I receive all kinds of request for my Japan itinerary planning service—every traveler really does have their own sort of trip in mind. In spite of this, one factor remains surprisingly common: The vast majority of people want to travel for around two weeks.
I have my own theories for the reasons why this is, but they’re not important. What is important is that because of this, I’ve charted literally dozens of courses through Japan that showcase the best the country has to offer in 14 days or less.
Whether spending two weeks in Japan is set in stone for you, or you’re open to expanding your trip, I highly recommend that you continue reading. A few minutes of your time now could save you a lot of stress and heartache later on!
Is Two Weeks in Japan Enough?
Before I provide you with some options for a 2 week Japan itinerary, let’s explore a more existential question. The short answer is that two weeks is plenty in Japan, if you’re clear about its limitations. You can’t see “everywhere” in Japan in two weeks; and you probably can’t center the tourist trail and go far off the beaten path. If you only plan to visit Japan once in your life, I would highly recommend staying longer, ideally a month in Japan or more.
With this being said, two weeks can be the perfect amount of time to spend in Japan, for example if it’s your first trip, and you have a manageable list of mainstream destinations and experiences you want to spotlight. Or, by contrast, if you’re intentional about wanting to focus on secondary and tertiary islands and regions. More than anything, a two-week trip is the perfect appetizer if you know you’ll be returning to Japan in the future.
Ways to Structure Your Two Weeks in Japan
A straightforward trip along Japan’s tourist trail
If it’s your first trip to Japan, I totally understand why you want to see “golden route” destinations like Tokyo, Osaka and Hiroshima—don’t feel bad about this for a second. From seeing Geisha in Kyoto‘s Gion district, to catching a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the Shinkansen bullet train (or looking down from its apex), there’s a good reason that Japan’s tourist traps trap so many tourists.
(Or one that takes the “back way”)
If you’re searching for where to go in Japan for 2 weeks and want to differentiate from the norm (but just a bit), I have a suggestion for you. Head west from Tokyo to the Kansai region, but instead of continuing westward, go north. Specifically, to the city of Kanazawa, for which you can take the back way (in other words, via the Japanese Alps) back to Haneda or Narita airport.
Dig deep into Kyushu, Shikoku or Hokkaido
Open to taking a less obvious route through Japan? Whether or not it’s your first trip, a bold choice is to select one of Japan’s “other” three islands: The great, wild north of Hokkaido; sub-tropical Kyushu, replete with hot springs and sago palms; or underrated, mysterious Shikoku. Spending two weeks exploring any of these islands allows you both to dive deep and spread your net wide, and get an intimate portrait of “the real Japan.”
Go off the beaten path in Tohoku or San’in
Want to go off Japan’s beaten track during your 2 weeks Japan itinerary, but don’t need to leave Honshu island? Allow me to recommend two secondary regions. The first is San’in, which occupies the northwestern corner of the island—basically, the Sea of Japan side, at roughly the longitudinal span between Hiroshima and Okayama. The second option is to head north from Tokyo to Tohoku, a collection of six prefectures that blend the fierce beauty of Hokkaido with the complex culture of central Japan.
Island-hop through Okinawa
Did you know that Japan is home to some of the best beaches in the world? The moment your plan touches down in Okinawa, you will. You don’t need to spend your entire two weeks in this archipelago, of course, but if you do, you can cover a lot of ground. At a minimum, I’d suggest second islands like Ishigaki (and its nearby island of Taketomi) as well as marvelous Miyakojima, which I’ll admit is having a bit of a moment.
Longer—and Shorter-Trips to Japan
Inspired to visit Japan, but don’t feel like a two-week trip is right for you? Here are some other ideas about how you can explore the country:
- Just one week in Japan might not sound sufficient, but you can cover a surprisingly large amount of ground, especially if you plan meticulously. Ditto for 10 days in Japan.
- My first-ever trip was three weeks in Japan, which is really the minimum amount of time I suggest you spend if you want to blend the mainstream and the alternative.
- As I mentioned earlier on in this post in Japan, a month in Japan is ideal if you want to see a comprehensive array of destinations, or if you don’t think you’ll be back.
- Long-term Japan travel, whether that means 2 months in Japan or even living in Japan, could be an option if either time and/or money are immaterial for you.
Other FAQ About Spending Two Weeks in Japan
Is it worth going to Japan for two weeks?
It’s absolutely worth going to Japan for two weeks, though you should be clear about what you can’t and can accomplish in that time. You can enjoy the best of Japan’s tourist trail; or you can travel off Japan’s beaten path, potentially somewhat far off it. You almost certainly won’t have time for both.
Is $2,000 enough for two weeks in Japan?
I generally suggest a minimum of 100 USD per person per day for travel to Japan, not including the cost of flights to and from the country. As a result, it’s certainly possible to travel to Japan for two weeks for around $2,000, though this will definitely be a simpler trip, and not luxurious in any way.
How expensive is a 2-week trip to Japan?
The cost of two weeks in Japan can vary significantly. Resourceful travelers with simple needs can easily take a 2-week trip to Japan for $2,000 per person, or less. A more comfortable trip to Japan can be double that—around 4,000 USD per person, or 8,000 USD for a couple—or even more. On the very high luxury end, meanwhile, the sky is basically the limit.
The Bottom Line
Two weeks in Japan can create space for the perfect trip, even if you’d like to spend longer—you can always come back in the future, after all. Some travelers will opt for a classic trip—from Tokyo to Kyoto or even down to Hiroshima, with stops at Mt. Fuji or in Osaka en route—while others will head off the beaten path, whether to islands like Shikoku and Kyushu, or secondary regions like San’in and Tohoku. There is no “wrong answer,” even if there probably is a path that best suits your goals and preferences. This is one of many reasons that I so highly recommend that you hire me to plan your Japan itinerary. My decade-plus of experience eliminates the guesswork, and allows you to board your flight with calm confidence.
