I arrived in Japan with zero expectations. It’s so hyped online that I assumed it might feel overrated or overcrowded. I didn’t want to get my hopes up only to be let down.
But spoiler alert: Japan deserves every bit of praise it gets.
I was blown away – the fascinating culture, the delicious food, and the uniqueness of everything. It instantly became one of my favorite countries in the world, and writing this is making me want to book another trip already.
When I was planning my itinerary, I was excited to see the main attractions. But I also wanted to get off the beaten track and discover a side to the country that I’d never heard of before.
After months of research, I finally landed on the perfect itinerary for Japan. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.
I had five weeks and traveled at a slower pace. But if you’re here, you probably have less than 2 weeks in Japan. Fear not, that’s still more than enough time to explore the highlights of the Golden Route (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), plus incredible lesser-known additions like Kanazawa and Takayama.
Japan is everything I love about travel. And if you follow this 2 week Japan itinerary, I think you’ll love it just as much as I did.
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How many days in Japan
Two weeks in Japan is ideal if you want to see the highlights. But a word of warning, Japan can be overwhelming – there’s so much to do, and it’s impossible to fit everything into one trip.
Even after five weeks, I didn’t scratch the surface.
I realized that the magic of Japan isn’t just in the big attractions. It’s in the little things like stumbling across a cozy izakaya on a side street or discovering random (and surprisingly delicious) snacks at 7-Eleven. So don’t rush your way through the country.
Japan itinerary overview
Day 1 – 4: Tokyo
Day 5 – 6: Takayama
Day 7 – 8: Kanazawa
Day 9 – 11: Kyoto
Day 12 – 14: Osaka
Tokyo – 4 Days
Tokyo is where most Japan itineraries begin. You could easily spend your entire two weeks here, but I highly recommend branching out. Japan is so much more than Tokyo.
Tokyo is huge and spread out, and you won’t have time to see everything. The trick is to explore one or two neighborhoods each day so you aren’t spending hours on trains.
Top tip: There are a few day Tokyo day trips you can do, including Kamakura, Hakone, Lake Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji), or Nagi. Since you don’t have much time, I suggest doing a day trip to Mt Fuji. This will then give you 3 full days to explore Tokyo.
Getting to Tokyo
Most international flights arrive at Narita Airport, about 80 km from the city.
The fastest and easiest way into Tokyo is by taking the Keisei Skyliner to Ueno Station (40 minutes) or the Narita Express to Tokyo Station/Shinjuku/Shibuya (70 minutes).
If you’re opting for the train, I recommend booking your tickets online. I did not – and 100% regret it. The ticket machine at the airport wouldn’t take credit cards. I asked for help, but no one spoke English, and I spent way too long looking for an ATM.
If you’re traveling in a group, a private transfer is a better option.
I should also mention that Tokyo has a second airport: Haneda Airport. It’s much closer to the city, but it’s more common for domestic flights.
Where to stay in Tokyo
Shinjuku | Best for first-timers. It’s lively, centrally located, and on the Yamanote Line, making it easy to get around. Many day tours also pick up here. Friends of mine stayed at the WPU Hotel, which is a short walk from Shinjuku Station, and had only great things to say.
Sugamo | This is where we stayed, and I loved the quieter, more local feel. It’s on the Yamanote line and only a few stops away from Ikebukuro, Ueno, and Shinjuku. You’ll find more affordable apartment-style accommodation here (which is what we were looking for). Here’s where we stayed.
Shimokitazawa | Trendy, youthful, filled with thrift shops and cafés.
Day 1: Shibuya + Shinjuku
Begin your Japan trip with two iconic neighborhoods.
Shibuya
Start your day off by jumping on the Yamanote line to Shibuya. This is where you’ll experience the famous Shibuya crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
Visit the Shibuya Sky, a 360-degree open-air observation deck with some of the best views of Tokyo.
Afterwards, head to Gai Street (here) for food and shopping. We stumbled on Okoge, which served incredible monjayaki.
Next, walk north to Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrine. It’s also right next to the Harajuku Station, so when you’re ready, hop back on the Yamanote line to Shinjuku.
Shinjuku
I loved walking the streets of Shinjuku. Try getting here late afternoon/early evening so you can experience the district at its best – neon lights, bustling streets, tiny bars.
It’s another busy area of Tokyo, but a must for every Japan itinerary.
Highlights include
- The giant Godzilla head
- The 3D Cat billboard
- Golden Gai, a small maze of tiny themed bars
- Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), perfect for yakitori and Japanese beer
Day 2: Teamlab Tokyo
On your second day in Japan, you’ll visit TeamLab, an immersive art experience. The installations are fascinating, and it’s 100% worth the hype.
There are two options: Teamlabs Borderless or Teamlabs Planets. Both offer a never-ending labyrinth of images, textures, sounds, and colours.
We chose to visit Borderless, and it was fantastic.
Give yourself at least 45 minutes to get there from Shinjuku, and book tickets well in advance as they do sell out.
Day 3: Mount Fuji Day Trip
Seeing Mount Fuji is tricky because it’s often covered in clouds.
If you have more than 2 weeks in Japan, I really recommend staying a night in Kawaguchiko. We stayed at Konsenso Onsen, which had a private in-room onsen and Fuji views from the rooftop. It was a highlight of my entire trip, and you can read about my experience here.
But for a shorter Japan itinerary, a day trip from Tokyo works well. A customizable private tour (like this one) is the best way to avoid the big crowds and hit the quieter viewpoints.
Alternatively, this full-day group tour is well-priced and includes the iconic photo spots.
Day 4: Ueno + Asakusa
Today you’ll explore a more traditional side of Tokyo. It amazes me how every district is so vastly different. This is why I suggest taking time to walk the streets and not be afraid of getting lost.
Sometimes the journey is more rewarding than the destination itself.
Ueno
Ueno has a very different vibe compared to Shinjuku and Shibuya. It feels more old-school Tokyo.
Visit Ueno Park (gorgeous in cherry blossom season), then wander through Ameyoko Shopping Street for street food and snacks. We grabbed drinks here, but saved our appetite for sushi at this local restaurant.
We were on a mission to buy an authentic Japanese knife, and heard that Kappabashi Kitchen Town is the best place for this. It’s located between Ueno and Asakusa, so you can either walk here or take the bus.
Asakusa
From Kitchen Town, we walked to Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with food stalls and souvenir shops.
It was extremely busy here, but this is where you’ll find Tokyo’s oldest temple, Senso-ji. Hence the crowds!
Takayama – 2 days
After four busy days in Tokyo, Takayama feels like stepping into a different Japan.
I loved it here.
The old town is beautifully preserved, the food is amazing (famous for Hida beef – you have to try it), and the locals we met were the friendliest in all of Japan.
I’ve written this detailed guide to Takayama, but included all the highlights below.
Getting to Takayama
We rented a car and did a road trip from Tokyo (east coast) to Kanazawa (west coast). Takayama was one of my favorite stops along the way.
Another option is to take the Shinkansen Train from Tokyo to Toyama, then transfer to the Limited Express train to Takayama. This train ride is said to be absolutely stunning.
Where to stay in Takayama
Takayama Old Town | I stayed at this hotel near Takayama Old Town. The location is ideal for a local experience – it’s busy during the day and quiet at night.
Aioimachi | To be in the hustle and bustle, stay closer to Aioimachi. It’s only a short walk from Old Town, but closer to the station.
Day 5: Takayama Arrival
Today is a travel day, so don’t overschedule.
Aim to leave Tokyo by 10 am so that you arrive in Takayama by mid-afternoon.
After checking into your hotel, head to the Aioimachi area, where you’ll find scores of shops and restaurants. You’ll immediately notice the contrast between the busy streets of Tokyo and the relaxed vibe of Takayama.
Next door, you’ll find the Asahimachi district, which is home to hundreds of quaint izakayas (bars). Most open after 6 pm.
Day 6: Explore Takayama
Today you’ll explore Takayama. The best part? Everything is within walking distance!
Start with the Miyagawa Morning Market, which is a small, local market alongside the river. We had Hida beef sushi here, and it was delicious.
Then follow the Higashiyama Walking Course, a 3 km trail through temples and shrines. The walk is gentle and flexible, and you can choose to explore just a portion of the trail depending on how much energy you have.
Spend the afternoon in Takayama Old Town (near Sanmachi Suji), visiting shops, cafés, and sake breweries. Don’t miss a sake tasting, and get a delicious bowl of Takayama Ramen from this small restaurant.
Kanazawa – 2 days
Kanazawa is often called “little Kyoto”.
It might not have an impressive list of historical sites and traditional neighborhoods like Kyoto, but I loved the small pockets of unique, beautifully preserved areas. And most importantly, fewer crowds!
It felt more authentic, and I really enjoyed my time here.
Getting to Kanazawa
If you don’t have a car, the best option is to book this tour from Takayama, which stops at Shirakawa-go on the way. Direct transfers don’t stop at Shirakawa, and it’s one place you don’t want to miss.
Where to stay
Near Nagamachi Samurai District | I stayed in this district and loved it for its proximity to Kanazawa Castle. The area has a local vibe to it, and our hotel (Koko Hotel) was just a short walk from everything.
Near the Omicho Market | This area is closer to Kanazawa Station and Omicho Market. Not as much character as where I stayed, but convenient for a quick trip. My friends stayed here and highly recommended it.
Day 7: Shirakawa-go + Kanazawa
Today you’ll leave Takayama and head west to Kanazawa.
If you’ve booked this tour, you’ll have 2.5 hours to explore Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its steep thatched-roof houses.
Once you arrive in Kanazawa, check into your hotel. If you’re staying in the same neighbourhood I did, take a stroll around Nagamachi Samurai District, which is nearby. This is a beautifully preserved area where Samurai and their families once lived.
From there, grab dinner nearby. We had an amazing experience at Sushi Ippei, a tiny, family-run sushi restaurant.
Day 8: Exploring Kanazawa
On day 8 of your Japan itinerary, you’ll spend the day exploring Kanazawa.
You can walk between many of the attractions, but you might find it easier to get a taxi. The distances are short, so it won’t be an expensive ride.
Start in Higashi Chaya District, my favorite area in Kanazawa: Beautiful wooden buildings, photogenic streets, and small teahouses.
From there, head to Omicho market. It’s the largest fresh food market in Kanazawa and is where you’ll find the best sushi in Japan. Big call – but it doesn’t get fresher than this!
After eating up a storm, it’s time to walk off the food!
Take a taxi or bus to Kanazawa Castle, the crown jewel of Kanazawa. I enjoyed walking through the park surrounding the castle, so don’t rush through it.
Next, move on to Kenroku-en. This has been named as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Kenroku-en is connected to Kanazawa Castle by a bridge, so the two can be easily visited together.
If you have extra time, head on over to Nishi Chaya District. It’s not as big (or impressive) as the other districts in Kanazawa, so if you’re short on time, then I suggest skipping it. The Ninja Weapon Museum and Ninja Temple (Myouryuji Temple) are also here.
Kyoto – 3 Days
Kyoto needs no introduction. It’s the cultural heart of Japan and is a bucket-list destination on most Japan itineraries.
But it’s also busy – very busy.
If you enjoyed the authentic vibes of Takayama and Kanazawa, you might not be a huge fan of Kyoto. The crowds can be intense (even out of season), and attractions are spread out.
Despite this, I really enjoyed Kyoto. I knew what to expect in terms of crowds, so I didn’t feel let down. Was it my favorite place in Japan? No!
But I’m so glad I experienced the city and visited the attractions I’d heard so much about.
Getting to Kyoto
We took the Shinkansen train from Kanazawa to Kyoto, making a quick transit in Tsuruga. This journey took us 2.5 hours.
If you only have 10 days in Japan and plan to visit Kyoto immediately after Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen directly from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Where to Stay
Gion or Higashiyama | For your first time in Kyoto, I’d recommend staying in Gion or Higashiyama as it’s walkable to most attractions. This area is more expensive, though.
Demachiyanagi | I chose to stay in a quieter, local neighborhood near Demachiyanagi Station. It’s only a few stops from Gion and the main areas, and you’ll find more affordable accommodation options here. Here’s the apartment we stayed in. It was massive and very close to the train station. The host was amazing!
Day 9: Kyoto Arrival
Today you’ll depart Kanazawa for Kyoto. Depending on how you’re doing for time, you can choose to leave in the morning or spend a few hours exploring more of Kanazawa.
Once you’ve arrived in Kyoto, take a walk through Pontocho Alley (a picturesque, narrow street) and Kiyamachi-Dori (a bustling, lively street alongside the river).
Grab dinner at Chao Chao Gyoza – the best dumplings in Japan.
Day 10: Fushimi Inari + Nishiki Market
Today is going to be a big day of exploring.
We woke up early and visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, home of the iconic red torii gates. It’s crowded at the start, but the higher you climb, the quieter it gets.
Afterward, grab lunch at Ramen-dokoro Katsukyo.
Spend the afternoon at Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s “Kitchen.” It closes at 6 pm, but try to arrive before 4 pm to avoid rushing.
Day 11: Higashiyama + Kinkaku-ji
Today is all about Kyoto’s historic district.
Wander through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, taking the iconic Nene-no-Michi street, which connects these two districts.
The entire area is gorgeous, and you can get lost in the maze of streets. But just remember that some streets request no photography.
From there, continue to Kiyomizu-dera, an iconic Buddhist temple perched on the top of the mountain.
A short walk from Ninenzaka lies Kodaji Temple, which I recommend checking out. The temple grounds are stunning, and it has a small bamboo forest. This is a great alternative to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (which we skipped as it’s out of the way and we’d heard the crowds were overwhelming).
For lunch, stop at Gyukatsu for the most incredible Wagyu Katsu.
Afterwards, take the bus to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion).
Osaka – 3 days
Osaka completely surprised me in the best way.
I was undecided about whether to visit the city, as many people head straight to Kyoto. But I’m so happy I spent a few days here.
It’s known as Japan’s Kitchen, and the food alone makes it worth a stop. It feels less intimidating than Tokyo and has a fun, lively energy.
Getting to Osaka
From Kyoto, take the local train to Osaka (1 hour). The Shinkansen is a lot quicker (15 minutes), but it’s more expensive.
Where to stay
Umeda | I stayed near Umeda Station, in an area close to Nakazakicho. I really enjoyed it here, and it didn’t feel over-touristy. This is the apartment we booked.
Namba | If you want to be close to all the action (Dotonbori, Shinsekai), staying in Namba might be a better option for you.
Day 12: Umeda + Nakazakicho
Today you’ll leave Kyoto for Osaka. Arrive by lunchtime so you can feast on all the delicious food that Osaka has to offer.
If you’re staying in Umeda/Nakazakicho area, head to Onigiri Gorichan for the best Onigiri you will ever have!
Next, walk to the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city.
End your day at Sonezaki Ohatsutenjin Street. There are hundreds of small shops, restaurants, and Izakayas here. We spent a few hours exploring this neighbourhood, and it’s a hidden gem I hadn’t heard about before visiting.
Day 13: Osaka Castle + Shinsekai + Dotonbori
It’s your second last day in Japan and it’s going to be abusy one. Depending on when your departure flight is, you could either visit all the following places in one day, or you could split them up.
First, visit Osaka Castle. The castle grounds are beautiful! We paid a fee to go inside the castle, but honestly, the exterior and grounds are far more impressive than the interior museum.
From there, visit two popular neighborhoods in downtown Osaka – Shinsekai (New World) and Dotonbori.
We first went to Shinsekai Market and wandered on to Nipponbashi. We had the most incredible ramen meal at Matsuya, a hole-in-the-wall eatery that’s popular with locals.
We moved quickly through these areas, so if you want to spend more time here, I suggest visiting Shinesekai Market tomorrow instead.
As you continue walking, you’ll reach Dotonbori, a colorful, lively area. It’s a tourist hotspot and sensory overload! Here you’ll find the famous Glico “Running Man” sign. Try to get here late afternoon, as this is when the neighborhood really comes to life.
Day 14 – Departure Day
Today’s your last day in Japan. Ideally, you want your flight to depart from Osaka, but if it’s out of Tokyo, you’ll need to take the Shinkansen fast train back to Tokyo. Give yourself 4 hours to reach Narita Airport in Tokyo.
If you’re flying out of Osaka, you may have a bit of time to explore today. Depending on your flight time, you might have time to explore Kuromon Market near Namba or visit Shinsekai New World (if you didn’t get to that yesterday).
If you have a full free day to explore, consider a day trip to Kobe (famous for Kobe Beef) or Nara (famous for its friendly deer and temples).
Is Japan worth it
I love Japan and it’s 100% my favorite country in the world. There’s just something about it that’s so fascinating.
Yes, it’s busy and touristy – and that was my experience traveling to Japan out of season. If you visit in peak season (Cherry Blossoms/Autumn foliage), then it might be overwhelming. So consider your timing wisely.
I traveled with my baby and was surprised by how family-friendly it is. If you have kids, don’t let that stop you from visiting. Here’s my guide to Japan with a baby.
If you have any questions, drop me a message in the comments section below.
Here are more Japan travel guides
