Two weeks is the perfect amount of time for your first trip to Japan.
From the chaotic neon lit streets of Tokyo, to serene temples and mountain peaks, this itinerary loosely follows the famous Golden Route and really only scratches the surface of what Japan has to offer.
Two weeks isn’t a lot of time in Japan, but this itinerary will help you make the most out of it. It’s perfect for a first-time visit and hopefully will inspire many more trips!
Why July?
Summer may be the least popular of the 4 season’s to visit Japan, but July really is a great time to go.
At this time of year the rainy season is beginning to, or already has, subsided in most areas of the country. Japan’s greenery and gardens are at their most lush and there are great options for hiking and getting outdoors.
July is also the start of Mount Fuji’s climbing season, you can read my guide on climbing it here.
The Sumo Grand Tournament is on in July in the city of Nagoya and is a must see.
Lots of festivals are going on around the country and whilst it’s peak season for domestic tourists, it’s low season for foreign tourists and this means hotels are slightly cheaper, and crowds are a little smaller.
The weather is very hot and humid this time of year so it’s important to stay hydrated and dress for the weather. Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella with you wherever you go just in case of a sudden downpour.
Air conditioning is icy cold and common place in buildings and hotels, so when out and about in the city you can always pop indoors for a break from the heat.
Getting to Japan
Tokyo’s Narita International Airport and Ōsaka’s Kansai International Airport are the main international airports in Japan, however Tokyo Narita really has the bulk of the flights. You will generally have more flight options to and from Tokyo and likely better prices as a result, so I would recommend both starting and finishing your trip in Tokyo.
Getting Around Japan
Trains are the most popular way to get around in Japan, and arguably the best.
They are fast, comfortable and extremely reliable. They can get you just about anywhere you want to go with minimal stress.
Major stations are English friendly, with signs in English, and often in the major stations staff speak good English and will be able to help you if you need it.
Navigating the sometimes enormous stations and getting to the right platform, with the right ticket, can be a bit of challenge at first. Give yourself plenty of time to figure things out and find your way to the platform you want. Tickets can be purchased from touch screen vending machines or from ticket offices within the stations.
The world famous bullet trains, Japan’s Shinkansen, reach nearly 320km/h (200mph) as they speed between Japan’s major cities. If you’re using the Shinkansen you will need 2 tickets. A base fare and a limited express ticket. Essentially one ticket covers the route, and the other covers using the bullet trains.
Keep this in mind, if you only get the base fare, you can only use the local lines! To give you an example of difference, Tokyo to Kyoto by the bullet train is around 2 hours, by local trains it’s about 8 hours!
The JR rail pass for this itinerary offers small savings and wou can just about get away with a 7-day pass. Personally, I think it’s easier to get your tickets in country at stations without the pass. But depending on your budget, and if you are doing extra journeys to what’s in this itinerary, it’s worth considering.
The Itinerary
Days 1-6: Tokyo
Tokyo
Where else, other than Tokyo to start your Japan adventure. You’ll likely arrive in a jetlagged daze, looking like an extra from the Walking Dead, but not to worry. Tokyo’s bright lights and busy streets will bring you back to life pretty sharpish.
Getting from the airport into Tokyo is fairly easy, with plenty of options for public transport as well as taxis.
As a first-time visitor I would recommend staying in the Shinjuku or Shibuya area. These are really in the thick of it with things to see and do, whilst the also have great transport links, Shinjuku station is actually the busiest in the world.
Ideas for things to do in Tokyo
There’s so much to see and do in Tokyo, here are some things to consider for your time there;
- Climb Mount Fuji – Read my guide here!
- Visit Senso-Ji
- Take a stroll through Yoyogi Park and visit Meiji Jingu
- Go up the Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree
- See the Shibuya Crossing in full flow
- Visit the incredible art experience teamLab Planets
- See the Imperial Palace
- Grab a drink in the narrow alleys of Golden Gai
- Give your retinas a challenge at the Robot Restaurant
- Check out the Pokemon Centres and Pokemon Café
- Play games and get on the popular claw machines in an arcade
- Visit the Robot Café for good food and a worthwhile cause
- Head up Mt. Takao or Mt. Jinba for a hike away from the city
- Go Shopping in Harajuku
- Get your kit off and soak your bones in a traditional onsen
- Head out to the Tokyo Islands
- Take a trip to Hakone
Click here to read my ultimate things to do in Tokyo!
Days 7-9: Kyoto
Kyoto
On the morning of day 7 it’s time to get the train and head over to Kyoto!
The beautiful Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is a must on any itinerary. Here you’ll find thousands of temples, shrines and historic sites, mixed in with a thriving modern city that offers excellent food and shopping (and the chance to meet the famed Geisha!)
The Downtown area is probably the most popular and conveiniant place to stay in Kyoto. The area has easy access to plenty shops, restaurants, bars and markets whilst being walking distance to sight seeing areas like Southern Higashiyama. On top of that Kyoto’s two main subway lines also run through here, along with a couple of train lines, making it easy to get around the rest of the city, and a great place to base yourself.
Ideas for things to do in Kyoto
Kyoto is growing and growing in popularity, thanks in part to it’s stunning, and highly instagrammable, sights. Whilst the Fushima Inari Shrine’s red torii gates and Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove dominate postcards and social media, Kyoto has much more to offer.
Here are some things to consider for your time there;
- Take the trail up Inari mountain though Fushimi Inari Shrine’s 10,000 torii gates
- Visit the impresisve Kinkakuji Golden Pavillion Temple
- Check out Gion, the famous Geisha distrcit, and step back in time with it’s traditional streets, wooden architecture and Kabuki theatre.
- Go and meet the Monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park
- Stroll though the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Admire the cloud dragon painting in Tenru-ji Temple as it’s eyes follow you around the room
- Take part in a traditional Tea Ceremony
- Heah up Kyoto Tower for great views of the city
- Get stuck into the food at Nishiki Market
- Walk the Philosopher’s Path and decompress
- Get out hiking in and around Mt Kurama
- Take a train to go and see the Sumo Grand Tournament, held in Nagoya in July. (This can also be done from Tokyo, depending on what dates in July you are there)
Days 10-11: Hiroshima
Hiroshima
On day 10, leave Kyoto and jump on a train over to Hiroshima.
Hiroshima is best known as the site of the first ever atomic bombing, athough without the Atomic Bomb Dome building (and obviously the history books), you would never really know from walking around the city. Situated in beautiful part of the country, Hiroshima has been rebuilt into a bustling modern city, full of high-rise buildings and amazing food.
Hiroshima is a fairly compact city and if you stay in the downtown area, most of the main sights will actually be within walking distance.
As a beacon of hope for world peace and nuclear disarmament everyone should visit Hiroshima at least once. From the sobering and shocking recounting of the bombing, through survivor’s stories in the Peace Memorial Museum, to the beautiful and tranquil island of Miyajima, Hiroshima is a great place to spend a couple of days.
Ideas for things to do in Hiroshima
Here are some things to consider for your time there;
- Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
- See the Atomic Bomb Dome, a scarred reminder of the past
- Visit the Peace Memorial Park
- See the impressive Hiroshima Castle
- Visit the beautiful island of Miyajima to see the Itsukushima Shrine
- Hike up Mount Misen for amazing views in Miyajima
- Try the local speciality Okonomiyaki, a savoury pancake
Days 12-13: Osaka
Osaka
On day 12 it’s time to head to Osaka.
I would recommend staying in the Minami or Kita area of the city. These areas have great public transport links as well as plenty of access to shops, restaurants and the main sights.
Osaka is world famous for it’s amazing street food. In fact, “kuidaore” is a popular motto in Osaka, which roughly translates as “eat yourself broke”. That’s how big food is in the culture here.
Osaka isn’t only about food though and there’s lots to see and do here whilst eating your way through your bank balance
Ideas for things to do in Osaka
Here are some things to consider for making the most of your time there;
- Take in the bright lights and amazing street food of Dotonbori in the evening
- Visit the iconic Osaka Castle
- Check out the views from the stunning Umeda Sky Building
- Say hello to whale sharks at Osaka Aquarium
- Catch a show at the National Bunraku Theatre
- Get lost in the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade
- See one of Japan’s oldest temples, Shitennoji Temple
- Sink a few cold ones at the Asahi Brewery
- Make your own instant ramen at the Cup Noodles Museum
- Wander the streets around the impressive Tsutenkaku Tower
Days 14+: Back to Tokyo
Back to Tokyo
Day 14, it’s time to head back to Tokyo.
After an incredible 2 weeks take in the inimitable Tokyo one more time.
Mop up anything you missed, or couldn’t quite squeeze in earlier in the trip and do some last minute shopping. Maybe even do a little planning for your next visit!
Safe travels!