2 Weeks in Japan: Essential 10 & 14-Day Japan Itineraries

Colourful temples, neon-lit cities and steamy bowls of ramen: Japan’s charm is irresistible. Whether you’re passionate about the culture or want to explore more of Asia, there is so much to see and do in 10 or 14 days in Japan. Let’s dive in!

Getting to and Around Japan

Tokyo has two international airports, and many travellers choose Haneda Airport because it is close to the city centre and public transport is readily available.

Speedy, reliable and affordable, Japan’s public transit system is one of the best in the world. Bullet trains can take you from one place to the next at record speed. Even when choosing a traditional train journey or bus route, you can still expect these services to be of a high standard.

Many travellers choose to purchase a Japan Rail Pass (also known as JR pass) while exploring this destination, as it is an all-inclusive ticket covering almost any Japan Rail service - including most high-speed trains! Offering incredible freedom and flexibility, it is an incredible option to choose at a reasonable price. Typically, a 14-day adult pass purchased outside of Japan translates in cost to £250.

10-Day Japan Itinerary

It’s time to reveal your 10-day Japan itinerary. Tokyo’s famous city districts, Kyoto’s cultural heritage, street food, snow monkeys and the timeless Mount Fuji are just waiting to be discovered. Are you ready for it?

Day 1: Begin in Tokyo

Welcome to Japan! Kickstart your adventure in Tokyo, the country’s extraordinary capital. Everything about Tokyo feels larger-than-life, from the incredible temples and shrines in the heart of the city to the huge variety of shopping, nightlife and culture districts. As the biggest city in the world, Tokyo is filled with non-stop magic. 

If today’s your arrival day, our top suggestion is to get settled into your accommodation and then wander over to Sensō-ji Temple for the afternoon or evening. From the moment you arrive at Sensō-ji, the atmosphere here is something special. Between the scarlet-red pagoda reaching into the sky, the smokey cauldron filled with incense and the giant hanging lanterns, this temple leaves a lasting impression.

Although Sensō-ji’s interior shuts at 5pm, the grounds are open to visitors all night. If you visit later, you’ll find that the grounds are a little quieter and beautifully illuminated, making you feel as if you’ve just stepped into a Studio Ghibli animation. Before you go, why not test your luck at the Omokuji (“fortune telling”) stalls? Whatever the outcome, finishing your night with some shabu-shabu (Japanese hotpot) is enough to make anyone feel blessed.

Day 2: Tokyo - Harajuku, Meiji Shrine & Akihabara

Tokyo is a cultural and shopping paradise. Start your morning exploring the world-famous district of Harajuku where every day is a fashion show! From the huge variety of shops to the Kawaii street style, Harajuku is the best place to get inspired. 

Just a short distance away from Harajuku is Yogoyi Park, offering a completely different vibe to travellers. Immerse yourself in this beautiful forest and pass through wooden torii gates to reach nature trails, picnic spots and the idyllic Meiji Shrine. 

Whenever you’re ready to go, take a short train journey to the Akihabara district for an unforgettable evening. Akihabara is the ultimate destination for all things Japanese pop culture: especially anime, gaming and manga! From arcades and electronic stores to quirky cafes, fandom shops and go-karting on the streets, Akihabara is spoiled for choice when it comes to activities. 

Day 3: Tokyo

Now that you’ve had a taste of Tokyo, experience the city from a fresh perspective today. You’ll find the absolute best vistas from the Metropolitan Government Building’s observatories. Take your time gazing at the astonishing cityscape, before coming back down with more adventure around the corner.

Your next stop is the legendary Omoide Yokcho alleyway, tucked between modern high-rises. Feel a sense of nostalgia while exploring hundreds upon hundreds of authentic food spots, tiny bars and izakaya pubs.

Then fast-forward to the present at Shibuya Crossing. As the world’s busiest intersection, the Shibuya Crossing is a whirlwind experience with thousands of people walking across in all different directions. From here, you can also immerse yourself in Shibuya’s vibrant nightlife to celebrate your final evening in Tokyo!

Day 4: Hakone and Mount Fuji

Hakone’s natural beauty speaks for itself; thermal hot springs, peaceful lakes and the majestic Mount Fuji are all waiting to be explored! After taking a train journey from Tokyo to Hakone, head to the Mount Fuji National Park to see this national icon from a variety of vantage points. From hiking trails to kayaking, immerse yourself in Mount Fuji's gorgeous landscapes. After a day out in nature, one of the best ways to unwind this evening is to visit a traditional onsen and sink into the steamy waters…

Day 5: Takayama

Between the emerald mountains, the little green farmhouses and old town alleyways, Takayama is like a fairytale come to life! Other than its charming scenery, Takayama is a small city famed for its local food and drink specialities. Takayama is one of the biggest producers of sake, and is also known for its flavourful Hida beef which melts in your mouth!

Day 6: Takayama and Kyoto

Enjoy a chilled morning in Takayama, strolling around the markets which are a daily tradition for this city. There are a variety of different stalls selling snacks and unique souvenirs, and now’s your chance to practice a few Japanese phrases with the local merchants before transferring to Kyoto.

Kyoto is so timelessly charming, that it feels as if you’ve stepped into another era. Over the next few days, you’ll fall head over heels for this alluring destination while exploring the wealth of shrines, temples and lantern-lit backstreets. It all starts in Gion: Kyoto’s world-famous geisha district. Stroll along Hanami Lane and Shinbashi Dori, leading you onto Shirakawa Canal. It’s enough to make anyone feel wanderlust!

Day 7: Kyoto’s Fushimi-Inari and Kiyomizu-Dera

It’s an early rise this morning to reach Fushimi-Inari, one of Japan’s most famous shrines, ahead of the crowds. Wander through the endless torii gates set inside an ancient forest. Later today, escape to Kiyomizu-dera Temple for an incredible view of Kyoto’s cityscape. From here you can admire the epic contrasts of ancient and modern life inside Kyoto. While the unbeatable vistas are this temple’s biggest draw, it’s also worth setting aside some time to check out all the different halls and shrines, plus a mysterious chamber...

Day 8: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and Zen Gardens

Start your day exploring one of the most glamorous temples in the world and Kyoto’s most famous: the Golden Pavilion. Shining even brighter in person, take your time marvelling at this beautiful attraction and the surrounding pond. Then when you’re ready to go, wander over to the secluded Daitoku-ji. Inside this walled temple complex, you’ll find a variety of Zen gardens and wooden structures which are perfect to explore at a leisurely pace.

Day 9: Arashiyama and Osaka

Just outside of Kyoto is a breathtaking mountain town called Arashiyama. Upon arrival, our first suggestion is to visit the famous bamboo forest, immerse yourself in the emerald landscapes and listen to the mesmerising ambience created by bamboo groves. Offering a completely different, but just as enthralling, experience is Arashiyama’s Monkey Mountain Park. Here you’ll see over 100 macaques (Japanese snow monkeys) in their natural habitat and even have the chance to feed them!

When you’re back in Kyoto, it’s only a 15-minute journey from here to Osaka. Nicknamed “Japan’s Kitchen”, Osaka is where you can experience the country’s most sensational cuisine - from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to street food stalls. It pairs perfectly with an evening of bar-hopping, karaoke and nightclub-crawling!

Day 10: Finish in Osaka

After exploring Japan for the past 10 days, your trip finishes here in Osaka. We highly recommend taking a later flight, so that you can make the most out of your time in Osaka. Our top suggestion is to wander around the Osaka Castle Gardens and admire this exquisite attraction from a variety of angles. Then you can head to the vibrant streets of Shinsekai - the nostalgic “New World” - and grab one last delicious meal in Japan.

Osaka’s international airport is easily accessible; there are also bullet train services available which can take you to Tokyo in under 3 hours.

Interested in This Trip? Check out Journey Through Japan!

While exploring Japan by yourself can be an incredible experience, having people to share these moments with feels even more magical. On our group trips, you can still experience all the benefits of solo travel: like the chance to experience a new culture and the freedom to make your own plans.

Yet instead of navigating everything alone, you’ll have a professional trip leader to help you find your feet abroad. Get to know Japan with a new group of friends and participate in once-in-a-lifetime activities on this trip: from traditional classes and ceremonies to scenic boat trips, local-led city and food guides, karaoke nights and so much more!

Journey Through Japan’s Top 5 Highlights

• Pass by Mount Fuji on the train before getting up close to this iconic location
• Make sushi from scratch in a beginner-friendly class, led by a professional chef
• Immerse yourself in Osaka’s sizzling street food with a culinary tour
• Discover the endless torii gates of Fushimi-Inari, followed by a traditional tea ceremony where you can hire kimonos
• Learn Kendo, the Samurai martial art, in the dojo where the practice began

Need more convincing? Here’s what our lovely sales manager, Becca, had to say about when she was a guide on Journey Through Japan:

“Taking the bullet train to Takayama with views of Mount Fuji on the route was so cool! You then spend the day drinking sake and eating the most amazing food, before staying at a beautiful temple overnight. One of my favourite days for sure!”

14-Day Japan Itinerary

Looking to stay for a little longer? 2 weeks in Japan is an ideal length of time. With a few extra days in Japan, you can get to know Osaka better and visit even more famous locations. Check out our Japan 14 day itinerary below!

Day 11: Day trip to Nara

The train journey from Osaka to Nara takes just 45 minutes, and we highly recommend leaving early this morning so that you can leisurely explore its famous park and grand temples. Befriend all the local deer and feed them crackers purchasable at the vendors scattered around the park. After this amazing wildlife encounter, head back to Osaka for the evening.

Day 12: Hiroshima

Hiroshima’s history is deeply moving, and today’s your chance to visit and pay respects at essential sights like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Dome. Hiroshima is also filled with vast and traditional gardens which are beautiful to explore if you’re after a leisurely afternoon.

Day 13: Miyajima Island day trip

Just an hour away from Hiroshima is a little island paradise called Miyajima. From temples tucked away in the mountains to the legendary floating torii gates, Miyajima is filled with enchanting scenery that’ll leave you awestruck. Spend all day exploring the sky-high temples and scenic nature trails.

Then return to Hiroshima for an evening to remember to celebrate your adventure in Japan. Head downtown and try unique dishes like Momiji Manju (red bean paste cakes) and Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (imagine noodles topped with pancake batter, it’s as delicious as it sounds!). Afterwards, Hiroshima’s hidden bars and lively nightclubs are ready waiting to be discovered.

Day 14: Finish in Hiroshima

It’s time to say goodbye to Japan. Enjoy one final walk around Hiroshima’s quaint gardens and river, before heading back home or continuing your journey through East Asia.

Feeling inspired? Today’s your lucky day… because our Journey Through Japan trip also has a 14-day option! On days 11 and 12, you’ll get to experience traditional life inside an authentic, working Buddhist temple. Enjoy a traditional dinner and reconnect with nature as you stay in the heart of the Koyasan mountains. Then on the morning of day 12, take a short transfer over to Hiroshima and explore this city as planned.

If you’re looking for a sign that you need to explore this extraordinary country and make memories for a lifetime on one of our Japan tours, this is it! What are you waiting for?