Planning a two-week trip to Japan for the first time can feel overwhelming—there are endless possibilities, and it’s hard to know where to start. We remember facing the same challenge when we planned our first visit. We wanted to experience Japan’s famous cities, but we also craved time in the mountains and a chance to see the snow monkeys. Balancing must-see sights with personal interests wasn’t easy, but through trial and error, we created an itinerary that worked perfectly for us.

That’s why we’ve put together three sample itineraries designed for first-time visitors. Whether you want to stick to the classic highlights, mix in a few lesser-known spots, or take a more off-the-beaten-path approach (like we did!), these itineraries will help you map out a trip that suits your travel style. And don’t be afraid to go off-route—some of the best travel moments happen when you least expect them.

Understanding Japan Distances and Travel Times

When you think about visiting Japan, it is a good idea to get your head around the size of Japan, the typical places people visit, and how long it will take you to get around.  The majority of first-time visitors to Japan will typically visit Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with many also visiting Hiroshima.  The four cities can be visualised as a straight west-to-east line as you can catch a single train line that stops in all 4 cities.  The distances are travel times are as follows:

• Tokyo to Kyoto is a 457km / 284 mi distance, which takes approximately 2:30 hours on the Shinkansen bullet train. Kyoto does not have an airport, so flights arrive in Osaka.
• Kyoto to Osaka is a 55km / 34 mi distance, and it takes approximately 30 minutes on the train. The train from Tokyo to Osaka takes approximately 2:50 hours.  Flights from Tokyo to Osaka take approximately 1 hour.
• Osaka to Hiroshima is a 326km/203km distance, which takes approximately 1:45 hours on the Shinkansen bullet train.

To catch the fastest Shinkansen bullet train (the Nozumi) from Tokyo to Hiroshima, you can travel the 816km / 507 mi distance in 4 hours.  By comparison, you can also fly from Tokyo to Hiroshima directly, which is a 1:20 hr flight.

When you plan your Japan itinerary, you should, therefore, consider transportation options to minimise backtracking, which will then save you time and money on your trip. 

Flights to Japan

Google Flights is a great option to find the best value flights for your trip to Japan.  Once you have researched options, we recommend you purchase your flights directly with your preferred airline.

Three 2-Week Itineraries for First-Time Visitors to Japan

The three proposed two-week itineraries for first-time visitors to Japan are summarised below, with further details to follow:

• The ‘Classic’ Golden Route First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
• The ‘Extended’ First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Mt Fuji/Hakone Region, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima
• The ‘Japanese Alps’ First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Kyoto, Japanese Alps, Snow Monkeys

When you are planning your trip, you may also be interested in checking out our article – Best Time to Visit Japan Including Tokyo, Kyoto and Sapporo.

The ‘Classic’ Golden Route First Time Japan Trip – Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka 2 Week Itinerary

For first-time visitors to Japan, the main sights most people want to see are Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima.  The great thing is that each of these cities is well connected by the Shinkansen or bullet train system, and you can travel quickly between cities.

My sample 2-week itinerary for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima is detailed below.  Obviously, the specific activities for each day also need to be further considered based on your particular interests and the events available during your visit.  An advantage of this itinerary is that you have a bit more time in each location to explore, rather than moving around every couple of days.

• Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo. Click here to check out our detailed article on what to do in Tokyo.
• Day 2 – Explore Tokyo – Tour
• Day 3 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 4 – Disneysea/Disneyland or day tour to Mt Fuji. Click here to check out our detailed article on the best day tours to visit Mt Fuji.
• Day 5 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 6 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 7 – Catch train to Kyoto (2:30 hrs), Gion evening tour
• Day 8 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 9 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 10 – Catch train to Osaka (0:30 hrs). Explore Osaka
• Day 11 – Universal Studios
• Day 12 – Explore Osaka – Nara Day Tour
• Day 13 – Day tour to Hiroshima
• Day 14 – Depart Osaka

If you prefer to travel independently, it is easy to book your own accommodation and transport.  Click here to check out our detailed articles on how to get around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

The ‘Extended’ First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Mt Fuji/Hakone Region, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima

The ‘Extended’ itinerary for Japan enables you to see more areas of Japan, however, you will not have much time in each location.

• Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo. Click here to check out our detailed article on what to do in Tokyo.
• Day 2 – Explore Tokyo – Tour
• Day 3 – Disneysea/Disneyland
• Day 4 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 5 – Catch Shinkansen to Mt Fuji (Odawara Station – 0:35 hrs). Stay in onsen
• Day 6 – Explore Mt Fuji / Hakone region. Check out our detailed guide on how to explore the Hakone Region.
• Day 7 – Catch train to Kyoto (2:15 hrs). Explore Kyoto, Gion evening tour
• Day 8 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 9 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 10 – Catch train to Osaka in morning (0:30 hrs), Explore Osaka in afternoon / evening.
• Day 11 – Universal Studios or day trip to Nara
• Day 12 – Catch train to Hiroshima
• Day 13 – Explore Hiroshima
• Day 14 – Depart Hiroshima

If you prefer to travel independently, it is easy to book your own accommodation and transport.  Click here to check out our detailed articles on how to get around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

The ‘Japanese Alps’ First Time Japan Trip Itinerary – Tokyo, Kyoto, Japanese Alps and Snow Monkeys

The ‘Japanese Alps’ itinerary for Japan enables you to spend time in Tokyo and Kyoto, and then check out the mountains around the Nagano area (which is northwest of Tokyo), as well as stopping by to see the snow monkeys.  Note that this route can only be travelled when the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is open between mid-April and late November each year.

• Day 1 – Arrive Tokyo. Click here to check out our detailed article on what to do in Tokyo.
• Day 2 – Explore Tokyo – Tour
• Day 3 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 4 – Disneysea/Disneyland or day tour to Mt Fuji. Click here to check out our detailed article on the best day tours to visit Mt Fuji.
• Day 5 – Explore Tokyo
• Day 6 – Catch train to Kyoto (2:30 hrs), Gion evening tour
• Day 7 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 8 – Explore Kyoto
• Day 9 – Day trip to Universal Studios in Osaka
• Day 10 – Catch train to Toyama (3:10 hrs). Explore Toyama.
• Day 11 – Do Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route day trip – one way trip (8-9 hours). Lodge luggage for a one-way transfer to Shinano Omachi Station.  Note that this route is only open from mid-April to late November each year.
• Day 12 – Catch bus to Nagano, explore Nagano. Catch train to Shibu Onsen.
• Day 13 – Visit snow monkeys, explore onsen town
• Day 14 – Catch train to Tokyo (explore Nagano enroute) and depart from Tokyo

If you prefer to travel independently, it is easy to book your own accommodation and transport.  Click here to check out our detailed articles on how to get around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.

Hopefully, you now have a much better perspective on some of the itinerary options and tour packages that are available for a 2-week stay in Japan for first-timers.

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