Should I book everything in advance?

Book flights, accommodations, and JR Pass in advance. Leave restaurant reservations and daily activities flexible except for special experiences like Michelin-starred restaurants or popular cooking classes.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $300-500 in cash for your first few days, then withdraw more from 7-Eleven ATMs which accept foreign cards. Many restaurants and shops still don't take credit cards.

Is the language barrier a real problem?

In Tokyo and Kyoto, you'll manage fine with basic English and translation apps. Station signs are in English, and younger people often speak some English. Download Google Translate with camera feature for menus.

What if I want to see Mount Fuji?

Stay in Hakone or Kawaguchi-ko for 2-3 days. Clear views aren't guaranteed - Mount Fuji hides behind clouds about 70% of the time. October-February offers the best visibility.

How to Plan a First-Time Japan Itinerary for 2 Weeks

Split your 2 weeks between Tokyo (5-6 days), Kyoto (4-5 days), and one additional region like Mount Fuji or Hiroshima (3-4 days). Book a 14-day JR Pass for $440, arrive in Tokyo, take day trips from your base cities, and plan around seasonal events.

Choose your regions. Pick 2-3 regions maximum. First-timers should focus on Tokyo (modern Japan), Kyoto (traditional Japan), and one additional area. Popular third options: Mount Fuji area, Hiroshima, or Nara. Don't try to see everything.
Plan your time splits. Allocate 5-6 days in Tokyo, 4-5 days in Kyoto, and 3-4 days for your third region. Include travel days in these counts. Tokyo needs more time because it's massive and has day trip options like Nikko or Kamakura.
Buy your JR Pass before you go. Purchase a 14-day JR Pass online for $440. This covers all JR trains including most shinkansen (bullet trains). Must be bought before arrival. Pick up at the airport when you land.
Book key accommodations. Reserve hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto first - these book up fastest. Budget hotels start around $60/night, mid-range $120/night. Book 2-3 months ahead for cherry blossom season (March-May) or autumn leaves (October-November).
Plan around seasons and events. Check Japanese holidays (Golden Week, Obon) when prices spike and crowds surge. Cherry blossoms peak in late March-early April but vary by year. Book early for these periods or avoid them entirely for better prices and smaller crowds.
Map out your route. Start in Tokyo, travel west to Kyoto, then continue to your third region if it's Hiroshima, or return through Tokyo for Mount Fuji. This follows the natural train line flow and minimizes backtracking.
Research must-do experiences. Pick 1-2 signature experiences per city. Tokyo: Tsukiji fish market, Shibuya crossing, day trip to temples. Kyoto: Fushimi Inari shrine, bamboo grove, traditional neighborhood walk. Don't overpack your schedule.

Should I book everything in advance?: Book flights, accommodations, and JR Pass in advance. Leave restaurant reservations and daily activities flexible except for special experiences like Michelin-starred restaurants or popular cooking classes.
How much cash should I bring?: Bring $300-500 in cash for your first few days, then withdraw more from 7-Eleven ATMs which accept foreign cards. Many restaurants and shops still don't take credit cards.
Is the language barrier a real problem?: In Tokyo and Kyoto, you'll manage fine with basic English and translation apps. Station signs are in English, and younger people often speak some English. Download Google Translate with camera feature for menus.
What if I want to see Mount Fuji?: Stay in Hakone or Kawaguchi-ko for 2-3 days. Clear views aren't guaranteed - Mount Fuji hides behind clouds about 70% of the time. October-February offers the best visibility.