How Many Days Do You Need in Japan?
Japan is one of those destinations where you could easily spend a month and still have more to discover. But most travelers don’t have a month—so how many days do you really need?
For a first trip to Japan, we recommend 10 to 14 days.
That’s enough time to experience the excitement of Tokyo, explore the temples and traditional neighborhoods of Kyoto, add one or two additional destinations, and still enjoy your trip without feeling like you’re constantly packing and catching trains.
Is One Week in Japan Enough?
If seven days is all you have, absolutely go—but keep the itinerary simple.
We’d recommend focusing on Japan’s two essential destinations:
Tokyo – 3 nights
Kyoto – 3 nights
Depending on flight schedules, you may have another night to add to either city.
With only a week, we wouldn’t try to squeeze in Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakone, and several day trips. You’ll spend too much of your vacation moving from place to place.
14 Days in Japan: Our Favorite
If your schedule allows, two weeks is ideal for a first trip to Japan.
You’ll have enough time to see the highlights while also experiencing a little more of the country.
For example:
Tokyo – 4 nights
Hakone – 1 night
Kyoto – 4 nights
Osaka – 2 nights
Hiroshima & Miyajima – 2 nights
You could also skip one of these destinations and slow the trip down. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with spending five nights in Tokyo or Kyoto.
In fact, we often prefer it.
How Many Cities Should You Visit?
This is where travelers sometimes get carried away.
Japan’s high-speed trains make getting around remarkably easy, which can create the temptation to keep adding stops.
Tokyo.
Hakone.
Kyoto.
Osaka.
Nara.
Hiroshima.
Kanazawa.
Takayama.
Suddenly your relaxing two-week honeymoon has become an endurance event!
For most first-time visitors, we recommend three or four primary destinations with carefully chosen day trips.
Don't Forget About Day Trips
You don’t always need to change hotels to see somewhere new.
From Kyoto, for example, you can easily visit Nara for the day.
From Tokyo, there are numerous possibilities depending on your interests.
Using a few strategic day trips allows you to experience more of Japan without constantly packing and unpacking.
Our Travel Tip ✈️
Include at least one ryokan stay in your honeymoon itinerary—and if your budget allows, choose a room with a private onsen.
You don’t necessarily need several nights. Even one special night between Tokyo and Kyoto can provide a wonderful pause in your itinerary and give you an experience that’s completely different from staying in a traditional hotel.
Also, don’t schedule every minute. Some of the best moments in Japan happen when you wander down an interesting street, discover a little restaurant, or simply stop somewhere because it caught your attention.
Quick Facts
7 Days:
Tokyo + Kyoto
10 Days:
Tokyo + Hakone + Kyoto
14 Days:
Tokyo + Hakone + Kyoto + Osaka and/or Hiroshima
Our Sweet Spot:
10–14 days
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Questions?
We hope you enjoyed the information shared in this article. If you’d like to explore one of these destinations, we would love to assist you with a quote. If you have any other questions, we’d love to help.
The Remarkable Honeymoons Team
Luxury Travel Designers
1-866-614-1803
request@remarkablehoneymoons.com
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