Two weeks in Japan

[Iloveabaconbutty]

We've got a fortnight booked in Japan. We need to do it on a fairly modest budget but would like to make the most of the two weeks we have there. We've never been before and are sorting out an itinerary now.

We're really looking forward to it. We're sorted with Japan Rail Passes. We have a number of ideas but would welcome recommendations, suggestions, advice from anyone who has been before. Thanks!

@faffadoodledo November shouldn’t be as bad as April.

However, if you’re looking to tweak the itinerary then I will say that we had a really fabulous day in Kamakura. It will definitely be somewhere I’ll go again and maybe stop for a night or two next time. We had a great view of Mount Fuji from the seafront and then went to the giant Buddha and some temples. Genuinely peaceful and serene at the temples with small, manageable numbers of tourists everywhere.

Nov is beautiful time, hopefully plenty of leafage. It is busy, but not as crazy busy as sakura season. If you can get into the mountains a day trip (like Koyasan) that will be quieter (but still popular).
You can watch the koyo reports at Japan Guide closer to the time. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2014.html
But 4 nights in Kyoto will be lovely, especially if you can get up early and be first to the shrines. I have noticed the prominent tourist groups are not early risers.

We liked Kamakura too. Enjoyed the Enoden line. You can get tranquility in Japan but Cherry blossom season anywhere is busy. I think we would plan to go in the autumn next time. You have to accept other nationals aren’t the same as British tourists but it’s the same everywhere.