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Planning to travel for two weeks in Japan? I’ve come up with the ultimate Japan itinerary for first-time visitors who want to see the best of the country.
Japan Itinerary
Two Weeks in Japan
Japan is like nowhere else on Earth. From the moment you land in Japan, it’s as if you’ve arrived on a different planet. Expect to be completely overwhelmed yet fascinated by the interesting mix of ancient traditions and state-of-the-art technology, futuristic fashions and centuries-old craftsmanship.
It is everything all at once: ultra modern yet traditional in its essence, and highly urbanized yet filled with nature. 500-year-old temples stand next to looming skyscrapers, while geisha teahouses are found next to cutesy animal-themed cafes. In rural parts of Japan, rice paddy fields sprawl alongside shopping boulevards, and sushi shops serve up fresh-from-the-sea food and gold-leafed icecream.
Whether you are seeking to explore Japan off the beaten path or traveling Japan with kids, you are in for a surprise. Nothing, literally nothing, can prepare you for the senses-assaulting experiences of Japan.
How to Get to Japan
The most common entry point for travelers is the Tokyo Narita Airport, about 60km from central Tokyo. The second busiest airport is the Tokyo Haneda Airport, 14km south of Tokyo train station. You can find surprisingly cheap flights to Tokyo from many major cities like Singapore, Sydney, London, and New York.
Japan Airlines is Japan’s national airline and the largest carrier to fly there. The cheapest flights from US to Japan are usually on Japan Airlines. You can find direct flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo (11 hours) from as low as $700 return. Flights from New York to Tokyo on Japan Airlines are direct (14 hours), and cost around $1500 return usually.
London is usually the main hub if you’re flying from Europe. Direct flights from London to Tokyo on Japan Airlines usually cost around US$1050 return.
Book your flights to Tokyo here!
How to Travel Around Japan
By Train
Japan is well known for bullet trains (shinkansen) that are ridiculously fast and efficient. I personally think taking a shinkansen is a must-try experience when in Japan! We did it on our first trip to Japan and we were blown away.
It’s actually faster to travel around Japan by bullet trains than by car. For example, it takes four hours to get from Tokyo to Kyoto by train, but it takes seven hours by car.
If you’re traveling Japan for more than a week, I suggest getting a JR Pass to get unlimited travel on JR transportation (including bullet trains, local trains, buses, monorails and ferries). A 7-day JR Pass costs around US$265 while a 14-day pass costs US$420. Getting a JR Pass will definitely save you money, as individual trains are super expensive. Kids under 6 travel for free. You can compare individual train prices with the cost of the JR Pass using the handy Japan Rail Pass Calculator.
By Car
Driving in Japan is a great way to experience the rural parts of Japan, for those who love nature. While the Japanese public transport system has an impressive coverage across the country, there are still some places (such as the Snow Monkey Park) that are only accessible by car or foot. The quaint villages and mountainous areas that we went, such as Okuhida in the Japanese Alps, happened to be my favorite parts of Japan.
We were surprised by how easy it is to drive in Japan. Most road signs are in both Japanese and English. We could find our way easily using Google Maps since we had a mobile WiFi dongle. It wasn’t even stressful to drive in Tokyo.
The car rental itself isn’t very expensive — it’s the other costs like toll fees and parking that make it pricey. We paid around US$565 for our two-week rental of a compact Japanese car and a child seat. Toll and parking fees cost us another US$380 and gas was around US$108 for the entire trip. I’d only recommend it if you’re traveling Japan with kids.
By Inter-City Metro
Within major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, I would recommend taking the underground subway and buses. You would need to get the Pasmo / Suico pass. It’s a prepaid smart card that allows you to use most public transport (metro, trains, buses, monorail) in Japan.
The card also functions as an electronic wallet. You can buy things on trains, in vending machines, convenience stores and restaurants that accept the card. Suica and Pasmo cards can be purchased through ticket machines at any JR stations. More info here.
When to Travel Japan
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most popular months to travel Japan due to the mild weather and moderate humidity. Some spots can get overcrowded, especially during the cherry blossom season. Each year, the sakura season varies (usually around April), so make sure you check the predicted dates before you book your flights.
We traveled to Japan in late September and still found many places quite crowded, particularly Kyoto. During our trip, we experienced mostly warm days of 21-25 deg C, with some rainy days during which the temperature dipped to 15 deg C. In the mountainous areas like Takayama and Nagano prefectures, temperatures ranged around 10-15 deg C, but a light jacket was enough.
It can get really hot and extremely humid in summer (June-August), which is best avoided. Winter (December-February) is pretty cold with temperatures dipping to freezing point. But Japan has lots of great ski stations and it’s a good time to see snow monkeys in Nagano.
How Long to Travel Japan?
Japan is a big country and there’s just SO much to see and do, whether your family prefers nature, cities, culture or food. We only had five days on our first trip to Japan and it definitely left us wanting more. Subsequently we’ve returned a few more times.
Based on my experience, two weeks are enough to see the highlights of the country. Our Japan itinerary was a bit hectic, but we managed to see all that we wanted to and had a great time.
If you want to explore Japan off the beaten path, I suggest taking at least three or four weeks to travel Japan.
For those who have only 1 week or 10 days in Japan, scroll to the bottom of other Japan itinerary ideas.
Here’s a summary of our Japan 2-week Itinerary:
- 3 Days in Tokyo — to experience all the wacky fun experiences
- 2 Days in Hakone — with a stay at a hot spring resort and water park
- 1 Day in Okuhida — to experience nature in the Japanese Alps
- 1 Day in Takayama — to wander the historical streets of Takayama
- 1 Day in Shirakawago — to visit a quaint UNESCO village
- 1 Day in Kanazawa — to eat the freshest seafood
- 3 Days in Kyoto — to immerse in Japan’s cultural hub
- 1 Day in Nara — to see the famous deers
- 1 Night in Narita — to catch our flight home
Where to Stay in Japan
Hotels in Japan get booked up quite fast, especially during the peak period (March to May). I strongly suggest booking early and confirming your hotel stay a few days before arriving in Japan. I advise against booking Airbnb as there was a recent government crackdown on the use of residential accommodation as Airbnb in Japan. This has seen many travellers left without accommodation when their Airbnb was cancelled.
Hotels in Japan
There are several modern hotel chains in Japan that are affordable and have quality facilities. APA Hotels and UNIZO have branches all over Japan and great locations. However, most of these have tiny rooms where you’ll barely have space to walk. For families, I suggest booking twin rooms or family rooms if you want to be abit more comfortable.
Recommended hotels in Tokyo:
- Luxury: Hotel Allamanda Aoyama Tokyo
- Mid-Range: APA Hotel Tokyo Nishishinjuku
- Budget: nine hours Shinjuku-North Capsule Hotel
Recommended Hotels in Kyoto:
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- Luxury: The Thousand Kyoto
- Mid-Range: Hotel M’s Plus Shijo Omiya
- Budget: The Millennials Kyoto
Check Out More Hotels in Kyoto
Traditional Ryokan
One of the experiences I think every visitor must try in Japan is staying in a traditional ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that usually has tatami flooring, futons as beds, and an onsen (hotspring). Staying in ryokans gives you the chance to experience how the Japanese traditionally used to live. Plus, they tend to be spacious, which makes it great for those traveling Japan with kids. Here’s a review of the best ryokan we stayed at in Japan.
Keep in mind that ryokans tend to be the same price or even pricier than modern three-star hotels in Japan. We paid an average of around $80-120 per night for a room. Secondly, you sleep on thin mattresses or futons that are laid out on the tatami floor. We found it quite hard to sleep at first and had backaches after our second night. (I know we sound so spoiled!).
One of the ryokans we stayed at had such bad soundproofing walls that we were kept up all night because of noisy neighbors. It felt like we were staying at a hostel despite the high price we paid. So take my advice, book just 1-3 nights at a ryokan (instead of 7 nights like we did!).
Recommended Ryokans in Tokyo:
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- Luxury: HOSHINOYA Tokyo
- Mid-Range: Ryokan Kamogawa
- Budget: Sakura Ryokan
Recommended Ryokans in Kyoto:
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- Luxury: Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado
- Mid-Range: Ryokan Yamazaki
- Budget: Kamoya Ryokan
Check Out More Ryokans in Kyoto
How to Stay Connected in Japan
Free Wifi is available in many public spaces in Japan as well as in hotels and airports. It is very affordable and convenient to rent pocket WiFi router from the airport. We rented our router from GetYourGuide for US$71 that provided us unlimited WiFi for two weeks. It was the cheapest deal we found online.
It can be really useful to have WiFi to translate Japanese signs and menus, and also have conversations with people who may not speak your language. We also needed it to use Google Maps for directions when driving.
Remember that it can be very expensive to use data roaming when traveling. I once accidentally turned on my phone service for LESS THAN 2 MINUTES and got charged $150 by my phone carrier!
Language in Japan
English isn’t commonly spoken in Japan. On our first trip to Japan almost 10 years ago, it was quite challenging to travel Japan without any knowledge of Japanese as all signs on the streets, subway and public spots were shown only in Japanese. This time round, we found it much easier as most signs are now in English as well. Japan has definitely become more travel-friendly in the past decade.
Just make sure to learn some basic Japanese words, bow often and express some courtesy. Here are some useful words to learn:
- Hello = Kon’nichiwa
- Thank you = Arigatō or Arigato gozaimash ta
- Excuse me = Sumimasen
- Please = Kudasai
- How are you? = O-genki des-ka?
Food in Japan
Many people have the misconception that Japanese food is all about raw seafood and sushi. That can’t be far from the truth. The megadiverse cuisine consists of a huge array of food types: from different kinds of noodles to rice bowls, grilled meat to bubbling stews.
EVERY meal we had in Japan was great — even ramen from vending machines tasted amazing. You really can’t get bad food in Japan. My 3.5-year-old daughter, who’s usually a fussy eater, absolutely loved the food in Japan. She would snack on edamame (steamed peas) and onigiri (triangular rice balls) all the time, and slurp up udon noodles and miso soup at every meal.
Here are some of our favorite Japanese dishes that are found everywhere:
- Yakitori — Grilled meat skewers, best tried in izakayas (casual Japanese pubs)
- Takoyaki — Japanese octopus balls made with wheat dough
- Cold soba noodles — Thin buckwheat noodles, served chilled in a dipping sauce
- Ramen noodles — Chinese-style wheat noodles with a thick and rich meat broth, topped with slices of meat
- Tonkatsu don — Japanese rice bowl topped with breaded deep-fried pork cutlet and a yummy brown sauce
- Oyako don — Japanese rice bowl topped with chicken, onions and eggs simmered with lots of sauce
- Okonomiyaki — a savory and thick pancake containing cabbage, octopus and meat
- Shabu shabu — a hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat and vegetables boiled in water
You’ll find that most restaurants specialize in certain foods, for instance some restaurants only serve soba noodles, others only okonomiyaki or just shabu shabu.
Vegetarians may have a hard time eating in Japan. Even vegetable dishes are flavored with the ubiquitous dashi stock made with katsuobushi (dried skipjack tuna flakes). An exception is shōjin-ryōri, vegetarian dishes developed by Buddhist monks.
Cost of Travel in Japan
Let’s get this straight: Japan IS an expensive country, especially when compared to the rest of Asia. Prices in Japan are generally close to prices in Europe and United States. However, there are definitely ways to travel Japan on a budget!
The cheapest way to travel Japan with kids is to use local transport and book budget hotels. Transport was the biggest cost for us and we spent around US$1050 on our car rental, toll fees, parking and gas. You might spend less if you opt for the JR Pass.
As for accommodation, expect to pay around US$50-80 per night for a tiny 3-star hotel room and around $100-150 for a traditional ryokan room. Accommodation in small towns (e.g. Okuhida and Kanazawa) tend to be cheaper. Hostels and capsule hotels are around $20-35 per person. Food in Japan is actually quite cheap. You can get a delicious ramen for just 600-800yen ($5-7) from vending machines, and cheap bento sets from seven-eleven or Lawsons stores (which you’ll find everywhere in the country) for just 300-500 yen ($2.50-5).
Here is a breakdown of our expenses during our 2 weeks in Japan:
- Transport: $1050
- Accommodation: $1400
- WiFi rental: $100
- Food: $500
- Miscellaneous: $200
- Robot Restaurant: $64 x 2
- Harajuku Owl Cafe: $5 x 2
- MORI Digital Art Museum entrance: $28.25 x 2
- Kimono rental: $100
- Kawaii Monster Cafe: $40
- Yunessun hot spring themed park: $10
TOTAL: $3600
What to Pack for Japan
The biggest tip I have for those traveling Japan is to pack as light as possible. Japan is very urbanized, and most cities in Japan are busy and crowded. The subway is often packed and commuters are in a rush. Packing lightly will make getting around easier, especially if you’re taking the train around Japan.
As we only had two weeks in Japan, we traveled with just our day bags, a stroller for our kid and our Eagle Creek Gear Warrior 32 wheeled suitcase. Unlike my usual trips where I would pack outdoor gear and quick-dry stuff, I packed more urban clothes this time since we would be spending quite a lot of time in cities.
Since it was September and the weather was still warm, I packed mostly t-shirts, thin pants, dresses, and leggings. I also had a cardigan and a thin leather jacket for chilly days. For Kaleya, it was the same — mostly long-sleeved tshirts, a few dresses and jeans.
The Best Japan 2-Week Itinerary
Keep in mind that this Japan itinerary is designed to help those of you who want to get an overview of Japan in a short time. I packed a lot into this itinerary and it definitely lets you experience the best of Japan at a rather fast pace. To slow things down a bit, check other my last section with other Japan travel itinerary ideas.
ITINERARY DAY 1: SEE THE HEART OF TOKYO
You’ll most probably start your journey from Tokyo’s Narita Airport. It takes an hour to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo central by rental car or public transport. The train is probably the best option: Narita Express can get you to the city centre in just 30 minutes. It’s not cheap though, at 3000 Yen ($27) for a one-way ticket and 4000 Yen ($36) for a round-trip ticket.
See the Shibuya Crossing
As crazy and busy as Tokyo can be, it makes for a great introduction to Japan. It’s quirky, weird, vibrant and definitely different from any other cities in the world. I’m not usually a fan of big cities, but I have a soft spot for Tokyo.
First order of the day: head straight to Shibuya Crossing, the world’s biggest traffic intersection! There’s an excellent viewpoint that not many people seem to know (at least when we were there): the rooftop terrace at Mag’s Park, on the top floor of the Shibuya 109 building, has excellent views of the Shibuya Crossing and it’s free to enter! It’s much less crowded than the famous Starbucks and the views from here are much better.
Go to the Robot Restaurant
From there, head over to the Robot Restaurant for one of the craziest and loudest entertainment shows you’ll ever see. The show is over-the-top, chaotic and downright bizarre but it encapsulates the multi-faceted nature of Tokyo. We’re not usually the kinda people who like shows, but we were absolutely blown away by the Robot Restaurant. Even our 4-year-old liked it despite the loud noises. It’s not cheap though (around US$60 at the counter), so book online in advance for cheaper prices. Food comes at an extra charge (and it ain’t great).
Eat at: Piss Alley
For dinner, check out Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho in Japanese) or Piss Alley, a labyrinth of tiny, casual izakayas (bars) where warm sake are sold alongside yakitori meat skewers. The area has managed to retain an old and gritty atmosphere despite being surrounded by tall, modern malls and office buildings. It’s a great spot to try some yakitori.
Stay at: APA Hotel Tokyo Nishishinjuku
We stayed at this modern three-star APA Hotel centrally located in Nishishinjuku and steps from a subway station. It had good quality facilities, including an onsen (hot spring) and rooftop swimming pool, but our small double room was tiny. Don’t fret though, the hotel has twin rooms and suites that are much bigger. If you’re on a budget and want a central location in Tokyo, this is a great option!
ITINERARY DAY 2: EXPERIENCE QUIRKY HARAJUKU
Soak in Greenery in Yoyogi Park
Start your morning with a stroll in the green lungs of the city, Yoyogi Park in Shibuya. The lush greenery provides a relaxing escape from the rush of the city. It’s particularly attractive during the cherry blossom season (though expect to be jostling with the crowds!)
Walk all the way to Meiji Jingu, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meji, located right in the park. Don’t be surprised to find lots of sake barrels here — they are offered every year to the deities by sake brewers around Japan.
Go Crazy on Takeshita Street
From there, continue to Harajuku to find a very different side to Japan. Harajuku is Tokyo’s wacky playground for those who love alternative stuff and Takeshita Street is its palpitating heart. The pedestrianised Takeshita street (or Jingumae) is flanked by cutesy Japanese fashion stalls, animal cafes and lots of interesting little shops. Prepare to spend the whole afternoon scouring through the endless row of quirky shops and restaurants.
Try Multi-Colored Food
At Takeshita Street, you’ll find the famous Totti Cotton Factory, well known for its eye-catching rainbow-colored cotton candy. On the street across Totti is Le Shinier, a simple shack selling psychedelic snacks. We tried the neon-colored rainbow grilled cheese sandwich, which was definitely not as tasty as it looked.
We also went to the famous Kawaii Monster Cafe — though I wouldn’t recommend going as it’s overpriced. The interiors are bright, psychedelic and over-the-top. The entry fee is only 500 yen (US$4.40), but you have to order at least 1 food and 1 drink per person. We ended up spending around $40 for the 3 of us. Check out other Tokyo food experiences.
Eat at: Sakura Tei
For lunch, try making your own okonomiyaki (savory and thick pancake made up of octopus, meat and cabbage) at the popular Sakura Tei. It’s a restaurant chain that has a few branches around Tokyo. The one in Harajuku is casual, funky and filled with character. Prices here are also really good, at around US$8-12 for a meal.
ITINERARY DAY 3: SEE THE TRADITIONAL SIDE OF TOKYO
For your last day in Tokyo, explore eastern Tokyo to visit the historical Asakusa area and the edgy Akihabara district.
Visit Sensoji Temple
This was definitely our favorite spot in Tokyo on our first trip to Japan. Sensoji Temple (also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple) is one of the biggest and most important temples in Tokyo.
Legend says that in the year 628, two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, out of the Sumida River. Even though they put the statue back into the river, it always returned to them. Consequently, Sensoji was built nearby for the goddess of Kannon. The temple was completed in 645, making it Tokyo’s oldest temple.
Try Sushi near Famous Tsukiji Market
Sadly the famous Tsukiji market that used to be one of the biggest attractions in Tokyo has closed. Still, the sushi restaurants surrounding the market are some of the best in Tokyo and definitely worth visiting. Sushi Dai is indisputably one of the best places to enjoy sushi in Tokyo. You’ll get an affordable taste of the freshest and finest seafood for only a fraction of the price of upmarket sushi restaurants.
Visit the TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum
The newly opened TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum is a huge sensation and is extremely popular with both locals and tourists. In a three-dimensional 10,000 square meter space, artworks created by computers move in and out of the rooms freely, creating magical formations. It provides lots of interactive experiences and photography opportunities.
Be sure to book your tickets way in advance and get here in the afternoon around 3pm when there are less people. We waited in line for 30 minutes, even though we had tickets. It didn’t disappoint though. Personally, I think it’s an absolute MUST when in Tokyo, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Read reviews and tips here!
Wander Around Electronic Town Akihabara
To end your time in Tokyo, head over to Akihabara, also known as Electronic Town. Akihabara is an eclectic technology district with lots of robotic shops, game arcades, and shops selling anime figures and cartoon merchandise. We had a ball here, I think this was definitely Kaleya’s favorite area. You can also book an anime tour that’ll show you the otaku and anime culture of Akihbara.
Eat at: Kisoji Shinjuku
For dinner, our Japanese friend brought us to this shabu-shabu (hotpot) restaurant and we had some of the best wagyu beef I’ve had. They offer great shabu-shabu sets for couples or groups of 4, plus private rooms where you sit on tatami floor. Excellent culinary and cultural experience! They have a few locations around Tokyo — you can book a tatami room and cook the shabu-shabu or sukiyaki yourself.
Tip: 3 days are definitely not enough to see all of Tokyo. If it’s your first time in Japan, I recommend spending at least 5 days in Tokyo to see it at a leisurely pace.
ITINERARY DAY 4: RELAX IN HAKONE
After a few hectic days in Tokyo, it’s time to slow down and relax in the mountain region of Hakone. It’s just a 1.5-hour drive from Tokyo (an hour by train), and a popular day trip for locals. The area is mountainous and extremely rich in nature. The landscapes are packed full of tall cypress trees and dotted with shrines, temples and hot springs.
Explore Hakone Town
Hakone Town itself, perched at the foothills of the mountains, is a quaint little town with atmospheric narrow alleys and historical wooden buildings. Historically, Hakone was a post station on the Tokaido highway connecting Tokyo to Kyoto, but nowadays it’s more of a getaway spot for those who live in Tokyo.
Soak in the Hot Springs
Upon checking in at our hot spring resort, we chose to spend the day in our hot springs and enjoying the beautiful hotel. Hakone Kowakien Tenyu has two gorgeous onsens (hot spring pools) for guests: one is an infinity pool perched on a rooftop and another is fed by a hot spring waterfall on the ground floor. We even had an outdoor stone bath in our balcony that we could fill with natural hot spring water. Read my detailed review of the best ryokan in Hakone.
Tip: It is not allowed to use an onsen with any bathing suit — you are supposed to enter the baths completely naked. You’ll need to scrub yourself completely clean using the showers in the onsen before entering the bath!
Splash Around in a Hot Spring Theme Park
The hotel has an attached hot spring themed park across the road that has some quirky features including hot spring pools infused with red wine!
I highly recommend visiting the Yunessen Spa Theme Park even if you’re not staying in Hakone Kowakien Tenyu — it’s got hot spring pools with sake, tea, and coffee, as well as outdoor springs perched on a hilltop with spectacular views.
There are two separate areas of Yunessen: the bathing suit area and the traditional onsen (no-clothes area). To enter just the bathing suit area, the entrance fees are at 2900 Yen ($26) for adults and 1600 Yen ($14) for children.
Stay at: Hakone Kowakien Tenyu
Opened in April 2017, this spectacular five-star hot spring resort is a worthwhile destination on its own. It reinvents the concept of ryokan with luxurious yet traditional furnishing and tastefully designed interiors. All of its rooms have tatami flooring, quality beds, open-air stone bath and beautiful mountain views. Its lush garden is dotted with bonsai plants, ponds, bridges, waterfalls and even a Shinto shrine.
We had an eight-course teppanyaki dinner at their in-house restaurant, Soba Kihinkan. It was an absolute culinary experience and definitely the best meal we had in Japan.
ITINERARY DAY 5: EXPLORE THE HAKONE AREA
The next day, rise early to spend the day exploring the Hakone area which is chocked full of interesting natural sights and spiritual places of interest. I recommend getting a Hakone Free Pass, which allows you to ride the Hakone Cable Car, Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Sightseeing Cruise for free. It can be purchased at any station on the Odakyu Railway.
See the Spiritual Hakone Shrine
First head to the famous Hakone Shrine, which stands at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi. The main shrine is hidden in the dense forest, but is well advertised by its huge torii gates — one standing prominently in the lake and two others over the main street of Moto-Hakone.
Follow the path from the torii gate in Lake Ashi up a series of steps flanked by lanterns through the forest to the main building of the shrine, which sits peacefully among the tall trees. The shrine is beautiful and the whole setting atmospheric.
Take a Boat Trip on Lake Ashi
After paying respects at Hakone Shrine, continue on to the harbor at Lake Ashi to hop onto a pirate-themed cruise (included in the Hakone Pass). The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise looks pretty tacky, but it’s a good way to gain perspectives of the area from the water. The boat stops at three different ports, Togendai port, Hakonemachi port and Motohakone port. Read reviews of the cruise.
Hop on the Hakone Ropeway
Next, take the Hakone Ropeway at Togendai Station to get a bird’s eye view of the area. It takes around 30 minutes to travel the full length of the ropeway. Along the journey, you’ll get to see views of the active, sulfuric hot spring sources of the Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. Read the reviews here.
Hike around the Owakudani Volcanic Area
From there, travel to the Owakudani volcanic area, created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago. Today, much of the area is an active volcanic zone with sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers.
Due to volcanic gases, the hiking trails around Owakudani are currently closed but you can still observe the bubbling pools and steaming vents from the viewpoints. Don’t forget to try the famous Owakudani eggs that are cooked in the naturally hot water and blackened due to the sulfur. These eggs are said to prolong one’s life by seven years.
Stay at: Fujino Kirameki Fujigotemba
Possibly the most family friendly hotel we stayed at in Japan, this glamping site has beautifully furnished cabins transformed from cargo containers and huge grassy play areas for families to hang out. Each cabin is equipped with a fire pit, barbecue grill, hammock and even a jacuzzi.
Best of all, it has a gorgeous setting high up above Gotemba, with Mount Fuji in the backdrop and a thick cypress tree forests surrounding it. If you’re looking to experience Japan’s rural areas then this is a great place to stay.
ITINERARY DAY 6: UP INTO THE JAPANESE ALPS
Now it’s time to leave the Mount Fuji area and head north into the Gifu prefecture of the Japanese Alps. The drive to your destination will take 3.5 hours (you can also take a train + bus to Okuhida).
Climb up to Arakurayama Sengen Park
First, make a pit stop at the Arakurayama Sengen Park for what’s known as the BEST view of Mount Fuji. You’ll need to climb 397 steps to get there, but even our 3.5-year-old daughter could do it easily, so don’t fret. In spring, the stairway up is transformed into a trail of blooming cherry blossoms.
On the top of the hill is a viewing platform where you can sit and drink in the beautiful view of the five-tiered pagoda (Chureito) against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. It’s quite a nice spot to do some walking and enjoy Japan’s nature.
Take a Picturesque Drive into the Jap Alps
The Japanese Alps are the highest mountains in all of Japan. The mountain range houses the longest and deepest gorge in the country, six volcanoes, and two lava plateaus. The natural beauty of the range has earned it the title of the “sacred highland.”
The drive up into the mountains is absolutely spectacular, but the hairpin bends is vertigo-inducing. It can be quite dangerous to drive on the corkscrew bends in winter, so make sure you check the weather before driving. There are buses that get here, in case you’re not renting a car.
Soak in the Open Air Baths of Okuhida
We booked a traditional ryokan in Okuhida, a hot spring town tucked in the mountains of the Gifu prefecture. Okuhida is said to be home to more open air hot spring baths than any other place in Japan. Many hotels have private open air baths, including ours. It was absolutely charming and we loved our experience in this rustic, rural town.
Hike around the Okuhida Area
Those with extra time at hand can head out to explore the Okuhida area — there are lots of short walks you can do along gushing rivers and wooden pedestrian bridges. Be sure to hop on the Shinhotaka Ropeway, a cable car that brings you over the mountains, at 2000 above sea level. Check the weather before you head there as the ropeway closes when there’s rain or mist.
Eat at: Tenka Chaya, Kawaguchiko
While driving around the Mount Fuji area, we chanced upon this gorgeous roadside teahouse and had an amazing meal there. All of its tables are on tatami floor and the menu is traditional hot broth pot. The teahouse also has lots of traditional memorabilia on display, from cat figurines to Japanese baseball collectibles. An excellent option for those who are driving! Read reviews here.
Stay at: Konji Ryokan
Located in the Okuhida hot spring village, this traditional ryokan is a charming little abode run by an old lady and her family. It’s surrounded by mountains and the views from its open air onsen are spectacular. There are several good restaurants just walking distance from the ryokan. Prices are very affordable. Highly worth a stay!
ITINERARY DAY 7: DAY TRIP TO TAKAYAMA
Just an hour’s drive (or bus ride) from Okuhida is the famous Takayama. It’s a historical trove of Edo-period buildings that have been immaculately preserved and many converted to museums or shops. The historical center is also home to six traditional sake breweries that still serve many types of rice wine.
Takayama is also home to the famous spring and fall festivals (matsuri) where locals parade ornate, traditional floats around town. Even if you’re not visiting during these festivals, you’ll find museums in Takayama that display some of those floats and fascinating traditional figures used in the parade.
Eat at: Sakaguchi-Ya
Housed in a Samachi traditional building, this restaurant serves the famous Hida beef (a high quality beef from the nearby Hida town) in the form of handrolled sushi or beef rice bowl. A little pricey but well worth for the quality food and atmosphere! The restaurant also has a small room chocked full of the matsuri displays and even a miniature float. Read reviews here.
Stay at: Hodakaso Yamano Iori
For those who prefer to stay a night in Takayama, this affordable ryokan offers a traditional experience at great value. It’s within walking distance from the iconic rows of Samachi houses in the Old Town. Rooms feature a tatami (woven-straw) floor, shoji sliding paper screens and low furniture. You can choose to stay in Japanese-style rooms with traditional futon bedding or rooms with Western low bed mattresses.
ITINERARY DAY 8: DAY TRIP TO SHIRAKAWAGO
The next morning, take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-gō. It is just a 1.5-hour drive (or bus) from Okuhida.
Shirakawa-go is a traditional village famous for the gassho-zukuri houses, typical of the Edo period. The grass-roofed houses are named this way for the roofs that look like hands in prayer, designed to withstand the weight of snow in winter.
Many houses in Shirakawa-go are still inhabited, some have been converted to shops and restaurants. You can even stay the night in one of them! It’s such a charming place you’ll sure to want to spend more than a day here.
Stay at: Shirakawago Terrace
If you prefer to stay in one of the grass-roofed huts, I recommend staying at Shirakawago Terrace. Renovated in August 2017, the guesthouse is housed in a century-old traditional Japanese wooden hut. It’s a 10-minute walk from the UNESCO site and offers great mountain views. They have comfortable Japanese- style rooms with tatami flooring and futon beds.
ITINERARY DAY 9: FEAST ON SEAFOOD IN KANAZAWA
Continue driving to Kanazawa, which is just an hour away. Kanazawa is well known as a culinary city, with some of the best seafoods in Japan. The city boasts many historical attractions such as restored residences and districts, as well as modern museums.
Experience the Colorful Omicho Market
Omicho Ichiba has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period. Today, it is a busy and colorful network of over 200 shops and stalls selling the freshest seafood in town. You’ll find the best spots to try fresh sashimi, salmon roe, oysters, scallops and giant king crab!
Although the market is most exciting during the morning hours, it also gets quite busy around noon, when tourists and locals flock in here to have lunch. It is not unusual for lines to build in front of the popular restaurants, many of which specialize in rice bowls topped with fresh Kanazawa seafood. Combine a food tour at Omicho Market with a cooking class!
Visit Kanazawa Castle
With your stomachs full, head to the Kanazawa Castle which stands in the heart of the city. It was the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan during the Edo period. The castle burnt down several times over the centuries, and the most recent fires of 1881 were survived only by two storehouses and the Ishikawa-mon Gate.
The main attraction at Kanazawa Castle is Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s “three best landscape gardens” and by many considered the most beautiful of them all. Opened to the public in 1871, Kenrokuen features a variety of trees, flowers, bridges, ponds and teahouses.
Get Lost in Higashi Chaya District
A chaya (translated to mean teahouse) is a type of restaurant where geisha sang and danced for customers during the Edo period. Kanazawa has three well-preserved chaya districts, Higashi Chayagai (Eastern Chaya District), Nishi Chayagai (Western Chaya District) and Kazuemachi.
Of the three districts, the Higashi Chaya District is the largest and by far the most interesting. Two chaya, the Shima Teahouse and Kaikaro Teahouse, are still open to the public. Other buildings along the central street now house cafes and shops. One of the shops, Hakuza, sells gold leaf products, a specialty of Kanazawa, and displays a tea ceremony room which is completely covered in gold leaf.
Stay at: Matsusaki
Matsusaki is a four-star ryokan with a lush waterside Japanese garden and traditional rooms. It’s a gorgeous place to unwind and kick back in nature, after a busy day of exploring Kanazawa. The rooms here are very spacious, with separate tatami living areas and comfortable futon beds. Highly worth splurging if you’re looking to experience Japanese culture.
ITINERARY DAY 10: EXPLORE KYOTO’S GION DISTRICT
After a three-hour drive, you’ll finally get to experience Kyoto, Japan’s pride and joy. It’s a highlight for many, including myself. Japan’s third largest city is a cultural hub and packed to the brim with historical and traditional sights (the city is home to 1600 temples!). You can’t come to Japan without visiting Kyoto.
From 794 to 1868, Kyoto served as Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence. Because of its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today.
Wander around Geisha District
At the heart of Kyoto lies Gion, the city’s most famous historical district and the center of its traditional arts. Gion is known as Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Packed with bars, restaurants and traditional teahouses, Gion is at its most atmospheric in the early evening, when the lanterns are lit and apprentice geisha will flit about the back streets on their way to their appointments.
It’s quite popular to rent kimonos in Kyoto and wander around Gion, even among the Japanese. We had a great time playing dress up. To capture the special moment, we even booked a photography session with Flytographer. The results turned out great and we now have gorgeous family shots. If you’re interested in booking a photography session, use this link and the code “NELLIEHUANG” to get US$25 credits. You can also combine your kimono rental with a tea ceremony to have a full cultural experience.
Pay Respects at Yasaka Shrine
Once you’re at Gion, it’s almost impossible to miss the brightly painted Yasaka Shrine as it sits right in the middle of the main street that cuts through Kyoto and it’s just below Maruyama Park, which is the city’s most popular cherry blossom viewing destination.
If you want to see how locals celebrate their faith, this is the place to come: people flock here for weddings, to get their newborn babies blessed, to pray for love, success or just spend a little time among the beautiful surroundings. Note that with lovely lanterns illuminated at night, this is a great place for an evening stroll.
Visit Kiyomizu Temple
Don’t miss Sannen-zaka and Ninnen-zaka in Gion. They are two of Kyoto’s most attractive streets lined with teahouses and shops. Follow the streets and you’ll find Kiyomizu-Dera, a famous temple perched on a hill overlooking Kyoto.
Kiyomizu-Dera, translated to mean “Pure Water Temple”, was built back in 780 AD and has always been one of the most important temples in Japan. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Eat at: Hokkyokusei Kyoto Gion
Right next to Yasaka Shrine is this cute ‘Western’ cafe that specialises in omurice (Japanese omelette rice), which is one of our favorite Japanese dishes. Their omurice is outstanding and there are plenty of options to choose from beyond omurice. Great prices too!
Stay at: Muromachi Yutone Kyokoyado
This high-end ryokan injects luxury into the traditional Japanese inn and offers comfortable plush beds in tatami rooms, with contemporary Japanese flair. It has an intimate and elegant feel and definitely worth splurging for an exclusive experience. Its in-house restaurant is famous in Kyoto’s culinary scene, so be sure to try the outstanding dinner here.
ITINERARY DAY 11: VISIT KYOTO’S BAMBOO GROVE
The next day, head out to Arashiyama, a popular district in the north of Kyoto. Tucked along the base of the Arashiyama Mountains (meaning “Storm Mountains”), the area is made up of bamboo groves, lush greenery, temples and a winding river. The main street of Arashiyama is packed with souvenir shops and street food stands. But as soon you venture into the Bamboo Grove, you’ll be leaving the madness behind and plunging into the peaceful nature surrounding Kyoto.
Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge
Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark is the Togetsukyo Bridge, translated to mean ”Moon Crossing Bridge”. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive with the forested mountainside in the background. Take some time to unwind by the river or at the riverside park chocked full of cherry trees.
Walk the Path of Bamboos
The Path of Bamboos is one of the most photographed spots in the city, but no picture can capture the atmosphere and sensation of being there. It was very crowded when we visited in the afternoon — I recommend getting there as early as possible, to avoid the crowd. You can even hire a rickshaw to bring you around parts of the bamboo groves that are exclusive to rickshaw riders.
Wander around Kinkakuji Temple
From Arashiyama, take a bus to the Kinkakuji Temple, also in northern Kyoto. Kinkakuji means “Golden Pavilion” and you can see how it got its name from its shimmering facade. Completely covered in gold leaf, the Zen temple stands in the middle of a large pond, surrounded by bonsai trees and cherry blossoms. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), located on the other side of the city.
ITINERARY DAY 12: SEE THE THOUSAND RED GATES
Spend your last day in Kyoto in the south of the city. Start off by taking a hike along the trails that weave through the thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi-Inari Taisha shrine. The shrine is dedicated to the god of rice and sake, and it is the headquarters of over 30,000 inari shrines across Japan. If you’ve got more time in Kyoto, check out this list of day trips from Kyoto.
Hike up Mount Inari
The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari, which stands at 233 meters. The hike to the summit and back takes about 2-3 hours. Along the way, there are multiple smaller shrines with stacks of miniature torii gates that were donated by visitors. There are also a few restaurants along the way, which offer locally themed dishes such as Inari Sushi and Kitsune Udon (“Fox Udon”).
Visit the Tofukuji Temple
After the hike, take it easy with a short visit to the nearby Tofuku-ji Temple, home to the eclectic karesansui (Zen rock gardens). The spacious grounds, immaculately maintained zen gardens and subtemples here are a delight. Outside of the fall foliage and maple leaf seasons, this area is usually pleasantly uncrowded.
ITINERARY DAY 13: DAY TRIP TO NARA
Next to Kyoto, Nara is the second most historical city in Japan and home to the famous wandering deer. It’s less than an hour’s train or car journey from Kyoto, so you can easily hop over for a day trip.
See the Deers at Nara-koen Park
As Nara is quite compact, you can easily explore the town on foot. Nara-koen park lies right in the heart of the city, running all the way to the base of the hills that rise east of Nara.
Undoubtedly, the most interesting feature of the park is the large population of semi-wild deer that roam the park. You can buy a pack of deer crackers (shika sembei) to feed them (but note that the deer can be aggressive in trying to get them out of your hands). Some of them have even learned to do the Japanese nod if you offer them some snacks.
Pay Respects at the Kasuga-Taisha Shrine
Besides the freely roaming deers, the park contains many other important sights, including Todai-ji Temple, Isui-en Garden and Kasuga-Taisha Shrine. Take your time to visit all the halls and worshipping areas. Kasuga-Taisha Shrine in particularly is a mysterious world of forest, pathways, and lanterns.
Wander around Isui-en Garden
Isui-en Garden is a lush and green garden with a pond and plenty of blooming flowers and trees. It’s conveniently located on the way from the train station to Todai-ji Temple. While it costs Y650 to enter, it’s well worth it. At any time of year, there is usually something in bloom, and you can marvel at the great work of the garden landscaper, who employed the technique of shakkei to incorporate the roof of Todai-ji Temple into the background of the garden.
ITINERARY DAY 14: BACK TO TOKYO!
Alas, your trip has come to an end and it’s time to head back to Tokyo for your flight home. From Kyoto, it’s a 5-hour drive (or 3.5-hour train ride) to Narita Airport. There are plenty of hotels near Narita airport in case you need to stay overnight for a morning flight. We stayed at the Narita Gateway Hotel, an old-school 4-star hotel that is pretty affordable and has a free shuttle to the airport.
Other Japan Itineraries
One Week in Japan
For those who are limited on time, you can see the two main highlights of Japan in one week. I recommend you focus only on Tokyo and Kyoto: spending a bit more time in Kyoto as it’s more traditional and historical.
Catch the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto — the journey takes 3.5 hours and costs 13,080 yen ($118) each way. Here’s more info on how to get from Tokyo to Kyoto.
- Day 1: Explore Shibuya area (Tokyo)
- Day 2: Wander around Yoyogi Park and Harajuku (Tokyo)
- Day 3: See Asakusa & Akihabara (Tokyo)
- Day 4: Get lost in the historical Gion district (Kyoto)
- Day 5: Visit the Arashiyama bamboo groves (Kyoto)
- Day 6: Take a day trip to Nara
- Day 7: Head back to Tokyo!
10 Days in Japan
If you’ve got 10 days in Japan, you’ll be able to experience a bit more than two major cities. I’ve included Hakone and Kanazawa into the itinerary so you can get a feel for both the mountains and small towns of Japan. Here’s my recommendation:
- Day 1: Explore Shibuya area (Tokyo)
- Day 2: Wander around Yoyogi Park and Harajuku (Tokyo)
- Day 3: See Asakusa & Akihabara (Tokyo)
- Day 4: Take a day trip to Hakone
- Day 5: Enjoy the culinary offers of Kanazawa
- Day 6: See the palace and gardens of Kanazawa
- Day 7: Get lost in the historical Gion district (Kyoto)
- Day 8: Visit the Arashiyama bamboo groves (Kyoto)
- Day 9: Take a day trip to Nara
- Day 10: Head back to Tokyo!
Two Weeks in Japan by Train
If you are traveling Japan by train, I would suggest the following itinerary. It’s similar to the itinerary mentioned above — just removing Okuhida (Japanese Alps) area, which isn’t easily accessible by train. Alternatively, I’ve added Hiroshima to the itinerary as it’s a quick train ride from Kyoto.
- Day 1: Explore Shibuya area (Tokyo)
- Day 2: Wander around Yoyogi Park and Harajuku (Tokyo)
- Day 3: See Asakusa & Akihabara (Tokyo)
- Day 4: Soak in the hot springs of Hakone
- Day 5: Explore the volcanic areas of Hakone
- Day 6: Enjoy the culinary offers of Kanazawa
- Day 7: See the palace and gardens of Kanazawa
- Day 8: Get lost in the historical Gion district (Kyoto)
- Day 9: Visit the Arashiyama bamboo groves (Kyoto)
- Day 10: Hike at Fushimi Inari (Kyoto)
- Day 11: Take a day trip to Nara
- Day 12: Learn about history in Hiroshima
- Day 13: See the modern side of Hiroshima
- Day 14: Head back to Tokyo!
If you have any questions on this Japan itinerary, please leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you! If you follow this itinerary, you’ll get to see the best of Japan in just two weeks. Enjoy this unique country and let me know how it goes!
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