14-day Japan itinerary - Plan your own custom trip
Japan is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, offering every traveler a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re drawn to serene temples, bustling cities, or natural wonders, Japan promises an unforgettable journey. Spending 14 days in Japan allows you to delve deep into its diverse landscapes and cultural treasures, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching travel experience. So, get ready & plan your own 14-day Japan Itinerary!
This post aims to help you plan your 14-day Japan itinerary by advising how long to spend at each city, and what to do there. You can find ready-made 14-day Japan itineraries that you can grab and copy, but also a guide to major cities that allow you to tailor your itinerary.
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Looking for a travel checklist? What to buy and research before your Japan trip? Read our Japan Travel Checklist here.
What is the best 14 day Japan itinerary?
Determining the best 14 days Japan itinerary depends on your interests, but a well-rounded trip should include a mix of Japan’s most iconic cities and hidden gems. Tokyo and Kyoto are absolute must-visits for any first-time traveler. With its towering skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and eclectic neighborhoods, Tokyo offers a glimpse into Japan’s modern and fast-paced life. Kyoto, on the other hand, provides a serene contrast with its tranquil temples, traditional tea houses, and beautifully preserved geisha districts, capturing the essence of Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka is another essential stop, known for its vibrant food scene and lively nightlife. It’s a city that never sleeps, with entertainment and culinary delights around every corner. Adding Hiroshima to your itinerary is also crucial for understanding Japan’s historical depth and its journey towards peace. The nearby island of Miyajima, with its iconic floating torii gate, offers breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual serenity. Nara, with its freely roaming deer and ancient temples, provides a unique blend of nature and history that shouldn’t be missed.
Japan’s diversity extends beyond these major cities. For those seeking a more rural experience, destinations like Takayama, with its traditional wooden houses and scenic mountain views, or Hakone, known for its hot springs and stunning views of Mount Fuji, offer a different pace and atmosphere. Kanazawa, with its exquisite gardens and samurai heritage, and the picturesque island of Hokkaido, famous for its natural landscapes and winter sports, further highlight the varied experiences Japan has to offer. Whether you’re drawn to bustling urban centers, historical landmarks, or serene natural escapes, Japan’s diverse destinations ensure that every traveler can find their perfect adventure.
Key Cities to Visit
Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet ultramodern technology. It’s a bustling metropolis that offers something for everyone.
Famous For: Tokyo is renowned for its towering skyscrapers, historic temples, eclectic neighborhoods, and world-class shopping and dining.
Why Visit: Tokyo is a dynamic city that showcases the best of Japan’s past and present. You can find great food and a wide range of cultural experiences. The contrast between the traditional shrines and temples and the modern skyscrapers gives a great vibe to Tokyo.
Who Will Like It: Tokyo appeals to big city lovers, foodies, traditional and modern pop culture enthusiasts, and tech fans. It is a place where everyone can find something they like.
Recommended Stay: 3-5 days
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
- Explore the bustling streets of Shibuya and cross the famous Shibuya Crossing.
- Spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea.
- Stroll through the serene Meiji Shrine and its surrounding forest.
- Shop and dine in the trendy neighborhoods of Harajuku, Ginza and Shinjuku.
See themed Tokyo itinerary options here
Kyoto
Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is a city steeped in history and tradition. It is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Famous For: Kyoto is famous for its classical Buddhist temples, stunning gardens, geisha culture, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses.
Why Visit: Kyoto offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and is the best place to experience traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, geisha culture, and ancient architecture.
Who Will Like It: History buffs, culture seekers, and those looking to experience traditional Japan.
Recommended Stay: 3-4 days
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates.
- Explore the historic Kiyomizu-dera Temple wearing a traditional kimono.
- Stroll through a Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama.
- Discover the beautiful Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
- Experience a traditional tea ceremony or a geisha performance in Gion, the geisha district.
See themed Kyoto itinerary options here
Get the best out of Kyoto
–> How to meet a true Geisha in Kyoto?
–> The 7 best kimono rentals in Kyoto
Osaka
Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city, is known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and hearty street food.
Famous For: Osaka is famous for its vibrant food scene, historic Osaka Castle, and lively entertainment districts.
Why Visit: Osaka is a foodie’s paradise and offers a more laid-back and friendly atmosphere compared to Tokyo. It’s also a great base for day trips to nearby destinations.
Who Will Like It: Food lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a lively urban experience.
Recommended Stay: 2-3 days
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
- Indulge in street food at Dotonbori.
- Visit Universal Studios Japan.
- Stroll through the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market.
- Enjoy panoramic city views from the Umeda Sky Building.
See themed Osaka itinerary options here
Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a city that rose from the ashes of its tragic past to become a symbol of peace and resilience.
Famous For: Hiroshima is famous for the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and its poignant history.
Why Visit: Hiroshima offers a moving reminder of the past and a testament to the power of peace. It’s also the gateway to the beautiful island of Miyajima.
Who Will Like It: History enthusiasts and those interested in WWII.
Recommended Stay: 1-2 days
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
- See the Atomic Bomb Dome.
- Take a day trip to Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine.
- Explore the Hiroshima Castle.
- Enjoy okonomiyaki, a local savory pancake.
Nara
Introduction: Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, is renowned for its historic temples and friendly deer.
Famous For: Nara is famous for its large park with freely roaming deer and significant historical temples.
Why Visit: Nara offers a tranquil escape with rich history and is home to some of Japan’s oldest and largest temples.
Who Will Like It: Nature lovers, history buffs, and families.
Recommended Stay: 1 day
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Visit Todai-ji Temple, housing the Great Buddha.
- Feed the deer in Nara Park.
- Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
- Walk through Naramachi, the traditional merchant district.
- Visit the Nara National Museum.
See a detailed Nara day trip itinerary here.
Example 14 day Japan Itineraries
In this section, you can find examples of 14-day Japan itineraries for people with different interests: balanced, traditional Japan-focused, pop culture-focused, and history-focused.
14-day Japan Balanced Itinerary for First Timers
If you are looking for a balanced itinerary, then spend time in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto as well. Kyoto, Nikko & Nara will give you the history and traditional Japanese vibes, while Osaka and Tokyo are modern shopping, nightlife, and foodie scenes.
Rent a kimono to visit the most iconic place in Kyoto, the Gion. If you are interested in geisha culture, book an experience with a geisha. Explore WWII history and visit the nearby Miyajima Shrine island in Hiroshima.
14-day Japan Itinerary for Traditional Japan Fans
To experience traditional Japan, make sure to maximize your time in Kyoto. Book a geisha experience, attend a tea ceremony, and visit the beautiful shrines and temples. Rent a kimono and stroll in the Gion area. Visit Nara, Japan’s ancient capital full of national treasures, and Kanazawa for quieter, less-touristy traditional vibes. There are a lot of traditional places to see in Tokyo as well: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, and Imperial Palace.
14-day Japan Itinerary for Pop Culture enthusiasts
If you are keen to experience pop culture and modern Japan, then maximize your stay in Tokyo and Osaka. In Tokyo, spend time in Akihabara, Odaiba, and Ikebukuro to experience pop culture and visit Ginza and Shibuya for shopping. Dedicate 2 separate days for DisneySea and Disneyland.
In Osaka, visit Universal Studios, Shinsekai, Amerikamura, and Dotonbori to get the most out of the city. Don’t skip Kyoto, as it offers exciting things to see such as the International Manga Museum, Samurai Museum, and more.
14-day Japan Itinerary for History Buffs
If you are a history enthusiast, then every city in Japan will have something for you. In Tokyo, visit the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji and if you are after retro vibes, go to the Yanaka Ginza area. Plan a day trip to the coastal town of Kamakura, once the headquarters of the Kamakura shogunate (1184-1333). Another great day trip destination is Nikko, a town that was very important to Tokugawa Ieyasu and his family.
Enjoy the traditional, historic vibes of Kyoto, book a geisha experience, and explore Nijo Castle. Then, visit Nara to see the ancient capital of Japan and explore WWII history in Hiroshima.
