The Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary for Japan (with Insider Tips)
Japan has always been a dream destination for us, and if you’re reading this, it’s probably on your list too. We created this resource page to give you a complete, two-week itinerary for your trip, filled with the best things to see and do from Osaka to Tokyo and everything in between. This is the ultimate guide we wish we had before our first trip, complete with insider tips and lessons from our own travels.
Week 1: Osaka, Kyoto & Day Trips
Day 1: Arriving in Osaka
Dotonbori: As you settle in, head to this lively district. It's best experienced at night, with all the neon lights reflecting on the canal. While the restaurants may not be the most local, the atmosphere is electric. Don't forget to get a photo with the famous Glico Running Man sign!
Days 2 & 3: Exploring Osaka
Osaka Castle: A must-visit. You can explore the grounds and decide if you want to go inside. Try out the Ninja Throwing Stars inside Miraiza (next to Osaka Castle).
Umeda Sky Building: For an amazing view of the city, head to the Floating Garden Observatory.
Namba Yasaka Shrine: This unique shrine is famous for its giant lion head stage.
Purchase tickets online through GetYourGuide so you don’t waste time in long queues ⬇️
💡 Insider Tip: Carry a small notebook to collect beautiful stamps from the landmarks and temples/shrines you visit.
Days 4, 5, & 6: Day Trips from Osaka
We recommend staying in Osaka and using it as a base for day trips, which is very convenient. You can use the train for an easy trip or rent a car for more flexibility.
Day 4: Himeji (We highly regret not visiting this city during our trip!)
Just an hour away from Osaka by train.
Himeji Castle: Known as Japan’s most spectacular feudal-era castle.
Koko-en Garden: A traditional Japanese garden right next to the castle.
Day 5: Kobe
A quick 30-minute train ride from Osaka.
Kobe Beef: Indulge in Japan’s most famous beef at one of the many restaurants.
Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens: Take a gondola lift up to these beautiful gardens, especially vibrant during autumn, which offer incredible views of the city.
Harborland: End your day in Kobe by visiting the waterfront at night.
💡 Booking Tip: We use GetYourGuide to book our experiences in Japan. You can search by city, like Kobe, to find tours and activities easily. If you download the app and use code CARMAADVENTURES5 you get 5% OFF your first booking.
Day 6: Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
This is a popular spot that can get very busy. Our biggest mistake was not having an Express Pass. If you want to experience Nintendo World, you’ll need to either get there extremely early or get a pass.
💡 Insider Tip: Trip.com has the best selection of Express Pass tickets, and they are also cheaper than on the USJ website! Learn more in our blog “7 Mistakes to Avoid at Universal Studios Japan”.
Day 7: Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Shrine: We woke up at 4 am to visit this iconic shrine to avoid the crowds.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Gion District: Explore the geisha district, with its historic tea houses. You can also rent a kimono for the day (this is where we rented our kimonos, although it is a bit far from the landmarks).
Travel to Tokyo: The best way to get to Tokyo from here is by Shinkansen (the famous bullet train). The ride is only about 2.5 hours.
💡 How to save money on transport around Japan? We found Klook to be the cheapest website to buy Shinkansen tickets from, as it was more affordable than the official website. If the train is too expensive, an 8-hour bus ride is also an option.
Want to do more than just scratch the surface of Osaka? Check out THE ONLY GUIDE YOU NEED TO TRAVEL OSAKA: ESSENTIAL TIPS, MUST VISIT LANDMARKS & HIDDEN GEMS!
Week 2: Tokyo, Nikko & Mt. Fuji
Days 8, 9 & 10: Tokyo
You've made it to your dream city! Three days is the minimum amount of time to explore the city's vast and diverse neighbourhoods.
Day 8: Shibuya
Shibuya Crossing: Experience the world’s busiest intersection.
Shibuya Hikarie Building: Get a great, free view of the crossing from the observation deck.
Walk around, find the Nintendo and Pokémon shops, and maybe even spot a few supercars.
Day 9: Shinjuku & Harajuku
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Go to the observation deck for more free panoramic city views.
Godzilla Area: Explore the area around the Gracery Hotel with its giant Godzilla head.
Harajuku: Walk down Takeshita Street and visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine. Be sure to try some Japanese pancakes! We ate some amazing Japanese pancakes in Osaka.
Day 10: Asakusa & Akihabara
Asakusa: Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple.
Tokyo Skytree, Ueno Park, Akihabara: See some of Tokyo's most famous landmarks.
Car Meet-ups: If you're a car enthusiast, check out the Daikoku Parking Area, Tatsumi Parking Area, or Umiotaro PA. While you can go on your own, booking a tour is the best way to ensure you'll actually experience a car meet-up. We went with our rental car and unfortunately didn't find any supercars (some of these tours allow you to drive the car).
Day 11: Nikko Day Trip
This is a long day trip (about 3 hours from Tokyo each way), but it is absolutely worth it.
Shinkyo Bridge
Toshogu Shrine
Rinno-ji Temple
Futarasan Shrine
Kegon Falls
Lake Chuzenji
Days 12 & 13: Mt. Fuji
💡 Insider Tip: We rented a car to visit Mt. Fuji, which gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace. If you opt not to rent a car, there are tours available, or you can go by train.
Stay at a Ryokan: Book a traditional Japanese inn with an onsen (hot spring). The best platforms to book stays are Agoda and Booking.com. This is the Ryokan we stayed in, and we absolutely loved it.
Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: Take in the incredible views from this scenic ropeway.
Hirano Beach: Our favourite spot. It's a peaceful place to relax by the lake, watch the swans, and enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji.
This activity is ideal for anyone who wants to make the most of their time at Mount Fuji and take the best pictures⬇️
Day 14: Departure
This is the itinerary we recommend for your first time visiting Japan. It’s full of cultural and fun activities.
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