Planning a 2 week Japan itinerary? Here’s our ultimate guide on how to spend the best 2 weeks in Japan on a budget. This will be the trip of a lifetime and there are so many amazing places to explore in this beloved country.
In this Japan 2 week itinerary, we’ve included how to get around the country, the best places to stay and what to do in each destination! Find out the best things to do in Japan!
Japan is an island country in East Asia on many people’s bucket lists (for good reason)! It’s known for having the tastiest sushi, amazing anime, wonderful culture and it’s also one of the leading countries in the world of games.
It’s also a country filled will beautiful shrines, illuminating neon lights, amazing hikes and incredible cities. There is so much to Japan that makes it a truly impressive country to explore and there are so many beautiful places to discover all year round.
We absolutely loved our time in Japan and instantly fell in love! With 2 weeks in Japan, you can discover some of the best places to visit whilst eating delicious Japanese cuisine, singing your heart out at Karaoke or simply admiring everything that Japan has to offer.
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Quick Tips for a 2 Week Japan Itinerary
- Currency – Japanese Yen (compare to your own currency here)
- Language – Japanese (日本語)
- Cuisine – Japanese Cuisine (sushi, rice, curry, tempura & ramen)
- Apps – GoogleMaps & GoogleTranslate
- Transport Card – Suica / Pasmo (top-up cards to use public transport around Japan)
- Japan Power Voltage – Plugs A & B (100 V)
- Transport – Public transport, night buses or Shinkansens – Find JR Rail Passes here!
- Klook Pass Greater Tokyo – Find tickets on Klook!
Wifi / Simcard options for Japan
E-Sim – A great option if you don’t need a Japanese number! E-Sims are easy to install as you can install the sim using your phone settings (don’t worry it has instructions)! Here’s a 12 Day E-Sim. (£9.50 for 12 days)
Portable Wifi – The best way to always have wifi for all your gadgets. Find a portable Wifi on Klook here! (£30 for 1 week) Pick up at the airport.
Finding Wi-Fi – Connect to free wifi around Japanese cities – Starbucks, Mcdonalds, convenience stores, airports, train stations and more!
We also recommend having a portable charger so you can charge your phone whenever it’s low and still be able to use wifi We recommend this one – Anker Power Bank.
Best time to visit Japan
The best time to visit Japan is around March – May (the Spring season) and September – November (the Fall season)! These are the best temperatures for visitors and the weather should be great for 2 weeks in Japan. However, it is totally possible to visit Japan all year round and experience the benefits of each season!
- Spring – The most popular time to visit Japan due to the cherry blossom season!
- Summer – The best time to visit the north (Hokkaido) as typhoon season begins across Japan!
- Fall – The fall leaves bring a lot of visitors to parks during this season and the rainy season stops!
- Winter – Perfect for skiing & snowboarding in the north and admiring Mt Fuji in the snow.
Okinawa (a Japanese island below the mainland) has a subtropical climate throughout the year!
How to get around Japan
Japan feels like a futuristic country with its bullet trains and amazing public transport system. It’s easy to get from A to B when travelling in Japan. Whether you have a JR Pass or need to book transport separately, here are some of the best websites to get you prepared for your 2 week Japan itinerary!
Trains – The fastest way to get around Japan (Book JR tickets here or get the JR Rail Pass!
Buses – An alternative to trains as they’re more budget-friendly and can travel overnight! (Willer Express Bus Website)
Flights – Flights around the country can save you lots of time – Check Skyscanner for flight times and prices!
The JR Pass
The Japanese Rail Pass gives travellers the opportunity to have unlimited travel for a certain period of time (7, 17 or 21 days) – which means you can catch as many shinkansen (bullet) trains as you want! They’re easy to use and also valid on all JR lines. Book your JR Pass on Klook here!
For this 2 week Japan itinerary, we did not use a JR Pass and instead used Willer Express buses to get around the country as we did our Japan itinerary on a budget. If you’re flying in and out of Japan using different airports you may find that the JR Pass doesn’t save you any money.
If you do get a JR Pass – make sure to activate it when you leave Tokyo instead of at the beginning of your trip.
2 Week Japan Itinerary
Here’s our ultimate 2 weeks in Japan itinerary on a budget with tips on how to get to each destination.
Day 1 – 5 | Tokyo
The best way to kick off your 2 weeks in Japan itinerary is to explore the famous Tokyo. Tokyo is Japan’s capital city and with over 37 million people living there – it’s also the largest and most populated city in the world!
How to get to Tokyo
Tokyo has two international airports (Narita and Haneda) and both of these are connected to amazing public transport links. There are a few ways to get from the airports to the city centre.
How to get from Narita Airport to the city centre – The cheapest way is to catch a regular train on the Keisei Line, which takes around 80-120 minutes. There are also speedy trains on the same line that can get you to the city in less than 1 hour for a little more money. Another way is to catch a limousine bus which you can book in advance – Book Narita airport transfer in advance here!
How to get from Haneda Airport to the city centre – Catch the Tokyo Monorail or train (Keikyu Line) into the city centre.
What to do in Tokyo
This 2 week Japan itinerary gives you around 4-5 days to spend in Tokyo which is an amazing amount of time as there are so many things to do in Toyko! We’re going to list all the best things to do in Tokyo on a first trip and you can mix them up over your 5 days.
Discover Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of the best areas to spend your first day in Japan – exploring the unique shops, and interesting streets and watching the hustle and bustle of Tokyo life. Check out the popular street – Omoide Yokocho (also known as piss alley)!
As well as shops, you’ll also find some great Japanese restaurants here and it’s also home to the famous Robot restaurant. Look out for Godzilla’s head above the Toho building and make sure to visit at night too!
Head to Harajuku
From Shinjuku, head to Harajuku and browse down the popular Takeshita Street! You’ll find a Daiso here which is actually a great place to buy any budget-friendly souvenirs! Takeshita Street can get pretty hectic and we were told off for taking photos of a shop here (oops!) but it’s worth a visit in Japan!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter – Klook is the best place to get discounts on these tickets – Find more details here!
Walk around Yoyogi Park
Whilst you’re in the area, take the afternoon to check out Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu. The park is beautiful, especially in the Spring and Fall seasons.
Visit Shibuya
Next, it’s time to explore Shibuya – another must-visit area during your 2 weeks in Japan. Shibuya is home to one of the busiest road crossings in the world and there’s a Starbucks that gives a great view (location here)! Head to the Hachiko Memorial Statue and you’ll be sure to find the crossing next to all the popular shops.
See the view from the Metropolitan Government Building
Head to the Metropolitan Government Building for a free view of the city! It’s one of the best spots to see Tokyo from above and it’s all for free.
Explore Asakusa
Exploring Asakusa is one of the best things to do in Japan and it’s definitely a busy place to be! If you have the chance make sure you visit in the daytime and night as Tokyo lights up in the dark. Browse around Nakamise Shopping Street and find the many temples in the area.
Spend a morning doing a Tokyo Kimono Experience with Japanese Hairstyling – Find tickets on Klook here.
Admire Senso-ji Temple
Walk through the Asakusa district and find the famous Senso-ji Temple – one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Japan. It’s also the oldest temple in Tokyo, so it should definitely be added to your 2 week Japan itinerary.
The beautifully bright red Senso-ji Temple was originally built to honour Kannon (the goddess of mercy) and it lies in the same area as the Five-Storied Pagoda and Hozomon Gate. All of these are worth checking out! Entry is free to visit the temple and the surrounding area.
Visit Tokyo Skytree
Tokyo Skytree is easy to spot from Asakusa and a short walk will get you to the base of the impressive tower! It’s the world’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower that has an observation deck! Find tickets to get to the top on Klook here or GetYourGuide here! Here’s the location.
Get lost in Akihabara
Akihabara is the best place to be if you like manga and games. It’s one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Tokyo and definitely earns a spot on this 2 weeks in Japan itinerary. You’ll find the big Sega building and many electronic shops and it’s literally a paradise for manga, anime and video game fans!
Klook.comWalk around Ginza
Ginza is known as the upmarket shopping district in Tokyo with fancier shops and a higher level of class. It’s an interesting area to walk around in Japan and it was actually where our hostel was based (DJ Ginza Hostel) which is sadly now closed.
Spend the day at Disney Sea
There is only one Disney Sea in the world and it’s right here in Tokyo! Take a day to discover the magical world of Disney and have fun on all the rides! It’s very popular for Japanese couples or groups to wear matching clothing and it’s such a wonderful experience during your 2 weeks in Japan!
There’s also a Disneyland Tokyo – Book your tickets in advance here and a Sanrio Puroland Tokyo!
More things to do in Tokyo
- Wander around Ueno Park
- Get lost in TeamLab Borderless – Book tickets here!
- Explore a themed cafe
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter
- Admire Tokyo Tower – Book tickets here
- Find the Unicorn Gundam Statue & Odaiba Statue of Liberty
- Day Trip to Hakone (Mt Fuji) – Find tickets here!
- Indulge in a Japanese Sushi Making Class – book here!
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter – Klook is the best place to get discounts on these tickets – Find more details here!
At the end of Day 5 on your 2 week Japan itinerary – head to Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to catch as it’s time to catch a night bus* to Kyoto.
*This part of the itinerary is up to you – we chose to catch a night bus to be more time efficient and save some extra money on accommodation. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is amazing here so if you want to take a train, it will take less than 3 hours to get from Tokyo to Kyoto! Book your JR Pass and JR tickets here!
Where to stay in Tokyo
Tokyo is a big city with many different neighbourhoods to explore! The best places to stay in Tokyo are Shinjuku, Ginza, Shibuya and the Tokyo Station Area. If you’re staying a little out of the city centre – make sure you’re near some good transport links! Here are a few places we recommend:
Nui. Hostel $ – Great place to meet travellers & budget accommodation in Tokyo – Find the link here!
Imano Tokyo Hostel $ – Another budget destination, close to Shinjuku – Find the link here!
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku $$ – Private rooms in the heart of Shinjuku – Find the link here!
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo $$$ – Luxury spot overlooking the city & Tokyo Tower – Find the link here!
Check out our Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places (2024)!
Day 6 – 9 | Kyoto
The next stop on your 2 week Japan itinerary is Kyoto – a city filled with shrines, forests and beautiful traditional streets. Kyoto is much smaller than Tokyo and it feels a lot more relaxed. It actually used to be the capital of Japan!
We’re going to show you the best things to do in Kyoto and a few places you can add to your Japan 2 weeks itinerary.
How to get to Kyoto from Tokyo
The best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is by train or bus, it’s really easy with a JR Pass.
Train – Book your train ticket in advance to avoid tickets selling out and head to Tokyo Station. The journey will take around 2 to 3 hours and you’ll arrive at Kyoto Station.
Bus – We took a night bus from Tokyo to Kyoto and it was so comfy! We booked our tickets on Willer Express and our bus left at 22:35 (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) and arrived at 07:05 (Gion-Shijyo Station) which means we got a full night’s sleep.
What to do in Kyoto
On your 2 week Japan itinerary, you’ll find loads of lovely things to do in Kyoto. It’s home to the famous red torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and also the popular bamboo forest. It’s a beautiful city surrounded by mountainous hills filled with traditional houses.
Indulge in a Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Experience during your 2 weeks in Japan!
Visit the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
This is one of the popular spots on your 2 week Japan itinerary! The Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its 10,000 torii gates leading up to the summit of a mountain. It takes around 2-3 hours to walk the whole length, although you can turn around at any point.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is the chief shrine of Inari (the god of rice & sake). The torii gates here are from the Shinto religion and represent the border between two worlds.
We highly recommend visiting the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine as early as you can make it. Any time around 6-7am will be great as you can beat the crowds and do the hike without crowds.
Klook.com
Admire Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion)
Another beautiful place to visit on your Japan 2 week itinerary is the Kinkakuji Temple (also known as the Golden Pavilion). The temple is in the heart of Kyoto, on the side of a lake covered by trees.
Here’s the location of Kinkajui Temple and the price to enter is 400 yen (you can find out on their website).
Browse around Pontocho
On your first evening in Kyoto head to the area of Pontocho for some dinner! There’s a popular narrow street called Pontocho Alley and this is where the main atmosphere is! Grab a bowl of udon, or ramen or try some famous Japanese sushi.
Explore Gion
It’s time to explore Kyoto’s traditional area of Gion! Gion is known to be the Geisha district of Kyoto and it’s popular to see Japanese people and visitors wearing kimonos around these streets. It may be hard to see a real Geisha, although they do live here!
There are also many more restaurants here for the rest of your Kyoto trip and great sake bars! Take a guided night walk in Kyoto’s Geisha District here!
Visit Ginkaku-ji
Ginkaku-Ji is a silver Buddhist temple in Kyoto surrounded by gorgeous gardens! It’s definitely worth a visit when you’re in Kyoto as it’s different to the famous gold Kinkakuji Temple. The price is 500 yen to enter the park.
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
On your final day in Kyoto, wake up early and visit the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It’s another beautiful place to visit on your 2 week Japan itinerary and easy to get to by public transport. The bamboo trees are incredibly tall and tower over the main pathway. It can get really busy here!
Arashiyama is also a lovely area of Kyoto to walk around after visiting the bamboo forest. There are a few cafes and places to buy mochi!
Check out this – Kyoto: All-Inclusive 3-Hour Food and Culture Tour in Gion!
Where to stay in Kyoto
The best area to stay in Kyoto is near Downtown Kawaramachi or Kyoto Station. Kyoto is a lot smaller than Tokyo and you’ll be using local trains and buses to get around the city so it’s good to be well-connected! Here are a few places we recommend:
Len Kyoto $ – The sister hostel of Nui in Tokyo, great location – Find the link here!
Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo $$ – Private rooms in the heart of Kyoto – Find the link here!
Hotel Elcient Kyoto $$ – Private but small rooms next to Kyoto Train Station – Find the link here!
Day 9 – 11 | Hiroshima
Further down south is Hiroshima, another spot to add to your 2 week Japan itinerary. Hiroshima is sadly known for being ruined by an atomic bomb during World War II in 1945. The city is a big piece of history for Japan and it’s possible to visit the ruins in the park.
On a lighter note, it’s known for being close to the famous Miyajima island! Let’s explore Hiroshima on your 2 weeks in Japan itinerary!
How to get to Hiroshima from Kyoto
Similar to before, the best way to get to Hiroshima from Kyoto is by train and bus. The train is always going to be the quickest option and is included in your JR Pass.
Train – The train to Hiroshima will take under 2 hours from Kyoto and the scenery is beautiful! (Book your train ticket in advance to secure a space). Head to Kyoto Station and arrive at Hiroshima station.
Bus – If you’re on a budget, Willer Express buses are a great way to get around the country and this was our favourite train ride in Japan! We took a bus at 06:50 from Kyoto Station and arrived at 14:00 into Hiroshima Station.
Here are 6 Best Tips to Travel Japan on a Budget – Cost of Travel in Japan!
What to do in Hiroshima
Visiting Hiroshima was another highlight of our 2 weeks in Japan and it was where we fell in love with Okonomiyaki! Here are a few things you can get up when visiting the city for 2 or 3 days.
Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
One of the best things to do when you arrive in Hiroshima is to head to the Peace Memorial Park. It’s in the heart of the city and cannot be missed! The park is a memorial to the 1945 event of the tragic atomic bomb during World War II.
You will also find the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, Pond of Peace, Clock Tower of Peace and more in the park.
If you want to find out more information about the history here, check out this Hiroshima Cycling Peace Tour with a Local Guide!
Klook.comSee the Atomic Bomb Dome
The war memorial that stands out the most in the park is the ruins of a hall that was destroyed by the atomic bomb. It’s named the Atomic Bomb Dome and can be admired from a distance or up close. It’s so scary to think about what happened here less than 100 years ago. (location here)
Start your day with an Early Morning Trekking Tour with a tea ceremony – Find out more here!
Explore Hiroshima Castle
After visiting some important sites in Hiroshima, it’s time to see the beautiful Hiroshima Castle on your Japan 2 week itinerary. The castle has lots of nature around including a Koi pond!
Like many buildings in Hiroshima, it was completely destroyed and has since been rebuilt, which is very impressive. It’s free to enter the grounds but a small cost to go inside the castle.
Eat okonomiyaki
For dinner we highly recommend you check out Okonomimura! It’s a big food hall with many small restaurants serving the famous okonomiyaki and more! It’s the best place to find Okonomiyaki in Japan, as this is where the dish originates from!
Okonomiyaki is grilled cabbage and egg with any toppings and a delicious sauce! Okonomiyaki translates to ‘what you like’, so there are many different variations. You can eat it right off the hot plate! Here’s the location!
Take a trip to Miyajima Island
During your 2 week Japan itinerary, you must visit Miyajima Island! It’s another one of our favourite things to do in Japan as the natural beauty of the island and its surroundings are amazing! If you have more than one day there’s actually a lot to do on the island including hiking and temple visiting.
How to get there? Catch a tram or train to Miyajimaguchi Station and from there you can get a ferry over to the island. Here’s a few ways you can spend your time:
- See the Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate (low tide and high tide)
- Say hi to the local wild deer
- Explore the markets
- Visit Daishō-in Temple (Buddhist temple complex)
- Hike Mount Misen
- Cultural Experience in a Kimono
Where to stay in Hiroshima
The best area to stay in Hiroshima is near downtown. You’ll be close to all the main things to do and it’s super easy to get transport to Miyajima island.
Santiago Guesthouse $ – Hostel in the heart of Hiroshima with lovely kitchen space – Find the link here!
The Evergreen Hostel $ – Cosy hostel in Kyoto & a great way to meet travellers – Find the link here!
The Knot Hiroshima $$ – Private rooms in Hiroshima with a rooftop view – Find the link here!
Day 11 – 14 | Osaka
For the last few days of your 2 weeks in Japan, it’s time to base yourself in Osaka to explore the city and surrounding areas. Osaka is an energetic city only a few hours away from Tokyo, it’s known for having outgoing locals and lively, trendy areas with amazing Japanese cuisine all around!
How to get to Osaka from Hiroshima
The best way to get to Osaka from Hiroshima is by train or bus. (Get your JR Pass here) If you don’t have a JR Pass, these trains won’t cost too much compared to the Tokyo to Osaka journeys as the distance isn’t as long.
Train – The train from Hiroshima to Osaka only takes 1.5 hours! Go to Hiroshima station and you’ll arrive at Shin-Osaka Station. Book your train ticket in advance to secure a space)
Bus – We took a Willer Express bus at 16:45 from Hiroshima station and arrived at 22:10 in Osaka Umeda. As we’ve said before, the buses are very comfy in Japan and a budget-friendly way to get around the country.
What to do in Osaka
Osaka has many interesting things to do including amazing day trip options. We’ll show you how to spend 3 days in the multicultural city of Osaka!
Go on a welcome tour when you first arrive in Osaka – Welcome to Osaka: Private Tour with a Local Host!
Walk around Namba
Namba is the main area of Osaka with a high-energy atmosphere filled with funky shops, bright colourful signs and so much food! It’s also where a number of the best places to visit are in Osaka. You have to visit Namba both the day and the night for a totally different experience.
- Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
- Dotonbori Glico Sign (take photos from the side of the bridge!)
- Ebisu Tower Ferris wheel
- Namba Yasaka Jinja (Shinto Shrine)
Visit Nipponbashi Denden Town
Denden Town is similar to Harajuku or Akihabara in Tokyo with electronic shops, manga, anime and games. It’s a really fun area right next to Namba and definitely worth checking out!
Browse Kuromon Market
This is one of the best markets in Osaka for food and souvenirs. Take a walk through the markets and get tempted by the smell of melon pans and unique Japanese delights! Here’s the location!
Admire Osaka Castle
Visiting Osaka Castle is a highlight of this 2 week Japan itinerary as both the gardens and castle are beautiful. The castle is surrounded by water and the park is filled with nature – it’s especially beautiful during Spring and Fall. We sat on the stones near the castle during sunset and it’s the perfect way to watch the sunset in Osaka.
Try the street food in Dotonbori
If you haven’t tried takoyaki yet during your 2 weeks in Japan – now is your chance to do so. Osaka is known as Japan’s food capital and there are so many options for Japanese food here.
Take a popular Shinsekai Food Tour and discover 10+ authentic eateries in Osaka!
Visit Nara (Day Trip)
Nara is a popular destination to visit in Japan and should be included on your Japan 2 week itinerary! The small city has a park filled with local free-roaming deer and it’s possible to feed them deer biscuits.
There are also beautiful temples and lovely streets of gifts and souvenirs – we watched mochi being made in one of the shops! Nara is only a 30-minute train ride from Osaka so it’s the perfect day trip or even afternoon trip if you’re running short on time.
Take a trip to Universal Studios Japan
If you love theme parks, then Universal Studios should be added to your 2 week Japan itinerary. Along with Disneyland and Sea (in Tokyo), Universal Studios is one of the most popular theme parks in Japan. The experience of theme parks is amazing with shows, themed restaurants and some of the best rides.
As huge Nintendo fans, we are so excited to visit Universal Studios in Japan one day to see Super Nintendo World which opened in 2021. Book your tickets on Klook here!
Check Kobe (Day Trip)
Kobe is another day trip option from Osaka during your 2 weeks in Japan. It’s known for Kobe Beef, Nunobiki waterfall and its lovely china town. As it only takes 30 minutes to get there, it’s possible to visit in one afternoon or morning. Although if you want to explore the mountainous hills you can spend all day!
Klook.comMore things to do in Osaka:
- Play arcade games at a Japanese Gesen (game centre)
- Visit the Umeda Sky Building
- Go on a food tour!
- Go on the Umeda Ferris Wheel
- Visit Tsutenkaku Tower
- Visit the Cup Noodles Ramen Museum (northwest of Osaka)
- Visit Kyoto on a day trip (if you haven’t visited yet)
Where to stay in Osaka
The best areas to stay in Osaka are Namba and Umeda and anywhere near good transport links!
Hostel Q $ – Budget rooms in the heart of Osaka city – Find the link here!
The Bridge Hotel Shinsaibashi $$ – Private rooms in Osaka, close to the main area – Find the link here!
2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary Breakdown
Day 1-5 | Tokyo / Day 6-9 | Kyoto / Day 9-11 | Hiroshima / Day 11-14 | Osaka
If you have a return flight from Tokyo make sure you have time to get back to Tokyo from Osaka. The best way to get from Osaka to Tokyo is by flight, train or night bus. The train is the best option if you have a JR Pass!
Other Places To Visit in Japan
- Yokohama – the second largest city in Japan, next to the water near Tokyo!
- Fukuoka – is known for its ancient temples and its close links to South Korea!
- Okinawa – a nature-filled tropical island south of mainland Japan!
- Hokkaido – the north of Japan featuring amazing hikes and Sapporo city!
- Hakone – visit the base of Mt Fuji on a day trip from Tokyo!
How do I plan a 2 week trip to Japan?
After figuring out your 2 week Japan itinerary – it’s time to start planning the rest of your trip! Here’s a list of links you might find helpful when booking your transport, accommodation & activities!
- Check if you need a visa
- Check for any national holidays on your date of visit in 2024 (check here)
- Book your flights – check Skyscanner prices here
- Get Travel Insurance – Find out more here!
- Book your accommodation on Hostelworld here or Booking.com here
- Book a JR Pass – Book your JR Pass on Klook here!
- Book buses in Japan here – Willer Express Bus Website
- Find a portable Wifi on Klook here!
- Book any must-visit activities such as Universal Studios or Museums
Should I get a JR Pass?
Yes – If you have return tickets to Tokyo and you want to experience Japanese bullet trains then yes, the JR Pass will work out great for you! Book your JR Pass on Klook here!
No – If you’re on a budget during your 2 weeks in Japan then no, you shouldn’t get a JR Pass. In this Japan itinerary, we’ve shown you how to get around the country by bus journeys which is cheaper than bullet trains and the JR Pass.
Activities to book in Japan
- Tokyo – TeamLab Borderless – Book tickets here!
- Tokyo Tower – Book tickets here
- Day Trip to Hakone (Mt Fuji) – Find tickets here!
- Sushi Making Class – Book here!
Vegan in Japan Tips
Japanese food is loved all around the world and is some people’s favourite cuisine. We first visited Japan as vegetarians and realised we were going to struggle if we didn’t do our research.
Thankfully we found a lot of options on Happy Cow and survived using Google Translate on ingredients in shops. Here are a few helpful recommendations for your 2 weeks in Japan:
- Curry House Ichibanya will be a lifesaver (plant-based Japanese curry menu all around the country)
- Have a look at the IsitVeganJapan website!
- Pretty much every ramen is made with bone broth (unless specified)
- Use the HappyCow app
- Join Vegan in Japan Facebook Groups
- Visit T’s Tan Tan in Tokyo
- Bring your own cereal bars, oats and snacks
Switch to more sustainble products before your 2 weeks in Japan! Check out our
18 Great Eco Friendly Travel Products You Need to Swap guide!
Are 2 weeks enough to visit Japan?
Yes! 2 weeks in Japan will give you the opportunity to plan the perfect first-time trip and discover your favourite areas. If you love big cities, you’ll want to spend 2 weeks in Tokyo alone. When we visit Japan in the future, we’d love to visit Hokkaido in the winter and the tropical island of Okinawa.
There are so many things to do in Japan that you’ll always want to come back for more. With two weeks in Japan, you can visit some of the main highlights and we’ve covered the best places to visit on this 2 week Japan itinerary.
Planning a 1 week Japan Itinerary
If you have return tickets to and from Tokyo, get a 7 day JR Pass to save time, spend 3 days in Tokyo and head to Kyoto for 2 days, then finish with 2 days in Osaka with an afternoon in Nara before making your way back to Tokyo on your last day ready to catch a flight back.
How much does a 2 week to Japan cost?
We visited for a total of 16 days on a budget and spent around £1,225 for two people. We stayed in hostels, took buses & night buses instead of intercity trains and cooked some of our own food. However, we did visit a lot in Japan over 2 weeks and even went to Disney Sea! Here are our costs:
- SHORT BREAKDOWN (16 days of travel in Japan for 2 people)
- Accommodation Costs – 56,882¥ (£380)
- Transportation Costs – 46,150¥ (£308)
- Food Costs – 51,289¥ (£343)
- Activities, Shopping & Laundry Costs – 29,086¥ (£194)
- = 183,407¥ (£1,225)
Find out more details in our 6 Best Tips to Travel Japan on a Budget – Cost of Travel in Japan!
What to pack for 2 weeks in Japan?
Depending on the season you’re going to visit, you’ll want to bring clothes suited for the season plus good footwear. Here are a few travel essentials we highly recommend!
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Japan has clean drinking water, so you don’t need plastic bottles!
- Worldwide Travel Adaptor – The ultimate travel companion!
- Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – The best way to pack suitcases and backpacks.
- Anker Power Bank – Never let your phone run out of battery.
- Rain Mac in a Bag – It can often rain in Japan, so it’s good to be prepared with a lightweight jacket.
- Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – We have a Joby GorillaPod and use it for our Sony A600! There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod if you don’t use a camera.
More Japan travel guides:
- 6 Best Tips to Travel Japan on a Budget – Cost of Travel in Japan
- Ultimate 2 week South Korea Itinerary: Best Places
- Also check out our South Korea Guides!
That’s the end of our Ultimate 2 week Japan Itinerary: The Best Places! Have an amazing trip to Japan and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!
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Don’t forget about Travel Insurance! – SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
SafetyWing is a totally flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay safe on your trip anywhere in the world. Find out more here!
Interesting Fact: There is 1 vending machine for every 24 people.
Love the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine and the Bamboo. I’d love to go to see the Cherry Blossom also 🌸 great travel tips and so much to see! <3