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Itinerary

14 days in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Mount Fuji

Japan's greatest hits in two weeks: frenetic Tokyo, Hakone facing Fuji, imperial Kyoto, Nara's deer, Osaka the foodie capital, and moving Hiroshima with Miyajima. The Shinkansen dissolves the distances, the JR Pass pays for itself.

The Editors
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Expert on Japan · 1 contributions

Reviewed by :Japan Desk — Mowando·Editor
Estimated budget
€3,800 - €4,800 per person
confort
Ideal for
  • · First trip to Japan
  • · Couples or friend groups curious about culture
  • · Travellers who want to blend modernity and tradition
When to go

March, April, May, October, November

The right call at 14 days: 4 nights in Tokyo, 1 night in Hakone, 4 nights in Kyoto, 3 nights in Osaka. One rule: let the Shinkansen handle the transfers, and keep your days for wandering — neighbourhood by neighbourhood, temple by temple.

Day by day

  1. 1
    Day 1

    Arrival at Tokyo Narita — first evening in Shinjuku

    Land at Narita (NRT). Two options from the airport: the Narita Express N'EX (¥3,090 / ~€20, 60 min to Shinjuku) or the Limousine Bus (¥3,200, 90 min depending on traffic). First reflex on arrival: buy an IC Card (Suica or Pasmo, ¥1,000 deposit) at the station machines — it covers metro, buses and convenience store purchases.

    Reach the hotel around 6-7pm depending on the flight. No need to rush tonight: jet lag (7-8h with Europe) is real. A bowl of ramen in a Shinjuku side street, a look at the Kabukicho district from a distance, then sleep early to start strong tomorrow.

    Tips
    • · Activate your JR Pass the next morning at Narita or Shinjuku JR office — counters open at 7:30am.
    • · Convenience stores (Lawson, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart): best option for the first dinner if landing late — onigiri, hot bento, Sapporo beer at ¥220.
    Tokyo →
  2. 2
    Day 2

    Tokyo — Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku by night

    Activate JR Pass in the morning, then head to Shibuya. The Shibuya Crossing is non-negotiable: walk it, then grab a coffee at the Q-Front terrace or Starbucks facing the intersection to grasp the scale. Walk down to Omotesando (brand avenue, Tadao Ando-designed architecture) and cut over to Harajuku — Takeshita-dori for the spectacle, Meiji Jingu for the calm (free entry, century-old forest in the heart of Tokyo).

    Lunch at Gyukatsu Motomura in Harajuku (breaded beef fillet, ~¥1,700). Afternoon: Shimokitazawa (vintage and live music) or straight back to Shinjuku for the view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho, 45th floor, free). Yakitori dinner under the Yurakucho railway arches.

    Tips
    • · Meiji Jingu: arrive before 9am on weekends for Shinto wedding ceremonies — free and authentic spectacle.
    • · The north Tocho observation deck offers a clear-day view of Mount Fuji, best early morning.
    Tokyo →
  3. 3
    Day 3

    Tokyo — Asakusa, Akihabara and Shibuya Sky evening

    Morning in Asakusa: Senso-ji temple at opening (6am, Kaminarimon gate, Nakamise market). The neighbourhood is Tokyo's most Edo-era area — old-style streets, rickshaws, yukata shops. Breakfast at Asakusa Imahan (gyudon) or matcha tea at Angostura Tea House.

    Afternoon: Akihabara for manga, electronics, gaming and otaku culture — one hour is enough unless you're a collector. Dinner and evening at Shibuya Sky (¥2,000, online booking recommended): open-air rooftop on top of Scramble Square, 229m panoramic view. Sunset plus nightfall = Tokyo's most impressive double act.

    Tips
    • · Senso-ji is open 24/7 — go at sunrise (before 7am) for crowd-free photos.
    • · Shibuya Sky: book 3-5 days ahead in high season. The 4:30-6pm slot captures the sunset.
    Tokyo →
  4. 4
    Day 4

    Tokyo — teamLab Borderless and Odaiba district

    teamLab Planets in Toyosu (reopened since 2024, ¥3,200, advance booking required): immersion in monumental digital installations — infinite mirrors, animated flowers, light forests. Allow 1.5-2h. Alternative if full: teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills (same format, ¥3,800).

    Afternoon in Odaiba: Tokyo Bay view and Rainbow Bridge from the promenade, life-size Unicorn Gundam statue (free), Miraikan science and robotics museum (¥630). Sushi dinner at Sushi Dai at Toyosu market (arrive 30 min before opening for the morning queue if you prefer lunch) or the more accessible Hamazushi conveyor belt for the evening.

    Tips
    • · teamLab Planets: wear shorts or easily rolled-up trousers — some rooms are walked barefoot through ankle-deep water.
    • · Toyosu Market: free observation deck access (7am-5pm), tuna auction requires separate booking.
    Tokyo →
  5. 5
    Day 5

    Day trip to Hakone — Mount Fuji view and onsen

    Depart Tokyo Shinjuku by Odakyu Romancecar (90 min, ¥1,200 supplement, or Odakyu 1-day Pass at ¥5,000). Hakone is the most convenient access point for a Mount Fuji view: on clear days (especially autumn and winter), the vista from Lake Ashi is spectacular.

    Program: Hakone Ropeway (¥1,000 round-trip) with Owakudani views (volcanic valley, sulphur black eggs, ¥500 for 5), then a Lake Ashi cruise (¥1,100, 30 min) facing Fuji. Afternoon: onsen at a day-use ryokan such as Hakone Yuryo (¥1,500-2,500 depending on package, booking recommended) or Yunessun (¥3,300, themed bath parks).

    Return to Tokyo in the evening. Travellers wanting to sleep in Hakone: Ryokan Fukuzumiro (Hakone-Yumoto) or Gora Kanpou offer a tatami room with kaiseki dinner — ¥25,000-40,000/night/pers. half-board.

    Tips
    • · Fuji is cloud-covered 50-60% of the time in summer. Early morning (before 10am) and autumn (Oct-Nov) offer the best clear-view odds.
    • · The Hakone Free Pass Odakyu (2-day, ¥6,100) covers all zone transport (bus, ropeway, boat) — pays off on day one.
  6. 6
    Day 6

    Tokyo → Kyoto by Shinkansen

    Tokaido Shinkansen Hikari or Nozomi, Tokyo → Kyoto, 2h15 to 2h45, ¥13,850 (covered by the 14-day JR Pass, ¥50,000 / ~€330). Depart from Tokyo or Shinagawa station, arrive at Kyoto central station. En route: Mount Fuji view on the right side (seats D/E) between Odawara and Shizuoka — last photo opportunity from the train.

    Arrive in Kyoto around noon. Drop bags at the hotel (most accept bags before check-in). Afternoon orientation: stroll through Gion (machiya townhouses, geishas in late afternoon along Hanamikoji-dori), dinner at an izakaya at the base of Gion. Recommended Kyoto hotels: The Screen Kyoto (boutique hotel, ¥25,000-35,000/night) or Dormy Inn Premium Kyoto Ekimae (well-located business hotel, ¥10,000-15,000/night).

    Tips
    • · Book Shinkansen seats in advance via the JR app or the JR Reservation counter — unreserved cars exist but may be standing-room-only in peak season.
    • · Tokyo Suica IC Card works on Kyoto buses and metro — no need to buy a new one.
    Kyoto →
  7. 7
    Day 7

    Kyoto — Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji

    Depart 5:30am for Fushimi Inari Taisha: the 10,000 orange torii gates photographed worldwide are empty before 7am, packed by 9am. Hike to the top (Yotsuji, 45 min from the entrance) or partial loop (30 min to the first plateau). The shrine is free, open 24/7.

    Return to Fushimi Inari station, train back to Kyoto then bus to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion, ¥500). Classic loop: Kinkaku-ji in the morning (fewer crowds before 10am), Ryoan-ji rock garden next door (¥600), Ninna-ji temple to finish. Lunch: tofu kaiseki at Tosuiro (booking recommended, ~¥3,000). Free evening in Gion.

    Tips
    • · Fushimi Inari: casual clothes and walking shoes — the path climbs 4km to the summit.
    • · Kyoto City Bus: IC card works (¥230/ride) or day pass at ¥600 — pays off after 3 rides.
    Kyoto →
  8. 8
    Day 8

    Kyoto — Arashiyama, bamboo grove and boat ride

    The Arashiyama district: Tenryu-ji temple (UNESCO, zen garden, ¥1,100) opens at 8:30am, then the Sagano Bamboo Grove just behind — 10 minutes walking through 30m-tall bamboo, free. Arrive before 9am in high season.

    Descend to the Oi River for a traditional wooden boat ride (¥1,500/person) or stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge. Lunch in the Arashiyama lanes: tofu yuba at Shigetsu (zen vegetarian room, ¥4,400) or a local conbini onigiri.

    Afternoon at Fushimi Momoyama temple or Kyoto centre shopping (Nishiki Market — "Kyoto's kitchen" in 300m). Dinner: ramen at Ippudo Nishiki or a light kaiseki at Kyoto Cuisine Nakamura (reservation required).

    Tips
    • · Tenryu-ji: garden-only ticket (¥500) is enough if you skip the interior halls.
    • · Nishiki Market: perfect for a walking lunch — marinated salmon, fresh tamagoyaki, yuzu mochi.
    Kyoto →
  9. 9
    Day 9

    Kyoto — Philosopher's Path temples and Gion evening

    The Philosopher's Path (Tetsugaku-no-michi): 2km along a cherry-tree-lined canal linking Nanzen-ji temple to Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion, ¥600). In March-April, cherry blossom avenue; in November, spectacular red maples. Allow 2-3h including temple stops.

    Lunch: ramen or udon at the small restaurants along the path. Afternoon: Heian Jingu (grand shrine, ¥600 for gardens) or shopping in the Kawaramachi district. Evening in Gion for geikos and maikos heading to the theatre in late afternoon — the best window is 5-6:30pm on Hanamikoji-dori, without following them, just watching respectfully from the pavement.

    Tips
    • · Gion rule: never block their path or touch geishas for a photo — some lanes now charge entry or are off-limits.
    • · Nanzen-ji: the Meiji-era aqueduct canals behind the main hall make a lesser-known but beautiful photo.
    Kyoto →
  10. 10
    Day 10

    Day trip to Nara — deer and Todai-ji

    Nara is 45 min from Kyoto by Kintetsu train (¥720) or JR (¥770, covered by JR Pass). Nara Park is one of Japan's most extraordinary experiences: 1,200 free-roaming sika deer wander among the temples, begging for shika-senbei crackers (¥200/pack) from visitors.

    Must-sees: Todai-ji (great temple, the world's largest wooden building, ¥600 — 15m Giant Buddha); Kasuga Taisha (shrine with 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns, ¥500 for inner galleries). Lunch: kakinoha-zushi (persimmon-leaf sushi, local speciality, ~¥1,500) at Hiraso. Return to Kyoto by mid-afternoon, free evening.

    Tips
    • · Deer can be pushy if you have visible senbei — keep the crackers in your pocket until you're ready to feed them.
    • · Nara on weekdays = calm and crowd-free photos. Weekends with Japanese school groups = lively but busy.
  11. 11
    Day 11

    Kyoto → Osaka — arrival and Dotonbori

    Transfer Kyoto → Osaka by Shinkansen (15 min, ¥1,430) or JR Rapid Service (30 min, ¥560, covered by JR Pass). Arrive at Shin-Osaka or Osaka Station. Recommended hotels: Cross Hotel Osaka (modern, well-located in Shinsaibashi, ¥12,000-18,000/night) or Dormy Inn Osaka Shinsaibashi (¥11,000-16,000/night).

    Afternoon dedicated to Dotonbori: canal, giant glowing billboards, the Kani Doraku crab sign, the Glico running man statue. This is Osaka's symbol and the best intro to Osaka street food: takoyaki (octopus balls, ¥600/8 pieces at Wanaka or Aizuya), okonomiyaki (savoury cabbage pancake, ¥1,200-1,500). Evening in Namba or the Amerika-Mura district.

    Tips
    • · Dotonbori looks as good (or better) at night — plan a 8pm stroll for the full neon effect.
    • · The Osaka Amazing Pass (1-day, ¥2,800) covers public transport and 50+ attractions — worth it if you hit the castle and the Aquarium on the same day.
  12. 12
    Day 12

    Osaka — castle, street food and Shinsekai

    Morning at Osaka Castle (¥600 for the main keep): five floors of museum tracing Toyotomi Hideyoshi's history, panoramic city view from the top. The moats and gardens are free and worth visiting on their own.

    Lunch in the Shinsekai district ("New World"), retro 1950s atmosphere: Tsutenkaku Tower (¥700), kushikatsu specialities (breaded skewers, ~¥2,000 for a full assortment at Daruma). Absolute Shinsekai rule: never double-dip in the sauce (local etiquette).

    Afternoon shopping at Shinsaibashi-suji (300m covered arcade) or Nipponbashi (electronics and manga). Dinner: Kobe beef yakisoba or sashimi at Kuromon Market ("Osaka's kitchen"). Fine dining option: Hajime Restaurant (1 Michelin star, book 3-4 weeks ahead).

    Tips
    • · Kuromon Market: open 9am-6pm, closes earlier on Sundays. Ideal for a stand-up tasting of fresh seafood.
    • · Osaka Castle is a concrete reconstruction (1931, modernised interior) — purists may prefer the exterior and free gardens over the paid keep visit.
  13. 13
    Day 13

    Day trip to Hiroshima + Miyajima — Shinkansen from Osaka

    Early start: Shinkansen Osaka → Hiroshima, 1h20, ¥10,570 (covered by JR Pass). Arrive around 8:30am. The Hiroshima visit is one of the most impactful experiences in Japan.

    Morning: Peace Memorial Park (free entry) and Peace Memorial Museum (¥200, 1.5h minimum — prepare to be moved) facing the Genbaku Dome (UNESCO-listed bombed building). Lunch in Hiroshima: okonomiyaki Hiroshimayaki style (layered local version, ~¥1,500 at Okonomimura, a whole building dedicated to it).

    Afternoon: Ujina ferry → Miyajima island (¥180 round-trip, JR ferry covered by JR Pass). Floating torii of Itsukushima (UNESCO), deer as free as in Nara, Itsukushima temple. Return to Hiroshima late afternoon, Shinkansen back to Osaka. Late dinner in Namba.

    Tips
    • · Itsukushima torii: at high tide it stands in water (iconic photo); at low tide you can walk right up to it. Check tide times on the Tide Chart Japan app.
    • · Hiroshima Peace Museum: allow time to process the visit — don't rush straight to Miyajima if you're emotionally affected.
  14. 14
    Day 14

    Osaka → KIX flight — free morning in Osaka

    Last morning depends on flight time. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is connected to Osaka Namba by Nankai Rapi:t Express (60 min, ¥1,470 Premium or ¥930 Regular) or by JR Haruka from Osaka Station (70 min, covered by JR Pass). Allow at least 2h before the flight, ideally 2.5h for intercontinental flights in peak season.

    If the flight is late afternoon: last-minute morning shopping at Shinsaibashi (Japanese cosmetics, local Kit Kat flavours, matcha powder, mini sake bottles), or a final uni-don lunch (sea urchin rice bowl, ~¥3,000-4,000) at Kuromon Market. Last tip: cash out your IC Card at the JR counter (get back the ¥500 deposit plus remaining balance) before going through passport control.

    Tips
    • · KIX airport: the international departure tax is included in most airline tickets. Check if the Japan Tourism Agency departure tax (¥1,000) was collected on entry or is payable at the airport.
    • · Last convenience store at KIX departures level: final chance for matcha Kit Kat, Hi-Chew and Pocky — duty-free shops are pricier.

Other durations

10 days
10 days in Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji express
€2,900 - €3,600 per person

Frequently asked questions

Le JR Pass est-il vraiment nécessaire pour cet itinéraire ?+
Oui, et il est __largement rentable__. Le JR Pass 14 jours coûte 50 000 ¥ (~330 €). Rien que le trajet Tokyo → Kyoto (13 850 ¥) + Kyoto → Hiroshima A/R (~20 000 ¥) + Osaka → aéroport Haruka (3 600 ¥) dépasse 37 000 ¥. Ajoutez Nara, le Narita Express et les JR locaux : le pass s'amortit dès le 5e ou 6e jour. __À acheter avant le départ en France__ (impossible de l'activer depuis le Japon) via les sites officiels Japan Rail Pass ou les agences spécialisées.
Sakura (printemps) ou momiji (automne) : quelle saison choisir ?+
__Sakura (fin mars - mi-avril)__ : cerisiers en fleurs partout, ambiance unique, mais Japan est au maximum de sa fréquentation — réserver hôtels et trains 3-4 mois à l'avance, prix +30 à +50 %. __Momiji (mi-novembre)__ : érables rouges à Kyoto et Nikko, météo fraîche mais ensoleillée, foule moitié moindre, prix quasi-normaux. Pour un premier voyage sans contrainte de budget, __novembre est le meilleur compromis__ : la vue sur le Fuji est aussi dégagée, et les temples de Kyoto sous les érables sont aussi beaux que sous les cerisiers.
Faut-il absolument dormir dans un ryokan ?+
Non, c'est une expérience __recommandée mais pas obligatoire__. Un ryokan traditionnel (chambre tatami, yukata, bains onsen communautaires, dîner kaiseki servi en chambre) coûte 20 000-50 000 ¥/nuit/personne en demi-pension. C'est luxueux mais facultatif. Pour intégrer l'expérience sans vider le budget, __une seule nuit à Hakone__ (jour 5) suffit à saisir l'essence du ryokan. Les business hotels japonais (Dormy Inn, APA, Super Hotel) sont propres, efficaces et à 8 000-15 000 ¥/nuit — ils conviennent parfaitement pour Tokyo, Kyoto et Osaka.
Quel est le budget réel pour 14 jours au Japon ?+
Budget __confort__ (hôtels 3-4 étoiles, restaurants variés, activités principales) : __3 800 à 4 800 € / personne__ hors avion. Détail approximatif : hébergement 100-180 €/nuit × 13 = 1 300-2 350 € ; JR Pass 330 € ; nourriture 50-80 €/jour × 14 = 700-1 120 € ; entrées et activités 150-250 € ; transports locaux (IC Card) 80-100 €. Le principal poste variable est le ryokan (une nuit à Hakone peut coûter autant que 3 nuits de business hotel). En mode __backpacker__ (auberges, combini, pass transport réduit), on descend à 1 800-2 500 €.
Comment gérer le jet lag Tokyo (décalage +7h en été, +8h en hiver) ?+
Stratégie testée : dans l'avion, __dormir dans les 4 premières heures puis rester éveillé__. À l'arrivée (souvent l'après-midi heure locale), ne pas faire de sieste, se coucher à 21h-22h heure de Tokyo. Le premier matin, se forcer à se lever à 6h-7h — c'est là que commence la vraie synchronisation. __Fushimi Inari ou Senso-ji à l'aube__ sont des programmes parfaits pour le matin du J2 ou J3 : les temples sont déserts, la lumière est belle, et l'activité physique ancre le rythme. Éviter la caféine après 15h locale les 2-3 premiers jours.
Faut-il parler japonais pour voyager au Japon ?+
Non. Le Japon est l'un des pays les plus faciles à voyager sans la langue locale : __les panneaux dans les gares sont systématiquement en anglais et en romain__, Google Maps fonctionne parfaitement avec les transports en commun, et les convenience stores, restaurants à vending machine et izakayas à menu illustré fonctionnent sans communication verbale. Quelques mots clés utiles : *sumimasen* (excusez-moi), *arigatou gozaimasu* (merci), *ikura desu ka* (combien ça coûte). Un simple effort de politesse en japonais est très apprécié.
Peut-on faire du Wi-Fi ou faut-il acheter une SIM locale ?+
Deux options fiables : (1) __SIM prépayée data-only IIJmio ou Mobal__ (2 000-2 500 ¥ pour 15 jours, illimitée en 4G/5G dans les villes) — à commander avant le départ ou à récupérer à l'aéroport ; (2) __pocket Wi-Fi__ en location (500-700 ¥/jour, à récupérer à Narita) si vous êtes en groupe. Le Wi-Fi gratuit existe dans les convenience stores, hôtels et gares majeures, mais est insuffisant pour naviguer en temps réel. La SIM reste la meilleure option pour la navigation Google Maps en mobilité.
Quels souvenirs rapporter du Japon ?+
Les meilleures options rapport qualité/originalité/poids : __thé matcha en poudre Marukyu-Koyamaen__ (Kyoto, 1 000-2 500 ¥), __Kit Kat saveurs locales__ (matcha, sakura, sake — 600-1 200 ¥ la boîte), __tenugui__ (foulard en coton imprimé japonais, 500-1 500 ¥ à Asakusa), __sake miniatures artisanaux__ des boutiques de Nishiki Market ou Namba, __céramique artisanale__ à Kyoto (Asahi-do, galerie Ippodo). Éviter les babioles fabriquées en Chine vendues sur Nakamise-dori : aller une rue derrière pour les artisans authentiques.
Cet itinéraire convient-il aux familles avec enfants ?+
Oui, à partir de __8-10 ans__. Le Japon est extrêmement famille-friendly : les vending machines partout, les temples souvent gratuits pour les enfants, teamLab Planets fascinant pour tous les âges, les cerfs de Nara adorés des enfants. Le rythme de cet itinéraire (14 jours, villes variées) demande cependant de l'endurance — prévoir __une journée tampon à Osaka__ (parc, Kaiyukan Aquarium) pour souffler. Pour des enfants plus jeunes (5-7 ans), réduire à 10 jours en supprimant Hiroshima et Hakone onsen.
Tokyo ou Osaka comme point d'entrée/sortie ?+
Pour cet itinéraire, __Tokyo en arrivée et Osaka (KIX) en départ__ est la combinaison logique : elle suit un axe géographique clair (Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka), évite le backtrack et permet d'utiliser le JR Pass dans un seul sens de parcours. Certaines compagnies (Japan Airlines, ANA, Air France) proposent des billets __open-jaw Tokyo/Paris aller + Paris/Osaka retour__ à un surcoût marginal. Vérifier sur Google Flights la différence de prix : souvent moins de 50-100 € d'écart, ce qui économise un aller-retour Osaka → Tokyo inutile en fin de séjour.

Our verdict

This 14-day Japan itinerary is the obvious balanced formula for a first visit: Tokyo for ultra-modernity, Hakone for the Fuji view, Kyoto for temples and tradition, Osaka for street gastronomy, Hiroshima and Miyajima for emotional depth. The Shinkansen turns long distances into painless transitions, and the JR Pass pays for itself by day five.

Three classic mistakes to avoid: (1) not buying the JR Pass before leaving — it cannot be activated once in Japan since 2023; (2) underestimating jet lag for the first 2-3 days — schedule cultural visits for late morning on days 1 and 2; (3) filling every hour with plans — Japan rewards those who know when to stop in an empty temple or watch a neighbourhood shopping street. The one rule: leave a half-day unplanned in both Tokyo and Kyoto. That's where the best memories are made.

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Written by La rédaction · Updated 5/29/2026

Japan

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