Do we need to speak Japanese?

No, but learn basic phrases like arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me). Many signs have English, and Google Translate's camera feature works amazingly well for menus.

Should we book everything in advance?

Book flights, JR Pass, and accommodation in advance. Leave daily activities flexible except for popular experiences like teamLab or Studio Ghibli Museum which sell out.

How much cash should we carry?

Japan is cash-heavy. Carry $200-300 equivalent in yen at all times. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards and are everywhere.

Is 2 weeks enough for Japan?

Yes, 2 weeks gives you a solid introduction to Japan's main highlights without feeling rushed. You'll want to return for deeper exploration of specific regions.

What if we want to change our itinerary?

The JR Pass gives you flexibility to take different trains. Book accommodation night by night rather than all at once if you want maximum flexibility, though this costs more.

How to Plan 2 Weeks in Japan as a Couple

Two weeks gives you enough time to experience Japan's highlights without rushing. Split your time between Tokyo (4-5 days), Kyoto (3-4 days), and 2-3 other destinations like Osaka, Hiroshima, or Mount Fuji. Book accommodation and JR Pass in advance, especially during cherry blossom season or fall foliage.

Choose your travel dates. Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May), Obon (mid-August), and New Year (late December-early January) when everything is crowded and expensive. Best times are March-May for cherry blossoms or September-November for fall colors and comfortable weather.
Book flights 2-3 months ahead. Fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) and out of Osaka if doing the classic route, or round-trip from Tokyo. Budget $800-1,500 per person from North America, $400-800 from Europe.
Get your JR Pass before you go. Order a 14-day JR Pass for $438 per person. Must be purchased outside Japan. This covers all JR trains including most shinkansen bullet trains. Will pay for itself if you're doing Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima route.
Plan your route. Classic 2-week route: Tokyo (5 days) → Mount Fuji area (1 day) → Kyoto (4 days) → Nara (day trip) → Osaka (2 days) → Hiroshima (2 days). This gives you cities, culture, nature, and history without backtracking.
Book accommodation early. Reserve hotels 1-2 months ahead, especially in Kyoto where good options fill up fast. Budget hotels: $80-120/night for two. Mid-range: $150-250/night. Splurge on one ryokan (traditional inn) experience for $300-500/night including dinner and breakfast.
Apply for tourist visa if needed. US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia citizens get 90-day visa-free entry. Just need passport valid 6+ months. Other nationalities check requirements 6 weeks before travel.
Download essential apps. Google Translate (works offline and has camera translation), Hyperdia (train schedules), Google Maps (works well in Japan), and Tabelog (restaurant reviews in Japanese but reliable ratings).
Arrange pocket wifi or data plan. Rent pocket wifi for $5-8/day or get a tourist SIM card. Most hotels have free wifi but you'll want data for navigation and translation on the go.

Do we need to speak Japanese?: No, but learn basic phrases like arigatou gozaimasu (thank you) and sumimasen (excuse me). Many signs have English, and Google Translate's camera feature works amazingly well for menus.
Should we book everything in advance?: Book flights, JR Pass, and accommodation in advance. Leave daily activities flexible except for popular experiences like teamLab or Studio Ghibli Museum which sell out.
How much cash should we carry?: Japan is cash-heavy. Carry $200-300 equivalent in yen at all times. 7-Eleven ATMs accept foreign cards and are everywhere.
Is 2 weeks enough for Japan?: Yes, 2 weeks gives you a solid introduction to Japan's main highlights without feeling rushed. You'll want to return for deeper exploration of specific regions.
What if we want to change our itinerary?: The JR Pass gives you flexibility to take different trains. Book accommodation night by night rather than all at once if you want maximum flexibility, though this costs more.