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We’ve created the PERFECT 2-week Japan itinerary for first-timers that want to see the iconic sights and unforgettable experiences in Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
This done-for-you itinerary is everything you need!
I'm ready to plan my trip!
75+
pages
14
fully-planned days
8
exciting locations
Completely DONE-FOR-YOU Itinerary!
CONFESSION:
I have major trip FOMO.
I hate coming home from a trip only to realize I missed an epic photo op or a hidden restaurant I was just around the corner from.
Can you relate?
If so, you are in the right place because we have literally spent hundreds of hours creating this itinerary (no exaggeration) so that you don’t have to worry about missing out.
This is packed with insider tips (from our actual on-the-ground experience) as well as insider tips and hidden gems.
Our itinerary style…
Eat at local restaurants & izakayas with food that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Visit a mix of iconic sights and hidden gems that see far fewer tourists.
Experience authentic Japanese culture and learn a bit about the history.
Are you in?!
If you’re ready to embark on the Japan trip of your dreams, grab your itinerary now & you’ll soon be on your way.
Cheers to the trip of a lifetime!
So well done!
I’m a very seasoned traveler and find more blogs to be lacking in enough detail and actual practical tips. [Yours was] so well done!! We actually met a few other couples [on our trip] who were also following your itinerary 🙂
This itinerary is incredible!
My husband and I are in the process of planning our 2nd trip to Japan and I was feeling really overwhelmed (even though I’ve already been there). This itinerary is the perfect mix of hidden gems I’ve never heard of & places that have been on my list. Thank you thank you for putting this together!
I would have paid more
I didn’t know what to expect because I’ve never paid for an itinerary before, but wow. You have clearly put a lot of thought and time into creating this. I have a very similar travel style to you and I love that I don’t have to spend a ton of time finding cool spots on my own. I feel like my trip is 90% planned already.
Interactive Google Map
Be sure to grab the interactive map with all places pinned for easy access!
Best restaurants
You’ll love our restaurant recommendations throughout the itinerary pages as we’ve done plenty of on the ground “research” to find the best spots. Plus we’ve included a Tokyo restaurant guide and link to our interactive Tokyo Ramen Map.
Hotels
We’ve carefully chosen recommended accommodation that is unique, a good value, & gets rave reviews.
A 14-day customized itinerary based on all of our research and experience traveling in Japan would cost upwards of $1000.
We know that is not feasible for everyone, so we decided to take our experience and turn it into a totally affordable and customizable downloadable PDF guide!
Let us help save you SO MUCH TIME.
Classic Japan Itinerary
Overview
This itinerary includes detailed plans for each of these places (+ more!) and is customizable based on your interests & the length of your trip.
Tokyo
See the classic sights in this iconic city
Hakone
Get up close and personal with the illusive Mount Fuji
Osaka
Get a taste of local life in this polarizing Japanese city
Nara
Meet the friendly deer of Nara & explore the city
Hiroshima
Learn about the important WWII history of this place
Miyajima Island
Spend the night on the island to avoid the crowds
Kyoto
Spot a geisha or two while exploring the city’s iconic sights
Arashiyama
Check out the famous bamboo forest and feel worlds away from the city
“We’ve packed this with insider tips that’ll make the difference between a great trip & the most unforgettable trip of your life!”
– Katie & Ben Zweber
Why trust our Japan advice?
We personally visited Japan several times before creating this itinerary. We’ve traveled around several regions in Japan, visited with varying budgets, and explored Japan with a toddler, so our experience can apply to many types of travelers.
We’ve combined all our on-the-ground experience, our favorite hidden gems, and our best tips to create the resource we wish we would’ve had.
We spent so much time & love putting together what we think is the PERFECT itinerary for your first trip to Japan.
We can’t wait to see your dream Japan trip become a reality!
-Katie & Ben Zweber
Your dream Japan trip awaits…
Let’s turn your dream Japan trip into reality!
We’ve done all the hard work for you. This itinerary will truly save you SO MUCH time and headache. All you’ve got to do is pack your bags and you’ll be off on the trip of a lifetime!
Grab your itinerary!
IF THIS YOUR VIBE, THIS ITINERARY IS FOR YOU…
Memorable food + magical onsens + cozy izakayas + authentic experiences + iconic sights + culture & history + unique stays.
Get ready to make core memories!
FAQs
Who is this itinerary for?
This is the perfect route for first-time Japan travelers who want to see the iconic sights in destinations around the country.
This itinerary is for you if you:
- have a love for authentic experiences
- enjoy big cities
- seek out authentic cultural experiences
- like traveling independently (not with tour groups)
- are drawn to restaurants where locals dine
I’f you’ve been to Japan before and want to avoid the crowds and get off the beaten path, you might be more interested in our Japan Hidden Gems itinerary.
What is the budget?
The hotels, experiences, and restaurants recommended are for those with a mid-range budget.
While Japan can get quite expensive, we’ve done our best to keep costs reasonable.
We’ve included a handful of worthy splurges, but have mostly stuck with mid-range prices.
Do I need a car to follow this itinerary?
Nope! This itinerary can be completed entirely using public transportation, mostly on trains.
How much physical activity does this itinerary require?
The itinerary includes a decent amount of walking in and around the big cities.
That said, regardless of the type of trip you’re taking, you will be walking a lot in Japan. (This is true whether you’re staying only in big cities or following a route like this one that includes some nature walks and hikes.)
What time of year can I follow this itinerary?
This itinerary can be followed just about any time of the year.
Spring or Fall:
These seasons are optimal and everything on this itinerary should be accessible. The only thing to note is that late in the fall there are some mountain road closures (all of which we’ve made note of in the itinerary).
Summer:
Summer is very hot and humid, so it’s not our personal favorite season to visit Japan, but most things on this itinerary should be accessible. Note that some hikes may be uncomfortable in the heat or during typhoon season.
If you’re visiting during the summer, we also have an alternate route for you (included in the itinerary) which skips Mount Fuji area since it is notoriously difficult to see during this season.
Winter:
Winter in Japan is magical, and can be a great time to visit. There will be some mountain road closures (noted in the itinerary), and a couple of things that are not open during the winter months.
That said, it is the perfect time for onsen soaks, snow monkeys, and you could even add skiing to your itinerary.
What if I have less time?
We have suggestions for how to alter this itinerary whether you have more or less time.
What is your return policy?
Since this is a digital download and we cannot revoke access to it, we have a no refund policy.
For this reason, we have made it incredibly affordable.
We stand by this product 100% and have put countless hours into putting it together for you. We are confident that this will be extremely helpful in planning your trip.
The itinerary includes various easy to moderate level hikes, but nothing too demanding or requiring extra gear.
Related Products
Our Interactive Japan Map includes our top recommendations in Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island and Kyoto—custom pinned in your Google Maps.
If you’re more of the adventurous traveler, you’ll love our Japan hidden gems itinerary, where we help you get off-the-beaten-path and show you the “real” Japan in 3 fully planned weeks.
Our Kyoto Itinerary is perfect for travelers that want to see iconic sights and hidden gems in the beautiful city of Kyoto. This done-for-you itinerary includes 4 interchangeable days!
Our Tokyo Planner includes 10 fully planned, interchangeable itinerary days to see the iconic sights and hidden gems in Tokyo. Plus it includes a wealth of Tokyo resources and insider tips.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions, feel free to reach out and ask away!
Get in touch!