We've put together this 15-day itinerary for you, which should give you an excellent overview of the country's most beautiful sights. The tour is designed to include both culturally rich cities and more authentic natural sites. Finally, as Tokyo airport is the best-connected airport in Japan, and most visitors to the country fly in and out of this airport, we've made sure that the Japanese capital is both the start and finish point of your trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
You'll start your 15-day Japan itinerary by landing at one of Tokyo's two airports: Haneda and Narida. Before heading off to the city center of one of the world's most beautiful cities, take advantage of your time at the airport to rent a WiFi hotspot. To leave Narita airport, you can take the Narita Express to Tokyo station, Shibuya or Shinjuku. From Haneda airport, take the Haneda monorail to Hamamatsucho station, where you'll have a connection to Shibuya or Shinjuku.
Stroll around Shibuya
Don't plan to do any sightseeing on the first day of your 15-day Japan itinerary, to give yourself time to settle into your hotel. But you'll certainly want to get acquainted with the area and start discovering Tokyo. To do so, head for Shibuya, one of the Japanese capital's most famous districts. Shibuya is best known for its famous pedestrian walkway, the busiest in the world, so it's not exactly a destination away from mass tourism!
Tour Shibuya in the most eccentric way possible, driving a customized go-kart, which you can book right here.
Spend the evening in Shinjuku
Shinjuku is the iconic district in the heart of Tokyo. To get you in the mood for your trip to Japan, head there in the early evening on your first day, to admire the many neon lights. Take a stroll through the district, where you'll find the world's largest train station. You can also climb up to the observatory of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Day 2: Tokyo sightseeing
On this second day of your 15-day Japan itinerary, spend a second night in Tokyo exploring the city in greater depth.
Visit Asakusa
The Asakusa district is famous for its Senso-ji temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. This is actually a reconstruction, as the original temple was destroyed during the Second World War. Also in the district, take a stroll down the famous Nakamise Street. It's home to numerous craft stores. Click here to book your guided walking tour of Asakusa (including a visit to Sensoji temple).
Explore Akihabara
Akihabara is home to many video game, manga and technology stores. Whether or not you're a fan of this geeky universe, it's a fascinating district to explore and one of Japan's most unusual places.
Day 3: Tokyo sightseeing
Spend an extra night in Tokyo to explore new neighborhoods.
Stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Take a stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of Tokyo's largest parks. Once owned by the Naito family, it features Japanese, English and French gardens.
Head for Harajuku
Harajuku is the Japanese fashion district. Here you'll find trendy designer stores and other outlandish boutiques. But it's simply by observing the passers-by, sometimes dressed in lolita goth, sometimes in kawaii, that you'll best capture the essence of the district. To do this, try to schedule your visit to Harajuku for the weekend: that's when fashion lovers are most numerous.
We recommend this private tour with a local guide: you'll discover the main sights you want to see.
End the day in Omotesando
Omotesando is an avenue nicknamed " Tokyo's Champs Élysées ", so beautiful, central and busy is it. It's a chic street where you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities.
Day 4: Tokyo sightseeing
Spend one last night in Tokyo to explore the world's largest megalopolis.
Explore Ueno Park
Explore Ueno Park, perfect for a morning stroll, followed by a visit to the Tokyo National Museum, home to rich art collections and archaeological treasures. A must-see in Tokyo, it is the city's largest and oldest museum.
Direction Meguro
Meguro is a very central district, perfect for cherry blossom viewing, making it a perfect springtime destination. Stroll along the Meguro River and visit the Teien Art Museum. Don't forget to stop off at the Meguro Fudoson temple
Visit the Meiji-jingu
To round off your Tokyo itinerary, visit Meiji-jingu, a Shinto shrine in Shibuya. A peaceful ceremonial site in the heart of one of the world's most densely populated areas, it sums up Tokyo in a nutshell. Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine, one of Tokyo's iconic historical shrines, on this guided walking tour. You'll gain an insight into Japan's rich history and cultural rituals.
Day 5: Departure for Hakone
Continue your itinerary for visiting Japan in 15 days by taking the road to Hakone, about 2 h by public transport. You can also opt for this all-inclusive excursion to Mount Fuji and Hakone from Tokyo including the return train journey.
Take a cruise on Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi is one of the most beautiful places to see in Japan, offering unobstructed views of Mount Fuji, provided the weather is on your side. The boats that ply the lake look like pirate ships, adding to the charm of the place.
Take a cable car to Owakudani
Owakudani is a superb volcanic valley, reached by cable car. Here, you can sample an amazing Japanese specialty: Hakone black eggs, which are cooked in sulfuric water.
End the day in an onsen
Hakone is famous for its onsen, an activity not to be missed in Japan. Quite simply, these are thermal baths, generally open to all, in the middle of nature.
Day 6: Departure for Kyoto
Take the Shinkansen train to Kyoto. It's a 2-hour journey to Japan's former imperial capital, considered one of the country's most beautiful cities.
To make sure you don't miss out on any of the city's treasures, we recommend booking this one-day bus tour of Kyoto's most beautiful spots.
Discover Gion
Gion is Kyoto's traditional district par excellence, famous for its geishas. It's a real postcard of old Japan, but unfortunately it attracts too many crowds, so much so that Kyoto is taking steps to limit mass tourism. East of the Gion district, don't miss Yasaka-jinja, an interesting Shinto shrine.
Visit Kennin-ji temple
Kennin-ji is Japan's oldest temple, where Zen doctrine is taught. Visit it to admire the magnificent paintings adorning its interior and its gardens designed for meditation.
Admire Kiyomizu-dera temple
Kiyomizu-dera is a famous Buddhist temple perched on a hilltop in the Higashiyama district of eastern Kyoto. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Then take the time to stroll through the district, notably along Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka streets, home to numerous traditional stores and teahouses.
Attend a traditional Kyoto tea ceremony and taste a master tea by booking your experience here.
Day 7: Visit Kyoto
You're halfway through your 15-day Japan itinerary. Keep exploring Kyoto and sleep in when the evening comes.
Visit Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji, literally the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion", is covered in gold leaf, set against a backdrop of ponds and gardens. It too is a Unesco World Heritage site. Not far away, the Ryoan-ji temple is also interesting. Visit it to admire its Zen garden. Last but not least, Ninna-ji is also worth a visit, but is less frequented, without being an off-the-beaten-track destination in Japan either.
Day 8: Visit Kyoto
Continue your itinerary for visiting Japan in 15 days by exploring Kyoto one last time.
Walk along the Philosophy Trail
The Philosophy Path is a pleasant walk along a canal in Kyoto. It's particularly beautiful, but also all the more touristy, in spring, when the cherry trees are in bloom. It remains a pleasant stroll all year round.
Visit Ginkaku-ji
From the Path of Philosophy, access Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion. This is a superb 15th-century Buddhist temple surrounded by a Japanese garden.
Click here to to book your guided bike tour of Ginkakuji and the Philosopher's Trail
Visit Nijo Castle
Right in the heart of Kyoto lies a superb castle: Nijo-jo. Explore both the exterior and interior by booking your guided tour here.
Day 9: Excursion to Nara from Kyoto
On this ninth day of your 15-day Japan itinerary, take a day trip to Nara, then return to Kyoto for the night. Nara is only 40 minutes away by train.
Visit Todai-ji temple
From the station, walk twenty minutes to Todai-ji. This temple is the world's largest wooden structure, standing 48 m high. It houses an immense bronze Buddha, 16 m high. Visit Nara's other historic buildings.
Explore Nara ona half-day walking tour with a local guide by booking right here.
Stroll through Nara Park
Nara Park is a public garden frequented by tourists and sika deer alike. Despite their proximity, they are in fact totally wild and free. In the park, don't miss the Kasuga Taisha, a Shinto shrine with thousands of lanterns. At the end of the day, head to Nakatanidou, a famous traditional bakery, to watch the making of mochi, a dessert you must try at least once in your life.
Day 10: Departure for Osaka
Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Osaka, just 30 minutes away.
Visit Osaka Castle
To get you into the swing of things, visit Osaka Castle, Osaka's iconic landmark. This fortified, moated building dates back to the 16th century. Explore the gardens and climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city by booking this this 3-hour guided tour of Osaka Castle and Historical Museum.
Visit the Kaiyukan aquarium
The Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the world's largest aquariums. It boasts some 580 different species, including whale sharks, sunfish and king penguins.
Spend the evening in Dontobori
After dark, take a stroll through the Dontobori district, famous for its neon lights and other illuminated signs. It's also the perfect place to dine, as the district boasts a number of street restaurants.
Day 11: Visit Osaka
Take the whole day to visit Universal Studio Japan, and sleep in at night.
Explore Universal Studios Japan
To continue this itinerary for visiting Japan in 15 days, you have two options: continue exploring Osaka, or spend the whole day at Universal Studios Japan. This is the only Universal Studios park outside the USA, so it's perfect whether you're with friends, family or even on your honeymoon in Japan. You can enjoy Harry Potter, Jurasik Park or Minions-themed attractions.
Book tickets for Universal Studio Japan
Day 12: Departure for Hiroshima
On this twelfth day of your 15-day Japan itinerary, take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, where you'll spend two nights. The journey takes about 2 hours.
Visit Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park opened on April1, 1954 in the city center to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing. It's a must-see if you want to understand the history of Japan. Take a look at the Genbaku Dome, the closest bomb-resistant building to the epicenter, which was only 140 m away, so the municipality decided to keep it as it was to ensure that the tragedy would never be forgotten.
Discover the city of Hiroshima and its many wonders ona one-day guided tour bookable right here.
Visit Hiroshima Castle
Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, is a medieval castle dating back to the 16th century. It was blown up by the explosion, but later rebuilt. Today, it houses an observatory overlooking the city, as well as a museum on feudal Japan, including samurai exhibits. Not far from the castle, don't miss the Shukkei-en Japanese garden.
Day 13: Miyajima excursion from Hiroshima
In the morning, take the half-hour train to Miyajimaguchi station, where you'll catch the 10-minute ferry to Miyajima, a very interesting Japanese island.
We recommend this this guided day trip to the island of Miyajima from Hiroshima.
Visit Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine is also one of the most emblematic sites in the land of the rising sun, not least because of its floating torii. It has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll around the shrine and through the island's pretty streets. You're sure to catch a glimpse of deer in the wild!
Hike to Mount Minsen
Take the cable car up to the summit of Mount Minsen, a 1 h 30 to 2 h walk. From up there, you'll have a superb panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea.
Day 14: Return to Tokyo
It's almost the end of your 15-day Japan itinerary, and it's time to head back to Tokyo to catch your flight home. From Hiroshima, it's a 4-hour shinkansen journey.
Go shopping
On the last day of this itinerary for visiting Japan in 15 days, it's now or never to buy your last souvenirs. Head to Ginza, a luxury district with many big-name stores, or to Roppongi, a modern district known for its skyscrapers and shopping malls.
Day 15: Return flight from Tokyo
Explore Tokyo one last time before catching your return flight to conclude this 15-day itinerary for visiting Japan.
Visit Odaiba
If you have a little time before your flight, take the opportunity to visit the Odaiba district, which you won't have had the chance to explore before. It's particularly interesting, though, as it's an artificial island in Tokyo Bay! It's a very futuristic district, which will leave you with the perfect last image of Japan.
Tempted by this selection? Take a look at the airfares now and book without delay !
