Our Ultimate 14 Day Japan Itinerary for First Time Travelers

Before we get too far…

This is based on personal experiences and hindsight we have acquired over multiple trips to Japan.  This trip is what we would do with two weeks in Japan with all the knowledge we currently have.  There are many wonderful sights to see and things to explore across the entirety of Japan.  This plan also included multiple different options for things to do as day trips if you are feeling more adventurous.  We hope you enjoy the itinerary and enjoy your trip to Japan!

East, North, and Central Tokyo

Tokyo is the most populated metropolitan area in the world.  Tokyo is a large urban area with multiple cities within the Tokyo Metropolitan governance; cities like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and many others.  From personal experience, people in Tokyo tend to stay to themselves and are not super interactive with tourists.  The city is extremely friendly to tourists, language accommodation is everywhere, people you do interact with are extremely friendly.  Public transport options are everywhere and affordable.  This city sometimes feels overwhelming, especially due to its size if you are a first time visitor, but we always recommend starting here after arriving in Japan.  Before slowing down in other cities, it is best to beat your jet lag in Tokyo! We recommend splitting the city up on your trip so you get to slow down and explore areas around the main attractions instead of rushing around all day. 

Big 3

• Imperial Palace – The historic residence of Japan’s Emperor, surrounded by beautiful moats and gardens. The East Gardens are open to the public and are especially scenic in spring.
• Tokyo Station – A stunning red-brick building that blends Meiji-era architecture with a modern underground shopping and dining hub.
• Tokyo Skytree – One of the tallest towers in the world, offering panoramic views of Tokyo and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. *Pro-tip on days that are not clear enough to see Mount Fuji, visit at night for amazing views.

Parks & Shrines

• Sensō-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple in Asakusa, famous for its bright red Kaminarimon Gate and bustling Nakamise shopping street.
• Ueno Park – A cultural hub with museums, a zoo, and seasonal cherry blossoms that draw huge crowds in spring.
• Nezu Shrine – A lesser-known gem with vibrant torii gates and beautiful azalea gardens in April and May.

Shopping

• Asakusa – Used Kimonos – Browse vintage kimono shops for authentic and affordable traditional wear.
• Akihabara – Gaming & Nerd Culture – A paradise for anime, gaming, and tech enthusiasts, packed with arcades, themed cafés, and electronics stores.
• Ginza – Luxury & Flagship Stores – Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, home to designer brands and stunning architecture.
• Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street – A lively open-air market under the train tracks selling snacks, clothes, and quirky goods.
• Nippori Fabric Town – Over 80 shops selling fabrics, buttons, and sewing supplies, perfect for craft lovers.

Day Trips from Tokyo

• Kamakura – (1 hr by train) – A historic coastal city known for its temples, the Great Buddha (Kōtoku-in), and scenic walking trails.
• Hakone – (1 hr 30 min by train and bus) – Famous for hot springs, Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji views, and unique art museums.
• Yokohama – (30 min by train) – Japan’s second-largest city, featuring the Cup Noodles Museum, Chinatown, and the Minato Mirai waterfront.

Osaka

The third most populated city in Japan, and the capital of Osaka Prefecture.  Osaka again is a large urban area like Tokyo, but with a totally different vibe.  People are way more relaxed, people are laid back, and they want to interact with people out in public. 

Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan, with many delicious foods to be enjoyed.  Many famous sites to visit, including the famous Dotonbori area with Ebisu Bridge.  Youth culture is very prevalent here, but with an international swing on things.  Osaka will be a nice change of pace from Tokyo, which is a bit more refined and polished compared to Osaka. The city has robust public transportation just like Tokyo.  Osaka has many small side streets and alleys with many places to eat and drink tucked away from view.  If laid back vibes are your thing, Osaka will be your happy place!

Big 3

• Osaka Castle – An iconic Japanese castle surrounded by spacious parks, especially beautiful during spring cherry blossom season. Inside, a museum details the castle’s rich history.
• Umeda Sky Building – A striking skyscraper with an observation deck featuring indoor and outdoor areas. The dramatic escalator entrance offers a view of the ground far below.
• Dotonbori – The lively heart of Osaka nightlife and street food, home to the famous Glico running man sign, the iconic Ebisu Bridge, and a riverside boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants.

Other Things to Do

• Food in General – Known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” Osaka is a paradise for food lovers, especially for local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
• Hozenji Yokocho – A narrow, lantern-lit alley lined with traditional restaurants, offering a step back into old Osaka.
• Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade – A massive covered shopping street filled with everything from fashion to souvenirs.
• Amerikamura – Osaka’s youth culture hub, inspired by American trends, with street art, vintage shops, and quirky cafés.
• Nipponbashi Den Den Town – Often called “Osaka’s Akihabara,” packed with anime, gaming, electronics, and hobby stores.

Day Trips from Osaka

• Nara – (35-50 min by train) – Known for its friendly deer, Todai-ji Temple, and other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Himeji – (1 hr by train) – Home to Himeji Castle, Japan’s most beautiful and best-preserved feudal castle.
• Kobe – (25-40 min by train) – A charming port city with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, mountain ropeways, and world-famous Kobe beef.
• Hiroshima – (1 hr 30 min by Shinkansen) – A city with deep historical significance, featuring the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island with its iconic floating torii gate.

Kyoto

The cultural heart of Japan and the country’s former imperial capital for over a thousand years. Unlike the ultra-modern sprawl of Tokyo, Kyoto offers a slower pace with historic districts, centuries-old temples, and traditional tea houses woven into daily life. Kyoto is divided into many distinct neighborhoods, from the bustling streets of Gion to the serene Philosopher’s Path.

In our experience, people in Kyoto tend to be polite and reserved, but warmly welcoming when approached respectfully, especially in quieter areas away from the main tourist routes. Public transportation is reliable and affordable (it can be crowded at times), though many of the best spots require a short walk from the nearest station or bus stop. Kyoto can get crowded, particularly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, so pacing yourself is important. We recommend exploring the city by focusing on one or two areas per day, allowing time to linger in gardens, wander through narrow streets, and fully absorb the charm that makes Kyoto unforgettable.

Big 3

• Fushimi Inari Taisha – Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up the mountain. A must-see, especially in the early morning for fewer crowds.
• Gion – Kyoto’s historic geisha district with traditional tea houses, wooden machiya buildings, and atmospheric streets.
• Kyoto Station – A striking piece of modern architecture with rooftop views, shopping, and dining all in one massive complex.

Shrines, Temples, & Parks

• Kyoto Gyoen National Garden – A large park surrounding the Kyoto Imperial Palace, perfect for a quiet stroll.
• Kamo River Front – A relaxing riverside area ideal for walking or cycling, with seasonal cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.
• Kyoto Botanical Gardens – Japan’s oldest public botanical garden, featuring diverse plant species and seasonal flower displays.

There are thousands of temples and shrines in Kyoto. While we can’t cover them all, here are a few favorites:

• Hirano Shrine – Known for its spectacular cherry blossoms in spring.
• To-ji Temple – Home to Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda and a vibrant monthly flea market.
• Nashinoki Shrine – A small, peaceful shrine tucked away from the crowds.
• Yasaka Shrine – A lively Shinto shrine, especially vibrant during festivals.
• Hokan-ji Temple – Famous for its five-story pagoda, often photographed along traditional Kyoto streets.
• Philosopher’s Path – A scenic canal-side walk lined with cherry trees and small temples.

Shopping

• Teramachi-dori Street – A covered shopping arcade with everything from traditional crafts to trendy boutiques.
• Kyoto Station – Offers a wide range of souvenir shops, department stores, and specialty food stalls.

Day Trips from Kyoto

• Uji – (20-30 min by train) – Renowned for its matcha tea culture, historic tea houses, and the UNESCO-listed Byodo-in Temple.
• Amanohashidate – (2-2.5 hrs by train) – One of Japan’s “Three Scenic Views,” offering a sandbar covered in pine trees that’s best admired from mountaintop viewpoints.
• Kurama & Kibune – (30-50 min by train) – Twin mountain villages perfect for hiking, hot springs, and visiting quaint shrines.
• Ine Fishing Village – (2.5 hrs by train and bus) – A picturesque coastal town with traditional boathouses (funaya) built along the water’s edge.

West and South Tokyo

Coming back to Tokyo at the end of your trip allows you to explore the other half of the city and gives you the opportunity to return to a few places if you wish.  It also puts you much closer to your departing airport if you arrive in either Narita or Haneda International Airport.  It also allows you to come back and view Tokyo through a new lens after seeing multiple other cities during your travels.  

Big 3

• Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian scramble, surrounded by neon lights and endless shops and cafés.
• Shinjuku – A bustling district of skyscrapers, nightlife, and one of the busiest train stations in the world.
• Tokyo Tower – An iconic red-and-white landmark offering city views and a nostalgic nod to the post-war Showa era.

Parks & Shrines

• Meiji Jingu Shrine – A peaceful Shinto shrine set within a lush forest, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken.
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden – Katlyn’s favorite, this spacious garden blends Japanese, French, and English landscaping style.
• Yoyogi Park – Jacob’s favorite,  A huge green space perfect for picnics, street performances, and people-watching.

Shopping

• Shinjuku – Fashion – From department stores to unique boutiques, Shinjuku offers endless clothing options.
• Harajuku – Youth & Trendy Fashion – Famous for colorful street style, quirky shops, and crepe stands along Takeshita Street.
• Ikebukuro – Anime & Games – A hub for anime lovers, with large stores like Animate and themed cafés.
• Shimokitazawa – Secondhand Clothing – A laid-back neighborhood filled with thrift stores, vintage shops, and indie cafés.
• Nakano Broadway – Retro Collectibles – A treasure trove of rare manga, figurines, and retro games.

また後で!

Jacob and Katlyn