There’s so much to see and do in Japan that it can be overwhelming trying to decide how long your trip should be. This article breaks down the major attractions and off-the-beaten-path adventures to help determine how many days in Japan you should plan for.
Japan is a unique and fascinating country. There are endless exciting things to do, beautiful places to see, and delicious foods to try.
There are so many experiences packed into the Land of the Rising Sun that you could never do it all on one trip.
So this begs the question…
How many days should you spend in Japan?
The short answer: Ideally, 2-3 weeks will give you enough time to see iconic and lesser-known sights as well as recover from a long travel day and potentially a big time difference.
The long(er) answer: The ideal duration for your trip depends on several factors, including destinations you want to visit and your travel style.
You’ll also want to consider how far you’re traveling from home and the time difference. For instance, traveling from Australia (which is just a handful of hours time difference) will have much less of an impact on you than traveling from the USA, where the time difference can be huge, making your first couple of days slow going.
Keep reading for a more in-depth look at how many days in Japan is enough for your interests and travel style.
Article contents
- How many days should you spend in Japan?
- Perfect done-for-you itinerary
- Best time to visit
- What to pack
How long to spend in Japan
After visiting on three separate trips, we’d recommend spending at least 10 to 14 days in Japan to fully immerse yourself in the country’s diverse offerings. In our opinion, 3 weeks is ideal if you can swing that much time.
That said, we do have some suggestions based on the amount of time you have to explore:
1 Week in Japan
If you only have 7 days for your trip, you’re in luck: we have a one-week itinerary that is perfect for first-time visitors! It includes highlights in Kyoto, Hakone (+ Mount Fuji!), Osaka, and Tokyo.
2 Weeks in Japan
With two weeks, you could slow down your travels a bit. We recommend spending more time in Kyoto and adding Nara and Hiroshima to your itinerary.
3 Weeks in Japan
If you can swing it, we think three weeks is ideal for a trip to Japan. In this timeframe, you can explore major cities and have the opportunity to get a bit off the beaten path.
The fact is, no matter how much time you have, you won’t be able to do it all in one trip.
This can be hard to come to terms with. Trust me, I know. But just keep in mind that you’ll need to narrow down and prioritize the things you really want to do.
And remember that, if you don’t get to everything — and you likely won’t — you can always come back for a second, third, seventh visit down the road!
Perfect done-for-you Japan itinerary
If you don’t have a ton of time to spend planning your Japan itinerary (or you just don’t find travel planning fun), we’ve got something you might be interested in…
We created the ultimate done-for-you Japan itineraries that are packed full of all sorts of tips we’ve gathered from 3 trips to Japan as well as literally hundreds of hours of research (no exaggeration).
We have both off-the-beaten path routes as well as a classic itinerary that hits the top attractions (perfect for your first visit to Japan!).
Click above and we’ll send you our complete 2-week classic Japan itinerary, filled with tips and advice, including the highlights of Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Kyoto and more!
If you want more, here is our 3-week Hidden Gems itinerary, which gets you off the beaten path to see the “real” Japan.
Best time to visit Japan
If you’re considering how long your trip should be, you’re also probably wondering when you should plan to visit.
In short, you’ll have the best chance of comfortable weather in early spring (March – early April) and in autumn (late October – November).
That said, each season boasts different highlights: cherry blossoms blooming in the springtime, Mt Fuji opens for climbing in the summer, the leaves changing colors in the fall, and of course ski season in the winter.
The ideal time to visit largely depends on your interests, preferences, and itinerary. We have a full breakdown of each season in our guide to the best time to visit Japan. Plus, we share what time of year we would avoid visiting.
What to pack for Japan
We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating these super helpful guides full of packing hacks and tips for traveling in Japan that you won’t find anywhere else:
- Our Japan packing guide lists all the essentials (many of which you might not think about), as well as what you should NOT pack for a trip to Japan.
- This article on what to wear in Japan will help you create a perfect capsule wardrobe for every season and let you in on some cultural taboos so you can be sure to dress appropriately.
- With this FREE Japan packing list PDF download, we’ll send checklists straight to your inbox for everything from clothing and toiletries (for both women and men!) to what shoes to pack and extra stuff you may want to have on-hand just in case. Click the image below to get your free copy!
Plan your trip to Japan
After 3 trips (and counting!), we’ve fallen head over heels for Japan—and we’ve gathered TONS of resources to help you plan your dream trip. Start with our Ultimate Japan Travel Guide and be sure to check out these helpful articles:
- First time? Our Japan Trip Planner walks you through everything you need to know.
- Use our Japan Rail Pass guide to determine if getting a train pass is optimal for your trip.
- Here’s our curated list of the best things to do in Japan—from iconic sights to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- Not sure where to go? Our Japan itinerary ideas will help you map it all out.
- Foodies, rejoice! This guide to what to eat in Japan will have you drooling before you land.
- This guide to what to wear in Japan (and what not to wear) will help you blend in.
- Use our ultimate Japan Packing List to make sure you don’t forget anything.
- Before you go, brush up on these essential Japan travel tips (including major do’s and don’ts!).
- Avoid awkward moments by brushing up on Japanese etiquette.
Still have questions? Drop us a comment—we LOVE helping travelers plan unforgettable trips to Japan!
Don’t miss your chance to grab our Japan packing list!
This FREE PDF download includes everything you’re going to want to pack for your Japan trip, including what NOT to bring, plus tons of insider tips!
Just enter your email and we’ll immediately send you access instructions!
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We want to hear from you!
What do you think is the ideal length of time for a trip to Japan? Do you have any more questions after reading this? Leave a comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!
Many thanks for all your info on Japan. What size of a suitcase do you recommend for 2 weeks?
hi,nice post
thanks for share helpfull post
we have 25 days booked for japan – can you assist with an itinerary
“Find the perfect balance with ‘How Many Days in Japan is Enough?’ – a thoughtful guide that assists travelers in tailoring their Japan itinerary to ensure every day is filled with cultural richness, scenic beauty, and unforgettable experiences.”