Japan 2-Week Itinerary
General Tips
- JR Pass: Get a 7-day or 14-day Japan Rail Pass for unlimited Shinkansen (bullet train) travel.
- IC Card: Get a Suica or Pasmo card for easy subway, bus, and convenience store purchases.
- Currency: Japan primarily uses cash (Yen ¥). ATMs in 7-Eleven or post offices accept foreign cards.
- Food: Try ramen, sushi, tempura, okonomiyaki, wagyu beef, and matcha-based desserts.
- Connectivity: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or get a SIM card for easy navigation.
- Etiquette: No loud talking on trains, take off shoes in temples/homes, and bow as a greeting.
Day 1-3: Tokyo – The Vibrant Capital
Where to Stay: Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza
Things to Do:
- Shinjuku: Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free city views.
- Shibuya: See the famous Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue.
- Harajuku: Walk through Takeshita Street and visit Meiji Shrine.
- Asakusa: Explore Sensō-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street.
- Akihabara: Enjoy anime, manga, and tech shopping.
- Ginza: High-end shopping and Kabuki-za Theater.
- Tsukiji Outer Market: Fresh sushi breakfast.
- Odaiba: TeamLab Borderless (digital art museum) and Rainbow Bridge views.
Day Trip Option:
- Hakone (Mt. Fuji Views & Hot Springs) – Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku, ride the Hakone Ropeway, and relax in an onsen.
Day 4-6: Kyoto – The Cultural Heart
Travel: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (2.5 hours)
Where to Stay: Gion or Higashiyama
Things to Do:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through thousands of torii gates.
- Kiyomizu-dera: A stunning temple with city views.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Iconic gold-leaf temple.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park: Breathtaking nature experience.
- Gion District: Spot geishas and enjoy matcha in a tea house.
- Nijo Castle: A UNESCO site with beautiful interiors.
Food to Try:
- Kyoto-style kaiseki (multi-course meal), Yudofu (tofu hotpot), and matcha sweets.
Day Trip Option:
- Nara: Visit Todai-ji Temple, feed deer in Nara Park, and see Kasuga Shrine.
Day 7-9: Osaka – Food & Nightlife
Travel: Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka (15 minutes)
Where to Stay: Namba or Umeda
Things to Do:
- Dotonbori: Neon lights, street food (takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu).
- Osaka Castle: Historic castle with a museum.
- Shinsekai: Old-school district with Tsutenkaku Tower.
- Universal Studios Japan: Harry Potter, Nintendo World, and more.
- Umeda Sky Building: Fantastic city views.
Day Trip Option:
- Himeji Castle: Japan’s most beautiful original castle.
Day 10-11: Hiroshima & Miyajima Island
Travel: Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (1.5 hours)
Where to Stay: Near Hiroshima Station or Miyajima Island
Things to Do in Hiroshima:
- Peace Memorial Park & Museum: Learn about history.
- Atomic Bomb Dome: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Shukkeien Garden: Traditional Japanese garden.
Things to Do in Miyajima Island:
- Itsukushima Shrine: Iconic floating torii gate.
- Mount Misen: Hiking with stunning views.
- Deer Spotting: Friendly wild deer roam freely.
Food to Try:
- Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki and fresh oysters.
Day 12-13: Naoshima – The Art Island
Travel: Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Okayama (40 min), then a ferry to Naoshima (20 min)
Where to Stay: Benesse House or a guesthouse on the island
Things to Do:
- Chichu Art Museum: Underground museum featuring Monet and contemporary art.
- Benesse House Museum: Art hotel and museum in one.
- Pumpkin Sculptures: Famous Yayoi Kusama artwork.
- Art House Project: Traditional houses turned into art installations.
Day 14: Return to Tokyo & Departure
Travel: Take the Shinkansen from Okayama to Tokyo (3.5 hours)
- Spend your last day shopping in Shibuya, Harajuku, or Ginza.
- Relax in an onsen at Odaiba or Shinjuku before your flight.
- Have a farewell sushi meal at a conveyor belt sushi spot like Sushiro.