Japan
14 Days in Japan: Cities, Shrines, and Scenic Escapes
Two weeks of temples, neon, onsens, and unforgettable Japanese flavors
A balanced two-week Japan itinerary that strings together Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Hiroshima with easy flows and walkable neighborhood clusters. You’ll mix big-city lights, peaceful temples, onsen nature escapes, and plenty of local food without feeling rushed.
Highlights
Experience both serene Asakusa temples and neon-soaked Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Unwind in Hakone with hot springs, lake views, and Mount Fuji scenery.
Walk through bamboo groves, shrine-lined paths, and traditional wooden streets.
Taste takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and more in Japan’s most food-obsessed city.
Reflect at Peace Memorial Park then enjoy island nature and sea views.
Meet friendly deer and explore temple complexes surrounded by greenery.
Good to Know
Use a Suica/ICOCA Card
Prepaid IC cards like Suica or ICOCA can be tapped on trains, subways, buses, and at many shops, making daily payments quick and simple.
Consider a JR Pass vs. Individual Tickets
For a 14-day trip with several shinkansen legs, compare the cost of a JR Pass to buying single tickets; sometimes route-specific regional passes or individual tickets are better value.
Cash and ATMs
While card acceptance is growing, carry some cash and use ATMs at 7-Eleven or Japan Post, which typically accept foreign cards.
Onsen Etiquette Basics
At hot springs, you bathe naked, wash thoroughly before entering the bath, keep towels out of the water, and stay fairly quiet.
Luggage Forwarding Services
Many convenience stores and hotels offer luggage shipping to your next hotel, usually overnight, for a moderate fee.
Train Punctuality
Japanese trains run very punctually, so platforms may clear and refill quickly right at departure time.
Restaurant Queues
Popular spots like ramen shops and okonomiyaki restaurants often have short lines; joining the line is normal, and turnover is usually fast.
Chopsticks and Table Manners
Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice or passing food chopstick-to-chopstick, as these gestures are associated with funerals.
Garbage and Recycling
Public trash bins are rare; people often carry their trash until they find a bin or return it home.
Convenience Store Meals
Convenience stores sell surprisingly good rice balls, salads, hot snacks, and bento boxes, with microwaves and hot water available.
Sim Cards and Pocket Wi-Fi
Airport shops and large electronics stores sell data SIMs and pocket Wi-Fi rentals with straightforward pickup and return.
Quiet Voices on Trains
Locals typically speak softly on trains and set phones to silent, and long phone calls are frowned upon.
Tipping is Not Expected
Tipping is generally not practiced in Japan, and some people may even refuse extra money.
Department Store Food Halls
Basement levels of major department stores have elaborate food halls selling everything from sushi to sweets.
Weather Flex Days
Keep at least one or two half-days flexible so you can swap outdoor activities like Hakone or Miyajima if the weather is poor.
Coin Lockers at Stations
Most large stations have coin lockers where you can store bags for a few hours or a full day.
Temple and Shrine Hours
Many temples and shrines close their gates by late afternoon, often around 4–5 pm.
Seasonal Crowds
Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons can bring heavy crowds to iconic spots like Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari.
Shoes and Slippers
You often remove shoes in ryokan, some restaurants, and traditional areas, switching to provided slippers.
Emergency Numbers
Dial 110 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance, and there is a Japan Visitor Hotline offering multilingual assistance.
Smoking Areas
Many cities restrict smoking on the street but provide designated smoking rooms or outdoor spots.
Reserve for Special Meals
Popular or more refined restaurants in Kyoto and Tokyo sometimes require reservations, especially on weekends.
Google Maps and HyperDia Alternatives
Transit apps and maps generally provide accurate train times and platform information across Japan.
Street Address Quirks
Japanese addresses are often based on blocks rather than street names, so landmarks and map pins are more useful than written addresses alone.
Convenience Store ATMs for Cash Top-Ups
24-hour convenience stores like 7-Eleven typically have ATMs with an English menu interface.
Your Weekend Itinerary
Omoide Yokocho & Kabukicho Evening Walk
Wander Omoide Yokocho’s tiny alley bars, then the neon streets of Kabukicho for night photos.
2h · Free (food/drinks extra)Bakery at Shinjuku Station (e.g., Vie de France)
Grab pastries and coffee in the station before boarding the Romancecar or train to Hakone.
30m · $6-12 per personRyokan Kaiseki Dinner (at your Hakone-area Ryokan)
Multi-course seasonal Japanese dinner featuring local fish, vegetables, and beautifully presented dishes.
2h · $30-60 per person (usually included in stay)20 activities across 11 days