Classic 2 Weeks Japan Itinerary | Japan Travel Guide

Most tourists that go to Japan for the first time will have this classic itinerary loop in Japan. In most cases, you would fly into Tokyo International airport and would plan to do a loop back here.

This classic 2 weeks Japan itinerary will cover Kanto and Kansai area. Kanto is basically the region where Tokyo is and Kansai where Osaka and Kyoto is.

The route for Classic 2 Week Japan Itinerary:

Tokyo -> Kamakura -> Kyoto -> Nara -> Osaka (Himeji) -> Tokyo

Classic 2 week Itinerary route in Japan

Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 – Tokyo

Fly in Tokyo, where most international flights would come from. Depending on how early you arrive on the first day, do try to have at least 3 days to explore Tokyo.

Day 5 – Kamakura

Have a day trip to Kamakura, or spend the night there or in the nearby. Visit Kamakura for its biggest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, the Daibutsu and the idyllic Enoshima island. Have a look at our Kamakura Travel Guide and Top 10 Must See and Things to Do in Kamakura and Enoshima Island.

Day 6, 7, 8 and 9 – Kyoto

Travel day and travel around Kyoto. If you manage to get here early, 3 days would be good enough to cover Kyoto essentials. If you love it here, there would still be plenty to do and see in Kyoto for extra day or two. Check out our Kyoto Travel Guide and Top 10 Things to Do in Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto. Photo by Rachel

Day 10 – Nara

Take a day trip to Nara or stay there for the night if you do not want to return to Kyoto. Nara is a beautiful little city with the renown Todaiji Temple, housing the Great Buddha Daibutsu, and also free roaming deer.

You can read up more in our One day Itinerary in Nara and Top 10 Must See and Things to Do in Nara.

Day 11, 12 and 13 – Osaka and Himeji

Osaka should be on your itinerary, a great city in its own right yet retaining still many of its old charms. Here you can find magnificent castles, amazing shrines, beautiful parks, shopping possibilities and delicious street food.

A must is to take a one day trip out to Himeji, to catch the breathtaking white egret castle of Japan, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan.

For more ideas in Osaka, here is our Top 10 Things to Do in Osaka

Osaka Castle, Osaka. Photo by Esmond Goh

Day 14 – Tokyo

Here you either take a Shinkansen back to Tokyo, only 3.5 hours, especially if you have a JR Pass with you or you can look at cheaper options like the bus (there are also night buses if you have to get back early to Tokyo for your flights). Fly out from Tokyo.

Of course, feel free to move around the days depending on your interest in each place. The above is a classic route for a 2 weeks trip in Japan, hitting on all the most important tourist attractions.

Japan is well known for being a safe place to visit, but it is still sensible to follow some tips for travelling safely.

Also, in terms of transport, check here if you are wondering if if you should buy a 14 days JR Pass for your travels with this 2 weeks itineray.

Author: Mathias

Mathias had traveled all over Asia in his one-year backpacking stint. There was no place like Japan to flip all his prenotions of Asia around. He was deeply impressed not only by the order of Japan, being a German who loves one but also of how the people are still practising their culture and traditions religiously in this modern day. He is is the man to go to, for all the technicalities of traveling in Japan, while his travel companion does all the daydreaming and wishing of where to go next and what to do. View all posts by Mathias