How to Spend two weeks in Japan

Two Week Guide to Japan

Kon’nichiwa and welcome to your two-week guide to Japan.  If you haven’t heard by now, Japan is a mesmerizing fusion of tradition and innovation, where ancient temples coexist with bustling cities. Below, you will find the breakdown of our  two-week journey through some of Japan's most iconic cities, from the vibrant streets of Tokyo to the serene landscapes of Kyoto. Get ready, because you’re going to want to book your trip by the time you get to the end of this!

Our journey to Japan started out of LAX, Ryan is a master at finding the BEST pricing on business class flights and found roundtrip airfare out of LAX on Japan’s newest airline Zip Air.

September 2, 2023 – we arrived to LAX and check in at the ticket counter at Zip Airlines. 10/10 Recommend.  Pre board – Grab some snacks / drinks for the flight. Food is available on the flight for additional costs – we pre purchased the meal plan.  The food was as expected – mediocre. We got our snacks for the flight and work on a couple emails before boarding.  When it was time to board, we got into the line and were greeted at the gate with warm and welcoming smiles.  We were directed to our seats and began to get situated for the flight.  The flight attendants were amazing, so friendly and helpful.  They handed us our pre-paid package of goodies (Blanket, slippers, eye mask, pillow, toothbrush kit) for the flight and offered champagne / or water.  We settled in and were off.  The flight was smooth, comfortable and worth every penny!  (more info. Below for Zip Airline)

Average weather in September:

Tokyo: 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F)

Kyoto: 24°C (75°F) to 29°C (84°F)

Osaka: 24°C (75°F) to 29°C (84°F)

Hiroshima: 24°C (75°F) to 29°C (84°F)

Sapporo (Hokkaido): 16°C (61°F) to 22°C (72°F)

Arrived: September 3, 2023

How to get from airport to downtown Tokyo:

Exit Customs and Baggage Claim: Once you've cleared customs and collected your baggage, follow the signs to the airport's train station. Narita Airport has two terminals, and both have train stations. Terminal 1 has two train stations: one for the Narita Express and another for other train lines. Terminal 2 has a single train station that serves multiple train lines.

*PRO TIP - Be sure to pick up your pre purchased wifi before exiting the airport. Click on the link for more information.

Purchase Tickets: Use your pre purchased tickets or Head to the ticket counters or vending machines to purchase tickets for the train. If you plan to use the Narita Express (N'EX), you can buy tickets specifically for this train. Otherwise, if you prefer other train lines like the Keisei Skyliner or the JR Sobu Line, you'll purchase tickets accordingly.

Boarding the Train: Follow the signs to the platform for the train you've chosen. Make sure to check the timetable displayed on electronic boards or consult the station staff for departure times and platforms.

Narita Express (N'EX): If you're taking the Narita Express, board the train bound for Tokyo or your specific destination. The Narita Express offers comfortable seating, luggage storage, and a smooth ride into central Tokyo.

Alternative Train Lines: If you're taking other train lines like the Keisei Skyliner or JR Sobu Line, board the appropriate train based on your ticket and destination. Be mindful of transfer stations if your journey requires changing trains.

Arriving in Tokyo: Depending on your chosen train line and destination within Tokyo, your journey may terminate at different stations. For instance, the Narita Express typically stops at major stations like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Shibuya Station.

Navigating Tokyo: Upon arrival, navigate Tokyo's extensive train network to reach your final destination or transfer to other lines as needed. Use maps, signs, and station attendants for assistance if required.

Two-week Itinerary

Day 1-4: Tokyo

Area- Marunouchi District

Hotel :Peninsula Hotel - Book direct with us to get hotel perks!

Get off at Tokyo station – from there, it’s about a 5 – 10 min walk to the hotel or you can grab a taxi. We walked – it wasn’t too bad, but a taxi would be way easier.  Note - You will go back to this train station to head to Kyoto.

Things to do: Team labs - really cool art immersion experience, Tokyo Tower, bike ride - we used the hotel guest bikes, guided city/food tour - reach out to us for our guide, Shibuya Crossing, Imperial Palace. If you like fish, check out Tsukiji Fish Market for a taste of fresh sushi and the futuristic Odaiba district for entertainment and shopping.

Restaurant Recomendation: Tofu Ukai

Day 4-7 : Kyoto

Area: Kamogawa Nijo-Ohashi Hotori

Hotel: The Ritz Carlton - Book Direct with us to get hotel perks!

DAY TRIPs: Nara 45 min, Hiroshima 1.5 hr), Kobe (on your way back from Hiroshima)

Get off Kyoto main station – take a taxi to the hotel (too far to walk) / Same thing when you head to Osaka

Thing to do: guided city / food tour, explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (go Early). Walk the streets of Gion, known for traditional tea houses and geisha sightings. Do a bike tour to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Known for it's thousands of vermillion torii gates- be sure to give yourself enough time to explore!

Day Trips: Nara (Deer Park), Hiroshima, Kobe – all within a train ride away. 

Day 7-9: Osaka

Nishi-Umeda district

Hotel: The Ritz Carlton - Book Direct with us to get hotel perks!

You will make a train transfer when you get to Osaka. From Kyoto, you will arrive at Shin-Osaka then transfer to Osaka station.  We knew when to get off by following our google maps. 

Things to do: Cooking class, visit Dotonbori - check out at night to experiece all the lights & street food. Check out the iconic Osaka Ferris Wheel for panoramic views of the city skyline, and visit Osaka Castle.

Day 9-11: Kanazawa

Area: Kanazawa

Hotel: UAN – Kanazawa

Get off at Kanazawa train station and grab a taxi. It’s about a 15 min ride to the hotel

Things to do: Bike tour through Kanazawa's historic districts, such as Higashi Chaya and Nagamachi Samurai District, walk through Kanazawa Castle. 

*Check out: Pain Dejeuner Cafe A' Table for yummy breakfast and pastries, Pizzeria Salina for authentic Neapolitan Pizza and "Corsaro" for the best homemade Italian food!

Be sure to also check out The Kanazawa 21st Century Art Exhibition - make sure to pre-purchase tickets for the more popular exhibits.

Day 11- 14: Tokyo - Spend your last one or two nights back in Tokyo to explore a different area of the city.

Area : Nihombashi – Marunouchi

Hotel: Bulgari or Hoshinoya

Get off at Tokyo station, walk through the train station to the east side to get outside. It is about 5 min walk from the train station to the Bulgari hotel. 

Things to do: We did another city and food tour with the most amazing guide.  We chose to do a new area as there is so much to see and learn. 

For more info on Japan or to help with hotel bookings and tours email us at Ryan.mckibben@cadencetravel.com or call (949)338-8927