Trip planner for Japan

Plan your Japan trip the way locals would.

Japan rewards the prepared traveler more than almost anywhere else. With strict reservation systems, dense train networks and cash-still-king culture, a clean planner saves entire days. The Wanderlist Japan template covers Shinkansen bookings, IC card top-ups, ryokan check-ins and a JPY-aware budget that ties everything together.

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Best time

Mar–May, Oct–Nov

Daily budget

¥12,000–¥22,000

Visa

Visa-free 90 days (most)

Language

Japanese (limited English)

What's inside

Everything you need to plan Japan — in one place.

No more 12 browser tabs and 3 Google Docs. Open the planner, customize the days, hit print.

Day-by-day itinerary

Drop-in routes for 7, 10, 14, and 21-day trips. Edit anything, add notes, reorder days.

Live budget tracker

Costs in local currency. Flights, hotels, food, activities — see what you're spending in real time.

Booking links & reservations

Pre-curated links for flights, trains, tours and the must-book restaurants & sights.

Offline PDF export

Print or save offline. No Wi-Fi? No problem — your whole trip fits in your pocket.

What you need to know before planning Japan

JR Pass isn't always worth it in 2026

After the 2023 price hike, JR Pass only pays off for 3+ Shinkansen long-haul rides. Use the planner to compare individual ticket totals before buying.

Cash still rules outside Tokyo

Konbini ATMs (7-Eleven, Lawson) accept foreign cards. Carry ¥10,000–¥20,000 cash daily — many restaurants and shrines reject cards.

Reserve key restaurants 30+ days ahead

Sushi counters in Tokyo, kaiseki in Kyoto, tempura omakase — most accept bookings only via TableCheck or hotel concierge. Walk-ins rarely work.

Suica/Pasmo IC cards beat single tickets

Tap-to-ride on every metro, JR line and bus across the country. Top up at any station. Now available in Apple Wallet for foreigners.

Hotel taxes and surcharges add up

Accommodation tax varies by city (Tokyo ¥100–¥1,000/night). Ryokan dinner+breakfast plans look pricey but often beat eating out separately.

Cherry blossom and Golden Week chaos

Late March–early April and April 29–May 5: prices double, trains pack, hotels sell out 3 months ahead. Plan around or commit early.

Travelers planning Japan love it.

4.8/5 from 1,200+ reviews · Real travelers, real trips.

"Saved me at least 12 hours of planning for Japan. The day-by-day itinerary was spot on and the budget tracker kept us from overspending."

Sarah M. · London, UK

"Worth every penny. The booking links and pre-made restaurant picks meant we skipped tourist traps and ate like locals."

David L. · Toronto, CA

"First trip abroad with kids — the planner made it stress-free. Loved that I could print the PDF for offline use."

Anna K. · Berlin, DE

Top places to visit in Japan

Tokyo

Shibuya, Shinjuku, Asakusa, day-trips to Hakone.

Kyoto

Temples, geisha district, bamboo grove, tea ceremony.

Osaka

Street food capital — Dotonbori, takoyaki, kushikatsu.

Hakone

Onsen, Mt. Fuji views, art museums.

Hiroshima

Peace Park + Miyajima floating torii.

Nara

Friendly deer, Todai-ji giant Buddha.

Kanazawa

Edo-era gardens, samurai districts, fresh seafood.

Okinawa

Tropical beaches, distinct Ryukyu culture.

Suggested Japan itineraries

Three skeletons you can drop straight into the planner and customize.

7 days

Tokyo + Kyoto first-timer

Tokyo (3) → Hakone (1) → Kyoto (3). Nozomi Shinkansen between cities.

10 days

Golden Route classic

Tokyo (3) → Hakone (1) → Kyoto (2) → Nara (½) → Osaka (2) → Hiroshima (1).

14 days

Deeper Japan

Tokyo → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Osaka → Hiroshima → Miyajima → Hakone → Tokyo.

Japan planning FAQ

How much does a 2-week trip to Japan cost?

Mid-range travelers spend ¥18,000–¥25,000/day per person (~$120–$170). Two weeks: $1,700–$2,400 ground costs, plus flights. Tokyo and Kyoto are the priciest hubs.

Is the JR Pass still worth buying?

Only if you're doing 3+ long Shinkansen rides (e.g., Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Tokyo). For shorter trips, individual tickets are cheaper. The planner has a side-by-side calculator.

Do I need to speak Japanese?

Helpful but not required in major cities. Translation apps (Google Lens, DeepL) handle menus and signs. Outside Tokyo/Kyoto, expect minimal English.

What's the best time to visit Japan in 2026?

Late March–early April for sakura, mid-October–late November for koyo (autumn colors). Both peak — book accommodations 3+ months ahead.