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

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!

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

Stay connected with your travel buddies and loved ones at home effortlessly by picking up a 4G SIM Card with unlimited data, your ultimate companion during your activities in Japan. Since there are different package options available (valid for 8, 16, 21, or 31 days), you can pick the most suitable one for you. The 16-day SIM is perfect for a two-week trip! 

Conveniently pick up your SIM Card at Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo, or if you're starting your adventure in Osaka, head to Kansai International Airport before diving into your unforgettable travel experience.

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 transpo 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.

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!

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!

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. 

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:

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 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:

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!

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:

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. 

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!

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.

After your Kyoto excursion, you can head to Osaka and arrive in under an hour. 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.

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:

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!

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:

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?