14-Day Japan Itinerary: A Comprehensive Guide with Budget Estimates

Japan’s rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions make it an ideal destination for a two-week adventure. This 14-day itinerary covers Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and a few hidden gems, ensuring a thorough experience of Japan’s diverse offerings. Below is a detailed plan with estimated costs to help you budget your trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning:

• Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) or Tokyo Monorail to Tokyo Station.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥3,500 ($20 – $25) depending on the airport.
• Check-in at Hotel: Recommended areas include Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night for a mid-range hotel.

Afternoon:

• Explore Shibuya: Visit Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya 109.
• Cost: Free to walk around; shopping costs vary.
• Shibuya Sky: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 ($14 – $21).

Evening:

• Dinner in Shinjuku: Try ramen or izakaya.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 ($7 – $21) per person.
• Visit Omoide Yokocho: Explore the traditional alleyway.
• Cost: Varies by bar; typically ¥500 – ¥1,500 ($3.50 – $10.50) for snacks.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥16,500 – ¥31,500 ($115 – $220)

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Morning:

• Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and Nakamise Street.
• Cost: Free; shopping and snacks are additional.
• Sumida River Cruise: Enjoy Tokyo’s skyline from the water.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Afternoon:

• Ueno Park: Visit Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum.
• Cost: Ueno Zoo ¥600 ($4), Tokyo National Museum ¥620 ($4.30).
• Lunch in Ueno: Try katsudon.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Akihabara: Explore electronic shops and anime stores.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
• Dinner in Akihabara: Enjoy dinner at a themed cafe.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,720 – ¥9,620 ($33 – $67)

Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto

Morning:

• Travel to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.
• Cost: ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $105) for a one-way ticket on the Nozomi or Hikari trains.
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Kyoto.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Visit the famous shrine with red torii gates.
• Cost: Free.
• Gion District: Explore historic streets and traditional culture.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and dining are additional.

Evening:

• Dinner in Gion: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000 ($21 – $70) depending on the restaurant.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥26,000 – ¥45,000 ($182 – $315)

Day 4: Kyoto Exploration

Morning:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Visit this iconic Zen temple.
• Cost: ¥400 ($2.80).
• Ryoan-ji: Explore the famous rock garden.
• Cost: ¥500 ($3.50).

Afternoon:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through the bamboo forest.
• Cost: Free.
• Lunch in Arashiyama: Enjoy udon or soba.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Pontocho Alley: Discover dining options.
• Cost: Varies; budget ¥2,000 – ¥5,000 ($14 – $35) for dinner.
• Stroll along the Kamo River: Enjoy the evening atmosphere.
• Cost: Free.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥5,900 – ¥12,900 ($41 – $90)

Day 5: Kyoto to Osaka

Morning:

• Travel to Osaka: Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
• Cost: ¥500 – ¥1,000 ($3.50 – $7).
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Osaka.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Osaka Castle: Visit the historic castle.
• Cost: ¥600 ($4.30).
• Dotonbori: Explore this entertainment district.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food costs vary.

Evening:

• Dinner in Dotonbori: Sample street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 ($7 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥11,100 – ¥24,600 ($78 – $171)

Day 6: Osaka Adventures

Morning:

• Universal Studios Japan: Spend the day at the theme park.
• Cost: ¥8,400 – ¥9,400 ($60 – $66) for a one-day pass.
• Lunch at Universal Studios: Various dining options inside the park.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Afternoon:

• Continue exploring Universal Studios: Enjoy attractions and shows.

Evening:

• Return to Osaka City: Relax or explore more dining options.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥10,900 – ¥13,400 ($76 – $94)

Day 7: Day Trip to Nara

Morning:

• Travel to Nara: Take the Kintetsu Express or JR train from Osaka to Nara.
• Cost: ¥500 – ¥800 ($3.50 – $5.50).
• Visit Todai-ji Temple: See the Great Buddha statue.
• Cost: ¥600 ($4.30).

Afternoon:

• Nara Park: Walk around and interact with deer.
• Cost: Free.
• Lunch in Nara: Enjoy sukiyaki or soba.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Return to Osaka: Prepare for departure or enjoy one last evening.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,100 – ¥5,400 ($22 – $38)

Day 8: Travel to Hiroshima

Morning:

• Travel to Hiroshima: Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥12,000 ($70 – $85).
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Hiroshima.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum.
• Cost: ¥200 ($1.40) for the museum.
• Lunch in Hiroshima: Try okonomiyaki.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Explore Hondori Shopping Arcade: Enjoy shopping and street food.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food costs vary.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥21,200 – ¥34,200 ($150 – $240)

Day 9: Miyajima Day Trip

Morning:

• Travel to Miyajima: Take the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island.
• Cost: ¥1,800 – ¥2,000 ($12.50 – $14).
• Visit Itsukushima Shrine: See the iconic floating torii gate.
• Cost: ¥

300 ($2.10).

Afternoon:

• Lunch on Miyajima Island: Enjoy grilled oysters or momiji manju.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).
• Explore the island: Hike up to Mount Misen or stroll through the island.

Evening:

• Return to Hiroshima: Prepare for departure or relax.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,100 – ¥6,800 ($29 – $48)

Day 10: Return to Tokyo

Morning:

• Travel back to Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $105).
• Check-in at Hotel: Return to Tokyo accommodation.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Explore Harajuku: Visit Takeshita Street and Meiji Shrine.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food costs vary.
• Lunch in Harajuku: Try crepes or Japanese curry.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Dinner in Roppongi: Enjoy a meal in the vibrant nightlife area.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥5,000 ($14 – $35).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥24,100 – ¥42,800 ($170 – $300)

Day 11: Tokyo Exploration

Morning:

• Visit Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea: Spend a day at one of Tokyo’s famous theme parks.
• Cost: ¥7,400 – ¥8,400 ($52 – $59) for a one-day pass.
• Lunch at the park: Various dining options inside the park.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Afternoon:

• Continue exploring the theme park: Enjoy attractions and shows.

Evening:

• Return to Tokyo City: Relax or explore new dining options.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥9,900 – ¥13,400 ($70 – $94)

Day 12: Day Trip to Yokohama

Morning:

• Travel to Yokohama: Take the JR train from Tokyo to Yokohama.
• Cost: ¥500 – ¥800 ($3.50 – $5.50).
• Visit Yokohama Chinatown: Explore the vibrant area and its shops.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food costs vary.

Afternoon:

• Yokohama Landmark Tower: Enjoy the observation deck views.
• Cost: ¥1,000 ($7).
• Lunch in Yokohama: Try Chinese cuisine.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Return to Tokyo: Prepare for departure or enjoy one last evening.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,500 – ¥5,800 ($25 – $41)

Day 13: Tokyo Shopping and Relaxation

Morning:

• Explore Ginza: Shop in Tokyo’s upscale district.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
• Visit Tsukiji Outer Market: Enjoy fresh seafood and street food.
• Cost: Varies; budget ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 ($7 – $21) for snacks.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Ginza: Enjoy a meal in one of the district’s fine dining restaurants.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000 ($14 – $28).

Evening:

• Relax in Odaiba: Enjoy the waterfront area and attractions like the teamLab Borderless exhibit.
• Cost: ¥3,200 ($22) for the exhibit.
• Dinner in Odaiba: Various dining options.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000 ($14 – $28).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥10,200 – ¥15,000 ($72 – $105)

Day 14: Departure

Morning:

• Last-minute shopping or sightseeing: Explore any remaining attractions or do some last-minute shopping.
• Cost: Varies.
• Check-out and travel to the airport: Take the Narita Express or Tokyo Monorail back to the airport.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥3,500 ($20 – $25).

Afternoon:

• Departure: Fly back home.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,000 – ¥6,000 ($21 – $42)

Total Estimated Cost for 14 Days

• Accommodation: ¥140,000 – ¥280,000 ($980 – $1,960)
• Food: ¥28,000 – ¥70,000 ($200 – $490)
• Transportation: ¥35,000 – ¥55,000 ($245 – $385)
• Attractions and Activities: ¥13,000 – ¥22,000 ($91 – $154)

Total Estimated Cost: ¥216,000 – ¥427,000 ($1,516 – $3,000)

Conclusion

A 14-day itinerary in Japan offers a deep dive into Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and more, with ample time for exploration and relaxation. This comprehensive plan ensures you experience Japan’s highlights while managing your budget effectively. Enjoy your extended adventure in this fascinating country!