Japan 2 Week Vacation Itinerary: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima & Osaka

A first-timer’s guide to Japan’s highlights — temples, trains, and takoyaki!

Japan is a country that captures every sense — a blend of ancient traditions, ultra-modern cities, incredible food, and quiet moments of beauty in between. This two-week itinerary covers some of Japan’s most unforgettable destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Osaka.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to Japan or looking to refine your return adventure, this day-by-day outline offers a realistic view of what to see, how much you can do in two weeks, and a few honest tips from real travelers (that’s us).

That said, this is our trip — and it’s important to make yours your own. Everyone travels differently, and what excites one person may not interest another. We love art museums, local food stalls, and exploring neighborhoods on foot. But if that’s not your thing, Japan offers endless options: you could take a samurai sword lesson, relax in an onsen resort, or dive deep into shopping and street fashion. The key is to plan around what you enjoy most and build an itinerary that matches your travel style — whether that means packed days of sightseeing or slow mornings with coffee and people-watching.

Japan Trip Sample Itinerary – 2 Weeks – 6 Cities

Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Osaka, Nara

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time and inspires you to create your own unforgettable adventure.

Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo

After an overnight flight, arrive in Tokyo and spend your first day exploring some of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods. It’s the perfect introduction to Japan with historic temples, incredible street food, and one of the busiest intersections in the world.

Things to Do

Arrive at Haneda or Narita Airport and withdraw cash from a 7-Eleven ATM.
Drop your luggage at your hotel and/or freshen up using the airport shower facilities.
Enjoy breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market and try tamagoyaki and onigiri.
Visit Senso-ji Temple and collect your fortune.
Walk Kappabashi Kitchen Town for cookware and Japanese kitchen gadgets.
Relax at your hotel before dinner.
Experience Shibuya Crossing after dark and enjoy dinner nearby.

Day Two – Tokyo

Today combines one of Tokyo’s most unique immersive attractions with excellent shopping and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in the city.

Things to Do

Visit TeamLab Planets. (pre-purchase your ticket)
Browse the shops of Ginza.
Eat lunch in one of Ginza’s famous department store food halls.
Return to Shibuya for conveyor belt sushi.
Enjoy Japan’s affordable dining and remember that tipping is not expected.

Day Three – Tokyo

Escape the crowds by visiting peaceful shrines before exploring some of Tokyo’s quirky attractions. The day ends with incredible skyline views over Tokyo Bay.

Things to Do

Grab breakfast from FamilyMart. — Famichiki fried chicken patties and cold café lattes. It became our go-to breakfast because of its ease, price (totaling about $6), and, well, it was delicious.
Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine early in the morning.
– Watch for traditional wedding processions.
-Write a wish on an ema wooden plaque.
Stop at Gotokuji Temple, famous for its lucky cats.
Visit Shinjuku to see the Godzilla Head and 3D Cat Billboard.
Enjoy yakiniku dinner with panoramic city views.

Day Four – Tokyo

Spend your final full day in Tokyo exploring hidden shrines, giant pandas, museums, and neighborhoods many visitors overlook.

Things to Do

Visit Nezu Shrine early before the crowds.
See the giant pandas at Ueno Zoo.
Visit the National Museum of Modern Art.
Explore the Yushukan Museum. *Consider taking a taxi instead of making the long walk between museums.

Day Five – Tokyo to Kyoto

Ride the famous Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto while enjoying one last glimpse of Mount Fuji before beginning the next chapter of your Japan adventure.

Things to Do

If you are luck like us, you will be able to view Mount Fuji from your hotel.
Board the Shinkansen to Kyoto.
Enjoy the experience of riding one of the world’s fastest trains. Don’t forget to get you get a bento box to eat on the train.
Check into your Kyoto hotel.
Celebrate your arrival with conveyor belt sushi.

Day Six –Kyoto (Arashiyama)

Start early to experience one of Kyoto’s most photographed districts before it fills with visitors. The day combines bamboo forests, temples, monkeys, scenic railways, and unforgettable food.

Things to Do

Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Visit Tenryuji Temple and its gardens.
Enjoy breakfast at Restaurant Muni.
Cross Togetsu Bridge.
Hike to Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Feed the monkeys from the observation building.
Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway.
Enjoy views of the Hozugawa River or even better take the boat ride back to town.

Day Seven – Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Gion

Spend the morning hiking through the famous torii gates of Fushimi Inari before slowing down in the afternoon. This is a beautiful but active day, so go early, bring water, and wear comfortable clothes.

Things to Do

Visit Fushimi Inari early to avoid the biggest crowds.
Hike the torii gate trail up Mt. Inari.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Eat from the food stalls near the shrine after your hike.
Freshen up at your hotel.
Visit Yasaka Shrine if you still have energy.
Walk through the Gion area.

Day Eight – Hiroshima and Miyajima

Travel light with an overnight bag and use Japan’s luggage-forwarding system to send your larger bags ahead to Osaka. Spend the day in Hiroshima before taking the ferry to Miyajima for the night.

Things to Do

Forward your luggage from Kyoto to Osaka.
Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
Eat Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura Village.
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum.
Walk through Peace Memorial Park.
See the A-Bomb Dome.
Take the ferry to Miyajima.
Visit the floating torii gate.
Look for the deer wandering through town.
Try an onsen if your hotel offers one.

Day Nine – Miyajima to Osaka

Start the morning with another look at the floating torii gate before heading up Mt. Misen. After lunch, travel by ferry and Shinkansen to Osaka.

Things to Do

Visit the floating torii gate at low or high tide.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel.
Walk to the Miyajima Ropeway.
Ride the ropeway toward Mt. Misen.
Hike to the eternal flame if weather and visibility allow.
Stop at Miyajima Brewing.
Eat fresh oysters for lunch.
Take the ferry back to the mainland.
Ride the Shinkansen to Osaka.

Day Ten – Osaka

Spend your first full day in Osaka eating, exploring markets, and balancing the busy energy of Dotonbori with the calm beauty of Katsuo-ji Temple.

Things to Do

Walk to Kuromon Market for brunch.
Try takoyaki.
Share a grilled king crab leg.
Explore Dotonbori and its famous signs and storefronts.
Visit Don Quijote if you enjoy busy shopping stops.
Take a break from the crowds at Katsuo-ji Temple.
-Look for the thousands of Daruma dolls throughout the temple grounds.
– Complete the audio guide and stamp card.

Day Eleven – Day Trip to Nara

Take an easy day trip from Osaka to Nara, one of Japan’s most memorable historic cities. This is a great day for temples, parks, and the famous bowing deer.

Things to Do

Take the train from Osaka to Nara.
Visit Nara Park.
Feed the deer with special deer crackers.
Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha.
Walk through Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Explore the lantern-lined paths.
Grab lunch or snacks near the park.
Return to Osaka for dinner.

Day Twelve – Osaka Aquarium & Kitchen Street

Visit one of the best aquariums in Japan, then spend the afternoon eating sushi, shopping for kitchen items, and trying Osaka’s famous fluffy cheesecake.

Things to Do

Take the metro to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
Buy tickets at the aquarium if online tickets are unavailable.
Shop or grab a drink nearby while waiting for your entry time.
See the whale sharks, king penguins, and sunfish.
Return near your hotel for conveyor belt sushi.
Stop at FamilyMart for a quick snack if needed.
Shop Sennichimae
Doguyasuji Kitchen Street.
Try Rikuro’s fluffy cheesecake.
Do laundry if needed.
Enjoy a late casual dinner.

Day Thirteen – Osaka Museums & Airport Hotel

Use your last full day for a slower Osaka morning, art museums, and an easy transfer to your airport hotel before your early flight home.

Things to Do

Visit Namba Yasaka Jinja.
Take a taxi when you need a break from walking.
Visit the National Museum of Art.
Visit the Nakanoshima Museum of Art.
Enjoy lunch at an art museum café.
Return to your hotel to pick up your bags.
Take the express train toward the airport.
Check into your airport hotel.
Visit the nearby outlet mall if you have extra time.

Day Fourteen – Travel Home Day

Travel home from Osaka and give yourself plenty of patience for the long journey. Comfortable clothes, airport lounges, showers, and fresh clothes can make a big difference on a 24-plus-hour travel day.

Things to Do

Leave early for your flight home.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
Sleep whenever you can.
Use airport lounges if available.
Shower and change clothes during a long layover.
Keep snacks, chargers, and basic toiletries in your carry-on.
Give yourself grace on a long travel day.

Where to Start Your Japan Vacation

If it’s your first time in Japan, start in Tokyo. It’s the best entry point for international flights and a great place to adjust to the time difference. From there, use the Shinkansen bullet train to travel to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka. Trains are clean, efficient, and incredibly easy to navigate — you’ll be spoiled for life. We didn’t buy round trip tickets and purchased airline ticket with different arrival/departure cities.

The Best Time of Year to Visit Japan

Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are ideal for mild weather and beautiful scenery. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fiery foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be chilly, but both have fewer crowds and lower prices. That being said, we went in the end of September. Yes, it was hot and humid but didn’t diminish our trip any.

The Best Way to Get Around Japan

No need to rent a car for this trip. Trains make it easy to get around this country. train tickets can be bought at the station before you board.

For local travel, the Suica card can be loaded to you Apple Walent and loaded before you arrive and added to as needed. It works for metros, buses, and even vending machines. Don’t hesitate to grab a taxi once in a while — especially with apps like Go/Taxi that let you compare prices and pay directly from your phone.