Japan Travel Planning Guide: Everything to Do Before You Go

I had been dreaming about this trip for years and, after a few hiccups (namely Covid-19), we finally made it to Japan. It was even better than expected!
This guide shares our 15 days in Japan itinerary, plus everything you need to plan your trip: best time to go, flights, hotels, JR Pass tips, apps, books, packing list, and more.

Why Visit Japan in Autumn?

I chose October in Japan to celebrate my birthday, and it was magical. The weather was warm but not sticky, and the first signs of autumn colours were appearing.

Other great seasons to visit:

Summer (June–August): Festivals and fireworks

Spring (March–April): Famous cherry blossoms

Winter (December–February): Ski trips in Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps

15-Day Japan Itinerary Overview

Here’s our itinerary for a two-week Japan trip in October 2023:

Day 1–3: Tokyo

Day 4: Miyajima Island / Hiroshima

Day 5: Naoshima

Day 6–10: Kyoto

Day 11: Koyasan (temple stay)

Day 12: Osaka

Day 13–14: Tokyo

This route gave us a balance of big cities, culture, and traditional experiences.

Flights to Japan – How to Find the Best Deals

Book early for the best prices. You can even find good deals in Business Class.

We traveled with Austrian Airlines (Vienna → Narita) and ANA (Haneda → Frankfurt).
Both flights were upgraded to Business Class using Miles & More points.
ANA was excellent — they refunded without issues when I had to cancel during Covid.

I couldn’t resist showing you the photo of the chef ;)

Japan Rail Pass: Everything You Need to Know

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is the best way to travel around Japan. It’s available only for foreign visitors and comes in 3 options:

7 days
14 days
21 days

We activated our pass after a few days in Tokyo when we started longer train journeys.

Your passport must be stamped “Temporary Visitor.”
Add a Pocket WiFi when ordering — essential for maps, translations, and staying connected.
Check visa exemptions on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site.

Where to Stay in Japan

Tokyo

Cyashitsu Ryokan Asakusa – A beautiful Ryokan with rooftop onsen and traditional Japanese breakfast.

This Ryokan offers the ideal and soft introduction to Japanese culture, you are welcomed by the staff who will take their time to make you feel at home.

You are invited to take off your shoes and put on their slippers before entering the Ryokan. The Ryokan has a lift and you are shown to your quarter, where you really feel immersed in their world. The rooms are small but perfect.

One of the really nice aspect of this Ryokan is that they have a private onsen on their roof, so it enables you to get accustomed to their traditions before going to a public onsen. Just don’t forget to book the onsen in advance.

Their breakfast is just amazing, you get to take it in a private room and enjoy a typical Japanese breakfast.

Mimaru Tokyo Ginza East – Modern apartments, including a fun Pokémon-themed family room.

At the end of our trip we headed back to Tokyo for a couple of nights and we went for the complete opposite of the Ryokan in Asakusa.

We stayed at the Mimaru Tokyo Ginza East because it has a Pokemon family room, I know my kids are grown-ups but Pokemon was a major part of their childhood.

You have to see it to believe it!

Kyoto

Ceasar Gion Hotel – In the Higashiyama area, close to Yasaka Pagoda and temples. Rooms with futons, laundry facilities, and great service.

This accommodation is part of the hotel group called Real Kyoto Japan hotel. All of their hotels and accommodation are authentic and the service is spot on.

Osaka

Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi East – Spacious family rooms with kitchenettes, perfect for groups.

The Mimaru group is very popular in the main cities of Japan.

We only stayed one night in the Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi East. The family room was perfect for 3 adults. It is a quadruple room with a large double bed and a bunk bed. Like most of the Mimaru hotels, you have a seating/dining area, with a refrigerator, kitchenware, microwave and a kettle.

The location is excellent and the staff are very kind and helpful.

Koyasan (Temple Stay)

Shukubo Fudoin – Stay overnight with monks, enjoy vegetarian meals, morning prayers, and a traditional onsen.

We all agreed this was so incredible, from the amazing vegetarian dinner and breakfast, the attendance of the morning devotional service to the hospitality and historical location.

The room is a traditional Japanese-style family room and can offer 5 beds/futons, which are set up for you in the evening while you have dinner.

You also get to enjoy the tradional Onsen with a view on the garden.

Hiroshima / Miyajima

Iwaso Ryokan – A stunning ryokan surrounded by nature, with hot springs, tatami rooms, and incredible seafood on the island of Miyajima, right opposite Hiroshima. You must take a ferry to get there.

After soaking in the warm waters and maybe even spotting a few deers, you get to enjoy the most incredible meal with such fresh ingredients and the most incredible and gigantic oysters I have ever seen.

The room is authentic with tatamis set up for the night and a balcony with a view on the forest.

Naoshima

Benesse House Museum – Sleep in an art museum with ocean views and guided art tours.

This was a treat for my birthday, sleeping in a museum surrounded with most amazing art that you can admire after the museum has closed.

The family room was beautifully decorated with large windows and a balcony with an ocean view. The staff did a wonderful job organising all the visit with a private guide.

Best Apps for Traveling in Japan

Download these before your trip:

Suica: Digital payment for trains, buses, vending machines.

Airalo: eSIM app (use code ELENE5547 for $3 off).

Visit Japan Web: Immigration & tax-free shopping.

Google Translate: Camera function is great for menus.

Google Maps: Best for train routes.

Books & Movies to Inspire Your Japan Trip

Jiro Dreams of Sushi – Documentary on a sushi master.
Lost in Translation – Sofia Coppola’s Tokyo film.
Memoirs of a Geisha – Classic novel set in Japan.
My Neighbor Totoro / Spirited Away – Studio Ghibli anime.
Fear and Trembling – By Belgian author Amélie Nothomb.
The Street of a Thousand Blossoms – Historical novel by Gail Tsukiyama.

Japan Packing List – Essentials

Extra suitcase (you’ll shop a lot!), Samsonite , reliable and robust and Eastpak specialised in backpacks and soft shell suitcases
️Good walking shoes preferably easy to slip-on and off for temples
Comfortable clothes + socks without holes
Portable charger
Travel adapter
QR code from Visit Japan Web
Japan Rail Pass

For day trips in Japan:

Goshuincho (temple stamp book) – that you can buy

Pocket WiFi

Small purse with coins

Portable charger

Umbrella (or fan in summer)

Arriving at Narita International Airport

Collect your Pocket WiFi at the rental counters in arrivals.

Use Yamato courier service to ship big suitcases to your hotel (look for the yellow cat logo).

FAQs About Planning a 15-Day Japan Trip

Is 15 days enough for Japan?
Yes! Two weeks is perfect for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and smaller cultural stops like Koyasan or Naoshima.

How much does a 15-day trip to Japan cost?
Budget travelers: €2,000–€2,500. Mid-range: €3,500–€5,000. Luxury: €6,000+. (Including flights, JR Pass, hotels, meals, activities).

Do I need the Japan Rail Pass?
If you’re visiting multiple cities, yes. It usually saves money compared to single Shinkansen tickets.

Conclusion

Our 15-day Japan itinerary was unforgettable, from Tokyo skyscrapers to temple stays in Koyasan. Whether you’re going in autumn, spring, or winter, Japan offers culture, food, and experiences like nowhere else.