2-Week Japan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week Japan tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Day Japan Itinerary, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  A captivating 14-day tour spans 9 major cities, from Tokyo's temples to Osaka's street food scene. The itinerary features Matsumoto's Crow Castle, snow monkeys at Jigokudani, Kanazawa's samurai district, and Kyoto's cultural treasures, with stays in authentic accommodations.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Tokyo

    Begin in the vibrant capital where old meets new. Visit Senso-ji Temple early at 8 AM before the crowds arrive. Next, see the dramatic fire ceremony at Fukagawa Fudo-do Temple. Take the metro to the quiet Meiji Shrine and finish at Shibuya Crossing. Day 3 is open for exploration. You might want to take a day trip to see Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi. Just remember visibility is best in early morning or late afternoon.

    
  • Day 4

    Matsumoto

    A 3-hour express train through the Japanese Alps brings you to Matsumoto's impressive 500-year-old "Crow Castle." The wooden stairs inside are quite steep. Take it slow and be careful on the worn steps.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Nagano Region

    The snow monkeys at Jigokudani Onsen are a highlight. It's a 30-minute walk on forest trails that can get muddy so bring good shoes. Stay overnight in temple lodgings at Zenkoji. One visitor noted: "Attending sunrise prayers was humbling - the chanting echoed through the ancient halls."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Kanazawa

    Walk through the historic samurai district and beautiful Kenrokuen Gardens. Visit Omicho Market before 11 AM for the freshest sushi when locals shop. Stay near the garden district for easy access to sights.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Take the bullet train to Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. A 45-minute ferry ride takes you to Miyajima Island to see the "floating" torii gate. Plan your visit during high tide for the best photos. If you're up for it, take the 2-hour hike up Mt. Misen for great views.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Kyoto & Osaka

    Stay in Kyoto's historic Gion district. Visit Nijo Castle early before crowds arrive. See the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine at sunrise and explore Nishiki Market for local foods. Plan a day in Osaka to try its famous street food under the neon lights.

    
  • Day 14

    Leave from Osaka

    Book afternoon flights from Kansai Airport since the train transfer takes about an hour.

    

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• 14 Days in Japan, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  The extensive 14-day tour visits 9 diverse cities across Japan. From Tokyo's Harajuku to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial, guests experience modern excitement and ancient traditions. Includes 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners, and unique stays from pod hotels to mountain temples.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Tokyo

    Begin your Japan journey in the vibrant capital. Start with a cultural orientation before exploring Harajuku's lively teen pop culture scene and peaceful Meiji Shrine. Book a morning sushi-making class at least 48 hours ahead, then visit the electronic wonderland of Akihabara. One traveler noted, "Getting to the Senso-ji Temple at night was incredible - no crowds and the lighting made it magical." Visit Shibuya Crossing after 7 PM when lights shine brightest but crowds have decreased.

    
  • Day 4

    Hakone

    Take the "Romance Car" train (85 minutes) to this mountain town for Mt. Fuji views. Bring layers since temperatures drop 10°C at higher elevations. Plan about 6 hours for the full Hakone loop transport experience. A recent visitor shared, "Even though Fuji was cloudy, our rooftop nabe dinner watching the sunset over the mountains made up for it."

    
  • Day 5

    Takayama

    Travel by bullet train to this historic town. Book a traditional temple stay with tatami mat sleeping but bring earplugs as walls are thin. Visit the Miyagawa River morning market at 7 AM before tour groups arrive. Try the local Hida beef for lunch but budget around $50 for a quality meal.

    
  • Days 6-8

    Kyoto

    Stay in the historic Gion district. Get to Fushimi Inari Shrine before dawn (around 5 AM) to avoid crowds. Book a unique Kendo class taught by a samurai descendant. A helpful tip from a traveler: "The Arashiyama bamboo grove gets packed by 9 AM - we went at 7 AM and had it almost to ourselves."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Osaka

    Explore Japan's kitchen in lively Dotonbori. Join an evening food tour to try local favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Visit Osaka Castle in late afternoon. As one visitor suggested, "The castle grounds are less crowded after 4 PM and the golden hour light is perfect for photos."

    
  • Day 11

    Nara & Koyasan

    Start early to meet Nara's deer before crowds arrive. Continue to the mountain temple town of Koyasan. The journey takes about 90 minutes using trains, cable car and bus. The temple's vegetarian dinner and morning chanting create lasting memories.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Take the bullet train to Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial in the afternoon when it's quieter. A local guide advises: "The museum can be overwhelming - take breaks in the peaceful garden." Complete your trip on Miyajima Island and check tide schedules to see the "floating" torii gate at its best.

    

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• 14 Days in Japan, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  A magnificent 14-day tour through 11 Japanese cities winds from Tokyo's Meiji Shrine to Osaka's Dotonbori. The route encompasses 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites including Shirakawa-go and Himeji Castle. Guests rest at carefully selected hotels like T Mark City Hotel Tokyo and Osaka Castle Hotel.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Tokyo

    Start your Japan journey with 3 full days in Tokyo. Visit Meiji Shrine early in the morning. "The peaceful atmosphere at Meiji Shrine provides a perfect contrast to Tokyo's energy." Check out the traditional area of Asakusa and browse the shops on Nakamise Street. Visit Tokyo Tower in the afternoon when it's less crowded.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Mt. Fuji & Nagano Region

    Travel to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station at 2300m for amazing mountain views. Visit Lake Kawaguchiko in Hakone National Park before noon when the winds are calm and you can see Mt. Fuji reflected in the water. Spend the night in historic Nagano.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Kanazawa & Traditional Villages

    Check out Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its 250-year-old gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Walk through Takayama's old town on Sannomachi Street. Visit Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa early before the crowds arrive. "The gold leaf workshop in Kanazawa was unexpectedly fun - we all got to try traditional crafting techniques."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Kyoto

    Spend two full days in Japan's cultural center. Start at Kiyomizu-dera temple early since lines get long by mid-morning. Walk through the charming Ninenzaka district and consider booking an evening maiko dinner show. "Book the maiko dinner well in advance as it often sells out."

    
  • Days 10-11

    Hiroshima Region

    Stop at Himeji Castle on your way to Hiroshima. Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the "floating" torii gate. Plan your visit during high tide for the best photos. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. "Plan for emotional impact at the Peace Park - it's a powerful experience that needs time to process."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Osaka & Nara

    Finish your trip in Osaka. Visit Nara Park to feed the deer (bring 200 yen for deer crackers). Try local food at Kuromon Ichiba Market and explore the bright lights of Dotonbori district. "Save room for Osaka's street food - the takoyaki and okonomiyaki are must-tries."

    

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