As Japan’s tourism boom has continued, I’ve noticed that many travelers (particularly those who avail my Japan travel planning service) have shown an interest in longer trips. In 2024, in fact, a full quarter of the itineraries I created were for people spending more than a month in Japan.
Now, to the outside observer, this might seem strange. For longer trips to Japan, isn’t having a set daily plan less important? Isn’t the advantage that you can arrive, feel your way around and take your trip exploring? Well, yes and no.
Over the next few paragraphs, I’ll briefly talk you through all the forms that 2 months in Japan can take. Spoiler alert: The options are quite literally endless!
Reasons to Stay in Japan for 2 Months (or Longer)
You can see just about “everywhere” in Japan within two months. Unless you’re committed to “slow travel” or simplt want to focus on a few cities or regions, a Japan 2 month itinerary is a great way to take a comprehensive trip to Japan, and is especially ideal if you don’t plan on coming back for a while, if ever. From Okinawa to Hokkaido, and from neon lights in cities to moonlight in the countryside, a two-month trip opens all of Japan up to you.
Conversely, two months is long enough to get a feel for what it might be like “living” in Japan—and that, itself, can take several forms. For example, if you’re able to work remotely, you could get an Airbnb in Tokyo (or maybe even a Machiya in Kyoto) and conduct yourself like a local. Another option? You can study Japanese for up to 10 weeks on a tourist visa; if you plan to visit Japan often, this can be a great investment of time and money.
My Favorite Ways to Spend 2 Months in Japan
An epic, comprehensive trip around Japan
As I detail in my post about how to spend one month in Japan, having many weeks to play with allows you to go “everywhere,” if you want to. This includes not only all of Japan’s “Golden Route” (i.e. Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima), but peripheral regions like Tohoku and San’in, the stunning Japanese Alps, secondary islands like Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, and even the Okinawa archipelago.
Digging deep into specific destination(s)
Whether you have 2 or 3 months in Japan, the alternative to casting your net wide is to dig deeper. For example, rather than blowing through the aforementioned Tohoku region, you could drill down, whether that means road-tripping along the Sanriku Coast, or exploring the inland, from Aomori all the way down to Fukushima. Two months can also mean serious Okinawa island hopping, or completing the entire Shikoku Pilgrimage.
Doing all of cherry blossom or autumn color season
Did you know that cherry blossom bloom in Japan from late March until early May, and that autumn colors are visible as soon as the end of September, and up to the middle of December, depending on where in the country you are. A 2-3 month Japan itinerary can allow you to enjoy the entirety of one of these special seasons, be that to see sakura in the spring, or momiji in the fall.
Studying (and practicing) Japanese
Ever considered studying Japanese? I’ve done it myself, and can personally tell you that it’s worth it if you plan to return to Japan often. Even better? You can study for up to 10 weeks on a tourist visa or visa exemption. This means that your 3 month Japan itinerary could consist of staying in the city to study during the week, and traveling every weekend to practice your Nihongo.
“Living” in Japan as a digital nomad
Speaking of living in Japan, the other option for a two-month (or longer) stay in Japan is simply to cosplay as a resident of Japan. You can’t get a job with a Japanese company, and you might find accommodation options living and expensive; you also won’t have to deal with infamous Japanese bureaucracy. Plus, in many ways, digging deep into a neighborhood (and the city around it) can be just as fulfilling as exploring all around Japan.
Where to Stay With 2 Months in Japan
If you plan to take a “normal” 2 month Japan trip, then you should simply stay in hotels, ryokan and other accommodations as you would on a shorter trip, albeit potentially for more nights. As I’ve referenced elsewhere on this blog, some of my favorite accommodations in Japan include high-end properties like Hotel the Celestine Ginza in Tokyo, to budget inns like Ryokan Kyoraku in Kyoto, to the truly spectacular Takaragawa Onsen.
On the other hand, if you plan to take a more residential tack (whether that means staying in Japan for 3 months, or just two), a longer-term accommodation might be better. Airbnb is lacking in Japan when it comes to daily rentals, but both apartments in big cities (and, in smaller ones, traditional Machiya townhouses) are pretty abundant for longer stays. Likewise, if you’ll be studying, your school might be able to help you find a place.
Other FAQ About Your 2 Month Japan Itinerary
How much money do you need to stay in Japan for 2 months?
I generally figure on a minimum of 100 USD (about ¥15,000) per person, per day for travel to Japan. While monthly rates for an Airbnb might lower this slightly, I find the calculation still holds. You should plan on spending a minimum of $6,000 (about ¥900,000) for two months in Japan, though it may be possible to spend less—and it’s very easy to spend more.
Can I stay in Japan for 3 months?
Travelers with certain passports, including those from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, enjoy a 90-day visa exemption upon arrival in Japan. While it’s perfectly fine to run out the entirety of this allotment during your stay, make sure not to exceed it, even by a day. Penalties for doing so are strict, and maybe negatively impact future travel to Japan.
Can I live in Japan permanently?
You can live in Japan permanently for various reasons, such as if you work or study in Japan, marry a Japanese national, start a business in Japan or possess some other extraordinary circumstance. Please note that unlike some countries, Japan frowns upon “visa runs” whereby you leave the country for a day or two when your initial visa expires, then come back to start another one. As a result, you should make sure and get a proper visa at the outset.
The Bottom Line
So, you say you want to spend 2 months in Japan? Great! Some travelers will approach such a trip much as they would a shorter one, planning out (or, as they case may be, hiring a Japan expert to plan out) each day in detail, with activities, meals and transportation enumerated. Others will come to “live” temporarily as digital nomads, or even to hunker down and study the Japanese language in a full-immersion environment. The good news? There’s no wrong reason to want to explore Japan for 2 months. The better news? When you commission a custom Japan itinerary, you ensure your trip will be one for the record books.
