pagoda and features the famous Kaminari Gate along with the statue of Goddess Kannon.
Visit Imperial Palace: Although you won’t be able to enter the building, it is still a pretty great building to explore with its ambience and surroundings.
Take a day trip to Kamakura: it’s a small town which has an old world charm to it. Here you can see the biggest Buddha statue which dates back to the 13th century.
A Day Trip to Mount Fuji: Mount Fuji is one the largest peaks in Asia and you must visit this place for its breathtaking beauty. If you like to take part in adventurous activities then you will love to spend some time here hiking or trekking. The area around Mount Fuji is also quite happening, so explore that as well.
Day 4 to 6: Kyoto
Kyoto is unarguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world that you are going to see. It is surrounded by scenic landscapes including mountains and bamboo forests and is dotted with beautiful temples and gardens. It is the cultural hub of Japan and you will get so many amazing places to see and explore here.
Visit Golden Pavilion: Crowned with the UNESCO world heritage site title, this temple is one of the most popular and beautiful temples in Japan.
Explore Gion: it is a small district of Kyoto that features a fascinating atmosphere which makes people come here and spend some quality time with their loved ones.
Here, you will see the iconic wooden houses, narrow alleyways, pretty cobblestone streets, and a unique culture that has been persevered by the locals for a long time. It will be a fun experience exploring the culture of Japan with this town.
Explore Bamboo Grove: it is an experience that you must not miss. The bamboo forests possess a surreal vibe to it. It is relaxing and can provide a much needed break from traveling for a while.
Other places to visit and explore in Kyoto are;
- Nishiki Market
- Ryoan-ji temple
- Tenryu-ji temple
- Okochi Sanso Garden
- Day trip to Nara
- Take a food tour of the city
Day 7: Osaka
Being the third largest city of the country, Osaka also offers a lot to see and explore for its visitors. The Osaka castle is quite stunning to see, so make sure to pay a visit to that. This place is also known as the financial capital of the country along with being a great place to explore the Japanese delicacies. If you are a foodie then take a food tour in the city along with a city tour, and spend your day wandering off in the city.
Day 8: Hiroshima
Hiroshima has a tragic past and a sad history, despite that it is continuously healing and thriving. Visit the city to pay your respect to the deceased in the infamous bombing and visit the museum of the city to know more about the history of the place.
You can also head to Miyajima where you can spend some time with nature and go hiking to appreciate its natural beauty.
Day 9 & 10: Takayama
For your next stop in the itinerary, pay a visit to Takayama, another beautiful town in Japan. This city takes you back in time and you will feel like you have entered another period of time. The traditional wooden houses, narrow alleys, beautiful market, and so on are quite beautiful to check out. Make sure to taste the local delicacies and drinks while you are here.
You can also spend another day and visit Kamikochi for a day hike or an overnight trip. The Japanese alps are fascinating to see and you must not miss them.
Day 11: Kanazawa
Kanzana is known as Little Kyoto and you will understand why once you visit the town. You will get to see the old samurai houses, beautiful lanes, stunning temples, and Myoryuji (a defenceman structure with hidden mazes, rooms, and tunnels to confuse the attackers).
Day 12: Matsumoto
Matsumoto is another pretty city that should be on your Japan itinerary. It has the country’s best preserved castle, Matsumoto-jo, which dates back to the 16th century. Its black exterior has given it the name of “Crow Castle”. The place is also closer to the Japanese Alps so if you have some time you can go hiking from here.
Day 13: Hakone
Hakone is just 100 kms away from Tokyo making it the perfect last spot on your Japan itinerary. The place falls in the region of National Park and provides the backdrop of beautiful lakes and Mount Fuji. If you haven’t visited Mount Fuji earlier in your trip then it is your chance to visit and explore Mount Fuji.
This is a beautiful region with the most picturesque locations so you can get unlimited Instagram worthy shots here. The place is also known for its hot springs so make sure to experience one while you are here.
Day 14: Head Back Home
Reach Tokyo from Hakone, eat good food in the nearby restaurants and rest before you catch your flight to get back home.
Conclusion
This travel itinerary is perfect for first time visitors to Japan as it covers all the major cities and tourist attractions. Of course, you can never get enough of Japan and will leave wanting to stay for a few more days no matter how long your trip is. I hope you have the best time in Japan following this itinerary and get to see the best of the country in two weeks.
Japan Itinerary | Perfect Itinerary to Explore Japan for the First Timers
