1 Week in Japan: The Perfect First-Timer Itinerary
Seven days is enough for a superb first trip. Here's a day-by-day 1-week Japan itinerary covering Tokyo, Kyoto, and easy day trips.
5 Days in Japan: A Short-Trip Itinerary
Only have five days in Japan? Here's how to make the most of a short trip — focused on Tokyo and Kyoto, with no wasted time.
10 Days in Japan: The Ideal Itinerary
Ten days is arguably the sweet spot for Japan. Here's a day-by-day itinerary adding Osaka, Hakone, and Nara to the Tokyo–Kyoto core.
2 Weeks in Japan: A Comprehensive Itinerary
Two weeks lets you go beyond the basics. Here's a 14-day Japan itinerary adding Hiroshima, Miyajima, and more to the classic route.
3 Weeks in Japan: The Extended Itinerary
Three weeks in Japan opens up the whole country. Here's how to extend beyond the classics to Kanazawa, the Alps, Koyasan, and further afield.
Start here
~30 min of reading, in order- Visa & entryWhat a US passport actually needsRead the guide
- Visit Japan WebThe arrival admin, done before you flyRead the guide
- When to goSeasons, crowds, and what they cost youRead the guide
- The rail pass callThe one big money decisionRead the guide
- IC cardsHow you actually pay to moveRead the guide
- MoneyWhere cash still winsRead the guide
Japan at a glance
The classic first trip is a straight line down one rail corridor. Seeing it drawn is usually what makes the plan click.
Japan by month
Two narrow shoulder windows carry the best weather — and the heaviest crowds. The value is in the edges either side of them.
The Tokyo–Kyoto week almost every good first trip converges on, laid out day by day — with the one anchor that makes each day work.
Latest guides
1 Week in Japan: The Perfect First-Timer Itinerary
Seven days is enough for a superb first trip. Here's a day-by-day 1-week Japan itinerary covering Tokyo, Kyoto, and easy day trips.
5 Days in Japan: A Short-Trip Itinerary
Only have five days in Japan? Here's how to make the most of a short trip — focused on Tokyo and Kyoto, with no wasted time.
10 Days in Japan: The Ideal Itinerary
Ten days is arguably the sweet spot for Japan. Here's a day-by-day itinerary adding Osaka, Hakone, and Nara to the Tokyo–Kyoto core.
2 Weeks in Japan: A Comprehensive Itinerary
Two weeks lets you go beyond the basics. Here's a 14-day Japan itinerary adding Hiroshima, Miyajima, and more to the classic route.
3 Weeks in Japan: The Extended Itinerary
Three weeks in Japan opens up the whole country. Here's how to extend beyond the classics to Kanazawa, the Alps, Koyasan, and further afield.
Japan Itinerary Ideas: How to Plan Your Route
Not sure how to structure your Japan trip? Here are itinerary ideas by trip length and interest, with the principles that make any route work.
Beyond the Basics: A Second-Trip Japan Itinerary
Already done Tokyo and Kyoto? Here's where to go on a second trip to Japan — the regions, towns, and experiences beyond the first-timer trail.
How to Plan Your First Japan Itinerary (Step by Step)
Planning your first trip to Japan? Here's a step-by-step guide to building an itinerary that fits your time, avoids rookie mistakes, and flows.
Japan eSIM and SIM Card Guide for Travelers
How to get mobile data in Japan — eSIM, physical SIM, or pocket WiFi. Here's how each works, who they suit, and the popular providers.
