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  • This 2-Week Japan Itinerary Makes Exploring Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka Easy!

    Rohana Monzon
    Rohana Monzon
    Last updated 22 Apr 2024
    collage of tokyo kyoto osaka

    Image Credits - Klook

    Getting ready to travel to Japan? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, you can’t go wrong with the Golden Route! It loosely traces the Tokaido road and encompasses Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and many other stops with fun surprises along the way. The route was also the most traveled during the Edo Period (1603 and 1867), ensuring plenty of rich cultural experiences. 
    Even with just two weeks to spare, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo! This handy Japan itinerary has all the must-see attractions, unmissable activities, and handy tips on transportation and essentials. 
    So go on a journey with us and discover where to go in Japan for a trip of a lifetime!

    Travel Essentials

    Before getting into the details of the Japan itinerary, it’s important to ensure you have all the travel essentials ready for a seamless and hassle-free adventure. No hassle, just smooth sailing throughout!

    High-speed eSIM

    Stay connected with your travel buddies and loved ones at home effortlessly by getting a Japan eSIM. Klook offers a wide range of affordable high-speed 4G/5G Japan eSIMs that cover multiple destinations starting from just USD$1.50. 
    Why an eSIM? You don’t have to waste time looking for SIM card shops upon landing in a new country or deal with physical SIM card swaps — so there’s no risk of losing your original SIM card, which can be a hassle to replace.

    Transportation

    Family traveling in a train at Japan
    There are many ways to enjoy train travel in Japan! Credits: Klook
    It’s important to consider transportation when traveling in Japan. Luckily, the country is known for its advanced railway system, making trains your best bet when traversing the Golden Route.
    Of course, you can purchase individual tickets for each trip. But opting for the JR Pass will give you unlimited access to trains and other modes of transport operated by the Japan Railways Group, saving you time and money as you comfortably explore and city-hope seamlessly!
    For those exploring the marvelous Kansai Area, the Kansai Pass is your golden ticket, as it grants you access to transportation in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, and even the mystical Koyasan.

    The Ultimate 2-Week Japan Itinerary

    At this point, you’re probably already wondering what to do in Japan, especially after getting the essentials down. Without further ado, let’s start the journey in Tokyo!

    Tokyo

    Day 1: Arrival

    After arriving in Japan’s bustling capital of Tokyo, take the opportunity to settle in your hotel room, find fantastic eats, and get ready for the next two weeks of adventure!

    Day 2: Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo

    Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo
    Complete your trip to Japan with a visit to the iconic Mt. Fuji! Credits: Klook
    A great way to tick off multiple bucket list items on your Japan trip is by going on the Mt. Fuji and Hakone day trip from Tokyo. See the iconic Mt. Fuji up close at Fifth Station at 2,400 meters above ground, where you’ll feel like you can touch the fluffy clouds! You’ll also explore the picturesque resort town of Hakone, where you’ll get the chance to ride a cable car and board a pirate ship. 

    Day 3-6: Tokyo Attractions

    With plenty of things to do in Tokyo, dedicate the next three days to exploring as much as possible! And what better day to do that than using the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo?
    This single pass unlocks not just one or two but up to seven of the city's most iconic attractions, allowing you to delve into the vibrant culture, awe-inspiring landmarks, and unforgettable experiences.
    Here are just a few of the numerous attractions you can visit:
    TeamLab Planets Tokyo
    Family at TeamLab Planets Tokyo
    Delight in the sight of the Floating Flower Garden in this one-of-a-kind art gallery at teamLab Planets.
    Step into a world of art like no other, where you can immerse yourself in every piece and use all your senses: TeamLab Planets Tokyo. Reach out to the real orchids above you at the Floating Flower Garden, walk on illuminated water with seasonal flowers and koi swimming all around you at the Water Area, and many, many more. While you can access this attraction with the Klook Pass, you can also get your individual TeamLab Planets ticket here:
    Tokyo Disney Resort
    Tokyo Disney Resort
    The magic of Disney awaits with your Klook pass! Credits: Colton Jones on Unsplash
    Tokyo Disney Resort is a must-have for any Japan itinerary! With two theme parks—Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea—you can witness the magic of Disney come to life with its character encounters, parades, rides, shops, attractions, and more! You can also get your individual tickets here:

    Kyoto

    Day 7: Arriving at Kyoto

    Kyoto Tower
    See Japan’s former capital from up high on the Kyoto Tower. Credits: Klook
    After your three-day Tokyo excursion, it’s time to embark on a three-hour Shinkansen (bullet train) ride to Kyoto. Upon arriving or settling in your accommodation, you can visit the Kyoto Tower, where you can get a bird’s eye view of Japan’s old capital from 100 meters high!

    Day 8-9: Kyoto and Nara Day Tours

    On your second and third days in Kyoto, you can head straight to the exploration and skip the planning. Got to all the highlights in the area by going to one (or two!) of these day tours:
    Kyoto and Nara Day Tour
    Kyoto and Nara Day Tour
    Discover the enchanting sceneries of Kyoto and Nara’s temples and shrines. Credits: Klook
    Go on a magical journey through the enchanting cities of Kyoto and Nara on this day tour, where you’ll bask in the serene beauty of Kinkakuji Temple, find inner peace in the mesmerizing thousand tori gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and befriend the freely roaming deer of Nara Park
    Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Nara Park Day Tour
    Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Nara Park Day Tour
    The friendly deer of Nara await! Credits: Klook
    You can also start week two of your Japan itinerary by joining the Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, and Nara Park day tour, where you’ll uncover the wonders of Arashiyama, including its stunning mountain scenery, bamboo forest path, and temples. You’ll also see the Kinkakuji Temple and Nara Park on this tour!
    Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour
    Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour
    Enrich your cultural experience with this tour dedicated to the temples and shrines of Kyoto! Credits: Klook
    Spending a spiritual day dedicated to the temples and shrines of Kyoto is another way of appreciating the former capital’s wonders. Take in the tranquil beauty of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site,  as well as Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and more.

    Osaka

    Day 10: Arrival at Osaka

    Arrival at Osaka
    Get a blast from the past at Osaka Castle. Credits: Klook
    After your Kyoto excursion, head to Osaka — just an hour's journey away! On your first day, you can unwind, take some time to relax, and embrace wanderlust. Osaka Castle is an unmissable landmark in the city, as it transports you back to old-time Japan with its 430-year history and relics reflecting its cultural heritage.

     Day 11-14: Osaka Attractions and Return Trip

    Osaka Attractions and Return Trip
    Unlock multiple Osaka attractions with one pass! Credits: Klook
    On the remaining days of the trip, you can fully acquaint yourself with Osaka’s top attractions. Similar to Tokyo’s, you can access multiple attractions with the Osaka Amazing Pass & Osaka e-Pass. You can pick between the Osaka Amazing Pass, which gives you access to 40 attractions and unlimited subway and bus use, or the Osaka e-Pass, an electronic pass that allows you to go to 20 attractions.
    Here are just a few of the best things to do in Osaka using the passes:
    Osaka Wheel
    Osaka Wheel
    Make sightseeing in the city better by hopping on the Osaka Wheel! Credits: Klook
    This 123-meter-tall ferris wheel is Japan’s tallest, providing you with unobstructed views like no other. Overlook the entire town from the Osaka Wheel, especially with its transparent floors!
    Kuchu-Teien Observatory
    Kuchu-Teien Observatory
    Another great way to get a bird’s eye view of Osaka! Credits: Magnus Johansson on Flickr
    Nestled on the Umeda Sky Building is this floating garden observatory 170 meters above the ground. Get dazzling 360-degree views of the entire Osaka cityscape, which you can enjoy both during the day or at night with all the bright lights.
    Another sky-high destination you can see visit in Osaka:
    HARUKAS 300 Observatory
    HARUKAS 300 Observatory
    Osaka is worth seeing from up above! Credits: Klook
    Get a breathtaking view of Osaka from the 300-meter-high Harukas 300 Observatory Deck! The 58th floor has an open-air plaza where you can freely roam about and stretch your legs, while the 60th floor has a 360° glass observation deck that boasts panoramic city views. 
    After visiting these numerous sites across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you’re bound to leave this trip with endless memories! Now, are you ready to make your two-week trip to the Land of the Rising Sun happen?

    More Japan Inspiration

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