Japan is a country where technology, history, and customs meet. The first moment you see stunning ancient temples, and then modern soaring skyscrapers and neon lights on the next. This, along with other incredible things The Land of the Rising Sun has to offer are some of the reasons why many people are dreaming about traveling to this country.
And for many people who have visited the country, they found that 2 weeks in Japan could be an ideal length when exploring the country. While it’s true that it’s not even close to being enough to see and experience everything the country has to offer, but it’s enough for you to enjoy the country. So, to help you with the trip, here are important things you need to know when traveling to Japan for 14 days.
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Transportation
Most tourists use any of the two main international airports – Tokyo’s Narita Airport and Osaka’s Kansai Airport. From any of those airports, you can hire a car or ride the bus or taxi to get you to your airport.
Taxis are widely available in Japan but can be expensive, especially in major cities. If you need to take a taxi, make sure to have the address of your destination written in Japanese to show the driver.
While renting a car in Japan is possible, driving can be challenging due to the country's narrow roads and complex traffic patterns. If you plan to rent a car, get an international driving permit, and have a good understanding of Japanese traffic laws and road signs.
Getting around the country is easy as they have some of the latest and reliable train networks in the world. A must-have when traveling for 2 weeks in Japan is the Japan Rail Pass. This is a train pass with excellent value. This is available for 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. And of course, it would be ideal to get the one good for 14 days.
Weather
There are four seasons in the country of Japan, all of which vary when it comes to the rain level and overall temperature. And as you know, the weather has a great impact on how your trip is going to be, so it’s important to make sure that you are going at the right time.
If you are planning a 2-week trip to Japan between the months of March to May, then you will experience the Spring season. This season has an average temperature of 14°C and a normal rain level. Make sure to pack an umbrella on your trip!
The months between June and August, on one hand, is the Summer season. This season has an average temperature of 27°C, and ironically, this season receives the heaviest rainfall during.
If you want to visit Japan during the Autumn season, then visit the country in the month of September to November. These months get 18°C as its average temperature, while it doesn’t get very rainy during this season, you may want to bring a light jacket as nights get so much colder.
Lastly, if you love the idea of traveling Japan during winter, then book your flights anytime between December to February. You will experience 7°C as the average temperature. If you want to see the snowfall, then you have to know that this usually happens in January. Make sure to pack the right types of clothing!
Accommodation
You will never run out of accommodation options in Japan. The accommodations in Japan caters to any budgets and needs. In order to get an authentic Japanese experience, however, you may want to try spending a night or two at a Ryokan. These are traditional Japanese inns that offer meals with your stay.
Another traditional and unique accommodation available in the country is Japanese temples where you can also join Buddhist prayers. But then of course, if you are looking for something more modern, there are a lot of western hotels, hostels, and other types of accommodations that suit your necessities.
Japan has many hotels, ranging from affordable options to luxury properties, that offer comfortable rooms and varying amenities. If you are on a tight budget, you can try cute capsule hotels that offer small, individual capsules or pods for sleeping. They're typically more affordable than other types of accommodation but may be less comfortable or private. You can rent one for the fun and novelty it offers.
There are also beautiful apartments in ideal locations that can suit your needs and preferences. You can maximize your benefits by opting for a short-term lease, which provides lower upfront costs. If you want to know the cost to rent an apartment in Tokyo, you can read information about them on online marketplaces and hosting platforms.
Language
As you already know, the Japanese language is still the most widely spoken language in the country. Although many younger generations can speak English, only a few are very fluent. This is okay, many signs, especially in the touristy places are translated to English, so don’t worry about getting lost. But then again, learning the basic language when traveling to Japan, especially that you will be there for 14 days, will take you a long way.
Power Source & Plug
Japan uses 100 volts with 2 straight thin flat pins, just like the ones used in the United States. Electric appliances are generally able to support 100 volts to 240 volts. But to make sure, check the devices you will use. Also, you may want to bring a universal power plug just in case your devices don’t fit their plugs source.
Top Must-See Destinations in Japan
As mentioned earlier, 2 weeks in Japan is not enough to see everything the country has to offer, but you can always go back, can you? Based on the Japan map, you will see that the country could be sub-divided into different regions, which are the West, North, South, and East.
There are many cities in the countries to choose from when it comes to picking out where to start your trip, each of them has its own characteristics. Some of the tops cities as defined by Japan map are Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, Chiba, Fukuoka, Kawasaki, etc. But if it’s your first time in Japan, there are ones that you may not want to miss on your first trip.
Read more: Where to Go If You Decide to Get Out of Tokyo for the Golden Week
1. Mt. Fuji
Of course, the first thing we should mention is Mt. Fuji. Your trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without it. Mt. Fuji is one of the country’s trademark. On a clear day, you can easily see this mountain in many places in Tokyo. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also climb the mountain.
2. Harajuku
Harajuku is one of Japan’s top must-see destinations for all anime and manga fans. Not too far from the train station, this district is a known hangout spot for cosplayers. This is also popular for many boutiques and cafes, so, if you are looking for a place to shop or to try out some delicious food, this is the place to be.
Read more: 10 Of the Top Places to Visit in the World in This Lifetime
3. Shinjuku
Another area found in Tokyo; Shinjuku is a densely populated district that offers amazing entertainment. If you are looking for a lively nightlife, there’s no better place than Shinjuku – just make sure you are of legal drinking age in Japan if you want to enjoy authentic sake. This is also home to Ginza, the giant shopping area where some of the largest international names in fashion are found.
4. Kyoto
If you are looking for something that will show you more of traditional Japanese culture, then head to Kyoto. This is where you will find some of the most popular temples, shrines, and castles in Japan. Here you will find geisha walking on the narrow streets and it’s also the best place to learn the art of green tea making.
5. Nara
Formerly Japan's capital for 74 years, Nara is another must-visit destination in Japan. Nara Park is where you will see the 16.2m Buddha statue and this is where you will also find the deer freely roaming around tourists.
Spending 2 weeks in Japan would be an extremely fun experience whether it is your first time in the country or not. Hopefully, the tips mentioned will be enough to guide you and make sure you will have a fun, incredible experience in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Do you want to know more? If you have other questions regarding this topic, don’t hesitate to let us know in the comment below!