Japan itinerary 14 days — Suggested Japan 2 weeks itinerary on how to spend 14 days in Japan?

Japan dubbed “the land of the rising sun” is a country with a rich but equally unique culture and history alike. If you only spend 2 to 3 days in this cherry blossom country, it may not be enough, but if you have time, stay in this country for 2 weeks to explore every corner of Japan. Surely, the beauty of the landscape, the unique culture, the world leading diverse cuisine will not let you down. And here’s a 2-week travel itinerary to Japan for first-time visitors!

So, how many days in Japan is enough, what to do in Japan for 14 days? Let’s check out our 14 days in Japan blog with the suggested Japan itinerary 14 days (Japan 2 weeks itinerary, Japan travel itinerary 14 days, Japan trip itinerary 14 days, 14 days in Japan itinerary) on how to spend 14 days in Japan on a budget perfectly (14 days in Japan budget, budget Japan trip 2 weeks) as follows!

Why should you spend two weeks in Japan? (# japan itinerary 14 days)

For those who are planning a trip to Japan for the first time, two weeks is the perfect time to explore this place, from history, culture to beautiful scenery. Not many places in the world have such a seamless blend of past and present as Japan. Sometimes, you will feel like you are living in the past and the future world at the same time. Spending 2 weeks in Japan allows you enough time to visit most of the country, at least all the most worthwhile places to visit.

You’ll be able to explore from the mountains down to the sea, wandering through chaotic neon-lined streets and serene Zen temples and shrines, tasting savory food, especially ramen and sushi.

We will bring you the most suitable Japan travel itinerary 14 days to conquer Japan comprehensively. With this Japan 14-day itinerary, you can confidently travel around Japan without any other guidebooks.

For the first time in Japan, let’s start everything in Tokyo (4 nights) before heading to Hakone (1 night), Yudanaka (1 night), Kanazawa (2 nights), Takayama (1 night), Kyoto (3 nights), Hiroshima (1 night) and Osaka (2 nights). It’s the perfect blend of city and nature, a trip full of interesting things and lots of fun is waiting for you ahead.

Note: Japan has become a popular destination for travelers all over the world, especially after it hosts the 2019 Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, you should brace yourself for the time.

Where to stay in Japan and how to getting around? (# 14 days in japan blog)

Accommodation (# japan itinerary 14 days)

You should book accommodation in advance before deciding to stay somewhere for a long time. You can find and book hotels on Booking or Agoda. Search for hotels based on reviews, with Wi-Fi, quiet, and located in a convenient location, as long as the accommodation is rated above 8.5 points and under $70 a night it’s ok. There are so many options in Japan, no matter what your budget, take the time to read reviews and see which is the best. Some of the best hotels are also mentioned below this article for you refer to.

Traveling

It is highly recommended that you take advantage of the JR subway system, the money you save for traveling can be up to 19,000 yen / $175! Booking tickets is also very convenient and simple, you can get tickets on the website or the nearest train station. Once you have your JR pass, you just need to show your pass to any JR ticket office anywhere in the country without any extra fees.

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Below is the detailed of 2 week itinerary in Japan.

Day 1: Departure and visit the capital of Tokyo (# japan travel itinerary 14 days)

A little piece of advice: Don’t underestimate Tokyo, it’s probably one of the biggest cities you’ll visit, with dozens of attractions spread across different streets.

How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport? (# japan 2 weeks itinerary)

Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket

You can take the Narita Express, which takes about 1 hour and costs 3,020 for an adult. Another method you can refer to is the Limousine bus, the cost is only half of the Narita Express, you can book tickets in advance.

How to get to Tokyo from Handena Airport? (# 14 days in japan itinerary)

Haneda Airport to Tokyo (Hamatsucho) via Tokyo Monorail for 15 minutes. You can purchase an IC/Suica card on the website and it will be mailed before your trip to Tokyo.

Be sure to walk across the Shibuya Scramble Crossing on your first day, then head to the nearby Starbucks for the beautiful views from above. Then you can stop by the Tokyo Tower which is the perfect area for shopping. Spend the first day changing the wardrobe in Japanese style.

Day 2: Explore Harajuku and Shinjuku on foot (# 14 days in japan itinerary)

Start your day with a hipster breakfast and latte in Harajuku neighborhood. Choose Mr. Farmer (Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−5−12 セピア原宿ビル1Ｆ/Hours: 9 AM–8 PM) for a fun snack and Deus Ex Machina cafe (Address: 1 Chome-2-8 Mukojima, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0033, Japan/Hours: 10 AM–6 PM) for a morning caffeine.

There’s so much things to do in Harajuku, you could spend most of your second day in Tokyo for walking, photographing, and watch people passing by. You’ll find a hedgehog cafe, visit unique fashion boutiques, BIG LOVE Records (Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 2 Chome−31−3/Hours: 2–8:30 PM; Monday: Closed) boutique, and snack on amazing gyros in Gyoza Lou (Address: 6 Chome-2-4 Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan/Hours: 11:30AM-9 PM).

In the late afternoon, you can go to Shinjuku to reach the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan/Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM; Saturday, Sunday: Closed) which will gives you some of the best free views in the city and is worth visiting at sunset to watch the city slowly light up. End your evening with one of the highlights in Tokyo: Yakitori and cold beer on Piss Alley, followed by a bar around the Golden Gai bar area.

Day 3: Going to Central Tokyo (# japan 2 weeks itinerary)

Start your day at Tokyo’s Imperial Palace (Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan/Hours: 9–11:15 AM, 1:30–2:45 PM/Monday; Sunday: Closed) and spend the morning wandering around the grounds and gardens. You’ll love this part of the city and spend many hours exploring, so spend most of your time in the East Gardens.

After lunch, choose a leisurely afternoon stroll the streets of the upscale neighborhood to see a different side of the city. Ginza may be known for its luxury shopping, but Ginza Crossing, Itōya Stationery Store, and Hamarikyu Garden are all free to visit.

Day 4: Don’t miss the famous Akihabara electronics district (# japan 2 weeks itinerary)

Kick off your last morning in Tokyo by heading to Asakusa to explore the famous Senso-ji Temple. This is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Afterwards, wander to Ueno Park to spend a few hours walking the trails and sitting on a bench next to the beautiful lake.

Akihabara used to be Tokyo’s electronics district and while you can still find numerous of tech stores there. In short, this neighborhood is bright, noisy, and full of comic shops. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon watching the streets, pondering how there can be so many neon lights in one place.

Day 5: Experience Mount Fuji from Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture (# japan trip itinerary 14 days)

If you are planning to climb this active volcano, keep in mind that you can only do so between July and August and also remember that bright blue skies are rare in the mountains. side of Mount Fuji. December is the best chance to see the mountain with the wild green behind it.

The best and cheapest way to get to Hakone is by purchasing the Hakone Free Pass, which gives you unlimited rides on all transportation options for two days. You’ll start by taking the train from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, then board the cable car to Sounzen. From there, you’ll board a route to Owakudani, where you can check out volcanic activity and sample some sulfur eggs, then continue on your way to Togendai.

Hakone Freepass Voucher (2 or 3 Days)

Next, you’ll be able to ride a boat across Lake Ashi from Togendai to Hakone-machi, then walk around the lake to Moto Hakone. From there, you’ll be able to board a bus back to your starting point! It’s a simple round trip that will take you to beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding areas.

If you have extra time and enjoy exploring quirky attractions as you travel, head to Yunessun Spa Resort. There, you’ll be able to bathe in hot pools filled with sake, coffee, red wine, and even whimsical ramen.

Day 6: See the Snow Monkeys in Yudanaka

It makes sense to travel from Hakone to Yudanaka, as it includes four trains, some planned changes and half a day of travel, but if it’s winter and you’ve always dreamed of seeing Japanese famous snow monkeys, this would be well worth the detour.

Where to stay in Yudanaka? (# japan 2 weeks itinerary)

If you’ve been to Yudanaka, staying in a cozy ryokan is something you must experience at least once in Japan. With prices often reaching $300 a night for the experience, there is a more budget-friendly option in Yudanaka. It’s a house run by a lovely local couple. Their house has a private onsen, serving the most sumptuous meals of their life. A kaiseki is a multi-course meal, you will find food served so much that it can be eaten in about a week. Try to taste fresh local Japanese food, it’s delicious.

Day 7: Enjoy Sushi, Visit Architecture and Gardens in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture

This is a very popular place in Japan. This lovely seaside city is one of the most relaxing places you can visit in the country. An experience of tracking things in slow motion, instead of rushing and trying to see as much as possible.

There are three highlights when it comes to Kanazawa: Sushi, history, and gardens.

Kick off your first morning in the city by heading to its most famous attraction: Kenrokuen Garden (Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936, Japan). It is one of the top three gardens in Japan and makes the perfect start to the day. The earlier you arrive, the quieter and less crowded you’ll enjoy. You can spend two hours sitting by the lake, admiring the trees and wandering every path you can find.

As lunch rounds the corner, head to Omicho Market for sushi. It’s less crowded and less touristy than Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, and that means more locals, cheaper prices, and great seafood. Wander the photo booths, choose a restaurant packed with locals, and sample some of the freshest sushi you’ll ever come across. In the afternoon, head to Kanazawa Castle for an in-depth look at Japanese history and architecture, before heading out for some better seafood in the evening.

Where to stay in Kanazawa?

In Kanazawa there are many great inns. It was clean and modern, and warm in the winter, much appreciated. There are also many delicious ramen shops around. I could have spent a week just in that private room. I highly recommend staying here, even if you don’t normally choose hostels. The private room is just as nice as staying in a hotel.

Day 8: Explore the city of Kanazawa (# 14 days in japan itinerary)

For your second day in Kanazawa, get ready to hone your Japanese history by spending some time in the teahouses, geishas and samurai.

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