Japan in 14 days
Japan rewards travellers like few other countries. Neon-lit skyscrapers next to thousand-year-old temples, capsule hotels and luxurious ryokans, bullet trains and zen rock gardens — 14 days is the ideal minimum for a first visit. This itinerary covers the essential cities without rushing
In 14 days in Japan cover Tokyo (3 days), Nikko or Hakone (1 day), Kyoto (3 days), Nara (1 day), Osaka (2 days) and Hiroshima with Miyajima (2 days). Budget from $2000 to $4500 per person including international flights.
💰 14-Day Budget Breakdown
Expense | Budget | Comfort | Notes |
Flights (round trip from Europe/US) | $700–1100 | $1300–2000 | Via Seoul, Beijing or Hong Kong |
JR Pass (14 days) | $430 | $430 | Essential for this route |
Accommodation (14 nights) | $280–560 | $840–1680 | $20–40 vs $60–120 per night |
Food (14 days) | $210–350 | $490–840 | $15–25 vs $35–60 per day |
Attractions & activities | $100–150 | $200–300 | Most temples $5–15 |
TOTAL per person | ~$1720–2590 | ~$3260–5250 |
💡 The JR Pass for 14 days costs $430 — it pays for itself on the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route alone (otherwise $280 one way). Buy it before you arrive in Japan.
🗓 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–3 — Tokyo
🌅 Day 1: Arrive at Narita/Haneda. Shinjuku — check in, explore the city. Tokyo Tower or Skytree in the evening.
☀️ Day 2: Asakusa (Senso-ji Temple), Akihabara (electronics and anime), Odaiba — waterfront with views of Rainbow Bridge.
🌙 Day 3: Harajuku (Takeshita Street), Shibuya Crossing (world's busiest), Shinjuku at night.
Day 4 — Nikko or Hakone
🌅 Morning: Shinkansen to Nikko (2 hrs) — UNESCO-listed Toshogu shrines, Kegon waterfall.
☀️ Afternoon: Walk the mountain trails around the temple complex.
🌙 Evening: Return to Tokyo or stay at a ryokan in Hakone ($120–200/night including dinner).
Days 5–7 — Kyoto
🌅 Day 5: Shinkansen Tokyo–Kyoto (2.5 hrs). Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple.
☀️ Day 6: Thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari (go at 5am before the crowds), Gion geisha district.
🌙 Day 7: Golden Pavilion Kinkaku-ji, Ryoanji rock garden. Evening stroll along Higashiyama canal.
Day 8 — Nara
🌅 Morning: One hour by train from Kyoto. Deer park — the deer roam freely and eat from your hand.
☀️ Afternoon: Great Buddha at Todai-ji (largest in Japan), Kasuga Shrine.
🌙 Evening: Return to Osaka or Kyoto.
Days 9–10 — Osaka
🌅 Day 9: Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market — taste Osaka's famous street food (takoyaki $3, kushikatsu $2).
☀️ Day 10: Dotonbori — Osaka's main street with the giant crab sign. Evening: rooftop bars or Universal Studios.
🌙 Osaka is considered Japan's best city for food tourism — don't miss the evening food crawl.
Days 11–12 — Hiroshima & Miyajima
🌅 Day 11: Shinkansen to Hiroshima. Peace Memorial Park and Museum — one of the most important museums in the world.
☀️ Day 12: Ferry to Miyajima Island. The floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine — Japan's most photographed image.
🌙 Evening: Stay overnight on the island and catch sunrise at the torii before the day-trippers arrive.
Days 13–14 — Return & Departure
🌅 Day 13: Return to Tokyo or Osaka depending on flight. Final shopping — Tsukiji outer market, department stores.
☀️ Day 14: Fly home. Buy onigiri and matcha tea from 7-Eleven for the journey — Japan's best convenience stores.
🏨 Where to Stay
Type | Price/night | Where | Recommended Options |
Capsule hotel | $20–35 | Tokyo, Osaka | First Cabin, 9Hours — the best chains |
Business hotel | $60–100 | All cities | Toyoko Inn, Dormy Inn — clean and practical |
Ryokan (traditional) | $120–200 | Nikko, Hakone | Includes dinner, breakfast and onsen |
Airbnb apartment | $50–90 | All cities | Great value for stays of 3+ nights |
💡 Essential Tips
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card — rechargeable card for metro and buses, also accepted at convenience stores
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) serve the best fast food in Japan: onigiri $1, hot noodles $2
Carry cash — Japan is still largely cash-based. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign Visa and Mastercard
Queue culture: popular Tokyo and Osaka restaurants have 30–90 min waits. Arrive at opening time
April–May (cherry blossoms) and November (autumn foliage) are the most beautiful but also most crowded
Download Google Translate with offline Japanese — restaurant menus outside cities are Japanese-only
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Japan?
Citizens of the US, EU, UK, Australia and most Western countries can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days. Russian and Chinese citizens need a visa — apply through your nearest Japanese consulate 2–3 weeks in advance.
Is the JR Pass worth it?
Yes, if your itinerary includes Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka or more cities. The 14-day JR Pass costs $430 and pays for itself on just 3 shinkansen rides. For a Tokyo-only trip, skip it and use the IC card instead.
How much cash should I bring to Japan?
Budget $50–80 per day in cash for food, local transport and small purchases. Many restaurants and smaller shops are cash-only. Withdraw at 7-Eleven ATMs — they reliably accept foreign Visa and Mastercard.
What is the best way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Shinkansen Nozomi or Hikari — 2.5–3 hours, ~$130 one way (or included in JR Pass). Far more comfortable than the overnight bus (8 hours, from $25) — the time saving alone justifies the cost.