A 14-Day Adventure Through Japan: Your Ultimate Itinerary

Japan, the land of the rising sun, is a beautiful country that has something to offer for everyone. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, Japan is a cultural hub that boasts breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and a traditional way of life. And, if you're planning a two-week trip to Japan, then you're in for a real treat! In this blog post, we'll be taking you through an itinerary that will help you make the most of your 14-day adventure through the land of the rising sun.

So, who am I and why should you listen to me? My name is Nathan, also known as Ninja Monkey, and I'm a bit of a Japan travel Otaku. I travel to Japan multiple times a year and my aim is to create content for tourists, by a tourist. And, there's nothing that makes me happier than seeing you guys have an amazing trip after following my advice.

This itinerary makes use of a 14-day JR pass and it's best to use a luggage forwarding service or train station lockers to keep your luggage safe while you explore the area. This way, you won't have to carry your luggage around with you and can make the most of your time in each city.

Day 1 and 2 - Tokyo

Start your journey in the bustling city of Tokyo. These two days are all about exploring some of the city's popular 'hot spots', such as Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, the Ueno area, Akihabara's electric town, Harajuku, and the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. This city is so diverse that you could spend a month here and still not see everything.

Day 3 - Nagano and Matsumoto

It's time to leave Tokyo behind and make your way to Nagano. Take a shinkansen (bullet train) and enjoy the beautiful Zenkō-Ji temple before grabbing lunch in the area. After lunch, take a train to Matsumoto, a quiet city that offers incredible views of the illuminated Matsumoto Castle, also known as the 'Black Crow' castle. Make sure you explore the castle either in the afternoon or early the next morning as it opens at 08:30.

Day 4 and 5 - Takayama

Venture into the Japanese Alps and reach the market town of Takayama. Consider staying in a traditional Ryokan (lodging) and spend two days exploring the town's historic streets, tasting the delicious local cuisine, visiting the morning market, Hida No Sato folk village, or trying sake at a local brewery. There's also the Sukyo Mahikari temple, which belongs to a cult.

Day 6 - Kanazawa

Take an early train to Kanazawa, a vibrant display of classic Japan. Walk through the well-maintained Nagamachi samurai neighborhood or the Chaya geisha district, and make sure you admire the beauty of Kenrokuen, one of Japan's top three gardens.

Make sure you check out:

1. Kenroku-en Garden
   Visit this beautiful traditional Japanese garden, considered one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. Take a stroll through the lush greenery and take in the beauty of the numerous water features and tea houses.
2. Omicho Market
   This is one of the largest and most famous fresh food markets in Japan. Explore the vibrant stalls and sample some of the local specialties.
3. Seisonkaku Villa
   This well-preserved traditional villa is a great example of the architecture and style of Japan's Edo period. Take a tour of the building and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
4. Kanazawa Castle Park
   Visit the former site of Kanazawa Castle, now a large park with stunning views of the city. Take a walk around the castle grounds and explore the beautiful gardens.
5. Higashi Chaya District
   This historic district is a collection of traditional teahouses and shops. Take a walk through the narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere of this preserved traditional area.

Day 7 and 8 - Hiroshima

Make your way to Hiroshima, a city with a dark history but a story of hope. This is perhaps the longest train journey in this itinerary, taking around 4 hours, so use this time to recharge your batteries. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park offer hope and history and will certainly leave a lasting impression. Don't forget to try the famous Okonomiyaki dish, and enjoy it at one of the many unique restaurants. And, make a mini trip to Miyajima Island, a sacred place known for shrine temples, and friendly deer.

Some ideas of what to check out whist in Hiroshima:

1. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
   This park is dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. It includes the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Memorial Museum and the Peace Memorial Park.
2. Miyajima Island
   This island is located just a short ferry ride from Hiroshima and is famous for its floating torii gate. It's also home to several shrines and temples, including Itsukushima Shrine.
3. Shukkei-en Garden
   This beautiful Japanese garden is a great place to escape the busy city and enjoy some peace and quiet. It's particularly lovely in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
4. Hiroshima Castle
   This reconstructed castle offers a glimpse into the city's feudal past. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and museum to learn about the history of the castle and the city.
5. Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims
   This hall is dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic bombing and serves as a symbol of peace and hope for the future. It features exhibits about the bombing and its aftermath, as well as a memorial to the victims.

Day 9: Kurashiki

On the ninth day, slow down in Kurashiki, a picturesque town known for its art galleries and beautiful scenery. Spend the day here to take in everything this town has to offer.

Here are a few activities you can consider during your stay:

1. Visit the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
   Explore the well-preserved streets of Kurashiki's historic district, lined with traditional buildings and canals.
2. Visit the Ohara Museum of Art
   This museum is home to a large collection of Western paintings and is a must-visit for art lovers.
3. Walk through the Ivy Square
   Enjoy a relaxing stroll through this charming square filled with ivy-covered buildings.
4. Take a boat ride along the Kurashiki Canal
   Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the canals and admire the traditional buildings and stunning scenery.
5. Visit the Kurashiki Tivoli Park
   This park is a great place to take a break from sightseeing and relax in nature.
6. Shop for local souvenirs
   Kurashiki is known for its local craft products, such as textiles and ceramics, so be sure to bring back a few souvenirs for your friends and family.
7. Try the local cuisine
   Kurashiki is home to some delicious local cuisine, such as soba noodles and seafood, so be sure to try some of these dishes during your stay.

Day 10-12: Kyoto

Today, we'll be leaving Kurashiki and making our way to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital. Kyoto is famous for its rich history and cultural heritage, with a wealth of shrines, temples, gardens, geisha, cuisine, and shopping options that are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Over the next three days, you'll have the opportunity to explore all that Kyoto has to offer, from its iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine to the famous Kiyomizudera Temple, one of the most iconic and famous temples in the city. The Golden Pavilion, Bamboo Forest, the Gion district (famous for its Geisha), and Nishiki Market are just a few of the many other sights and experiences that you won't want to miss.

If you're feeling adventurous, there's also the option to make a pitstop in Nara, where you can visit the deer, who roam freely through the city's streets.

Here are 10 things you might consider checking out too!

1. Fushimi Inari Shrine
   A shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, this shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates that lead to the top of a mountain.
2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
   This historic temple is located in Eastern Kyoto and offers stunning views over the city from its elevated position.
3. Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple)
   A stunningly beautiful temple with its top two floors covered in gold leaf, the Golden Pavilion is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Kyoto.
4. Bamboo Forest (Arashiyama)
   A peaceful and serene forest filled with towering bamboo trees, this is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
5. The Gion District
   Famous for its traditional teahouses and geisha culture, the Gion District is a fascinating area to explore and immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
6. Nishiki Market
   A bustling food market offering a range of Japanese delicacies, from fresh seafood to pickled vegetables, this is a great place to sample local food and see the daily life of the locals.
7. Nijo Castle
   A 17th century castle famous for its beautiful gardens and its Ninomaru Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Kyoto Imperial Palace
   A former residence of the Imperial family, the Kyoto Imperial Palace is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture.
9. Heian Shrine
   A large shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Kammu and Emperor Kōmei, this shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and its red gate.
10. Sanjusangen-do Temple
    A temple famous for its 1001 life-sized statues of the thousand-armed Kannon, the goddess of mercy, this temple is a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Day 13 - Yokohama / Osaka

It's time to start making our way back to Tokyo, but there's no need to rush. You have the option of making a straight 2-hour(ish) train ride to Yokohama, or making a pitstop in Osaka on the way.

Whichever route you choose, you won't want to miss the chance to explore Japan's largest chinatown, strolling the streets of Yokohama.

Day 14 - Tokyo (The end of the trip)

Finally, on day 14, it's time to say goodbye to Japan. Whether you're heading back to Tokyo for one last night, catching your flight home, or extending your trip if needed, this trip of a lifetime has come to an end.

At the end of 14 days, you'll have experienced a packed itinerary that's given you a good balance of what Japan has to offer. And remember, you can always adjust the pace or extend the itinerary as needed to create a more relaxed trip.

One key to a successful 2 week trip is starting your mornings early, so you can make the most of your days ahead and arrive at your next destination with plenty of time for exploring. So, what are your thoughts on this itinerary?

Here are some popular and less popular ways that you can extend your Tokyo trip:

1. Meiji Shrine Inner Garden
   A peaceful and serene inner garden surrounded by dense forest, located in the heart of Tokyo.
2. Odaiba
   A futuristic artificial island with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
3. Nakano Broadway
   A shopping mall famous for its anime and pop culture goods, as well as second-hand stores and rare finds.
4. Todoroki Valley
   A scenic valley with a picturesque river and waterfall, surrounded by lush greenery and stone cliffs.
5. Jiyugakuen Myonichikan
   A former women’s college turned museum, showcasing the history of education and women's rights in Japan.
6. Hachiko Statue
   A famous statue of a loyal dog that waited for its owner at Shibuya Station every day, even after its owner's death.
7. Ueno Onshi Park
   A large park located in central Tokyo with a variety of attractions, including a zoo, museums, temples, and lakes.
8. Tokyo Tower
   A landmark of Tokyo, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
9. Nezu Museum
   A museum featuring a stunning collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art, as well as a tranquil traditional Japanese garden.
10. Daikanyama
    A chic and stylish neighborhood known for its boutique shops, trendy cafes, and fashionable boutiques.