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When you are visiting Japan for the first time, you probably have places that you want to visit; Tokyo, Japan’s huge, modern city, or Kyoto to see the many shrines and temples, and maybe Nara to meet the friendly, free-roaming deer. Or perhaps you have some other great places in mind where you can enjoy the diverse culture and nature of Japan. But how long should you actually spend there? It all boils down to your travel style, must-see destinations, desired experiences, and, of course, your budget.
Keep reading because we’ll share itinerary ideas, from a quick getaway to a month-long adventure. We’ll weigh the pros and cons of each, helping you nail down the perfect length for your unforgettable first trip.
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A Few Days in Japan
Short on time in Japan? Make the most of it! A quick trip (under a week) is best spent choosing and exploring one amazing destination. Resist the urge to city-hop because you’ll lose precious time in transit. That said, depending on where you are, a quick hop across a neighboring prefecture to visit highlights there might be doable.
There are some pros to a short trip. It can save you money that you can spend on other things like museums or exciting experiences instead of accommodation, for example. It also takes some of the work out of planning because you will only need to fill a few days worth of activities.
Pros for a Few Days Trip
- Save money that you can use on other experiences
- Don’t have to spend too much time on travel
Cons for a Few Days Trip
- Can only visit a limited amount of areas with a limited time
- Won’t have time to visit many places and attractions
- Might not be cost-effective to spend only a few days if you’ve spent a lot of money on flights
Itinerary Ideas for a Few Days in Japan
When you only have a few days, we recommend you visit Tokyo, especially if it is your first time in Japan. In the capital city, you can have tons of different experiences and gain an understanding of Japanese culture.
Tokyo – Shibuya, Shinjuku, Nihonbashi, and more
Explore the highlights in Tokyo in different wards. Tokyo boasts a number of tourist attractions such as Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Ghibli Museum, and many other places that are listed as the most popular tourist spots in Japan. The public transportation system in Tokyo is very punctual and takes you anywhere for an affordable fare. The city has easy access to and from both Narita and Haneda airports, and you can easily find everything such as restaurants, gift shops, historical sites, and accommodations. Lastly, Tokyo also offers easy access to Mount Fuji, something you do not want to miss when visiting Japan!
One Week in Japan
On a one-week trip to Japan, you can visit two major cities or one city and the surrounding area. You can spend the first couple of days walking around the first destination while you get used to the culture and figure out how to get around, where to go etc. Also, if you travel from far away and there is a time difference, you will have some time to get used to the different time zones and get over the jet lag. After a few days, you can gradually expand the area you are exploring and enjoy the tourist attractions in the surrounding areas or travel to another city by Shinkansen! This will offer you memorable experiences and you can get a better idea of the country as a whole. It will also help you get used to the new environment and enjoy your trip with a more relaxed feel.
The JAPAN RAIL PASS used to be the most economical choice for travel between cities, but now the price has increased making it hard to get your value’s worth unless you are doing major train hopping. If the pass doesn’t work out to being the best choice for you, it will be better to buy individual tickets.
▼Buy Shinkansen Tickets:
Even though a one-week trip might be the best option for some people, it doesn’t always allow you to enjoy the entire country and everything it has to offer. You will still need to decide your destination and plan your trip. It is possible to visit main destinations such as Tokyo and Osaka within a week, but it might make you feel a little rushed. The best idea is to pick one major area like Kanto (Tokyo) or Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.) because you’ll save time and money on transportation. If you prefer a slower, more relaxed trip that will allow you to explore more places and hidden tourist spots, adding another week might be the best option for you.
Pros for a One Week Trip
- Able to explore the highlights of Japan
- You can potentially save money with the JAPAN RAIL PASS
Cons for a One Week Trip
- Requires planning because of the time limit
- Feels a little rushed
Itinerary Ideas for One Week in Japan
When you have one week in Japan, we recommend you combine your visit to Tokyo and make some day trips/overnight trips to the areas located close by. Explore the highlights in Tokyo and travel to any of the surrounding areas and witness the sacred Mt Fuji or visit the impressive shrines of Nikko. You can take local trains or highway buses which are convenient and relatively affordable. Several types of Shinkansen are also available leaving from the main stations in Tokyo. Some great destinations with a considerably short travel distance from Tokyo include:
Two Weeks in Japan
In our opinion, a two week stay is the ideal length to enjoy the country without worrying about time. You can pick three or four areas located throughout the country and decide how many days to spend in each area. As a first-timer in Japan, you could definitely visit the main tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and/or Osaka, though venturing off the beaten path is not a bad idea, either! In addition, you could also visit some isolated areas such as some beautiful islands like Hokkaido and Okinawa.
Of course, your budget for the trip will have to be much higher than any shorter trips we introduced above, though because you have more time you might be able to save some more money on public transportation with the 14-day JAPAN RAIL PASS or other multi-day discounts. Don’t forget to try to reduce the amount of luggage you need to carry around, as it could be bothersome and exhausting to travel with huge bags!
Pros for a Two Week Trip
- Perfect length to enjoy the whole country (one or two areas separately)
- Can also visit more off-the-beaten-path areas
Cons for a Two Week Trip
- Higher travel costs
Itinerary Ideas for Two Weeks in Japan
Phew! You’ve got more time to visit the main hotspots in Japan and compare their respective highlights! You can spend your first week visiting the tourist attractions in and around Tokyo, and take the train to reach the Kansai region where Osaka and Kyoto are. We suggest taking the Shinkansen that goes directly to Kyoto and Osaka while making stops in Nagoya and venturing to Takayama, too. Another great option is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen so you have a chance to explore areas like Kanazawa and Fukui on your way to Osaka and Kyoto.
Osaka (30 min by train) and Nara (40 min by train) are close enough to Kyoto that it’s easy to set up a base and explore the nearby prefectures on day trips. There is also a great opportunity to visit places of interest like Hiroshima and Hakone on your adventure!
Check out our full 14 day itinerary that highlights Japan’s golden route to get some more great ideas for your two week trip to Japan.
▼Book our Private Tour in Kyoto!
One Month in Japan
A one-month trip to Japan will give you the freedom to travel around the country more freely without as much planning beforehand. You can explore the country as you go, based on your own interests and preferences, especially when you travel outside of the popular holidays. You can also rent a car with an international driver’s license to get to more remote, countryside areas. It enables you to enjoy a private trip with a flexible itinerary!
Maybe you can join some private tours to explore the tourist spots more deeply with a local guide. You need to make sure that you save up enough money prior to your departure! Traveling for one month in Japan might seem like a long period of time, but the country has so many different areas and experiences to offer, from the mountains in Hokkaido, the exotic islands of Okinawa and everything in between. It will definitely be one of the most unforgettable trips in your lifetime!
Pros for a One Month Trip
- Can explore the whole country
- Flexible travel plans
Cons for a One Month Trip
- High costs and travel expenses
- Might not appreciate each destination as much
Itinerary Ideas for a One Month Trip in Japan
Tohoku, Kyushu, Shikoku, some remote islands from Tokyo… you can visit wherever you want!
With frequent and fast trains and many fairly cheap domestic flights, you can travel from up north all the way down south. Almost nothing is off the table! Also, when spending some time in one place, you will have the opportunity to get a special long-stay rate at some hotels and inns. But it is better to not stay in one place and be active to make the most of your time in Japan!
Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Trip to Japan
- The national holidays tend to get very busy and (much) more expensive so try to avoid traveling on these dates
- You may want to factor in the weather
- Japan can be expensive, read more about your travel budget when visiting Japan
Japan is a land of unforgettable experiences, no matter how long you visit. But for a truly immersive first trip, we recommend at least two weeks. This gives you time to explore both iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Keep in mind that Japan’s seasons vary dramatically, so choose your travel dates wisely!
Pro-tip: pack light! Lugging a huge suitcase around can be a real drag (and costly, especially on the Shinkansen or using luggage forwarding companies).
Happy planning – we’re sure you’ll have an amazing trip to Japan!
Japan Wonder Travel Tours
Japan Wonder Travel is a travel agency that offers guided tours throughout Japan.
From private walking tours to delicious Food and Drink tours, we can help you organize the best tours just for you! If you want to explore Japan and learn more about the history and backstories of each area you are visiting, our knowledgeable and friendly English speaking guides will happily take you to the best spots!
In addition, we can provide you with any assistance you may need for your upcoming trip to Japan, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need some help!
▶Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Drink Tour
Explore the most lively and popular fish market in Tokyo and try some of the local’s favorite street foods and sake with one of our friendly and knowledgeable English speaking guides!
▶Tokyo 1–Day Highlights Private Walking Tour (8 Hours)
There’s no better way to explore an area than taking a tour with a knowledgeable local guide. You will have the chance to learn about the history and interesting background stories of Tokyo, as well as discover some hidden gems which can be hard to do without a guide.
▶Mt. Fuji Day Trip Bus Tour from Tokyo
Experience the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji by visiting the highlights of the area on our guided sightseeing bus tour! Departing from Shinjuku in central Tokyo, you can travel comfortably to all of the best spots in the area by bus.
▶Kyoto Private Full Day Walking Tour
On this full-day private tour of Kyoto, you will be able to see the highlights of Kyoto in just one day and at the same time develop a deeper understanding of both the culture of the area and Japan as a whole.
Kimono Experience
Kimono Rental is Available at Popular Tourist Attractions in Japan!
Discover Japan with a traditional Kimono from Kimono Rental Wargo! Explore cities or join festivals effortlessly starting from just ¥3,300. Our shops are conveniently located in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Kawagoe, and Kanazawa. Elevate your adventures with the elegance of the kimono and create unforgettable memories in Japan!
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Happy traveling!
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