JAPAN
2 Week Itinerary
It’s not hard to see why people get caught up in the aura of Japan. The food is delicious, the public transport is unbelievably efficient, and it seems the country caters to all tastes: city slickers, nature lovers and everyone in between. When I visited Japan in Autumn 2023, I also fell victim to its charm since my initial plan of a 10 day stay ended up being a 4-week exploration.
I understand that not everyone has the opportunity to visit Japan for a month at a time and because of this… here’s my 2-week Japan itinerary for first timers.
☆ Quick Tip ☆
If you are a fan of free walking tours and/or want to learn more about major cities from a local guide, I would recommend the Japan Localized tours. As someone who has been on countless free walking tours around the world, I consider this group as my all time favourite.
Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1 – 4: Tokyo (including Mt Fuji day trip)
Day 5 – 11: Kyoto
Day 12 – 14: Osaka
Day 1 - 4: Tokyo
Stepping foot into the world’s largest city for the first time can be an overwhelming thought. However, despite the unprecedented foot traffic, Tokyo feels a lot less chaotic than it should due to the city’s organisation and orderly nature.
With 23 city wards that each possesses a unique style, there’s always something to do or visit in Tokyo. It’s impossible to get bored here.
Top Things To Do
1. Mt. Fuji (Fujikawaguchiko day trip)
For those not interested in hiking up Mt. Fuji and would rather just get within eye-view of the volcano (like myself), then visiting the city of Fujikawaguchiko is an excellent alternative. It takes between 1.5 - 2.5 hours each way from Tokyo, depending on how you commute (I took a direct bus from Shinjuku station). From Fujikawaguchiko station, the Mt Fuji Panaromic Ropeway and Lake Kawaguchiko are only a 15-minute walk away and offer a picturesque view of Mt Fuji. You can also rent a bicycle and ride around the lake if you’re feeling active. A 15-minute train ride from Kawaguchiko station will allow you to reach the Chureito Pagoda, which offers another stunning view of Japan’s most famous volcano.
☆ Quick Tip ☆
You can check the visibility of the popular Mt Fuji viewing spots online before committing to your day trip.
2. teamLab Planets
Japan’s superiority in technology is on full display at the teamLab Planets immersive experience. With more than 4 large-scale artwork spaces (including a water room that reaches knee deep) and 2 gardens, teamLab Planets is one of my all-time favourite museums. And although the numbers make the complex seem small, it’s quite the opposite and you can easily spend 2 - 3 hours in here.
3. Meiji Jingu
This is my favourite Shinto shrine in Tokyo due to its calm serenity. Despite being situated in Shibuya, a famous concrete jungle, Meiji Jingu is surrounded by a forest. The highlights of this shrine are the 12m torii gates and the wall of 200 sake barrels that not only make an aesthetic photo background but also represents the ancient connection between Japan’s rice wine and the Shinto religion.
4. Shinjuku
One of the most vibrant places in Tokyo, Shinjuku makes for a great night out. Whether it’s for a chill stroll admiring the city sights that include a 12m Godzilla that reigns over the city or hitting up Golden Gai for a wild night on the town, Shinjuku caters to all.
5. Shibuya
Aside from the legendary Shibuya crossing, Shibuya makes a great place to do shopping since it has well diverse options from large-scale shopping malls to places like Takeshita Street known for the Harajuku culture.
6. Senso-Ji
Located in Asakusa, Senso-Ji is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple and it should be visited at least once since it’s not only a remarkable complex to stand within but the locals that come to pray offer a great insight into traditional Japanese culture.
Example Itinerary
Day 1: Shinjuku
Day 2: Meiji Jingu & Shibuya
Day 3: Fujikawaguchiko (Mt Fuji day trip)
Day 4: Senso-Ji & teamLab Planets
Day 5 - 11: Kyoto
Kyoto is by far my favourite city in Japan. The former capital has a much more laid-back vibe compared to the other two major cities and it offers a greater insight into traditional Japanese culture.
The two main ways to travel between Tokyo and Kyoto is via bullet train (2.5 hours) or a flight to Osaka before taking a metro (~ 3 - 5 hours total). I opted for the second option as it was the cheaper between the two.
Top Things To Do
1) Fushimi Inari Taisha
Probably the most famous place in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha is my favourite Japanese tourist attraction. Aside from the spectacle of the 10,000 torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha has a 2-hour hike (round trip) that offers a stunning view overlooking Kyoto. However, the highlight of the hike wasn’t the viewpoint but the journey itself as there are Shinto shrines throughout the entirety that provide an intimate insight into the shrine’s significance (culturally and physically).
2) Nara
Just a 45 minute train ride from Kyoto is Nara. Although there are some nice temples here including the Todai-ji Temple, the highlight is easily Nara Deer Park. Home to thousands of free-roaming deers, Nara offers visitors a hand-feeding experience like no other as these animals will usually request food by performing a bow.
3) Kinkakuji
This three-story temple is a sight for sore eyes due to the top two floors being completely covered in gold leaf. Adding to the temple’s aesthetics is the nature that surrounds it, including a large pond that lays in front that offers a stunning reflection.
4) Arashiyama
A whole day could be dedicated to the Arashiyama district as it’s not short of sights and activities. However, the things I would prioritise would be the Monkey Park and Bamboo Grove (try to visit early before the crowds arrive). Otherwise, a casual stroll near or along the Oi River can make a fun adventure too.
5) Higashiyama
If there’s a place that truly encapsulates the traditional Japanese culture, it would be Higashiyama which is considered by many as the city's best-preserved historic district. Some of the top highlights of this area would be Gion (a known area for Geisha sightings), Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, Yasaka Shrine (which is particularly pretty at night) and Maruyama Park.
6) Uji
Uji is a small town located between Nara and Kyoto. Known for its exquisite green tea and matcha (I can attest to), the town is a must visit for any foodies.
8) Nishiki Market
With over 140 stalls along a 400m passage way, the Nishiki Market has it all. I loved the Nishiki Market (and Kyoto in general) to the point that I found myself visiting the complex most days. If I wasn’t trying a new local cuisine, then I was buying some sort of souvenir (including my most beloved possession, a Kyoto cap).
Example Itinerary
Day 5: Nishiki Market
Day 6: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Day 7: Arashiyama
Day 8: Nara
Day 9: Uji
Day 10: Higashiyama
Day 11: Kinkakuji
Day 12 - 14: Osaka
Although the city of Osaka has less appeal to me than the other two major cities, I think it makes a fantastic base for day trips to Kobe and Minoh (both of which are worth a visit).
Things To Do
1. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle and its surrounding park are a visual highlight of Osaka that make a great spot for a relaxing stroll.
2. Dotonbori
All the neon signs (including the famous running Gleico Man) make missing this area impossible. However, unlike Tokyo districts that are also covered in neon signs (eg. Shinjuku), Dotonbori is a lot more quiet which can make it a less overwhelming experience for tourists.
3. Kobe
Kobe makes a great day trip for both nature lovers and city slickers. The hike to Nunobiki Falls conveniently begins right outside of Shin-Kobe station. While the falls are stunning, I found venturing further into the wilderness towards the Nunobiki Herb Gardens the real nature highlight as the view towards Kobe’s port is gorgeous. Harbourland also offers a stunning view of the city, especially at night when the port tower and the surrounding buildings are all lit up.
4. Minoh
Located only a 30-minute train ride from Osaka is Minoh, home to the Minoo Waterfall, situated in Minoo Park. The park offers a gentle 45-minute hike to the waterfall and since Minoh is a relatively quiet place, it makes for a very relaxing day out.
Example Itinerary
Day 12: Kobe
Day 13: Minoh
Day 14: Osaka Castle & Dotonbori