May 274 min read

Discover Japan: A Comprehensive Two-Week Travel Itinerary for All Budgets

Japan, a land of captivating contrasts, seamlessly blends ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, and from the historic charm of Kanazawa to the natural beauty of Miyajima, Japan offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler. Whether you're a budget backpacker, a mid-range explorer, or a luxury seeker, this two-week itinerary will guide you through the best of Japan, providing detailed plans, accommodation options, activity suggestions, and essential travel tips to ensure a memorable journey. Embark on this adventure to uncover the unique allure of Japan, a country where every corner tells a story and every moment becomes a treasured memory.

Day 1-2: Tokyo

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Shibuya
Arrive at Tokyo Haneda or Narita Airport.
Check-in at your accommodation.
Visit Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue.
Explore Shibuya Center-gai and dine in an izakaya.
Day 2: Asakusa and Akihabara
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa.
Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street.
Explore Akihabara for electronics and anime culture.
Dinner at an Akihabara maid café.

Accommodation Costs:

Budget: Capsule hotel (¥2,500 - ¥5,000 per night)
Mid-range: 3-star hotel (¥8,000 - ¥15,000 per night)
Luxury: 5-star hotel (¥30,000+ per night)

Activities Costs:

Shibuya Crossing: Free
Senso-ji Temple: Free
Akihabara exploration: Free (shopping and dining extra)

Day 3-4: Kyoto

Itinerary:

Day 3: Travel to Kyoto and Fushimi Inari Shrine
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto (¥13,000 one way).
Check-in at your accommodation.
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and hike through the torii gates.
Day 4: Arashiyama and Gion
Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge.
Visit Tenryu-ji Temple.
Stroll through Gion and possibly spot a geisha.

Accommodation Costs:

Budget: Hostel (¥2,000 - ¥4,000 per night)
Mid-range: 3-star ryokan (¥10,000 - ¥20,000 per night)
Luxury: 5-star ryokan (¥40,000+ per night)

Activities Costs:

Fushimi Inari Shrine: Free
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Free
Tenryu-ji Temple: ¥500
Gion: Free

Day 5-6: Nara and Osaka

Itinerary:

Day 5: Nara Day Trip
Travel from Kyoto to Nara (¥700 one way).
Visit Todai-ji Temple and see the Great Buddha.
Walk through Nara Park and feed the deer.
Return to Kyoto in the evening.
Day 6: Osaka Day Trip
Travel from Kyoto to Osaka (¥600 one way).
Visit Osaka Castle.
Explore Dotonbori for street food and shopping.
Return to Kyoto in the evening.

Accommodation Costs:

Same as Kyoto

Activities Costs:

Todai-ji Temple: ¥600
Nara Park: Free (deer crackers: ¥150)
Osaka Castle: ¥600
Dotonbori: Free (food and shopping extra)

Day 7-8: Hiroshima and Miyajima

Itinerary:

Day 7: Travel to Hiroshima and Peace Memorial Park
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima (¥11,000 one way).
Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Check-in at your accommodation.
Day 8: Miyajima Island
Take a ferry to Miyajima Island (¥360 one way).
Visit Itsukushima Shrine and see the floating torii gate.
Hike or take the ropeway up Mount Misen.

Accommodation Costs:

Budget: Guesthouse (¥2,500 - ¥5,000 per night)
Mid-range: 3-star hotel (¥8,000 - ¥15,000 per night)
Luxury: 5-star hotel (¥30,000+ per night)

Activities Costs:

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: ¥200
Miyajima ferry: ¥720 round trip
Itsukushima Shrine: ¥300
Mount Misen ropeway: ¥1,800

Day 9-10: Kanazawa

Itinerary:

Day 9: Travel to Kanazawa and Kenrokuen Garden
Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Kanazawa (¥13,500 one way).
Visit Kenrokuen Garden.
Check-in at your accommodation.
Day 10: Higashi Chaya District and Kanazawa Castle
Explore Higashi Chaya District.
Visit Kanazawa Castle and park.
Enjoy seafood at Omicho Market.

Accommodation Costs:

Budget: Hostel (¥2,000 - ¥4,000 per night)
Mid-range: 3-star hotel (¥8,000 - ¥15,000 per night)
Luxury: 5-star hotel (¥30,000+ per night)

Activities Costs:

Kenrokuen Garden: ¥310
Kanazawa Castle: ¥310
Higashi Chaya District: Free

Day 11-12: Takayama

Itinerary:

Day 11: Travel to Takayama
Take a train from Kanazawa to Takayama (¥6,000 one way).
Visit the Takayama Jinya historical government house.
Check-in at your accommodation.
Day 12: Shirakawa-go Day Trip
Take a bus to Shirakawa-go (¥2,600 round trip).
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage village.
Return to Takayama in the evening.

Accommodation Costs:

Budget: Hostel (¥2,000 - ¥4,000 per night)
Mid-range: 3-star ryokan (¥10,000 - ¥20,000 per night)
Luxury: 5-star ryokan (¥30,000+ per night)

Activities Costs:

Takayama Jinya: ¥440
Shirakawa-go: Free (entry to individual houses may cost ¥300-¥500)

Day 13-14: Return to Tokyo

Itinerary:

Day 13: Travel Back to Tokyo
Take the Shinkansen from Takayama to Tokyo (¥14,000 one way).
Free day to explore or revisit favourite spots.
Day 14: Departure
Final shopping and sightseeing.
Transfer to the airport for your departure.

Accommodation Costs:

Same as Day 1-2 in Tokyo

Travel Tips

Japan Rail Pass: Consider purchasing a JR Pass if you plan extensive travel on Shinkansen trains. A 14-day pass costs ¥47,250 and can save money on long-distance travel.
Cash and Cards: While credit cards are widely accepted, it's wise to carry cash, especially in rural areas.
Language: Learning basic Japanese phrases can be helpful. English is widely spoken in major cities but less so in rural areas.
Etiquette: Familiarise yourself with Japanese customs, such as removing shoes before entering homes and being quiet on public transport.
Connectivity: Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or get a SIM card for internet access throughout your trip.