2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary: What to do in 14 days

This article will give you an insight on how to spend two weeks in Japan, a definitive guide on how to spend 14 days in Japan in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Osaka, Nara Itinerary.

Japan is one of the very few Asian nations to have it all. Beautiful coastlines and blue ocean encompassed islands, snow capped mountains, cherry blossom lined meandering rivers, and of course buzzing metropolises and vibrant futuristic cities.

Japan’s wonderful capital city Tokyo has a whole host of historical and cultural gems to discover. The Japanese youth have their very own quirky pop culture which simply must be experienced during any visit to Japan. From anime to manga your worldview will be widened and more culturally rich with time spent with Japanese pop culture fanatics.

Take a note that accommodations can get fully sold out far in advance for a busy season such as the cherry blossom season from late March to April and November autumn foliage season. Be sure to Book well in advance at least 3 to 4 months ahead during peak seasons.

Other busy times in Japan are Golden Week from late April to early May, and Silver Week from 19th to 22nd September.

There are 3 types of Shinkansen bullet train in Japan: the fastest train Nozomi and Mizuho, the second-fastest Hikari, and the slowest Kodama stop of all stations. The Mizuho Shinkansen and Nozomi Shinkansen are not covered by JR Railpass.

Is 2 weeks in Japan enough?

Two weeks is good amount of time that many visitors spend in Japan. This time will allow you to explore many cities and attractions including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

How much does it cost for 2 weeks in Japan?

The cost of a two-week trip to Japan will depend on a variety of factors, including your travel style, the type of accommodations you choose, your activities and excursions, and your location within the country.

The cost of airfare to Japan can vary widely depending on where you are coming from, the time of year you are traveling, and how far in advance you book your tickets. On average, a round-trip ticket from the United States to Japan can cost between $700 and $1,500, although prices can be higher or lower depending on these factors.

The cost of accommodations in Japan can also vary widely depending on where you stay. Budget options such as hostels or capsule hotels can cost as little as $30 per night, while more luxurious options such as four or five-star hotels can cost several hundred dollars per night. Airbnb rentals and vacation rentals are also options, and prices can vary depending on the location and amenities of the property.

The cost of food in Japan will depend on where you eat and what you order. Budget options such as fast food chains or convenience store meals can cost as little as $5-$10, while dining at a mid-range restaurant can cost around $20-$30 per person. Higher-end restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments can cost much more.

The cost of activities and excursions in Japan will depend on what you want to do. Popular activities such as visiting temples and shrines, taking a hot spring bath, or going on a hiking or skiing trip can cost anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, depending on the activity and location.

Overall, it is difficult to estimate the exact cost of a two-week trip to Japan without knowing more about your specific travel plans and preferences. However, as a rough estimate, a two-week trip to Japan for one person could cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the factors listed above.

2 weeks in Japan Itinerary

Two weeks is enough to experience Japan, you can visit the major cities of Japan such as Tokyo, Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Osaka, and Nara.

This is a brief Itinerary of 2 weeks in Japan:

  • 5 days in Tokyo.
  • 4 Days in Kyoto.
  • 2 days in Hiroshima and Miyajima.
  • 2 days in Osaka and Nara.

5 Days in Tokyo and Mt Fuji of 2 weeks in Japan Itinerary

If you are first-time visiting Tokyo, I would suggest booking a hotel in the Shinjuku area. Shinjuku is the best area to stay in Tokyo, home to the biggest transport hubs in Tokyo. 

You can easily travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and anywhere in Japan from Shinjuku train station. It also offers great nightlife, shopping with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, and hotels.

There are two airports, Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. To get from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku, you can use the Airport Limousine Bus. To get from Narita Airport to Shinjuku, take the Narita Express train or the Narita Airport Limousine Bus.

To travel around Tokyo, you can get yourself familiar with the JR Yamanote Line, the most important train line in Tokyo. It runs through all the important locations of Tokyo such as Shinjuku, Harajuku, Shibuya, Ebisu, Daikanyama, Meguro, Shimbashi, Shiodome,Ginza, Tokyo Station, Ikebukuro, and Ueno.

Day 1: West Tokyo – Shinjuku, Harajuku, Omotesando & Shibuya

In this western Tokyo, we will explore the neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya.

Shinjuku with Piss Alley, Robot Restaurant, Kabukicho, Gyoen Garden

Shinjuku is an entertainment and shopping district around Shinjuku Station. Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest railway stations in the world. It’s home to many subway and railway lines including Yamanote Line, the important Tokyo loop line.

West of Shinjuku Station is the  skyscraper district. You will find the tallest buildings in Tokyo such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.This building has observation decks on the 45th floors where you can visit for free and enjoy the extensive views of the city. Mode Gakuen Cocoon Towers is also the most recognized icon of Shinjuku.

The tiny smokey alley Omoide Yokocho (also known as Memory Lane/ Piss Alley) is lined with many small Izakaya pubs, red lanterns. It’s a good place to grab a drink and take photos.

In the east side of Shinjuku train station, you will find Robot Restaurant, Golden Gai district, the red-light district Kabukicho, Shinjuku Gyoen Garden, and some history and cultural attractions such as Tokyo Toy Museum, Fire Museum, and Hanazono-jinja Shrine. 

The Robot Restaurant is located in the heart of Shinjuku red light district. It offers four daily shows with robots and dancers with neon lights and music.

The entertainment red-light district Kabukicho is home to hundreds of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It’s also at its most charming at night when colourful neon lights are lit up on the street.

You can aslo hop in some bars in the tiny Golden Gai nearby to explore more about drinking and underground culture in Tokyo. Joining a bar hopping tour is a good idea to enjoy the nightlife in Shinjuku.

The Shinjuku Gyoen Garden is the most beautiful garden in Tokyo, one of the most popular spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnic in the spring.

If you love history, there are several museums such as the Samurai Museum, Yayoi Kusama Museum.

If you love shopping, there’re plenty of modern shopping complexes such as Takashimaya Times Square, Shinjuku West Exit Camera Town, Odakyu Department Store, Kinokuniya, Tokyu Hands Shinjuku, and Isetan Department Store.

Other attractions in Shinjuku are Takadanobaba – popular with students and home to several good Ramen restaurants, Shin Okubo – the largest Korean town in Tokyo, and Shinjuku Bus Terminal BUSTA.

Harajuku and Omotesando with Takeshita Dori, Meiji Shrine, and Yoyogi Park

Harajuku is the area around Harajuku Station, between Shibuya and Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line. There’re plenty of things to do in this area from sightseeing at Meiji Shrine, Yoyogi Park to shopping at Omotesando.

Takeshita Dori street is the longest shopping street in Harajuku which is lined by many fashion boutiques, used clothes stores, trendy shops, fast food outlets that serve teenage cultures and fashion styles. 

Located nearby Takeshita Dori is the half-mile long street, Cat Street. This hipster neighborhood is packed with vintage shops, upmarket boutiques, and high-end international brands.

Also known as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, Omotesando is also a very good spot for shopping south of Takeshita Dori. It’s home to Omotesando Hills complex and Kiddy Land.

Meiji Shrine is a famous shrine in Japan, and attracts thousands of people each year who come to pray on New Year’s Day. The highlight of the Meiji Jingu Shrine is the giant wooden torii gate, the biggest of its kind in Japan.

Located next to Meiji Shrine is the 54.1 hectares, Yoyogi Park. It’s home to Yoyogi National Stadium, and a good area to just relax, take a stroll,and have picnics.

There are also some art galleries and museums like Moshi Moshi Box Harajuku Information Center, Watari Museum of Contemporary Art/Watari Um, Nezu Museum, and Ukiyo-e Ota Memorial Art Museum.

Shibuya with Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko Statue, Beer Museum Yebisu

Shibuya is the most energetic district in Tokyo and the center of young generations. It is packed with shopping, dining, and nightclubs.

Shibuya Station is the transport hub on the Yamanote Line. When you walk out of Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station, you will be surrounded with restaurants, izakaya, clubs, bars.

The most prominent landmark of Shibuya is Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and a popular location in movies such as Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and  Lost in Translation. 

Shibuya Crossing is a popular photography area for tourists. The best spots for view and photograph Shibuya Crossing are Mag’s Park, Shibuya Sky (Shibuya Scramble Square), Starbucks (Shibuya Tsutaya), Inside Shibuya Station, L’occitane Cafe, and Shibuya Crossing itself .

Located right off the Scramble Crossing is the Shibuya Center Gai Street, a good area for shopping and dining.

Hachiko Statue is the famous statue in front of the station. Hachiko is a loyal dog, who waited for his master every day at Shibuya Station, even after his master passed away. Hachiko Statue is one of the popular meeting points in the city.

If you like history and culture, you must visit the Bunkamura Museum of Art and the Toguri Museum of Art, Beer Museum Yebisu, and the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum.

Roppongi and Akasaka with Mori Tower and Midtown Tower

Roppongi  and the surrounding area of Akada are vibrant nightlife districts, popular with foreigners, expats, and businessmen. 

In the center of Roppongi is the shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, Roppongi Hills. It has a SkyDeck rooftop, Tokyo City View observation deck on  the 238 meter tall Mori Tower, and a Tsutaya bookstore.

Similar to Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Midtown is more upscale. Midtown Tower is 248 meter high, and was the tallest building in Tokyo until 2014. You can access Tokyo Midtown directly from Roppongi Station.

For cultures and history you can visit Roppongi Art Triangle including Suntory Museum of Art, Mori Art Museum, The National Art Center Tokyo. You can use Triangle Pass to visit these museums.

Nearby Roppongi you can visit the 333 meters high Tokyo Tower, taller than its model the Eiffel Tower.

Day 2: East Tokyo: Imperial Palace Area, Ginza, Tsukiji, Tokyo Station

The shopping district Ginza is a neighbor of Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace. It is filled with luxury boutiques, chic cafes, restaurants and bars, and department stores. 

This high-end shopping haven is home to Chuo-dori Shopping Street, Harumi-dori Shopping Street, Kabukiza theatre and Ginza Graphic Gallery.

Chuo-dori Shopping Street is the main shopping avenue in Ginza, home to Mitsukoshi and Wako department stores. It’s a pedestrian area on weekends. 

Harumi-dori Shopping Street is another shopping street with many shops and cafes. Some shopping malls you can find in Ginza are Ginza SIX, Ginza Wako, and Ginza Mitsukoshi.

The famous Tsukiji Fish Market has now moved to Toyosu. It’s now the  busy market on the site of the old Tsukiji  fish market. 

Within a short walk from Tokyo Station, you will find the Imperial Palace. The Imperial Palace is close to the public and only open on the  Emperor’s birthday 23 December, and the New Year’s greeting on 2 January. If you want to take a tour, you can book it via the Imperial Household Agency.

You can do sightseeing around the Imperial Palace such as the Imperial Palace East Garden, and take photos at Nijubashi Bridge. 

Other attractions nearby are Yasukuni-jinja Shrine, Yushukan Museum, Kitanomaru-koen Park, Koishikawa Koraku-en Garden, Showa-kan Museum, Zenkoku-ji Buddhist Temple, Hibiya-koen Park, and JCII Camera Museum.

Day 3: Day Trip from Tokyo: Hakone and Mount Fuji

Spending day 3 to do some day trip outside of Tokyo city, I recommend taking a day trip to Hakone and Mount Fuji. Japan is famous for its Mount Fuji. Located 100km from Tokyo, Mount Fuji is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

You can take a bus from Shinjuku Station to Gotemba Bus Interchange. Gotemba Peace Park (Heiwa Park) offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. 

You can use Hakone Free Pass for a combination of tram ride Hakone Cable Car, Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise, and cable car Hakone Ropeway. Top attractions are  Lake Ashi, the Picasso Museum,  Botanic Gardens, Cedarwood Forest, Open Air Museum, and Mount Fuji. 

You can always come back next time and travel more! Some popular day trips from Tokyo are:

  • Hakone and Mount Fuji
  • Fuji Five Lakes and Mount Fuji
  • Kamakura
  • Izu peninsula 
  • Yokohama
  • Mt. Mitake
  • Nikko
  • Nagano

Kamakura is  60km south of Tokyo, and can be reached by Japan Railway from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station. Kamakura is famous for its Great Buddha, beautiful beaches. Famous attractions include Komachi Dori, Kenchoji Temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kōtoku-in, Hasedera Temple, and Yuigahama Beach.

Izu Peninsula is 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. It’s a well-known resort area for its charming coastlines, beaches, hot springs, and mild climate. The three largest cities are  Atami, Ito, and Shimoda on the eastern coast; Irozaki Cape and Dogashima Cape are found in the southern and western.

Yokohama is just 30 minute by train from Tokyo. Some things to do here for a day trip are the Nissan Gallery, Landmark Tower, Minato Mirai waterfront promenade, Cupnoodles Museum, Red Brick Warehouse, Yamashita Park, Chinatown, and Noge Street. If you want to stay for few days in Yokohama, check out Where to Stay in Yokohama.

Mt. Mitake can be reached from Shinjuku Station to Mitake Station on the Chuo line for 90 minutes. For a day trip, you will take a Taikimoto Cable Car, Musashi Mitake Shrine, hike across the Rock Garden, and visit Ayahiro-no-taki waterfall.

Day 4: North Tokyo: Asakusa, Akihabara & Ueno

Asakusa with Sensoji Buddhist temple, Sky Tree

Asakusa is home to the famous Sensoji Buddhist temple, and nearby Ryogoku is home to the Sky Tree, the National Sumo Stadium Kokugikan, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Sensoji temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple) is a 7th century Buddhist temple with entrance gates Kaminarimon (Kaminari Gate), the symbol of Asuka.

The Nakamise shopping street stretches from Kaminarimon to the main grounds of Sensoji Temple. You can buy local specialties and tourist souvenirs.

The Tokyo Sky Tree observation tower was the world’s tallest building. Tokyo Sky Tree has two observation decks which offer a panoramic view of the city, and home to a large shopping complex with an aquarium, Sumida Aquarium. You can easily access the tower by the Toei Asakusa Line and Hanzomon Line.

To have a great view of the Tokyo Sky Tree, visit Sumida Park nearby. Along the Sumidagawa River, this Riverside park is just a few minutes walk from Asakusa Station. It is home to the annual Fireworks Festival. It’s a good spot for cherry blossoms (sakura) viewing in the spring.

Edo-Tokyo Museum is located close to the Sumida River. Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum to learn more about the history of the Edo period. The Nihonbashi Bridge is a full-scale replica of the original wooden bridge. 

If you like sumo matches or you are already at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, pay a visit to National Sumo Stadium Kokugikan.

Akihabara with Electronics Town and maid cafes

Akihabara (Akiba) is a  center of otaku (geek) culture, and  famous for its many electronics shops, maid cafes, manga, anime goods. The neighbors Kanda is famous for its  Shinto shrines and Jimbocho is a bookshop district.

Akihabara is a good spot for shopping and sightseeing due to its convenient location, easy access to Ueno and Narita Airport. 

For game lovers, you can visit the Arcades and Game Centers, Akihabara Gamers Main Store, The Akihabara Gachapon Kaikan (Akihabara Capsule Toy Center), and Final Fantasy Eorzea Cafe.

The Akihabara Electronics Town and Akiba Denki-gai is a cheap electronics paradise where you can find  almost everything from laptops, headphones, cameras, to anime and manga goods. Here you will find Chuo-dori Street,  Yodobashi Camera complex.

Ueno with Ueno-koen Park and museums

Ueno-koen Park is a prominent landmark in the Oeno area, within a short walk from the transport hub of Ueno Station. Ueno-koen Park is a famous spot for hanami cherry blossom parties  in Spring.

Ueno-koen Park is home to many excellent museums, the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum for Western Art, the National Science Museum, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. In the Ueno-koen Park, you can also find Shinobazu Pond,  Ueno Zoo, and the historic Toshogu Shrine.

Other attractions are Nippori Fabric Town, Ameya Yokocho Arcade, Kyu Iwasaki-teien, and SCAI the Bathhouse.

Day 5: Odaiba, Tokyo bay, and Tokyo Disney

Odaiba (Daiba) is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. This artificial island of Odaiba and Tokyo Bay are to visit if you are a family traveling with young children and want to visit Tokyo Disney Resort or just to entertain and shop with friends for the weekend.

You can reach Odaiba by:

  • the Rinkai line from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Shibuya Stations and stop at Tokyo Teleport Station
  • the Yurikamome monorail lines from  Shimbashi Station getting off at Odaiba Beach Park. 
  • take the suijo bus (water taxi) from Asakusa. 

The best way to explore Odaiba is to buy a day-pass on the Yurikamome monorail line that leaves from Shimbashi station. The Yurikamome line makes a full loop through Odaiba, you can easily visit Odaiba Beach Park, VenusFort, Tokyo Big Sight, and other tourist attractions.

This seaside location attracts thousands of visitors each day with plenty of  technology centers, shopping malls, museums, parks, beaches,  and many entertainment options with a more  relaxed vibe

From the Rainbow Bridge, the world-famous Fuji TV Building, the Gundam Statue and Statue of Liberty, the Tokyo Big Sight, the Museum of Science and Innovation (MIRAIKAN), there are always some things for you to do.

The most iconic bridge in Tokyo, the 800 meter long Rainbow Bridge connects Odaiba with the other parts of Tokyo. You can walk the bridge for 30 minutes, take a mini-cruise, have dinner and drink while viewing the bridge. 

The Statue of Liberty (Symbol Promenade Park) is located in Odaiba Beach Park. It’s a good spot for taking photos with the famous  Rainbow Bridge in the background.

If you’re Gundam fans you must visit the Gundam Front Tokyo (DiverCity Tokyo Plaza). It is an entertainment space on the 7th floor of DiverCity.

The Fuji Television Main Building (Fuji Television Headquarters) is located in the Fuji TV main office building, also a must visit. 

If you like history, there are several museums for you to explore. The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) to learn more about the latest technology and science. The interactive digital art museum, Mori Building Digital Art Museum Teamlab Borderless, is the most popular and Instagrammable art experience. 

For shopping, choose from Aqua City Odaiba, Divercity, Venusfort, And Decks Tokyo Beach. Mediterranean Sea town themed tourist attraction, Aqua City Odaiba is with many shopping stores and restaurants. 

VenusFort is located in Palette Town where you can enjoy both shopping and entertainment with Tokyo Leisureland, Megaweb. In Palette Town, you can also find the enormous Ferris wheel with the view of Tokyo Tower, SkyTree, the Rainbow Bridge, and Tokyo Gate Bridge.

Decks Tokyo Beach is a big urban shopping mall where you can find Daiba Kaiki Yashiki,  Odaiba Takoyaki Museum, and Tokyo Trick Art Museum.

If you want to break from the shopping, you have a few parks to relax like Odaiba Beach Park, Daiba Park, Aomi Minami Port Park.

Other attractions are the Oedo Onsen Monogatari hot springs near the Telecom Center Observatory, and the Toyosu Fish Market which replaced the old famous Tsukiji Fish Market.

4 Days in Kyoto (Day 6-10) of 2 weeks in Japan Itinerary

The best way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto is by taking the shinkansen (bullet train) on the Nozomi train. It takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, the fastest train that runs between Tokyo and Kyoto.

The Nozomi shinkansen is not covered by a Japan Rail Pass, but you can use the second fattest Hikari shinkansen which is covered by Japan Rail Pass. It takes around 2 hours 30 minutes. The Kodama shinkansen is the slowest train and has a lot of stops.

The shinkansen departs from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and stops at Kyoto Station.

Kyoto is famous for its shrines, temples, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, geisha (geiko) and maiko culture. If it’s your first time visiting Kyoto, I suggest booking a hotel in the Kyoto Downtown area.  It is a central location, close to the attractions in Gion, Higashiyama, and well-connected transportation.

Day 1: Downtown Kyoto with Nishiki Market, Shijo Shopping Strip, Daimaru, Takashimaya, Pontocho

Downtown Kyoto is small and you can explore on foot. It’s located on the west bank of Kamo River. 

If you’re a foodie, you will love downtown Kyoto. The Nishiki Market, Daimaru Department Store, and Takashimaya Department Store offer a variety of Japanese cuisine from dried seafood, sushi, Japanese sweets, and pickles.

For a shopping experience, you can visit Shijo Avenue, and the  covered shopping arcades Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Arcade and Shinkyogoku Shopping streets.

If you are a fan of Manga, you can visit Kyoto International Manga Museum, the best manga museum in the entire Japan, home to more than 300 000 Manga comic books.

If you want to spot a geisha ( also known as geiko), you can head to Pontocho Alley, a famous traditional nightlife area of Kyoto. The area is on the west of Kamogawa River, and packed with a wide range of dining options.

Day 2: Gion and Higashiyama with Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Gion is a famous Geisha district (geiko district) located in the heart of the historical district Southern Higashiyama. 

Gion spreads from Kamo-gawa River to Yasaka-jinja Shrine. It is filled with old wooden shops, restaurants, bars, and traditional teahouses. Gion is  particularly atmospheric in the evening when Japanese lanterns are lit up and apprentice geisha (maiko) prepare to start their work.

You can start your day with Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka pedestrian-streets. It’s packed with traditional tea houses, shops, restaurants, ryokan inns. 

Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka are also surrounded by numerous famous landmarks such as Ishibe-kōji, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, Yasaka-no-to Pagoda, and Kodaiji Zen Temple.

Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) is home to Gion Festival (Gion Matsuri) celebrations in July. It’s a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and picnic in spring.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s more beautiful in March and April with cherry blossoms and November autumn leaves. 

Some highlights of Kiyomizu-dera Temple are the impressive two-story main entrance gate Nio-mon, west gate of Kiyomizu-dera Temple Sai-mon, Zuigodo Hall, the main hall Hondo with its Kiyomizu Stage, Jishu Shrine, Otowa Waterfall, Okuno-in hall, and the Koyasu Pagoda At Taisanji Temple.

Shirakawa-dori is the heart of Gion. The Shirakawa area lies along the Shirakawa canal and is surrounded by willow trees, sakura cherry trees, high-class restaurants, inns, teahouses, and Tatsumi Daimyōjin that offer attractive riverside dining and Kyoto cuisine. Gion Tatsumi Bridge is also nearby.

Other sights to see include Gion Kobu Kaburenjo theater (Gion Corner), and  Kyoto National Museum.

Day 3: Kyoto with Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Jojako-ji Temple, Monkey Park Iwatayama

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most incredible sights of Japan. The Bamboo Alley is one of the most photographed attractions in Kyoto.

Located just outside the bamboo forest is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-Ji temple. This sprawling Zen temple is one of the five major temples of Kyoto with a beautiful garden and fantastic mountain views.

The Jojako-ji Temple is a small temple built in the 16th century, famous for its autumn leaves. It has a small pagoda and is surrounded by greenery. 

The iconic 155-meter Togetsukyo Bridge across the Katsura River. Togetsukyo bridge with the main street of Arashiyama area is always busy with tourists from morning to evening.

Hozugawa River Boat Ride is a 16km long, two hours sightseeing by boat to explore the fabulous scenery of the Tanba-Kameoka, Arashiyama area. You can combine it with the Sagano Romantic Train Trip on the way back. 

Monkey Park Iwatayama, Okochi Sanso Villa, Okochi Sanso Garden, Nisonin Temple, Kameyama-koen Park, Tenzan-no-yu Onsen are some of the attractions that you can visit while in Arashiyama.

Day 4: Kyoto with Fushimi Inari Taisha, Daigo-ji, Tofuku-ji, Nanzen-ji, Philosopher’s Path, Ginkaku-ji

I suggest starting early before 9am to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha to avoid crowds. Fushimi Inari Taisha (Thousand Torii Gate) is a famous Shinto shrine, and a World Heritage Site. It’s free entrance and you can visit anytime!

Fushimi Inari Taisha is well-known for its tunnels of more than thousands of orange torii gates that are set in a pathway all the way to the top of Mt. Inari. The trip to the summit takes about 2-3 hours with plenty of photo opportunities. 

The next stop is Daigo-ji, a World Heritage Site. Daigo-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in southeastern Kyoto. 

Tofuku-ji is a large Zen temple and at its most beautiful in the fall colors season. Highlight attractions here are the Hojo Garden, Sanmon Gate, and Tsutenkyo Bridge.

Other activities for the day are Nanzen-ji temple and garden and follow the Path of Philosophy to reach from here Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).

The Path of Philosophy (Tetsugaku-no-Michi) is a pedestrian stone path along a Lake Biwa Canal, and lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It’s a popular hanami spot in spring time.

Day trips from Kyoto

If you have more time, there are some day trips you can make from Kyoto to Osaka, Nara, Uji, Lake Biwa, Kobe, Himeji, Kurashiki, and Mt Koya (Koyasan).

2 Days in Hiroshima – Miyajima (Day 10-12) of 2 weeks in Japan Itinerary

It takes 1 hour to travel from Kyoto Station to Hiroshima on the Nozomi shinkansen. If you’re visiting Hiroshima for the first time, I would suggest staying near Hiroshima Station and the Downtown area. 

This central location offers you plenty of things to do, from the most popular attractions to a variety of bars and restaurants, and plenty of shopping options.

For 2 days in Hiroshima, you can spend 1 day exploring downtown Hiroshima, and a day trip to Miyajima.

Day 1: Hiroshima with Hiroshima Castle, Atomic Bomb Dom, Hondori, Okonomimura 

You can easily visit attractions in Hiroshima with Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus (Meipuru-pu) including Hiroshima Castle, Okonomimura, the Hiroshima Museum of Art, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and the Atomic Bomb Dome. 

Hiroshima Castle was reconstructed from a 16th century castle which was destroyed by the atomic bomb of August 1945. The castle offers charming views of the city.

After visiting Hiroshima Castle, walk south to see the Atomic Bomb Dome. Atomic Bomb Dome (Peace Memorial Park) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Peace Memorial Park was the political and commercial heart of the city before a nuclear attack. After the bombing, it was devoted to peace memorial facilities. 

Aioi Bridge was the target of the atomic bomb, and was reconstructed after the war but gradually damaged and a new bridge replaced the old one in 1983. You can walk across the Peace Park.

Next is the Children’s Peace Monument, a monument commemorating the thousands of innocent children that died in the atomic bombing.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is a good place to visit to learn more about the  tragic history of Hiroshima before and after the  atomic bomb in WWII. 

After the Museum, visit Hondori shopping street, where you can find many local  and souvenir shops. If you want more shopping,visit Aioi-Dori Avenue and Peace Boulevard/ Heiwa-Odori Street.

Spend your evening at Okonomimura. Okonomimura is the best place to try Hiroshimas famous pancake, Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-yaki). This local specialty dish is one of Japan’s most popular food theme-parks with a collection of restaurant stalls.

Day 2: Miyajima with floating torii gate, Itsukushima Shrine, Mount Misen, and Daishoin Temple

Miyajima (Itsukushima) is a Unesco World Heritage Site, a sacred island less than an hour outside of Hiroshima city. There are few ways to travel from Hiroshima to Miyajima:

  • take JR train or tram to Miyajimaguchi ferry station, then take a ferry across Miyajima
  • take terry from Hiroshima peace park to Miyajima

There’s plenty of history and cultural attractions in this part of Hiroshima Bay. It’s famous for its floating torii gate and Itsukushima Shrine. 

When you arrive at the Miyajima Ferry Terminal, continue walking along the waterfront. You will see some wild deer on the island that have become familiar to people.

You will reach the busy Miyajima Omotesando Shotengai shopping street with a lot of souvenir shops, cafes, restaurants. Be sure to try special dishes like okonomiyaki and grilled oysters!

Keep walking along the waterfront, you will see the famous attractions of Miyajima, the 16 m tall and 60 tonnes floating shrine gate of the Shinto shrine Itsukushima. 

Itsukushima-Jinja Shrine was built in the 6th century, and consists of a few buildings linked by wooden walking paths. The dark wooden Senjokaku Pavilion and the red five-story pagoda at Toyokuni Shrine are nearby.

Take the Miyajima ropeway to the sacred Mount Misen, the highest mountain in Miyajima. Mount Misen is at its most beautiful during spring cherry blossoms, and autumn foliage season.

Mount Misen Observatory offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and Hiroshima city. There’re also Buddhist statues, shrines, and temples nearby. Be sure to visit the Daishoin Temple with its cave and statues at the foot of Mount Misen.

2 Days in Osaka – Nara (Day 12-14) of 2 weeks in Japan Itinerary Kyoto

The best way to get from Hiroshima to Osaka is by taking the 1 hour 30 minutes Nozomi shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Shin-Osaka Station.

If you are visiting Osaka for the first time, I would suggest staying somewhere central like Kita (Umeda), Miami (Namba), Central Osaka-Honmachi, and the Shin-Osaka Area. Staying near Midosuji subway line also gives tourists convenient access to the bullet train station (Shin-Osaka), Namba Station, Umeda Station.

Osaka is known as the food capital of Japan, you can eat till you drop in Osaka. Some must try foods are pancakes with filling – Okonomiyaki, dumpling balls with octopus – Takoyaki, and conveyor-belt sushi.

See more:

Day 1: Osaka with Osaka Castle, Kita, Miami, Dotonbori

One day is enough to have a good taste of Osaka. Start from Osaka Castle. Osaka Castle is easily accessible with the JR Osaka Loop Line to Osakajokoen Station.

Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) is a famous landmark in Japan. It is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. Osaka Castle Observation Deck offers panoramic views across the city.

Sakuranomiya Park nearby has more than five thousand cherry blossom trees along the charming river bank. During the cherry blossom season from late March to early April, the park is filled with people having hanami picnics.

Catch the train to travel to Osaka Station in the modern Kita district. The areas around Osaka Station are filled with skyscrapers, office buildings, shops, restaurants and bars, entertainments, hotels, big brand department stores.

Some of the shopping malls you can check out are Hankyu Department Store, Yodobashi Camera, Grand Front Osaka, and  Whity Umeda for underground shopping.

You can visit Umeda Sky Building, one of the tallest and most impressive buildings in Osaka with an open-air observation deck on its roof. 

Next stop is Miami district. You can take the Midosuji subway from Umeda Station to Shinsaibashi Station. You can do some shopping at Tokyu Hands Department Store,  andShinsaibashi-suji.

Keep walking to the south through the Shinsaibashi-suji arcade, you will get to Ebisu-bashi Bridge, which leads you to the well-known Dotonbori Canal. The famous Dotonbori arcade, home to the most famous and largest restaurants, and Osaka symbols such as the renowned Glico running man, the huge crab sign and neon lights. 

The narrow pedestrian-only Hozenji Yokocho is also close by, and packed with traditional restaurants. Make your way to visit Hozen-ji Temple

In the evening, you can head to Abeno Harukas, one of Japan’s tallest buildings.The Harukas observatory offers a fabulous view over the entire city of Osaka.

Day 2: Osaka Day trip to Nara

Nara is famous for its deer roaming around Nara deer park. The best way to travel from Osaka to Nara is by taking the Kintetsu Railway. I’ll take 30 to 40 minutes. Nara has two main stations: Kintetsu-Nara station and JR Nara Station.

When you arrive, you can buy small packets of special deer crackers to feed the deers. If you want, you can rent a kimono to continue doing sightseeing.

Some of the attractions on the day in Nara are:

  • Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji
  • Todaiji Temple with the bronze Buddha
  • Nigatsu-do Temple
  • Todaiji Hokkedo (Sangatsudo)
  • Kasuga-taisha Shrine
  • Yoshiki-en Garden

Day 15: Back to Tokyo, finish your 14 days in Japan

Back to Tokyo, you can do more day trips from Tokyo. Revisit places you like in Tokyo and pack home!

See more:

With so much to see and do in Japan, it’s difficult to devise a two-week itinerary that incorporates all the many sides this wonderful country has.

About Author: Linda Smith

I'm Linda Smith, the Hotel Expert, an experienced travel blogger who passionate about traveling. I'm here to share with you all my travel experiences and tips. I cover a wide range of travel topics, specializing in sharing information about the best areas, neighborhoods, and hotels in each city. I hope all these things will make your travel easier.

Leave a Comment