Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Explore the Best of Japan in 2 Weeks

With the experience gained after living in Japan for 2 and a half years and having visited much of the country, I have decided to create this travel guide that includes the best of Japan in 2 weeks. The Land of the Rising Sun has always aroused interest and curiosity around the world. Its ancient culture, delicious cuisine, advanced technology, blend of old and new, and the courtesy of its people.

Whether you are thinking of going to Japan to celebrate your honeymoon, traveling in a group, or tempted by the idea of backpacking on your own in this unique country, in this 2-week Japan travel guide, you will find everything you need to visit and enjoy the must-sees like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, as well as some lesser-known gems like Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kurashiki, or Himeji.

Japan is made up of 5 main islands. From south to north: Okinawa, Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, and Hokkaido. In this 2-week Japan itinerary, I suggest starting with Kyushu and reaching Honshu. If you decide to extend the itinerary to 3 weeks, you can add Okinawa or Hokkaido. This will depend on the time of year you travel to Japan and on how much time you want to spend in tropical islands, cities, or experiencing some of the best snow in the world.

10 Essential Things to Know Before Your Trip to Japan

• In Japan, they drive on the left side of the road.
• In Japan, cash is king. I recommend always carrying cash with you.
• In Japan, there are no trash cans on the streets. People hold onto their trash until they get home.
• In Japan, it is frowned upon to leave a tip.
• In Japan, public restrooms are free, plentiful, and so clean that they seem brand new.
• Japanese culture revolves around not bothering others. Avoid talking on the phone in public transportation.
• The most famous mega store in Japan is called Don Quijote. You’ll find it in the biggest cities. They have everything. Good, nice, and cheap.
• There are millions of onsen (hot springs) throughout Japan. You enter them naked, and they are separated by gender. It’s an experience you must include in your 2-week Japan trip.
• In Japan, there are three main stores open 24 hours: Family Mart, Seven Eleven, and Lawson. They’re known as konbini, and you can buy food and drinks at a good price.
• English is not spoken much in Japan, and they will greatly appreciate it if you say some basic words in Japanese. Download Google Translator and the Japanese language to use it offline.

Getting Around Japan: Shinkansen, Subways, and Travel Tips

Public transportation in Japan is one of the best in the world. Absolute punctuality and comfort blend with speed and tranquility. You can board a subway full of thousands of people and not hear a single noise. In most public transport, you’ll see signs indicating not to speak loudly and to use headphones if you want to listen to music. Japanese people do everything possible not to disturb others. And this includes immaculate cleanliness on trains, buses, and throughout the rest of the country, especially in public bathrooms 🙂

All of this, obviously, comes at a price. Getting around by subway in cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo is not expensive at all. A single ticket usually costs around €1.5. Every 2 or 3 minutes, a new subway arrives to help transport the millions of inhabitants of the country. It’s incredible. That said, getting around Japan in rural areas or between lesser-known cities is not cheap. Buses and trains still exhibit the characteristics mentioned above, but their prices are similar to or higher than in Europe.

The itinerary included in the best of Japan in 2 weeks will take you through its main cities and some lesser-known ones, but well worth visiting. The fastest and most comfortable option for moving between these cities is the Shinkansen, better known to us as the bullet train. The price of a single Shinkansen ticket is usually quite high, and for Japanese people, there is no pass or subscription that helps reduce the price. However, for tourists, there is the JR Pass, something similar to the Interrail pass we have in Europe. This pass, in addition to reducing the cost of individual tickets, allows you to move quickly and efficiently between the main cities of the country.

What is the JR Pass? Everything You Need to Know

JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) Overview

The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is a special train pass offered by the Japan Railways Group (JR Group) that allows foreign tourists to travel unlimited on most of Japan’s extensive rail network, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains), for a fixed period. It is available in several durations and types, and it’s a cost-effective option for travellers planning to explore multiple cities in Japan.

Key Features of the JR Pass

• Unlimited Travel: You can travel on most JR trains, including local, rapid, and express trains, as well as Shinkansen (bullet trains), except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services.
• Access to JR Buses and Ferries: The pass also covers some JR buses and ferries, like the one you’ll be taking to get to Miyajima 🙂
• Rail Travel Across Japan: Valid for travel across all regions of Japan, including major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido.

Duration Options

• 7-Day Pass
• 14-Day Pass
• 21-Day Pass

Where to Buy Your JR Pass?

There are a few JR Pass official sellers so, in order to make things easier for you, I’ve researched the best options for purchasing the JR Pass and found two great choices.

• Klook: Offers the lowest price for the JR Pass at the moment, making it the best option for travellers focused on saving money.
• GetYourGuide: While slightly more expensive, it’s a popular platform trusted by many travellers, with excellent customer service and a multilingual user-friendly interface.

I’ve included links to both so you can choose the option that works best for you!

How to Activate Your JR Pass?

1. Once you arrive in Japan, go to a JR Travel Service Center (such as JR East’s Midori no Madoguchi) with your exchange order (voucher).
2. The staff will activate your JR Pass and provide you with a ticket valid for the period you purchased (7, 14, or 21 days).
3. You’ll be asked to choose the activation date, which should be within 30 days of receiving the exchange order. You cannot backdate it.
4. Once activated, the JR Pass will be valid for consecutive days. This is very important. If you activate your pass on a Monday morning at 10:00, the pass is going to be valid until Sunday at 23:59. The JR Pass is counted in full days, not in period of 24 hours.

Final Thoughts on the JR Pass

The JR Pass is an excellent option for those planning extensive travel across Japan. It helps save money, especially for long-distance travel, and simplifies the ticketing process during your trip.

Depending on whether you follow the 14-day Japan itinerary to the letter or decide to modify it slightly by spending more days in certain cities, it may be worth it to buy this pass or to use regular public transportation. Even if you decide not to use the pass because you will only be traveling a couple of times between cities, I recommend that you take the bullet train at least once. It’s an incredible experience 🚅

Why Isn’t English Widely Spoken in Japan? Tips for Communication

Before going to Japan, I had been warned that the average Japanese person doesn’t speak much English. In my mind, I imagined it would be like in some Southeast Asian countries, but I was wrong. After 2 and a half years in the Land of the Rising Sun, I have come to the conclusion that there are two main reasons why Japanese people don’t speak much English.

1) Fear of making mistakes:

Japan is an incredible country with many things to enjoy. However, Japanese society is quite peculiar, and understanding it takes time. In Japan, people give a lot of importance to what others think of them. Individuals feel judged by society. This, combined with the fact that Japanese people find it quite difficult to express their feelings, is the perfect cocktail for them to often choose not to speak English, even though they may be able to do so.

2) Katakana:

Another point that works against them when it comes to speaking English is Katakana. In Japanese, there are 3 alphabets: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Katakana is used for foreign words. For example, in Japanese, when trying to say the word milk in English, it’s not said as milk but as miruku. The same happens when trying to say coffee. Instead of coffee, it’s said as koohii. Katakana is very useful for Japanese people when they are in Japan. It’s a kind of a Japanized English. That said, once they venture into the outside world, Katakana becomes useless. The fact that they spend years speaking a Japanized English is the second reason why the average Japanese person doesn’t speak much English or doesn’t have a good level in the language of Shakespeare.

Basic Japanese for the Best of Japan in 2 Weeks

Once the reasons why English is not widely spoken in Japan have been explained, I would like to share with you some of the basic words that can help you during your 2 or 3-week trip to Japan.

• Hello: Konnichiwa
• Thanks: Arigato
• Please: Onegaishimas
• Bye bye: Sayonara
• See you later: Mata ne
• How are you?: Genki?
• I’m good: Genki des
• Subway: Chikatetsu
• How much is it?: Ikura deska?
• Thanks for the meal (it is normally said after finishing eating, before leaving the restaurant): Gochisosamadesta

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Japan? Budget For a 14-Day Japan Itinerary

How much does it cost to travel in Japan for 14 days? Depending on whether you’re going on your honeymoon, traveling in a group, or backpacking solo, your budget will obviously differ. That said, considering the cities included in the itinerary of the best of Japan in 2 weeks, I can provide you with an estimated budget. I won’t give you the price of the most expensive or the cheapest accommodation, but rather that of a mid-range one. Contrary to what most tourists believe, Japan is not an expensive country. Eating out is cheaper than in most countries in Europe.

For example, in one of my favourite chains, Fujisoba, you can have a Japanese curry with soba noodles for about 5 euros at the current exchange rate. At Ippudo, my favourite ramen chain in the country, you can enjoy a bowl of ramen with all the white rice you want (you can refill) for about 7 euros.

Eating out is quite cheap, as well as getting around in big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo. Accommodation is the most expensive aspect of Japan. But the prices are not exorbitant. A night in a 3-star hotel usually costs less than in most of the main cities in Europe. Japan is an island with a very large population, which means that spaces are limited. That is why hotel rooms and restaurants in Japan are usually smaller than in Europe. However, the quality and comfort, from my point of view, are superior to those in Europe.

• Travel insurance: around 70 euros.
• Roundtrip flight from Europe: around 1000 euros.
• Flight from Osaka to Nagasaki: around 50 euros.
• 14-day JR Pass: around 500 euros.
• Accommodation: around 50 euros per night. 50 x 14 = 700 euros.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner): around 30 euros per day. 30 x 14 = 420 euros.
• Public transport to move around cities: around 10 euros per day. 10 x 14 = 140 euros.

With the expenses mentioned earlier, your budget for your 14-day trip to Japan would be 2880 euros. As I mentioned before, this depends on your travel plan and what you want to spend on extras: gifts, nightlife, or museums. You’ll probably want to buy gifts, anime figures, or clothes. So, a mid-range budget for traveling around Japan for 2 weeks would be around 3150 euros.

Note: the price of accommodation is per room. If you travel in couple, the price per person will decrease.

Day 1: Landing in Osaka and Flying to Nagasaki

Arrival at Kansai Airport (Osaka). After collecting your luggage, you’ll take a flight to Nagasaki, on the island of Kyushu. The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Depending on the time you arrive in Nagasaki, you can explore the surrounding area of where you’re staying or go straight to dinner and rest.

Days 2-3: Exploring Nagasaki’s History and Charm

Nagasaki is one of the cities that has impressed me the most in Japan. It has immense cultural richness, as its port was the only one that remained open during the Edo period. This translates into a mixture of architecture and culture ranging from the Dutch and Portuguese to the Chinese and Koreans. Due to this, exploring Nagasaki, one can encounter Confucian temples, Catholic churches, or Shinto shrines.

In Japan, there is the concept of the “10 million dollar night views”. It’s a category that gathers some of the best night views in the Land of the Rising Sun. In this travel guide to Japan in 2 weeks, the best of them couldn’t be missed, the one that can be observed from Mount Inasa. Additionally, in Japan, there are three cities that have a Chinatown. One is located in Yokohama, another in Kobe, and another… in Nagasaki 🙂

If all of this doesn’t seem enough reason to visit Nagasaki, unfortunately, there’s something else that makes it worth visiting: its tragic history during World War II. Yes, Nagasaki and Hiroshima were the two cities where the United States dropped the atomic bomb. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is a harsh experience but, from my humble point of view, it is quite worth it.

For me, the saddest part is not what happened, which, of course, what crazy, but the fact that, ever since WW2 finished, the number of nuclear weapons hasn’t done anything else other than increase. The museum can get crowded, specially with Japanese school trips. Thus, if you decide to visit it, I’d advise you to book your ticket online in advance.

What to See and Do in Nagasaki in 2 days? 10 Essentials of Nagasaki

• Nagasaki Peace Park: a park built to promote peace and commemorate the tragedy of the atomic bomb.
• Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum: a museum that pays tribute to the victims and recounts the suffering that occurred during and after the atomic bomb.
• Fukusaiji Temple: one of the most unique temples in Japan. You can admire the statue of Kannon on top of a giant turtle.
• Meganebashi Bridge: a stone bridge where you can walk and enjoy the tranquility beside the river.
• Chinatown: Nagasaki’s Chinatown.
• Confucius Shrine: beautiful temple dedicated to Confucius.
• Urakami Cathedral: cathedral that was almost completely destroyed by the atomic bomb.
• 26 Martyrs Monument: monument dedicated to the 26 Christians who were executed in Nagasaki.
• Dutch Slope: street with Western-style architecture buildings from which you can observe part of the city.
• Mount Inasa: one of the most magical places in Nagasaki. It is advisable to go at sunset to enjoy the 10 million dollar view.

Where to Stay in Nagasaki?

I stayed in the Meganebashi Bridge area and it was a great choice. I could easily walk to some of the most interesting attractions (like Chinatown) and the area was full of restaurants and bars.

Day 4: A Perfect Day in Fukuoka – Best Attractions, Ramen and Yatais

After spending 2 days enjoying Nagasaki, it’s time to head northeast to visit one of the meccas of ramen in Japan: Fukuoka. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bullet train. Nagasaki is one of the richest cities in terms of cultural and architectural points of view in Japan. So, it’s normal that Fukuoka doesn’t seem as beautiful. That said, the largest city in Kyushu has its own attractions.

How to Get From Nagasaki to Fukuoka?

If you bought your JR Pass, you can use it to get from Nagasaki to Fukuoka. As we speak, there is no direct Shinkansen connection between them though. You would need to get from Nagasaki to Takeo Onsen by riding the Kamome Nishikyūshū Shinkansen, get off there and get on the Relay Kamome Limited Express to get from Takeo Onsen to Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

If you didn’t buy your JR pass, what are you waiting for? Just kidding, lol. If you didn’t buy it, you can ride the same trains but you’ll have to pay for the train tickets. Either that or take the bus that connects Nagasaki Station with Fukuoka Station in around 2.5 hours.

For further info about prices and timetables, take a look at this amazing website 🙂

Almost forgot! In Japanese, kamome means seagull 😁 By the way! When you search for Fukuoka, you may not see what you want, since Fukuoka Station is known as Hakata ✌️

What to See and Do in Fukuoka in 1 Day? 10 Essentials of Fukuoka

• Canal City Shopping Mall: coming to Japan to visit a shopping mall? Don’t worry. I wouldn’t mention it if I didn’t have a good reason to do so. In addition to the various shops and curiosities that set it apart from a European shopping center, on the fifth floor, you’ll find the Fukuoka Ramen Stadium, where you can try ramen from different parts of Japan.
• Fukuoka Castle Ruins: ruins of an ancient feudal castle.
• Oohori Park: park near the castle ruins with a beautiful lake. Ideal for walking and relaxing.
• Kushida-jinja: Shinto shrine that serves as the starting point for summer festivals.
• Shofukuji Temple: first Buddhist Zen temple in Japan.
• Seaside Momochi: Coastal area along Hataka Bay. Futuristic buildings, parks, shops, and restaurants.
• Fukuoka Tower: with a height of 234 meters, this tower allows you to see Fukuoka from above. It is located in the Seaside Momochi area. I recommend going just before sunset to also enjoy the night views of the city. You can book your ticket here.
• Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: huge park where you can enjoy different types of flowers. It also has around 2000 cherry blossom trees and bicycles for exploring it more comfortably.
• Yatai: street food stalls in various areas of the city. A good way to end the day is by dining and drinking with the locals. There are several yatais (food stalls) throughout the city, but the most famous areas are: Tenjin, Nagahama, and Nakasu.
• Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival: one of the most interesting festivals in Japan where you can observe parades and processions. It takes place in the first week of July.

Where to Stay in Fukuoka?

I recommend the Tenjin area. It has yatais and the Canal City shopping mall next door. It is also a nice part of the city to walk around and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the yatais.

Day 5: Visiting Hiroshima – Must-See Attractions and Peace Memorial Park

We leave the island of Kyushu behind and arrive at Honshu, the largest and most well-known island in Japan. It takes about 1 hour by bullet train from Fukuoka to Hiroshima. Unfortunately, like Nagasaki, Hiroshima is also known for the atomic bomb catastrophe. The same thing I said about the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum applies to the The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It is a harsh experience but, I think it is worth it. If you decide to visit it, I’d advise you to book your ticket online in advance.

How to Get From Fukuoka to Hiroshima?

With the JR Pass, buying individual Shinkansen tickets or by bus (about 5 hours). For more information on schedules and prices, I leave you once again the link to Japan Travel Navitime 🙂

What to See and Do in Hiroshima in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Hiroshima

• Peace Memorial Park: park built to remind the world of what happens when an atomic bomb is dropped. It is worth visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome, the whole Peace Memorial Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum.
• Hondori Street: pedestrian passage with various shops and restaurants.
• Shukkeien Garden: typical Japanese landscape garden with ponds, forests, and hills. As I mentioned with the onsen, you can’t leave Japan without visiting a Japanese landscape garden.
• Mitaki-Dera Temple: ideal for observing cherry blossoms or Japanese maple trees. The temple also features ponds, Buddhist statues, and pagodas.
• Hiroshima Castle: 5-story feudal castle with views over the city of Hiroshima.

Where to Stay in Hiroshima?

I stayed in the city centre and it was pretty convenient. I could easily walk to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and enjoy the city ambience. The area was full of restaurants and bars and, speaking about food and drinks, if you are craving some good Spanish food, I encourage you to check out this place. You’ll thank me later 😃

Day 6: A Magical Day on Miyajima Island

Miyajima is a small island about 1 hour away from Hiroshima. It is especially known for its floating torii gate (entrance gate to a Shinto shrine), one of the most iconic images of Japan. The island features various temples and streets with gift shops and restaurants. Additionally, you can observe deers strolling peacefully. If you visit the island in autumn, you will encounter forests of red and orange momiji trees (Japanese maple). Once you step on this beautiful island, you’ll quickly realize that Miyajima is a must-see in any 2-week Japan itinerary.

How to get from Hiroshima to Miyajima?

First train, then ferry. For the train, you have to take the JR San’yo Main Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. From there, you walk about 5-10 minutes to the ferry terminal and there, you will find two ferries, one operated by the JR company and one not. I recommend using the JR one. With your JR Pass, it is free 🤑

What to See and Do in Miyajima in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Miyajima

• Itsukushima Shrine: the Itsukushima Shrine is the most famous attraction on the island, as the famous floating torii gate is located in front of it.
• Daisho-in Temple: a beautiful Buddhist temple with different halls, statues, and stunning views of the island.
• Mount Misen: the highest mountain on the island. You can reach the summit by cable car or on foot (about 1 hour and a half). The ascent on foot is well worth it for the various views of the landscape.
• Senjokaku Hall: the Pavilion of a Thousand Tatami Mats. A huge hall with wooden flooring ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
• Omotesando Shopping Arcade: shopping arcade with gift shops, restaurants, food stalls, and cafes. Don’t forget to try the momiji manjū, a cake filled with chocolate, custard, or red bean paste.

Where to Stay in Miyajima?

Miyajima is one of the best places you’ll find during this 14-day Japan itinerary to enjoy the experience of spending the night in a ryokan. Why? “Because of the views?” “Because of the experience itself?” You might answer. And you are right, but also, because most tourists visit the island during the day and return to Hiroshima to sleep. If you stay overnight, in addition to being able to enjoy the toori and the illuminated lanterns, you’ll have almost the entire island to yourself 🙂

Day 7: Kurashiki and Okayama – Beautiful Canals That Will Take You Back In Time

From Hiroshima to Kurashiki, it takes 1 hour by bullet train. Kurashiki is known as the “little Kyoto” or “little Venice” due to its canals, which used to connect the port with the city center. It’s a gem that goes unnoticed by most people who travel to Japan. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, I’ve included it in this 2-week travel guide to Japan. The canal area is a 10-minute walk from the train station. It’s worth leisurely walking through this part of the city, enjoying the canals, stone bridges, and the feeling of having travelled back in time. Half a day is usually enough, so I suggest continuing to Okayama (around 10 minutes by bullet train) and enjoying some of its gems. If you feel like taking it slower, you can spend the whole day enjoying Kurashiki and skip Okayama.

How to get from Hiroshima to Kurashiki and Okayama?

What do you think? I’ll give you a hint: the answer starts with a “J” and ends with an “s”. Bingo! With your JR Pass 🙂 If you don’t have one, you’ll have to buy a ticket. If you don’t mind the twice as long journey, instead of taking the Shinkansen, you can get there using the JR San’yo Main Line. From Kurashiki to Okayama you can take the Shinkansen (10 minutes) or the regional train (20 minutes).

What to See and Do in Kurashiki in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Kurashiki

• Canal Area: the main attraction of Kurashiki.
• Ohara Museum: the first Western art museum in Japan. It houses works by Picasso, El Greco, and other important artists.
• Ohashi House: an old merchant’s house open to the public. You can appreciate tatami floors, sliding shoji doors (similar to paper doors), scrolls, and different rooms.
• Ivy Square: a complex of brick buildings with ivy-covered walls. It includes museums, restaurants, and a hotel.
• Honmachi Street: a beautiful street where you can breathe in Japan’s past.

Where to Stay in Kurashiki?

I recommend staying at the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter to be close to Kurashiki’s main attraction: its canals. That’s what I did 🙂

What to See and Do in Okayama in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Okayama

• Korakuen Garden: ranked as one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan. It is definitely worth a visit. The garden closes at 17:00 or 18:00, depending on the season.
• Okayama Castle: beautiful Japanese feudal castle. You can book your ticket here.
• Handayama Botanical Garden: ideal for enjoying cherry blossoms and/or city views, depending on the season you visit.
• Kibitsu Shrine: Shinto shrine full of culture, history, and mythology.
• Momotaro: Momotaro is a famous hero from Japanese folklore who was born from a giant peach. You can observe his statue outside Okayama train station or look for his image on the various manhole covers throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Okayama?

I recommend staying in the city center to be close to Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, and, of course, to Momotaro.

Day 8: Himeji Castle and Osaka – Between Past and Future

Himeji is known for having the largest, most imposing, and famous castle in all of Japan. Since it’s on the way to Osaka, I highly recommend visiting it. It takes about 50 minutes by bullet train from Kurashiki to Himeji. From Okayama to Himeji, it’s around 30 minutes. I recommend spending the morning enjoying Himeji Castle and then taking the bullet train back to reach one of Japan’s most famous cities: Osaka. It takes about 30 minutes by bullet train from Himeji.

Himeji Castle is huge. It has the honor of becoming Japan’s first World Heritage Site. In addition to the story of how and when it was built, its architecture and design, this castle is not without its legends. To enjoy the visit and get the most out of it, I recommend this 3-hour tour with a licensed guide 🙂

How to Get from Okayama to Himeji?

By Shinkansen with your JR Pass, buying the Shinkansen ticket or by train (JR San’yo Main Line(Kobe-Okayama) or JR Ako Line).

Day 9: Osaka – Food, Fun, and Emblematic Landmarks

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, after Tokyo and Yokohama. With this distinction, the city of Dotonbori, Namba, or The New World couldn’t be missing from the best of Japan in 2 weeks. Osaka is known for many things, but above all for its gastronomy, recognized worldwide. Among the most typical dishes are: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and kushikatsu. Just like between Madrid and Barcelona, ​​there is also a comparison between Osaka and Tokyo. The people of Osaka are usually warmer, more open, and cheerful than those of Tokyo. In addition, they have a very peculiar accent that could be likened to Andalusian. Osaka is a city to get lost in, go out partying, and/or enjoy its incredible gastronomy.

How to Get From Himeji to Osaka?

By Shinkansen with your JR Pass, buying the Shinkansen ticket or by train (R Tokaido Sanyo Main Line New Rapid).

What to See and Do in Osaka in 2 Days? 10 Essentials of Osaka

• Dotonbori: the most famous district of Osaka. I would book the hotel there so you can be in the “center of the action”. Dotonbori is the name of a river that runs through Osaka, and around that river, hundreds of izakayas (typical Japanese tapas bar), shops, and tourist attractions have been built. In Dotonbori, you can taste the most famous dishes of Osaka in each of the different izakayas or street food stalls.
• Kuromon Market: huge market where you can taste different types of meat, fish, and vegetables. There are also shops selling typical Japanese sweets. The market is quite old and has a special atmosphere.
• Amerikamura: The American district of Osaka. It’s in front of Dotonbori. It has a special architecture and atmosphere, different from what you can see in the rest of the country. It’s worth walking around the streets and experiencing the atmosphere. Bonus: If you search on Google Maps for “Abura-soba Kirinji Amemura”, you’ll arrive at a restaurant that serves one of my favourite dishes in all of Japan: aburasoba. It’s like a kind of ramen but without soup. It’s quite unknown to Western tourists, but it’s delicious!
• Namba: similar to Dotonbori but with more shopping centers. It’s next to Dotonbori, and it’s also worth taking a stroll around there.
• Den-den town: the otaku (geek) district of Osaka. There are many streets with anime shops and maid cafes. You’ll find many girls dressed as maids working as public relations, trying to attract customers to the cafes. A typical Japanese experience.
• Shinsekai: New World. It’s located near Den-den town. There’s a tower from where you can observe Osaka from above: Tsutenkaku Tower. It’s worth going up and enjoying the views of this gigantic city. I recommend going at sunset to enjoy the sunset and the city lights at night. In the New World, there are endless restaurants and izakayas. Additionally, you can find arcades and establishments similar to fair booths, where you can play typical Japanese matsuri (festival) games .
• Tennoji Park: a beautiful park nearby Shinsekai. There are two main temples around the park: Isshinji and Shitennoji, both are worth visiting.
• Tsuruhashi: Korean district in Osaka full of narrow streets and plenty of Korean food stalls.
• Nobeha No Yu Tsuruhashi: I mentioned earlier that Japan is internationally known for its onsen (hot springs). There are millions of them throughout the country. Nobeha No Yu is not an onsen, but a sento. The difference lies in the source of the water. In an onsen, the water comes from a natural source, such as a volcano. In a sento, the water comes from an artificial source created by humans. Despite not being an onsen but a sento, this complex has all kinds of hot spring baths, saunas, and other rooms to enjoy a well-deserved rest. It is located in Tsuruhashi, so you can go before or after tasting Korean cuisine.
• Osaka Castle: as you will begin to notice, just as in Europe we have many churches and cathedrals, in Japan they have many Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and feudal castles. The one in Osaka is impressive. The area occupied by the castle is enormous, and walking around it is a beautiful and relaxing experience. Just like I mentioned about Himeji Castle, if you want to know more about the architecture, history and legends about this castle, I recommend this 3-hour guided tour 🙂

Where to Stay in Osaka?

Being one of the largest cities in Japan, the options are endless. I recommend three neighbourhoods:

• Dotonbori: because you are close to my favourite part of the city, the one with the river that gives name to the area itself (Dotonbori), to the amazing Osaka street food, to shops and to the incredible night lights.
• Tennoji: because you are close to the amazing Tennoji Park and its main temples, to Shinsekai and not to far away from Dotonbori.
• Shinsekai: because you are between Dotonbori and Tennoji 😁✌🏿

Days 10-11: Kyoto’s Best Temples, Shrines and Postcard Places

Depending on how you’ve followed the itinerary, your passion for deers, and whether you managed to see them in Miyajima, you might be interested in spending the morning in Nara and heading to Kyoto in the afternoon. If so, I recommend seeing Todaiji Temple (a Buddhist temple with a huge and beautiful Buddha statue), Isuien Garden (a Japanese landscape garden), and Nara Park (a park full of deers). It takes about 45 minutes by train from Osaka to Nara.

Kyoto is one of the most beautiful, famous, and important cities in Japan. It’s so important and beautiful that it was “spared” during World War II. The United States decided not to drop the atomic bomb on a city that holds so much cultural value. You could spend a week in the former Japanese capital and still not have time to visit all its temples.

This 14-day Japan itinerary isn’t the typical itinerary you’d get from a travel agency. It includes essential cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, but also hidden gems that are unknown to the average Western tourist. I believe the cities I’ve included so far are part of the best you can see in Japan in 2 weeks.

They’re not typical tourist cities, but I’ve included them because I’ve visited them and I think they’re well worth it. Additionally, many travellers are interested in itineraries that go beyond the usual. This itinerary is flexible, so you can skip some of the previous cities and spend more time in Kyoto. Being a fairly large city with countless things to do and see, I recommend choosing some and visiting them by sector. That said, let’s move on to the 15 must-sees in Kyoto.

How to Get From Osaka to Kyoto?

That will depend on where in Osaka you are and where in Kyoto you want to go. You can get on the metro to arrive to Shin-Osaka, ride the Shinkansen and get to Kyoto Station. From there, you can either walk, take the metro or a bus until your hotel. You can do that or, instead of riding the Shinkansen, riding a local train. The local train will take you to either Kyoto Station or to a station nearby your hotel. As always, if you have your JR Pass, you can easily use it.

What to See and Do in Kyoto in 2 Days? 15 Essentials of Kyoto

Centre:

• Imperial Palace: Kyoto Imperial Palace. It used to be used as a residence by the imperial family until 1868, when the emperor and the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.
• Nishiki Market: Similar to Osaka’s Kuromon Market, but here, in addition to delicious dishes, you can also find shops selling typical Japanese knives, renowned worldwide for their beauty and sharpness.

North:

• Ryoanji Temple: Buddhist Zen temple with the most famous rock garden in Japan.
• Kinkakuji Temple: beautiful golden temple.
• Ninnaji Temple: temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

South:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: typical Japanese postcard. Shinto shrine with thousand of orange toriis.
• Tofukuji Temple: one of the main temples of Zen Buddhism in Kyoto. If you are lucky enough to visit it during autumn, you can enjoy incredible red and orange forests thanks to the Japanese maple trees (momiji).
• Toji Temple: temple with the tallest pagoda (Asian-style tower) in Japan.

East:

• Ginkakuji Temple: Silver Temple. The younger brother of Kinkakuji. It’s worth strolling along the Philosopher’s Path on the way to the temple.
• Nanzenji Temple: one of the most important temples of Zen Buddhism in Japan. You should try to visit the Sanmon Gate, the Hatto (Dhamma Hall) and the temples Nanzenin, Konchi and Tenjuan.
• Kiyomizudera Temple: one of my favourite temples in Japan. Its name means “Temple of Pure Water”. This already gives you an idea of the type of temple to expect. The dragon statue at the entrance of the temple is impressive.
• Higashiyama: typical Japanese postcard. One of the best-preserved historical districts in the city.

West:

• Arashiyama: beautiful district that includes the Togetsukyo Bridge and another typical Japanese postcard: the bamboo forest. Ideal for enjoying tranquility while walking along the river.
• Tenryuji Temple: located in the Arashiyama district, it is another of the great Zen Buddhist temples in Japan.
• Katsura Imperial Villa: imperial villa with a beautiful Japanese landscape garden.

Where to Stay in Kyoto?

Kyoto is the same as Osaka and Tokyo: they are very large cities. I recommend two districts:

• Gion: to be close to the district itself, the Kamo River and the Teramachi galleries.
• Kyoto Station: to be close to the main logistical point of the city and to be able to move around easily, and not to be too far from the Gion district.

Days 12-14: Tokyo’s Modern Marvels and Historical Treasures

And we reach the end of the journey. The final stop, one of the largest and most impressive cities in the world: Tokyo. Just like I mentioned about Kyoto, in Tokyo, you could spend weeks and still not see everything there is to see. I was lucky enough to spend 6 months living there and still didn’t see it all 🙂 It’s an incredible city where the old and the new blend together to leave those fortunate enough to visit it in awe. I recommend that you do as you did with Kyoto, decide on the places you want to visit, and organize yourself by sectors. If you don’t do it that way, you risk spending a large part of your time commuting from one place to another. The 15 must-see attractions in Tokyo are organized by districts to make it easier for you to visit this mega city.

How to Get From Kyoto to Tokyo?

By Shinkansen with your JR Pass, buying the Shinkansen ticket or night bus. There are a few bus companies. I recommend you Willer.

What to See and Do in Tokyo in 3 Days? 15 Essentials of Tokyo

Centre:

• Akihabara: another popular district of Japan. The older sibling of Den-Den Town, the most otaku and famous neighbourhood in all of Japan. Anime shops, manga stores, and cosplay outlets abound. Maid cafes and game centers are also plentiful.
• Imperial Palace: the residence of the imperial family. It’s worth strolling leisurely through this vast complex and enjoying the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
• TeamLab Borderless: the most spectacular museum I’ve seen in my life. Artificial intelligence, lights, moving figures throughout the museum, and much more. You can’t miss it!

North:

• Ueno Park: probably my favourite park in Japan. Temples, a huge pond, hundreds of cherry trees, statues, and even the Tokyo National Museum.
• Ameyoko: A bustling street packed with restaurants, izakayas, and bars. Located next to Ueno, it’s ideal for grabbing a drink and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
• Sensoji Temple: my favourite temple in Japan. It’s truly a marvel. The temple is located in the Asakusa district, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Tokyo where you can see buildings and streets from ancient times. The entrance gate to the temple, Kaminarimon, is another iconic symbol of Japan.
• Sumida River: it’s a quite long river, but it’s worth strolling along its banks at least from Azuma Bridge to Komagata Bridge. A unique and highly recommended experience is taking one of the boats that take you from Sumida to Odaiba (an artificial island created in Tokyo). This boat ride allows you to enjoy the city from the water. On the way to Odaiba, you can see the impressive Rainbow Bridge. You can get more information about the boats by clicking here.
  Do you feel like something fancier? After all, when will you be coming back to Japan? Maybe next year, lol. Another good way to end your day or your trip, is to go on a fancy cruise with a Japanese course dinner and unlimited drinks, all this enlivened with incredible views of the Sky Tree Towers and Tokyo Bay. You can book your Yakatabune dinner cruise here.
• Tokyo Sky Tree: the tallest tower (not building) in the world at 643 meters. The entrance fee is a bit expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. The views of one giant (Tokyo) from the top of another giant (Sky Tree) are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji! I recommend, as always, going during sunset to enjoy the city before and after the sun sets. Pro Tip: Tokyo’s Sky Tree is one of the most popular attractions in the city. I recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially if you plan to go just before sunset.

South:

• Odaiba: futuristic architecture on an artificial island. I recommend arriving at this area of Tokyo by boat from the Sumida River, in the Asakusa area. The island features shopping malls, a Statue of Liberty, another one of Gundam, views of the Rainbow Bridge, and the Fuji TV building, among others.
• Rainbow Bridge: if you’ve taken a boat to reach Odaiba or if you’re in the area of the Statue of Liberty, you can enjoy the views of this impressive bridge. However, what many people don’t know is that the bridge, besides by car or monorail, can also be crossed on foot from Odaiba. The sunset from here with views of the bay and Tokyo is one of the best you can see.

West:

• Shibuya: I think this neighborhood in Tokyo needs no introduction. The busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, shops, restaurants, parks (I highly recommend visiting Miyashita Park to enjoy Shibuya from above), and the Hachiko Statue.
• Shinjuku: if I tell you that its train station is the busiest in the world, I think you can already imagine what type of area you’re going to visit. You can find everything you’re looking for: shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and entertainment areas.
• Meiji Shrine: temple dedicated to Emperor Meiji. It has a huge torii gate, several temples, and it is surrounded by nature.
• Yoyogi Park: one of the largest parks in Tokyo. Ponds, flowers, and forests. Ideal for a picnic or to rest and relax.
• Harajuku: another one of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods. It’s frequented by teenagers and adults alike. If you’re looking for fashion, clothing stores, restaurants, and cafes all in one area, this is the place for you.

Where to Stay in Tokyo?

Tokyo is one of the… wrong! Tokyo is the largest city in Japan and the largest in the world. Well, I guess the world one depends on who you ask but, for sure, it is one of the largest in the world. OMG! Where am I going to spend the night in such a mega city?! Fear not, that’s what I’m here for 🙂

• Asakusa: my favourite neighbourhood in Tokyo. I lived there for 6 months. That says it all, right? 🙂
• Ueno: my second favourite neighbourhood. It has Ueno station, from where you can go anywhere in Tokyo, one of the most beautiful and largest parks in the city and the famous Ameyoko street.
• Shinjuku: financial district, with great nightlife.
• Shibuya: similar to Shinjuku, but smaller, with lots of shopping options and very popular among teenagers.

How to Get From Tokyo to Narita and Haneda Airports?

• From Tokyo to Haneda Airport: with your JR Pass, or paying the train ticket from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagaway by JR Keihintohoku Line-Negishi Line Rapid, and from there to Haneda Airport by Haneda Airport Terminal 1 (Monorail). You can as well take the popular Yamanote Line to get from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagawa, and from there to Haneda Airport by monorail. You can also go there by bus or by private transfer from your hotel.
• From Tokyo to Narita Airport: with your JR Pass by riding the Narita Express from Tokyo Station, by paying the ticket of the Narita Express, by bus, or by private transfer from your hotel.

Final Thoughts on the Best of Japan in 2 Weeks

And this is the best of Japan in 2 weeks. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve created this itinerary based on my experience of living and traveling in Japan. You can’t go to Japan and not see Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. But, if you have at least 2 weeks, it’s worth venturing off the typical tourist route and visiting other hidden gems that the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer. In case you have more than 2 weeks, I’ve also created an itinerary for the best of Japan in 3 weeks. I hope either of these proves useful and helps you enjoy a country as special as Japan. またね！

By the way, if you enjoyed my 14-day travel guide to Japan and found it useful, I’d like to encourage you to share it with others as it can come in handy for them as well. Also, if you have any questions or insights to add to this post, do not hesitate to write in the comment section! Thanks a lot! 😁🤞