2 Weeks in Japan - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Japan Cityscapes, Culture & Beaches Tour

Perfect for first-time travelers to Japan eager to experience the country's buzzy cities and warm culture, this classic two-week itinerary includes stays in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Between fascinating city tours that reveal Japan's historical side, you'll pause to embrace the country's pristine landscapes. Highlights include a cruise under the towering Mount Fuji, a visit to the futuristic island of Odaiba, and three sun-filled days in Okinawa.

Welcome to Japan! Your adventure begins in Tokyo, where you'll delve into the country's unique blend of ultramodern and historic temples during a highlights tour. Then, make a side trip to the futuristic island of Odaiba before transferring to Hakone. Here, you'll visit the Hakone Open Air Museum and experience the majesty of Mount Fuji while cruising Lake Kawaguchi. A speedy train ride to Kyoto is next on your itinerary, and a two-day stay ensures you have time to explore the charming Gion district, visit intricate temples, and roam through the serene Sagano Bamboo Grove. 

The second week of your trip begins with a short train ride to Osaka. Kickstart your stay with a sightseeing excursion, which includes Osaka Castle Park and the Shinsaibashi shopping district, then hop over to Kobe to sample its renowned beef and visit Nunobiki Herb Garden. In Osaka, you'll also delight in a traditional tea ceremony and taste your way through the Shinsekai district before catching a flight to Okinawa. With three days left on your adventure, soak up Japan's tropical side while checking out the highlights of Naha, touring Ocean Expo Park, and hopping between tranquil beaches. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Foodie Tour Across Japan

From conveyor belt sushi to decadent desserts, Japan's food scene must be savored to be fully appreciated—and that's what you'll do on this culinary adventure. Throughout, you'll sample takoyaki in Osaka's Dotonbori District, indulge in Kobe's marbled beef, attend a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, and learn the art of sushi making in Tokyo. You'll also head north to the island of Hokkaido to hop between Sapporo's Michelin-starred restaurants and visit a fish market in Hakodate.

Begin your foodie adventure in Osaka, the renowned "kitchen of Japan." After refreshing at your hotel, you'll dive into the city's food scene during a Dotonbori District street food tour. Work up an appetite the following morning while exploring the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, then treat yourself to fresh seafood at Kuromon Market. Next, you'll hop over to Kobe to indulge in its namesake marbled beef before transferring by train to Kyoto. Two days here ensures time to attend a traditional tea ceremony, visit the city's historic sites, and sip your way through the Fushimi Sake Brewing District. 

Your next foodie destination is Tokyo, where you'll dive into its food scene along the lively alleys of Harmonica Yokocho. Over the following few days, uncover the region's many highlights during a guided city tour, join a sushi-making lesson at Tsukiji Outer Market, and visit Arakurayama Sengen Park for epic Mount Fuji views. Then, continue to Sapporo, in Japan's north, to dine at Michelin-starred eateries, savor local brews at the Sapporo Beer Garden, and learn the art of making a salmon hot pot. Lastly, enjoy a visit to the bustling Hakodate Morning Market before your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Traditions of Japan: History, Art & Culture

Discover time-tested traditions, intricate temples, and tucked-away villages on this history, art, and culture trip through Japan. Spend your first week between the far-stretching cities of Osaka and Kyoto, indulging in street food, learning about the country's Edo-period castles, and hopping between fascinating museums. Then, trade the city for the history-rich Honshu Island to try your hand at traditional crafts before touring historic villages in Takayama and spending a night under the towering Mount Fuji.

Your journey starts in Osaka, easing jet lag with street food delights in the Dotonbori District and exploring Osaka Castle and the impressive Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine. Next, spend an afternoon in Kobe, learning about Japan's famed drink at the Sake Brewery Museum before transferring to Mount Koya. With a shukubo (temple lodging) experience here, your one-night stay promises to be memorable, but soon, you'll travel by train to Kyoto. Kickstart your stay by wandering the 400-year-old Nishiki Ichiba market, then hop between UNESCO-listed sites on a guided city tour and participate in a kimono tea ceremony.

Leaving Kyoto behind, your destination is Kanazawa, located on Honshu Island. Dedicate two days here to discovering the region's many arts and crafts, first at the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts, followed by a ceramic class at Kutani Kosen Kiln and a visit to a former samurai district. Next on your itinerary is a stay in Takayama, where you'll admire traditional Gassho-zukuri farmhouses and floats featured in the Takayama Matsuri festival. Then, squeeze a day in Fujikawaguchiko to soak up Mount Fuji views before wrapping up your adventure in Tokyo. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Japan Off the Beaten Path

Embark on a Japan off-the-beaten-path journey by steam train, ferry, and boat, discovering destinations seldom visited by travelers. Experience a homestay in Izumo, relax on the untouched beaches of the Goto Islands, and wander through Sasebo's Dutch-style theme park. Tailored for returnees or first-timers desiring a genuine glimpse of Japanese life, this trip includes dining with locals, observing sumo wrestlers at practice, and unwinding in natural hot springs.

Kick off your off-the-beaten-path trip in Tokyo, taking the rare opportunity to create your own Japanese sake that'll be ready to sample by the end of your adventure. You'll spend the following days discovering lesser-visited attractions around the buzzing capital, including the Underground Shrine and the futuristic Odaiba island. In between, tick off classic activities, like watching a sumo wrestling practice and attending a kabuki theater show. Then, it's off to the small city of Izumo, where you'll delve into local customs, relish in home-cooked fare, and unwind in soothing hot springs.

Kyoto is next on your agenda, and you'll experience its many hidden gems over the following three days. Savor an intimate tea ceremony with a geisha, marvel at Amanohashidate's vast sandbar, interact with Nara's friendly deer, and wander through Arashiyama's enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove. A night ferry then takes you to Fukue Island for an evening of ramen and karaoke, plus a jaunt to the quaint "Cat Island." Top off your trip with an afternoon in Huis Ten Bosch, a Dutch-reminiscent theme park, and a reflective day in Nagasaki before returning to Tokyo for your homeward journey. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Active Adventures in Japan: Mountains, Hot Springs & Temples

Ideal for travelers eager to explore Japan's wild landscapes set between sprawling cities, this active adventure features opportunities to hike, bike, and boat. Highlights include an overnight Mount Fuji hike, a bike ride through bamboo groves, and creating your personal onsen at Kawayu Onsen. You'll also experience traditional Japanese living while exploring Takayama's Old Town, sailing the historic waterways of a pilgrimage route, and trekking the storied trail to Nachi Falls.

Your adventure begins in Tokyo, where a private food-tasting experience and a highlights tour energizes you for the journey ahead. You'll next transfer to Fujikawaguchiko and embark on an epic overnight trek to the summit of Mount Fuji for sunrise, complete with a stay in a mountain hut. Afterward, spend a day in Takayama, rejuvenating among its rural charm and biking between ancient temples before continuing to Kyoto. Two full days here allow for a tour of Nijo Castle, a hike at the renowned Fushimi-Inari Taisha, and a scenic bike ride through Arashiyama's Sagano Bamboo Grove.

Just over the trip's midway point, you'll travel by train to Osaka and spend your day visiting Osaka Castle Park and shopping along Mido-Suji Avenue. Continue to the small settlement of Kawayu Onsen, where you can dig your own onsen bath in the Otogawa River, hike to Kumano Hongu Taisha, and unwind in the world's only UNESCO-listed hot spring at Yunomine Onsen. Next, delight in a cruise along the Kumano Kodo water pilgrimage route and transfer to Kii Katsuura. With your trip winding down, take a guided hike to the towering Nachi Falls and visit Seiganto-ji temple before transferring to the airport. Learn more

More 2-Week Japan Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan? Check out these other two-week Japan itineraries, with walking tours, cultural journeys, and best-of trips to hit the highlights. 

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