2 weeks is a good amount of time to see what Japan has to offer in terms of culture, tradition and history.
This could be done with either the more expensive but faster Japan Rail Pass or the cheaper Japan Bus Pass. Go for the Japan Bus Pass if you don’t mind a few night buses and slow trains. If you have already been to Japan, you can customize the trip with some side trips from the main areas of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
Cost: 120,000 yen – 140,000 yen per person
Day 1
Arrive in Tokyo and spend the day in Shinjuku, with an introduction to and view over Tokyo at the Tokyo Metropolitan Building.
Day 2
Head over to east Tokyo, and enjoy traditional Tokyo in Asakusa and Ueno.
Day 3
Learn about Japan at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, then go to the geek paradise of Akihabara.
Day 4
Take the train or bus (best to get a night bus the day before) to Japan’s traditional capital of Kyoto.
Day 5
Spend the day in Kyoto with the Kyoto City Bus All-day Pass or rent a bicycle from your guesthouse.
Day 6
Take a quick side trip to Nara for some different temples and shrines.
Day 7
Go to Osaka and experience the south’s main city.
Day 8
Head south towards Hiroshima, stopping along the way in hip Kobe or traditional Himeji.
Day 9
Spend the day in Hiroshima.
Day 10
Take a side trip to the lovely island of Miyajima.
Day 11
When you have done everything in Miyajima, return to Hiroshima, then head back to Tokyo.
Day 12
See some crazy fashion in Harajuku, then visit the man-made island of Odaiba.
Day 13
Starting at Shinjuku, do a loop around the cool areas of west Tokyo. First go to Koenji, then Kichijoji (also on the JR Chuo line), then Shimo Kitazawa. In the evening, continue to Shibuya.
Day 14
Spend any remaining time in Tokyo.
Map
Super Cheap Japan 