Japan is one of the most interesting, culturally rich countries I have visited, and one that I would recommend without hesitation. You could easily spend months there and never run out of things to do and see, but sadly not everyone has that luxury. In this post, I have outlined a 2-week itinerary that will suit almost any budget. It includes futuristic and bustling cities, magnificent shrines and castles, jaw-dropping landscapes and, of course, incredible food (which alone is worth a trip to Japan!).

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How This Itinerary is Structured

This itinerary has been planned using public transport and focuses solely on Japan’s largest island, Honshu. It will take you from Tokyo as far west as Hiroshima, using the country’s excellent train network. I will make suggestions about what to see and do in each location but won’t give you a rigid checklist to follow. Depending on when you’re there, there might be some special local or seasonal events that you shouldn’t miss.

Keep in mind that the weather in Japan can quickly change, which can scupper plans, so it’s good to be flexible and spontaneous. I’ve given each place at least two nights (except day trips) as I don’t believe you can get a real impression of a place if you only stay there one night. 

This is a basic structure and shows what can be achieved in just two weeks but can easily be adapted depending on where you arrive or leave from. For example, my husband and I landed in Tokyo and flew out of Osaka, but with the bullet train you can easily get back to Tokyo for an outbound flight.

How to Get Around Japan

Getting around Japan is incredibly easy thanks to its world-renowned public transportation system. For this itinerary you will be making use of Japan’s excellent train network, which includes the famous Shinkansen (bullet train). These high-speed trains travel at over 300 kmh, getting you where you need to go quickly and comfortably. Unlike in other countries, you won’t have to worry about missing any connections or late arrivals as public transport is incredibly efficient in Japan, to the point they have issued apologies before for being two minutes late!

If you’re going to be using trains a lot, the JR train pass will probably be the best choice. It gives you the freedom and flexibility to jump onto a vast number of trains without making a reservation. However JR passes have increased considerably in recent years (80,000 YEN/$550 for a 2-week pass as of 2025), so it is worth calculating if it would be cheaper to get the JR pass or buy tickets individually If you decide against buying the JR pass, Klook has special offers on many popular routes such as Tokyo-Osaka and Tokyo-Kyoto.

If you want more freedom over your schedule, I’d suggest renting a car in Japan. I’ve not done this, but my brother-in-law absolutely loved driving across the country, as it meant he could stop off at random little towns or nature spots that weren’t accessible by train.

In each destination in this itinerary, you will be able to use Japan’s extensive subway systems and bus routes to get around. They are safe, reliable, clean and have English signs and stations written in the Roman alphabet. You can also find train station attendants who speak English and will happily answer your questions and give directions.

Day 1-5 – Tokyo

Greater Tokyo Area spreads far and wide, and is home to roughly 30 percent of Japan’s total population. For these reasons, I suggest you spend at least 4 days in this sprawling megalopolis. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo that you could easily spend your entire two weeks here.

Get your fill of anime, manga, and video games in Akihabara, visit Sensō-ji Temple (Tokyo’s oldest buddhist temple) and the Imperial Palace, go for a relaxing stroll around pretty Yoyogi Park, shop til you drop at one of many giant malls in Ginza, and most importantly, stuff yourself with the mouth-watering food available

I’m a sucker for an observation deck too, so head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for a fantastic free view of Tokyo’s Blade Runner-like skyline. On a clear day, you even see Mount Fuji. Speaking of which, you can take a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, where you will get up close and personal with Japan’s highest mountain. My husband and I didn’t get to visit as the weather was too wet and foggy during our time in Tokyo, so it’s on the wishlist for next time. 

Getting to Central Tokyo from Narita Airport

Narita (NRT), Japan’s largest international airport, is roughly 60 kilometers away from central Tokyo. To get from Narita to central Tokyo you have a variety of options, including buses, trains, and taxis. Some trains are usable with a JR Pass, however, for this itinerary we suggest activating your JR pass when leaving Tokyo to save money.

We used the Tokyo Shuttle Bus – also known as the Airport Bus Tokyo-Narita (TYO-NRT) – which takes you to Tokyo’s central station in just over an hour for JPY 1,500 ($10).

Where to Stay in Tokyo

• Hotel Mystays Higashi Ikebukuro (£) – A well-connected hotel with simple, modern rooms. Good for exploring without staying in the most expensive zones.
• Ken Hotel Tokyo Shinjuku (££) – A recently renovated 4-star apartment with free WiFi, air-conditioning, a kitchenette and balcony. It’s well-located, close to Jisho-in Temple, Itsukushima Shrine Nukebenten, and Tokyo Toy Museum.
• Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside (£££) – Clean, modest 3-star hotel in Shinjuku with free WiFi and buffet breakfast; very convenient for transport and nightlife.

Day 6- 7 – Kanazawa

After a tiring few days in Tokyo it is now time to activate your JR pass to travel to Kanazawa, the capital of the Ishikawa Prefecture. You may not have heard of Kanazawa as it rarely gets mentioned in Japan itineraries, but we both really enjoyed it. We wanted to spend some time in a quieter, less touristy place and Kanazawa was perfect for that.

The main attraction in Kanazawa is the stunning Kenrokuen Garden, one of the three Great Gardens of Japan. Make sure to also visit the nearby Kanazawa Castle, a partially-restored castle dating back to the 1500s.

Where to Stay in Kanazawa

• Hotel Wing International Premium (£) – My husband and I stayed in this clean and comfortable hotel with friendly English-speaking staff. We were unexpectedly given some free pajamas, face creams and lotions (result!). The hotel is very well-located; only a few minutes’ walk from the station.
• Hotel Forza Kanazawa (££) – This hotel offers clean, modern rooms in a stylish setting, just a 10–15 minute walk from Kanazawa Castle and other major attractions.
• Hotel Nikko Kanazawa (£££) – This stylish, well-rated hotel is conveniently located right in front of JR Kanazawa Train Station. All the rooms are from the 17th floor and above, so the views are excellent!

Day 8 to 9 – Kyoto

Kyoto is arguably Japan’s most beautiful city and is known as the country’s cultural capital. It can be insanely busy with tourists, especially during the cherry blossom season, but try not to let that put you off.

There are plenty of things to do in Kyoto to keep you busy, including visiting its UNESCO World Heritage sites. Step back in time to feudal-era Japan with a stroll through the geisha district of Gion and southern Higashiyama, gorge yourself on delicious cuisine at Nishiki market, and explore Nijō Castle and its beautiful surrounding gardens.

Admire the pretty historical streets near Yasaka Shrine, get unforgettable views of Kyoto from Kiyomizu-dera (a stunning Buddhist temple and one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto) or follow the famous Fushimi Inari pathway (a mountainside Shinto shrine dating to 711 AD). Make sure you sample matcha green tea products in Kyoto, as it is home to some of the finest. 

You can stay in Kyoto or do it as an easy day trip from Osaka, as we did. If you want to stay in Kyoto overnight, look for a room in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or machiya (townhouses). 

Getting to Kyoto

Kyoto is just over two hours away from Kanazawa. You can use your JR Pass on the limited express Thunderbird train from Kanazawa Station to Kyoto Station. This is the fastest route between the two cities. 

Where to Stay in Kyoto

• CHISUN PREMIUM Kyoto Kujo (£) – This is a well-situated 3-star option with family rooms, some with small kitchenettes, good public transport links nearby, and a public bath; great balance of comfort and affordability.
• Richmond Hotel Premier Kyoto Ekimae (££) – A stylish, modern hotel rated, located just a few minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station. It offers elegant, comfortable rooms and easy access to the city’s main attractions and transport links.
• The Thousand Kyoto (£££) – Very highly rated for its superb location, this luxurious hotel features modern, well-appointed rooms, room service, excellent amenities and is just a short walk from major spots like Sanjusangen-do Temple.

Day 10 – 12 – Osaka

Next up on your Japan adventure is the port city of Osaka, which we absolutely loved. I have written a 3-day itinerary for Osaka, although I could honestly spend a month there! It is Japan’s foodie capital and the birthplace of famous street snacks like takoyaki. It might not be as pretty as nearby Kyoto, but there is plenty to do and see here. We also found Osaka rather affordable in comparison to Kyoto and Tokyo, so it’s an especially good place to stay if you are on a budget. 

Eat your way through the famous Dōtonbori neighbourhood, go for drinks and kushi-katsu in the Shinsekai district, soak up some culture at Osaka Castle, and check out street art and boutique shops in chic America-mura.

If you fancy a bit of relaxation, you should visit the Osaka Aquarium, which is considered one of the biggest and best aquariums in the world! Osaka also has some amazing modern architecture, including a skyscraper with a highway running through it (only in Japan…). 

Getting to Osaka

There are a few ways to get to Osaka from Kyoto, but the quickest way is to use the bullet train on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which gets you into Shin-Osaka in less than 15 minutes.

You can take either the Hikari or Kodama trains from Kyoto station or the Special Rapid service. Be careful if you want to take a Nozomi train; they are not covered by the JR Pass. You can also take the Limited Express Thunderbird, which takes around 30 minutes from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.

Where to Stay in Osaka

• Toyoko Inn Osaka Nippombashi Bunraku Gekijo Mae (£) – A clean, comfortable hotel, just a short walk from Nippombashi Station and the lively Dotonbori area. It offers simple, modern rooms, a complimentary breakfast and a convenient central base.
• Hotel Hankyu GRAN RESPIRE OSAKA (££) – This hotel has clean, modern rooms, good value, free WiFi and a fitness centre. Less than 10 minutes’ walk from Osaka Station, it’s very handy for transport and shopping.
• Centara Grand Hotel Osaka (£££) – This newer luxury hotel in Namba offers stylish, spacious rooms (for Japanese standards), several restaurants & a rooftop lounge with great views.

Day 13 – Day Trip to Hiroshima

While you can stay overnight in Hiroshima, the bullet train makes it an incredibly easy day trip from Osaka. My husband has always been a World War 2 buff, and Hiroshima was a must-visit for him on our trip.

On 6th August 1945, the “Little Boy” nuclear bomb was dropped on the city, reducing it to rubble. It is one of humanity’s most shocking moments and the impact was devastating. 70% of the city was destroyed and more than 80,000 people died, with thousands more injured. Hiroshima commemorates those who lost their lives through a series of moving memorials and museums. It is now a thriving, modern city, which has not forgotten its tragic past.

One of the first sites to visit is the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, which is now known as the A-Bomb Dome. The “Little Boy” bomb was detonated above this ruin. Standing just feet from where such a pivotal moment in history happened is a truly strange feeling.

Afterwards, take a stroll through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. The museum is haunting; you will learn about what happened on that harrowing day and in those that followed, hear first-hand accounts from survivors, and see objects that were melted, mangled and scorched by the intense heat. While it is certainly a sobering, solemn museum to visit, I think it’s essential viewing.

After an emotional but incredibly interesting day, it is now time to head back to Osaka where you can cheer yourself up with some delicious food, beers, and a fun night out before your journey home the next day. 

You could also stay overnight, but just make sure you are able to get back for your flight the next day. You could also take this day trip at any time during your stay in Osaka if that’s easier.

Getting to Hiroshima

Hiroshima is an easy 1 hour and 30 minutes journey from Osaka. Simply take the Sakura or Hikari trains on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen line from Shin-Osaka, both of which are covered by the JR Pass. As with Kyoto to Osaka, you can take the Nozomi train, but it is not covered by JR Pass. 

Day 14 – Goodbye Japan

It’s time to say Sayōnara to Japan. You can either fly out of Osaka airport like we did, or return to Tokyo from Osaka on the Hikari bullet train in just over 3 hours. Depending on when your flight is, you might want to bring forward your day trip to Hiroshima and get the train back to Tokyo on day 13 of your 2 week trip. That way you can stay overnight in Tokyo before your flight, either in the city centre or close to the airport.

Have more than 2 weeks in Japan?

If you are lucky enough to have more time to spend in Japan, there are so many more options. Why not visit Nara and hang out with the cute deers which wander freely and love eating snacks out of people’s hands? Or head to Kobe for some delicious world-famous steak. Visit Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido (home to volcanoes and breath-taking scenery), or even climb Mount Fuji!

I hope this itinerary has given you some inspiration for your trip to Japan. I had wanted to visit Japan for a long time, and now I can’t wait to head back and explore more of this majestic country. If you have any other recommendations, please leave them in the comments below.

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow