2 Week Japan Itinerary In 2026: Environment friendly Information For First Time Guests

Day 1 – Tokyo

Tokyo is such a giant metropolis that you could possibly simply spend a month right here and never get bored (I’ve spent a number of months in Tokyo and my checklist of locations to go to solely grows!). Nevertheless, since we need to take advantage of our two weeks in Japan, I deliberate the next three days in Tokyo for you.

The beginning of this itinerary offers you a terrific first impression of Tokyo, permitting you to discover many of the principal highlights of this stunning metropolis! Here’s what I like to recommend you do on the primary day in Tokyo:

• Go to Meiji Shrine: This stunning shrine might be present in one of many greatest parks in Tokyo. An enormous wood torii gate welcomes you close to Harajuku Station, guiding you thru a forest of over 100,000 timber in direction of the shrine. You can even discover the enduring wall of over 200 conventional sake barrels right here.
• Store in Harajuku: Close to Meiji Shrine lies Takeshita Road, one in every of Harajuku’s hottest procuring streets. Maintain strolling to get to Omotesando for much more shops. You could even see some individuals dressed up in Harajuku-style style.
• Attempt Purikura: Not like the fundamental photograph cubicles you discover within the West that you need to use to take plain passport photos, Japan has Purikura! These kawaii photograph cubicles allow you to take photos with cute filters. Afterwards, you possibly can edit them and add stickers, textual content and extra. The photographs are printed, and you may take them dwelling as the right Japan memento.
• Stroll throughout Shibuya Crossing: Shibuya is barely a brief metro trip (or 15-minute stroll) from Harajuku and is dwelling to the well-known Shibuya Crossing. Named the busiest crossing on the earth, it’s a preferred sight to go to in Tokyo. Go to L’Occitane Cafe, Cé La Vi or the newly renovated Starbucks for a drink and a view over this iconic spot.
• Hachiko Statue: Simply outdoors of Shibuya Station, you’ll find Hachiko Statue. This well-known canine was given a statue after he waited for his proprietor to return to Shibuya Station for years.
• Take pleasure in Tokyo from above at Shibuya Sky: For the most effective views in Tokyo, head over to Shibuya Sky. This 360-degree open-air commentary deck is sort of widespread, so be sure to e-book tickets prematurely (round half-hour earlier than sundown is one of the best time to go, for my part). On a transparent day, you possibly can even see Mount Fuji within the distance.
• Get meals and drinks in Shibuya Centre Gai: Exploring Shibuya Centre Gai is among the finest issues to do in Tokyo at night time. This slim road in Shibuya is a well-liked place for individuals to buy, eat and drink. Head over right here after having fun with the views from Shibuya Sky, simply in time to seize some dinner and even a drink or two at one of many many izakayas.

Day 2 – Tokyo

On our second day in Tokyo, we go to Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara. It’s fairly a distinction going from probably the most conventional components of Tokyo (Asakusa) to an element that goes by the nickname “Electrical City“, nevertheless it offers you an opportunity to see fairly a couple of of Tokyo’s principal sights:

• Discover Senso-ji Temple: Senso-ji Temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo, courting again to the 12 months 645. The temple grounds are lined with essentially the most stunning buildings and gardens, making it the most effective landmarks in Japan.
• Attempt o-mikuji: This Japanese type of fortune-telling can typically be carried out at temples in Japan, and Senso-ji isn’t any exception. It’s quite simple: you pay 100 yen and shake the wood field till a stick falls out. The stick has a quantity written on it. The quantity will correspond along with your fortune, from “very lucky” to “a terrific curse”.
• Store on Nakamise Road: Simply outdoors the principle temple, you’ll find Nakamise Road. This 200-meter-long road is stuffed with impartial distributors promoting souvenirs and snacks. Earlier than getting into Nakamise Road, you may as well cease by the Asakusa Tradition Vacationer Info Heart and head to the eighth flooring for a stunning free view of the road.
• Go to Ueno Park: Ueno Park is among the finest locations in Tokyo to get pleasure from cherry blossoms. In case you’re visiting Japan in late March or early April, be sure that so as to add this to your itinerary. However even outdoors of cherry blossom season, you’ll find some nice museums right here. There are additionally a few Pokémon manhole covers you possibly can spot contained in the park.
• Store for Japanese knives in Kappabashi: Between Asakusa and Ueno, you’ll find a road stuffed with one of the best retailers for something kitchen-related. Cups, bowls, chopsticks, pans, and… Japanese knives. Japanese knives are well-known for his or her unmatched high quality and sharpness, and Kappabashi is among the finest spots to purchase one to convey dwelling.
• Have lunch or store in Ueno Ameyoko: This vigorous, open-air market is ideal for some procuring or a fast lunch. The environment is superb and positively value a go to whilst you’re within the space.
• Discover Akihabara: Often known as “Electrical City”, Akihabara is the place for any anime or online game fan. It’s stuffed with shops promoting retro video video games, anime figures and extra. In case you’re a pop-culture fan, be sure that to spend a while exploring this space (and have sufficient room in your suitcase!). I highlighted my favorite retro sport retailers on the interactive map for this information.
• Play within the arcades: Akihabara can be dwelling to numerous arcades. Japan has its justifiable share of arcades, they usually’re tremendous enjoyable to attempt your self. Ensure to transcend the primary flooring. The crane machines, which you’ll usually discover on the primary flooring, are enjoyable, however the higher (much less cash-grabby) video games are discovered upstairs.

Day 3 – Tokyo

As we arrive at our final day in Japan’s capital metropolis, we tick off a couple of extra highlights earlier than we begin venturing outdoors of Tokyo. Here’s what I like to recommend you try in your third day in Japan:

• Go to Tokyo Imperial Palace: Tokyo turned Japan’s capital in 1868, when the Emperor moved to Tokyo. The present Imperial Palace is constructed on the grounds of Edo Fortress. It’s a must-visit when in Tokyo. When visiting, a guided tour is advisable, as you possibly can’t entry a few of the grounds with out one.
• Discover the Zōjō-ji Temple grounds: Whereas heading in direction of Tokyo Tower, the following cease on this itinerary, make a fast cease at Zōjō-ji Temple. It’s a fantastic temple with nice views of Tokyo Tower.
• Take an image of Tokyo Tower: Some of the iconic landmarks in Tokyo needs to be Tokyo Tower. Whereas I don’t suggest paying to go all the way in which to the highest (there are significantly better views in Roppongi, the place you possibly can really see Tokyo Tower as a part of the skyline!), there are some nice photograph spots close by. The 5 Sailor Moon Manhole Covers will also be discovered close by!
• Go to one in every of Roppongi’s museums/artwork galleries: Roppongi is dwelling to many artwork galleries and museums. The well-known Roppongi Artwork Triangle contains three of one of the best ones: Mori Artwork Museum, the Nationwide Artwork Gallery and the Suntory Museum of Artwork. In case you solely have time for one, I’d recommend testing Mori Artwork Museum, as you’ll even be handled to the most effective views of Tokyo Tower right here. 21 21 Design Sight is one other museum to take a look at. This museum focuses on Japanese trendy design.
• Attempt Karaoke: After dinner, you possibly can try one of many many karaoke parlours on this space of Tokyo. Karaoke in Japan is a bit totally different from what you’re most likely used to, as you possibly can lease a person sales space to sing songs, plus you possibly can order drinks to your sales space.

Mount Fuji (Day 4)

If there’s one factor Japan is legendary for, it’s the majestic Mount Fuji. From Tokyo, it’s very simple to take a day journey (or in a single day keep) to the Mount Fuji space. It’s attainable to do it by your self on public transport, or you possibly can e-book a completely guided day tour from Tokyo.

It’s attainable to climb Mount Fuji throughout climbing season (July to September), however beware that this could take as much as 10 hours to finish. For a day journey to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, it’s significantly better to benefit from the surrounding areas of Mount Fuji and take within the views. There’s now additionally a necessary climbing price of ¥4,000 it’s important to pay to climb Mount Fuji in an try to fight overtourism.

One of the best ways to see Mount Fuji is to journey to the Lake Kawaguchiko and Fujiyoshida space. From there, you possibly can discover the world additional. An effective way to discover the world is by renting a motorcycle and biking across the lake. You can even make your approach to Chureito Pagoda for probably the most iconic views of Mount Fuji.

I’ve damaged down all of the methods of doing a DIY journey to Mount Fuji in a separate article, however listed here are the principle routes:

• Freeway Bus: From Shinjuku, the freeway bus to Mount Fuji prices ¥2,200 per individual a method (¥1,100 for youngsters). It takes you to Kawaguchiko in round 1 hour and 45 minutes. You may e-book tickets right here.
• Fuji Tour Prepare: This categorical prepare takes you from Shinjuku on to Kawaguchiko in simply below two hours. Nevertheless, tickets are fairly costly (¥4,130 per individual a method, ¥2060 for youngsters).
• Native Trains: You can even go for the native prepare in direction of Ōtsuki. It’s less expensive in comparison with the categorical prepare, nevertheless it’ll take roughly 2–2.5 hours.
• Rental Automotive: Renting a automotive and driving to the Mount Fuji space is one other nice possibility when you’re snug driving in Japan. You’ll even have the liberty to go to areas that aren’t as accessible by public transport, making them loads quieter.

Mount Fuji tends to cover within the clouds very often! Because it’s difficult to plan a transparent day forward of schedule, you could need to control the climate if you’re IN Japan and swap a few of the days round when staying in Tokyo. This web site has correct predictions of how seen Mount Fuji shall be.

Hakone, Nikko or Kamakura (Day 5 – 6)

Throughout the subsequent two days on this Japan itinerary, you’ve some selections. There’s a lot to discover close to Tokyo, so I needed to offer you a alternative between a couple of day journey locations. Not all people desires to see the identical factor, so right here you can begin to personalise this two week Japan itinerary a bit higher.

Among the finest day journeys from Tokyo embrace Kamakura, Hakone and Nikko. Under, I’ve damaged down one of the best issues to do when taking a day journey to all three of them. Have a read-through and see which of them stick out to you finest so you possibly can add them to your individual itinerary.

Hakone Day Journey

Hakone is a private favorite of mine. Not solely is it dwelling to unbelievable views of Mount Fuji, a few of the finest onsens in Japan and delightful shrines, nevertheless it’s additionally the place my husband proposed to me. It’ll eternally have a particular place in my coronary heart, and it’s a spot I like to revisit.

From Tokyo, it takes round 1–1.5 hours to get to Hakone. This makes it a terrific day journey from the busy metropolitan metropolis and an opportunity to see a special facet of Japan.

When taking a day journey from Tokyo, it’s best to look into getting the Hakone Free Go. This low cost cross features a return journey from Shinjuku to Hakone, free public transport within the Hakone space (together with the pirate ship and ropeway) and a number of reductions. It’s a cash AND time saver, win-win!

When taking a day journey to Hakone, listed here are a few of the finest issues to do:

• Soak in an onsen: Onsens are Japanese sizzling springs, and Hakone is among the finest sizzling spring cities in Japan. Do remember that most onsens require you to wash bare and separate women and men.
• Hakone Shrine: One of many must-visit locations in Hakone is the shrine that shares the city’s title. This stunning shrine has an enormous torii gate looking over Lake Ashi. There’s normally a little bit of a ready time for taking photographs.  I waited round half-hour for mine.
• Go to Owakudani (Boiling Valley): From Hakone, you possibly can take a gondola up the mountain close to the city. On the prime, you’ll find Owakundani, also referred to as the Boiling Valley. The volcano erupted 3,000 years in the past, however the affect remains to be very a lot noticeable.
• Eat a black egg: When visiting Owakundani, make your approach to the volcanic zone and eat a black egg. The eggs are boiled within the volcanic water, and the minerals inside give the egg its black color. It’s completely fit for human consumption, and legend says consuming one will extend your life by seven years. Price a shot!

For a extra detailed breakdown and journey route, test my someday Hakone itinerary.

Hakone can be a terrific place to remain in a single day, because it’s dwelling to many Japanese sizzling spring inns. Our information on the place to remain in Hakone has a few of the finest ones (together with inns with Mount Fuji views!).

Nikko Day Journey

Nikko is just a little bit farther from Tokyo in comparison with Hakone (round 2–3 hours), nevertheless it’s nonetheless the most effective journeys to take from the capital. This mountain city is stuffed with historical past and is surrounded by stunning nature.

In case you’re planning to go to Nikko for the day, it’s value getting the Nikko World Heritage Space Go. Just like the Hakone Free Go, this cross features a return ticket from Tokyo to Nikko and free public transport contained in the Nikko space. Because the cross itself is cheaper than a return prepare ticket, you’ll be saving cash.

To your Nikko day journey, you need to try the next sights:

• Shinkyo Bridge: From the prepare station, it takes about 5 minutes by bus to get to Shinkyo Bridge. This almost 400-year-old bridge is the gateway to the vast majority of shrines and temples you’ll find in Nikko and is an ideal place to start out your day.
• Rinnoji Temple: This temple was based within the eighth century by a Buddhist monk who introduced Buddhism to town. These days, Tendai monks prepare on this UNESCO World Heritage website.
• Tōshōgū Shrine: That is by far Nikko’s most notable temple. Tōshōgū Shrine is the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The temple is superbly adorned and is an actual deal with to go to.
• Kanmangafuchi Abyss: A few years in the past, Mount Nantai erupted and created this valley. Right here, you’ll find 74 statues carrying crimson crocheted hats and bibs. Legend says the variety of statues adjustments each time you depend them.

Examine our someday Nikko itinerary for a extra detailed breakdown of learn how to spend the day right here.

Because it does take some time to get to Nikko, you could need to spend two days right here as a substitute of happening one other day journey from Tokyo. In case you do, try the finest ryokans in Nikko for an unforgettable keep.

Kamakura & Enoshima Day Journey

Kamakura and Enoshima are two seaside cities close to one another, round one hour from Tokyo. They make for a very talked-about day journey vacation spot, together with many temples, seashores and hydrangea flowers.

Like Hakone and Nikko, Kamakura and Enoshima have a Freepass that you need to use to economize. The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass features a return ticket from Shinjuku, limitless prepare rides within the space and reductions for taking part amenities.

In case you’re selecting Kamakura and Enoshima in your day journey, try the next sights:

• Discover Enoshima: Enoshima is a small island close to Kamakura. Give your self 2–3 hours within the morning to discover it, together with Enoshima-jinja, Samuel Cocking Backyard and Nakamise Road.
• Go to the Nice Buddha of Kamakura: Some of the well-known landmarks in Kamakura is the Kamakura Daibutsu. It was constructed within the thirteenth century and reaches over 13 meters in top. 
• Stroll round Komachi Road: This space lies subsequent to Kamakura Station and is stuffed with eating places, cafes and retailers. Good when you’re after any native specialities and souvenirs.

Our full Kamakura and Enoshima day journey itinerary contains much more data on what route we propose you observe.

Kyoto (Day 7 – 9)

After spending six fantastic days in and round Tokyo, it’s time to go in direction of Kyoto. Kyoto is understood to be the cultural capital of Japan, stuffed with shrines, temples and previous Geisha districts.

For lodging, you’ve two choices:

• You may both determine to keep in Kyoto for 5 nights
• Or keep in Kyoto for 3 nights and in Osaka for 2.

The lodging selections gained’t affect the locations you’ll go to when following this itinerary. Nevertheless, staying in Osaka has a very totally different environment in comparison with Kyoto (and it’s typically a bit cheaper too), so it’s your decision one of the best of each worlds. We have now a full Kyoto and Osaka comparability so you possibly can determine what’s finest in your journey.

Both approach, you’ll have to remain in Kyoto for a couple of nights. We have now a full information on the place to remain in Kyoto, however listed here are our suggestions for first-time guests:

How one can Get to Kyoto From Tokyo

The simplest and quickest approach to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is by using the Shinkansen, or bullet prepare. This takes about two hours and quarter-hour.

You should utilize the JR Go on this trip. However because the value enhance of the Japan Rail Go in October 2023, it’s not essentially the most cost-effective cross to purchase when you’re following this two week Japan itinerary.

It’s cheaper to purchase particular person tickets for the Shinkansen. You are able to do so on the prepare station on the day of your journey. It’s additionally attainable to purchase them on-line prematurely when you desire to have all of your tickets pre-booked.

What to Do in Kyoto

On Day 7 of this itinerary, you possibly can take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. This could take simply over two hours, however because the first week of this journey has been fairly full, you could need to take it simple at the moment.

Be sure you get to Kyoto safely and test into your lodge. You may then spend the remainder of the day going for just a little wander round. I’ve marked a couple of further sights on the map which you could try in case you have spare time.

Doing it will nonetheless provide you with two full days to discover Kyoto, which is greater than sufficient time to see a few of the metropolis’s finest highlights. I’ve a extra detailed 2-day Kyoto itinerary if you would like a whole breakdown of the times (together with a strolling route by the geisha districts). Here’s a fast overview of one of the best issues to do in Kyoto:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha: Fushimi Inari Taisha is a well-known shrine with 1000’s of torii gates lined up in direction of the highest of Mount Inari. That is my private favorite spot in Kyoto. Though it’s a busy touristy spot, I can’t get sufficient of it. The total hike up and down the mountain takes round 2–3 hours and it’s finest to go to as early as attainable to keep away from the crowds.
• Geisha District: Kyoto is legendary for the previous Geisha districts, Higashiyama and Gion. In these areas, you’ll find numerous temples (together with the gorgeous Kiyomizudera Temple), previous tea retailers and actual Geishas. Whereas it’s fairly touristy, it’s nonetheless a must-visit when spending time in Kyoto. My 2-day Kyoto itinerary has a free strolling route you need to use to discover these areas.
• Kinkaku-ji Temple: One other well-known website to go to is the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. It’s just a little out of the way in which, so that you’ll need to set both a full morning or afternoon apart for it, nevertheless it’s a fantastic Zen temple in a stunning backyard. It’s one in every of Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is positioned in West Kyoto and might be probably the most photographed spots within the metropolis. This stunning bamboo grove is open 24/7 and it’s free to go to. It’s a good suggestion to dam out a full morning or afternoon to go to this space of Kyoto.
• Put on a Kimono: Whilst you can put on a kimono in most locations in Japan, Kyoto is among the finest locations for it because it’s such a standard metropolis. You may rent a kimono for a couple of hours or a full day, {and professional} dressers will show you how to put it on. And don’t fear, carrying a kimono respectfully isn’t cultural appropriation!
• Dine on Pontocho: Throughout one in every of your evenings in Kyoto (most likely finest after visiting the Geisha districts, because it’s close by), head over to Pontocho. This atmospheric alleyway is a superb place to get dinner. Even when you can’t discover a seat, it’s nonetheless value strolling by it. It’s gorgeous.

Osaka (Day 10)

On Day 10, we take a day journey to Osaka. Osaka is understood because the kitchen of the nation, with a few of the finest road meals in the entire nation. Whereas some individuals select to skip Osaka, it’s one in every of my favorite cities in Japan. The persons are so pleasant, and there are some implausible sights to see.

From Kyoto, you will get to Osaka inside quarter-hour by Shinkansen, or round 30–40 minutes by prepare. When you get there, listed here are some must-see sights:

• Osaka Fortress: Osaka Fortress is among the most well-known highlights of town. It performed an enormous position in unifying the nation again within the sixteenth century, and you may study all about its historical past within the museum inside. Seeing the fort and strolling across the stunning gardens is a should when in Osaka. 
• Shinsekai: This district in Osaka was developed through the Nationwide Industrial Revolution. The enduring Tsutenkaku Tower on this a part of Osaka is modelled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. You may get a few of the finest meals within the metropolis right here, so it’s a terrific place to cease for lunch or dinner.
• Namba Shrine: This shrine has a 12-meter-tall lion-head-shaped constructing. Legend says the lion’s head swallows the evil spirits that encompass guests. Plus, it’s fully free to go to.
• Nipponbashi Den-Den City: In case you’re after any retro video video games whereas in Japan, Den-Den City in Osaka is an effective place to go looking for them.
• Dotonbori: Within the Minami District, you’ll find Dotonbori. That is the center of Osaka’s nightlife. Neon indicators, music and the odor of freshly cooked road meals, Dotonbori is the place it’s at. Close to Dotonbori, you may as well discover the Glico Man signal.

I’ve a extra detailed someday Osaka itinerary that features a full breakdown and strolling route.

Osaka isn’t removed from Kyoto, however as a result of it has a very totally different environment, you could need to select to remain right here for a few nights, too. In case you’re large on nightlife, for instance, Osaka has far more to supply than Kyoto.

My in-depth information on the place to remain in Osaka contains all my favorite areas and inns within the metropolis, however right here’s a fast overview of our greatest picks:

We have now a full information evaluating Kyoto and Osaka as bases, so have a learn to be sure to know your choices.

In case you’re planning on visiting Common Studios Japan (which is positioned in Osaka), you possibly can select to interchange one of many days in Kyoto, Osaka or Nara as they’re all close to one another.

Nara (Day 11)

Day 11 is a day journey to Nara. Nara was once the capital of Japan within the eighth century, and its historical past nonetheless shines by at the moment. There are some stunning shrines and temples.

From Kyoto, you will get to Nara by way of the JR Nara Line or the Kintetsu Line. In case you’re utilizing the JR Nara Line, be sure that to go along with the Miyakoji Speedy. It’s the identical value and solely takes 45 minutes, in comparison with 70 minutes on the JR Nara Native Prepare. On the Kintetsu line, you possibly can go for the Categorical service (45 minutes) or the Restricted Categorical service (35 minutes).

From Osaka, you need to use the JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line to get to Nara. On the JR Line, you will get to Nara from Osaka Station in 45 minutes. It additionally stops at Osaka Tennoji Station, from which it takes about 30 minutes to get to Nara. The Kintetsu Nara Line has the Categorical possibility (35-40 minutes) or the Restricted Categorical possibility (half-hour).

When spending a day in Nara, be sure that to take a look at the next sights:

• Nara Deer Park: Nara is legendary for its deer park, the place greater than 1,400 Sika deer roam round freely. They’ll even bow to guests and beg for the particular deer crackers which can be offered across the park.
• Yoshikien & Isuien Backyard: Aside from its stunning park, Nara additionally has some gorgeous gardens. Isuien Backyard is one in every of them. Positioned close to Kofuku-ji temple, Isuien Backyard is the right instance of a Japanese Zen backyard. There’s an entrance price, nevertheless it’s greater than value it. Yoshikien Backyard is a bit smaller however free to go to for foreigners, plus it’s positioned subsequent to Isuien Backyard.
• Todai-ji Temple: Todai-ji Temple is the most important wood construction on the earth, courting again to 752. Inside, you’ll find the most important Daibutsu (bronze Buddha statue). The dimensions of the constructing is mind-blowing!
• Kasuga-Taisha: This temple is one other UNESCO World Heritage Web site. It’s identified for its 2,000 stone lanterns and greater than 1,000 hanging bronze lanterns. A big a part of the shrine might be visited without spending a dime, however a small price is charged for the inside shrine. It’s one in every of my favorite spots in Nara, so I positively assume it’s value going inside. That approach, you possibly can see the lanterns up shut!

My someday Nara itinerary features a full strolling route you possibly can observe, together with some extra data on learn how to get to Nara from each Osaka and Kyoto. It will also be a terrific thought to keep in a single day in Nara and add a couple of further stops within the center and south of the prefecture (together with Asuka).

Himeji (Day 12)

With the tip of our two weeks in Japan coming nearer, it’s time to pack up your suitcase once more and transfer in direction of the final lodge. It’s finest to e-book a lodge in Hiroshima for the rest of your keep in Japan (or one final night time in Osaka or Tokyo, relying on when and the place your return flight departs from).

On the way in which in direction of Hiroshima, make a cease at Himeji. Recognized for its stunning fort, Himeji is the right place so as to add to your two-week Japan itinerary because it’s conveniently positioned on the way in which to Hiroshima. You may retailer your baggage in one of many lockers on the station in Himeji. That approach, you gained’t have to hold them round all day.

What to Do in Himeji

To your day in Himeji, listed here are some sights to take a look at:

• Go to Himeji Fortress: Himeji’s satisfaction and pleasure, Himeji Fortress, needs to be in your checklist of locations to go to right here. Its historical past dates again to 1333. Whereas it wasn’t accomplished till the early Edo Interval, it’s one of many only a few castles in Japan to by no means been burned down or destroyed throughout earthquakes.
• Discover Himeyama Park: Subsequent to the fort, you’ll find a fantastic park stuffed with small shrines, a pond and a fort moat with koi carp.
• Stroll by Kōko-en Backyard: That includes 9 totally different Japanese-style gardens, this place can’t be missed throughout a go to to Himeji. Contained in the park, you may as well discover a tea home. You should purchase a mixed ticket for Himeji Fortress and Kōko-en Backyard to avoid wasting cash.

Our information on learn how to spend someday in Himeji has some extra data on what to see, learn how to get there and what path to observe to take advantage of your time right here.

After a while in Himeji, choose up your suitcases and proceed your prepare journey to Hiroshima. That is the place you’ll keep for the following few nights. For lodge suggestions, you possibly can try our information on the place to remain in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima (Day 13)

As Hiroshima is your base in your previous few days in Japan, at the moment we’re taking a while to discover it. Hiroshima, in fact, is generally identified by individuals by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Fortunately, it has rebuilt itself to be a bustling metropolis, one which welcomes tons of of 1000’s of vacationers yearly.

The place to Keep in Hiroshima

To your previous few days, you’ll be staying in Hiroshima. We have now a full information on the place to remain in Hiroshima, however listed here are our prime picks:

What to Do in Hiroshima

When spending the day right here, that is what I like to recommend you try:

• Discover Hiroshima Fortress: Often known as Carp Fortress, Hiroshima Fortress is a fantastic constructing to go to, as is the island it stands upon.
• Go to Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine: From Hiroshima Fortress, Gokoku Shrine is barely a 5-minute stroll. The large stone torii gate absolutely makes an impression.
• See the Atomic Bomb Dome: This well-known construction was one of many few buildings that miraculously survived the bombing. It has since change into a logo of hope.
• Cease by the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Hypocentre Monument: Round 600 meters above this precise spot is the place the world’s first atomic bomb exploded and nearly immediately destroyed town. The monument is a bit difficult to seek out because it’s positioned between some high-rise buildings, nevertheless it’s very near the Atomic Bomb Dome, so positively value stopping by whilst you’re there.
• Stroll by Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: This park was created to recollect all of the lives that had been misplaced within the aftermath of the bombing. Contained in the park, you’ll find numerous monuments. Some of the well-known ones is the Youngsters’s Peace Monument. Close to the park, you may as well cease by the Relaxation Home. An exhibition displaying the memoirs of the only survivor who used to work within the constructing.
• Pay your respects on the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Within the coronary heart of town, you’ll find the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It’s a spot to recollect the victims of the atomic bombing of 1945. Whereas it’s an emotional expertise, it’s probably the most essential spots to go to in Hiroshima.
• Eat Hiroshima-Fashion Okonomiyaki: Don’t depart Hiroshima with out making an attempt the Prefecture’s most well-known dish. Okonomiyaki is basically a savoury pancake with cabbage, egg, flour and different substances of alternative. You could find all of them throughout town, however my favorite spot to have them is at Hiroshima Okonomi Monogatari.

Our information on learn how to spend a day in Hiroshima has extra data to take advantage of your time right here.

Miyajima (Day 14)

On our final day in Japan, we’re taking a day journey to Miyajima from Hiroshima. From Hiroshima Station, it solely takes about half-hour to get to Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Line.

• Discover Itsukushima Shrine: Well-known for the crimson floating torii gate, this shrine is among the most well-known landmarks in Japan. You may go to the Treasure Corridor and admire the Grand Torii Gate from the principle corridor.
• Climb the staircase to Senjōkaku Pavilion: A brief hike up this hill will reward you with a fantastic view over the Seto Inland Sea. You can even discover the 5-Tales Pagoda of Miyajima right here, together with the Senjōkaku Pavilion.
• Have espresso with a view: Tenshinkaku is a restaurant in Miyajima that comes with a surprising view of the close by pagoda. There’s a small entrance price, however the muffins and coffees are scrumptious. The view is value it!
• Benefit from the view from Mt. Misen: Take the Miyajima Ropeway as much as Shishiiwa Station and stroll in direction of the Mt. Misen Observatory. Whereas the trial is just a little steep, the view could be very rewarding.
• Attempt a Momiji Manjū: Miyajima’s speciality, Momiji Manjū, is a small pastry within the form of a maple leaf. They’re normally stuffed with crimson bean paste, however there are loads of totally different choices obtainable on the island too. I favored those with custard finest. Scrumptious!
• Eat contemporary oysters: As Miyajima is an island surrounded by the ocean, you possibly can eat tremendous contemporary oysters right here. Most of them are grilled and might be topped with soy sauce.

Take a look at our full information on learn how to spend someday in Miyajima for extra in-depth data. I’ve additionally created a YouTube video following this itinerary for a extra visible information:

As that is the final cease on our Japan itinerary, you may make your approach again to the airport in your return flight.

In case you have the choice to fly again dwelling from Osaka, that can prevent an extended journey again to Tokyo (and because the Shinkansen isn’t precisely low cost, you’ll most likely save fairly a bit of cash too). From Hiroshima, it’s about 1.5 hours to Osaka on the Shinkansen, in comparison with almost 5 hours to Tokyo.

Is 2 Weeks Sufficient to See Japan?

Two weeks is sufficient time to see a few of Japan’s principal highlights. On this two week Japan itinerary, you’ll go to Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajima. It’s the right period of time if you’re visiting Japan for the primary time. 

In case you’d wish to spend extra time in Japan, please try my 3 week Japan itinerary. Or you possibly can add an extra week in Kyushu, Shikoku or Hokkaido on prime of this information.

Nevertheless, when you solely have two weeks, it’s nonetheless greater than sufficient to get an ideal first impression of Japan. Don’t be alarmed when you’ll be taking a look at flights again to Japan as quickly as you come dwelling!

Do You Want a JR Go for two Weeks in Japan?

No, for this two week Japan itinerary, you don’t want a JR Go. It’s cheaper to purchase particular person tickets for the Shinkansen and use a Suica/Pasmo card for journey contained in the cities.

Up till October 2023, the JR Go was a good way to economize on a visit just like the one on this information. Nevertheless, the costs of the passes have elevated by almost 70% in October 2023, making it arduous to maintain recommending them.

Since this itinerary is unfold over two weeks, and also you gained’t be utilizing the Shinkansen too typically, shopping for particular person tickets is a less expensive possibility.

You should purchase tickets for the Shinkansen on the station on the day of your journey. Simply use the ticket machine or head to the JR workplace to get assist from a member of employees. In case you’re travelling with suitcases, be sure that to let somebody know to allow them to seat you someplace with storage. In case you desire pre-booking your tickets, you are able to do so on Klook.

How A lot Cash Do You Want for two Weeks in Japan?

You can also make your journey to Japan as low cost or as costly as you’d like. To present you a little bit of steerage, we spent round £2,100 ($2,800) per individual for this two-week journey. This contains flights, inns, meals, souvenirs, all actions and any extras. We have now a full breakdown of the price of going to Japan on our web site.

Nevertheless, since flights and the JR Go have elevated considerably in value, it’s higher to price range round $3,000–$4,000 per individual for a two week mid-range Japan journey.

Conclusion – Two Weeks in Japan

And that concludes my advisable two-week Japan itinerary. Whereas there’s a lot extra to see and do in Japan, this itinerary offers you a terrific first impression of what Japan is all about. Don’t be shocked when you’re leaving after two weeks wanting extra. That’s how I began my very own Japan obsession!

In case you have just a little extra time to go to Japan (or need another concepts of what to incorporate in your itinerary), my 3 week Japan itinerary contains some extra locations to discover. Alternatively, you possibly can proceed travelling to Fukuoka from Hiroshima and add a week in Kyushu to your Japan journey plans. Or add Shikoku to your itinerary after Hiroshima.

However for now, completely satisfied journey planning and I hope you’ve essentially the most superb time in Japan!

• Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan College with an English and Artistic Writing Diploma and tries to spend at the least 3 months in Japan yearly, exploring all corners of the nation. She’s visited 26 prefectures thus far. You may learn her full story right here.

  
  
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