14-Day Japan First Timer Itinerary
The 14-day route I give friends for their first trip: big hits, realistic pacing, and food stops I actually love. Follow the timing notes to dodge crowds and keep energy up.
Overview
This itinerary covers:
- Tokyo (Days 1-5): Modern Japan at its finest
- Hakone (Day 6): Hot springs and Mount Fuji views
- Kyoto (Days 7-11): Traditional Japan
- Nara (Day 12): Day trip for deer and temples
- Osaka (Days 13-14): Food capital
Days 1-5: Tokyo
Day 1: Arrival & Shibuya
Arrive at Narita or Haneda airport. Take the train to your hotel in Shibuya or Shinjuku area. Evening walk through Shibuya Crossing and dinner in the area.Day 2: Harajuku & Meiji Shrine
Start at Meiji Shrine early morning, then explore Harajuku's Takeshita Street. Afternoon in Omotesando for upscale shopping and architecture.Day 3: Asakusa & Akihabara
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, explore Nakamise shopping street. Afternoon in Akihabara for electronics and anime culture.Day 4: TeamLab & Odaiba
Morning at TeamLab Borderless (book ahead!). Explore Odaiba's waterfront, visit Gundam statue, and enjoy sunset views.Day 5: Day Trip or Exploration
Options: Nikko, Kamakura, or explore more Tokyo neighborhoods like Yanaka or Shimokitazawa.Day 6: Hakone
Take the Romance Car from Shinjuku. Experience:
- Hakone Open Air Museum
- Cable car over Owakudani
- Lake Ashi cruise
- Stay at a traditional ryokan with onsen
Days 7-11: Kyoto
Day 7: Travel & Eastern Kyoto
Shinkansen to Kyoto. Afternoon at Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama district. Evening in Gion.Day 8: Fushimi Inari & Southern Kyoto
Fushimi Inari at sunrise (beat the crowds!). Explore Nara if you didn't do the full day trip.Day 9: Arashiyama
Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, monkey park. Boat ride if time permits.Day 10: Golden Pavilion & Northern Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and the quieter northern temples.Day 11: Day Trip to Nara or Free Day
Visit Nara's deer park and Todai-ji, or take a slower day exploring Kyoto's hidden gems.Days 12-14: Osaka
Day 12: Travel & Dotonbori
Train to Osaka (30 min). Drop bags and dive into Dotonbori. Eat everything.Day 13: Osaka Castle & Shinsekai
Osaka Castle in the morning, Shinsekai for kushikatsu lunch. Explore Amerikamura or Namba.Day 14: Last Day & Departure
Morning shopping or sightseeing. Head to Kansai Airport for departure.Budget Estimate
| Category | Budget (per person) |
|---|---|
| Flights | $800-1500 |
| Accommodation | $1400-2800 |
| JR Pass (14 day) | $470 |
| Food | $700-1000 |
| Activities | $300-500 |
| Total | $3,670-6,270 |
Pro Tips:
- Book JR Pass before arriving
- Reserve popular restaurants 1 month ahead
- Download offline maps in Travelmaxing
- Get a Suica/Pasmo card at the airport