2 weeks in Japan — the ultimate itinerary guide.
I’ve put together a detailed itinerary for an ultimate 2 weeks in Japan.
I’ve lived in Japan for around five years and travelled here on numerous occasions at my own leisurely pace. That’s one of the perks of living abroad — you can explore the country slowly. It wasn’t until my family decided on a spur-of-the-moment trip to Japan that I was plunged into the world of detailed itinerary planning to help first-timers maximise their experience in the country. There’s so much to do in two weeks. How is it possible to see all that Japan offers in such a limited time frame?
Well, I’ve put together this guide to make your holiday plans just that extra bit special. It covers all the prominent necessary “touristy” places whilst including lesser-known intimate experiences that will make your trip to Japan extra memorable.
Note that this plan assumes you’ll purchase a 2-week JR rail pass. However, it’s entirely doable without it. But a JR rail pass would save you money in the long run, so I highly recommend you purchase one online in advance of your trip.
Another note, in this guide (to allow for personal preferences), optional days may be swapped out with other optional days. For some days, I’ve also included multiple possible travel options.
Week 1:
- Day 1: Tokyo
- Day 2: Tokyo
- Day 3: Yokohama
- Day 4: A.M. Shizuoka — Mt. Fuji and Mt. Fuji world heritage centre (weather permitting) OR Nikko, Tochigi / P.M. Tokyo.
- Day 5: Tokyo Disneyland/Sea OR kawagoe, Saitama OR Mito, Ibaraki OR Shiragawa-go, Gifu.
- Day 6: Hiroshima — 1 day
- Day 7: A.M. Miyajima / P.M. Naoshima . (Optional Day).
- Day 7: A.M. Naoshima / P.M. Hiroshima. (Optional Day).
Week 2:
- Day 8: Hyogo.
- Day 9: Kobe (Kobe Beef) OR Aichi (Studio Ghibli Theme park) .
- Day 10: Osaka .
- Day 11(?): Osaka USJ . (optional day)
- Day 11: Nara A.M. / Kyoto P.M.
- Day 12: Kyoto .
- Day 13: A.M. Kyoto / P.M. Tokyo.
- Day 14(?): Hakone, kanagawa OR Kamakura, Kanagawa — 1 day (optional day).
I plan on expanding this article with links to detailed day guides for each location shortly! So keep an eye on my page and give me a follow to stay updated for more details!
More about me:
- I’m a History graduate from bonnie Scotland (U.K.) , who’s taught English in Japan for around five years now.
- I fell in love with the Japanese language and culture when I watched my first Ghibli Movie — “Spirited Away", in high school. Ever since then, I’ve been passionate about finding out more about Japanese culture and enjoy studying the language.
- I currently live in Mito, Ibaraki Pref. But I’ve also lived in Shizuoka, Yokohama, Kanagawa Pref. Before!
I’m excited to share more about my knowledge of Japan with you all in the future!
よろしくお願いします,
Nicole.
