Travel Plans & Budget: 14 Days, 13 Nights in Japan

Japan is a dream destination for many travelers. Renowned for its diverse electronic innovations, anime culture, and distinctive traditions, this country offers a unique experience.

If you’re considering a trip to Japan, preparing a detailed itinerary and budget ahead of time is wise. What activities await you during your 14-day stay? Here’s a proposed two-week travel plan for your journey to Japan.

Day 1: Arrive at Haneda Airport - Tokyo

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Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is served by two international airports: Narita International Airport and Haneda International Airport. While Haneda is smaller, it is more conveniently located closer to downtown Tokyo, with just about 1 hour and 11 minutes of travel time by train. In contrast, Narita Airport is situated in Chiba Prefecture, approximately 38 km from downtown Tokyo, taking around 70 minutes by car. Both airports offer easy access via trains, buses, and taxis.

Japan Railway (JR) operates a network of trains that connect many destinations across the country. For travelers planning to explore multiple cities, purchasing a JR Pass can be a cost-effective option. With a JR Pass, you can board the Shinkansen, the high-speed trains, as well as other JR routes that service urban areas.

In Japan, you can acquire a tourist SIM card to stay connected to the Internet. These SIM cards are available in various data plans and sizes (nano, micro, and standard). Simply choose the one that fits your needs and mobile device.

Day 2: Tokyo Tower - Shinjuku - Shibuya Crossing - Hachiko Statue

On your second day in Japan, explore some of Tokyo's most famous sites. Enjoy panoramic views from Tokyo Tower, indulge in bar hopping around Shinjuku, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Shibuya Crossing. Be sure to visit the iconic Hachiko statue, located just a short walk from the crossing.

Day 3: Asakusa - Gundam Statue - Odaiba

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Kick off your day with a trip to Asakusa, where you can discover unique handmade crafts and top-notch souvenirs from Japan. Afterward, make your way to Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo, where you can marvel at a life-sized Gundam statue and take in stunning views of the Tokyo skyline.

Day 4: Explore Kyoto

With the JR Pass, you can hop on a Shinkansen to Kyoto in the morning and check into your hotel right away. After settling in, head over to Sanjusangendo Temple to admire the stunning architecture, and then explore the picturesque Yasaka Pagoda and Ishibe Alley.

Day 5: Gion - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Sagano Romantic Train

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On your final day in Kyoto, step back in time as you wander through the historic geisha district of Gion. Then, enjoy a tranquil stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an ideal spot for those seeking peace and solitude. From there, embark on the Sagano Romantic Train for one of Japan's most memorable sightseeing adventures.

Also check out: 5 Exciting Day Trips from Kyoto and How to Get There

Day 6: Hiroshima

With your JR Pass, board a Shinkansen in the morning for a direct trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima, and check into your hotel upon arrival. Afterward, visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to honoring the memory of over 140,000 individuals who lost their lives during World War II.

Day 7: Miyajima Island

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Traveling from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island is a scenic ferry ride that takes about 45 minutes. Once on Miyajima Island, you can experience one of Japan's top three picturesque locations!

Day 8: Osaka

If you're a fan of Detective Conan comics, this city will be familiar to you. Notable attractions include Osaka Castle, the Floating Garden Observatory, and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.

Day 9: Culinary Adventure in Osaka

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Day 10: Toyama

Next, you’ll head to Toyama, where you can explore the Toyama Glass Art Museum, visit the Kurobe Dam, and enjoy the beauty of Kansui Park.

Day 11: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

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If you're in Japan between April and November, be sure to include the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route in your travel plans. You can join a tour from Toyama to experience this breathtaking mountain sightseeing route.

Day 12: Tokyo's Shopping Districts

The final three days of your trip will be dedicated to discovering Tokyo. Spend a day browsing the city's most famous shopping areas, including Cat Street in Shibuya, Kokusai-dori in Kuramae, and Yanaka Ginza. From Japanese stationery to fashion, you'll find everything you could possibly need there.

Day 13: Ginza - Miraikan

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Before heading to Narita Airport tomorrow, spend your day in Tokyo exploring Ginza, one of the city’s premier shopping districts, and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, commonly referred to as Miraikan.

Day 14: Narita Airport

On your final day of vacation, take it easy as you pack and prepare to return home. Most travelers depart from Narita Airport. Choosing Narita after flying into Haneda will offer you a unique experience.

The estimated budget for a 14-day trip to Japan is approximately JPY 411,885 for a single traveler. Please note that this figure does not include the cost of a round-trip flight, which will differ based on your departure country.

Be sure to download the Mytour app to organize your entire trip to Japan. With this app, you can conveniently book flights, accommodations, and various services all in one place. Let's kick off your adventure in Japan now!