let us help you
We’ve created the PERFECT 2-week Japan itinerary for first-timers that want to see the iconic sights and have unforgettable experiences in Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
This done-for-you itinerary is everything you need!
Grab your Itinerary — $2775+
pages
14
fully-planned days
8
exciting locations
Completely DONE-FOR-YOU Itinerary!
We spent hundreds of hours creating this itinerary, including weeks traveling around Japan on multiple trips.
A custom travel itinerary like this would cost upwards of $750 — and it’s yours for just $27.
CONFESSION:
I have major trip FOMO.
I hate coming home from a trip only to realize I missed an epic photo op or a hidden restaurant I was just around the corner from.
Can you relate?
If so, you are in the right place because we have literally spent hundreds of hours creating this itinerary (no exaggeration) so that you don’t have to worry about missing out.
This is packed with advice (from our actual on-the-ground experience) as well as insider tips and hidden gems.
Here’s a sneak peak at what’s included!
- 79-page detailed PDF itinerary
- 14 fully-planned days with daily breakdowns
- recommended stays for each night
- train directions with distances and timing
- restaurant recommendations for every stop (including what to order)
- magical only-in-Japan experiences
- hidden gems we stumbled upon ourselves
- budget tips and splurge-worthy experiences
- tons of insider tips from on-the-ground experience
Our itinerary style…
Eat at local restaurants & izakayas with food that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Visit a mix of iconic sights and hidden gems that see far fewer tourists.
Experience authentic Japanese culture and learn a bit about the history.
Are you in?!
If you’re ready to embark on the Japan trip of your dreams, grab your itinerary now & you’ll soon be on your way.
Cheers to the trip of a lifetime!
I would have paid more
“I didn’t know what to expect because I’ve never paid for an itinerary before, but wow. You have clearly put a lot of thought and time into creating this. I have a very similar travel style to you and I love that I don’t have to spend a ton of time finding cool spots on my own. I feel like my trip is 90% planned already.”
This itinerary is incredible!
“My husband and I are in the process of planning our 2nd trip to Japan and I was feeling really overwhelmed (even though I’ve already been there). This itinerary is the perfect mix of hidden gems I’ve never heard of & places that have been on my list. Thank you thank you for putting this together!”
Best advice hands down!
“We used [this itinerary] for a family of 6 (adults) & it couldn’t have been a better trip! We did things we would have never known to do and didn’t waste time trying to figure out where to go or how to get there! […] It was easy to bring up the pages on our phones showing where we were at any time and click links, etc if needed. Lots of details and many options with honest opinions!”
Classic Japan Itinerary
Overview
This itinerary includes detailed plans for each of these places (+ more!) and is customizable based on your interests & the length of your trip.
Day 1
Beat jet lag at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji fish market, then immerse yourself in a mind-bending digital art museum.
Day 2
Explore Tokyo’s most exciting neighborhoods with incredible food, stunning views, and cultural experiences from tranquil shrines to cozy izakayas.
Day 3
Choose your own morning adventure, then cap off the day at an iconic Tokyo landmark and a dinner cruise on the Sumida River.
Day 4
Base yourself in the charming village of Hakone for stunning Mount Fuji views and relaxing onsen soaks.
Day 5
Ride cable cars, boats, and buses around the scenic Hakone Loop for the best Fuji views and hidden gems.
Day 6
Catch the train to Osaka to explore the city’s iconic castle and the vibrant Dotonbori district by night.
Day 7
Discover a side of Osaka most travelers miss with activities tailored to your interests.
Day 8
Meet Nara’s friendly deer and explore important historical sites before returning to Osaka for an unforgettable food tour.
Day 9
Learn about Hiroshima’s sobering WWII history, then catch the ferry to spend the night on peaceful Miyajima Island.
Day 10
Explore more of Miyajima Island before heading to Kyoto, Japan’s cultural capital, for a relaxing evening introduction.
Day 11
Start early to visit Kyoto’s most sought-after sites, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony, and savor a memorable dinner.
Day 12
Venture to Arashiyama on Kyoto’s western edge to see the famous Bamboo Grove and discover hidden gems beyond the crowds.
Day 13
Be mesmerized by the iconic Fushimi Inari shrine, then explore the enchanting Gion district with free time in between.
Day 14
Wrap up your Japan adventure with departure directions and suggestions for making the most of your final hours in Kyoto.
Interactive Google Map
Be sure to grab the interactive map with all places pinned for easy access!
Let us help save you SO MUCH TIME.
You could spend 40+ hours researching across dozens of blogs and forums… or you could have our tested, optimized 14-day route in your hands in 2 minutes.
Why trust our Japan advice?
We personally visited Japan several times before creating this itinerary. We’ve traveled around several regions in Japan, visited with varying budgets, and explored Japan with a toddler, so our experience can apply to many types of travelers.
We’ve combined all our on-the-ground experience, our favorite hidden gems, and our best tips to create the resource we wish we would’ve had.
We spent so much time & love putting together what we think is the PERFECT itinerary for your first trip to Japan.
We can’t wait to see your dream Japan trip become a reality!
-Katie & Ben Zweber
“We’ve packed this with insider tips that’ll make the difference between a great trip & the most unforgettable trip of your life!”
– Katie & Ben Zweber
Your dream Japan trip awaits…
Let’s turn your dream Japan trip into reality!
We’ve done all the hard work for you. This itinerary will truly save you SO MUCH time and headache. All you’ve got to do is pack your bags and you’ll be off on the trip of a lifetime!
Grab your Itinerary — $27Looking for something different?
Wanna get off the beaten path?
If you’re more of the adventurous traveler, you’ll love our Japan hidden gems itinerary, where we help you get off-the-beaten-path and show you the “real” Japan in 3 fully planned weeks.
Navigate like Japan like a pro!
Our Interactive Japan Map includes our top recommendations in Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Kyoto—custom pinned in your Google Maps.
Bundle and save!
Grab our ultimate Japan Bundle which includes our Classic itinerary, our Hidden Gems itinerary, our Kyoto itinerary, our Tokyo Planner and our Japan map + printable planning worksheets you won’t get anywhere else!
Planning a trip soon?
Japan books up fast! Grab this now — the earlier you start planning, the better rates you’ll find.
FAQs
This is the perfect route for first-time Japan travelers who want to see the iconic sights in destinations around the country.
This itinerary is for you if you:
- have a love for authentic experiences
- enjoy big cities
- seek out authentic cultural experiences
- like traveling independently (not with tour groups)
- are drawn to restaurants where locals dine
If you’ve been to Japan before and want to avoid the crowds and get off the beaten path, you might be more interested in our Japan Hidden Gems itinerary.
The hotels, experiences, and restaurants recommended are for those with a mid-range budget.
While Japan can get quite expensive, we’ve done our best to keep costs reasonable.
We’ve included a handful of worthy splurges, but have mostly stuck with mid-range prices.
Nope! This itinerary can be completed entirely using public transportation, mostly on trains.
The itinerary includes a decent amount of walking in and around the big cities.
That said, regardless of the type of trip you’re taking, you will be walking a lot in Japan. (This is true whether you’re staying only in big cities or following a route like this one that includes some nature walks and hikes.)
This itinerary can be followed just about any time of the year.
Spring or Fall:
These seasons are optimal and everything on this itinerary should be accessible. The only thing to note is that late in the fall there are some mountain road closures (all of which we’ve made note of in the itinerary).
Summer:
Summer is very hot and humid, so it’s not our personal favorite season to visit Japan, but most things on this itinerary should be accessible. Note that some hikes may be uncomfortable in the heat or during typhoon season.
If you’re visiting during the summer, we also have an alternate route for you (included in the itinerary) which skips Mount Fuji area since it is notoriously difficult to see during this season.
Winter:
Winter in Japan is magical, and can be a great time to visit. There will be some mountain road closures (noted in the itinerary), and a couple of things that are not open during the winter months.
That said, it is the perfect time for onsen soaks, snow monkeys, and you could even add skiing to your itinerary.
We have suggestions for how to alter this itinerary whether you have more or less time.
We’re so confident you’ll love this itinerary that we’ve kept it incredibly affordable at just $27. With our track record of helping thousands of travelers plan unforgettable trips, we stand behind every page.
Related Products
Our Interactive Japan Map includes our top recommendations in Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Kyoto—custom pinned in your Google Maps.
If you’re more of the adventurous traveler, you’ll love our Japan hidden gems itinerary, where we help you get off-the-beaten-path and show you the “real” Japan in 3 fully planned weeks.
Our Kyoto Itinerary is perfect for travelers that want to see iconic sights and hidden gems in the beautiful city of Kyoto. This done-for-you itinerary includes 4 interchangeable days!
Our Tokyo Planner includes 10 fully planned, interchangeable itinerary days to see the iconic sights and hidden gems in Tokyo. Plus it includes a wealth of Tokyo resources and insider tips.
Still on the fence?
Are you on the fence about purchasing our Classic 2-Week Japan Itinerary and curious what you’ll get? We’re offering you the chance to get a sneak peak of our PAID itinerary by downloading Day 1 in Tokyo, totally FREE!
Still have questions?
If you still have questions, feel free to reach out and ask away!
Get in touch!