Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Vlad
Over the last few weeks I’ve been asked to design itineraries for retired family friends that are planning on visiting Japan, so I thought I would share it with everyone else that is in their shoes.
Below you will find a suggested 2-week itinerary for seniors visiting Japan for the first time, covering key destinations like Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima and Osaka.
This itinerary covers Japan’s main attractions and is designed with a pace that’s suitable for seniors. I have also taken a number of considerations into account when building this sample itinerary:
- Transport:
- Use the Japan Rail Pass for long-distance travel. Purchase a JR Rail Pass before arrival, for cost-effective travel between Japan’s major cities.
- Use IC cards like Pasmo or Suica for convenient local transport.
- Consider using taxis for shorter distances, or where train access isn’t the greatest.
- Accommodation: Book hotels near train stations to minimize walking. Look for properties with western style beds and rooms, as traditional Japanese rooms and futons may be challenging for some.
- Pace: The itinerary includes rest days and isn’t overly packed. Adjust as needed based on your own energy levels.
- Accessibility: Research attractions in advance for accessibility information. Many temples have steps, but major sites often have alternative routes.
- Health and Comfort:
- Carry a list of medications and any health conditions translated into Japanese.
- Dress appropriately for weather conditions
- Bring comfortable, supporting walking shoes
- Learn basic Japanese phrases for asking for help or directions
- If travelling in summer please be extremely cautious of heat and humidity
- Make sure you take out travel (health) insurance in advance
- Cultural experiences:
- Consider adding a tea ceremony, kabuki performance, or cooking class for a deeper cultural immersion.
- Try kaiseki dining for a leisurely, stunning multi-course meal showcasing Japanese cuisine. No trip to Japan is complete without it!
- Luggage: Use luggage forwarding services between major cities to avoid carrying heavy bags. Or rent lockers at train stations.
Detailed 2-Week Japan Itinerary for Seniors
Days 1-4: Tokyo
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimation
- Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport
- Take Airport Limousine Bus or pre-arranged taxi to your hotel (easier than navigating trains with luggage)
- Rest and adjust to the time difference
- Light walk around the hotel area if feeling up to it
Day 2: Eastern Tokyo
- Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa
- Arrive early to avoid crowds
- Use the elevator at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center for a great view of the temple
- Tokyo Skytree (if comfortable with heights)
- Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues
- Use priority lanes for seniors where available
- Ueno Park
- Enjoy a relaxed stroll
- Visit Tokyo National Museum if interested in Japanese art and history
Day 3: Central Tokyo
- Meiji Shrine
- Visit in the morning for a peaceful experience
- The main shrine area is wheelchair accessible
- Harajuku and Omotesando
- Walk down Omotesando for high-end shopping and architecture
- Avoid the crowded Takeshita Street
- Shibuya
- View the famous crossing from the Shibuya Sky observation deck (less crowded than street level)
Day 4: Day Trip to Kamakura
- Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura (about 1 hour)
- Visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple
- Wheelchair accessible
- Hase-dera Temple
- Has elevators, but some areas may have steps
- Consider using the Enoden tram line for easy transportation between sites
Days 5-6: Hakone and Mt. Fuji Area
Day 5: Hakone
- Take the Romance Car from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto
- Use the Hakone Free Pass for local transportation
- Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum (wheelchair accessible)
- Stay in a ryokan with private onsen for a relaxing experience
Day 6: Mt. Fuji Views
- Take the Hakone Ropeway for Mt. Fuji views (weather permitting)
- Enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi
- Visit Hakone Shrine if energy permits
Days 7-10: Kyoto
Day 7: Travel and Nijo Castle
- Take the Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto
- Visit Nijo Castle
- Main keep isn’t accessible, but the Ninomaru Palace is wheelchair friendly
Day 8: Northwestern Kyoto
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Grounds are mostly flat and wheelchair accessible
- Ryoan-ji Temple
- Famous rock garden; some areas may have limited accessibility
Day 9: Eastern Kyoto
- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds
- Lower areas are accessible, but the mountain trail isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Some areas have steep slopes; consider using the paid shuttle service
Day 10: Day Trip to Nara
- Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station (about 45 minutes)
- Visit Todai-ji Temple
- Wheelchair accessible with ramps
- Nara Park
- Flat and easy to navigate, enjoy feeding the deer
Days 11-12: Hiroshima and Miyajima
Day 11: Hiroshima
- Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Hiroshima
- Visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum
- Both are wheelchair accessible
- Consider using the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus for easy transportation
Day 12: Miyajima
- Take a ferry to Miyajima Island
- Visit Itsukushima Shrine
- Mostly accessible, with some areas requiring assistance
- Mt. Misen Ropeway
- Accessible, but the mountain top may be challenging
- I have written a detailed guide on the amazing Miyajima Island in this blog post.
Days 13-14: Osaka
Day 13: Osaka Exploration
- Travel from Hiroshima to Osaka by Shinkansen
- Visit Osaka Castle
- Park is accessible, but castle interior has stairs
- Explore Dotonbori area
- Vibrant atmosphere, but can be crowded; consider visiting during off-peak hours
Day 14: Departure
- Depart Osaka on bullet train to Tokyo
- If your flight from Narita or Haneda Airport is in the early morning, leave Osaka the night before