Two weeks in Japan is just enough time to fall in love with the food, the neon signs of Osaka, the peaceful shrines of Tokyo, and the high-speed zoom of the shinkansen trains. But if you don’t plan smart, that dream trip can slip through your fingers.
A few early missteps — like not booking important tickets beforehand (such as a Japan Rail Pass alternative), staying too far from transport hubs, or getting overwhelmed by logistics — can easily derail your experience.
This guide shares some of the most important tips to help plan your trip to Japan, from building a smarter itinerary and choosing the right hotels to mastering Japan’s famously efficient transit systems.
With just a little preparation beforehand, you can focus on what really matters: enjoying Japan!
When arranging a trip to Japan, the best way to avoid unnecessary travel stress is by planning all those essential details in advance.
Nowhere is this more evident than Japan’s popular attractions. If you’ve got your heart set on the immersive dreamworld of teamLab Planets in Tokyo, grab those tickets as early as possible — they can sell out very quickly.
The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka is even trickier: ticket quantities are limited and released only once a month for overseas visitors. If certain places are must-sees, securing your spot early
is a must.
Booking accommodation early is also important. Japan receives over 35 million visitors per year, and hotel rooms in popular tourist areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya (Tokyo) or Kawaramachi (Osaka) go quickly!
While we’re on the topic of booking accommodation, don’t forget that your hotel can have just as big an impact as your sightseeing plans. After all, this is where you’ll relax after a long day of temple-hopping, sushi-eating, and train-catching — so it pays to spend a bit of time and pick wisely.
First, check what’s nearby. Having a convenience store like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart just around the corner is incredibly helpful. In fact, you’ll be surprised how often you’ll pop in for snacks, drinks, quick breakfasts, or to top up your transport card!
Second, check out the perks and amenities of your potential hotels. Many accommodations in Japan offer neat little extras like free access to an onsen, happy hour with free drinks, bike rentals, massage chairs, or even complimentary pajamas. These amenities can make all the difference in your stay.
Lastly (and most importantly!), consider proximity to public transport. Being near a metro or JR station can save you tons of time — after all, Japan’s cities are massive, and you'll likely be relying on trains every day. A 15-minute walk from the station might not seem like a big deal at first, but it makes a huge difference when you're tired or carrying 10 shopping bags from Don Quijote.
Arriving in Japan — especially after a long flight — can be chaotic. The crowds of people, the jetlag, the maze-like stations… To counteract this, it’s best to have an “arrival plan” before you head to the airport.
First, sort out your internet access. An eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi rental gives you instant access to navigation, translation apps, and train schedules — all things you’ll need within the first hour of landing.
Next, figure out how to get from the airport to your hotel. Japan’s train system is legendary, but figuring out where to transfer or which platform to stand on can be tricky when you’re tired and disoriented. Research train lines or airport shuttles ahead of time, note where you need to transfer (if any), and figure out which station exit is closest to your hotel.
Finally, consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card. These rechargeable IC cards work on trains and buses, and you can even use them to buy goods at vending machines and convenience stores. This not only saves time but also eliminates the need to deal with ticket machines every time.
One of the easiest ways to get overwhelmed in Japan is by overpacking your schedule. It’s tempting to squeeze in every attraction, but the best trick is to always leave a little bit of breathing room.
Try to plan one completely free day in each major city on your itinerary. For example, if you're spending five days in Tokyo, five in Osaka, and four in Kyoto, leave the last day in each city open.
These “buffer days” give you room to wander, revisit a favorite spot, or finally check out that cool café that you spotted on day one. Best of all, these spontaneous days often turn into the most memorable parts of the trip.
It’s no secret that Japan is a paradise for souvenirs, with its colorful daruma dolls and anime figurines to regional snacks and dozens (if not hundreds) of KitKat flavors. Once the shopping starts, your suitcase is sure to fill up fast.
To avoid lugging heavy bags between cities or struggling to find space on trains, consider using a takkyubin, which is a luggage delivery service like Yamato Transport, Sagawa Express, or Japan Post.
The process is simple: all you need to do is drop your suitcase off at the hotel front desk, and it will be waiting for you at your next hotel. Many accommodations assist with the paperwork, and prices are fairly reasonable. It’s a game-changer for comfortable travel.
If your two-week itinerary includes hopping around multiple cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and beyond, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) can be a fantastic investment. The pass offers unlimited rides on most Japan Railways trains, including the world-famous Shinkansen (bullet train).
You’ll need to buy the pass before your trip (plan in advance!) and activate it once you arrive. While it doesn’t cover every train, it does include most major routes, and considering a one-way Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around 13,000 yen (about US$90), the pass quickly pays for itself with a few trips.
If you want to stay within a specific region, consider a regional JR Pass, which is often cheaper and tailored to local travel needs (such as the Kansai Area Pass for Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara).
