HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF 2 WEEKS IN JAPAN
A Shinkansen bullet train glides past Mount Fuji at 200 mph, while just kilometers away, a Buddhist monk sweeps autumn leaves from an 800-year-old temple courtyard.
Japan delivers moments of whiplash-inducing contrast that make two weeks feel simultaneously too short and richly fulfilling!
Planning 2 weeks in Japan requires careful consideration of transportation, accommodations, and must-see attractions. Our comprehensive 2 weeks in Japan itinerary balances urban exploration with peaceful rural retreats.
Wondering what to do in Japan for 2 weeks? This guide covers everything from ancient temples to modern attractions so you can have an amazing trip to Japan!
Planning Your Japan Rail Pass
If you’re not traveling by ship, the Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass) will be your golden ticket to spending your 2 weeks in Japan efficiently and economically for long-distance train travel throughout Japan.
This pass, available only to foreign tourists, grants unlimited access to Japan's extensive rail network, including the famous bullet trains (Shinkansen). Purchase your pass before arriving in Japan, as it's significantly more expensive to buy it locally. A 14-day pass typically pays for itself with just a round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto to make your 2-week itinerary in Japan that much easier to do!
Must-See Districts in Tokyo
If you’re a first-time visitor, then your 2 weeks in Japan should be a mixture of popular Tokyo attractions and unique adventures that you seek out. Here are some traveler-favorites!
Shinjuku & Shibuya: Modern Tokyo's Beating Heart
Shinjuku Station, handling over 3.6 million passengers daily, serves as your gateway to Tokyo's most dynamic districts. The station itself houses countless restaurants, shopping areas, and connecting passages that form a vast underground city. The nearby Robot Restaurant, with its psychedelic lights and outrageous performances, epitomizes Tokyo's modern entertainment scene.
Golden Gai, a network of six narrow alleys housing over 200 tiny bars, offers an intimate glimpse into Tokyo's drinking culture, with each bar seating only 5-10 patrons.
The iconic Shibuya Crossing, famously featured in "Lost in Translation," sees up to 3,000 people crossing at once during peak times. The best viewing spots include the Starbucks overlooking the crossing and the newer Shibuya Sky observation deck.
The surrounding area features department stores like Shibuya 109, a teenage fashion mecca, and the newly developed Shibuya Stream complex. Harajuku's Takeshita Street buzzes with young fashion enthusiasts, while the elegant tree-lined Omotesandō Avenue nearby showcases architectural marvels housing luxury brands.
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Traditional Asakusa & Sensō-ji Temple
Dating back to 645 AD, Sensō-ji Temple draws millions of visitors through its massive Thunder Gate (Kaminarimon), featuring a giant red lantern. The 200-meter Nakamise Shopping Street leading to the temple contains 89 shops, many run by families for generations, selling traditional items like wooden dolls, fans, and local delicacies such as senbei (rice crackers) and ningyō-yaki (small cakes filled with red bean paste).
Beyond the main temple, explore the peaceful Dembo-in Garden, the five-story pagoda, and numerous smaller shrines. During cherry blossom season (late March to early April), the nearby Sumida Park offers stunning views of the blooms with Tokyo Skytree in the background.
The area's atmosphere transforms during festivals like Sanja Matsuri in May, when over 100 portable shrines parade through the streets.
Akihabara: Electronics & Anime Paradise
Originally a post-war black market for electronic components, Akihabara has evolved into a paradise for otaku (geek) culture. Major retailers like Yodobashi Camera and BicCamera offer tax-free shopping across multiple floors of cutting-edge electronics. The district features over 70 buildings dedicated to anime and manga, including the iconic Radio Kaikan building.
Maid cafes, popularized in the early 2000s, offer unique themed dining experiences where servers dress as French maids and treat customers as "masters" returning home. Multi-story game centers like Sega Building 2 and 3 showcase the latest arcade games and crane machines. Don't miss Super Potato, a retro gaming store spread across multiple floors, offering a nostalgic journey through gaming history. The district truly comes alive at night when massive LED screens and neon signs create a cyberpunk atmosphere. Regular events like street performances and cosplay gatherings add to the area's distinctive character.
Visit during major events like the Akihabara Technology Festival or the biannual Comic Market (Comiket) to experience the district at its most vibrant. The nearby Kanda Myojin shrine, popular with tech enthusiasts, offers charms for blessing electronic devices.
Must-See Districts in Kyoto
Gion: The Famous Geisha District
Kyoto's Gion district embodies the Japan of centuries past, with its preserved wooden machiya merchant houses and exclusive tea houses.
Evening walks along the lantern-lit Pontocho Alley might reward you with glimpses of geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) hurrying to appointments. Book a traditional tea ceremony experience here for an authentic taste of Japanese culture!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Temples
The otherworldly Arashiyama Bamboo Grove creates one of Japan's most photographed scenes, but there's more to this district than its famous bamboo forest — like the Kyoto temples!
Visit the Tenryū-ji Temple's perfectly maintained Zen gardens, feed the resident monkeys at the Iwatayama Monkey Park, and explore the charming traditional streets that wind through the area.
Higashiyama's Historic Streets
Higashiyama presents preserved historic architecture and traditional merchant shops selling local crafts and delicacies. The narrow lanes leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple offer some of Kyoto's most atmospheric strolling.
Visit during sunrise or sunset when the streets are quieter and the light creates magical photo opportunities.
Hidden Gems in Rural Japan
Hakone's Hot Springs & Mt. Fuji Views
Escape the urban energy in Hakone, where natural hot springs and Mount Fuji views await. The Hakone Round Course combines cable cars, mountain railways, and a pirate ship across Lake Ashi, offering various perspectives of Japan's most famous mountain. Stay in a traditional ryokan for the complete onsen (hot spring) experience.
Kanazawa's Samurai District
Often overlooked by first-time visitors, Kanazawa preserves one of Japan's best-preserved samurai districts. The Nagamachi Samurai District features original samurai residences, while the nearby Kenroku-en ranks among Japan's three great gardens.
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art provides a striking contrast to the city's historical attractions.
Kamakura's Giant Buddha & Temples
Just an hour from Tokyo, Kamakura offers a perfect day trip featuring the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and numerous atmospheric temples. The Bamboo Temple (Hokokuji) provides a more intimate alternative to Kyoto's famous bamboo grove, while the seaside location adds a refreshing element to temple hopping.
Transportation Tips Between Cities
When spending 2 weeks in Japan, consider splitting your time between the main islands of Honshu and Kyushu.
This Japan itinerary focuses on efficient travel between major cities while including hidden gems. Mastering Japan's transportation system enhances your travel experience significantly.
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