Ultimate 2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary for First-Time Travelers
Essential Travel Tips Before You Go
TOMOGO! has put together the ultimate travel tips you should know before arriving in Japan. Check out our blog Japan Travel Tips: 10 Essential Things to Know Before Your First Visit. You’re also welcome to explore our private day tours with our friendly local guides.
Disclaimer: This blog is not sponsored and offers a balanced mix of iconic destinations and hidden gems recommended by our team.
Day-by-Day 2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary
Day 1 Tokyo
If you arrive early today, you may be able to check in to your hotel ahead of time or at least drop off your luggage. Take a short rest before beginning your exploration of Tokyo.
Afternoon
Start your journey with a local train ride to Shibuya Station, where you can explore the heart of the district and cross the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.
From there, wander through Shibuya’s lively backstreets until you reach the elegant Omotesando Shopping Boulevard and Aoyama district, lined with luxury brands, unique boutiques, and striking examples of modern architecture. Continue under a grand Torii gate into a peaceful inner-city forest, leading to the revered Meiji Jingu Shrine, where you’ll learn about Shinto customs and the shrine’s cultural and historical importance.
Finally, make your way to the stylish Daikanyama district, known for its refined mix of art, fashion, and cozy cafés, offering a tranquil contrast to the city’s bustling core.
Day 2 Tokyo
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation. Then, take the metro to Akihabara Station and explore Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo’s pop culture and electronics hub. Browse anime-themed shops, retro game arcades, and everything in between.
Afternoon
Walk 8 minutes from Akihabara Station to Kanda Myoujin Shrine, a historic shrine known for good fortune and modern pop culture touches.
Spend the afternoon in Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, exploring a mix of historic sites and modern attractions, from traditional temples to contemporary shops and cafes.
Day 3 Matsumoto
Morning
Board a limited express train to Matsumoto, a charming town at the foot of the Japanese Alps. Take some lunch with you on the train, at Shinjuku station they have rice balls and train lunch boxes.
Afternoon
Arrive at Matsumoto Station. Check in your hotel and visit Matsumoto Castle, one of only 12 original castles remaining in the country, its 16th-century five-storied main tower is the oldest surviving castle tower in Japan.
Day 4 Matsumoto
Morning
Visit the Matsumoto City of Art and see Yayoi Kusama’s interactive exhibition.
Afternoon
For lunch, visit a Miso Brewery, where they will teach you about the process of making miso, then dine on the region's best miso dishes. You can even have miso ice cream to finish. Spend the night by enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing in your private bath.
Day 5 Kyoto
Morning
Check-out of your hotel and transfer to Matsumoto station and board the bullet train to Kyoto.
Afternoon
Arrive in Kyoto and transfer to your hotel. Head out to explore the Geisha districts and Zen temples of the Higashiyama area. Learn about the historic town while winding through the narrow streets and taking in the impressive architecture of the shrines and temples.
Evening
If you’d like, after dinner, head to Fushimi Inari, and walk through hundreds of red torii gates after dark. The shrine is much quieter around this time and is still lit up by lamps.
Day 6 Kyoto
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before meeting your guide. Travel west by taxi or train to Arashiyama, a scenic area famous for its bamboo forest. Begin your exploration at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, home to 1,200 unique rakan statues, each hand-carved by pilgrims from across Japan.
Afternoon
Visit Tenryuji Temple and enjoy a lunch of vegetarian Buddhist cuisine, a style that became popular in the 13th century with the spread of Zen Buddhism in Japan. Savor a healthy, plant-based meal while learning about Buddhist culture, and, if available, you may even join the temple’s monthly meditation events.
After lunch, stroll along the Katsura River to Kameyama Park, then visit the exquisite Okochi Sanso Zen Garden and villa for a glimpse of traditional Japanese landscaping and architecture.
If time permits, stop by Nishi Market to sample local street food and pick up unique souvenirs for friends and family.
Day 7 Nara
Morning
Take the the Express Kintetsu Nara train to Kintetsu Nara Station (50 minutes). Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is home to Nara Deer Park and the sacred Todai-ji Temple, where you can see the giant bronze Buddha. If time permits, explore other beautiful temples and shrines in the area.
Afternoon
Travel on the Kintetsu Limited Express train to Osaka Namba Station (43 minutes) and explore the vibrant Dotonbori District. Sample some of Osaka’s best street food, including takoyaki, kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, and more.
Evening
Return to Kyoto by train and take a taxi back to your hotel to relax after a full day of sightseeing.
Day 8 Kyoto
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Universal Studios Japan (USJ). Travel from Kyoto to Osaka by Tokaido Sanyo train, then take a taxi from Osaka Station directly to USH.
Afternoon
Spend the day exploring USJ, enjoying its rides, shows, and attractions.
Evening
After your visit, take a taxi back to Osaka Station and catch the Tokaido Sanyo train back to Kyoto. From Kyoto Station, take a taxi to return to your hotel.
Day 9 Setouchi
Morning
Have breakfast at your accommodation. Transfer to Kyoto Station and take the train to Onomichi. Upon arrival, enjoy some time exploring this quaint town before taking the ferry to Ikuchi Island in Japan’s Seto Inland Sea. Ikuchi Island is famous for its sun-kissed scenery, lemons, and superb cycling routes.
Afternoon
Check in to the hotel and get acquainted with your surroundings.
Evening
Dine on fresh, locally sourced produce from the Seto Inland Sea region.
Day 10 Setouchi
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before embarking on a local cycling tour of the Shimanami Cycling Route. This scenic course takes you along golden coastlines, through lemon-dotted valleys, and across the impressive bridges of the Seto Inland Sea.
Afternoon
Unwind in the local baths and spend the afternoon at your own pace, enjoying the serene surroundings.
Evening
Savor a dinner featuring fresh produce exclusively sourced from the Seto Inland Sea region, highlighting the flavors of the local area.
Day 11 Tokyo
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and check out of your previous hotel. Travel by bullet train to Tokyo and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Afternoon / Evening
Visit Shibuya Sky and take in the stunning city views from the observation deck and rooftop bar. Afterwards, enjoy dinner in the Shibuya area such as the Shibuya Scramble Sky.
Day 12 Tokyo
Morning
Step into a traditional Samurai dojo experience and immerse yourself in the Japanese warrior code. Observe a Katana sword demonstration and learn about Samurai etiquette. You may also try your hand at this ancient discipline.
Afternoon
Explore the nostalgic Yanesen District, wandering through the backstreets of Yanaka and Nezu. Visit Nezu Shrine and learn how Buddhist and Shinto traditions coexist in harmony.
Day 13 Tokyo
Morning / Afternoon
Embark upon a day of shopping and sightseeing. You may refer to our 3-day ultimate shopping and sightseeing guide in Tokyo for a reference.
Day 14 Tokyo
Morning
Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Want to explore Japan without the stress of planning?
Book a TOMOGO! tour and experience this 2-week itinerary with ease. From Tokyo’s neon streets to Kyoto’s temples, Matsumoto’s castles, and the scenic Setouchi Islands, enjoy iconic sights and hidden gems guided by friendly local experts.
