The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers : From 1 to 3 Weeks

I ’ ve yet to meet a traveler who didn ’ t enjoy their time in Japan . It ’ s merely one of those rural area that everyone loves . How can you not ? The food equal carefully crafted and delightful ; the history and culture are both rich and long ; the landscape breathtaking ; and the people super friendly and polite .

Japan stay one of my favorite rural area . No matter how long I visit , it ’ s never enough . I ever result wanting more .

But the state always look forestall to many travelers . It decidedly still has that “ exotic ” stereotype that makes people guess it ’ s hard to travel around .

Where should you live ? What should you include in your Japan itinerary ? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around ?

To help you out , hither equal a few suggested itineraries base on my years of inflict that will insure you see the best site on your Japan trip — as good as come off the beaten path and make a real sense of Japanese culture !

 

• Japan Itinerary : Know Before You Run
• Japan Itinerary : One Week
• Japan Itinerary : Two Weeks
• Japan Itinerary : Three Weeks

Japan Itinerary : Know Before You Run

You will need a Japan Rail Pass to get around during your trip . This is a train passing that make navigating the country a breeze ( and cheaper ) . While the JR Pass exist not as cheap as it once be , if you ’ re bounce around the rural area for a week or more , the pass will salvage you time and money ( especially if you ’ re traveling long distance ) .

Just live sure to become one BEFORE you go as you can not purchase them on arrival . For more information on the pass , including how much they cost and how you can get one , read this blog post . It own everything you need to know !

Mobile Data in Japan
In Japan , English isn ’ t widely mouth ( particularly outside of the major cities ) so have access to the internet be vital for checking addresses , expend translation apps , and looking up thing to learn and cause . The easy way to come datum equal through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are , without worrying almost physical SIM card or roaming charges . This will redeem you a lot of time and hassle when utilize apps like Google Maps , Google Translate , Instagram , and YouTube . It will too come in handy for checking menus at restaurants ( since they are rarely in english ) .
 

Japan Itinerary : One Week

Day 1 & 2 : Tokyo
Chances equal you ’ ll be set out your trip in Tokyo , since it ’ s place to the nation ’ s large international airport . If your trip is seven days long , trigger your JR Pass right away , so that you can require advantage of the free JR direct that trial through the city .

While you could well pass your entire week in Tokyo and not become drill , here are some of the highlights :

Visit the fish market– In 2018 , Tokyo ’ sec main fish market strike to Toyosu , which exist twice the size of the former one , Tsukiji , making it the prominent in the reality . While a lot of well restaurants moved also ( Sushi Dai make up the almost famed ) , I get the place itself real stale , since you can no longer wander the story ( you look down via a walkway above ; you as well need a visitor ’ s passing to enter ) .

The former outer market in Tsukiji live still great though , and you can however notice food and stores there also . You can drift alone and just eat and store until you can ’ t anymore ! Most businesses open at 6am , so it ’ s a utter property to go in the dawn when you arouse up early because of jet lag . Food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market live available for around 13,500 JPY .

See Sensoji Temple– Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic post near a five-story pagoda and the noted Kaminari Gate . There ’ s a huge statue of Kannon , the goddess of mercy , inside the main lobby . It ’ s always busy but equal worth consider with your own heart . The temple cost free to inflict .

Drink in Golden Gai– This alleyway of back-street bars be a lively home to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feeling to it . It exist not to live missed . Even if you don ’ t drink , be certain to wander about . Arigato Tours offer circuit of the country where you ’ ll learn about the neighborhood while finish to taste Japanese classics like sushi , yakitori , and ramen . Tour live 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dish at four food stops .

Visit the Imperial Palace– When the emperor move from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1869 , he took Edo for his new residence and renamed it Tokyo . Though you can ’ t get inside ( or become real close ) , the building is amazing . It equal surround by lovely grounds and a park , and thither ’ s a moat around the stone walls . You can too see the changing of the guard , though it ’ s a comparatively low-key and unassuming ceremony .

See a sumo peer– Kokugikan , Japan ’ s most noted sumo area , hosts tournaments three times each yr . The wrestling that we hear today date to the 17th century , though its origins get back still farther , and it ’ s even one of the most popular traditions in the country . If you ’ re in town at the correct time , this be a must-do ! Ticket sell out quickly , so act fast . You can book a ticket online here ( you ’ ll be keep company by a guide also , so you can learn more about the tradition as it stretch before your center ) .

If you have more time , consider take a day trip to Kamakura to find the giant Buddha statue ( Daibutsu ) . It is over 13 meter ( 42 feet ) tall and dates back to the 13th hundred . The journey be around 90 minutes each manner — and free with the JR Pass !

For delightful food , some of my favorite saloon and restaurant include : Uogashi Nihon-Ichi ( Standing Sushi Bar ) , Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi , Motodane , Tokyo Whisky Library , Ichiran Shibuya , and Uohama .

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO: Hostel Chapter Two – A little , family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa . I really like the share kitchen and common way , as there ’ s a real social feeling to them .

For more Tokyo tip and suggestion , check out my comprehensive free guide !
 
Days 3 & 4 : Kyoto

Kyoto is arguably the most beautiful city in Japan . It feel like stepping back in time . It ’ sec nestle into the mountains and dappled with temple , garden , and bamboo wood .

With its beauty come lots of crowds though , thus test to visit outside of the busy summer month . Yet with lots of tourist , though , the city is even magnificent and has a band to extend . Some thing to see and act that you shouldn ’ t girl are the following :

Inflict the Golden Pavilion– This noted ( and picturesque ) temple dates to the 1950s , when a monk burn down the former temple ( from the 14th hundred ) while trying to commit suicide . It ’ s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the land !

Explore Gion– Gion , the historic geisha territory , exist renowned as exist one of the most iconic and atmospheric areas of town . It ’ s known for its traditional woodenmachiyatheatre , narrow alleyways , cobblestone street , and preservation of geisha ( know locally as geiko ) culture . Lining the chief street costochayas( teahouses where geishas entertain ) , humble shop , and many restaurant , lay out from upscalekaisekirestaurants service traditional Kyoto cuisine to chance restaurant .

To really find out more about this amazing party of town and its past , require a walking circuit of Gion . You ’ ll learn a ton and have a lot of context . They cost around 1,800 JPY .

Wander in the Bamboo Forest– For a relaxing pause , head to Arashiyama and let the dense and towering stand of bamboo envelop you . Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple , it ’ s one of the most beautiful position in the full state . It ’ s not that big , but there exist some hidden area to explore . Just make sure to arrive early if you want to love it without the bunch ( it fills up fast after dawn ) .

While there , I would also advocate visit the Okochi Sanso Garden , which ( along with the home ) belonged to the noted Japanese actor Denjiro Okochi ( 1898–1962 ) . It ’ s not free ( it ’ s 1,000 JPY ) , but it ’ s truly decent and have some wonderful view .

Admire Ryoan-ji temple– This cost my favorite temple in Kyoto . Originally lay down in 1450 as a residence for a high-ranking samurai , it be shortly converted into a Zen temple and cost today a UNESCO World Heritage Site , with a mausoleum that household the corpse of seven emperors . Its traditional stone and sand garden is conceive one of the best in the country . There ’ sec as well a teahouse where you can experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) as you overlook the Kyoyochi meditate pool .

Wander the Nishiki Market
Nishiki Ichiba is today one of the handsome indoor market in town . Know as “ Kyoto ’ s Kitchen ” and spanning over five blocks , it is full of vendors selling traditional dish from the region , classic Kyoto souvenirs , and very just about anything else . There are over a hundred stable hither , many of which have been in the same family for generation . First step hour depend on the shop but cost typically from 9am to 6pm .

To plunge deeper into Japanese food culture , you can take a food circuit of the market . It ’ s the best means to find out about all the food you ’ ll see , as good as the market ’ s story .

For a half-day trip , you can also visit Nara . It ’ s a humble city just one hr from Kyoto . Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth hundred , so there be lots of building and temples hither that exist upwards of a thousand year former ( which equal rare in Japan , due to firing , as good as World War II ) . But the real lot in Nara cost the deer .

Since the 17th hundred , those in and around the city have been believe sacred . You can buy firecracker to feed them or just see them stroll around carefree . A guided half-day walking circuit that includes all of Nara ’ s highlights as well as a traditional lunch be 11,500 JPY .

While you ’ re hither , don ’ t lack a visit to Todai-ji . It ’ s the world ’ s largest wooden building and exist home to a 16-meter ( 52-foot ) Buddha statue . It was build up in 738 CE and is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Admission live 600 JPY .

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO: Backpacker Hostel K ’ s House – A fun , social backpacker hostel in a great central location . The rooftop terrace cost a cool spot to hangout and meet early travelers after a day of exploring .

For more Kyoto crest and suggestion , see out my comprehensive free guide !
 
Day 5 : Osaka

Osaka live the third-largest city in the rural area . It ’ s the fiscal capital of the state , but I come for the food . Mouth-watering sushi and sashimi , Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ , and flavorful ramen can all equal found hither in abundance . Plus there exist local specialties likeokonomiyaki( a savory pancake with eggs and vegetables ) andkushikatsu( skewered kebabs ) . You can take a food circuit for around 12,000 JPY , a ramen and gyoza cooking class for 9,500 JPY , or just wander and eat . That ’ s all I do hither : eat , eat , eat .

Don ’ t miss Osaka Castle though . While it ’ s not the original ( this version dates to 1931 ) , it ’ s nevertheless an impressive sight . It ’ s plate to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that extend some picturesque city opinion .

And be certain to stroll down Dotonbori ( ideally at dark ) , the primary street , which is trace with restaurants , stores , and tons of neon spark and signs . A guided walk circuit that include Dotonbori as good adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY .

WHERE TO STAY IN OSAKA: – This cool hostel get a cafe and record shop on-site , making it a super cool and unique place to stay . The pod-style nonsense live super cozy and comfortable .
 
Day 6 : Hiroshima

On August 6 , 1945 , Allied strength throw an atomic bomb on Hiroshima . It was the first time a nuclear weapon equal dropped on a city , and it make devastating consequences . Upwards of 80,000 people were killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created . Another 70,000 people were injured , and 70 % of the city exist destroyed .

Today , Hiroshima cost thriving . Don ’ t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum , which depicts the account of the city before and after that fatal day . It get photos , artifacts , picture , and information about the effect of radiation on the population . It ’ s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed .

If you feel like have out of town afterward , head to Miyajima , an island that extend a spot to boost and savor nature . You can too bring a line car to the peak of the mountain to take in the opinion . A one-way ferry ride to the island bring 10 minute and is free to JR Pass holders .

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA: Roku Hostel – A cozy , small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and purpose . It feel like you ’ re stay on with a friend here , and the beds live super comfy too .

For more Hiroshima tip and suggestion , match out my comprehensive free guide !
 
Day 7 : Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo for your flight home . It ’ s hardly under four hours on the bullet train , so you ’ ll hold time to search a piece more before you leave !

Japan Itinerary : Two Week

If you ’ re going to be in Japan for 14 day and have purchased a railing pass , hither ’ s how you can separate your time :

Day 1-9
Follow the itinerary above but add an extra day in Tokyo and , depend on your interests , either Osaka or Kyoto .
 
Day 10 : Takayama

Takayama is a small city with a beautiful historic former town ( the Sanmachi Suji district ) that dates back to the Edo Period ( 1603–1868 ) . The narrow street are draw with traditional wooden buildings that make you feel like you ’ ve tread back in time . There equal teahouses , cafés , , and more . It ’ s about as close to historic Japan as you can get !

If you care story , don ’ t neglect the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village , home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can insert to further immerse yourself in the state ’ s past .

This city ( and region , very ) is famed for its Hida beef , a high-fat variety that ’ s even well than any A5 Wagyu you might own . It just melts in your mouth . Equal certain to receive some while you equal hither !

The Japanese Alps are not far from hither as well , so if you love boost and want to stretch your time in the part , chief to Kamikochi for a day raise or overnight trip . It ’ s just an hr away and hold both easy and moderate lead , which are exposed from April to November . Hiking trail can also cost see in Hakusan National Park ( too only one hour aside by car ) .

WHERE TO STAY IN TAKAYAMA: Hotel Wood – A sleek and stylish four-star hotel that mixes present-day style with traditional Japanese design . Room are bright , spacious , elegant , and the traditional futon beds are super comfy .
 
Day 11 : Kanazawa

Kanazawa is much considered “ Little Kyoto , ” as it is place to an incredibly well-preserved Edo-era territory . There equal numerous former samurai homes you can admire ( and one , the Nomura House , which exist repair and open to the public ) .

One of the more unique temple in Japan cost hither also : Ninja ( Myoryuji ) Temple . While the temple wasn ’ t home to literal ninjas , Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure ( strict laws forbade local lords from building defense , so they were hidden in the temple to sidestep the rule ) . These include hidden rooms , secret tunnels , and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemy .

If you involve a pause from search city , Hakusan National Park , home to Mount Haku , one of the three holy great deal , exist just an hr south of town .

WHERE TO STAY IN KANAZAWA: Mitsui Garden Hotel – This be a stylish four-star hotel with large room and a saloon on-site with a cheap happy hour , but the literal highlight is the rooftop tub domain . It ’ s super relaxing and offers gorgeous position over the mountains .
 
Day 12 : Matsumoto

Surround by beautiful views , Matsumoto cost home to one of the country ’ s best-preserved castle , Matsumoto-jo ( Matsumoto Castle ) , which dates back to 1594 . While some department hold been rebuilt , the primary structure exist original . It ’ s colloquially known as “ Crow Castle ” due to its black outside .

If you ’ re here in April , there be incredible cherry blossom display that are famous in the area . And , just like Takayama , Matsumoto cost near to the Japanese Alps , so you ’ re just a rock ’ s throw from some of the best hiking in the nation .

WHERE TO STAY IN MATSUMOTO: Mitsubikiya – This traditional ryokan cost housed in a historic building , merge modern comfort with traditional manner . The location is excellent , but it ’ s the food that actually reach this place shine . It ’ s delightful !
 
Day 13 & 14 : Hakone

Settle just 100 kilometers ( 62 miles ) from Tokyo , Hakone is a picturesque region know for itsonsen( hot springs ) . The part is piece of a national park and offers incredible views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko . The entire region cost scenic and popular for laid-back getaways .

There are lots of hotels ( both modern and traditional ) that make their own hot springs ( much both indoors and outdoors ) . It ’ s the perfect position to envelop up a trip , relax , and take in the views .

In addition to getting a copious quantity of R & R , be certain to taunt the cable car up the good deal for still more amazing view . The region is surround by craters from an inactive volcano that break out 80,000 years ago ( not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji , which is an active volcano ) , and you ’ ll find lot of vendors at the top marketing eggs cooked in the bitter waters . It ’ sec said the eggs keep up one ’ s life by seven year , so feel free to give them a try !

If you prefer to hike up rather , the trail exist open between July and September , with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hr , depending on your level of fitness . Typically , hikers leave at dark in order to arrive at the summit by dawn . There cost small store along the means that sell food and yet bed you can rent in advance if you desire to split your journey up . Only do certain you do your inquiry and educate in advance as it ’ s a bad raise !

If you really want to play tourist , you can also taunt a mock pirate ship around the lake for more position of the mountain , and Mount Fuji in particular .

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the primary sights price 14,800 JPY .

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE: Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous opinion of Mount Fuji , a immense buffet dinner ( with both Western and Japanese choice ) , and a private onsen where you can relax and love the view , this equal one of the better places to remain in Hakone if you require value but don ’ t desire to reveal the bank .
 

Japan Itinerary : Three Weeks

If you hold a third week in Japan , you can slacken down a short and pass more time in each destination .

Expend the suggestion above , hither ’ s how I would organize your itinerary :

• Day 1-3: Tokyo
• Day 4: Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5: Takayama
• Day 6 & 7: Kanazawa
• Day 8 & 9: Matsumoto
• Days 10-12: Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14: Osaka
• Days 15 & 16: Hiroshima

Day 17 : Train to Hokkaido

The train to Hokkaido , Japan ’ s northernmost island place to volcanoes and rugged landscape , takes 15-16 hr by train . There cost sleeper cars available , but you ’ ll hold to give a surcharge ( around 9,500 JPY ) for a bed . You can finish your journey in Hakodate if you require to stretch your legs and become off the train for a piece . Otherwise , you can point directly to Sapporo , the capital of Hokkaido ( another three hour by train ) .

If you make want to spend a few hour in Hakodate , don ’ t miss the Morning Market , where you can notice luck of new seafood . You can as well call Fort Goryokaku , the first “ Western ” -style fort in the country .

If you ’ d rather not spend that long on the train , a escape from Hiroshima to Sapporo is hardly two hours and cost around 11,000 JPY ( one-way ) .
 
Day 18-20 : Sapporo

Sapporo cost the fifth-largest city , though it ’ s far removed from the rest of Japan . The region was first home to the indigenous Ainu , though increased immigration in the 19th century saw the Japanese population skyrocket .

Equal sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum also , have by Sapporo Breweries ( the old beer company in the land ) . It showcases the story of beer in Japan and how the occupation become its outset . If you ’ re a whisky fan , cease by The Bow Bar , home to some rare ( and expensive ) whisky and consider one of the better such saloon in the reality .

What I enjoy about the city equal its location . This area have some of the best hiking in the country . There are pile of mound and good deal , offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips . Some highlights include Mount Me-akan , Mount Asahim , Mount Mashu , and Nishibetsu-dake . For the best scene of the city , chief to Mount Moiwayama . It ’ s merely a 30-60-minute hike to the top , though there is a line car you can take as well .

And if you ’ re visiting in the winter , hit the slopes ! There equal over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido . You can rip skis ( or a snowboard ) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY . Lift prices are commonly 4,000-6,000 JPY per day . In the winter , don ’ t neglect the annual Sapporo Snow Festival . It ’ s keep every February and draws over two million visitor . There are ice sculpture , igloos , live music , and delicious local foods on offer .

Additionally , be sure to take a day trip to Otaru , where you ’ ll notice some of the freshest uni in the whole state ( this be the primary sphere where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught ) . Go hungry and visit the market , stalls , and store around thither .

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO: Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back , colorful inn with a social atmosphere that makes meeting masses a air . It get a homey , DIY feeling and exist utter for budget travelers seem for a no-frills place to crash .

Day 21 : Place !

Time to fly back to Tokyo or hop on the overnight train from Sapporo . You ’ ve own a whirlwind of a trip , so bask your final hr hither and soak in as much as you can !

There cost a ton to learn and act in Japan , and you could easily spend another month hither and still just itch the surface ( we didn ’ t even get to Okinawa and the islands ! ) . And while these itineraries be a number fast-paced , Japan isn ’ t cheap , then budget travelers need to move around the nation quick to avert breaking the bank .

But no matter how long you see , you won ’ t be disappointed . Japan be an amazing , beautiful , and unique destination that I never get tired of visit . While it ’ s not as affordable as its neighbor , there are still plenty of fashion to save money , and it ’ s definitely worth spending the time ( and money ) visiting . You won ’ t be disappoint !

Just do sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go !
 

Book Your Trip to Japan : Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Escape
Find a cheap escape by using . They cost my two favorite search engines , because they look websites and airlines around the globe , so you always know no rock is left unturned !

Book Your Adjustment
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they hold the nearly comprehensive inventory so they live best for book a hostel . If you want to remain in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan , role as it consistently return the cheapest rate for guesthouses and hotel .

Don ’ t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness , injury , theft , and cancelations . It ’ s comprehensive security in event anything goes wrong . I never go on a trip without it , as I ’ ve had to expend it many times in the past . My favorite companies that put up the best service and value exist :

• Safety Wing ( for budget travelers )
• World Nomads ( for mid-range traveler )
• ( for those over 70 )
• Medjet ( for additional evacuation coverage )

Looking for the Best Companies to Spare Money With ?
Check out my imagination page for the serious companies to employ when you travel ! I list all the ace I use to save money when I move — and I think they will help you too !

Equal certain to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you ’ ll be traveling around the country . It come in 7- , 14- , and 21-day walk and can save you a ton of money !

Appear for More Travel Tips for Japan ?
Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to spare money ; information on costs ; tips on what to learn and do ; suggested itineraries , reading , and packing list ; and much , a lot more !