Planning two weeks in Japan?
This route balances major cities, historic districts, and a few slower stops without constant hotel changes.
Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo
Land at Narita or Haneda and transfer to your hotel.
Keep the first evening light. Walk around Shinjuku or Shibuya to adjust to the time zone and get a first impression of Tokyo’s scale and energy.
Day 2: Tokyo Highlights
Start in Asakusa at Senso-ji Temple. Walk Nakamise Street for snacks and small souvenirs.
In the afternoon, switch to modern Tokyo:
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Skytree, or Ginza depending on your interests.
Old and new Tokyo are often just a train ride apart.
Day 3: Day Trip from Tokyo
Choose one destination:
Kamakura – See the Great Buddha and walk Komachi Street.
Nikko – Visit Toshogu Shrine and nearby waterfalls.
Both are easy day trips and offer a break from the city.
Day 4: Hakone & Lake Ashi
Travel to Hakone by the Romancecar for mountain scenery and hot springs.
Ride the ropeway, cruise Lake Ashi, and, if the weather is clear, look for views of Mount Fuji.
Stay in a ryokan with an onsen for a slower evening.
Day 5: Akihabara
Dedicate a full day if you enjoy anime, gaming, or electronics.
Browse large electronics stores, specialty anime shops, and maid cafés.
Even if you’re not deeply into pop culture, the area feels uniquely Tokyo.
Days 6–7: Kyoto
Take the shinkansen to Kyoto.
Day 6
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Gion District in the evening
Day 7
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Nishiki Market
Kyoto works best if you start early and group nearby sights together.
Day 8: Nara (Day Trip)
About an hour from Kyoto by train from Nara.
Visit Todai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha. Walk through Nara Park, where deer roam freely.
Return to Kyoto in the evening.
Days 9–10: Osaka
Base yourself in Osaka for food and nightlife.
Day 9
Dotonbori (try takoyaki and okonomiyaki)
Osaka Castle
Day 10
Shinsekai or
Day trip to Himeji Castle
Osaka feels more casual and food-focused than Kyoto.
Days 11–12: Hiroshima & Miyajima
Travel west to Hiroshima.
Day 11
Visit Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Day 12
Take a ferry to Miyajima Island.
See Itsukushima Shrine and, if you have time, hike Mount Misen.
Day 13: Return to Tokyo
Take the shinkansen back to Tokyo.
Use the final full day for shopping, neighborhoods you missed, or simply revisiting your favorite area.
Day 14: Departure
Head to Narita or Haneda Airport.
From central Tokyo, airport trains such as the Narita Express provide a direct and reliable transfer.
This 14-day route covers major highlights while keeping travel time manageable.
If it’s your first trip to Japan, this structure gives a broad introduction without feeling rushed.