If you're planning a 2-week trip to Japan, this itinerary is tailored just for you. Drawing from my extensive visits to Japan over the past decade, I have crafted the perfect 2-week backpacking itinerary that spans from Tokyo to Hiroshima. This itinerary allows you to explore some of the most beautiful places in the country along the way.
This itinerary offers a well-balanced blend of city exploration and nature appreciation for your backpacking adventure. From the vibrant streets of Tokyo and Osaka to the stunning nature of Nikko and Kawaguchiko, without further ado, here's a complete 2-week itinerary for Japan for solo travelers and how you can make the best out of it.
- Japan 2-Week Itinerary Map
- 2 Weeks Backpacking Japan Itinerary
- Japan Travel Video
- When to Visit Japan?
- How to Get to Japan?
- How to Get Around Japan?
- How Much Money Do I Need For A 2-Week Trip To Japan?
- What to Pack for Japan?
- Further Reading for Japan
Japan 2-Week Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1-3: | Tokyo |
| ☀️ Day 4-5: | Nikko |
| ☀️ Day 6-7: | Kawaguchiko |
| ☀️ Day 8-10: | Kyoto-Osaka |
| ☀️ Day 11: | Osaka (Day Trip) |
| ☀️ Day 12-14: | Hiroshima |
Tips: Get the Klook Value Pass instead of JR Pass to travel across Japan and save up to 130 USD!
2 Weeks Backpacking Japan Itinerary
Day 1 - 3: Tokyo
Our itinerary begins in Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, and there is no better way to start your exploration here than at Asakusa, home to one of the most impressive temple complexes in Tokyo, Sensoji Temple. You can easily reach this area with the Asakusa metro line.
The surrounding area is also worth exploring, with many winding streets like Nakamise-dori, where you will find countless shops lining both sides of the street, selling all kinds of things from street food to souvenirs, and more.
Now, here's a little hidden gem for you. If you want to get a nice view of Sensoji Temple from above, as well as an awesome vantage point over Asakusa, be sure to visit the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center and check out the view from the observation deck on the top floor. It's free!
- Japan One Life Adventures - 10 Days (10 days)
- Japan Adventure (13 days)
- 10 Days Splendid Japan with Nagoya (3 star hotels) (10 days)
Next up, you can take the train to Akihabara, also known as Electric Town for its abundance of electronic shops and its status as the epicenter of various fascinating Japanese subcultures, such as manga, anime, games, and much more.
Here, you will find shops and stores selling all kinds of things, from console games like Nintendo and PlayStation to elaborately designed figurines of your favorite Japanese Manga characters like One Piece or my favorite, Dragon Ball Z (I'm old school that way 😉).
For a great place to grab dinner in Tokyo, you can check out Yūrakuchō, a place where you can eat like a local and experience the unique "Under the Tracks" dining that the area is known for.
On our second day, we are going to visit the trendy neighborhoods of Tokyo, starting with Shibuya Sky, a newly launched 360° open-air observation deck located on the 48th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square skyscraper, right in the center of Shibuya.
It is one of the best vantage points in the city, allowing you to see not only the Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Skytree but also Mount Fuji on a clear day. Be sure to book the ticket way in advance as it does get booked out pretty quickly.
Spend around an hour or two at Shibuya Sky and really get to enjoy the view before we continue on to our next stop, the Shibuya Crossing, a controlled chaos dance of people trying to cross the road, right in the heart of Tokyo.
Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, and when the lights turn green, it's a rush of people from all directions, trying to cross the road all at the same time. It's pretty awesome.
After you are done with Shibuya, another great place to hang out is Harajuku (Takeshita Street), one of Tokyo's trendy spots known for its creative youth and street-style fashion culture.
Takeshita Street is where all the cool kids hang out in Harajuku, with quirky boutiques, trendy clothing stores, and colorful accessory shops lining both sides of the narrow street. It's a fashion paradise, showcasing everything from kawaii (cute) and street style to avant-garde and alternative fashion.
Next up, we are going to visit Meiji Park, a massive park located right across the road from Takeshita Street with over 100,000 trees donated from all over Japan and a Shinto shrine right at the center.
It is one of my favorite parks in Tokyo, and you can go for a stroll and take a break from all the hustle and bustle of the city for about an hour or two before we head over to our next stop, Shinjuku.
For the best nightlife in Tokyo, you can't go wrong with Shinjuku, a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood that never sleeps. The district is best known for its neon-lit streets and diverse entertainment options, with countless restaurants, clubs, and bars where you can enjoy your night away.
There are several districts you can check out in Shinjuku. If you are looking for a place to eat, Golden Gai is a famous narrow alleyway full of roadside bars, or you can check out the red light district (Kabukicho). It is quite a trip to walk around that area with all the neon-lit signs bombarding you from all directions.
On our third day in Tokyo, we are going to go on a shopping spree, and there is no better place to be than Ginza. It is an upscale shopping district lined with shops from some of the most well-known brands in the world, both Western and Japanese, such as Apple, Seiko, and more.
In Ginza, you can literally shop until you drop... or realistically, run out of money 😂. With the majority of shops participating in the tax-free program, you can enjoy an additional 10% discount on top of any ongoing promotional campaigns. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Not too far from Ginza, you can also visit one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo, the Tokyo Tower. Standing tall at 333 meters, the tower was inspired by Paris's Eiffel Tower and serves as both a communication and observation tower.
Once the sun is down, you can go back to Shinjuku and enjoy a nice dinner, go crazy with the arcade games at TAITO Station. Play some Tekken, Gundam fighting games, slot machines, or get scammed by the claw machine as I did 😂. All in all, there are plenty of things to do that will occupy you for the rest of the night in Shinjuku. Since it's your last day here, end your trip in Tokyo with a bang and go crazy!
Getting from Tokyo to Nikko
Tobu Limited Express Train: There are several ways you can get from Tokyo to Nikko. The simplest way is to get on the Tobu limited express train from Asakusa Train Station in Tokyo. You will be dropped off at Tōbu-Nikkō Station in about 2 hours, and it should cost about 3000 JPY per person.
For JR Pass Holders: If you are a JR Pass holder, you can catch a JR Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Utsunomiya Station and switch trains to the JR Nikkou Line to get to JR Nikko Station (a 2-minute walk from Tōbu-Nikkō Station). The whole journey should take about 2 hours, and it will cost you nothing as all the lines are covered by the JR Pass.
Tips: If you are a train pass holder like JR Pass and want to only see train routes that you can use with a JR Pass, try NAVITIME app. You can filter train routes based on the train pass you hold. Highly recommended.
Day 4 - 5: Nikko
We first start off our journey in Nikko with one of the most famous landmarks of all, the Shinkyo Bridge, an iconic red-black bridge with a storied past, set against the beautiful forests and rivers of Nikko.
As you make your way along the river, you will find Kanmangafuchi Abyss, one of my favorite places in Nikko. This beautiful forested volcanic gorge is located along the Daiya River, south of Yasukawacho town, and it is known for its picturesque Jizo stone statues of Buddhist monks.
Along the gorge, you will find these moss-covered stone statues facing the river, all lined up neatly along the walking path, which makes for a peaceful stroll as well as a great photo spot.
After visiting Kanmangafuchi Abyss, we can make our way back to Shinkyo Bridge and, across the road, you will find a path that will take you to some of the most beautiful temples in Nikko. One of the most impressive temples of all is Nikko Toshogu Temple, a beautifully decorated 17th-century shrine complex that was built to honor the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years.
One of the highlights of visiting Nikko Toshogu is seeing the famed Yomeimon Gate, which is considered to be the most beautiful gate in Japan. The gate is truly a masterpiece of design, featuring more than 240,000 pieces of gold leaf as well as over 500 elaborate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and other imaginary animals. It is truly quite a sight to behold.
After you are done with Nikko Toshogu Temple, be sure to check out Nikko Gojunoto, a five-storied pagoda located at the entrance of Nikko Toshogu Temple. It gracefully pierces the sky, towering over the tall trees of Nikko.
There are several other walking trails and temples you can check out around the area, so expect to spend around an hour or 2 here. Now that we have covered most of the best tourist attractions around Nikko town, it is time to travel further into the mountains and explore the Chuzenji Onsen area, starting with Kegon Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the area.
To get to Kegon Falls, you will have to take one of the C, Y, and YK buses from any bus stop in Nikko to get to Chuzenji Onsen, which is only a 5-minute walk away from Kegon Falls. The bus journey can take between 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic, and it should cost about 1250 JPY one way. To save money, be sure to get the Chuzenji Onsen Bus Pass so you can have unlimited access to the Tobu bus in Nikko.
If you are looking for a challenging hike to do near Chuzenji Onsen, you can go for a day hike to the Mt. Hangetsu Observation Deck, where you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Chuzenji Lake and its surroundings from above.
The hike is easy to moderate, depending on which route you want to take. The trailhead begins right at the Tori Gate in Chuzenji Lake, and the easiest route is to walk along the lake and up to the observation deck directly, which should take about 2.5 hours walking up and then another 1.5 hours walking back the same way.
Other cool things to do in Nikko you shouldn't miss are going up to Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck for an incredible view over Kegon Falls and its surroundings, the Treasure House Museum at Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple, and more.
We can then spend the entire evening enjoying an onsen at your Ryokan accommodation. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that typically offers tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas. This is one of the main reasons why this itinerary includes an overnight stay in Nikko.
There are several Ryokans you can check out in Nikko. If you are on a budget, I highly recommend Turtle Inn Nikko, a traditional inn located on the backstreet of Yasukawacho, not too far from the Kanmangafuchi Abyss. The place is equipped with a two-person onsen, a traditional Japanese-style room, and a lovely common area, all at a very affordable price.
There is a limited number of Ryokans in Nikko, and they often get booked out weeks in advance. So, to avoid disappointment, I highly recommend you book them months prior to your trip. You can browse for available Ryokans here.
Getting from Nikko to Kawaguchiko
To get from Nikko to Kawaguchiko, you will first have to get back to Tokyo. You can take the same Tobu train back to Tokyo. Get off at Asakusa and switch to the Ginza metro line to get to Kanda Station. Once there, switch to the Chuo Line, and then you can catch the train to Shinjuku.
Once you are there, you can walk from Shinjuku train station for about 5 minutes to get to Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and catch the bus to Kawaguchiko Station. The whole journey should take about 5 hours and cost around 5,600 JPY.
Day 6 - 7: Kawaguchiko
Of course, when you are in Japan, you have to see Mt. Fuji, and there is no better place to see this snow-capped peak than in Kawaguchiko. The town is famous for its stunning landscapes, with the majestic Mount Fuji towering in the background. The reflective surface of Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is quite a sight to behold.
One of the best viewpoints you will find here is at Chureito Pagoda, probably one of the most photogenic pagodas in Japan, located right on a hilltop facing Mt. Fuji. The place is even more beautiful if you are there during Cherry Blossoms or in autumn when the tree colors provide a perfect contrast to Mt. Fuji. There's nothing quite like it.
You can also spend your time and stroll around Lake Kawaguchi, visit Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park for another great Mt. Fuji vantage point, check out some of the museums they have there like Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum, Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, and more.
After you are done exploring Kawaguchiko, you can take the bus around the lake and visit the old traditional village of Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, a reconstructed Japanese traditional village where you can get a glimpse of what life was like living under the revered Mt. Fuji, back in the day.
You can then spend the rest of the day chilling, sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the view of Mt. Fuji from your accommodation. Retreat for the night and prepare yourself for a long journey to Kyoto the next day.
Getting from Kawaguchiko to Kyoto
From Kawaguchiko, you can take the bus from Kawaguchiko Station to get to Mishima JR Station, where you can then catch the bullet train straight to Kyoto. It should take about 4.5 hours in total and cost around 11,000 JPY.
Day 8 - 10: Kyoto
Once you arrive in Kyoto, you can start the day by visiting Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, one of the most popular temples in Kyoto. It is only a 10-minute walk away from Kyoto JR Station. It is best known for its massive 76-meter-long wooden structure, which ranks among the largest wooden buildings in the world.
The temple complex consisted of a vast temple ground surrounded by several wooden structures like Goei-do Hall (Founder's Hall), where you can go inside and pay respect to the Buddha image and Shinran Shōnin, the founder of Shin Buddhism. You can spend around 30 minutes walking around the temple grounds and checking out the interior of the Founder's Hall before continuing our journey around Kyoto.
Next up, we are going to go on an eating spree at Nishiki Market, one of the oldest and most famous food markets in Kyoto and a great place to explore the culinary delight that is Japanese cuisine.
If you want to dive even deeper into the rich Japanese Cuisine, you can also go on a food tour, which will provide you with insights about the local Japanese food as well as the opportunity to sample hidden gems that you might have missed if you were to explore on your own.
After Nishiki Market, we are going to visit Nijō Castle, one of the seventeen remaining historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, and learn a little bit more about the rich history of this old capital.
The castle consists of several palaces, much of which is preserved as museums, and you can go around and witness the Shogun's living quarters and offices, often decorated in the traditional Japanese style with wooden elements, sliding doors, and intricate wall murals of tigers and dragons.
Next up, we are going to visit Yasaka Shrine, a prominent Shinto shrine located in the Gion district where the famous Gion Matsuri, one of Japan's most famous festivals, is held each year.
The shrine is connected via an expansive Maruyama Park, which is a lively place to hang out after you are done at the shrine, especially in the evening when locals come out in droves to socialize with one another.
After visiting Yasaka Shrine, you can make your way south and you will arrive in the old town area of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two connected charming pedestrian areas. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by some of the most stunning and well-preserved traditional wooden houses, lined up on both sides of the streets.
By the time you arrive, it should already be late evening, which is perfect timing as we are right by Kiyomizu-dera Temple – a renowned temple known for its incredible views and an ideal spot to watch the sunset.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto, dating back to 798 when the temple was established. Later, in the 17th century, the main wooden stage building was added, which became the most distinctive feature of the temple.
One of the most remarkable features of the main stage is that it is entirely constructed from wood without the use of nails, which is mind-boggling. The fact that such a large and intricate wooden structure can stand on its own without relying on nails is truly awe-inspiring.
Also, thanks to its location on the side of a mountain, the temple offers a great vantage point overlooking Kyoto's skyline, making it an excellent place to watch the sunset. However, be warned that it can be extremely crowded during that time, so brace yourself for crowds.
After sunset, you can make your way back down to Sannenzaka and visit the Yasaka Pagoda photo spot, where you will be able to capture that iconic photo of Kyoto's winding streets set against the backdrop of the famous 5-story Yasaka Pagoda.
After you are done, you can then walk back to Yasaka Shrine and spend the night exploring the food scene in the Gion District. There are plenty of restaurants around this area, so if you are looking for dinner, make sure to check them out.
If you are in Kyoto in July during Gion Matsuri, one of the biggest and most famous festivals in Japan, the entire Gion District will be transformed into a street-wide party fueled by street food stalls, awesome performances, and a grand parade featuring elaborately decorated floats known as yamaboko.
During the day, you can witness the grand parade featuring floats adorned with traditional tapestries, historical artifacts, and intricate carvings. In the evening, the Gion district comes alive with Yoiyama, a series of lively events that you can see on stages set up all over Gion.
On our second day, we are going to travel up north to check out Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a mesmerizing bamboo forest where you can capture that iconic shot of yourself amidst the beautiful greenery. Since the place is extremely popular, be sure to brace yourself for the tourist crowds.
Although the Bamboo Forest may be crowded, Arashiyama, the area where the bamboo forest is located, is, on the other hand, a delight to explore. The area is surrounded by rivers and forests with an incredible amount of cool things to do, from kayaking around the river to hiking to one of the many viewpoints in the area.
If you're searching for a place to eat in this area, I highly recommend the Sasaya Shokudo Restaurant. They offer some of the most delicious Japanese curry rice I've tasted in Japan, and what's surprising is their affordability, especially being located right in the heart of a tourist spot.
Of course, you have to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) when you are in Kyoto. Even though I prefer the Silver Pavilion over this one, the place is still worth a visit as there is no denying just how photogenic the pavilion is with its brightly colored exterior and picturesque garden.
Golden Pavilion is nice and all, but have you heard about the Silver Pavilion, or Higashiyama Jisho-ji? Exactly, and that is why I highly recommend you check it out right after you are done with the Golden Pavilion.
Since not many people know about this place, you won't have to wade through the tourist crowds as you did at the Golden Pavilion. The temple also has one of the most picturesque Zen gardens you will see in Kyoto, with beautiful ponds, sand mounds in the shape of Mount Fuji, and more.
From the Silver Pavilion, you can walk south along the canal and you will be right on the Philosopher's Path, a stunning walkway that winds alongside a beautiful canal extending from the Ginkakuji Bridge all the way to here.
Along the way, you will pass by many small temples and shrines that you can also check out, like Hōnen-in Temple and Reikan-ji Temple. Furthermore, there are more temples and shrines that will keep you occupied for a few hours. Additionally, you will find a few cafes and restaurants where you can indulge yourself as you make your way along the canal.
Right at the end of the Philosopher's Path, you will find Eikandō Temple, another beautiful temple with stunning gardens, ponds, and a historic structure where you can stroll around.
After you are done at Eikandō Temple, you can then take the bus west and check out Heian Jingu, a Shinto Shrine built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto and Emperor Kanmu, who moved the capital of Japan to Kyoto from Nara during the Heian period.
From the moment you step through the imposing gates, you will be blown away by the sheer grandeur of Heian Jingu Shrine. As you enter, you will find yourself in an expansive temple ground with the main hall, Ōkiden, located right at the center, flanked by two beautiful Chinese-style white-vermillion shrines with gorgeous green-tiled roofs.
After sundown, you can go and check out Fushimi Inari Taisha temple, where the iconic lines of Torii gates are located.
Inside the temple, you will find Senbon Torii, a pathway lined with thousands of vibrant red torii gates that are the most famous feature of the temple. The gates will lead you through the wooded forest all the way up to the summit of Mount Inari, where you can enjoy the view of Kyoto from above and pay your respects to the many shrines up there.
After exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha, you can return to your accommodation and retire for the day. Again, if you happen to be there during the Gion Matsuri, consider spending another night enjoying the vibrant performances around the Gion District. The street events and performances change nightly, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.
Getting from Kyoto to Osaka
You can easily travel between Osaka and Kyoto via either the local train or JR train, which runs every 15 minutes and takes about 30 minutes to reach your destination. The train leaves from Kyoto Station, and it should cost you no more than 600 JPY each way.
Day 11: Osaka (Day Trip)
On our third day in Kyoto, we are going to go on a day trip and visit Osaka, the second largest city in Japan and the food capital of the country.
Osaka is located only a 30-minute train ride away, and you can spend the first half of the day exploring the beautiful park surrounding Osaka Castle. The park is huge, and you can expect to spend around 2 hours just visiting the castle alone.
In the evening, you can explore the Dotonbori district, the famous area where neon signs, particularly the iconic Glico running man sign, are located. The place is especially beautiful at night with all the neon signs turned on, so be sure to visit Dotonbori after sundown.
You will also find yourself surrounded by crisscrossing streets, full of colorful signs featuring gigantic sculptures of all kinds of food, from a huge red octopus to a massive takoyaki ball, trying to entice you to eat. I mean, who could say no to a food stall with a massive takoyaki ball hovering over your head?
There are so many cool restaurants you can check out around this area, so be sure to spend some time and explore Dotonbori. If you like all-you-can-eat grill meat restaurant (Yakiniku), I highly recommend you check out Yakiniku Rikimaru Nanba. Just make sure to get your queue card beforehand, as you might have to wait a while to get a table.
Once you are done with Osaka, you can take the train back to Kyoto and relax for the day. Tomorrow, we are going to take the train further south and visit Hiroshima.
Getting from Kyoto to Hiroshima
You can take a train from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station, where you can catch a bullet train straight to Hiroshima. The journey should take about 2 hours and cost around 10,000 JPY.
Day 12 - 14: Hiroshima
And we have arrived at our final destination, Hiroshima, a city best known for being one of the two cities in the world that was destroyed by an atomic bomb. Despite its grim history, there are a ton of things to do here, so let's hit the ground and start our day with a stroll around Shukkeien Garden, a peaceful 16th-century Zen garden with a koi pond, flowering trees, and a traditional pavilion.
One of the highlights of Shukkeien is its pond, which is surrounded by walking paths that lead you through a variety of scenic views, including teahouses, bridges, and vibrant seasonal flora. You can expect to spend around 30 minutes walking around the garden before we make our way to the city center.
As you continue east from the garden, you will stumble upon Hiroshima Castle, a contemporary recreation of a 16th-century castle that was destroyed during World War II.
The castle now offers a museum where you can learn more about its past, as well as a great view of the city from above. Surrounding the castle is a scenic moat and an expansive garden where you can stroll around and enjoy the changing colors of foliage.
South from the castle, you will find the Atomic Bomb Dome, an iconic remnant of the Industrial Promotion Hall that was used for several purposes throughout history, including as a military command post during World War 2. It is here, just 600 meters above the dome, where the first Atomic Bomb ever made was ignited for the first time in human history.
Nowadays, the Atomic Bomb Dome is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is left intact as a reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare and the enduring pursuit of a world without such devastating weapons.
Surrounding the Atomic Bomb Dome is the Peace Memorial Park, where you will find various monuments that further contribute to promoting a message of peace, reconciliation, and the abolition of nuclear weapons.
While you are exploring Peace Memorial Park, be sure to check out Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, a museum complex dedicated to preserving the memory of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945 and advocating for a world without nuclear weapons.
The museum houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents, and personal belongings that vividly illustrate the events leading up to the bombing, the immediate aftermath, and the long-term effects on the survivors (hibakusha).
Now that we are done with the tourist attractions in the city, it is time to take the ferry across Hiroshima Bay and visit Miyajima Island, best known for its incredible scenery and the iconic Grand Torii Gate.
The Grand Torii Gate is one of the most revered Shinto shrines in Japan, situated in the Seto Inland Sea just off the coast of Hiroshima. The gate is particularly famous for its seemingly magical appearance during high tide, when it appears to be floating on the water.
The Grand Torii Gate is part of Itsukushima Jinja, a sacred shrine with a history dating all the way back to the 6th Century. It was also among the first places settled by the locals on the island. Another great place you should check out after arriving on Miyajima Island.
Not too far from Itsukushima Jinja, you will find Toyokuni Shrine Five-Story Pagoda, another beautiful shrine located on top of a hill overlooking the shoreline.
Right by the pagoda, you will find a beautifully preserved wooden pavilion known as Senjokaku or "The Hall of One Thousand Tatami Mats" that houses a number of old traditional artworks that are hung from the ceiling, giving the hall a feel similar to that of a gallery. Be sure to spend some time and walk around the area before we continue on.
As you dive deeper into Miyajima Island, you will stumble upon Daishoin Temple, another sacred temple complex built way back in the 8th century. Out of all the temples on Miyajima Island, this one is my favorite, and here's why.
The temple complex consists of many buildings and pathways that you can explore. The pathways go up and around the thick-forest-covered hill, with many small but incredibly photogenic stops and shrines to keep you occupied for a while.
One of my favorite places in Daishoin Temple is the old stairway that leads down the temple. Here, you will find hundreds and hundreds of stone statues of monks lined up along both sides. Every now and then, a machine would pump out fog, creating an even more immersive atmosphere. It felt like I was walking down a mythical pilgrimage trail. It was awesome.
If you are looking for the best viewpoint on the island, you can't go wrong with the Shishiiwa Observatory located on top of Mt. Misen and have to take the Miyajima Ropeway to get there.
The view from up there is incredible. You can see the Japanese mainland from coast to coast, as well as the beautiful islands in Hiroshima Bay. You can even see all the oyster farms from up there. There is no better viewpoint than that... unless you are willing to hike another 30 minutes to get to the Mount Misen Observatory, which is located on an even higher peak than Shishiiwa Observatory.
After you get down from the ropeway, do not forget to spend some time and explore the shopping street while you wait for the sunset. You are going to want to see the sunset at Mikasa Beach, as I recommended earlier. Trust me.
Once you get back from Hiroshima, there's a massive crisscrossing network of shopping streets called Hondori that extends from Hiroshima Memorial Park all the way to Kyobashi River, with plenty of shops and restaurants you can check out.
From branded shops like Uniqlo to awesome restaurant franchises like Ichiran, you will find them all here. It is one of the liveliest streets in Hiroshima, which makes it a great place to go for an evening stroll.
Before you retreat for the day, do not forget to try the famous Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, a unique style of okonomiyaki or savory Japanese pancake. The best place to do this is at Okonomi Village, a building full of okonomiyaki restaurants spread across several floors.
Inside the building, you will find lines and lines of okonomiyaki restaurants, all of which are very much the same. They all serve the traditional Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, as well as some other variations featuring ingredients like oysters, which are also what Hiroshima is famous for.
On the second day in Hiroshima, you can either spend the day relaxing or hop on a train and visit Iwakuni, which is only an hour's train ride away from Hiroshima.
There are a number of really cool historic tourist attractions here, like the Kintai Bridge, a 200-meter long wooden bridge comprising of 5 arches with ornate timberwork that dates all the way back to 1673. Not often do you see an arch bridge built out of wood like this one.
Perched atop Mount Shiroyama, Iwakuni Castle is also a great place to visit in Iwakuni. The castle is not big, but it is very well-preserved, and you will have an incredible panoramic view of the city all the way to the coastline.
Inside, you will also find a small history museum where you can learn a bit more about the place, as well as see a number of preserved samurai suits and swords up close. At the top of the castle is where you will find an observation deck, where you can get some incredible views of Iwakuni from above.
There is also a nice small Iwakuni Shirohebi Museum, a museum dedicated to the white rat snake, which is often found in this region. It is supposed to bring luck to those who see them in the wild.
Other things you can do in Iwakuni are strolling around the expansive Kikko Park, visiting the Iwakuni Antiquities Museum, and trying out some of the weird flavored soft cream like curry, wasabi, and ramen at Shokujidokoro Musashi. My favorite is the Black Sesame one. It was delicious!
It should take about half a day to see everything Iwakuni has to offer. You can spend the rest of the day in Iwakuni or Hiroshima, buy some souvenirs for your loved ones at home, and get ready for a journey back to Tokyo the next day, thus completing this epic 2-week itinerary of Japan. Congratulations!
Getting from Hiroshima Back to Tokyo
Getting back from Hiroshima to Tokyo should be pretty straightforward. You can take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima Station to Tokyo with a transit at Shin-Osaka Station, and you should be back in less than 4.5 hours at a cost of around 18,000 JPY.
When to Visit Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is between September and November when the weather is not too humid or cold, and you have a higher chance of clear days.
That said, many of Japan's best festivals, like Gion Matsuri, are often held in the summer. If you don't mind the heat, you can also visit Japan between June and August. Gion Matsuri, in particular, is highly recommended. I had a hell of a time in Kyoto when I was there in July.
To make your Japan trip even more memorable, try to align your days with one of the many festivals happening around Japan each year. You can check out all upcoming events in Japan here.
How to Get to Japan?
From the US, there should be plenty of flights from the west coast that fly directly to Tokyo. You can either fly into Narita or Haneda Airports. Haneda is a bit closer to the city center, but both are well-connected with the city center by train, so you should have no trouble getting to your accommodation via public transport.
From Europe, you can also take one of the many direct flights leaving from cities like Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and London to Tokyo via JAL or other local airlines.
From Asia, if you want to save money, you can fly on a low-cost airline like AirAsia from major cities like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur directly to Tokyo. You can also go with airlines like JAL or Singapore Airlines and fly direct.
To find a cheap flight to Japan, I would recommend you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get Around Japan?
Trains are the best way to get around Japan. Within the city, most major cities are well connected via metros and local trains, while long-distance trips are well-covered by the renowned Shinkansen or the bullet train.
JR Pass is not as cheap as it used to be, and you will likely save money if you were to buy the ticket separately. However, if you prefer the convenience of being able to hop on any bullet train and travel across the country without having to fiddle with the ticket machine, it is worth the premium.
If not, you will save quite a bit by buying the ticket separately as you go. For this itinerary, you won't need to get a JR Pass. It is more convenient to travel to places like Nikko and Kawaguchiko on a regional train, so you won't need a JR Pass there, which leaves around 7 days where the JR Pass might be useful.
With the 2023 price update, the 7-day JR Pass is now priced at $330 USD. According to my calculations, you will end up paying more with the JR Pass, as the cost would only be $290 USD if you were to buy the tickets separately. It's just not as convenient as traveling around with a JR Pass.
Tips: Get the Klook Value Pass instead of JR Pass to travel across Japan and save up to 130 USD.
If you decide to go for a more convenient route and get the JR Pass, keep in mind that the pass is only valid on JR-operated trains as well as some buses and ferries. To find out which route to take, you can use the NAVITIME app, a great navigation app that allows you to filter trains/bus routes based on the train pass you hold. Very convenient!
For traveling within major cities, consider purchasing the unlimited day pass. This pass provides unlimited access to regional transportation for the entire day, making it an excellent deal if you plan to move around extensively.
You can also get a prepaid IC card, which can be bought from any JR Station (Suica card) or Non-JR Station (Pasmo Card) in most major cities around Japan. You can use it on trains, buses, and even buy stuff in convenience stores like 7-11 or Family Mart across Japan's major cities. All you have to do is fill up the card with money and tap on the machine when you enter and exit the platform.
The IC Card doesn't save you any money per trip, but it does save you time, not having to fiddle with the ticket machine every time you want to travel.
How Much Money Do I Need For A 2-Week Trip To Japan?
From this 2-week itinerary, we can calculate approximately how much money you will be spending here as follows:
Accommodation: You can expect to spend a minimum of 600 USD for 14 days' worth of accommodation.
Food: For 14 days, you can expect to pay around 420 USD for food at regular restaurants.
Transportation: For this itinerary, you can expect to pay around 400 USD for transportation, including long-distance bullet trains (without the JR Pass), regional buses, and trains around major cities.
Activities: Depending on how much you want to follow my itinerary, you can expect to pay around 80 USD for activities, including entrance fees for tourist attractions, ropeways, etc.
Total budget for 2 weeks in Japan: $1,500 USD
What to Pack for Japan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Japan:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Japan
Looking for more information for your trip to Japan? Here are a collection of articles about Japan that you might find useful:
- Visiting Japan for the first time? Here are a few things I wish I knew before visiting Japan: 13 Important Things To Know Before Visiting Japan.
- Looking for a complete list of things you shouldn't miss when you are traveling in Japan? Check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Japan.
- Want to climb Mount Fuji? Here is a complete guide on how to and not to climb Mount Fuji for a real-life experience.
- What is it like to climb Mount Fuji during a super typhoon? Here's A Backpacking Travel Guide to Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Tokyo? Check out: 14 Best Things to Do in Tokyo.
- For a complete itinerary of Tokyo, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Tokyo Itinerary.
- Another awesome place to visit in Japan for a great view of Mt. Fuji is Hakone. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Hakone.
- A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is possible, but you need to be smart with your time. Here is a complete One Day Hakone Itinerary From Tokyo.
- Planning to visit Nikko soon? From hiking to best temples to visit, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Nikko.
- Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan, is a one-of-a-kind city that you should not miss. Here are the 16 Best Things To Do In Kyoto.
- For a complete itinerary of Kyoto and Osaka, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Kyoto-Osaka Itinerary.
- There are more to Hiroshima than the war memorial. Here are the 13 Best Things to Do in Hiroshima.
- Want to go off the beaten path in Japan? What about exploring Kyushu island? Here is a 3-day road trip itinerary for Kumamoto and Aso.
- Not convinced by my words about Japan? Watch these videos: Just Japan and Japan Day & Night travel videos.
- Wondering where to go after Japan? How about hopping over to China or visiting the islands of Taiwan or Hong Kong?
- For all articles about Japan, visit the Japan Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.