Japan is an incredible country with something for every traveller. Whether you are looking for historic shrines, high-tech cities, or stunning natural landscapes, this country has it all. It’s genuinely one of the most spectacular destinations I’ve visited.
With so much to explore, planning your first trip to Japan may be overwhelming. To help make the most of your adventure, I’ve put together a Japan itinerary that covers the must-visit destinations and top attractions. Check it out below and get ready to experience Japan!
This Japan itinerary covers 15 full days, plus a day at the start and end for flights. The first part uses the JR West All Area pass. For more details on days 1-9, check out my guide on using the JR West All Area Pass.
Day 1: Fukuoka
Land in Fukuoka.
Depending on what time your flight lands, you might not have much time to explore Fukuoka. You could take a day out of the Japan itinerary elsewhere to do more here.
Day 2-3: Itsukushima (Miyajima Island)
Pick up your JR West all area pass from the ticket counter at Hakata Station.
Get the Shinkansen to Miyajimaguchi station and the ferry to Itsukushima (Miyajima Island).
Spend the afternoon and evening strolling through the small town. There’s lots of street food, bars and shops to explore. Visit the Itsukushima Jinja shrine and take in the famous floating Torii Gate.
The following day, hike Mt. Misen for some stunning views.
Take a late afternoon ferry back to the mainland and catch the train to Onomichi.
Day 4: Onomichi – Shimanami Kaido
Get up early and cycle Japan’s famous cycle route – The Shimanami Kaido. This cycle route takes you through the islands of the Setonaikai National Park. I’ve written a detailed post on cycling the Shimanami Kaido, which you can read for more details. You can do as little or as much as you are able. An electric bike rental makes it so much easier!
Day 5: Himeji Castle
Leave Onomichi and catch the Shinkansen to Himeji. Stroll down the high street and explore Himeji Castle and Kōkōen Garden.
Head back to the station and catch the train to Kyoto.
Day 6-9: Kyoto
There are lots of attractions in Kyoto, including:
- Nijo Castle
- Nishiki Market and the Kyoto Samurai Museum
- Kiyomizu-dera temple
- Fushimi Inari (10,000 Torii gates),
- Evening or day trip to Osaka
- Day trip to Amanohashidate
- Hozugawa river boat ride
- Arashiyama bamboo forest
- Kinkaku-ji golden temple
- Day trip to Nara
- Kyoto Tower
- Kyoto national museum
- Kyoto Gyoen National Gardens
- And lots more!
Note that your JR West all Area pass will end on day 8 (day 3 in Kyoto) of this Japan itinerary, so take any longer travel day trips before this.
Check out my post on how to spend 4 days in Kyoto for more details.
Day 10-12: Tokyo
Take the Shinkansen to Japan’s Capitol City – Tokyo.
Top attractions in Tokyo include:
- Imperial Palace
- Tokyo Skytree
- Tokyo Tower
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Koishikawa Kōrakuen Garden
- Meiji-jingū Shinto Shrine
- Rikugi-en garden
- TeamLab Borderless
- Tokyo National Museum
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Tsukiji Outer Market
- Harajuku
- Sensoji Temple
- TeamLab Planets
Check out my post on the best things to do in Tokyo for more info.
Day 13-15: Hakone/Fuji
Pack a small bag and use the Fuji Hakone Pass to spend 3 days visiting Hakone and Mt Fuji.
The most direct train goes from Shinjuku Station. You can leave your main luggage in the coin lockers at the station. Start early to make the most of the 3 day pass!
On day 15, get the train back to Shinjuku.
I’ve written a detailed post on using the Fuji Hakone Pass, which you can check out for more details.
Day 16-17: Tokyo, Akihabara
If your trip ends in Tokyo, I recommend spending the last few days near Akihabara. Also Known as Akihabara Electric Town, this is where you can do a tonne of shopping!
There are streets lined with shops selling books, anime and manga, and various branded clothing. There is also a massive, 9-floor Yodobashi Camera store selling any kind of electronics you can imagine. And it’s all at discounted prices.
This is where your Japan itinerary ends. You’ll fly out of Tokyo from either Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) or Narita International Airport. Make sure you check which one you are flying from.
Narita airport is further outside the main city centre, but regular buses run from Tokyo Station. The cost is ¥1,500.
Further resources
Check out my Google Map for the locations of attractions mentioned in this Japan itinerary.
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