14-Day Travel Itinerary for the Ultimate Vacation In Japan
Check out my recent travel itinerary for my trip to Japan, where I will tell you the good, and the bad about the places I visited and what I did.
- Days 1-5: Tokyo – The Futuristic Chaos You Signed Up For
- Days 6-7: Hakone – Hot Springs, Mt. Fuji Views & Relaxation
- Days 8-11: Kyoto – Temples, Traditions, and Time Travel
- Days 12-13: Osaka – Food Comas & Neon Lights
- Day 14: Hiroshima – A Powerful & Important Last Stop
Tokyo – The Futuristic Chaos You Signed Up For (Days 1-5)
Day 1: Welcome to the Madness – Shibuya & Shinjuku
Shibuya Crossing – The Most Organized Chaos on Earth
The first thing I did during my travel itinerary was a chaos! You know that famous crosswalk where thousands of people move in perfect sync? Yeah, that’s Shibuya Crossing, and you’re about to be right in the middle of it. When the light turns green, it’s like stepping onto a movie set—except you’re dodging selfie sticks, businessmen in a hurry, and tourists who are just as lost as you.
What I did:
- Walked back and forth (because once isn’t enough).
- Grabbed a matcha latte at Starbucks Shibuya (best view of the crossing), and watched the tourist watching the madness in disbelief.
- Visited Tokyo observation tower at sunset? Unreal.
Explored Shinjuku – Neon Lights & Late-Night Ramen
After Shibuya, I jumped on the offensively efficient Tokyo subway (which, makes our tax dollars in America an obvious scam or theft) and headed to Shinjuku, aka Blade Runner in real life. The transpiration in Japan allowed me to add more things to my travel itinerary that I wouldn't have been able to do in most places.
What I did:
- Wandered through Kabukicho (Tokyo’s famous entertainment district).
- Stopped at Omoide Yokocho ("Piss Alley")—tiny yakitori bars, smoky vibes, cheap beer.
- Ate life-changing ramen at Ichiran (order from a vending machine, slurp in silence, cry happy tears).
Day 2: Traditional Japan Meets Anime Wonderland – Meiji Shrine & Akihabara
Meiji Shrine – A Quiet Escape in the Middle of the Madness
Imagine stepping from Shinjuku’s flashing lights straight into a tranquil forest where time slows down. That’s Meiji Shrine, one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines.
What I did:
- Walked through the giant torii gate—it feels like entering another world.
- Watched a traditional wedding procession (felt unworthy for a minute and then smiles realizing being single is why I get to travel all the time and quickly got over it).
- Tossed a coin, made a wish, and wrote my deepest desires on an ema plaque.
Harajuku – The Land of Quirky Fashion & Overpriced Crepes
From peace and quiet to PURE CHAOS. Takeshita Street in Harajuku is where Japan’s wildest fashion trends come to life and was the thing on this 14-day travel itinerary that offered the best people watching.
What I did:
- People-watched (because Harajuku fashion is next level).
- Tried a giant rainbow cotton candy (it was both amazing and unnecessary).
- Ate a crepe stuffed with strawberries, whipped cream, and cheesecake.
Akihabara – Electric Town, Nerd Heaven
You don’t have to be an anime fan to appreciate Akihabara. This place is Tokyo’s geek paradise, filled with arcades, manga stores, and retro gaming shops that feel like stepping into the ‘90s.
What I did:
- Spent way too much yen in a UFO catcher arcade.
- Visited a multi-floor anime store that felt like an alternate universe.
- Got destroyed in Mario Kart at a retro gaming café.
Day 3: Tsukiji Market, Asakusa & Tokyo Skytree
Tsukiji Outer Market – Sushi for Breakfast? Yes, Please.
Would I eat raw fish at 8 AM in any other country? No. Would I do it in Japan? Absolutely. Tsukiji Market is where you get the freshest sushi of your life, prepared by sushi masters who have been doing this longer than you’ve been alive.
What I did:
- Tried otoro (fatty tuna) that melted in my mouth.
- Drank miso soup while standing in a tiny alleyway.
- Watched chefs expertly fillet giant tuna like it was an art form.
Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple & Old Tokyo Vibes
From modern Tokyo to old-school Edo period vibes—Asakusa is home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.
What I did:
- Walked through Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate"), where the massive red lantern is practically screaming for a photo.
- Bought omikuji (fortune paper)—got a "good fortune," so obviously, I’m thriving.
- Snacked on freshly grilled rice crackers and matcha soft serve.
Tokyo Skytree – 360° Views of the Future
Tokyo Skytree is the second tallest building in the world and the view from the top? No words really can explain the view. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Fuji.
What I did:
- Took an elevator that goes 600m up in less than a minute.
- Stood on the glass floor and questioned all my life choices.
- Watched the city lights turn on—truly a cyberpunk dream.
Day 4: Day Trip to Yokohama – Ramen Museum & Waterfront Vibes
Cup Noodles Museum – Yes, This Exists
Ever wanted to design your own instant ramen cup? Because that’s exactly what I did. This museum is dedicated to the man who invented instant ramen, and I have never respected anyone more.
What I did:
- Made my own Cup Noodles flavor and drew a questionable anime character on the cup.
- Learned that instant ramen was invented in a shed.
- Ate my way through ramen from different regions of Japan at the mini food court.
Yokohama Chinatown – The Best Dumplings of My Life
Japan’s largest Chinatown = a dumpling paradise.
What I did:
- Ate soup dumplings so hot I burned my tongue (worth it).
- Tried roasted chestnuts and pork buns bigger than my fist.
- Walked around soaking up the lantern-lit streets.
Yokohama Waterfront – Chilling by the Bay
After nonstop eating, I walked along Minato Mirai, Yokohama’s futuristic waterfront district. It was the perfect way to wind down.
Day 5: Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea – Pick Your Fantasy
DisneySea – The Theme Park You Didn’t Know You Needed
Forget everything you know about Disney—Tokyo DisneySea is on another level. However, if you won't be able to do 14-days in Japan, you may want to fill your travel itinerary with something else so that you can accomplish more because if you visit a theme park it will be the only experience you get for that day, whereas you can normally experience 3-4 things a day depending on how full you like your travel itinerary.
What I did:
- Rode Journey to the Center of the Earth (easily one of the best Disney rides ever).
- Ate "Alien Mochi" dumplings shaped like the Toy Story aliens.
- Got emotional watching the nighttime show over the water.
Would I go back? No, simply because I don't need to see a theme park more than 1 time. If I lived there, then yes, I would go often.
Final Thoughts on Tokyo
Tokyo is a nonstop sensory overload in the best way possible. One minute, you’re dodging neon-lit crowds in Shibuya, the next you’re standing in total silence at a Shinto shrine.
Best Parts:
✅ Effortless mix of ancient & futuristic vibes
✅ Some of the best food I’ve ever had
✅ Trains that actually make sense (looking at you, NYC Subway 😒)
Would I Go Back?
Yes. And I’d stay even longer.
Alright, let’s continue this Japan travel itinerary—next up: Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima!
Hakone – Hot Springs, Mt. Fuji Views & Relaxation (Days 6-7)
Day 6: Escaping the City – Hakone’s Nature, Onsen & Ropeways
After the neon chaos of Tokyo, Hakone felt like stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie—rolling mountains, hot springs, and that perfect postcard view of Mt. Fuji (if the clouds don’t ruin it).
Hakone Open-Air Museum – Art, Nature & Giant Picasso Heads
First stop? The Hakone Open-Air Museum, where modern art meets breathtaking landscapes.
What I did:
- Walked through massive sculptures scattered across green hills.
- Stood inside a trippy rainbow glass tower that made me feel like I was inside a kaleidoscope.
- Saw a collection of Picasso’s weirder works (dude was really into abstract faces).
Hakone Ropeway – Riding a Cable Car Over a Volcanic Hellscape
Next, I hopped on the Hakone Ropeway, which floats over Owakudani, a volcanic valley spewing sulfur clouds straight from the earth. The whole place smells like rotten eggs, but honestly it was weirdly cool.
What I did:
- Took photos of Mt. Fuji in the distance (when the clouds were done trolling me).
- Watched steam rising from boiling hot springs bubbling below.
- Ate a black sulfur egg—local legend says each one adds seven years to your life. (Guess I’m immortal now?)
Hakone Onsen – The Ultimate Hot Spring Experience
Hakone is famous for its onsens (hot spring baths), so obviously, I had to soak my stress away in volcanically heated water.
What I did:
- Got naked in a public bath (yep, that’s how onsens work—zero swimsuits allowed).
- Sat in an outdoor onsen overlooking the mountains while the steam curled into the cool air.
- Felt like a new person—relaxed, refreshed, and ready for more adventures.
Day 7: Pirate Ships & More Fuji Views Before Heading to Kyoto
Lake Ashi – A Scenic Cruise on a Random Pirate Ship
Japan is full of surprises, and one of them is that Hakone’s Lake cruises happen on giant pirate ships. Why? No idea. But I was 100% here for it.
What I did:
- Stood on deck, pretending I was in Pirates of the Caribbean.
- Got another (slightly better) view of Mt. Fuji.
- Took a million photos because the scenery was just that good.
Time to Head to Kyoto!
After soaking up Hakone’s peace and quiet, it was time to jump on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and head to Kyoto—the heart of Japan’s traditional culture and ancient temples.
Kyoto – Temples, Traditions & Time Travel (Days 8-11)
Day 8: Fushimi Inari Shrine & Kiyomizu-Dera – The Kyoto Classics
Fushimi Inari Shrine – That Famous Path of Red Torii Gates
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is legendary—10,000+ bright red torii gates winding up a mountain, forming one of the most iconic sights in Japan.
What I did:
- Walked through the never-ending gates (felt like entering another dimension).
- Hiked halfway up the mountain before realizing I was sweating through my shirt.
- Took way too many photos, but it’s impossible not to.
Kiyomizu-Dera – Kyoto’s Stunning Hillside Temple
A wooden temple perched on a cliff, surrounded by maple trees? Yeah, Kiyomizu-Dera is straight-up magical. I highly recommend planning your 14-day travel itinerary during the fall when the leaves are changing colors or during Japan's famous cherry blossom season.
What I did:
- Walked along the massive wooden stage with insane views of Kyoto below.
- Drank from the Otowa Waterfall (legend says it brings good luck).
- Wandered through charming, narrow streets full of teahouses and souvenir shops.
Day 9: Golden Temples, Bamboo Forests & Zen Vibes
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – Literally GLOWING
Kinkaku-ji is a Zen temple covered entirely in gold leaf. It’s so shiny it doesn’t even look real.
What I did:
- Stared at the glowing reflection in the pond for an unreasonable amount of time.
- Wondered how much gold they actually used (and if I could steal some).
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Walking Through a Dream
The bamboo at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is MASSIVE, and when the wind blows, the leaves make a whispering sound—it’s weirdly calming.
What I did:
- Took cinematic slow-mo steps like I was in a samurai movie.
- Got slightly lost (but in a beautiful way).
Day 10-11: Nara Day Trip & More Kyoto Exploration
Nara – Where Deer Run the Show
Nara is famous for its deer—and not just any deer. The Deer at Nara will literally BOW for food. This was fun for all, but if you have children, this is an absolute must to have on your itinerary.
What I did:
- Bought deer crackers (got mobbed instantly).
- Watched deer harass tourists (hilarious).
- Visited Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant 50ft Buddha.
Osaka – Food Comas & Neon Lights (Days 12-13)
Day 12: Stuffing My Face in Dotonbori
Osaka is Japan’s food capital, so I did what anyone would do—I ate everything in sight. If you look up food porn, it will say it is created in Osaka I am almost certain.
I love food so much, and the food options were so vast in Osaka I almost added an another day to my travel itinerary dedicated entirely to exploring more of Osaka's food scene.
What I did:
- Takoyaki (octopus balls) straight off the grill.
- Okonomiyaki (savory pancake with magic sauce).
- Tried to walk off the food coma but failed.
Day 13: Universal Studios Japan – A Surprisingly Amazing Theme Park
If you’re a theme park fan, Universal Studios in Japan is something you can't miss.
What I did:
- Screamed on the Flying Dinosaur roller coaster.
- Visited Super Nintendo World (YES, IT'S REAL).
If you're on a budget, check out some of the best free things to do in Osaka.
Hiroshima – A Powerful & Important Last Stop (Day 14)
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park – A Place That Stays With You
Hiroshima is deeply moving—it’s one of those places that makes you stop and reflect, and visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was the part of this travel itinerary that was not just a highlight, but one that made me feel a bit of shame, but this blog does not touch on politics so I will stop there.
What I did:
- Visited the Atomic Bomb Dome (one of the few buildings that survived).
- Stood in silence at the eternal flame.
- Left feeling confused about humanity and our choices of cruelty towards each other.
Final Thoughts on Japan
🔥 14 days, 5 cities, endless memories.
🚄 Shinkansen = Best train system ever.
🍜 Japanese food is undefeated.
Would I do it again? YES! Without hesitation, so much so that one day I will write a 30-day instead of a 14-day Japan Travel Itinerary :)
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Sara Miller
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