2-Week Japan Itineraries for Families, Couples, and Cherry Blossom Viewing

Although Japan is a small country, it has lots of high-quality attractions and cultural experiences, such as visiting the spectacular Mount Fuji, making sushi, seeing geishas in kimonos, staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), relaxing in onsens (hot springs)... It's an extremely ideal place for a milestone trip to celebrate a graduation, anniversary, big birthday, retirement, etc.

To enjoy the main highlights in Tokyo and Kyoto, 7–10 days are enough. However, a trip of 2 weeks offers you a more relaxed travel pace and a deeper insight into this wonderful country.

2-Week Itinerary for Families with Teenagers, Especially Anime Lovers

Tokyo Disneyland

Japan is one of the most popular destinations for teenagers — a “youth culture paradise”, with many children making a trip to Japan as a birthday gift or graduation present.

For a first family visit to Japan, experiencing anime culture, high-tech, and theme parks in Tokyo, soaking in the onsens and eating a kaiseki feast in a ryokan in Kyoto, and tasting mouth-watering Japanese food in Osaka cannot be missed.

Besides these, zooming through the incredible Japanese Alps to explore a traditional Hida folk village in Takayama and learning the value of peace in Hiroshima are both popular for an insightful family trip in Japan.  

All the cities in the following itinerary are conveniently connected by Shinkansen bullet trains.

Here is the suggested itinerary:

• Days 1–3 Tokyo (samurai, sushi, anime center, and Disneyland)
• Days 4–5 Takayama (old villages, ryokans with onsens)
• Days 5–6 Hiroshima (Peace Memorial City)
• Days 7–8 Osaka (Universal Studios, a culinary center)
• Days 9–13 Kyoto (geisha, ryokans, deer in Nara)

13-Day Japan Private Family Vacation Discover the diversity of Japan with your kids

Days 1–3: Tokyo

It's fun to make sushi with your family at a local home

International flights to Tokyo offer the most options, so it is the top city for entry to Japan. As the capital of Japan, Tokyo also has many interesting things to do.

Take a day to explore Tokyo’s highlights, including visiting Meiji Shrine (in summer most weekends, it’s fireworks are awesome), sampling freshly-prepared sashimi at Tsukiji Market, and making sushi at a local home. For anime lovers, buy your favorite manga products in the anime hub of Akihabara and search for the rarest limited edition Pikachu cards in the Pokemon Center.

Suggested day trips from Tokyo:

• One day to Hakone to view the spectacular Mount Fuji and soak in onsens (hot springs). >>>The Top 6 Day Trips from Tokyo 
• Spending a day in Tokyo Disneyland is a good choice as well.
• In winter (December to February) you can see monkeys soak in hot springs in Nagano, which is not far from Tokyo, or you can go skiing there too. >>> How to Plan a Family Ski Holiday

Contact us for more suggestions based on your interests.

Days 4–5 Takayama

Townhouses of Takayama

Discover Japan’s picturesque countryside away from the tourist crowds. Wander around the well-preserved townhouses of Takayama, stay at a ryokan (inn) with onsens (hot springs), and sample delicious Hida beef.

You could get more ideas about How to Plan a First-Time Family Trip to Japan>>>

Days 5–6 Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima, notoriously, was the first of two Japanese cities bombed with an atomic bomb at the end of World War II. Visit Peace Memorial Park and cherish the post-war peace.

Days 7–8 Osaka

Dotonbori is the best place to sample authentic Japanese food like takoyaki (octopus balls). Nihonbashi is the Osaka anime gathering place, or you could spend a day at Universal Studios for some fun family time.

Days 9–13: Kyoto

Geishas

Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan, and shrines, geishas, and ryokans are some of the best parts of this incredible city.

1) Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle to have a deeper understanding of Japan’s history.

2) See geishas in kimonos and their performances in Gion District.

3) Try on a kimono for a family photo and stay at a ryokan with onsens to feel like you are in medieval Japan.

Day Trips from Kyoto:

• Spend a day in Nara. Feeding friendly and cute deer in Nara Park could be a great family moment. 
• Uji is famous for its tea. Learn how to knead and bake tea in a tea house, and finally you could drink a cup of steaming tea made through your own efforts. 

Suggested reading: Kyoto vs Osaka: Which is Better to Visit?

You enjoy 100% refund of any payments made to Asia Highlights prior to 3 weeks before departure (detail⇒).

Handcrafted tour of Japan by Asia Highlights My initial inquiry to this company (based in China) was answered in under 10 hours by an amazing travel consultant, named Alisa. She is such a professional in the ways she conducts herself and serves her clients. Alisa is a great communicator and listener. She is very open to requests for additional experiences which require research on her part to arrange. Alisa also provides very detailed information about each experience, location, guides, private car transfers, trains, hotels. This approach is very appealing since detailed communication is so useful and important to me. Alisa also makes the process simple and easy to follow. Answered tons of questions and created the perfect tour for us. We are looking forward to this once in a lifetime visit to Japan and are so grateful we have had the chance to work with Alisa at Asia Highlights! More Laurie Lee, Feb 2023

Handcrafted tour of Japan by Asia Highlights I am planning a private, very “hands-on” experiential tour of Japan for my family and friends. I chose to work with the 11 day Classic Japan tour and add our own spin. This will be our first visit to the home of our ancestors. I reviewed 20+ travel companies before making the choice to use Asia Highlights because of their private “handcrafted” tours. More Laurie Lee, Feb 2023

Great Overall Experience Our guide in Tokyo, Fuki, was outstanding. We saw things we would never have otherwise seen, if Fuki had not been there. More Todd Hankinson, Dec 2022

Great Overall Experience Albee was always available, helpful and forthright with what was available and what was not.She was very helpful. More Todd Hankinson, Dec 2022

Plenty of options and personalized tours as needed Monica Mo was very helpful from the beginning after I enquired about my travel plans to Japan. She listened with understanding and took careful notes and clarified things to make sure she got everything. More Ginybel Belgira, Sep 2022

Asia Highlights especially Ms. Kanae Chida superb Asia Highlights and particularly our Tokyo guide, Ms. Kanae Chida, were the best. When Kanae met us, she asked for details of what we wished to see and she constructed an outstanding combination of visits for the day. More Geoff Rayner-Canham, May 2019

Asia Highlights especially Ms. Kanae Chida superb When Kanae met us, she asked for details of what we wished to see and she constructed an outstanding combination of visits for the day. In addition to the temples and the old historic streets, she discovered that I loved azelia flowers. More Geoff Rayner-Canham, May 2019

I have arranged a 27 day tour of China, Japan and Hong Kong China Peggie's English is impeccable and she uses lots of nuances which usually only a native English speaker would know. I have found her very prompt in responding to emails and her knowledge is terrific. More Ailsa West, Jul 2018

2-Week Classic Itinerary for Couples

Enjoy picturesque views

For couples who want to discover rural life alongside the essence of Japan, this itinerary would be nice for those of you enjoying your golden age (though any couple looking for a relaxed pace Japan sojourn could make it their own). It allows you to travel at a slow pace without changing hotels a lot. 

Here is the itinerary outline with more detail following:

• Days 1–4 Tokyo
• Days 5–7 Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa
• Days 8–11 Kyoto
• Days 12–13 Osaka

11-Day Classic Japan Tour Tokyo - Takayama - Shirakawa - Kanazawa - Kyoto

Days 1-4 Tokyo

Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo

Tokyo is an energetic city, which combines history and modernity perfectly.

1) Feel the old vibe of the Edo period (1603–1867) in Asakusa District, go to Sensoji Temple to pray for luck, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and a steaming tea in Hamarikyu Garden.

2) Taste delicious food in Tsukiji Market: a world-famous fish market where you can taste freshly-prepared sashimi and watch tuna auctions if you get there early enough.

3) Experience the incredible collection of armor, swords, and items belonging to samurai warriors throughout the ages in Samurai Museum, and try on their armor for a samurai photo.

4) Shop around Ginza, Shibuya, and Omotesando, taking in its attractive modern feel, while browsing its high-tech and fashion.

Days 5-7 Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa

Wintry lighting in Shirakawa-go

These three small towns have picturesque countryside views and are away from the tourist crowds.

• Takayama: Visit well-preserved townhouses from the Edo period, stay at a ryokan with an onsen, and taste delicious Hida beef.
• Shirakawa-go: View traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. If you go in January or February, you can see their beautiful wintry lighting.
• Kanazawa: Visit historic Kanazawa Castle, purchase gold-leaf products, and sample Japanese sake at a brewery.

Days 8-11 Kyoto

Gion district, Kyoto

Kyoto is the ancient capital of Japan. To experience Japanese history and culture in depth, the top ways are to visit shrines, watch the geishas, and stay at authentic ryokans.

1) Fascinating Shrines

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most famous shrine and a landmark of Kyoto. Kiyomizu Temple and Kinkaku Temple are great places to appreciate the ancient Kyoto atmosphere.

2) A Uniquely Japanese Experience

See geishas in kimonos and watch them perform in Gion District, stay at a ryokan where you can enjoy a high-class kaiseki repast, and sample sake at a local brewery.

Days 12-13 Osaka

Dotonbori at night

Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, but spending 1 or 2 days there is enough to explore the lively downtown of Namba, sample authentic street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) at Dotonbori, and visit the outstanding Osaka Castle.

The above represents popular choice of attractions, but you can simply tell us your preferences and requirements, and we will customize a tour for you.

Check the best times for your romantic trip to Japan: for the most comfortable weather, for the lowest crowds... 

17-Day Japan Summer Family Vacation Experience Oriental Summertime

2-Week Itinerary for Cherry Blossom Beauty in Spring

Locals in kimonos standing under cherry trees

Cherry blossom is the most amazing, popular, and important thing for tourism in Japan in spring (March to May). Nothing is better than enjoying the pink cherry blossom with your family under the cherry trees while eating a snack.

Spring is the peak season in Japan, when tens of thousands of travelers from Japan and abroad go to enjoy the cherry blossom. To book affordable flights and your choice of hotels, we recommend you to book three to six months in advance.

Just contact us for an effortlessly-tailored dream trip to Japan to see the cherry blossom.

Here is the suggested itinerary:

• Days 1–4 Tokyo
• Days 5–8 Kyoto
• Days 9–10 Osaka

Suggested reading: How to Plan a Japan Cherry Blossom Trip

10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Spring Mini-Group Tour Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka

Days 1-4 Tokyo

Boating in Chidorigafuchi during cherry blossom season

Spring in Tokyo can enjoy amazing cherry blossoms everywhere, see various temples to feel the rich history of Japan.

1) See the Cherry Blossom

Take a boat ride on the Chidorigafuchi Moat, and get excellent views of cherry blossom along the riverside. Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen are also among the best places to see cherry blossom.

All three of these places have great cherry blossom and convenient transportation. You can contact us for more details and choose the one you prefer.

2) Various Historic Buildings

• Kyokyo Gaien: a large plaza in front of the Imperial Palace (the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family) 
• Meiji Shrine: a famous shrine dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, it’s also a popular wedding place and if you’re lucky you can see a classic Japanese wedding.
• Sensoji Temple: symbol of Japanese history where you can pray for luck.

Days 5-7 Kyoto

Philosopher's Path

The combination of cherry blossoms and ancient architecture makes Kyoto even more attractive in spring.

1) View Kyoto’s Cherry Blossoms

Meander around Philosopher’s Path, Hiking up Mount Yoshino in Nara allows you to really get among the cherry blossoms for unforgettable moments in a natural paradise.

2) Understand Japanese Culture in Depth

Sample different types of Japanese sake at a brewery, stroll around Gion District where kimono-clad geishas entertain, stay at ryokans to experience traditional Japanese accommodation, and feed the cute deer in Nara.

Days 8-10 Osaka

Osaka Castle in spring

Osaka Castle is the representative landmark of Osaka and it’s also the city’s best place to view cherry trees in blossom.

Taste authentic street food, including takoyaki (octopus balls) at Dotonbori entertainment district. Spend a day in Universal Studios to have a movie-inspired happy time with your family.

Simply contact us to make any adjustments. Make this itinerary your own with Asia Highlights!

How Much Does 2 Weeks in Japan Cost?

Although Japan is more expensive than other Asian countries, it is one of the cheapest destinations in the developed world. It offers high-quality accommodation, restaurants, attractions, and services at good value for money.

The cost of a 2-week trip varies based on different standards and needs. Here, we provide some for-reference prices based on a private tour.

For a medium budget, it will cost around 350-400 USD per day per person. This includes 4-star hotels, tickets for attractions, private car, and private guides. Thus, the total cost is around 4,900–5,600 USD for 2 weeks.

For a higher budget of around 500 USD per day per person, you could have a more comfortable and efficient tour. This includes 5-star hotels, tickets for attractions, private transportation, and private guides. The total cost is around 7,000 USD for 2 weeks.

Suggested reading: How Much Is a Trip to Japan

Further Reading

How Long Should You Spend in Japan: From 5 Days to 4 weeks

How to Plan a Trip to Japan and Thailand