How to Plan Your Itinerary for Japan: A 15 to 20 Day Adventure

Planning a 2 or 3-week trip to Japan? This guide helps you explore the country’s best places without burnout. From Tokyo’s city buzz to Kyoto’s peaceful temples, from Mount Fuji to lesser-known gems, you’ll discover Japan at your own pace.

1. Start Strong: Tokyo and Kyoto

Tokyo (5 to 7 days)
Start your trip in Japan’s vibrant capital. Explore Shibuya and Shinjuku, dive into Akihabara’s tech scene, and slow down at Meiji Shrine or Asakusa.
Tokyo is a mix of tradition, street food, modern culture, and history. A great place to begin, especially for first-time travelers.

Kyoto (3 to 4 days)
After Tokyo, slow things down in Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and admire the golden Kinkaku-ji.
Perfect for temple lovers and anyone who enjoys calm, nature, and culture.

2. History and Meaning: Hiroshima and Miyajima (Optional, but worth it)

Hiroshima (1 day)
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. A moving and powerful experience that stays with you.

Miyajima (1 day)
Take the ferry to Itsukushima and see the floating torii gate. Magical at high tide, peaceful in the evening.

3. Breathe in Nature: Mount Fuji and Hakone

If seeing Mount Fuji is a must, Hakone is a great stop.
Ride the cable car, enjoy an onsen, and cruise Lake Ashi for a classic view.
Other options to see Fuji: stay in Fujikawaguchiko or pass through Shizuoka.

4. Add Osaka to the Mix (2 to 3 days)

Osaka is Japan’s foodie paradise.
Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori, walk around Shinsekai, and enjoy the energy.
A nice balance to Kyoto’s calm vibe.

5. Transport and Accommodation Tips

Transport
Use a Japan Rail Pass for long trips. Use a JR Pass calculator to see if it’s worth it for your travel dates.
For city travel, grab a Suica or Pasmo card. It works in most urban areas and saves time.

Where to Stay
Mix modern hotels and traditional ryokans. Choose based on your mood, city, and budget.

6. Leave Space for the Unexpected

Don’t fill every minute.
Leave time to explore random streets, pop into a local café, or stumble upon a hidden shrine.
That’s often when the best memories happen.

📅 Sample Itinerary: 15 to 20 Days

Days 1 to 7: Tokyo (with day trip to Hakone or Mount Fuji)
Days 8 to 9: Osaka
Days 10 to 12: Kyoto
Day 13: Nara (easy day trip from Kyoto)
Days 14 to 15: Hiroshima and Miyajima

Extra time? Add Kobe, Kamakura, or Nikko for something different.

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Planning a Japan trip can get overwhelming.
I lived in Japan and built the kind of guide I wish I had at the beginning.

Here’s what you get:
✅ Clear day-by-day routes 100% customizable
✅ Local spots, not just the touristy ones
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Marie creator behind @Tabimawari

Hi, I’m Marie.

French islander from Reunion island, Japan lover, and travel planner behind Tabimawari.

I spent a year living in Kyoto, learning Japanese and falling in love with the culture. Since then, I’ve kept going back, exploring every corner from Tokyo to the tiniest hidden towns.

I created these guides after spending months planning, testing, and fine-tuning every detail so you don’t have to. Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Interactive maps
✅ Step-by-step directions
✅ Local spots + travel tips
✅ Offline use

Each guide is made with care, based on real-life travel, not generic blog advice.

This is what I wish I had on my first trip to Japan and now it’s yours.

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