OVERVIEW

From the electric pulse of Tokyo to the quiet temples of Kyoto, Japan offers an incredible mix of modern cities, historic landmarks, mountain scenery, and unforgettable food. Japan’s excellent rail system and well-connected infrastructure make traveling between regions remarkably simple. 

This 2-week itinerary combines some of Japan’s most famous destinations with several slower-paced escapes into nature and traditional culture. Along the way, you can experience everything from neon-lit neighborhoods and ancient shrines to volcanic landscapes, hot spring resorts, scenic lakes, and historic temple complexes.

We designed this itinerary to provide a balanced introduction to Japan while still leaving room for flexibility, spontaneous exploration, and discovering the unique atmosphere that makes the country such a rewarding place to travel.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Japan’s entry process is fairly simple for travelers from many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and much of Europe.

Citizens of these countries can typically visit Japan visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, although it is always wise to verify the latest requirements before traveling. Visitors must carry a passport that remains valid for the duration of their trip. Travelers from countries outside Japan’s visa waiver program may need to apply for a tourist visa in advance.

After arriving in Japan, travelers pass through immigration and customs procedures, which include fingerprinting and a photograph at immigration checkpoints. Visitors can either complete the paper customs and immigration forms handed out during international flights or use the Visit Japan Web system before departure. The online system generates QR codes that are generally faster and more convenient to use at the airport.

Japan highly recommends using Visit Japan Web ahead of time, as it can speed up arrival procedures and reduce wait times at many major international airports.

GETTING THERE

Most travelers visiting Japan arrive through Tokyo, which serves as the country’s primary international gateway. The city is served by two major airports: Narita International Airport, located farther from the city center and handling many long-haul international flights, and Haneda Airport, which is closer to downtown Tokyo and increasingly popular for international arrivals.

Direct flights to Tokyo are available from major cities throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Travelers planning to visit other regions of Japan often continue onward using the country’s excellent rail network, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains. Kansai International Airport near Osaka is another major entry point, especially for travelers beginning their trip in Kyoto, Osaka, or western Japan.

GETTING AROUND

Getting around Japan is remarkably easy and efficient due to its world class public transportation system. For most visitors spending two weeks in the country, there is usually no need to rent a car. Instead, trains, subways, and public buses provide convenient access to nearly every major destination.

The Shinkansen bullet train makes traveling between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima fast and comfortable, while local subway and rail systems are excellent for navigating urban areas. Public buses are especially useful in places like Kyoto, where many attractions are spread throughout the city.

Most Japanese cities are also extremely walkable, with clean streets, excellent signage, and countless neighborhoods best explored on foot while discovering restaurants, temples, shops, and smaller hidden attractions along the way.

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit Japan is typically during spring (March through May) and fall (October through November), when temperatures are comfortable and scenery is especially beautiful. Spring brings famous cherry blossoms, while autumn offers colorful foliage throughout much of the country. 

Summer can be hot, humid, and crowded, though it is also festival season and a popular time for hiking in the mountains. Winter is quieter and ideal for skiing, snowboarding, hot springs, and seeing snowy landscapes in northern regions and the Japanese Alps. 

2-WEEK JAPAN ITINERARY

Tokyo (Days 1-5)

Kick off your Japan itinerary with five days in Tokyo, which allows enough time to experience many of the city’s most famous neighborhoods while still leaving room to explore some quieter areas and unique attractions. Tokyo is enormous, but its comprehensive train system makes it surprisingly manageable and easy to navigate..

Begin with the classic highlights around Asakusa and Ueno. Visit the famous Sensō-ji temple, stroll through Nakamise Street, and explore nearby Ueno Park and its museums. In the evening, head to Akihabara to experience Tokyo’s famous gaming, anime, and electronics culture.

Another day can focus on western Tokyo. Explore the energy of Shibuya Crossing, walk through trendy Harajuku, and visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine nearby. Continue into Shinjuku for shopping, observation decks, nightlife, and restaurants hidden among the neon-lit streets.

Make sure to also visit the Imperial Palace area, Ginza’s upscale shopping streets, and the waterfront districts around Odaiba or Toyosu. Additionally, TeamLab Planets has become one of the city’s most popular immersive art experiences.

Spend time wandering local neighborhoods, relaxing in small cafes, browsing department stores, or visiting themed restaurants and arcades. Areas like Shimokitazawa, Daikanyama, and Nakameguro offer a very different atmosphere from the city’s busier tourist districts.

For families, Tokyo DisneySea is widely considered one of the world’s best theme parks and can easily fill an entire day. Food is also a major highlight of visiting Tokyo, whether it’s sushi, ramen, convenience store snacks, street food, or tiny neighborhood restaurants.

Five days gives a strong introduction to Tokyo while still barely scratching the surface of one of the world’s most fascinating cities.

Nikko (Days 6-8)

After five energetic days in Tokyo, head north to enjoy a peaceful retreat in the natural beauty of Nikko. The region is best known for its elaborate shrines and temples, scenic waterfalls, lakes, and hiking opportunities within Nikko National Park.

Located roughly 2 to 3 hours north of Tokyo by train, Nikko can be reached by the direct Tobu Railway Limited Express from Asakusa Station or by combining the Shinkansen with local rail connections. 

Your first day will be spent exploring the temple and shrine complex, including the highly decorated Nikkō Tōshō-gū shrine, which contains the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nearby, the Rinno-ji Temple and Futarasan Shrine are also major highlights, both surrounded by towering cedar trees and peaceful forested walking paths. 

Another day or two should focus on the natural scenery around the Oku-Nikko region. Lake Chuzenji, located at the base of Mount Nantai, is one of the area’s most scenic spots and is especially beautiful during autumn foliage season. 

Just a short distance away, Kegon Falls is considered one of Japan’s most famous waterfalls. Take advantage of the extensive hiking trails and scenic mountain roads throughout the national park.

Nikko is also known for traditional ryokan inns and hot spring resorts. Smaller temples, quiet neighborhoods, local restaurants, and forested surroundings give the region a peaceful atmosphere that feels distinctly different from much of urban Japan.

Hakone (Days 9-10)

The second half of your 2-week journey takes you south to Hakone, one of Japan’s most popular getaways. Traveling from Nikko to Hakone is fairly simple, though the trip typically takes around 4–5 hours. 

Return to Tokyo by Tobu Railway or JR train, transfer to the Shinkansen and take it to Odawara Station, and then continue into Hakone using local trains or buses. You can also take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station, which is slower than the Shinkansen but offers a more scenic, relaxing, and enjoyable journey into Hakone. 

Hakone is generally explored using the well-known Hakone Loop, which combines trains, cable cars, ropeways, sightseeing boats, and buses into a scenic circuit. 

The highlight is the Hakone Ropeway, which passes above the volcanic valley of Owakudani. This active geothermal area features steaming vents, sulfur fields, and panoramic mountain views. On clear days, Mount Fuji is often visible in the distance.

After the cable car you’ll take a cruise across Lake Ashi aboard one of Hakone’s sightseeing boats. The lake is surrounded by forested mountains and offers views of several red torii gates along the shoreline.

Hakone is also famous for its ryokan inns and onsen hot spring resorts, making it an ideal place to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and outdoor hot spring bathing. Other popular attractions include the Hakone Open-Air Museum, scenic shrines, hiking trails, and quiet mountain villages scattered throughout the region.

Kyoto (Days 11-14 )

The final four days of your Japan itinerary will be spent exploring Kyoto. As Japan’s former imperial capital, Kyoto is known for its temples, shrines, traditional neighborhoods, gardens, and streets lined with preserved wooden buildings.

Your first day should be dedicated to eastern Kyoto, where many of the city’s most famous attractions are located. Highlights include Kiyomizu-dera, the historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, and the traditional Gion district. 

Hanamikoji Street and Pontocho Alley are especially atmospheric in the evening and lined with restaurants, tea houses, and preserved architecture.

Dedicate the next day to discovering western Kyoto’s highlights. Spend the morning at the towering Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and historic Tenryu-ji Temple. For the afternoon you’ll head to the scenic Katsura River and Iwatayama Monkey Park. Nearby temples such as Ryoan-ji and the famous Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, are also worth exploring.

On the third day you’ll head to southern Kyoto, where you’ll find the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that snake up the mountainside. Consider pairing a hike through these gates with a visit to the area’s historic sake breweries. 

Your final day in Kyoto can consist of a day trip to nearby Nara to see the famous deer park and Todai-ji Temple, or simply allow more time to explore Kyoto’s gardens, cafes, markets, museums, and traditional streets at a slower pace.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

A two-week trip through Japan offers an incredible variety of experiences packed into a relatively small area. From Tokyo’s nonstop energy to the historic streets of Kyoto and the peaceful mountain scenery of Hakone and Nikko, each destination brings something completely different. 

Japan’s efficient transportation system, outstanding food, cultural sites, and natural beauty make it easy to understand why so many travelers return again and again. Even with two weeks, this itinerary only scratches the surface of everything the country has to offer, while still providing a memorable and well-rounded introduction to Japan.