Table of Contents
Two weeks in Japan is the sweet spot — enough time to experience the country's incredible diversity without feeling rushed. This itinerary takes you from the electric energy of Tokyo through the cultural heart of Kyoto, the street food capital of Osaka, and the historical significance of Hiroshima. Along the way, you will see Mt. Fuji, feed deer in Nara, walk through thousands of vermillion torii gates, and eat some of the best food of your life.
Budget estimate for this 14-day trip: $2,400–4,300 per person (mid-range), not including flights. For a full budget breakdown, see our Japan Budget 2026 article.
Trip Overview
| Days | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 | Tokyo | Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara, Tsukiji, TeamLab |
| 6 | Hakone | Mt. Fuji views, hot springs, Open Air Museum |
| 7–10 | Kyoto | Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, geisha district |
| 11 | Nara | Todai-ji temple, friendly deer, Nara Park |
| 12–13 | Osaka | Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, street food |
| 14 | Hiroshima | Peace Memorial, Miyajima Island, floating torii |
Days 1–5: Tokyo
Tokyo deserves at least four to five full days. The city is vast and each neighborhood has its own personality. Here is how to make the most of your time:
Day 1: Arrival and Shinjuku
Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. Activate your Companion Mobile eSIM and your JR Pass. Take the Narita Express or Keikyu Line to your hotel. After checking in, explore Shinjuku — visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck (free) for sunset views, then dive into the atmospheric alleyways of Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) for yakitori skewers starting at 150 yen each. Walk through the neon-lit Kabukicho district for an introduction to Tokyo's nightlife energy.
Day 2: Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno
Start your morning at Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple. Walk through the Nakamise shopping street for traditional snacks and souvenirs. Cross the river for views of the Tokyo Skytree. After lunch, head to Akihabara for electronics, anime culture, and multi-floor arcades. End the day at Ueno Park — visit the Tokyo National Museum if time allows (1,000 yen admission).
Day 3: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine
Begin at Meiji Shrine, set in a tranquil forest right in the city center (free entry). Walk to Harajuku's Takeshita Street for vibrant youth fashion culture and Japanese crepes. Visit the Omotesando area for upscale shopping and architectural gems. Head to Shibuya for the famous scramble crossing, Shibuya Sky observation deck (2,000 yen), and the Hachiko statue. Explore the food floors (depachika) of Shibuya Hikarie department store.
Day 4: Tsukiji, Ginza, and TeamLab
Visit the Tsukiji Outer Market early for the freshest sushi breakfast you will ever have — try tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), fresh oysters, and a sushi set at one of the small counters. Walk through upscale Ginza for window shopping and visit the Uniqlo flagship store. In the afternoon, book tickets for TeamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills) or TeamLab Planets (Toyosu) — reserve in advance as they sell out. Tickets run 3,800 yen per adult.
Day 5: Flexible Tokyo Day
Use this day for whatever interests you most: visit Shimokitazawa for vintage shopping and indie cafes, explore the gardens of the Imperial Palace East Gardens (free), take a day trip to Kamakura to see the Great Buddha (1 hour by train), or simply wander a neighborhood you fell in love with. Tokyo rewards exploration — follow your curiosity.
Day 6: Hakone Day Trip
Take the Romancecar express from Shinjuku to Hakone (about 85 minutes, covered by JR Pass + Hakone Free Pass combo for 6,100 yen). The Hakone Loop takes you through an open-air museum of sculptures, a ropeway over volcanic hot springs, a pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi, and (on clear days) spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Stop at an onsen (hot spring bath) before heading back — Hakone Yuryo (1,500 yen) has beautiful outdoor pools. Return to Tokyo for the night, or spend one night in a ryokan for the full experience.
Days 7–10: Kyoto
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (about 2 hours 15 minutes, covered by JR Pass). Kyoto is Japan's cultural capital with over 2,000 temples and shrines. Four days lets you see the highlights without rushing.
Day 7: Eastern Kyoto
Start early at Fushimi Inari Shrine — the famous trail of 10,000 vermillion torii gates. Arrive by 7:00 AM to beat crowds. The full hike to the summit takes about 2 hours. Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (400 yen) with its stunning wooden stage overlooking the city. Walk down Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two atmospheric preserved streets lined with traditional shops and tea houses.
Day 8: Northern Kyoto
Visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion, 500 yen), one of Japan's most photographed sights. Walk to nearby Ryoan-ji Temple to see its famous rock garden. In the afternoon, explore Nijo Castle (1,300 yen) with its "nightingale floors" designed to chirp when walked upon. End with dinner in the Pontocho alley, a narrow lane of atmospheric restaurants along the Kamo River.
Day 9: Arashiyama
Spend the day in the western Arashiyama district. Walk through the mesmerizing Bamboo Grove early in the morning (free, arrive before 8 AM). Visit Tenryu-ji Temple (500 yen) and its stunning garden. Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge. If time allows, visit the Monkey Park Iwatayama (550 yen) to see wild Japanese macaques with panoramic city views.
Day 10: Gion and Tea Culture
Explore the Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha quarter. Walk along Hanami-koji Street in the early evening for a chance to spot geiko (Kyoto's term for geisha) heading to appointments. Visit a traditional tea house for a matcha experience (around 1,500 yen). Take a cooking class to learn how to make Japanese dishes (from 5,000 yen). Browse Nishiki Market, Kyoto's 400-year-old food market, for local delicacies and unique ingredients.
Day 11: Nara Day Trip
Nara is just 45 minutes from Kyoto by JR train (covered by JR Pass). The main attraction is Nara Park, where over 1,200 friendly deer roam freely. Buy deer crackers (shika senbei, 200 yen) and watch them bow politely before eating. Visit Todai-ji Temple (600 yen), home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue housed in one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Walk through Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its thousands of stone and bronze lanterns. Return to Kyoto or head directly to Osaka for the night.
Days 12–13: Osaka
Day 12: Osaka Castle and Shinsekai
Visit Osaka Castle (600 yen) and its surrounding park. The castle museum offers panoramic views from the 8th floor. Have lunch in the Shinsekai district — try kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at a local restaurant for around 1,000–2,000 yen. Visit the Spa World onsen complex if you want to experience a mega bath house. In the evening, walk through Amerikamura (American Village) for Osaka's youth culture and vintage shops.
Day 13: Dotonbori and Street Food
Osaka is Japan's food capital, and this is your day to eat. Spend the day in and around Dotonbori, the iconic canal district. Try takoyaki (octopus balls, 500–800 yen), okonomiyaki (savory pancake, 800–1,200 yen), gyoza, and yakitori. Visit the Kuromon Market (Osaka's Kitchen) for fresh sashimi, grilled seafood, and seasonal fruits. In the evening, take in the neon lights of Dotonbori — the Glico running man sign is Osaka's most famous landmark.
Osaka locals say "kuidaore" — eat until you drop. Come hungry. The best strategy is to eat small portions at many different places rather than one big meal. Most street food items cost 300–800 yen.
Day 14: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (about 1.5 hours, covered by JR Pass). Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum (200 yen) — one of the most moving experiences in Japan. After lunch, take the JR ferry (covered by JR Pass) to Miyajima Island (about 1 hour total including train and ferry). See the famous floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Walk among the island's friendly deer and try momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes). Return to Osaka or head to Kansai Airport for your departure.
Practical Tips for This Itinerary
Transportation: A 14-day JR Pass (80,000 yen / ~$530) covers virtually all intercity travel on this route. For local transport within cities, use your Mobile Suica card. Learn more in our complete Japan guide.
Accommodation: Stay in one hotel per city to avoid constant packing and unpacking. Recommended areas: Shinjuku or Shibuya in Tokyo, Gion or Kawaramachi in Kyoto, Namba or Shinsaibashi in Osaka.
Connectivity: You will rely heavily on Google Maps, Hyperdia (train schedules), and translation apps throughout this trip. Set up your eSIM before departure so you have data from the moment you land. Download offline maps for each city as a backup.
Budget estimate for 14 days (mid-range, per person):
- JR Pass (14 days): $530
- Accommodation (13 nights at $90 average): $1,170
- Food ($50/day): $700
- Activities and admissions: $200
- Local transport (Suica): $100
- eSIM (14 days): $15–25
- Total: approximately $2,715–2,725 (not including flights)
Stay connected on every leg of your trip
From Tokyo to Hiroshima, your Companion Mobile eSIM keeps you online with fast 4G/5G data across Japan.
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