Two weeks in Japan: the complete itinerary
Two weeks in Japan is the sweet spot to chain the urban shock of Tokyo, the cultural depth of Kyoto, a few nature detours (Hakone, Nara) and a westward round-trip (Hiroshima, Miyajima). Here's a tested itinerary with realistic timing and the things you need to book ahead.
Day-by-day itinerary (14 days)
- Day 1–4: Tokyo — Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara, one day at TeamLab Planets.
- Day 5: day trip to Nikko (UNESCO temples) or Mt. Fuji from Kawaguchiko.
- Day 6–7: Hakone (ryokan, onsen, Lake Ashi).
- Day 8–11: Kyoto — Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Gion, Nara day trip (deer, Todai-ji).
- Day 12: Osaka — Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shinsekai street food.
- Day 13: Hiroshima + Miyajima as a day trip.
- Day 14: back to Tokyo by Shinkansen + last wander.
Is the JR Pass worth it?
Since October 2023, the 14-day JR Pass costs ¥80,000 (~€485). To break even you need to chain long hops: Tokyo ↔ Kyoto ↔ Hiroshima round-trip crosses that threshold. If your itinerary looks like the one above, it usually pays off — but only just.
Alternative: buy Shinkansen tickets individually (Tokyo-Kyoto ≈ ¥13,900 one-way), or a regional pass (JR Kansai Wide 5-day at ¥12,000 covers Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima).
What's the budget?
- Round-trip flights Paris-Tokyo: €800–€1,200 depending on season.
- Mid-range accommodation: €80–€120/night (€80–€200 for a ryokan with meals).
- Meals: €10–€15 lunch (set menu), €20–€40 dinner (izakaya or high-end ramen).
- Local transport: ~€15/day excluding Shinkansen (rechargeable Suica card).
- Per person over 14 days, excluding activities: €2,500–€3,500.
What to book well ahead (critical)
- Ghibli Museum tickets (Mitaka, Tokyo) — sold on the 10th of the prior month, gone in hours.
- TeamLab Planets / Borderless — timed-entry, often full 1 week out.
- Ryokan in Hakone or Kyoto — best ones gone 2–3 months ahead.
- Shinkansen: bookable 1 month ahead via JR East / SmartEX apps, not critical outside peak season.
- Michelin-starred or top sushi counters — 1–3 months ahead via Pocket Concierge or your hotel's concierge.
Best time to visit
Late March to mid-April for cherry blossoms (hanami) — prices and crowds peak. October–November for momiji (autumn leaves) — perfect light, fewer people. Avoid August: suffocating humidity and possible typhoons.