Two-Week Japan Travel Itinerary: A First-Timer’s Guide
Discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka, and more with our day-by-day travel itinerary.
Iconic temples and castles, ancient and contemporary art, magical forests, and the best Japanese dishes – it’s all here in this 14-day guide.
World Nomads was founded by travelers, for travelers. So, when we put an itinerary together, you can be sure it’s filled with memorable experiences, expert guidance, and a range of worthwhile activities.
We asked travel writer and Japan resident Selena Hoy to create a journey that blends must-see icons with off-the-beaten-path exploration. Serena shares her picks of the best museums, castles, and temples, the Japanese dishes you have to try, and ways to discover Japan’s cultural heritage.
This day-by-day itinerary is carefully designed to take you from the neon streets of Tokyo to the forests, rivers, and reefs of Yakushima Island, with ample time to soak it all in (sometimes literally!).
We haven’t included specific accommodations or restaurants in order to keep the itinerary evergreen, but we’ll tell you how to get from place to place and offer ideas for where to stay.
Traveling to Japan soon? Learn why you should consider travel insurance.
Featured in this guide:
On this 14-day Japan itinerary you will:
- Explore the museums and shopping streets of Tokyo
- Hike ancient forests, snorkel with sea turtles, and visit an onsen on Yakushima
- Sample street food and learn about traditional crafts in Fukuoka
- Visit the moving Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Tour iconic temples and shrines in Kyoto
- See the Great Buddha and feed deer in Nara
- Visit Osaka Castle and try local specialties in Osaka
- Get around on efficient transport that makes the journey part of the fun
Our digital itinerary offers an easy-to-follow layout, interactive map, and travel insurance tips to help ensure a safe and trouble-free journey. You can also download the itinerary as a printable PDF.
Access your Japan itinerary now and unlock the ultimate two-week adventure.
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Fukuoka’s street food carts are called yatai: these mini mobile restaurants dot popular thoroughfares and offer lively, luscious local bites and drafts.
