The Best of Japan: 2 weeks itinerary plan
Japan is a country that seamlessly blends millenar cultural tradition with modernity, offering a rich cultural experience and breathtaking landscape. With two weeks to explore this fascinating destination, you can dive deep into its history, sample its delicious cuisine, and immerse yourself in its vibrant cities.
In this blog post, I will provide you with an itinerary to make the most of your two weeks in Japan.
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Week 1: Exploring Tokyo and its surroundings
Tokyo
Day 1-2: Begin your journey in the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. You can start your journey by visiting iconic landmarks. Such as the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensō-ji in Asakusa and the beautiful Meiji Jingu Shrine in the heart of the city. It is close to Yoyogi Park have a walk there after and observe the beautiful sake barrels full of colors! To experience Tokyo’s futuristic side, head to the Shibuya crossing and spend an evening exploring the vibrant nightlife of Shinjuku.
I also recommend to visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace. It is close by the business area with its tall buildings to get a sense of the Japanese worklife.
You should try to sleep in a capsule hotel at least for 2 days to experience this unique accomodation! Find the right one here 🙂
Day 2-4: Take a day trip to nearby Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the breathtaking Toshogu Shrine and the natural beauty of the surrounding area, including stunning waterfalls and serene lakes.
Day 4-5: Stop at Kamakura and visit the Boudhist temple Hase-Dera and Kotoku-in and Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu.
If you are lucky to have extra time you can also discover the beautiful Sasuke Inari-jinja and Hōkoku-ji with its bamboo forest.
Hakone Yumoto- Fuji San
Day 6-7 :What is Japan without his Mont Fuji? Called by the Japanese Fuji-San, this world know moutain its an emblem of Japan. To get the best view of the magnificient Mont Fuji I suggest that you should stop at Hakone Imoto. From there you can experience the beautfiul scenery from different points of views by:
- Bus to have a view of the lake and the Mont Fuji
- Boat (my personal favorite) where you can really see the Mont Fuji surrounded by the water of the Ashino Lake
- Hakone Roapway to have a view from the top of the mountains (betwen Owakudani and Ubako stations)
- From the Mishima Skywalk, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan!
You can do all and be fully immersed in this beautiful landscape. You can also enjoy authentic and unique onsens on the area. An Onsen is a warm bath in nature where the water is warm naturally. I recommend this one!
You also have the famous Art Pola museum with a beautiful collection of French Impressionist .
Week 2: Experiencing Tradition and Nature
Kyoto
Day 8-11: Make your way to the historic city of Kyoto, known for its numerous temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. Spend the first day exploring iconic sites such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha. On the second day, take a scenic train ride to the Arashiyama district. There you can visit the famous bamboo grove and the peaceful Ginkaku-ji Temple.
You can let your heart choose between the two wonderful sanctuaries: Shimogamo and Kamigamo and finish with zen gardens, you have plenty of them all unique by their sceneries. I find peace in my mind in the Sho-Ren-In Garden. In the main part of the garden, there is a pond surrounded by 3 buildings. In the garden there is a small hill. This place used to serve as a residence of a well-known priest.
Nara
Day 11-13: The peaceful atmosphere of Nara and its ancient edifices are the living proof of the magnificient of Japan in its old times. Stroll on the Nara-koen and feed its cuties deers. Discover the mystic Kasuga-taisha and its 4 Honden rooms and its long pathwith filled with 2000 lanterns which leads to its santcuray. Take a picture of the iloisabt bronze statue of Bouddha in Tōdai-ji et Kōfuku-ji which is a temple of an esoteric sect Hosso founded in 669.
A little more excluded you can find the deux magnificients temples: yakushi ji and Horyu-ji and their beautiful gardens.
The night sleeps in a traditional Ryokan, a beautiful Japanese home known for its traditional tatamis mat and its minimalist space which helps to fully relax.
Osaka
Day 13-15: End your journey in the vibrant city of Osaka. Take a stroll through the colorful Dotonbori district, enjoy Osaka’s renowned street food, and visit iconic landmarks such as Osaka Castle.
Osaka also offer one of the biggest aquarium in the world as well as the Universal Studios for the big kids 😉
Try the famous cuisine especially the Osaka speciality the Okinomyaki (link article food). To be honest Osaka is the best place to enjoy the street foods !
If you have 3 extra days : Hiroshima
Day 8-9: Travel to Hiroshima and spend a day reflecting on the tragic history of the city at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. From there, take a ferry to the nearby island of Miyajima and marvel at the stunning Itsukushima Shrine, famous for its “floating” torii gate.
Two weeks in Japan will only scratch the surface of all this captivating country has to offer. This itinerary will still provide an unforgettable experience. Be sure to savor the local cuisine, soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the traditional gardens, and take time to appreciate the unique blend of old and new that makes Japan such a remarkable destination. Happy travels!
If you are traveling to Japan, check my 15 food recommendations to try in Japan!
