japan travel guide 3 weeks

The Perfect 3 Week Japan Itinerary

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Wondering how to spend 3 weeks in Japan? Our itinerary below gives you a perfect starting point for your first time in Japan!

Japan is an absolute dream destination. From traditional temples to beautiful nature reserves and high-tech cities – it has something for everybody. It’s a world on its own and spending three weeks in Japan is a perfect amount to get a good impression of what this country is all about.

This 3 week Japan itinerary will hopefully help you plan a trip to Japan – or inspire you to finally book those flights! From Tokyo to Miyajima Island, let’s dive in!

Day 5 in Tokyo – Tokyo Tower and Roppongi

Miyajima island (1 day), international money card, 3 week japan itinerary.

From Tokyo, all the way to Miyajima Island, stopping at some of the best highlights of Japan. In three weeks, you’re able to see so much of what Japan has to offer . Feel free to adjust the itinerary to your needs and wishes – this is just an idea/inspiration for you!

Tokyo (5 days)

We start these 3 weeks in Japan in Tokyo. Tokyo has two airports, Haneda and Narita , and while it doesn’t really matter which one you fly into, Haneda is a lot closer to the centre. Make sure you know how to get to your hotel from either airport before you fly – especially after such a long flight, the last thing you want is to stress about getting to your hotel!

When you have three weeks to explore Japan, you want to take some time to explore its capital city. Tokyo is BIG. You can literally spend a month here and still find new and exciting hotspots. Five days may seem like a long time, but it’s barely enough to scrape the surface. We divide these five days in Tokyo in some of the most popular wards of the city.

I’d recommend booking a hotel for 8 nights in Tokyo. Even though you will only spend 5 days in Tokyo itself, the three days afterwards will be day trips from Tokyo. To avoid problems with carrying your suitcases from hotel to hotel, it’s much easier to just stay at the same hotel.

Wondering where to stay in Tokyo ? We stayed at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Higashi Shinjuku. Shinjuku is located in the heart of Tokyo, which makes it easy to get to any other part of the city by metro (which is literally located next to the hotel). I really enjoyed staying here and would definitely recommend it.

Day 1 in Tokyo – Shibuya and Harajuku

On the very first day of your trip to Japan, we dive right into the busy streets of Tokyo. There are so many things to do in Tokyo ! But we’ll start by making our way to Shibuya in the morning to see:

• Shibuya crossing: The busiest crossing on the planet can be found in the middle of Shibuya. It’s quite an experience to walk across the street yourself, alongside the sea of others. Head over to the Starbucks across the road for a coffee and an amazing view over the crossing. Perfect for a timelapse or some photos 😉
• Hachiko statue: A statue to commemorate Tokyo’s favourite and most famous dog, Hachiko. You can find the statue right outside Shibuya station.
• Shopping in Shibuya: Shibuya is known to be one of the business and shopping wards of Tokyo, so it makes sense to have a little look around for some souvenirs. Some of the best shops include Vanguard Village, MODI, Shibuya109, Disney Store and Tokyo Hands.

In the afternoon, you can walk from Shibuya to Harajuku. You can take the metro but it’s only a 15-minute walk from Shibuya and it gives you the chance to walk through this beautiful Japanese neighbourhood. Harajuku is known for its vibrant fashion style and pop culture. Here are some things to check out when in Harajuku:

• Shopping in Harajuku: Harajuku is filled with the cutest little fashion boutiques and fun shops that sell the craziest items. The two main streets for the best shops in Harajuku are Takeshita Street and Omotesando Avenue.
• Harajuku crepe: When in Harajuku, try one of the popular Harajuku Crepes. They have multiple shops all over the area and literally hundreds of fillings (from sweet to savoury).
• Purikura: Japanese photo booths are very popular among teens and a must-try when in Tokyo. After taking some photos, you can edit them to look more kawaii and get a little print to remember your time in Harajuku.

Day 2 in Tokyo – Ikebukuro and Meiji Shrine

Start the second day in Japan with some shopping in the upcoming Ikebukuro, then head over to one of the main shrines in the city, Meiji Shrine.

• Shopping in Ikebukuro : This Tokyo ward is huge in shopping, filled with high street stores and restaurants. Some fun ones to check out are Bic Camera, Loft and Sun Drug.
• Tokyo Pokemon Mega Store: One of the main highlights in Ikebukuro is the biggest Pokemon Centre in Japan, Tokyo Pokemon Mega Store. You can find this shop on the second floor of the Sunshine City shopping centre.
• Coco curry: Japan is filled with the most amazing dishes, but one you should really try is Japanese curries. CoCo Curry Ichibanya is a chain in Japan that can be found in quite a few places, but also in the Sunshine City shopping mall. A perfect spot to grab some lunch before continuing your day in Tokyo.

In the afternoon, head back to Harajuku Station. The entrance of Meiji shrine can be found not far from here.

Because Meiji Shrine is so close to Harajuku, it makes sense to grab some dinner in this part of Tokyo. Harajuku is also home to many karaoke bars, where you can experience another piece of Japanese culture.

Day 3 in Tokyo – Asakusa and Akihabara

Day three in Tokyo is a day filled with contrasts. Starting at the traditional Sensoji temple and heading towards the hyper-modern Akihabara (also known as electronic town ) in the afternoon.

Sensoji is located in Asakusa. After arriving at Asakusa station, you can find Tokyo’s oldest temple just a few minutes away. The temple dates back to the year 645. On the temple grounds, you can find many smaller shrines alongside the big attraction. A fun thing to do at Senso-ji is O-mikuji : a Japanese form of fortune-telling. It only costs ¥100 and – if you happen to get bad fortune – you can leave your bad fortune at the temple for a better future.

From Asakusa, make your way to Akihabara by metro. Akihabara is literal heaven for those who like electronics, anime, video games and other pop-culture references. It’s got that real high-tech Japan feel to it and it’s a really cool place to explore. Some highlights to check out include:

• Shop at retro game camp: Akihabara has some amazing retro-game stores which really kick in the nostalgia. Retro Game Camp is by far the best one in Tokyo – all games come with newly fitted batteries and you can barely see any scratches on them!
• Visit a maid cafe: Japan has some crazy cafes. One of the most popular and well-known is the maid cafe – and there are quite a few in Akihabara. Even though it may be a bit strange, it definitely makes for an amazing experience.
• Play in one of the many arcades: As you may expect, Akihabara is also filled with the most amazing arcades. Make sure to explore more than just the first floor (where you can find mainly claw machines). There are some awesome games to play from the second floor up.

Day 4 in Tokyo – Koto City

In Koto City, you can find the interactive art exhibitions Teamlab Planets and Teamlab Borderless . We decided to go to Teamlab Planets and absolutely loved it. It’s such a unique experience (walking up a waterfall, through an infinity room and more) that you really shouldn’t miss when you’re in Japan before they end it.

Just a couple of metro stops from the Teamlabs exhibitions, you can find the Gundam base . Even though I wasn’t very familiar with the anime, my boyfriend absolutely loved it. And to be honest, it was pretty cool 😉 They have a life-sized Gundam outside the shopping mall that moves every hour on the hour.

If your hotel is located in Shinjuku (would highly recommend this!), you’re in for a bit of fun! Shinjuku has a lively night scene, which is perfect for an evening to unwind. Whether you want to drink some sake in one of the many bars or play the famous pachinko game – definitely spend a few hours here before heading to bed.

The fifth and last day to explore Tokyo will be spent at the famous Tokyo Tower and the Roppongi ward. Make your way to Hamamatsuchō station first. From there you can stop by the beautiful Zojoji Temple before heading to Tokyo Tower.

Tokyo Tower itself is obviously one of the most iconic sights of Japan’s capital, and therefore deserves a little visit. You can head all the way to the top for a little fee, but you can also nose around the many shops on the first few floors for free.

In the late afternoon, keep walking towards Roppongi . This part of Tokyo is one of dazzling nightlife for both locals and tourists. Some things to do before heading to the nearest bar:

• Mori Art Museum: The largest contemporary art museum in Tokyo. It’s located at the top of the central Mori Tower where you can take some amazing photos of Tokyo.
• Nogi Shrine: A beautiful samurai shrine.
• Tokyo City View: If you missed the view at Mori Art Museum, definitely check out Tokyo City View in the Roppongi Hills – another opportunity to take some stunning photos of Tokyo.

For a more detailed Tokyo guide, check out my 6-day Tokyo itinerary . This is basically the same 5 days as described in this itinerary, but with an additional day at Tokyo Disney Sea or Tokyo Disney Land.

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Nikko (1 day)

While staying in the same hotel in Tokyo, we’re going to make a few day trips from the city. Rather than having to move all your luggage with you to a new hotel for one night, staying at the same hotel makes life just a little easier 😉 On the sixth day of our Japan itinerary, we take a day trip to Nikko. You can use the Nikko Pass for this day trip.

Nikko lies north of Tokyo in the Tochigi Prefecture. It takes about 2 hours each way to get there and back from Tokyo. Nikko is known for its forests, waterfalls and natural hot springs – a perfect and peaceful day away from the busyness of Tokyo.

You can check out my one day Nikko itinerary , which includes a map and route to take for an optimal day trip from Tokyo. Some of the best things to do in Nikko include:

• Shinkyo Bridge: Not far from the train station, the Shinkyo bridge is our first stop of the day. This sacred bridge is the gateway to the shrines and temples that can be found inside the city.
• Rinnoji Temple: This UNESCO world heritage site was originally founded by the Buddist monk who brought Buddism to the city in the 8th century.
• Toshogu Temple: Nikko’s most notable temple, Toshogu Temple, is the last resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The beautifully decorated temple is unlike any other temple in Japan. It’s absolutely stunning.
• Kegon Falls: In the afternoon, head over to Nikko National Park for an afternoon in Nikko’s beautiful nature reserve. There are many hiking trails inside the park, but when you only have a short time, I’d recommend going to Kegon Falls. At 100 meters in height, this is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Japan.
• Ryuzu Falls: Add Ryuzu Falls (translated: Dragon Head Falls ) to your day if you have enough time. There is a small observation deck that you can visit for free that gives you a beautiful view over it.

Hakone (1 day)

Hakone is another popular day trip from Tokyo due to it being such a charming little town. You can find a gorgeous view of Mount Fuji here, as well as onsens, shrines and more. When visiting Hakone for the day , check out the following:

• Hakone Shrine: Possibly Hakone’s most famous and iconic sight is Hakone Shrine. Looking out across Lake Ashi, this torii gate gives you such a peaceful and calming feeling. It’s an absolute must when in Hakone to visit this spot.
• Hakone Open-Air Museum: Alongside tons of sculptures and other amazing pieces of art, Hakone open-air museum also hosts some of Picasso’s drawings and paintings.
• Onsen: Hakone is known for its many onsens. If you want to try one of these typical Japanese hot spring spas, check out Yunessun. This onsen allows you to wear a swimsuit and don’t separate men and women. It’s the perfect place to try an onsen out for the first time.
• Owakudani (Boiling Valley): Taking a gondola up the mountain you can already take a peek into the ominous volcanic landscape. Even though this volcano erupted 3000 years ago, the landscape has been forever changed. Walking near the volcanic zone, you can purchase a black egg. This egg has been boiled in naturally boiling water and is said to prolong your life – worth a shot, I’d say 😉

Mt Fuji (1 day)

When spending three weeks in Japan, you kinda have to see the iconic Mount Fuji. From Tokyo, you can easily take a day trip out to visit some of the best Mount Fuji viewing spots. This iconic mountain isn’t one of Japan’s most iconic sights just because of its aesthetics, this volcano is also Japan’s highest mountain at 3776 meters. You can choose to climb Mount Fuji during the climbing season (July-September), but the hiking trails usually take a full day – I’d recommend finding a hotel nearby if you want to climb it!

But you won’t be able to see Mount Fuji when climbing it 😉 There are quite a few places where you can see Mount Fuji – like Hakone – but the Fuji Five Lake region is your best chance of seeing Mount Fuji in all its glory. The mountain is known to hide in the mist quite often, so visiting this area gives you the best chance of capturing it.

• Chureito Pagoda: If you think of Mount Fuji, chances are that you imagine a photo with a red pagoda in the front. This is probably the most photographed spot in the whole of Japan! Especially when the sakura is blooming, this spot embodies so much of what is classic Japan.
• North shore of Lake Kawaguchiko: One of the most breathtaking places to see Mount Fuji is from the north shore of Lake Kawaguchiko. Especially if you’re visiting in spring or autumn, nature makes it look even more beautiful.

You can book a Mount Fuji tour from Tokyo that takes you to the best viewing spots! This way, you don’t have to worry about making it to all the best spots on your own.

Kyoto (3 days)

After those day trips from Tokyo, it really is time to leave Tokyo and head over to Kyoto. Using the shinkansen, it takes about two and a half hours to get to Kyoto.

Wondering where to stay in Kyoto for three nights? I recommend staying in downtown Kyoto, as it’s close to all the major sights, it’s easy to get around, and you can walk to the Geisha district in under 10 minutes. My hotel recommendation is Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo .

Kyoto represents Japan very well. In a way, the city has such big contrasts between traditional and hyper modernity. From temples that have been there for over a thousand years to skyscrapers in Kyoto’s centre.

On the first day in Kyoto, I wouldn’t plan too much. You’ll be travelling by Shinkansen from Tokyo and checking into your hotel. Maybe head into the city centre for a first glimpse of the city – but when travelling through a country for three weeks, it’s not a bad idea to take a little rest day.

Because you only really have two full days in Kyoto , I’d recommend seeing the following highlights:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha: My personal favourite sight in Kyoto. The thousands of red torii gates that lead you up to Mount Inari. The hike to the summit of Mount Inari and back takes about 2-3 hours but is totally worth your time. I’d recommend going early in the morning to avoid the huge seas of tourists.
• Higashiyama and Gion: After Fushimi Inari, head over to the old geisha districts of Kyoto. Higashiyama and Gion lay next to each other and are filled with the most beautiful old tea houses and shrines. Take the afternoon to walk through the neighbourhoods and stop by several sights as Kiyomizu-Dera, Kodaiji Temple and the Yasaka Pagoda. In the evening, stop by Pontocho Alley to dine in one of the most beautiful streets of the city.
• Kinkaku-ji: Start the next day by visiting the Golden Pavillion (also known as Kinkaku-ji). Being one of Kyoto’s 17 UNESCO world heritage sites, this gorgeous zen temple has to be on your Kyoto itinerary.
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Head over to Arashiyama in the afternoon, where you can find the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Arashiyama Iwatayama Monkey Park: Not far from the Bamboo Grove, you can find Iwatayama Monkey Park. Located on top of a hill, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view over this part of Kyoto. 120 monkeys roam around the park freely and you can buy little bags of food to feed them (¥100 per bag).
• Kyoto Tower: In the evening, grab some dinner in Central Kyoto and stop by Kyoto Tower. Even though it’s not as famous as the Tokyo Tower, it’s still worth a visit. You can go to the top for ¥770, where you will find a 360 view over Kyoto (which is especially pretty at night)!

Osaka (2 days)

Using the Shinkansen, head over to Osaka in the morning. You will be staying in Osaka for 4 nights. We stayed in the Sonezaki Luxe Hotel in Osaka and even though it was the cheapest hotel we stayed in, it was also the best hotel we stayed in during our entire trip. Only 5-10 minutes by foot from the train station, lots of things to do around the hotel and a huge room (for Japanese standards).

When spending 2 full days in Osaka , make sure to check out:

• Umeda Sky Building: Almost next to Osaka’s train station, the Umeda Sky Building stands tall. The Floating Garden Observatory is located on the 39th floor for a beautiful view across the city.
• Osaka Castle: Osaka’s pride and joy, the beautiful Osaka Castle. Inside, you can find a museum to learn more about the history of the castle and how it played a huge role in unifying Japan in the 16th century. Personally, I’m not quite sure if the entrance fee was worth it, but the view from the top was stunning!
• Shitennoji Temple: One of Japan’s oldest temples is also located in Osaka. When at the temple, also check out the 5-storied pagoda and the Gokuraku-Jodo Garden.
• Shinsekai : This Osaka district was developed in the early 1900s and modelled after Paris (as you can see looking at the Tsutenkaku Tower, which resembles the Eifel Tower). It’s the perfect place to try some of Osaka’s famous street foods such as Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.
• Kuromon Market: Another spot to let your inner foodie live its best life. In this market, you can try tons more amazing dishes. Because Osaka stands so close to the sea, they have some of the best and freshest fish dishes in the whole of Japan!
• Minami/Dotonbori: This part of Osaka is filled with life. A sea of neon lights, music and the most amazing smells (street food everywhere!). In this district, you can find the famous Glico Man, the Moving Crab, and Hozenji Yokocho.

Nara (1 day)

From Osaka, it’s super easy to make your way over to Nara for a little day trip. Nara is a city that should not be missed when in Japan, especially if you’re in Osaka or Kyoto. This gorgeous little traditional town was Japan’s first capital city and hosts 8 UNESCO world heritage sites. Alongside the stunning temples and rich history of the city, Nara is mainly known for its deer park. In this park, 1200 deer roam around freely, posing for pictures and begging tourists for some of the tasty deer crackers that are sold all over the park. When in Nara , make sure to check out the following:

• Kōfuku-ji: You can find the first temple of the day just a few minutes from Nara’s train station. The Kōfuku-ji temple site includes the country’s second-tallest wooden pagoda, the southern Octagonal Halls and the Central Golden Hall. The temple grounds are free to enter, but the temples themselves require a small fee.
• Isuien Garden: A stunning Japanese garden that dates back to the 17th century.
• Todai-ji: The world’s biggest wooden structure (and one of Nara’s UNESCO world heritage sites), Todai-ji, was one of my favourite sights in Nara. Todai-ji dates back to the year 752 and its size is so incredible. To know that it’s made from wood only simply blows my mind. Inside, you can find the world’s largest Daibutsu-san (bronze Buddha statue).
• Kasuga-Taisha: Another UNESCO world heritage site, the Kasuga-Taisha. Known for its 3000 stone lanterns lining up towards the entrance.
• Nara Deer Park: And of course, Nara Deer Park. The icons of the city. You can buy some special crackers to feed them at stands all over the park. One fun thing to try is to bow for them. They’ve learned to bow back for a little treat 😉

Kobe (1 day)

Another city you can visit for the day from Osaka is Kobe. The harbour town is mainly known for the tasty (and expensive) Kobe beef steak, but Kobe has way more to offer! From Osaka, it takes about an hour to get to Kobe by train – you can use your JR pass for this trip.

• Ropeway up Mount Rokko: Taking the cable cart up Mount Rokko gives you a stunning view across Hanshin region (Kobe and Osaka). On top of the mountain, you can find some more things to do such as a botanical garden and an observation deck.
• Soraku-en Garden: A traditional Japanese garden in the middle of Kobe. A bit of peace and quiet amidst the busy city.
• Kobe Port Tower: Possibly the most iconic Japan landmark in Kobe city, the port tower. With 5 different observation decks, it’s definitely worth a visit. You’ll be able to see all the way to Osaka on a clear day. As well as the observation decks, you will find many restaurants (including a 360 view restaurant) and shops in the tower.
• Nada Sake Museum: You can’t leave Japan without trying its popular rice wine, Sake. The Nada district in Kobe is actually Japan’s top sake production region. As well as many Sake breweries, you can find some museums here to learn all about this tasty alcoholic drink.
• Try Kobe Beef: Kobe’s claim to fame has to be its special beef. It is considered to be the tastiest beef on the planet. Only 3000 cattle qualify each year to be considered Kobe beef cows and the animals are raised with extraordinary care. No wonder it’s so expensive!

Check out our full Kobe day trip itinerary for a route to optimise your day in Kobe.

Himeji Castle (1 day)

Today, we leave Osaka and make our way to Okayama, where we will sleep for 2 nights. It takes about one hour and forty minutes to get to Okayama from Osaka. But we make a little stop at the famous Himeji Castle on the way to Okayama.

Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s most beautiful castles. Due to its elegant and white appearance, it immediately catches your attention. As the castle has never been destroyed by war or natural disaster, it’s one of 12 original castles in Japan.

For some more information, you can check our one day Himeji itinerary .

Okayama (1 day)

Capital of the prefecture that shares its name, Okayama is a transport hub where the Sanyo Shinkansen meets with the railway connecting to Shikoku. Okayama gets more sun than any other part of Japan, claiming the nickname “Land of Sunshine”. When spending a day in Okayama, check out the following highlights:

• Okayama Castle: Nicknames the Crow Castle due to its black appearance, the Okayama Castle is one of the main highlights of the city. The castle was completed in 1597 after 8 years of building.
• Korakuen Gardens: This 300-year-old Japanese garden is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.
• Kibiji Cycling Road: This 2-hour bike ride takes you along shrines, farmhouses and the beautiful rural Japanese countryside of Okayama. You can hire a bike at either Bizen Ichinomiya or Soja bike shop. It’s a fun and unique way to see this part of Japan.

Hiroshima (2 days)

Hiroshima will forever be connected with the terrible atomic bombing that happened on August 6th 1945, killing between 129.000 and 226.000 people.

The bomb destroyed nearly everything within a 2-kilometre radius. But rather than being a radioactive wasteland, Hiroshima has been rebuilt into a thriving city. You will be staying in Hiroshima for three nights.

• Atomic Bomb Dome: Even though this building was located almost directly underneath the very first atomic bomb dropping in history, it somehow survived. The ruins are now a monument with world heritage status.
• Peace Park: Before the dropping of the bomb, the location of the Peace Park was the political and economic centre of Hiroshima. While rebuilding the city, it was decided to turn this place into a memorial.
• Shukkei-en Garden: A stunning Japanese garden in the middle of Hiroshima.
• Hiroshima Castle: Nicknamed the Carp Castle, Hiroshima Castle was first built in 1589. It was the centre of the city. Unfortunately, it got destroyed in the bombing in 1945. The castle was rebuilt and now hosts a museum where you can learn about Japan’s history. On the top, you can find a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Our one day Hiroshima itinerary shows you exactly how you can make the most of your time here.

From Hiroshima, you can make the popular day trip to Miyajima Island . The official name of this island is actually Itsukushima, but it’s more widely known as Miyajima (translated to Shrine Island). If you’ve been using a JR pass to travel around Japan, you can also use this pass for the ferry to get to the island. Once you’re on the island, check out the following:

• Giant Torii: The “floating” torii gate of Miyajima has been ranked as one of Japan’s best three views. At high tide, the torii gate seems to be floating, but when the tide is low, you’re able to walk next to it. A fun way to see the torii gate up close is to hire a kayak and paddle your way towards it.
• Itsukushima Shrine: The pride of the island has to be the Itsukushima Shrine. Built over water in the year 593, the shrine seems to be floating above the water surface. It has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The entire island has a long history with the Shinto religion, which is seen back in this old but beautiful shrine.
• Five-storied pagoda : This beautiful pagoda was built in 1407 and restored in 1544. With notable Chinese influences, this is one absolutely stunning building.
• Daisho-in Temple: Even though this temple isn’t as well known as the Itsukushima Shrine, it is definitely worth visiting. 500 statues with unique facial expressions are lined up towards the entrance of the temple and inside the Henjokutsu cave, you will find a dimly lit room with a ceiling full of lanterns. It’s a magical sight.
• The Ropeway: For some amazing views, check out the Miyajima ropeway. This cable cart takes you up Mount Misen, where you can find some more temples to visit. But the main reason to check out the ropeway is to enjoy the stunning views from the cable cart over the Selo Sea.

After this day trip to Miyajima island , enjoy one last sleep in Hiroshima. The following day, it’s the end of this 3 week Japan itinerary. Make your way back to either Osaka or Tokyo for your flight home.

I’d definitely check if you’re able to fly back from Osaka, as it’s much closer to Hiroshima compared to Tokyo. I hope you enjoyed this Japan itinerary and that it has helped you plan your own trip to Japan! Please check out the following tips and tricks to make your three weeks in Japan even more amazing.

If you have more time in Japan, you may want to consider visiting Kyushu too. Our 7-day Kyushu itinerary makes for the perfect addition to this itinerary if you have a month to spend in Japan! Or… save it for your return trip to Japan!

Best times to visit Japan

When planning your three weeks in Japan, the time of year obviously plays a huge role. Depending on what time of year you go, the prices will change and some highlights may be busier than expected. I would personally always recommend going in the autumn because it’s a lot cheaper and quieter while the temperatures are still lovely. But here are the pros and cons of each season in Japan.

Pros of visiting Japan in spring: One of the things Japan is famous for is the iconic cherry blossoms. In spring, they will be in full bloom. What’s more Japan than seeing the sea of pink across the cities and parks? The weather will also be lovely and mild – perfect for travelling around!

Cons of visiting Japan in spring: You won’t be to only one looking to enjoy the sakura… Spring in Japan tends to get quite busy. And when it’s busy, the hotel prices go up too!

If you’re bound to travel in the summer due to school or work, I have no doubts that you’ll still have a wonderful time in Japan. But if you can avoid summer, please do so! Summer is the tourist high season in Japan. Alongside the heat, the humidity and typhoon season – it’s best avoided.

Pros of visiting Japan in autumn: I ADORE Japan in autumn. The leaves are coloured beautifully, the temperature is mild and pretty perfect for travelling around and it’s not very busy. Autumn is a lot quieter and therefore cheaper in Japan compared to spring and summer.

Cons of visiting Japan in autumn: You’ll miss the popular cherry blossoms, but I think that the autumn leaves kinda make up for that!

Pros of visiting Japan in winter: Winter is by far the cheapest and most quiet time to visit Japan. Not many people tend to go there on holiday during this time (apart from going skiing in Sapporo etc.).

Cons of visiting Japan in winter: It is COLD. If you’re planning to travel to Japan in winter, make sure you pack a lot of warm clothes.

Japan Travel Essentials

There are a few things you need to know BEFORE going on your trip to Japan. Sorting these things out before your trip will save you a lot of hassle. For a more in-depth guide to Japan, check out my everything you need to know before going to Japan tips blogpost.

Japan Rail Pass

Before the price increase of the JR Pass in October 2023, the 2-week JR Pass would have been a great option for this itinerary. However, due to the 70% price increase, it no longer is a good idea.

Instead, it’s better to buy individual tickets for the Shinkansen. You can buy them at the station on the day, or you can pre-order them through Klook .

Pocket Wifi

Instead of having to buy a SIM card in Japan and spending tons of money on it, order a Pocket Wifi before your trip. This little device gives you access to the internet everywhere in Japan. Charge it at night in your hotel room and pop it in your backpack during the day.

Staying connected during your Japan trip isn’t just important for updating your social media, but it’s an absolute lifesaver when it comes to Google Maps and simply Googling some more information about the places you’re visiting.

You can get one from Ninja WiFi with 15% discount using code THENAVIGATIO15 .

The currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY, ¥, 円). Rather than having to guess how much you’re going to spend and exchange it before you go to Japan (and pay a huge fee doing so), get an international money card instead.

These types of cards also aren’t connected to your bank account, so if you’d lose it, you wouldn’t have to worry about someone emptying your entire savings account. You simply top them up whenever you run out of cash.

If you’re in the UK, I’d recommend getting one with Monzo. If you’re outside the UK, go with Transferwise. Using one of these cards allows you to pay the daily exchange rate without any extra fees!

2 Weeks in Japan instead?

If you don’t have three weeks to spend in Japan and want to go for two weeks instead, you can totally do that. You can either decide to cut down this itinerary to one that fits your time schedule better. Or you can check out my 2 week Japan itinerary. This itinerary takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and Nara.

Alternatively, you can use my 10 day Japan itinerary for an even shorter trip.

3 Weeks in Japan Itinerary – Conclusion

That concluded my three weeks in Japan recommended itinerary. I hope it has helped you plan an efficient and very exciting stay in this wonderful country. I, for one, can’t wait to visit again!

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Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

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22 thoughts on “The Perfect 3 Week Japan Itinerary”

I absolutely loved Japan! But that was a trip long ago. Thanks for this comprehensive guide. I’ll save this for the next time I visit Japan.

What an amazing country and so gutted that I have yet to visit. Pinned for when I start planning my trip which I hope is happening in 2020. Looks like you had quite and adventure in Japan. Your post really has me want to move this up to early next year.

What a detailed guide. For sure I will use it on my trip to Japan. The photos are beautiful.

This is a monster guide, I love it! I’ve never been to Japan but hope to go someday!

Hi, We absolutely love this article. It has been incredibly helpful. We want to do an overnight stay in either Hakone or Nikko- what would you recommend?

Thank you so much Julie! Either are great cities to stay overnight in. My personal preference would go to Hakone because they have a lot of onsen hotels and stunning views of Mount Fuij – but Nikko gives you a lot of extra opportunities for hiking if that’s something you’re interested in 🙂

Wow what a detailed itinerary and great places. Japan is in my bucketlist.hope to visit someday .thanks for this useful guide

Japan is still very high on my bucket list. The places you’ve visited look amazing and getting a Japan Rail pass sounds like a must. Thanks for sharing all your tips 🙂

This is perfect timing I’ve been considering this exact trip! I went to Tokyo for a de days a year and a half ago and now I want to see much more of the country

Japan is so high on my bucket list! Lovely photos!

Love this! Thank you. Do you have a rough idea on budget including spending money please?

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What a fabulous guide! Thanks for this!

Thank you so much! You’re website has helped me so much to plan my upcoming trip. It’s the exact time length and you’ve hit all of the main things I want to see for my first vacation trip (been but for work only). You’re the best!

Well, this sure took the mystery out of where to go, stay, see. Absolutely great detail and we will follow most of it with a few tweaks of our own.

Can’t wait.

This is fabulous! We want to go to Japan for 3 weeks in November, I know nothing about Japan, your post sounds perfect, thank you.

Thank you so much for this itinerary ! I planned my whole trip around it and my friends and I had a blast ! You’ve done an amazing job 😀

I am planning a 3 weeks trip to Japan and your blog was super useful! Thank you so much for it! I have a small doubt. You mentioned “If you’re planning to follow this 3 week Japan itinerary, I’d highly recommend getting a JR pass for 2 weeks”. If I am going for 3 weeks, shouldn’t I buy a JR pass for 3 weeks (instead of 2)?

Looking forward to your reply 🙂

Hi Dimple! Since you won’t be needing the JR Pass for the first 7 days, it’s best to get the pass for 2 weeks because it’s much cheaper. In Tokyo, you can use the Suica card instead – it’ll save you a lot of money!

Hi Nele Thanks for all the great tips. Im heading to Japan for 3 weeks at the end of the month and am really excited. Quick additional question on Dimples question/topic of JR Pass … whats the best way to get from Haneda airport into Tokyo, if I am not using a JR Pass for the first 7 days ? Thanks Steve

The easiest way is to use the train, which should only take about 20-30 minutes and doesn’t cost more than a few dollars. You can get a ticket for it at Haneda train station, or use a Suica card (you can add this as a card on your Apple wallet if you use iPhone – or get a physical card at the station, they’re very handy if you’re traveling inside cities in Japan).

Hope that helps!

Hi there Thanks for this guide. I wonder, since now the price has gone up so much, would it still be worthwhile getting the 2 weeks JR pass while following your 3 week itinerary? From my initial calculation, it doesn’t seem worthwhile even if I travel back to Tokyo on last day from Osaka to catch a flight in Tokyo, not sure if you would agree? Also, I was considering to get the 5-day tokyo city pass, do you consider that a good value? This would be my first time to Japan so I’d be visiting as much as I can I reckon.

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Japan Itinerary: The Perfect 3 Weeks in Japan

by Julie Jun 11, 2023 Itinerary , Japan

I think you’ll agree with me when I say:

REALLY hard coming up with a Japan itinerary that fits everything you want to see into two or three weeks. There are just too many amazing places to see in Japan.

a bit of  everything such as the bustling city of Tokyo, the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go, the pristine mountains of the Japan Alps, historical temples of Kyoto and Takayama, the relaxing hot springs of Hakone, and many more awesome places.

You’ll also find in this 3-week Japan itinerary links to my other posts telling you EXACTLY how to prepare for your trip to Japan, what to read to get you pumped up for your trip, and a list of 26 awesome things you must do.

BONUS:  I've created a FREE detailed PDF version of this 3-week Japan itinerary. The guide also includes step-by-step instructions for buying and using your Japan Rail Pass.

Click here to get lots of great tips for traveling around Asia as well as this FREE 3-week Japan itinerary guide. 

How to plan for 3 Weeks in Japan

How to plan an unforgettable trip to Japan

Are you clueless on how to prepare for your 3 weeks in Japan? Read this article to find out EVERYTHING you need to do to have a fabulous 3 weeks in Japan. You’ll learn when to buy the cheapest tickets, how to get a Japan Rail Pass, how to rent a pocket wifi, how to pick up some Japanese phrases easily, what apps to upload and much, much more.

25 Great Novels to Read Before Visiting Japan

Prepare for your trip to Japan by escaping to another time and place. Here's a growing list of 25+ novels focusing on Japanese culture and characters. Some are set in contemporary Tokyo, while others take place before World War II.  There are also books set in the Japanese internment camps during WWII and in China during the Nanking Massacre.

Is a Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Are you wondering  whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it?

In this guide to the Japan Rail Pass , I break down the transportation prices for each of the destinations in this Japan itinerary of 3 weeks . Then I compare them to the 2024 price of a Japan Rail Pass.

You'll also find out where and how to purchase a Japan Rail Pass, how to activate the Pass when you get to Japan, and how to use the Pass. Check out the current Japan Rail Prices from my favorite travel agency in Japan or book your pass through Klook .

Japan Itinerary: 3 Weeks

Click on each photo/place name to jump to its own detailed itinerary. 

Tokyo: Days 0 - 4

Takayama: Days 5 - 6

Kamikochi: Day 7

Shirakawa-go: Day 8

Kanazawa: Days 9 - 10

Alpine Route: Day 11

Matsumoto: Day 12

Kyoto: Days 13 - 16

Nara: Day 17

Hiroshima & Miyajima: Day 18

Hakone: Day 19 - 20

Tokyo: Day 21

When to travel to japan.

Spring:   If you want to get the money shot during your 3 weeks in Japan, visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival, mid-March - mid-April. On the downside, it'll be crowded and accommodations will probably be pricey. You also don't have to visit right during the blossoming of the cherry trees. You can visit at the end of April and May and get perfect weather albeit not the Cherry Blossoms.

Fall: Fall is also a beautiful time to visit. The leaves change color and the countryside is covered in reds, yellows, and oranges. The weather is also milder and thus, more enjoyable.

Summer: I went for 3 weeks to Japan in August, and if there is one thing that I am certain of in life, it's that you shouldn't go to Japan in August . It's hot. I mean it's really, really hot. Unbearably hot. Tokyo's concrete and August heat do not mix well. You also have to worry about it being typhoon season (June to October). You can get more information here on what happens when there's a major typhoon in Japan .

Winter:  Doing a 3-week itinerary in Japan can have its upsides and downsides. Japan gets snow in the winter in the Alps, making some destinations more difficult if not impossible to get to. But on the other hand, you can get some beautiful shots of the snow. If you like skiing, this is a good time to go. If you like hiking, it's not. And since it's the low season, accommodations will be cheaper and tourist sights will be less crowded.

What to see and do for 3 Weeks in Japan 

1. Eat Sushi in Tokyo

You won’t know what good sushi is until you’ve experienced it in Tokyo. You can get sushi at conveyor belt restaurants for around $2 apiece. The taste is ok. However, to get really good sushi, you need to go to a proper sushi restaurant and spend around US$35 for a set menu of an assortment of sushi. Tsukiji Inner Fish Market has closed down and moved to Toyosu Market. There are still street vendors at Tsukiji, but most of the famous restaurants like Sushi Dai have moved to Toyosu. Click on the photo to find out where you can experience the best sushi in Tokyo.  (Tokyo: Days 0-4 and 21)     ♦  READ MORE ABOUT TOKYO HERE  ♦

2. Be Dazzled By the Neon Lights of Tokyo

Perhaps you remember that seen in Lost in Translation when Scarlett Johannson and Bill Murray were strolling through the neon lights of Tokyo. That was one of the most iconic moments for me in that movie. There isn’t just one place to put yourself in that scene. You can find neon-lights in Shinjuku and Akihabara, but for me, the quintessential place for that OMG! I’m in Tokyo feeling was in Shibuya. Click the photo for more information on how to experience your own Lost in Translation! (Tokyo: Days 0-4 and 21)   ♦  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TOKYO  ♦

3. Hang out with the Cool Kids in Harajuku

Tokyo is about mass consumerism on a scale that I, an American, have never seen before. Whereas this hyper-materialism would seem crass in the U.S., for some reason, it’s kind of endearing. Wander the streets of Harajuku to get a glimpse of what is fashionable in Tokyo. Check out Cat Street and Takeshita Dori. Stop and grab a crepe and/or a fluffy pancake at one of the many restaurants in the area. Click on the photo to find out how you can experience the sights of Harajuku.  (Tokyo: Days 0 – 4 and 21)   ♦  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TOKYO  ♦

4. Immerse yourself in history at Tokyo's many museums

Geishas, Samurai, Shoguns, Kabuki—most of these iconic images are lost to the past. To see them, you’ll have to visit one of the countless museums sprinkled throughout Japan.  I’ve never visited a country with so many museums: both small and big ones. My favorites were the Edo Tokyo Museum, the National Museum in Tokyo, and the Hiroshima Museum. Click on the photo to find out how you can discover the history and art of Japan. (Tokyo: Days 0 – 4 and 21)   ♦  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT TOKYO’S MUSEUMS  ♦

5. Take part in the rituals of a Japanese shrine

Where can you purify yourself, get your fortune told, buy a charm, and make a wish? At a Japanese Shinto Shrine, of course. Visiting a shrine is not only about taking some beautiful pics, but also about experiencing the rituals of Japanese culture. To participate in them, you don’t have to be a member of the Shinto religion. Make sure to get your fortune told at Senso-ji Shrine and hang your wish under a Camphor tree at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.  (Tokyo: Days 0-4 and 21; Kyoto: Days 13-16)   ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT VISITING THE MEIJI SHRINE IN TOKYO ♦

6. Escape from Reality by watching Kabuki

If your kind of entertainment includes stories of rejected lovers, bloody betrayals, and sword-wielding samurai, then Kabuki Theater is for you. You can watch this fascinating and colorful traditional Japanese drama for as little as $13 at the Kabuk-za Theater in Tokyo. Click on the photo to learn how to watch Kabuki. (Tokyo: Days 0-4 and 21)  ♦  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT WATCHING KABUKI IN TOKYO  ♦

7. Slurp on some Japanese noodles

Japanese ramen may have the same name as those 15 cent packs you ate in college, but taste-wise they’re worlds apart. You can find a ramen shop in probably every neighborhood in Japan. For the solo traveler, they’re an ideal quick and hearty meal. But Japan doesn’t have just ramen; it also has udon and soba: two noodles that represent the Japanese love of ritual. (Everywhere in Japan) 

8. Savor the most decadent beef on the planet

The United States might be the home of the burger and steak, but Japan has it beat by a mile when it comes to the main ingredient of those dishes: beef.  The beef in Japan is sooooo good! Maybe their cows are just happier.  There are many different varieties of wagyu beef: Kobe, Hida, Shiraoi, Shinshu, and 250 more. And you don’t have to rob a bank to try some. (Takayama: Days 5 – 6)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT WHERE TO EAT HIDA BEEF ♦

9. Hike through the Japan Alps

You’ve heard of the Swiss Alps? Of course. French Alps? Ditto! The Austrian Alps? The Sound of Music, so of course. The Japan Alps? Probably not! Most people have never heard of the Japan Alps, but they do exist, and they’re pretty impressive. There’s a reason that Japan has held the winter Olympics twice. They have lots of gorgeous mountains! And with Japan’s impressive public transportation system, they are accessible to even those without a car.  (Kamikochi: Day 7)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KAMIKOCHI ♦

10. Enter a fairytale at Shirakawa-go

Do you remember the story of Hansel and Gretel? Two children lost in the woods who come upon a house made of cakes and sugar only to fall into the evil grasp of a wicked witch. Shirakawago sort of reminds me of that place but without the wicked witch. It’s a picture-perfect rustic village nestled in the Japan Alps. The region is famous for its traditional gassho- zukuri farmhouses. The houses have these beautiful thatched roofs that resemble a person’s hands in prayer. (Shirakawa-go: Day 8)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT SHIRAKAWAGO ♦

11. Transport yourself to the World of Geishas and Samurai

Ever wonder what it’s like being a geisha? How about the life of a samurai? Step back in time and wander around the beautifully preserved geisha quarters of Kyoto and Kanazawa and the samurai quarter in Kanazawa. Kanazawa has two restored geisha houses that you can enter and explore. If you’re lucky in Kyoto, you can spot a geisha on her way to meet a patron. Or you can transform yourself into a geisha at the Maika Geisha Costume shop in Kyoto. (Kanazawa: Days 19-10 and Kyoto: Days 13-16)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO GET A KANAZAWA ITINERARY ♦

12. Hike among the clouds

Forget about taking an old boring bus or train to travel from one place to another. Instead, do something a bit unique and travel along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route by cable car, trolley, and ropeway. Along the route, you can get out and hike to the peaks of mountains that are over 3,000 meters. If you don’t feel like exercise, relax at a hot spring. (Alpine Route: Day 11)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO GET AN ALPINE ROUTE ITINERARY ♦

13. Storm a Castle in Matsumoto

Japan had over 3,000 castles; however, most of these castles were destroyed in the 1800s in Japan’s drive to modernize.  Only twelve have their original structure. Four of these structures are considered National Treasures. Matsumoto Castle is one of them. You can wander the interior of the castle, and as you look out its windows, you can imagine yourself a samurai warrior defending the keep.  (Matsumoto: Day 12)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO GET AN ITINERARY FOR MATSUMOTO ♦

14. Discover the unique architecture of Japan

The Japanese belief in harmony with nature can best be seen in Japan’s unique architectural styles. Go to Matsumoto and stroll around the old merchant district of Nakamachi to see the white lattice-decorated storehouses that have now been turned into trendy shops and cafes. When visiting Kyoto, take time to appreciate its carved wooden temples and traditional townhouses called machiya . Finally, gaze up at Japan’s modern wonders: the skyscrapers in Tokyo.  ( Kyoto , Matsumoto , Takayama , Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go , and Tokyo )  ♦ CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE IN MATSUMOTO ♦

15. Get into your Zen at Kyoto’s numerous temples

I’m sure you could spend a year in Kyoto and still not see all of its temples. However, make sure you visit at least one or two temples with a Japanese garden like Tenryu- ji , Shoren -in, and Ryoan – ji . Take some time out from taking photos. Sit down on a tatami mat or a veranda, gaze at the Japanese garden, and clear your mind of all its worries. (Kyoto: Days 13-16)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KYOTO ♦

16. Walk through the endless arcade of torii gates at Fushimi-inari

Even if you’re not crazy about temples, Fushimi-inari shrine in Kyoto is a Must-See. To walk through the never-ending vermilion torii gates as you climb the mountain behind the main shrine is unforgettable. Pay attention to the fox spirit statues dotted throughout the arcades. What does she have in her mouth? For a creepy experience, go at sunset. (Kyoto: Days 13 – 16)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT FUSHIMI INARI SHRINE ♦

17. Enter the sublime paradise of Kyoto's Bamboo Forest

There’s a reason that the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is one of the most photographed sites in Kyoto. It is simply sublime—but only if you go in the early morning when the hoards of selfie-stick-carrying tourists have not arrived yet. Only then can you fully appreciate the calmness that emanates from the trees and the wonderful sound that the bamboo makes as it sways in the wind. (Kyoto: Days 13-16)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO SEE THE BAMBOO FOREST ♦

18. Matcha, Matcha, Matcha, and more Matcha

Matcha is everywhere in Japan. First, it’s in the green tea that you can get at a tea house. Try the tea house at Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa or at Okochi Sanso in Kyoto. However, it’s not only in tea; you can also try matcha ice cream (make sure to try it with honey or together with sake flavor), matcha tiramisu (actually not that good), a matcha smores Frappucino at Starbucks (surprisingly good), and on and on.  ♦ CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO GET YOUR MATCHA FIX IN KYOTO ♦

19. Behold the Magnificence of the Great Buddha of Nara

An hour-train ride outside of Kyoto sits the most impressive temple of them all: the Todai Ji temple. Inside the temple grounds is the largest wooden structure in the world, the Daibutsu-den Hall. In case you’re still not impressed, inside the hall sits one of the largest bronze statues in the world: the Great Buddha of Nara. Make sure to visit the other temples around Nara. (Nara: Day 17)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT NARA ♦

20. Experience the wildlife of Nara

Not only does Nara have grand temples, but it also has the cutest and friendliest deer I’ve ever seen. And as you walk around the city, you’ll be swarmed by them. You can buy some deer snack food and feed them yourself. They also make for the perfect addition to your selfie. Just avoid the deer poop that’s everywhere.  (Nara: Day 17)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT NARA ♦

21. Get a dose of reality in Hiroshima

Should you forget our present-day reality, Hiroshima and its cruel history are here to remind you. This is not the most cheerful stop on your 3-week Japan itinerary, but it is probably the most important. Hiroshima was the site of one of two atomic bombs that the U.S. dropped on Japan. Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, walk through the Peace Memorial Park, before stopping at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. (Hiroshima: Day 18) ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT HIROSHIMA ♦

22. Try Japanese "Pancakes"

Many cultures have their version of a “pancake.” Japan is no exception. The good news is that Japan has two versions of “pancakes.” One is their fluffy pancakes really and truly based on the western version of pancakes that you can find all over Harajuku in Tokyo. The other version is a traditional dish called okonomiyaki, a fried “pancake” consisting of noodles, bean sprouts, and assorted kinds of seafood. Some even come with cheese. Make sure to try okonomiyaki in Hiroshima. (Hiroshima: Day 18)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT EATING OKONOMIYAKI IN HIROSHIMA ♦

23. Take a ferry ride to Miyajima

Before ending your 3-week itinerary in Japan, make sure to get in your tiny dose of the island of Miyajima, a 30-minute train ride from Hiroshima, a 5-minute walk to the ferry, and then a pleasant 15-minute ferry ride to the island. People come here for one main purpose and that is to see the floating vermillion torii gate of the temple Itsukushima-jinja. Just try to go when it’s high tide so that you can actually take photos of the torii gate surrounded by water. (Hiroshima and Miyajima: Day 18)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT MIYAJIMA ♦

24. Snap a picture of Japan's most iconic image: Mount Fuji

There is no image more iconic of Japan than that of Mount Fuji. You can climb Mount Fuji during the summer months, but if you’re like me and you have knee issues, then climbing isn’t going to work. You can, though, take photos of it from the distance. If you’re lucky and the sky is clear, you can see it from the Tokyo Sky Tree or from Hakone. Better yet, you can visit one of the smaller cities around Mount Fuji to get a great view.  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HAKONE ♦

25. Get a Taste of World Class Art at Hakone Open-Air Museum

Nestled in the mountains around Hakone, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is one of the best contemporary art museums I’ve visited. The number one reason to visit is for some of the most interesting and coolest art sculptures and number two for its beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the museum. The museum has both Japanese and Western 19 th and 20th-century art including an impressive permanent Picasso exhibit. (Hakone: Day 19-20)  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HAKONE ♦

26. Experience blissful relaxation at a Japanese hot spring

There are literally over a thousand onsen (natural hot spring baths) scattered all over Japan for you to choose from. For the ultimate experience, splurge on a ryokan, a traditional Japanese style inn, somewhere in Hakone or in the Japanese Alps that has its own private hot spring. Usually, the inn will serve you a sumptuous multi-course meal in your room. In this way, you can take your time and experience pure bliss as many times as you want.  ♦ CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HAKONE ♦

Pin it for later

I spent 19 days in Japan to be exact, and I felt a bit rushed. I also got hurt, so I had to take a day off to rest. If I’d had a couple of more days, it would have been perfect. Japan is hot in the summer. If you can, go in the spring or fall when the temperatures are more pleasant than the summer. I’ve been all over Southeast Asia and lived for many years in Asia, but Japan was unbearably hot for me. Are you planning on going to Japan? If so, what are your plans? What else do you want to know?

If you find this information useful, please share on social media! ♥

33 Comments

Thank you so much! What a great itinerary! I want to try those pancakes and visit the Hakone open air art museum. And well everything. I need to get back to Japan.

Your welcome! There is so much to see in Japan that you can never do it all. The Hakone Open Air Museum was probably the best part of Hakone–probably the coolest art museum I’ve been to.

Haven’t been to Japan yet, but it seems awesome! ?

It is! I hope you get a chance soon!

Love this guide, so detailed and this simply looks like the perfect itinerary! I haven’t visited Japan, but it is high on my list to visit soon. Definitely will pin this for later.

I hope you get a chance soon! Honestly, I can’t believe I myself waited so long. It was much, much better than I expected.

This is so useful. I will be saving this link for a future planning to Japan. Thank you so much for the detailed blog!

You’re welcome!

Wow, this is an incredible post!!! Japan is #1 on my bucket list, and this is a perfect itinerary! Though I would love to go to Osaka, too.

I’m hoping I can go to Osaka next time. I hear the food is really good.

Just found this! Have booked 22 days in March – April. Right now I have only booked the flights to Tokyo and back. So excited to read your itinerary!

Thank you! 22 days in Japan is going to be awesome. You’re going to love Japan!

Great itinerary thanks! I’ve been to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima, and loved them all. Next time I’ll be adding some hiking and Shirakawago from your itinerary. I love fairytale villages and Shirakawago looks oh so pretty!

If you have a chance to go back, definitely visit Northern Japan Alps region! It’s beautiful, and the towns are a bit like a smaller version of Kyoto.

Wow I love how in depth this guide is and it’s honestly really cool how you can click on different things throughout for more info. It is so helpful! I need to get to Japan!

Thanks! I never had much interest in Japan before, but then I suddenly wanted to go. I was surprised how amazing it was and could kick myself for waiting so long to go!

Hi Julie! Just curious, out of your 21 day trip, were there any areas where you wished you had stayed a bit longer? I have the flexibility to stay longer than 21 days. Thanks!

Good question, Rachel. I could have stayed one day longer in Tokyo because there were some neighborhoods I didn’t get to see. I would have stayed in Nara or Kyoto one more day as well for Nara’s history and for doing some hiking outside of Kyoto. I could have also stayed longer in the Japan Alps and stayed at a onsen resort outside of Takayama. On the other hand, I wish I had made it to Nikko or Kamakura outside of Tokyo. What are you interested in seeing more of?

Hi, how much was your rough cost of this trip excluding flights and did you get the JR rail pass?

Hi Jason, I got the JR Pass for 14 days. I’d say, excluding the JR Pass and flight, around $2300 total. Sometimes I stayed in hostels and sometimes nice hotels, so the daily. I spent around $1300 on accommodations and $1000 on food, ticket prices, souvenirs, transportation around cities, and buses between cities. I also ended up having to go to the hospital while there. This added to my spending but only by around $55 for doctor and medicine and then transportation another $30 to the hospital and back. I could have done it for less if I hadn’t splurged on staying in a ryokan with onsen or five nights at a nice hotel in Kyoto. – Julie

Great Itinerary! Very helpful and informative. Did you go to Mount Fuji? I know you mention taking a picture but I am a little confused where that happened along the way. Thank you for clarifying. Also cant wait to read your recommended novels!

Hi Erin, Thank you! I didn’t make it to Mount Fuji on my last trip, but I’m going back to Japan this August and have plans to visit Kawaguchi-ko/Mount Fuji area. – Julie

Hi Julie. Great itinerary found it a big help.

Having trouble opening the Kanazawa page mind. Wondering I’m going to Japan for 16 Nights wondering if you could help in regards of Kanazawa- Takayama and Matsumoto.

Im torn between having two nights in Kanazawa and 1 night in both Takayama and Matsumoto? wondering if I would prefer to add the Kamikochi day trip in if it would make more sense to have 2 nights in Takayama and 1 in Kanazawa and Matsumoto. Thanks

Once again great site. Morgan

Thanks! I haven’t finished the Kanazawa article yet. Two days in Takayama or two days in Kanazawa is a hard decision. If I were coming from Tokyo (5 hours by train), I’d arrive in Takayama at noon and have half a day to see the old part of the city. The next day I’d go to Kamikochi or Shirakawa-go so that I’d have a chance to see the Japan Alps and get out in nature. Then I’d head to Kanazawa by bus, which is 2 or 3 hours away. I’d spend the rest of the day exploring the geisha district, visiting the garden, and walking through the samurai district. Then onto Matsumoto. Kanazawa is nice, but I liked the small-town-feel of Takayama and the beautiful scenery of the area.

Hey! This itinerary is amazing and one I will probably follow next year!

Did you find that the JR Pass was beneficial for this route or did you just pay for tickets individually? 🙂

Hello there! For some reason I can’t download the itinerary 🙁 it stays on a loop on the subscribe part, would it be possible to subscribe and receive it some other way?

I can email it to you using the email that you entered. Would that work for you?

Hi Julie this looks interesting. I couldn’t download the itinerary. If you could email it that would be great! I have about 16 days of my 18 day trip free to sightsee so your itinerary will be very helpful!

I emailed the itinerary to you. I hope you have gotten it.

Hi! Could I please have the itinerary for this trip please? It doesn’t seem to be working when I try and download it. I’m looking forward to my trip and found your website amazing! Thank you

Yes, Please go to the Contact Me tab to send me an email and I’ll send you the itinerary.

Great itinerary 🙂 I am planning to visit Japan in October this year. Can you send me the itinerary? I am not able to download it.

Ok, I’ll send it!

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3 Weeks in Japan: 3 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Best technologies, sushi, cherry blossoms, and Mount Fuji, are just a few things that stand Japan out when making a decision on where to go on your 3-week holiday.

Some people might argue that three weeks is quite a long time to spend in such a small country. But it’s not about the size. It’s about what this little place in East Asia can offer its visitors.

We don’t take 3 weeks vacation time lightly on this site. We value them, they are sacred, and we understand that they should be spent well because you earn them. This article is jam-packed with helpful information that will guide you in writing your 3 weeks in Japan itinerary or help you decide why spending your vacation here is super worth it.

We will discuss things you should know, how to make sure you don’t come as offensive to the locals, how to navigate around Japan, where to go, attractions not to miss, and of course, where to eat in Japan. So, stick with me!

TRAVEL TIPS BEFORE GOING TO JAPAN

Before you book and pack anything, take a look at these tips before you go to Japan. To some, they might experience massive culture shock when visiting Japan. To help you write an itinerary and blend in during your trip, these tips might be helpful.

When is the best time to go to Japan

I don’t think “anytime” is the best time to go to Japan. Japan is so prone to typhoons, especially between May and October, which can affect your travel plans. On the other hand, this is the low season, meaning businesses related to tourism often run great discounts during this time.

If you want to maximise your trip, though, and imagine yourself under the sun most of the time, it’s best to visit Japan between November to April. Remember that Japan experiences four (4) different seasons.

Meaning you can ski in the winter, surf in summer, and enjoy the chilly but comfortable temperature of spring, where you can enjoy the famous Cherry Blossoms season.

Are 3 weeks enough for Japan

20 days in Japan is plenty. This will allow you to travel slowly and visit more than just the big cities. You will have enough time to go to less popular spots and really immerse the culture and meet locals.

Instead of taking domestic flights, you can really enjoy the metro and train system of Japan and travel with a more scenic journey. If you have too much time, you can always hop on a flight to South Korea if you’re curious.

READ >> 3 weeks in Japan and South Korea itinerary

What to pack

What you must pack for 3 weeks in Japan depends on the season you plan to go since it gets quite cold during winter. One that is a must is clothing that can cover up your tattoos if you have any, which can also be used when you need to cover up for visiting temples.

We have a general packing list for a 3-week trip , but we also have a spring packing list and winter packing list .

Common cultural rules

Japanese culture is one of the world’s most polite, respectful, and considerate people. Of course, there are always bad apples. There could be many reasons why the Japanese appear so much respectful, especially to strangers or visitors (of their home or their country).

But what’s important to remember is how to be respectful to the people and culture of Japan. Here are some basic tips for common cultural rules in Japan:

• Do not tip and spit on the ground
• Cover your tattoos
• Remove shoes before entering someone’s house
• Talk quietly in public places
• Bow when greeting, saying thank you, excuse me, or I’m sorry
• Learn basic Japanese words – thank you, hello, how much, sorry, excuse me

How to get around

Japan have one of the best, most reliable, and most efficient public transportation in the world. The train, buses, ferries, and even planes are on time. Every time they get delayed, expect an apology if you are a worker, you can get proof to show your boss why you are late.

Not only that they are on time, but also they are the most affordable way to get around – especially with the trains. There are many different kinds of public transportation passes to choose from depending on your needs and travel plans.

For example, you can get ones that are unlimited passes within the cities or major cities. You can also use one to travel to another city or province.

For a 3-week stay in Japan, you can get the JRPass which gives you unlimited passes to take the Shinkansen and JR trains, buses, and even ferries. You can either buy them online or in some stations, but the price can be higher. You can always ask your hotel receptionist to assist you in getting one online.

Convenience store visit is a must

This is maybe one of my personal reasons why I wanted to visit Japan. From friends to travel buddies, the convenience store is a must-visit. Not because they offer some unusual promos or features. The simple answer is the fact that these convenience stores are more than just mini-stores.

They really embody their name with the number of options of quick food to grab any time of the day.

But many tourists find these stores impressive because it’s like a gateway into exploring Japanese food and snacks without worrying about sanitation and “how long have they been out here on display”. From cold salad to warm noodles, breakfast to dinner, they are all here.

Currency and payment method

In a country where you first heard about bullet trains, the country with the first cellular network in history, the inventor of the rice cooker, QR code, selfie stick, and even your beloved emojis. With all these, you would think that Japan is so high-tech-techy, but they prefer cash when it comes to payment methods.

Don’t worry; hotels, fancy restaurants, and big shopping places accept credit cards. However, cash is still the king of Japan. If you dream of eating in small ramen houses or trying out the cool vending machines, using public transportation – you will need more cash than you thought.

I wouldn’t say there’s a massive language barrier in Japan. It is believed that 20-40% of Japanese can speak at least basic English. However, many of them are self-conscious and shy in public. More and more, younger generations speak relatively great English and are comfortable extending help to tourists.

On the other hand, make sure to download a translator app and specifically for Japanese to your language so you can use them without mobile data.

And again, it will really go a long way if you learn some basic Japanese phrases like greetings, asking how much a thing is, where the train/bus/shop is, etc. It will also show respect for their culture.

Internet access

Mobile data in Japan is expensive, and the free public wifi is not as reliable or often for limited use. You can purchase an e-sim or data package for your stay in Japan. You can compare whether using your roaming services is cheaper or access the local provider.

Visa and COVID-19 policy

Other basic travel tips, pinned map of must-see places in japan.

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN JAPAN ITINERARY

Before anything else, since Japan experience four seasons in a year, it’s important for you to decide when to visit Japan. For example, summer is great since it’s the only time you can hike Mount Fuji, but it gets really hot with such high humidity, while in spring, it’s cooler, cherry blossoms are popping, and you can enjoy the spring festival.

During fall or autumn, the trees are just magnificent during their turn of colour, plus the temperature is much bearable than in summer. And lastly, winter can be cold, meaning you need to pack warm clothing, but this also means you can enjoy winter activities such as skiing, the perfect time for an onsen bath, and the most beautiful winter festival in East Asia.

3 weeks in Japan in Spring

If you are considering visiting Japan during spring, I assume cherry blossom has something to do with it. First, remember that the best time to see these beautiful trees is around the second week of March.

So, either start your 3 weeks in Japan at this time, or if you want to enjoy Takayama Spring Festival, it happens around the second week of April. Also, this is one of the busiest times in Japan for tourism, so keep that in mind.

This means spring in Japan for 3 weeks should be between the third week of March and the second week of April.

• Day 1-3 : spend this time exploring Tokyo, getting a train/subway ticket or passing local money, and enjoying the capital, where you can visit many places such as Yayoi Kusama Museum and Senso-ji.
• If you prefer to see cherry blossoms here, you can visit Shinjuku, Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen or do day trips to Nikko and Kamakura. If planning to travel with kids or want to be a child at heart for one day, don’t forget a visit to Tokyo Disneyland .
• Day 4-10 : Head to Yamanashi, where you can visit Yamanashi’s Fuji Motosuko Resort for amazing cherry blossoms. You can also go hiking, horseback riding, golfing, and other fun outdoor activities. And, of course, this is where you can adore Mount Fuji. Finish your stay here with a visit to Hottarakashi Onsen.
• Day 11-16 : Head to Nagoya to visit Nayoga Castle, Noritake Garden, and Tokugawa Art Museum. From here, you can spend day trips to Kyoto and Osaka to visit Eikando Temple, Tofukuji Temple and Universal Studio. You can visit the Legoland Resort, SCMaglev and Railway Park, and Tobishimamura Onsui indoor pool from Nagoya.
• Day 17-21 : Make your way to Takayama to celebrate Takayama Spring Festival. If you haven’t seen the cherry blossom trees yet, you can definitely enjoy there here as well.

3 weeks in Japan in Summer

Summer in Japan is pretty great. However, the heat and humidity can be off-putting to some. If you don’t mind this, you can hike Mount Fuji during this season, which is only open in summer from July to September. You can also try surfing, visit the best water parks, and do lots of activities to cool you off.

• Day 1-4 : Start in Okinawa, an island south of the mainland or northeast of Taiwan. This island is filled with water parks and resorts for you to choose from. There are over 100 beaches you can cool off during this hot season. Manza Ocean Park, Cape Maeda, Shurijo Castle, and Oodamari Beach to name a few places in Okinawa.
• Day 5-8 : Make your way to Hiroshima, if you love history, you can visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and Hiroshima Castle. You can take the ferry to the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen Observatory.
• Day 9-14 : Head to Osawa, where you can take day trips to Kyoto, Nagoya, and Hamamatsu. Make sure to get yourself a train/subway pass which will be very useful and more affordable.
• Day 15-21 : Explore Tokyo, don’t forget to visit Tokyo downtown, Shibuya city, Senso-ji Temple, National Museum pf Emerging Science and Innovation, and of course, hike Mount Fuji.

3 weeks in Japan in Fall/Autumn

Autumn is such a beautiful season in Japan. The trees are turning colours, the temperature is cooler, and walking around the big cities and hiking is blissful. However, there are only a handful of places to enjoy autumn in Japan.

To make sure it’s worth your trip, you should add major attractions to your 3 weeks in Japan itinerary, such as the capital city, historical sites, and food-y your way around.

Read our list of the best places to spend the fall or autumn season for your 3-week trip .

Start your trip at around the middle of September or even the end of the month. It’s not too cold yet but also not scorching hot. Good enough for a light jacket and closed shoes.

• Day 1-4: Start in Tokyo, gather yourself, get local currency, and get familiarised with how things work in Japan. Enjoy downtown Tokyo with local transportation, visit some clubs if that’s your vibe, or simply enjoy different parks and food in the city. Don’t forget to visit Fuji Five Lakes for awesome trees with autumn colours
• Day 5-7 : Base yourself in Kyoto; from here, you can visit the historical region of Hiroshima, then explore Osaka and Nagoya. Visit Mount Hiei, Ama Site Park, and Osaka Castle.
• Day 8-12 : Head Japanese Alps; while it might still be too early to ski, this area is stunning, filled with trees perfect for your autumn vibe. Here, you can do lots of hiking and outdoor activities.
• Day 13-21 : Fly to the island of Hokkaido, fall colours in this region are nothing like elsewhere in Japan. You can also visit the island’s northern part and see from Abashiri Drift Ice. Don’t forget to visit an onsen, the outside temperature is perfect for this activity. You can either try indoor or outdoor onsen.

3 weeks in Japan in Winter

Winter is also a great time to spend 3 weeks in Japan. Yes, it can be quite cold, but you can do so many fun activities such as skiing and snowboarding, outdoor skating, onsen baths, and even visiting the drift ice.

Pack some warm clothes because it can get very cold during winter, and good quality jackets and footwear to stay warm can be pricey in Japan. We also have a list of the best destinations for a 3-week winter trip and a packing list for a 3-week winter vacation .

• Day 1- 6 : If you are a skier or do any winter activities, I suggest you start your 3 weeks in Japan here. Near Tokyo, you have Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort & Ski Field and Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort, while Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort in Hokkaido.
• Spend a few days enjoying not only some fun white powder but also the natural beauty of Japan during winter. Don’t leave without visiting the north part of Hokkaido and seeing Abashiri Drift Ice.
• Day 7-14 : After finishing winter sports, it’s time for your usual tourist activities, such as visiting Hiroshima for history junkies. The best way to do this is to place yourself in Osaka or Kyoto – both cities can take you to Hiroshima but simultaneously have so much to offer for you to enjoy. You can even sneak a trip to Nagoya, where they have Castle, Art Museum, and Public Aquarium.
• Day 15-21 : This is the time to enjoy Tokyo, its exciting nightlife, fun markets, and amazing local food to try. If you haven’t, make sure to visit an onsen that will really warm you up and is the best way to wrap up your winter holiday in Japan.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN JAPAN

First, let’s talk about the must-see places in Japan. In this way, you can decide the best time to visit Japan according to what you want to do. This list will also help you create a 3-week itinerary for Japan that will save you time and knock places off your list in a time-saving way.

• Explore top sites in Tokyo – custom full-day tour or a tour with a licensed guide
• Disneyland in Tokyo – get a day pass
• See a Sumo Wrestler – you can challenge a sumo wrestler too
• Tokyo Skytree
• Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
• Tokyo Tower
• Digital Art Museum – ge t your ticket in advance
• Imperial Palace
• Enjoy Japanese cuisine by – sushi making or go ramen tasting or join a food and culture tour
• Go Kart Experience – right through the city centre, check the price
• Meiji Jingu
• Day trip to Mount Fuji (check the season schedule beforehand ) – combo with Hakone and Lake Ashi or this more affordable Mount Fuji tour or go on a Hakone cruise
• Enjoy the nightlife by doing – bar hopping or eat and drink tour
• Explore Kyoto – on a bike tour (with lunch) or e-bike tour or with a licensed guide
• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Higashiyama Jisho-ji
• Kyomizu-dera
• Lanterns Night – join a discovery tour
• Eikando Temple
• Rikugi Garden
• Bamboo – Higashiyama Sanjo
• Learn about Japanese culture – join a zen meditation with locals or book a samurai experience or be part of a traditional tea ceremony
• Learn about Geisha – private dinner with a Geisha or explore the Geisha district
• Tofukuji Temple
• Discover Japanese Cuisine – go on sake experience tour or night foodie tour or ramen cooking class or all-inclusive local eats tour
• Nishiki Market
• Day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima – check the tour price
• Peace Memorial Park – book a day trip
• Itsukushima Floating Torii Gate
• Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• Hiroshima Castle – with a combo visit to Hiroshma Castle
• Yamato Museum/Maritime Museum
• Hiroshima MOCA
• Explore Hiroshima on a bike – read the reviews
• Itsukushima Shrine
• Try traditional archery – book a tour
• Osaka Castle
• Universal Studios in Japan
• Umeda Sky Building
• Osaka Auarium Kaiyukan
• Abena Harukas
• Sumiyoshi Taisha
• Matsumoto Castle
• Zenko-ji Temple
• Shiga Kogen
• Daio Wasabi Farm
• Togakushi-Jinja
• Risshakuji Temple
• Zao Onsen Ski Resort

Sapporo, Hokkaido

• Sapporo Beer Museum
• Sapporo TV Tower
• Moerenuma Park
• Hokkaido-Jingju Shrine
• Sapporo Clock Tower
• Shiroikoibito Park
• Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort
• Mount Miowa
• Mount Yotei
• Fukidashi Park
• Yukichichibu Onsen
• The Hakone Open-Air Musuem
• Hakone Shrine
• Hakone Ropeway
• Okada Museum of Art

Naoshima Island

• Benesse House Museum
• Chichu Art Museum
• Naoshima Public Bath
• Shodo Island
• Ando Museum
• Kizenzan Park
• Asemi River
• Mount Shiraga
• Yoshinobu Rice Terraces
• Vine Bridges in the Iya Valley
• Mount Miune

WHERE TO STAY IN JAPAN

This list can help you decide the best accommodations during your trip that suits your budget. It’s also arrange per city to make things easier.

• Affordable: Hotel Owl or bnb Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel GrandBach or Shiomi Prince Hotel
• Luxury: The Capitol Hotel or The Gate Hotel
• Affordable:
• Affordable: Capsule Hotel Cube or Santiago Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Daiwa Roynet Hotel or Candeo Hotels
• Luxury: Hilton Hotel or Sheraton Grand Hotel
• Affordable: Tune Hostel or Tmark City Hotel
• Mid-range: Hotel Amanek or Toyoko Inn
• Luxury: Hotel Nets or Tenza Hotel and Sky Spa

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN JAPAN ITINERARY

3 weeks in Japan can be plenty of time for some or too long for others or even too short for some people. The best way to make sure you are making the most out of your 3 weeks vacation is to plan your trip but make wriggle room for changes and things you don’t expect that can happen. Let your fun side entertain some unplanned trips and activities.

Japan is filled with so many things you can enjoy and do. And if you find yourself bored for some reason or have time to spare, don’t forget, South Korea or other East Asian countries are just a short flight away.

I hope you enjoyed this 3 weeks in Japan itinerary and that I’ve helped you create a fun and suitable holiday for you in this part of the world.

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The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks

I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan . It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is carefully crafted and delicious; the history and culture are both rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.

Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.

But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.

Where should you go? What should you include in your Japan itinerary? Should you buy a JR Pass to help you get around?

To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will ensure you see the best sites on your Japan trip — as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture!

Table of Contents

Japan Itinerary: Know Before You Go

Japan itinerary: one week, japan itinerary: two weeks, japan itinerary: three weeks.

Just be sure to get one BEFORE you go as you cannot purchase them on arrival. For more information on the pass, including how much they cost and how you can get one, read this blog post . It has everything you need to know!

Mobile Data in Japan In Japan, English isn’t widely spoken (especially outside of the major cities) so having access to the internet is vital for checking addresses, using translation apps, and looking up things to see and do. The easiest way to get data is through an international eSIM for Japan .

An eSIM allows you to access mobile data via a QR code so you can have internet wherever you are, without worrying about physical SIM cards or roaming charges. This will save you a lot of time and hassle when using apps like Google Maps, Google Translate, Instagram, and YouTube. It will also come in handy for checking menus at restaurants (since they are rarely in english).  

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo , since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.

While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – Toyosu is the world’s largest fish market. The daily auction here powers much of the world’s sushi supply, and it is truly an absolute must-see! You can go for free, but food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 14,500 JPY.

See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes. The temple is free to visit.

Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about. Arigato Tours offers tours of the area where you’ll learn about the neighborhood while stopping to sample Japanese classics like sushi, yakitori, and ramen. Tours are 23,900 JPY and include a drink and dishes at four food stops.

Visit the Imperial Palace – The home of the emperor of Japan was built in the 15th century, and while you can’t go inside, the palace and its grounds are a peaceful place for a stroll.

Watch a sumo match – If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do . Tickets sell out quickly, so book early. Expect to pay around 11,000-13,000 JPY.

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass !

For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.

WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO : Hostel Chapter Two – A small, family-run hostel not far from Skytree Station in Asakusa. I really like the shared kitchen and common room, as there’s a real social feel to them.

With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavilion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!

Explore Gion – Gion is the historic geisha district. Stroll along the main street and see ochaya s (teahouses where geishas entertain), the small shops, and the many restaurants that line the district’s streets. You can take a walking tour of Gion for 1,800 JPY.

Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the calm swaying of the forest envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. Arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds. Kyoto Bike Tours offers an early-bird bike tour for a guided way to do just that.

Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. The traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). But the real draw in Nara are the deer.

Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree. A guided half-day walking tour that includes all of Nara’s highlights as well as a traditional lunch is 11,500 JPY.

While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 600 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN KYOTO : Backpacker Hostel K’s House – A fun, social backpacker hostel in a great central location. The rooftop terrace is a cool spot to hangout and meet other travelers after a day of exploring.

Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.

And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs. A guided walking tour that includes Dotonbori as well adjacent neighborhoods is 6,500 JPY.

Today, Hiroshima is thriving . Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.

If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima , an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIROSHIMA : Roku Hostel – A cozy, small hostel with a rustic atmosphere and design. It feels like you’re staying with a friend here, and the beds are super comfy too.

If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.

This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!

The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).

One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.

If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.

If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.

There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.

In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!

If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!

If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.

Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,800 JPY.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAKONE : Hotel Green Plaza – With gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, a huge buffet dinner (with both Western and Japanese options), and a private onsen where you can relax and enjoy the view, this is one of the best places to stay in Hakone if you want value but don’t want to break the bank.  

Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

• Days 1-3 : Tokyo
• Day 4 : Mount Fuji or Hakone
• Day 5 : Takayama
• Days 6 & 7 : Kanazawa
• Days 8 & 9 : Matsumoto
• Days 10-12 : Kyoto
• Days 13 & 14 : Osaka
• Days 15 & 16 : Hiroshima

If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.

Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.

What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.

And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 10,000-18,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day. In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.

Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.

WHERE TO STAY IN SAPPORO : Waya Hostel – This is a laid-back, colorful hostel with a social atmosphere that makes meeting people a breeze. It has a homey, DIY feel and is perfect for budget travelers looking for a no-frills place to crash.

There is a ton to see and do in Japan , and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move around the country quickly to avoid breaking the bank.

But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, there are still plenty of ways to save money , and it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!

Just make sure to get your Japan Rail Pass before you go!  

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Looking for More Travel Tips for Japan? Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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EPIC 3-week itinerary for Japan (perfect for first-timers)

By: Author Kris

Posted on Last updated: April 25, 2023

Have you been looking for a 3-week Japan itinerary, because you aren’t sure what to do while you’re there? Don’t worry, we have you covered.

Japan is an amazing country where ancient traditions and modern customs go hand in hand.

If you think 3 weeks is too long for Japan, think again. It’s easy to travel for 3 weeks in Japan without getting bored. You need three weeks in Japan just to visit the highlights. 

Our first trip to Japan was one of slightly over 3 weeks and when we were planning our Japan trip, we found it very difficult because we had to select from among an over the choice of sights that all looked worthwhile. 

This is our 3-week Japan itinerary that we eventually came up with. 

Insider tip: Looking for the best Japan travel tips, click here.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

In a hurry? Here we share an overview of our 3 weeks in Japan

If you don’t have time to read through the full Japan itinerary, use this overview to get an idea of the things to do on each day and save it for later.

• Day 1-4 Tokyo: Visit Shibuya,  the Imperial Palace, Yoyogi Park, the Sensoji temple, Harajuku, Asakusa, and the neighborhood around the Skytree.
• Day 5: Matsumoto: Visit the Samurai castle and explore the small streets.
• Day 6-7 Yudanaka: Go watch the snow monkeys and relax in one of the many local onsens.
• Day 8 Kanazawa: Visit the Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle , and the old Geisha district.
• Day 9 Takayama: Visit the Hida Folk Village and the old town of Takayama.
• Day 10 Ise: Pay a visit to the Ise Shrines
• Day 11-14 Osaka: Explore the Namba district, visit Osaka Castle, walk along the river to the Kema Sakuranomiya Park, visit Shinsekai, attend a cooking class, and see the city from above.
• Day 15 Koyasan: Spend the night in a temple and walk from temple to temple, attend the morning prayer, and visit the cemetery of Koyasan.
• Day 16-18 Kyoto: Explore Gion, the Inari Shrines, walk the philosopher’s path, visit the Golden Temple, and make a side trip to Arashiyama.
• Day 19 Hiroshima: Visit the peace park and Hiroshima Castle.
• Day 20 Miyajima: Admire the floating Torii gate and the colorful Daisyoin Temple and feed the deer.
• Day 21-22 Nagasaki: walk along the harbor, the cozy Dejima wharf, and Chinatown. Explore the Dutch history at the old trading post-Dejima and the Dutch Slope. Visit Battleship Island.
• Day 23-24 Tokyo: Visit Akihabara, Tokyo DisneySea.

Table of Contents

Japan Essentials

We almost always find the best flights to Tokyo and Osaka on Momondo .  It may be worthwhile to compare these with Skyscanner and a new but promising flight aggregator, WayAway .

Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM  or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Find out which JR Pass will save you the most for your trip to Japan.

Check out our ultimate Japan travel blog where you can find many more interesting Japan articles to prepare for your trip.

Need help with your Japan trip planning? Check out this post on how to plan your trip to Japan.

Insider tip: Is this your first Japan trip and are you feeling a bit overwhelmed about planning this trip, what to see, and what to do in Japan, check out our  Japan travel planner.  This document will help you plan your trip smoothly. 

For more Japan tips, take a look at our Japan Travel Guide.

Japan 3-week itinerary: Our 3 weeks in Japan

Here we share an overview of our 3 weeks in Japan.

Day 1-4: Tokyo

Things to do in tokyo.

Tokyo is a logical starting point for your 3-week Japan itinerary as chances are you will land at one of Tokyo’s two busy airports. Wondering what to see in Tokyo? Hopefully, you’re not too jetlagged because the capital has a lot to offer.

We were here during the cherry blossom season so we visited several different places to witness this beautiful spectacle.

Our tips about the  best places to see the cherry blossoms are in this separate article .

But you will have no problem filling up these 4 days, even if you are not here during the cherry blossom season.

We visited the busiest intersection in the world at Shibuya as well as the Imperial Palace, Yoyogi park, the Sensoji temple, Harajuku, Asakusa, the neighborhood around the Skytree and much more.

Here you will find more information about the best places in Tokyo to visit.

If you are looking for a detailed itinerary for the best of Tokyo in 4 days, take a look here.  If you stay 5 days in Tokyo, take a look at our 2-5 days detailed Tokyo itinerary.

Getting from the airport to Tokyo

When someone refers to Tokyo International Airport, they mean Haneda Airport. In reality, Tokyo has 2 international airports: Haneda and Narita airport.

Haneda is closer to Tokyo and is probably the best choice for you as a tourist. Still, as both are well-connected to the capital it isn’t that much of an issue if your flight arrives in Narita. It will just take a little longer to get to your hotel.

Haneda International Airport  is located 14 kilometers south of Tokyo Station. It is the oldest of the two airports. 

It used to mainly handle domestic flights after Narita airport opened but with the addition of a new international terminal in 2010, it now also handles international flights. The general rule is that Narita focuses more on leisure routes.

In reality, you will notice that there isn’t really any logic in how the flights are divided between the 2 airports. Here’s just one example, ANA’s flight from Washington arrives in Narita on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday and in Haneda on the other days of the week.

This is because there are not enough landing slots in Haneda and ANA sometimes has to look to Narita when it adds extra weekly flights to a certain destination.

All this is just to say that you have to look for flights to both airports (HND, NRT), or you can use (TYO) to instantly search for flights to Haneda and Narita.

The two main ways to reach central Tokyo from Haneda Airport are the Keikyu Line and the Tokyo Monorail. Both require a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line to reach major stations in central Tokyo.

Depending on the location of your hotel and the length of your flight (and the amount of sleep you could get) you might not be looking forward to train and subway rides in your first hours in Tokyo.

After a long flight, a direct transfer from the airport to your hotel will be a lot more comfortable.

You can find more information about a shared or private transfer here:

Shared Transfer

Private Transfer

Narita is the smaller of the 2 airports but does serve as the international hub of both major Japanese airlines, Japan Airlines, and ANA. 

It lies 60 km east of central Tokyo. Although it is located further from central Tokyo than Haneda it is also well-connected to the city. 

There are plenty of public transportation options to reach central Tokyo from the airport.

You could take the JR Narita Express, the Keisei Skyliner, buses, and taxis.  Those who like to make a grand entrance can even opt for a helicopter transfer.

The JR Narita Express , abbreviated as N’EX, is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.  This makes N’EX your best option if you have a JR Pass. 

To use this train with your Japan Rail Pass you need to exchange your voucher for the actual pass at the airport.

Once exchanged you will also need to reserve seats as N’EX is one of the few trains that only has reserved cars.

Japan Rail Pass is it worth it?

The Keisei Skyliner is a good alternative to N’EX if you have no Japan Rail Pass.  The prices, comfort, and schedule of both trains are comparable.

The main difference is that N’EX will take you to Tokyo station, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro & Yokohama.  The Keisei Skyliner heads to Nippori station and Keisei Ueno (close to Ueno station). 

Both trains offer easy transfer to the JR Yamanote line, the main loop line in Tokyo.

As with Haneda, you can also book private or shared transfers from Narita to Central Tokyo. After a long flight, a direct transfer from the airport to your hotel will be a lot more comfortable.

Getting around Tokyo

If you have a Japan Rail Pass you can use this pass on  the JR trains that run on the inner-city network in Tokyo,  a very extensive network that can be compared with a metro network.

If you don’t have a Japan rail pass or you choose to activate your Japan rail pass after your visit to Tokyo, we recommend getting a Tokyo subway pass .

You can buy this pass at tourist information centers, BIC camera shops, and certain hotels.

There’s a  list of selling points on the Tokyo Metro website . Be sure to bring cash as credit or debit cards are usually not accepted.

The pass can also be  bought online  which is even more convenient.

When you buy your pass online you will receive a voucher that you can use to quickly and easily collect your pass at the airport and seconds later you will be on your way to your hotel. Your pass can be used immediately, so you can use it if you would have to change to the metro en route to your hotel.

Click to read reviews or buy your Tokyo Subway Pass: Tokyo Subway Pass

A full guide on how to navigate Tokyo’s Public transport like a local

Top attraction in Tokyo 

Here is an overview of the best attractions in Tokyo. 

We partnered up with GetYourGuide or Klook for most of these activities.  We love GetYourGuide because they’re flexible.  Sometimes your plans change last minute and then you want to be able to cancel your tickets and get your money back.  It’s also good to know that GetYourGuide has your back when the local tour operator doesn’t show up or cancels your trip.

Klook is a trustworthy travel company headquartered in Hong Kong that teams up with local operators to offer all kinds of travel experiences. Chances are the name is not familiar If you haven’t been to Asia before. They are big in Asia and have and have a very wide range of activities in Japan and other Asian countries.

We selected 3 excellent activities in Tokyo just for you.

Unfortunately, the Robot restaurant is still closed and it is uncertain if it will ever reopen. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Enjoy the Robot Show at the Robot Restaurant

The Robot Show is touristy, expensive and the food isn’t so great so you might wonder why you need to visit it.  Well, it’s something you can only experience in Japan.  The show is grotesque and completely over the top like one can only experience in Japan.

For this activity, we decided to partner up with Klook because they often have the cheapest tickets for the Robot Restaurant.

Read our full guide about the Robot Restaurant here.

More information and booking:

Robot Restaurant Tickets

See Tokyo from above

The   Tokyo Skytree   is, with a height of 634 meters, the highest building in Japan. It’s also the highest free-standing tower in the world. The tower houses 2 observation platforms that offer a fantastic view of Tokyo. They are respectively at a height of 350 and 450 meters and are amongst the highest in Japan. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Tokyo. An absolute Tokyo must-visit when you want to see Tokyo from above.

The lines are often very long so we recommend you to book skip the line tickets.

Tokyo Skytree Tickets

If you are looking for a free alternative, you should head to the   Metropolitan Government Building.   This building has 2 towers that each offer a viewing platform at a height of 202 meters. The northern tower stays open until 11 p.m. and ‘Tokyo By Night’ is really spectacular.

Make a Day Trip to Mount Fuji

A day tour to Mount Fuji is the perfect way to escape busy Tokyo.

But there are so many day tours that choosing one, isn’t easy.

To help you choose, we made this handy Day trip to Mount Fuji overview. 

Day Trip Mt. Fuji

Where to stay in Tokyo

Hilton Tokyo

The Tokyo Hilton is situated in the lively neighborhood of Shinjuku. It’s about a 15-minutes walk to Shinjuku train station but you can also make use of the free shuttle service offered by the hotel.  The shuttle runs every 20 minutes. The airport limousine bus has a stop at this hotel.  There’re multiple restaurants and supermarkets in this area. Last but not least, after a busy day exploring this vibrant city you can relax in the indoor pool or sauna.  Highly recommended if you are looking for a good hotel in the vicinity of public transport.

Booking.com

Or read our article about the best place to stay in Tokyo for first-time visitors. If you are looking for the best Airbnb’s in Tokyo, click here.

For those that are looking for a more traditional stay, check out this post in which we share an overview of Ryokans in Tokyo with a private onsen.

Day 5: Matsumoto

Things to do in matsumoto.

During our 3-week itinerary in Japan, we also paid a quick visit to Matsumoto.  The main reason for this is the Samurai Castle . 

A Samurai castle is a must-visit and while there are still lots of Samurai castles everywhere throughout Japan most of these are reconstructions.

In Matsumoto, you can visit one of the few remaining original castles. It’s a major landmark in Japan.

Most castles have been destroyed by fires or during one of the many wars but this castle was never under attack.

Several official guides are available who will be happy to guide you around the castle for free.

They can tell you more about how life used to be in the castle and the different wars that prevailed over Japan. 

The guides are located in a cabin right after the entrance of the castle.

Did you know that the inspiration for the helmet of Darth Vader comes from the Samurais?

If you have only 5 days in japan, check out our post where we share the best 5 days Japan itinerary suggestions. 

Where to stay in Matsumoto

Hotel kagetsu.

This hotel more than exceeded our expectations.  Hotel Kagetsu is situated 20-minutes by foot from the train station and really close to Matsumoto Castle and the small but picturesque old town.  The hotel offers free bicycles to explore the area.  It also features a good restaurant but you will also find other restaurants within walking distance.  You get a comfortable and spacious room, certainly by Japanese standards, and your Yukata and slippers will be waiting in your room if you want to use the onsen.  A great option in this charming city.

Day 6-7: Yudanaka

Things to do in yudanaka.

The next stop on our three-week Japan itinerary was Yudanaka. This countryside village is famous for the snow monkeys that like to bathe in the hot springs.

The prime reason for our visit to Yudanaka was to see the monkeys, but just like the monkeys, we also took some time ourselves to relax in one of the many local onsens.

If you have only 1 week in Japan, check out these Japan 7 days suggestions.

We spend about half a day with the monkeys. Not because the park was that big, but it was very cute to see the monkey’s doing their thing.

Judging by the name you could probably already guess that the best time to visit the snow monkeys is, …., the winter. During other periods it’s best to head to the park very early when it’s not yet too warm. The colder it is, the more likely you will see the monkeys warming themselves in the water.

To relax in the onsen we recommend going to Shibu onsen. This is a village a few minutes’ walk from Yudanaka.

In the picturesque car-free high street of Shibu Onsen you will find 9 public onsens that are supplied by the hot springs.

You can wander from one bathhouse to another in your Yukata and on your traditional wooden sandals.

Where to stay in Yudanaka

Shimaya ryokan.

Shimaya Ryokan is not a normal hotel but a Ryokan.  After staying there I would even say that it felt more like a Minshuku.  A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese Inn and a Minshuku is a small-scale,family-run, version of a Ryokan.  Where Ryokans can sometimes offer very high-scale and luxurious experiences, a Minshukus offers more of a cozy intimate atmosphere.

The rooms of the Shimaya Ryokan are very simple, and look a bit dated. But the hospitable owners made up for all of this. The owner picked us up at the train station, offered us a ride to the monkey park and back and gave us tons of tips about all the places we would visit next during our trip.

Sleeping in a traditional ryokan or Minshuku is something you should do at least once when you’re in Japan, so why not do it here with these friendly hospitable owners.

Day 8: Kanazawa

Things to do in kanazawa.

Kanazawa charmed us enormously and we had the impression that this city was less touristy than other places we visited during our 3 weeks in Japan. This in itself is a reason to visit this city.

We were here to see the Kenrokuen Garden .   An absolute highlight of any visit to Kanazawa and especially during the cherry blossom season.

The garden is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Japan.

The weather was a bit disappointing during our visit so we couldn’t fully appreciate the park.

We certainly thought it was beautiful, but not better than what we already saw in Tokyo. Still, we could not get enough of the cherry blossoms.

Right next to the Kenrokuen garden is the reconstructed Kanazawa castle.   You can visit it for free and it can easily be combined with a visit to the Kenrokuen Garden.

The main reason for our visit to Kanazawa was the Kenrokuen Garden but another absolute must in Kanazawa is the old Geisha district Higashi Chaya , often just called: “Old Town”.

The old town of Takayama is often praised for its old-world charm but we found the old city of Kanazawa to be much more charming. Besides, it was also a lot less crowded which made exploring it much more pleasant.

You could take a quiet stroll, look around, and enjoy the beautiful old houses.

A walk through the geisha district in the evening , where you learn more about the mysteries and intrigues of this old neighborhood, was an unforgettable experience.

We also went to take a look at Nagamachi , the old Samurai district. There’re some really spectacular villas in this district, but Higashi Chaya impressed us more.

For lunch and/or dinner we recommend going to the Omicho market. It’s a large fresh food market. Originally it was just a market but nowadays there are many small restaurants housed in and around the market. To find the best addresses you just have to look for the queues at the front doors.

Here is a complete 2-day Kanazawa itinerary. 

Where to stay in Kanazawa

We stayed in the Holiday Inn ANA Kanazawa and loved our stay.

Holiday Inn ANA Kanazawa Sky

The Holiday Inn ANA Kanazawa Sky is centrally located within walking distance of the station and just across the Omicho market.

The Kanazawa castle and Kenrokuen Garden are just a few minutes’ walk away.

You have spectacular views on Kanazawa from the lobby and the restaurant.  A perfect choice for your stay in Kanazawa.

If you are looking for a more traditional place to stay, check out our list of ryokans in Kanazawa.

Day 9: Takayama

On the train on our way to Takayama, we witnessed some of the most spectacular scenery of our trip to Japan.

As our train squeaked through the bends in the railway and made its way from one tunnel to the other it reminded me of the train trips to the ski resorts in Switzerland I used to make when I was a child.

Things to do in Takayama

In Takayama, we visited the Hida Folk Village . The village consists of 24 traditional houses. They’re all very well preserved and at each house, you will find information panels. 

To take a look inside the houses you have to wear slippers. 

They’re provided at the entrance of the houses. 

Its fun to peek inside the different houses but if you want to do so it is best to wear comfortable shoes that you can easily take off and put back on.

From the Hida Folk Village, we continued our way to Takayama’s old town.

It was extremely and uncomfortably busy in the old town. We noticed that most of the crowd just visited the part of the old town situated to the right of Kajibasi Bridge. 

So luckily we could escape the crowds by crossing the main road and continuing our way toward the Yoshijima Heritage House. 

As you cross the main road you will notice that in this section historical houses alternate with restored or modern houses. 

It’s less authentic than the other section but at least you can enjoy the houses without the masses. 

But as we already said before when we were writing about Kanazawa, the Higashi Chaya district in Kanazawa was so much more enjoyable that we would take it any day over Takayma.

Getting hungry?

Takayama is known for its beef, so if you like meat you should definitely try Hida Beef a variety of the famous wagyu beef. Many Japanese even prefer Hida-gyu over Wagyu.

Where to stay in Takayama

Hotel wood takayama.

Hotel Wood Takayma is a great hotel in the old town. You will stay in a spacious room.

Friendly staff and small but good spa.

Day 10: Ise

Today we took the train to Ise to see the Ise shrines, the most sacred Shinto shrines in Japan. According to Shinto tradition, these are completely rebuilt every 20 years.

We had imagined there would be something special about this place, but it let us down.

The Ise shrines are not that different from any of the other shrines you can see in Japan. At least not for us who are not initiated into these deeply rooted beliefs. In addition, the shrines in Ise can only be seen from the outside.

In our opinion, it’s better to go to other shrines during your three weeks in Japan. In retrospect, we didn’t think Ise was worth the detour.

Day 11-14: Osaka

In Osaka, we are once again in a metropolis.

Prepare yourself for some tiring but oh-so-exciting days. There’s no time to get bored in this city that’s always alive into the wee hours.

Things to do in Osaka

We took an evening stroll in the Namba district . The least you can say about this is that it is simply spectacular. Especially at night, it’s very impressive.

Are you wondering what to do in Osaka at night? Take a look at this article.

Planning on joining a food tour in Osaka? Check out this overview in which we share the best guided Osaka food tour.

We also went to Osaka Castle. This is a restored castle.  The castle is also a very good spot to witness the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

From here we took a walk along the river to the Kema Sakuranomiya Park, another beautiful park with lots of cherry trees.

Shinsekai is also a district you have to visit and we attended a cooking class in Osaka .

We also did a side trip to Nara from Osaka.

Here in the Todaiji Temple, you will find the largest wooden building in the world, the Daibutsuden (“big Buddha hall”).

As its name says inside the building you will find a gigantic Buddha.

Don’t limit yourself to this temple only. Venture up the mountain to “Nigatsu-do” for a breathtaking view. 

Nara was the original capital of Japan but once Buddhism became too powerful in the country the government decided to move the capital. 

The many temples, the city is literally dotted with them, are one of the remains of Nara’s glorious past. 

Besides the impressive temples, there is also a second reason to come to Nara. A visit to Nara is also fun because of the deer that roam freely in the park and no doubt will come begging for cookies.

Here you can read our complete 2 days Osaka itinerary. If you have only one day in Osaka, click here.

Where to stay in Osaka

Holiday inn osaka namba.

The Dotonbori Hotel is well-known in Osaka for its distinctive large head-statue pillars on the exterior.

It is located in the center of the Namba-Dotonbori district and so is convenient for access to the best restaurants, shopping, bars, and more.

This is a great choice in Osaka.

• For more info about the most popular districts to stay in Osaka, read our detailed where to stay in Osaka article.
• If you prefer an Airbnb, take a look at our post about the best Airbnb’s in Osaka.
• For a more traditional stay in a ryokan in Osaka, click here.
• Here is a list of Osaka ryokans that have a private onsen.
• For a cheap stay, check out this list of best capsule hotels in Osaka. 

Day 15: Koyasan (Mount Koya)

Koyasan is a remote place in the mountains. 

A trip to Koyasan is a true expedition during your three weeks in Japan.

After 2 train rides, we got onto a funicular and then a bus to finally reach our temple. The last 2 train rides were very scenic, and once again reminded me of Switzerland. 

Koyasan is the center of Shingon Buddhism and we had booked a Temple stay of 1 night.

Things to do in Koyasan

At least 50 temples in Koyasan offer temple stays and probably there’re even more. You literally walk from temple to temple.  It rained that day and we got soaked very quickly so we didn’t explore much of the town but decided to retire to our room.

The rooms are very much like a room in a Ryokan. At 5 p.m., it was time for dinner. A vegetarian dinner with a variety of different flavors proved that vegetarian food can be just as delicious as regular food.

At the end of the day, we hadn’t seen any monks, not even in our temple.  Probably we didn’t recognize them as they were walking around in day-to-day clothing.

This took away a lot of the charm as we didn’t get the feeling that we were in a temple.

The next day, we got off to an early start for the morning prayers. I hoped this was going to change our experience and we would witness 1 of the daily rituals of the monks.

When entering the prayer room it turned out that the prayers were led by 3 monks and except for these only about 25 tourists were present.

It felt more like a show that was performed for tourists than an authentic experience.

After prayer and breakfast, we went to the enormous cemetery of Koyasan. It looks like this cemetery is as big or even bigger than the town itself.

With many of its shrines, altars, and gravestones overgrown, this place radiates a special atmosphere.

It would be the perfect place for a Halloween walk.

After what felt like a never-ending walk, we reached the mausoleum of Kobo, the founder of Shingon Buddhism.

This cemetery was without a doubt the highlight of our trip to Koyasan. Is it worth a detour? I am not sure. I would skip Koyasan if you are short on time. If you would like to stay overnight in a temple, there are other places where you can do that.

If you’re going to Koyasan it is good to know that the temple that we recommend below is not the one we stayed at.  We were disappointed by our experience but the Shubuko Fudoin temple gets consistently good reviews from travelers.

Perhaps a different temple will provide a completely different experience.

Where to stay in Koyasan 

Koyasan shubuko fudoin temple.

The Koyasan Shubuko  Fudoin Temple lies in a quiet area. You are welcomed by friendly monks and you spend the night in traditional Japanese-style comfortable rooms. There is a tasty vegetarian breakfast and dinner. The temple has a gender separated public onsen and organizes night walks that are very popular.

Day 16-18: Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural, as well as touristic capital. 

We spend two days in the city.  Below is a brief overview of what we did. 

We wrote about our 2 days in Kyoto in much more detail in our 2-day Kyoto itinerary and we also have some tips to discover Kyoto at night .

Things to do in Kyoto

The first afternoon we went to explore the Gion neighborhood together with a local guide. It was a great experience as our guide was able to teach us all kinds of things about the many special traditions in Japanese culture.

We mainly talked about the geisha as Gion is the oldest geisha district in Japan. It is a pleasant neighborhood to explore at night and you should keep your camera ready as chances are you will see geisha on their way to their customers.

Here you can read the story of our evening walk in the Gion district .

Book a private walking tour:

GetYourGuide

The next day we started our day at the Inari Shrines where you find thousands of Torii gates.

Thousands of instagram posts have made these shrines very popular among tourists. Luckily it’s enough to move further away from the entrance, higher up the mountain, to escape the crowds.

And of course, we also took a stroll along the philosopher’s path . You come across plenty of temples along the path.

Unlike Tokyo where all temples are free, there is an entrance fee for all temples in Kyoto. Most of them are however not that different from temples that you will find elsewhere in Japan.

Kinkakuji, or the Golden Temple , is one temple that you should not miss when you’re in Kyoto. This is probably the most beautiful temple we saw in Japan. (Kinkakuji is not situated along the philosopher’s path.)

We also made a trip to Arashiyama , a district on the outskirts of Kyoto that is well-known for its bamboo forest.

Expect a big crowd! We had read how popular Arashiyama was but were still surprised by the crowd outside the train station. Fortunately, it immediately becomes a lot quieter as soon as you make your way away from the center.

We discovered some charming quiet spots in Arashiyama.  You can go to the park around the Jojakkoji temple from where you have a stunning view.

From there, you can walk further north to Saga-Toriimoto Street. This is a picturesque street lined with preserved, traditional houses.

Best of all, we had the street to ourselves while we were wandering through it. When you reach the end of the street, you will reach the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, and adjacent you will find a bamboo forest that is just as beautiful as the one close to the center where all the tourists are.

When we just got off the train and ended up in the crowd, we were afraid it would be an unpleasant day because of the bustle. But in the end, we did have a really enjoyable day as we have discovered some pleasant quiet spots in and around Arashiyama.

The bus tours seem to limit their visit to the Togetsukyo bridge and the nearby Tenryuji temple and bamboo groves.  Other places were not nearly as crowded.

The best  things to do in Kyoto at night. 

Where to stay in Kyoto

According to the statistics, Kyoto is the most touristic city in Japan. And by looking at the prices for a hotel room that might be right.

Here is a list of the best areas to stay in Kyoto . If you are looking for cool hotels in Kyoto, click here . If you prefer staying in an Airbnb, take a look at our post with the best Airbnb’s in Kyoto.

Looking for a more authentic place to stay? Check out this list of Kyoto ryokans and ryokans in Kyoto with private onsen in Kyoto.

We stayed in the in the Marriott lake Biwa, a nice hotel that is located 20 minutes outside Kyoto by train, but it meant a serious difference to our wallet.

Marriott Lake Biwa

This Marriott hotel is located alongside the coast of beautiful Lake Biwa, an ideal setting if you want to escape busy Kyoto at night.  The hotel offers a free shuttle service to the train station where you can catch the train to Kyoto station.  As Marriott Rewards Platinum members we enjoyed an upgrade to a suite with a private onsen and a fabulous view of the lake. As platinum members, we also had access to a lounge area in the lobby where we could enjoy free breakfast, snacks, cocktails and a small buffet in the evening. The only drawback of this hotel is that you have to take into account the schedule of the shuttle which only runs once every hour. But considering what we got in return and the tremendous difference in price this is no big deal.

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto

The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto is a good choice for those who are looking for a hotel in the center of Kyoto. It is within walking distance of the Gion district, two metro stations, and various temples. The rooms are neat and the bathroom is fully equipped. You can enjoy a nice breakfast at the bakery next to the hotel.

If you aren’t convinced of these hotels, you will find a lot of other hotels in Kyoto on booking.com:

Or read our complete guide about where to stay in Kyoto.   If you prefer staying in an Airbnb have a look at our list with the best Airbnb’s in Kyoto.

Day 19: Hiroshima

Things to do in hiroshima.

Hiroshima undoubtedly rings a bell with most of you.

We visited the peace park and made a small detour to take a peek at the castle.

In the Peace Park, you will find an interesting museum about the atomic bomb and touching stories about how the survivors had to rebuild their city and their lives.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can make free use of the hop-on-hop-off bus operated by JR. When you arrive at the station, just drop in with the tourist office. They have route maps of the buses and will be able to explain to you which bus to take and which stop to get off to get to your hotel.

Here you can read our full article about Hiroshima and Miyajima. 

Where to stay in Hiroshima

Ana crowne plaza hiroshima.

The Ana Crowne Plaza is within walking distance of the peace park and near shops and restaurants. The rooms are not too big but clean and fully equipped. The staff also speak good English.

Day 20: Miyajima

We opted to spend the night in Miyajima but you could just as well make it a side trip from Hiroshima. 

You can get from Hiroshima to Miyajima in about half an hour both by tram or by  JR train. The latter is, of course, the cheapest option if you have a Japan Rail Pass.

Once you arrive at the train station in Miyajima, it is nothing more but a short 5-minute walk to the harbor where you then take the ferry to Miyajima island.

You can choose from 2 ferries, one is operated by JR and is free for holders of a Japan Rail Pass.

Things to do in Miyajima

On the island or rather just in front of the island you will find the photogenic Torii gate which seems to float on the water during high tide.

The times of high and low tide are signposted at the entrance of the ferry terminal.

The Torii gate is the tourist attraction of the island, but also the colorful Daisyoin Temple is worth a visit.

We took the time to wander around this temple and it seemed like we found a hidden gem on this island.

Where to stay in Miyajima

Below we list  2 hotels on Miyajima island. As there are only a handful of accommodations on the island you could also for alternatives near the ferry pier on the mainland.  This is an area called Miyajimaguchi.

Since the ferry runs very frequently you don’t lose a lot of time by staying on the mainland and it can save you quite a few bucks.

Premium Comfortable hotel

Iwaso ryokan.

This Ryokan offers simple Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring, shoji doors, separate WC, separate deep short bath and separate sink areas.  Your room has a typical Japanese low table and some comfy cushions. There’re no beds, futon mattresses are spread out each night. The staff is very helpful and friendly.

The chef offers an excellent Kaiseki dinner , this is a traditional set dinner.

This is definitely something you should try when you stay in a ryokan.

The Ryokan also has 2 beautiful open-air Onsen, an excellent place to relax after you have climbed Mt. Misen.  You may even spot some deer while you bathe in the onsen.

This is an authentic, beautifully maintained, good quality Ryokan.

Sakuraya Ryokan

This ryokan lies on the island within walking distance from the ferry pier and has v ery helpful staff. The rooms are simple but very comfortable and spacious for Japanese standards, with tatami and comfortable futon. The location is very close to restaurants and there is a delicious oyster cart parked right out front. 

A traditional Japanese hotel with great service.

Day 21-22: Nagasaki

Nagasaki is where the 2nd bomb fell in Japan. Just like in Hiroshima, you will find a peace park with a museum and many commemorative statues. The city treated us to some very pretty views.

Things to do in Nagasaki

First, we walked along the harbor and the cozy Dejima wharf where we waved goodbye to a cruise ship that was getting ready to leave port.

From there we continued our walk to the top of Mt. Inasa . It was quite a tough hike but the sunset we enjoyed from the top more than made up for it. We used the cable car on our way back.

It is of course possible to go up and down with the cable car but if you do have the time to hike up we recommend it as it is quite worthwhile.

The day after, we explored the other parts of Nagasaki.

We did find some Dutch history at the old trading post, Dejima, and the Dutch Slope. The houses didn’t look very Dutch to us. They rather reminded us of houses you would find in Aruba or Curaçao.

We walked through Chinatown and took the funicular and elevator to the Glover Garden from where you also have a nice view of the city and the harbor. From here we went down again to the Nagasaki Cathedral which brings you back close to the harbor.

We found Nagasaki to be a very pleasant city and moreover, it felt completely different than Kyoto or Osaka.

We didn’t visit Battleship Island but fans of old industrial places should definitely consider booking a cruise to this Island that was also featured in the James Bond movie Skyfall.

Where to stay in Nagasaki

Jr kyushu hotel nagasaki.

The JR Kyushu hotel is located near the station and within walking distance of shops and restaurants. The staff speaks sufficient English. The rooms are pretty spacious according to Japanese standards. Only the breakfast could be better because there is not much choice. The main reason we would recommend this hotel is its good location.

Day 23-24: Tokyo

At the end of our trip, we end up back in Tokyo. This time we visit the Akihabara district as we’re here on a Sunday.

The main street that runs through the Akihabara district is closed to cars on Sundays. This makes a visit to Akihabara much more fun.

Foresee enough time. Browsing through the shops like Mandarake is what makes a visit to Akihabara worthwhile but you will quickly spend several hours snooping around these stores, looking at all the curiosities.

On the last day, we chose to have a relaxing day in Tokyo DisneySea . Next to Tokyo DisneySea is Tokyo Disneyland but we chose DisneySea because Disneyland is a sort of replica of all the other Disneyland Parks in the world.

And above all, DisneySea won an award for its design.

We loved the design of the park and there were some great attractions.  It was also fun to see how some Japanese completely dress up in Disney magic. 

It was a nice way to end our trip around Japan.

Our visit fell in the golden week so we knew in advance that it would be very busy.  Still, getting there and back with public transport was not that much of a problem.

If you want a more comfortable ride to the park you can book tickets including private transport .

Click here to get more information about the Disney tickets:

Japan travel tips

Here we share our best travel tips for Japan.

Going independent or joining an organized tour

We found it easy and straightforward to create our own travel itinerary.  It was also fairly easy to travel through Japan independently.

Despite the fact that the Japanese don’t always speak English very well, they are enormously helpful.

But if you want the company of a group, don’t have the time to create your own itinerary, or just don’t want to go independent, you could also join an organized tour.

TourRadar is a trustworthy company where you can book an organized 3-week tour of Japan to make it easy for yourself.

Here you can find all organized tours to Japan: Organized tours Japan

Here you can find an overview the best Japan tours. If you are looking  5 days Japan tour packages, click here. For a 7 day Japan package tour, click here. 

Looking for a self-guided Japan tour, click here.

Finding cheap flights to Japan

If you want to score cheap flights to Japan we advise you to have a look at Momondo and Skyscanner.  Both are flight aggregators that compare several hundreds of booking sites and give you an overview of the best flights and the cheapest sites to book them. 

Momondo and Skyscanner are both very good at finding good deals, of the two, Momondo is probably the one with the most intuitive user interface.

Read our full review of 10 booking sites here. 

How much does a trip to Japan cost

Although Japan is not a cheap country to travel around, especially not during the Sakura season and the Golden Week, we still thought it was pretty affordable.

Here we share how much we paid for accommodation, food, and public transport. 

Accommodation

The most expensive aspect is your accommodation. We advise you to book your accommodation well in advance. 

On average, we paid €108 per night (for a 2-person room) in 2018. We stayed in Ryokans, a temple stay, and various 3- or 4-star hotels.

Eating and drinking in Japan is cheaper than it is in Belgium, the Netherlands, and the US.

These are the budgets you must provide for food:

Low budget: € 18 (€ 5 bfast / € 5 lunch / € 10 dinner) This budget should be sufficient for local fast-food restaurants that offer sushi, ramen, etc.

Middle-class: € 35 (€ 8 bfast / € 12 lunch / € 15 dinner) There are many such restaurants. The staff usually speaks limited English but with a little help of Google translate you can order some delicious local food.

Luxury: € 92 (€ 16 bfast / € 16 lunch / € 60 – 80 dinner) For this budget, you can have breakfast at a luxury hotel and enjoy dinner at Japanese fine dining restaurants. Think restaurants that offer French cuisine, delicious Kobe beef, and Kaiseki dinners.

Public transport

Public transportation will most likely take the second-biggest bite out of your travel budget.

Japan has an extensive railroad network that takes you to all major tourist sites. Although traveling by train isn’t cheap, it is still cheaper than renting a car.

The price for a Japan Rail Pass might seem rather high at first, but it can still save you lots of money. We explain how you can check how much you save here.

We go into much more detail about the cost of these 3 items in our Japan Travel Guide .

Do I need travel insurance for Japan

The quick answer to this question is yes.

Travel Insurance is something that can be overlooked when you prepare for your vacation.  Certainly when you’re traveling to a safe and civilized country such as Japan. 

Overall, chances are slim that you will encounter any problems while traveling through a civilized country such as Japan. But when things go wrong in civilized countries, the medical costs can be high. 

We learned it the hard way when we once had to visit a hospital in the United States. 

The medical care was excellent but we had high out-of-pocket expenses as it turned out the insurance that came without credit cards didn’t cover these costs.  It turned out we were underinsured.

Drawing up a travel insurance policy may seem expensive at first but it can potentially save you a significant sum, significantly more than the small insurance fee.  Good travel insurance covers things like medical expenses, trip cancellation, overseas medical costs, evacuation, baggage damage or loss, and theft. 

Therefore we love SafetyWing and HeyMondo insurance . Both are good and trusted insurance companies.

Get a free quote:

Or read our in-depth post with everything you need to know about Japan travel insurance. 

Best way to pay in Japan

We took a little bit of cash with us but most things we paid with our credit card.

Expenses abroad can be seriously inflated by fees from your bank or credit card.  That’s why we’re huge fans of our N26 account . 

The account is available to most EU residents.

The checking account is free as well as the associated Mastercard and there’s no exchange rate provision when you use to card for payments abroad. 

There’s a 1,7% exchange rate provision when you withdraw money abroad but even that is free with the premium Black Mastercard.  

The app is another great feature of the card, you can follow your expenses in real-time and instantly block your card if you see any signs of fraud.

Local Sim card or a pocket WiFI device

A local SIM card or pocket Wifi device comes in handy.

We have often used Google Maps to find our way around major cities.

When looking for a Japanese SIM card, there are so many options that you cannot see the forest for the trees, therefore we created this useful article so you can choose the best Japanese SIM card for you. If you prefer a pocket WiFi device, you can read our detailed post about the best WiFI pocket device here. 

How to travel around Japan

We traveled around Japan by train and could save a few bucks by buying a Japan Rail Pass in advance.

Get more information about the Japan Rail pass here: Japan Rail Pass

Or read this article in which we describe how you can find out whether you would also benefit from a Japan Rail Pass .

When you’re traveling by train it’s also a good idea to forward your baggage.  You can read these tips and much more in our separate article about traveling to Japan for the first time .

What to wear in Japan

Wondering what to wear in Japan? Take a look at our complete Japan packing list. 

We enjoyed every minute of our 3 weeks in Japan.  The major cities kept us busy exploring from early morning until late at night.

Japan certainly has more to offer than what we have described in this itinerary but this route will take you along many of the highlights.

We missed some nature during our trip and would have preferred to do a side trip to Okinawa but this was not the right season.

If we would ever come back during another season we would certainly spend a week or more on this island.

Monday 22nd of April 2019

What a wonderful travel guide! I was just wondering about a few things and I hope you could elaborate on them.

1. How was the trip from Nagasaki back to Tokyo? I assume that you were traveling by train and a quick search on google shows that the ride is quite long. Was is a boring/difficult travel back? Would greatly appreciate it if you could please elaborate on this part. 2. I am currently planning to travel myself, but I am unsure of whether I should spend a few extra days in Osaka or in Kyoto as I have a total of 21 days in Japan. Which did you find more appealing?

Hope to hear from you soon :)

Hi Chris, I'm glad you like the travel guide. From Nagasaki we continued onward to Seoul. You could indeed go back to Tokyo with the train but the plane would be much faster. There're many daily flights and several low-cost companies fly the route. You should be able to find tickets well below 100€ (with probably some extra costs for luggage). If there're no reasonable priced flights from Nagasaki you could look at Fukuoka which I think is a slighter larger airport. The train would be cheaper (if you can still use your Japan Rail Pass at that point) but the trip would take much longer... Osaka and Kyoto are just 30 minutes apart with the train. It's easy to visit one city and stay in the other. Both are relatively big cities but they're different in many ways. Kyoto has the Philosopher's path and thousands of temples. Osaka has the Namba district with all the crazy neon-lights. That sort of illustrates the differences we experienced. In Kyoto you can spend your evenings in the beautifully romantically lit temple compounds. (And you should certainly go to Gion, we have an article about the Geishas in Gion at night) In Osaka you can join the huge crowds in the busy shopping, dining and entertainment districts. The temples in Kyoto are busy as well but it still is a totally different experience. I would make your decision based on what you want to do in the evenings. It's easy to travel back- and forward between Osaka and Kyoto during the day. The trains do run late but the idea of spending half an hour on the train when you're tired might stop you from going out at night and that would be a shame. Both cities are very different but both of them are well-worth exploring after dark.

Monday 3rd of December 2018

Hi there Kris & Sylvia!

What a wonderful travel you both made, it's nice too see that you got to meet so much of this wonderful country. I'm thinking of doing a 3 week travel through Japan myself, and so I wanted to ask you. How much did the trip cost you from start to end? I'm looking forward to your response!

Tuesday 4th of December 2018

I had a look at our expenses. We stayed in Japan for just over 3 weeks and the costs for that part should have been something between €3900 - €4200. I cannot be more precise because I'm missing a detail of 1 credit card statement that covers part Japan and Part South Korea. That amount is for both of us and includes 3-week Japan Rail Passes for both of us. (comes at +/- €450 pp). So the cost for lodging, food, excursions and other local expenses in Japan would have been +/- €3000 - €3300. Kris

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• 3 Weeks in Japan: Top 3 Itineraries for First Visit 2024/2025

If you're considering traveling to Japan for the first time, it's worth considering that a 3-week trip would be long enough for you to experience the highlights of Japan in more depth and not in a rushed way. It would also give you some free time to enjoy yourself.

You could see geishas in kimonos, visit the spectacular Mount Fuji, stay in a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn), relax in an onsen (a hot spring), immerse yourself in an authentic ninja experience, and take part in a traditional tea ceremony.

Where to Spend 3 Weeks in Japan

3 weeks in japan: 3 perfect itinerary ideas, how much does 3 weeks in japan cost.

Here are the most popular destinations in Japan. We hope this will help you to choose according to your interests and preferences.

• Tokyo is Japan's most famous and popular city with its sophisticated fusion of sushi, samurai, animation, sumo, high-tech modernity, and traditional history.
• Kyoto is an ancient city where you can see various shrines, geishas in kimonos, traditional tea ceremonies, and stay at a ryokan to experience classic Japanese accommodation.
• Osaka , "the kitchen of Japan", is a great place to sample authentic Japanese food and to visit the brilliant Ukiyo-e (Japanese print art) Museum.
• Hakone : What makes Hakone so famous is its onsens and Mount Fuji. Stay at a ryokan with an onsen and a spectacular Fuji view.
• Takayama and Shirakawa-go : A trip to Takayama and Shirakawa-go would allow you to experience Japan's rural life and see unique gassho-zukuri (steep wood and thatch) farmhouses.
• Hiroshima , where the world's first atomic bomb was dropped during World War II, calls on everyone to love peace.
• Hokkaido has the best ski resorts and the freshest seafood.

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Below are three well-selected 3-week Japan itinerary ideas for you, each offering you various experiences. Itinerary 1 covers the major highlights of Japan, itinerary 2 offers you a Japan far-reaching exploration of both big cities and lesser-known cities, and itinerary 3 allows you to have a cross-border trip.

Itinerary 1: Classic Japan — the Most Chosen Historical Places

• Tokyo–Nagano–Kanazawa–Takayama–Shirakawa–Kyoto–Osaka

With this itinerary, you could cover the major highlights of Japan's popular cities , experience authentic hands-on activities, and explore Japanese history and tranquil rural life at a slow pace.

Here is an itinerary outline for your inspiration:

• Days 1–4: Tokyo
• Days 5–6: Hakone
• Days 7–8: Nagano
• Days 9–12: Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawa-go
• Days 13–17: Kyoto (daytrips to Nara and Arashiyama)
• Days 18–19: Hiroshima
• Days 20–21: Osaka, depart from Kansai International Airport

Tokyo is the top city for entering Japan as its international flights offer the most options. Meander around the Asakusa district to experience the Edo vibe of Japan's 1603–1868 final shogunate, dress up like a ninja to learn about the ninja culture and techniques, and make sushi with the help of a sushi master.

Continue your trip to Hakone to relax at a Japanese-style ryokan with an onsen and enjoy serene rural life. Nagano offers you a unique and unforgettable experience, where you could witness snow monkeys soaking in the hot springs.

Next, you could head to Kanazawa to see the Edo period buildings , making you feel like you've stepped back in time, as well as enjoy a steaming cup of tea in a Japanese teahouse. Go to Takayama and Shirakawa to admire their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses and picturesque countryside views.

Head to Kyoto to experience various cultural activities. Wander through the Gion district to see geishas wearing kimonos, immerse yourself in the art of making unique Kyoto pottery, stay at a cozy ryokan to experience Japanese accommodation, and feed friendly deer in Nara.

Hiroshima was the site of the first atomic bombing during World War II. Visit the Peace Memorial Park to cherish the post-war peace and take a short ferry ride to Miyajima to see the famous "floating" torii gate.

Complete your trip in Osaka. Experience traditional ukiyo-e printmaking to deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and enjoy some free time.

Itinerary 2: Japan Adventure and Far-Reaching Exploration

• Tokyo–Kanazawa–Kyoto–Osaka–Naoshima–Matsue–Beppu–Fukuoka–Tokyo

If you're looking for a comprehensive exploration of Japan that covers both well-known cities and hidden gems, this itinerary is perfect for you. You would have the chance to delve deeper into Japan's early history, admire its pristine hot springs, and experience authentic hands-on activities.

Here's the suggested itinerary, for inspiration:

• Days 1–5: Tokyo
• Days 6–7: Kanazawa
• Days 8–11: Kyoto
• Day 12: Osaka
• Days 13–14: Naoshima
• Days 15–16: Matsue
• Days 17–18: Beppu
• Day 19: Fukuoka
• Day 20: Depart from Tokyo

Tokyo is the must-see city in Japan that perfectly combines history and modernity. Walk around Meiji Shrine downtown, which is surrounded by forests, make a delicious bowl of ramen with the help of experienced chefs, and take a day trip to Kawaguchiko to view the iconic Mount Fuji.

Next, head to Kanazawa to explore its well-preserved Edo-period Japanese samurai house, and experience attaching gold leaf to your favorite objects as a unique souvenir.

Continue your trip to Kyoto to experience some authentic Japanese activities. Have afternoon tea with geishas, stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan, take a rickshaw ride to admire the bamboo groves in Arashiyama, and feed lovely deer in Nara.

Head to Osaka to wear a ninja outfit and learn techniques from a ninja master. Then try unique ukiyo-e printmaking to get more insights into Japanese culture.

The remaining days would be spent exploring some lesser-known cities in western Japan.

• Naoshima is a small island that is full of art and boasts a spectacular coastline. There, you could explore museums and galleries brimming with art.
• Matsue is considered to be the birthplace of Japanese mythology and ancient culture. Gain a deeper understanding of Japan's past by witnessing two of the oldest buildings, Matsue Castle and Izumo Taisha.
• Beppu is a city that hosts over 2,000 hot springs. It's amazing to witness the heat emanating from the hot spring areas in the city. You could admire hot springs of different colors, such as red, gray, and blue, and also enjoy an onsen at a hot spring resort.

Finish your trip in Fukuoka and take some free time to explore this charming modern city on your own.

Itinerary 3: Trip to Japan, China, Singapore, and Bali

This tour will allow you to experience the history and culture of Japan and China, experience the rapid development of Singapore, and relax on the beaches of Bali!

Days 1–7 in Japan: Explore the most popular three cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Try some Japanese-style activities, such as making sushi, dressing up like a ninja to learn the techniques, and staying at a ryokan with an onsen. Also visit all of Japan's main attractions, including Mount Fuji, Senso-ji, and the Gion district.

Days 8–14 in China: Discover China's top three cities for tourism — Beijing, Xi'an, and Chengdu. Visit the world-famous Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing, explore the mysterious underground army at the Terracotta Army Museum in Xi'an, and see the cute pandas in Chengdu.

Days 15–16 in Singapore: Discover the charming city of Singapore. Its main attractions include Merlion Park, Gardens by the Bay, Little India, Kampong Glam, Arab Street, and a boat trip from Clarke Quay.

Days 17–19 in Bali: Enjoy some relaxing beach time in a tropical island paradise with your partner to create lifetime memories.

Japan is more expensive than other countries in Asia, but is one of the cheapest developed-country destinations. It offers high-quality accommodation, food, service, and attractions.

Generally, 4-star hotels, private guide, private car and other transport in Japan, and tickets for attractions costs 350–500 USD per day per person for a family of 3-5 people . Thus, the total cost is around 7,400–10,500 USD for 3 weeks.

We recommend you take private cars if you'd have any difficulty in taking public transportation. It may save you more than 20,000 steps a day!

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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)

From the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.

The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

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The Perfect Japan 3 Week Itinerary: What You Need to Know

If you’re searching for the perfect Japan 3 week itinerary to help plan your trip, then STOP: you’ve found it.

Tokyo flirts with modern trends; Kyoto is steeped in history. Osaka treats you to budget eats and shopping while Fukuoka is a lesson in humble living. All these unique cities come together to form one of the most popular travel destinations in the world: Japan. 

What I find most enticing about Japan is that every region and every season gifts you with new sights and traditions! It’s impossible to see it all at one go – even if you’re lucky enough to have three weeks to do it – but this 3-week itinerary for Japan will let you sample your fair share. 

Keep in mind that this is a loose itinerary for three weeks in Japan!

You can spend longer in cities you’re interested in or mix around the order for your 3 weeks in Japan. If you’re worried about the cost of transport, the handy JR Rail Pass is a great bargain for intercity travel.

I’ve also clustered activities together on a day-to-day basis based off location, but feel free to play around with your Japan 3 week itinerary. 

How to Spend 3 Weeks in Japan

I’m lucky enough to have spent months in Japan, let me take you through the best 3 weeks in Japan itinerary for the best trip ever.

TOKYO: Day 1 – 4

With its high traffic of international flights, Tokyo is the perfect place to start . It’s also a good idea to start with the most expensive city since budgets tend to get tight near the end of trips. This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of money at the end of your Japan 3 week itinerary.

Day 1: Shibuya and Shinjuku

At the heart of Tokyo is Shibuya , the perfect first glimpse of the metropolitan. Sit at a café along Shibuya Crossing to people watch, or hop around the various malls and boutiques.

Next-door Shinjuku is another commercial district full of department stores, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife options. You can:

Shop at Keio Mall, Mylord, LUMINE , NEWoMan, Marui, SEIBU Shinjuku PePe and more.

Meander through Shinjuku Park’s three distinct areas; the stunning Japanese Garden, manicured French Garden, sprawling English Garden and additional greenhouses. 

Kabukicho ’s famous izakaya houses are a must when it comes to night-time dining.

For bars and clubbing, drop by the LGBT+ friendly Shinjuku ni-chome .

When you’re travelling in Japan and going online,   keep your information safe  with a VPN. This way you can enjoy secure and private access to the internet. With a VPN you can connect to your country’s content (hello Netflix!) and protect your identity online. This is vital for banking to prevent others seeing what you’re doing by sending your data through a proxy so it’s masked. Sounds important hey?

Check out NordVPN for more details.

Day 2: Yanezen, Ueno Park and Asakusa

Yanezen is a charming neighbourhood with the remnants of Edo Tokyo – think cobblestone paths, numerous shrines and wooden shop fronts. I highly recommend a quick walk through Yanaka-Ginza Shopping Street and then a sweep of Nezu Shrine and its mini trail of torii gates.

Follow up with one of Tokyo’s biggest green spaces for your Japan 3 week itinerary. Ueno Park isn’t just for relaxing walks; it’s also home to Ueno Zoo, Tokyo National Museum and the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Continuing on the artsy, nostalgic trend, head over to Asakusa. Once the merchant hub and red-light district of Edo Tokyo, the district still features traditional styled streets and buildings. Within the area are:

Sensoji Temple in all its vermillion, tiered glory.

Nakamise Shopping Street for Japanese souvenir shopping and cheeky pictures.

Skytree Tower on the other side of Sumida River, within walking distance. The observation deck is worth visiting; you’ll come down with a camera roll full of panoramic shots!

How about staying in a capsule hotel in Tokyo while you’re there, or maybe, a maid cafe? Lots of things to think about when you’re planning a Japan trip.

Day 3: Tsukiji, Tokyo Tower, Harajuku

If you are willing to wake up early, grab some fresh sashimi rice bowls at Tsukiji Fish Market first thing. You might not be able to witness the legendary tuna auctions anymore, but the generational restaurants here are an amazing sight to see. The fish market is one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo .

Next up is Tokyo Imperial Palace , just a short walk from the iconic Tokyo Station. Explore the grounds or sign up for a guided tour so you can catch a glimpse of the Emperor’s residences.

Tokyo Tower is for those who didn’t get to go up Skytree Tower. Not only is it a shining red beacon, it’s also a great observation deck.

Other iconic Tokyo sites include Yoyogi Park and adjacent Meiji Shrine. Pray for health and fortune at the latter before leaving the leafy respite for noisy Harajuku on the other side of the tracks. Harajuku is fashion heaven! If you’re a fan of eccentric styles or simply want to experience all that Japanese fashion has to offer, this is the best shopping district there is. It’s one of the most unique places to see in Tokyo.

Day 4: Disneyland

End your Tokyo visit with a full day at Disneyland and DisneySea ! Hands down the best Disney experiences I’ve ever had, fit for both families and young-at-heart adults. When I visited it was the opening of the new Frozen parade – loved it! It’s even more bonkers than the American one, and everyone dresses up too!

KANAZAWA: Day 5 – 7

Historical and moody Kanazawa is a break from Tokyo’s modern eccentricities for your 3 weeks in Japan. Plan to arrive in Kanazawa before noon so you check off all these area attractions!

The tea house district and samurai district are Kanazawa’s gatekeepers to tradition. Beautiful wooden frame houses have been transformed into shops that sell traditional handicrafts and other cultural goodies. You can also sign up for craft making classing or tea ceremonies for that dose of cultural experience.

Take a day trip to Takayama for more historical architecture! I love walking down the narrow streets and feeling the nostalgic vibe. A must on your three weeks in Japan.

Shirakawago is another postcard-landmark – a mountain village known for its clasped palms’ thatched roofs. It’s absolutely stunning in the winter, like a world of its own.

I haven’t gone there personally, but Kaga Onsen Village is a hot-spring getaway guaranteed to rejuvenate!

OSAKA: Day 8 – 11

Osaka, while developed like Tokyo, is a lot more laidback and friendly. Enjoy the mix of historical attractions and plenty of indulgent eating. I love Osaka and have quite a few dedicated blog posts on it – see the links below.

Osaka is a definite must on any Japan 3 week itinerary.

H ow about booking a ryokan in Osaka , with a private onsen? Most of these are a train ride out of the city, and for that you’ll get some peace and tranquility after your day of sightseeing.

Day 8: Osaka Castle, Museums and the Dotonbori

Start your Osaka leg at Osaka Castle , the center-piece of Osaka’s history. Once the base of imperial rule (under the Tokugawa clan), the remaining structures include walled defenses, a moat, citadels and a beautiful main building. 

To enrich this tour experience, continue onto the Osaka Museum of History for a more detailed lesson! It’s fascinating to hear and read about the city’s transformation.

I’ve always enjoyed more interactive historical displays, which is why the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living caught my eye. It doesn’t just tell you how the streets and districts developed; there are actual street replicas and costumes so you can step back in time!

Foodie or not, Dotonbori is your next destination. Blocks of covered streets are dedicated to authentic Osakan cuisine – from Takoyaki to okonomiyaki to ramen stalls and wester-styled cafés. You can spend hours eating here.

Walk off your food baby with kilometers-long Shinsaibashi . This shopping street is nothing you’ve experienced before. Independent boutiques, thrift stores, small eateries, budget and branded buys line the covered walkways. You can shop the newest trends at reasonable prices; maybe even buy an extra suitcase for your purchases.

To round off your day, pamper yourself at Spa World . Alongside themed hot spring pools are deep massage and skin treatments. You deserve some relaxation on your 3 weeks in Japan.

Day 9: Umeda, Shinseki & a River Cruise

If you’re still experiencing shopping fever, wake up with a visit to Umeda. I like to call it the “hub of all hubs” because of how all the train lines pass through the station. Another reason is because it is a mecca of shopping malls. Yodobashi Camera is your go-to for electronics and home goods; EST, Lucua and Umeda station’s underground shopping streets are best for street wear. You may also want to hit up Umeda Sky Building for its gorgeous and unusual garden observatory.

Alternatively, Nipponbashi Denden Town is the retro persona of Osaka. Hunt down geeky merch like limited edition models and posters, or buy cheap gadgets to bring home. 

Colorful, neon-striped Shinsekai is just next door so walk over to check out its futuristic vibes. Tsutenkaku Tower , while not modern by any means, was a pop cultural hit back in the 1900s because it captured what a technological future looked like those days.

For lunch or an afternoon treat, you’ll want to be at Kuromon Market . This specialty market has been around for generations, composed of narrow walkways lined with stalls. They specialise in traditional sweets, skewers and seafood so you definitely won’t be going hungry! You can also pick up some souvenirs for people back home. There’s some great Japanese food to try here .

Given enough time, make your way to one of Japan’s oldest shrines: Sumiyoshi Taisha . Built in the 3 rd century, it shows off an elegant and unusual architecture – straight roofs, forked finials and bright red everything. Within the estate is the beautifully arched Sorihashi Bridge; it’s the setting of a legend or two. 

End your day with an Osaka River Cruise . What’s better than a light drink and nibbling on snacks as you drift past brightly illuminated landmarks?

Day 10: Universal Studios and Osaka Aquarium

Universal Studios Japan is awesome!

This full-day itinerary will bring you around rides like Space Mountain and Backdraft to the exciting Harry Potter World . Hogsmeade appears in the flesh so you can buy your wand and a butterbeer to celebrate. Then you’re welcome to head up to Hogwarts for a thrilling Hippogriff ride.

Keep in mind when you’re planning a Japan trip that the new Nintendo World has just opened here too!

If you finish early, Osaka Aquarium is just a bridge away. Explore more worlds, this time underwater, or take a spin on the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel . 

You can find out all the other day trips from Osaka in this blog post. And see how to have an amazing 24 hours in Osaka too, if you want it all timed.

Day 11: Visit Kobe

Aside from Tokyo, Osaka is another great base for people who like day trips.

Kyoto, Kobe and Nara are all within train’s reach – in fact, Kobe can be reached in approximately half an hour. Take the Hankyu line to this port city for a fascinating, hilly day of exploration. Some things to see and do on your three weeks in Japan include:

• Climbing up Mount Rokko for both reviews and hilltop restaurants.
• Climbing to the top of Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge.
• Or, admiring panoramic city views from Kobe Port Tower.
• Scouring Kobe Harborland for prime entertainment and shopping.
• Eating out at the historic Chinese hub of Nankin-machi.
• Visiting Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens for a dash of nature.

I spent an awesome day in Kobe , and one of the best things I did there was to eat KOBE BEEF at the Kobe Meriken Park Hotel. Honestly, if you have the money, it’s an absolute taste sensation you’ll never be able to replicate.

Just watch this video…

KYOTO: Day 12 – 14

One of the most culturally rich cities in the world, Kyoto is a must on any 3 week itinerary for Japan. You can taste its history (literally – thanks to the multitude of traditional eateries) and spend hours unravelling the stories behind its gorgeous architectures. 

Day 12: Just eat and drink your way round

Arrive in Kyoto via Hanku Express train; it’s less than an hour away from Osaka for your convenience! The Ramen Street above Kyoto JR Station is worth a visit. It features ramen from all corners of Japan, from butter-based broth to rich pork bone soup.

Make Teramachi Shopping Arcade and Nishiki Market your first downtown stops. The former is another covered shopping street with cute small shops and unique animal cafés. A few twists and turns later, you’ll find yourself at the latter – seafood restaurants call in customers while housewives shop for new kitchen tools.

Meander your way towards your first sample of Kyoto tradition at Gion district . Geishas , traditional Japanese performers and entertainers, still live within these cobble-stone streets. Brick and wood make up the shell of traditional restaurants, and a great backdrop for photos. In fact, I actually dressed up as a Geisha while I was there, and walked around. It was fun, but a tad weird by myself. The area is particularly atmospheric during sunset and evening, so make it here in time for dinner.

Day 13: all the Kyoto temples and shrines!

You’re free to visit as many temples and shrines as you can on your day in Kyoto, but I definitely recommend these legendary names:

Kiyomizu-dera Temple for its gentle, uphill trinkets street and elevated pagoda. Pray for love and success while dressed in a kimono for photoshoot purposes!

Kinkakuji , a Buddhist temple known for its gold-leaf covered building and surrounding rock garden.

Ginkakuji , another famous temple that features a serene strolling garden and “silver” pagoda.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine for its fall aesthetics. A long, riveting train of vermillion torii gates trail up into the mountains for breath-taking views. 

There are lots of great day trips from Kyoto to consider for your 3 weeks in Japan too.

Day 14: Arashiyama

Set off for Arashiyama , a beautiful space just beyond the borders of central Kyoto. Togetsu-kyo Bridge acts like a portal into this “island”-like neighborhood, complete with its own set of temples. Some must-sees include:

• Bamboo Groove and its people-pulled carts.
• Tenryuji Temple for its dramatic dragon statues.
• Kameyama-koen Park is a great respite away from the crowds.
• Okochi-Sanso Villa for more outstanding mountain views and pleasant tea spot.
• Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa for its historical worth and natural surroundings.
• Gioji Temple for those who haven’t had enough of temples yet.

Check out these facts about Japan to give you more background and context to your trip. Number 8 is a bit of a shocker, and number 9 actually!

HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA: Day 15 – 17

History isn’t all about beauty – sometimes we have to be reminded of the tragedy too when you’re planning a Japan trip. Take a trip to Hiroshima to learn about Japan’s wartime losses. To lift your spirits, follow up with a few hours at Miyajima.

Hiroshima is always a popular choice for anyone visiting Japan for 3 weeks.

Day 15: Hiroshima Peace Museum

Instead of the usual train ride, consider taking a bus into Hiroshima so you get a glimpse of Japan’s green countryside. 

Hiroshima Peace Museum & Park is an essential Japan itinerary item, if only so that we pay proper respects for those lost to war. It was built in commemoration of those who died during the bombing of Hiroshima in WWII. While its exhibitions can be unsettling, the museum is an important memorial and an even more important lesson about peace.

For more historical relics, visit the A-bomb Dome . 

I recommend taking it slow in the afternoon, perhaps going to a bathhouse and soaking away the grimness of the morning.

Day 16: Miyajima & Momijidani Park

Dedicate a day on your Japan 3 week itinerary to the beauty of tradition after your emotionally gruelling day yesterday! Itsukushima Island , or Miyajima , is home to the vibrant Itsukushima Shrine . Take a ferry over and look for its giant floating torii gate – get your cameras ready. If you’re lucky, you might even witness a traditional Japanese wedding.

Once you’re done asking for blessings and drawing your fortune, Momijidani Park , which is right below Mount Misen, is another unmissable sight. Over 200 maples cover the valley park, making for a stunning watercolour of fall. 

Next, hit up the Mount Misen Walking Trails . This slow, winding walk is best enjoyed at your own pace. There’s no hurry to reach the peak; the views will wait for you. If walking isn’t for you, take the cable car up top.

Day 17: Hiroshima Castle

More history awaits at Hiroshima Castle . Like most Japanese castles, it comes with a defensive moat and citadels around the corners. Explore the quaint estate and its attached museum to learn more about the city.

Before you leave Hiroshima, drop by Shukkeien garden for its unique ponds and bridges. There’s a traditional tea room inside so you can sit and appreciate the views. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom period.

If you have time to spare, quickly scour through the adjacent Art Museum . 

Set off for Kyushu to complete your Japan 3 week itinerary!

KYUSHU: Day 18 – 21

Like Kanazawa, Kyushu is a free-for-all. Located at the southwestern-most part of Japan’s main islands, it’s known for its natural attractions and historical cities. In fact, you’ll find active volcanoes, natural hot springs, interesting museums and cozy towns. 

Fukuoka is the main city of Kyushu, home to one of the largest shopping complexes in Japan: Canal City . Had enough of shopping? I suggest visiting the spiritual and quiet spaces like Dazaifu Tenmangu , Kushida Shrine and waterside Ohori Park . You can also take a ferry to Nokonoshima Island , where its sprawling park takes two to three hours to cover!

Hike up Sakurajima or Mount Aso , both active volcanoes with stunning terrain. If you want an active adventure for your 3 weeks in Japan, then give this a go.

Beppu is a coveted hot springs town – you can bask in hot springs from dawn to dusk.

For something unexpected, Huis Ten Bosch is a theme park which replicates a Dutch town. Definitely not something you’d expect to see!

To round off the list with something mystical, I present Kinrin Lake – shiver through the morning mists as you stroll around its perimeter. 

More places to visit in Japan

Hope you’ve enjoyed this 3 week itinerary for Japan. If you have even more time in Japan, or want to swap out some of the fun Japan activities I’ve suggested, then here are a few more ideas for you.

How about staying at a temple in Koyasan ? Or the Rainbow Park Summit in Fukui is one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen in Japan. There are lots of fun things to do in Shiga , and plenty of activities around Lake Biwa too.

Seriously, you can have a lot of fun in Japan in 3 weeks, and I hope you do!

PIN THIS 3 WEEK ITINERARY for JAPAN FOR LATER

Related Posts:

• 21 Best Japanese Souvenirs to Celebrate Your Trip
• 9 Absolute Best Day Trips from Kyoto
• The Cheapest Way to Travel from Tokyo to Osaka
• An Awesome Kobe Day Trip Itinerary For You
• Your Ultimate 7-Day Tokyo Itinerary for 2024
• 13 Best Day Trips from Osaka

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

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The ultimate 3 weeks in Japan itinerary

Planning to visit Japan? Here’s the ultimate 3 weeks in Japan itinerary including best places to stay, things to do and the best time to visit Japan.

Japan is the perfect blend between the newest technology, breathtaking nature, fascinating history and old traditions. That’s how we would describe Japan in only a few words. We traveled 3 weeks in Japan and visited incredible places like Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Our Japan itinerary was literally a dream coming true!

We collected all the best tips and useful information in this 3 weeks in Japan itinerary. You’ll find a detailed travel itinerary of the route we did, the hotels & hostels we’ve stayed at , all the best things to do we highly recommend, our favorite places to eat , and tips on how to get around . And to make things easier, we put it on a map as well.

Tip: if you are traveling solo or would like to join an organized trip, definitely check the tours of Tourradar  here .   They have amazing adventure tours in Japan !

Our 3 weeks in Japan itinerary

START Tokyo |   END Osaka

DURATION 19-21 days

METHOD OF TRANSPORT  Bus + train

BEST TIME TO VISIT JAPAN  March-May  (Spring, cherry blossoms) & October-November (Autumn)

WHEN DID WE GO  October – November 2019

HIGHLIGHTS  Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima

Japan itinerary: Day 1-6: Tokyo

We flew with Singapore Airlines from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo, where our trip of 3 weeks in Japan started. Tokyo is a destination on itself, where you can easily spend 1-2 weeks without getting bored. We absolutely love Tokyo and can’t wait to visit this amazing city someday again. From trendy neighborhoods, the cutest noodle shops and crazy robot shows to fascinating ancient temples. Tokyo has it all! Walk across the busy & famous Shibuya crossing, explore the streets in a real-life Mario Kart or shop in the world’s craziest electric town Akihabara. There are so many amazing things to do in Tokyo!

Tip : if you want to escape the crowds in Tokyo, go on a day trip to Nikko. Nikko has beautiful temples, hiking trails, and hot springs all surrounded by stunning nature. If you have a JR Pass , you can travel from Tokyo to Nikko for free and the journey will take around 1h 40 minutes. We didn’t get in Nikko ourselves, but it seems to be very beautiful.

Recommended stay

Where to stay in tokyo.

As the world’s largest city it can be super overwhelming to decide where to stay in Tokyo. There are so many different areas in Tokyo and thousands of options for any budget. The best areas and places to stay in Tokyo which we personally like the most are  Shinjuku , Ueno , Roppongi , and Asakusa . All these areas have a good connection with public transport and are located close to all highlights. A lot of shops and restaurants are also nearby. Perfect for anyone who’s visiting Tokyo for the first time!

• Hostel Hotel & Hostel KIKKA  (where we’ve stayed)
• Nine Hours Shinjuku  or Nine Hours Akasaka (luxurious capsule hostels)
• Landabout Tokyo  or The B Tokyo Asakusa (trendy private rooms close to Sensoji Temple)
• find more places to stay in Tokyo here

Things to do in Tokyo

• As there are so many incredible things to do in Tokyo, we collected all our favorite ones here:  Tokyo in 5 days: the ultimate travel guide + tips

Where to eat  vegan/vegetarian  in Tokyo

• We mostly went to the supermarket to grab lunch or get some vegetables for dinner. Our favorite supermarket to find healthy, vegan food was the Maruetsu Petit, which can be found in different places in Tokyo. For example, we paid JPY 796 ($7) for a salad bowl, bread, extra avocado + baked sweet potato
• 8ablish Cafe near Shinjuku and Shibuya (healthy vegan food, beautiful interior, cozy atmosphere, be sure to book a table in advance)
• Ain Soph. Ripple  in Shinjuku (100% plant-based fast food restaurant, fav pick: the Ripple vegan burger with fries & vegan cheese)
• Cococurry at the Omoide Yokocho or the Piss Alley in Shinjuku (they have vegetable curry rice plates which are quite good)
• Falafel Brothers in Roppongi (our favorite place to grab a delicious falafel sandwich, only JPY 500 or $4)

How to get in Tokyo

• Tokyo has two major international airports, Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) is the closest to the city center, only a 30-minute drive while Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) is located 1-hour from the city but the most popular airport for international and direct flights. We flew from Kuala Lumpur with Singapore Airlines to Tokyo Haneda Airport and loved how quick and easy everything went upon arrival.

Check the best and cheapest flights to Tokyo here

• From Haneda Airport, we took the late-night bus service (as we arrived at 01.00) to the city center (latest at 02.00 – 02.20) and paid JPY 1800 ($16) per person. The bus was super comfortable and we bought our ticket right at the counter when you exit the luggage hall. Check more information and schedules here.  Taxis at night are super expensive (around $91) and trains are not running between 10 pm-5 am.
• From Narita Airport, you can use the Narita Express train for free when you have a JR Pass . Trains run to Tokyo Station, Shinjuku and Yokohama every 30 minutes during most of the day and take about 53 minutes.  Check prices for the JR Pass or book it in advance here

Read also:  How to get around Tokyo: our best tips for transport

Japan itinerary: Day 6 – 8: Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji)

On day 6, we went from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko which was definitely one of our most favorite places in Japan. In Kawaguchiko you’ll find the beautiful Kawaguchiko Lake which is the second largest lake surrounding Mount Fuji. The town itself is super small and has a lovely atmosphere. We loved renting a bike, driving around the lake, and finding some great spots to shoot Mount Fuji.

Where to stay in Kawaguchiko

• Kagelow Hostel Fuji  (lovely hostel with a kitchen and cozy bar lounge area)
• Find more places to stay in Kawaguchiko

Things to do in Kawaguchiko

• Rent a bike and drive around Kawaguchiko town (JPY 1500/day or $14)
• For stunning views of Mount Fuji , take the local train to Shimoyoshida and hike up the 400 steps to the Chureito Pagoda . Simply stunning! (15-minute walk from the train station)
• Visit Oishi Park for a panoramic view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt.Fuji (free entrance)
• Relax and hang around Lake Kawaguchiko , which is one of the Fuji Five Lakes surrounding Mount Fuji
• If you have enough time, drive with your bike to the  Haha no Shirataki Waterfall (small hidden waterfall with a shrine)
• Watch the sunset at the Ubuyagasaki Shrine where you see Mt.Fuji reflected in Kawaguchiko Lake
• Another great sunset (or sunrise) spot is the walking trail near the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchiko where you also find the Museum of Art and Maple Corridor

Where to eat in Kawaguchiko

• Finding healthy, plant-based food in Japan (especially outside the big cities) is hard, but the supermarkets are really great. We loved to cook our own meals at our hostel. Our favorite supermarket in Kawaguchiko was the Selva, inside of Bell Shopping Mall.

How to get in Kawaguchiko

• We took the Highland Highway bus from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko (Fuji), which was a 2-hour journey. We booked our tickets in advance and paid JPY 2000 per person ($18) Super comfortable, relaxed, clean toilet on board and WiFi included. Highly recommended!
• If you’re coming from Tokyo with the JR Pass , you need to switch trains at Otsuki, where you need to take the Fujikyu line to Kawaguchiko. This is a private line where you need to pay extra JPY 1440 per person.

Japan itinerary: Day 8 – 10: Takayama

On day 8, we went to Takayama a charming cute little town located in the foothills of the Japan Alps. The moment we entered Takayama, it felt like stepping back in time. Small traditional houses, some beautiful temples, shrines, a morning market, and peaceful parks where you have stunning views over the whole area. We enjoyed walking around the old town, visiting the Hida Folk Village, and watching the beautiful maple trees in Shiroyama Park.

Where to stay in Takayama

• Cup of Tea  (lovely hostel we’ve stayed with own kitchen)
• Find more places to stay in Takayama

Things to do in Takayama

• Stroll around the old town of Takayama where you find lots of museums, little vintage shops, and cute old traditional houses
• Visit the old sake brewery and enjoy an authentic sake tasting
• Rent a bike and visit Hida Folk Village , an open-air museum with 30 old farmhouses that illustrate the traditional way of life of the mountainous regions of Japan
• Visit Shirakawa-go , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most picturesque places
• Stroll around the morning market
• Try Japanese archery in Hankyudojo (located in Takayama’s bar district, JPY 300 or $2,7 for 10 arrows)
• Go to Kitayama Park with the sunset, there is a lovely bar called Ichi Bar where you can enjoy a coffee or glass of wine
• Rent a car and drive to Kamikochi if you have more time (JPY 6500/full day incl insurance or $60)

Where to eat  vegan/vegetarian  in Takayama

• Heianraku (wonderful local restaurant run by a lovely couple and known as the best vegan restaurant in whole Japan, serves both meat/vegan options, we took the 2-person combo set for JPY 3300 + the Gyoka dumplings. So so good! Be sure to book a table in advance, they only have a few tables inside)

How to get in Takayama

• From Kawaguchiko we took the Nohi Highway Bus , which is the most recommended option and paid JPY 5000 per person ($46,5)
• It’s also possible to travel with the  JR Pass  to Takayama, but you’ll need to transfer trains at different stations

Japan itinerary: Day 10 – 15: Kyoto

We were very excited to visit Kyoto when we planned our trip to Japan and we quickly fell in love with it. Kyoto is also known as the cultural heart of Japan, as it was the imperial capital for over 1000 years. With 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, plenty of charming neighborhoods, historic castles, traditional houses, and many unique temples you’ll never get bored spending some more time in this magical city.

Kyoto is surrounded by mountains and inspiring places like the world-famous Bamboo forest or the thousands of orange Torri Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. And above all, it’s one of the few places where you still have the chance to see geishas at night.

Where to stay in Kyoto

• Grids Kyoto Hotel&Hostel  (the place we’ve stayed)
• The Millenials (luxurious capsule hostel with double beds)
• Nine Hours Hostel  (luxurious capsule hostel right in the center of Kyoto)
• Find more places to stay in Kyoto

Things to do in Kyoto

• Wander through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (go before 8 am to beat the crowds)
• After a walk through Bamboo Forest take the Sagana Kanko Romantic Train , an old- fashioned steam train that takes you along some stunning nature sceneries (JPY 630 per person, not included in the JR Pass)
• Hike through the thousands of orange Torii Gates at Fushimi-Inari Shrine (also here go as early as possible) or book this full-day tour.
• Visit the Kinkaku-Ji Temple or also known as the Golden Pavilion with this half-day tour
• If you like Japanese culture, go to Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Get a matcha tea in a teahouse or join one of the authentic tea ceremonies
• Walk around the Kennin-Ji Temple , the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto
• Go for shopping to the lively Shijo-Dori Street (get off at Gion-shijo station)
• Walk around the Nishiki Market , a local food market in central Kyoto
• Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Nijo Castle (JPY 1080 per person entrance fee, gardens only JPY 600)
• Stroll around the beautiful Gion District in the late afternoon, where you’ll find lots of cozy restaurants, wooden houses, temples, and small alleys. This is also the place where you can take a glimpse of geishas if you’re lucky (mostly around 6 pm or later at night)
• Another lovely place to walk around with sunset is Higashiyama District , another historic neighborhood in Kyoto

Where to eat vegan/vegetarian in Kyoto

• Falafel Garden (perfect spot to grab lunch, vegan/vegetarian kitchen, our fav picks: falafel sandwich and hummus sandwich)
• Choice Cafe & Restaurant (100% vegan restaurant)
• AIN SOPH Journey (100% vegan restaurant in the heart of Kyoto, try their vegan burgers, curries or delicious desserts like the matcha pancakes)
• Morpho Cafe (cute and cozy 100% vegan-friendly place, delicious vegan ramen, eggplant pizza, and other healthy treats)

How to get to Kyoto

• We took the Kintetsu Highway Express Bus from Takayama to Kyoto and paid JPY 4500 per person, 4,5 hours drive
• From Takayama, you can also use the  JR Pass  for the full journey, takes about 3 hours
• If you’re coming from Tokyo, it’s only 2 hours and 40 minutes with the Hikari Shinkansen (included in the JR Pass )

Japan itinerary: Day 15 – 16: Nara

Nara is a cute little town famous for its huge park where you can spot hundreds of free-roaming deer. There are special deer crackers for sale all around the park which makes feeding the deer the highlight. Most people visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka as it’only a short train away, but we loved staying here for one night and can’t recommend it enough.

Besides interacting with the lovely deers, there are some beautiful gardens, a five-storied pagoda, temples, and different shrines inside the park which are worth a visit too. In Nara town, you’ll find a few good bakeries and on the Higashimuki Shopping Street, you’ll find lots of souvenir shops and restaurants.  

Where to stay in Nara

• Mini Inn Nara  (the place we’ve stayed, self-guesthouse)
• Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring  (Japanese traditional style ryokan with a lovely onsen)
• Find all places to stay in Nara

Things to do in Nara

• Visit Nara Park and hang out with the free-roaming deer (free entrance) or book this amazing private local guided tour
• Get some deer crackers which are for sale all around the park and enjoy feeding the deer (around JPY 200 or $1,8)
• Get some pictures of the beautiful five-storied Kōfuku-Ji Temple , Japan’s second tallest wooden pagoda
• Visit the Kasuga Taisha Shrine , one of the most sacred sites i n all of Japan (inside the park)
• Walk around the Sagi-Ike Pond (especially beautiful with sunrise or sunset)
• Visit the Isuien Gardens
• Visit the Todaiji Temple , famous for its Great Buddha (JPY 500 per person entrance fee or $4,6)
• Shop some souvenirs at Higashimuki Shopping Street
• Relax at a traditional onsen at the Onyado Nono Nara Natural Hot Spring

Where to eat in Nara

• Riche Bakery (delicious bread and pastries)

How to get to Nara

• We took the Express Kintetsu Line from Kyoto to Nara and paid JPY 570 per person ($5). The journey is about 45-50 minutes. There is also a Limited Express train which has only 2 stops and takes only 35 minutes to get in Nara. (+JPY 520 yen per person more)
• If you have the  JR Pass  you can also use the JR Line

Japan itinerary: Day 16 – 19: Osaka

Osaka is a foodie’s dream come true! Plenty of good restaurants, delicious street food and regional specialties like takoyaki  (octopus balls) or  Okonomiyaki ( legendary savory pancakes). Osaka is known as the food capital of Japan and one of the best cities for foodies all over the world. So if you’re craving some good Japanese food we highly recommend adding Osaka on your Japan travel route. But besides the huge food scene, the city has many more amazing things to offer.

Photogenic streets filled with beautiful neon lights, cute little alleys to get lost in, lots of shopping districts, peaceful parks, and temples. One of our absolute highlights was Osaka Castle, which is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan and has a super fascinating history.

Where to stay in Osaka

• The White Hostel Osaka  (a place we’ve stayed, best district to stay, close to all highlights)
• Find more places to stay in Osaka

Things to do in Osaka

• As we have collected so many amazing things to do in Osaka, we created a dedicated article about it:  Osaka travel guide: 17 x best things to do + tips

Where to eat vegan/vegetarian in Osaka

• Ali’s Kitchen (our favorite spot, great vegan/vegetarian options like hummus, falafel, curries and more, lovely owner too)
• Organic & Vegetarian Cafe Atl (reasonably-priced set meals, lots of good vegan/vegetarian options)

How to get to Osaka

• We took the train from Nara to Osaka, Express Kintetsu Line, and paid JPY 570 per person ($5,3)
• From Nara, you can also use the  JR Pass  for the full journey, takes 30 minutes
• If you’re coming from Kyoto, you can take the Shinkansen which is covered by the JR Pass  and the journey takes only 12 minutes

Optional Japan itinerary: Day 19 – 21: Hiroshima

The last stop on our travel route for Japan in 3 weeks is the historic city Hiroshima. Hiroshima is worldwide known as it was destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II in 1945. The city has recovered from the bombing and has now become a vibrant modern city with lots of great things to do. Unfortunately, we decided to skip visiting Hiroshima last-minute because we noticed that almost all highlights were in renovation for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. If we go back to Japan, we definitely add it again on our list.

Where to stay in Hiroshima

• Find all places to stay in Hiroshima

Things to do in Hiroshima

• Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (free entrance) and the Peace Memorial Museum (JPY 50 per person)
• Climb up Hiroshima Castle (JPY 370 per person entrance fee)
• Go with sunrise or sunset to Itsukushima Shrine , the most famous and beautiful floating Torri Gate (JPY 300 per person entrance fee)
• Visit the Daisho-in Temple (free entrance)

How to get to Hiroshima

• From Osaka, you can use the  JR Pass  for the full journey, takes 1 hour 25 minutes

Plan your 3 weeks in Japan itinerary with our travel resources

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3 week Japan itinerary

Last Updated on 5th February 2020 by Sarah and Justin

We have visited Japan 3 times on short, medium, and long trips. And we would go back any time for any length of time. Japan is culturally interesting, physically beautiful, and absolutely delicious. It is truly an incredible place to visit. If you have the time, we recommend a 3 week Japan itinerary and we put one together to help you see the best of what the country has to offer.

3 weeks in Japan itinerary

• Days 1-4: Tokyo (including day trip to Kamakura)
• Days 5-7: Kanazawa
• Days 8-11: Kyoto (including day trip to Nara)
• Days 12-14: Osaka (including day trip to Himeji)
• Days 15-17: Hiroshima (including day trip to Miyajima)
• Days 18-19: Fukuoka
• Days 20-21: Tokyo (and fly home)

The core itinerary assumes you’ll be flying in and out of Tokyo, since the city’s two airports offer the most international flight options. However we also provide a few alternative ideas if you want to leave Japan from a different city.

Travelers from more than 60 countries can visit Japan as a tourist for 90 days (and therefore undertake this Japan 3 week itinerary) visa-free. You can check your specific country’s visa requirements on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website .

Transportation

If you’re following this itinerary, we recommend buying a JR Pass. See below for the calculations showing why a JR Pass is worth it.

We also recommend that you buy an electronic local transportation card to help make your local transportation within cities easier. If you do fly into a Tokyo airport, you can buy a PASMO card when you arrive. Though there are different cards throughout the country, they can all be used everywhere. If you’re flying back out of Tokyo you can return it for a refund of both your remaining balance and your deposit. If you fly out of a different city, you may not be able to, so it’s worth researching in advance.

Is JR Pass worth it?

Short answer: yes!

We plugged the above itinerary, including recommended day trips, into the Japan-Guide JR Pass calculator (the easiest and quickest way to see if a JR Pass is worth it). It shows that yes, a 21-day JR Pass is absolutely worth getting for this 3 week itinerary. Here are the details of those calculations.

It should be noted, however, that the most expensive train trip in this itinerary is the one from Fukuoka to Tokyo. If you aren’t going to be flying out of Tokyo, or you just want to cut out the whole Fukuoka part of your trip altogether, things change.

We recalculated what it would look like to return to Tokyo from Hiroshima instead. It says it’s a “close call” for a 21-day pass, but the range is pretty big. This means you’ll need to check everything on Hyperdia.com . It’s easy but a bit time consuming. But given the money saving possibilities, definitely worth it.

3 weeks in Japan cost

Your budget for your 3 weeks in Japan will of course depend on what type of traveler you are. And we can only share our experience as two mid-range travelers.

As you can see from the calculations above, transportation in Japan is pretty expensive. At time of publication, a 21-day JR Pass costs 60,450 JPY (~$557). And the JR Pass doesn’t cover everything. In many of the cities in this itinerary, you’ll need to spend a few hundred yen a day on buses or metro trains.

Hotels in Japan are also a bit on the pricey side. On average across the two more recent trips we took to Japan, we spent about $100 a night for our accommodations. It’s pretty easy math to do to see that for 20 nights, you’re looking at $2,000. You can save money by staying in apartments (which we did during our longer trip), but make sure to read up on the most recent regulations for such accommodations.

Food in Japan can also vary widely. You can spend a fortune to eat at some of the world’s top restaurants. Or you can eat more like we do and indulge in reasonably priced but still delicious food like ramen and conveyor belt sushi. It also should be noted that alcohol is not cheap in Japan. During our 3 1/2 week trip in Japan, we spent an average of $50/day (combined for the two of us) on food and drinks. We cooked quite a bit, and didn’t go to any super splurge dinners, but we still felt like we ate very, very well.

That leaves attractions. We found entry fees to major attractions not terribly expensive. To give you an idea, here are some sample current entry fees across cities: Himeji Castle costs 1,000 JPY ($9.23); the Tokyo National Museum costs 620 JPY ($5.54); Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto costs 400 JPY ($3.70).

Japan 3 week itinerary: a detailed look

4 days in tokyo.

To be completely honest, we could spend all 3 weeks of this Japan itinerary in Tokyo and be perfectly happy. Tokyo is one of our favorite cities in the world (alternating with Berlin to hold the top spot depending on our mood). But we do think Japan has more to offer, so we’re recommending 4 days in Tokyo to kick off your Japan itinerary.

Recommended Tokyo itinerary

There is so much to do in Tokyo it may feel overwhelming. We’ve tried to help organize your time.

Devote your first day to fully exploring our favorite neighborhood, Asakusa, and nearby Ueno. Asakusa is more like old Edo-period Tokyo, with narrow streets, smaller houses, and temples stuck between them. You should absolutely visit the biggest attraction in this area, Sensoji Temple. If the weather’s nice, spend time strolling through Ueno Park. There you should also check out the impressive Tokyo National Museum.

Your second day, dig into the big bustling Tokyo you’ve probably seen in movies. Head to Shibuya Crossing to see the busiest intersection in the world and Shinjuku to see the busiest subway station in the world (and the outfits!). Major attractions in Shibuya include Yoyogi Park and the Meiji Shrine. While in Shinjuku, take a trip up to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office for the view and check out Golden Gai to eat and drink.

Your third day, we recommend starting your day at the Edo Tokyo Museum. Afterwards, you can hop on the water bus which will take you down the Sumida River under more bridges than you new existed in Tokyo. It will drop you off at the idyllic Hamariku Gardens. From there, you can explore the cool architecture and luxury shopping in Ginza or check out the interesting neighborhood of Roppongi.

On your fourth day, go to Kamakura.

Tokyo to Kamakura day trip

Kamakura is a great day trip from Tokyo. It’s an easy way to get out of the city and see some of Japan’s traditional temples in nature. It’s most famous for its Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze buddha sculptures in the country. Kamakura also has some lovely trails so it is a really nice and peaceful escape.

There is a direct train from Tokyo Station to Kamakura that takes about an hour. If you’re departing from elsewhere in Tokyo, you will likely have to transfer, but it’s still pretty simple.

Where to stay in Tokyo

We love the Asakusa neighborhood, but recommend staying in Ueno as it is closer to a major transportation hub. Alternatively, you could stay in Ginza, which is closer to the center of the city. Or in Shibuya, if you’re more into the more fast-paced, modern side of the city.

Next stop: Kanazawa! Tokyo to Kanazawa takes 2 1/2-3 hours by direct Shinkansen.

3 days in Kanazawa

Kanazawa is a little off the well-trodden path of the rest of this itinerary, but we think worth the trip. Being in Kanazawa is like being back in what we’d imagine traditional Japan being like. Plus it’s right on the sea so it’s got some of the best sushi in the country.

Recommended Kanazawa itinerary

After arriving from Tokyo and getting settled, we recommend heading to one of the most atmospheric places in Japan: one of the geisha districts called the Higashiyama Higashi Chaya District. Take a moment to also stroll along the scenic Asano River.

Devote your first full day in Kanazawa to the impressive Kanazawa Castle and the magnificent Kenroku-en Garden. It’s considered to one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan and you could easily wile away several hours there. Make sure to explore Kanazawa Castle Park completely including the smaller, but also lovely Gyokusen’inmaru Garden.

Your second day in Kanazawa, check out the fish market (where you can definitely find a delicious sushi lunch) and explore the samurai district.

Next stop: Kyoto! Kanazawa to Kyoto takes a little over 2 hours by direct train.

4 days in Kyoto

Kyoto is such a special city, chock full of some of the loveliest, most impressive temples and shrines we’ve ever seen. We think 4 days is enough to really get to know the city and a day trip to Nara.

Recommended Kyoto itinerary

Things are a bit spread out in Kyoto, so you should organize your days by main attraction. In between seeing them, you should just wander and find joy in the smaller temples and shrines that are all over.

Your first day you’ll have about half a day to get settled and situated. We recommend spending your late afternoon and evening on a visit to the Fushimi Inari Taisha, the temple with hundreds (thousands?) of orange torii gates. It involves a bit of a hike up a bunch of stairs (through all those gates) but there’s a viewpoint midway that is great at sunset. There will also be fewer people there then.

Your second day, we recommend waking up early to go out to Arashima, where the famous bamboo forest is. If you are an early riser, wake up as early as possible to try to beat the crowds. If not, don’t worry about it, but go with tempered expectations. There will be a lot of people. After you visit the bamboo, take some time to explore the rest of the area as it’s lovely. From there, take a bus to Kinkaku-ji (also known as the Golden Pavilion), which is also outside the center of Kyoto. Again, expect crowds.

Your third day, start with a visit to the covered Nishiki Market. Then head to the Yasuka Shrine and Chion-in Temple complex. You’ll want a few hours there to see everything including beautiful parks and gardens. Afterwards, take stroll through nearby Gion, the geisha district.

On your last full day in Kyoto, head to Nara.

Kyoto to Nara day trip

Nara is a city south of Kyoto known for its publicly roaming deer. It makes for an easy and unique day trip from Kyoto, taking about 45 minutes by train. We highly recommend it, especially if you love cheeky deer who learned how to bow for food.

Next stop: Osaka! Kyoto to Osaka only takes 30 minutes by direct train.

3 days in Osaka

We honestly didn’t give Osaka its due. Our visit was smack in the middle of our own 4-week trip and we were tired. We also stayed a bit far out of the center of the city so we had an excuse not to explore too much. But people love Osaka, and we regret that we haven’t gotten to know it better so we do think it’s worth 3 days of your itinerary.

Things to do in Osaka

The top attractions in Osaka are varied. There’s Osaka Castle, Universal Studios, and the Dotonbori area with streets of more food (and sights and sounds) than you can possibly imagine. We focused our Osaka exploration on this food.

Osaka to Himeji Castle day trip

Himeji Castle is one of Japan’s twelve original castles, meaning it was never destroyed and reconstructed. It did undergo some significant renovations, however, and this was happening during our time in the region. We’re incredibly sad that we didn’t get to visit and would definitely make it a priority on another trip to the area.

Himeji is only about an hour from Osaka by direct train. The castle is about a 20-minute walk from the train station, although also accessible by public bus.

Next stop: Hiroshima! Osaka to Hiroshima takes a little under 2 hours by train. Do note there are transfers involved.

3 days in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is an interesting city. We think it’s an important stop for anyone seeing so much of Japan. A visit to Hiroshima will remind you of terrible events of the past, but also bring hope for a more peaceful future.

Recommended Hiroshima itinerary

We recommend spending your first day in Hiroshima getting situated. Depending on when your train arrives, you can also likely fit in visits to Hiroshima Castle and Shukkei-en Garden.

Spend your second day visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the monuments and museums there. This might be an emotional, draining day so take it slow.

On your third day, go to Miyajima. Give yourself the whole day so you don’t feel rushed and can really enjoy the island.

Note, you can always swap days 2 and 3 depending on the weather. If the sun is shining, jump on that boat to Miyajima.

Hiroshima to Miyajima day trip

Being in Miyajima was pretty magical. From our first sight of the floating torii gate to seeing wild deer walk on the beach at sunset, we were enthralled with it all. It’s probably worth more than just a day, and we did think about staying over, but it’s so easy to do as a quick trip from Hiroshima, so that’s what we’re recommending.

If you have a JR Pass, you can take a train from the Hiroshima city center to the ferry dock which will take you to Miyajima. It’s only a half hour from Hiroshima Station, but stops at some other stations in the city as well. And then the ferry to the island only takes 10 minutes. One of the ferries is included in the JR Pass and one is not, so make sure you get on the right one. Also note, more people take the JR ferry so it can get crowded and there may be lines.

Next stop: Fukuoka! Hiroshima to Fukuoka only takes about 1 hour by direct Shinkansen. Important note: the central train station in Fukuoka is called Hakata Station.

2 days in Fukuoka

Fukuoka isn’t on most “best of Japan” itineraries. It’s a bit further afield, located on Japan’s Kyushu Island. We loved it though, and think it’s worth heading to if not for the ramen alone.

Things to do in Fukuoka

You only have 2 days in Fukuoka and if you’re anything like us, you’re going to spend most of your time eating ramen. In between bowls, you should head to Ohori Park and stop at some of the city’s many shrines and temples too.

Your last 2 days

We came up with a few options for the last 2 days of your Japan trip. They really depend on from where and how you’ll be leaving the country.

Option 1: back to Tokyo

If you’re flying out of Tokyo, you should just head back there. The train trip from Fukuoka back to Tokyo will be the longest one of your 3 weeks, taking about 5 hours on a direct Shinkansen. You can spend as many nights as you’d like, but we recommend another 2 so you have the chance to soak in a little more Tokyo before you fly out. And you could stay in a different neighborhood to mix things up a bit.

Option 2: back to Osaka

Train from Fukuoka to Osaka is shorter, taking about 3 hours and transfers. If you are able to fly out of Osaka, we would probably recommend adjusting your overall itinerary to go directly from Kyoto to Hiroshima and then having all your time in Osaka at the end of your trip.

Option 3: take a boat to South Korea

This is probably not the most common option, but if you have more than 3 weeks for your travels and want to head onto South Korea, you can easily take a ferry from Fukuoka to Busan. We did this ourselves so know how easy and manageable it is.

Have you visited Japan? Do you love it as much as we do? Tell us your favorite place in the comments! 

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Sarah and Justin

4 thoughts on “ 3 week japan itinerary ”.

Three weeks in Japan sounds like heaven! I was there last year for cherry blossom season but only had 10 days 🙂

That’s a great amount of time too! I’m sure you saw a lot, and all the cherry blossoms – beautiful!

Pingback: 5 Days in Kyoto, Japan: An Awesome Kyoto Itinerary to Follow

Japan has been on my list for a while. I am glad that I found the itinerary that too for three weeks. Ample things to do. Thanks, guys!

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Best Japan 3 Week Itinerary In 2024 (+Budget & Travel Tips!)

Disclaimer:  This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you.

Planning a Japan 3 week itinerary might seem daunting.

Maybe this is your first time travelling abroad solo for three weeks, and you have zero ideas about Japan travel .

Or maybe you are unsure how many of the 800  Japanese cities  to visit within 21 days in Japan, plus how many days should you allocate for each city.

That’s okay, I felt these too when I was planning my first trip to Japan solo and that trip was one of the best travel experiences that I had till date!

So make sure to read this Japan three week itinerary until the end to learn more about the must-explore places, must-try food, the breakdown travel budget, and valuable tips when this awesome country!

Let’s get into it!

japan travel route 3 weeks: summary

Day 1-5: Tokyo (Day trip alternatives: Mount Fuji, Hakone & Nikko)

Day 6: Nagano

Day 7: matsumoto, day 8-9: takayama.

Day 10-11: Kanazawa (Day trip alternatives: Shirakawago & Noto Peninsula)

Day 12-14: Kyoto

Day 15: Nara

Day 16: hiroshima.

Day 17: Miyajima

Day 18: Kurashiki

Day 19: himeji.

Day 20-21: Osaka (Day trip alternative: Kobe)

Travel tip: JR Pass price will increase significantly by October 2023. Make sure to buy the pass before 30 September 2023 to enjoy the current price if you are visiting Japan before 29 December 2023. The pass can be activated up to 3 months after the issue date (up to 30 days in advance!).

3 Weeks Japan Itinerary: Useful Pre-Travel Tips And Links

Here are the shortcuts to the links of useful resources for your upcoming Japan trip:

• Using JR pass to travel around Japan will be your greatest buy—easy, fast, and convenient. I used JR pass when I was in Japan and I loved how convenient it was to get to different cities!
• Get a Japan local sim card or portable WIFI router to have internet connection with you at all times. I used this eSim and I had wonderful time exploring Japan solo!
• Hotel rooms in Japan can be sold out fast especially during peak seasons. Book your Japan accommodation in advance using Booking.com .
• Accidents can happen when travelling. Make sure you are fully insured before travel to Japan.
• Save yourself some time of queuing at popular attractions and get the entrance tickets booked early instead! Here are the recommended ones: teamLab Borderless | Ghibli Studio | Tokyo Skytree |  Tokyo Tower Observatory | Tokyo Disney Resort | Universal Studio Osaka |  Nijo Castle | Abeno Harukas | Legoland Osaka | Kyoto Tower
• Other convenient travel passes : Tokyo Subway Ticket | Hakone Free Pass | Osaka Amazing Pass

Disclaimer: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link . We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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• 13 Best Osaka Ryokan With Private Onsen (+Alternatives) In 2023
• Best 13 Onsen Ryokan In Kanazawa (For All Traveller Types!)
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Day 1-5: Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan —and also the most populous prefecture in the country.

A city that never sleeps, Tokyo is easily accessible thanks to its convenient and advanced public transportation systems.

Start Day 1 to Day 5 of your Japan 3 week itinerary by exploring Tokyo and its vicinity. 

Getting To Tokyo From Airports

To get to Tokyo city from Haneda Airport , take: 

1. Tokyo Monorail

• Line: Via JR Yamanote Line to Hamamatsucho Station in Tokyo
• Fare: US$5 (500 yen) one way
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Japan Rail (JR) pass : Covered 

2. Limousine Bus

• Fare: US$10 one way
• Duration: 55 minutes

3. Shared Private Transfer

• Convenient & drop off directly to your hotel!

To get to Tokyo city from Narita Airport , take: 

• Operator: JR Narita Express
• Fare: US$28 one way
• Duration: 1 hour
• Fare: US$23 one way
• Duration: 100 minutes

Travel tip: Personally I think you should use your JR Pass when you are leaving Tokyo to the next city instead of activating it right away since there are many cheaper ways to get to the city from the airport. With that you can plan a Japan 3 weeks trip by getting a 14-day JR Pass instead of the 21-day Pass and keeping your overall transportation cost lower.

I highly recommend getting to Tokyo city from airport by Limousine Bus . You can easily redeem the ticket at the counter in Narita Airport and they make multiple stops in Tokyo so you can choose the one that is nearest to your hotel!

Things To Do In Tokyo

Here are some of the major highlights in this metropolitan city that you can visit during your Japan 3 week itinerary:

• Visit Tsukiji Outer Market – Explore the local market that sells various fresh and processed seafood. You can also get the freshest sushi for breakfast here as the fish products are sent directly from Toyosu Market. 

• Watch the live tuna auction at Toyosu Market – Wake up early to participate in the live tuna market auction from the observation deck in this newly built building. You will need to apply it here at least 1 month in advance. 

Note: The old Tsukiji Inner Market (where the tourist-flock tuna auction market was in operation until 2018) has moved its base to Toyosu Market since 2019. 

• Have an Instagrammable photo-taking session at teamLab Borderless – Immerse yourself into the fascinating artistic lights and other captivating artwork exhibition in this intriguing museum. 
• Visit Sensoji Temple – Admire the intricate architecture of Tokyo’s oldest temple. You can also get some local souvenirs from Nakamise, a 200-metre shopping street within the temple compound.  
• Admire the city panoramic view at Tokyo Skytree –  Enjoy the stunning panoramic view from one of the world’s highest observation decks.
• Have a stroll at Ueno Park – If you are looking to visit Tokyo’s popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot donning kimono , Ueno Park is one of the top options. This enormous park also houses several national museums.

You an introvert? Get yourself a camera tripod and take beautiful photos of yourself to your heart’s content while in Japan!

• Explore Kabukicho (Shinjuku) – Explore this neon-filled, lively entertainment district at night to experience the city nightlife. 

Note: Kabukicho is also Japan’s largest red-light district.

• Wander around Shibuya – Your Japan itinerary will not complete without a trip to the Shibuya Crossing —one of the busiest pedestrian crossings. Wander around this district featuring shopping outlets and entertainment hubs. Make your way to Hachiko Statue too, a loyal dog that waited for his demised master every day for 9 years at Shibuya Station. 

Check out my comprehensive 4 Days Tokyo Itinerary to know more in-depth about unmissable things to do in Tokyo !

• Have a drink at the maid cafe in Akihabara – If you would like to get into Japan’s manga culture, make sure to head over to Akihabara’s maid cafes where the waitresses dress up as maids or anime (Japanese animated works) characters.  
• Explore Harajuku – Harajuku is the teenage and cosplay fashion centre in Tokyo. There are 2 shrines in this district that you can visit—Meiji Shrine and Togo Shrine.
• Visit Ghibli Museum – If you are a big fan of Studio Ghibli’s films, getting to Ghibli Museum is a big must. The museum consists of a small theatre, exhibition, cafe, rooftop garden, and a souvenir shop. Any Spirited Away fan here? 

Travel tip: Save money and time by booking attractions ticket online!

• Visit local markets & fairs – Looking for less touristy things to do while in Tokyo? Tokyo has plenty of flea markets happening during the weekends and some only take place few times a year. I went to Oedo Antique Market (the largest and oldest outdoor event in Japan) and hang out with the locals scouring for 200 yen second-hand kimono, vintage items, antique Japanese books, and more!

Fun Tours & Activities In Tokyo

There are plenty of things to do in Tokyo. If you would like to opt for some extraordinary experiences while in Tokyo , consider getting any (or all!) these tours:

• Tokyo: Full-Day Private Tour
• Ramen Tasting Tour with Local Ramen Guru in Tokyo
• Shibuya & Harajuku: Hidden Gems & Highlights Private Tour
• Tokyo: Go-Kart Tour and Photoshoot

Day Trips From Tokyo (For Double The Fun!)

Here are some of the popular day-trip destinations from Tokyo:

1. Mount Fuji

Your Japan three week itinerary will not complete without a trip to Mount Fuji ! 

One of the great spots to enjoy the mesmerising view of Mount Fuji is Five Fuji Lakes . 

Note: Mount Fuji visibility is at its best during autumn and winter.  

If you want to include the stunning red pagoda in your photo with Mount Fuji as the backdrop, head over to Chureito Pagoda . 

To save yourself the hassle of planning , you can opt for this private bus tour with a local guide to Mount Fuji. 

Hakone is one of the famous day trip destinations from Tokyo. 

There are so many things to do in Hakone, including taking a dip in the hot spring , enjoying the beautiful view of the misty volcanic zone, visiting famous shrines and temples , and museum-hopping . 

Check out this detailed day trip to Hakone from Tokyo and best ryokans with private onsen in Hakone articles to learn more about things to do and where to stay in this beautiful mountainous town.

Or consider booking t his Hakone private day tou r if you prefer to explore Hakone under an experience guide!

Popular for its stunning natural splendour, Nikko is about 2-hour drive away from Tokyo .

Among the must-visit main highlights in Nikko are Kegon Falls and Ryuzu Falls .

If you can’t get enough of Japanese temple, make sure to to make your way to Toshogu Temple and Rinnoji Temple while you are at Nikko.

Sounds exciting? Consider booking this scenic Nikko day trip bus tour in your three week Japan itinerary.

Where To Stay In Tokyo : 4 Accomodation Types!

With millions of visitors travelling to Tokyo annually , there are plenty of types of accommodations available in this lively metropolitan. 

Nevertheless, it is still best to book your hotel early especially during peak seasons, such as spring and autumn. 

 Here are some recommended places to stay in Tokyo : 

• Budget: 54Journey , The Wardrobe Hostel Shibuya
• Mid-range: Pod Select Hotel Shinjuku , Toshi Center Hotel
• Luxury: Pearl Hotel Shinjuku , Hotel Risveglio Akasaka
• Ryokan: Annex Katsutaro Ryokan , Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu

I stayed at The Global Hotel Tokyo near Shinjuku and I quite like that place. It is located near Shin Okubo Station and there are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores just located a street away from the hotel.

What To Eat In Tokyo

Of course, you can’t miss out on sushi from your to-eat-list in this capital city!

You can enjoy eating sushi at standup stalls, fish markets, conveyor belt restaurants, or even Michelin star awarded premium eateries—depending on your budget!

Kura Sushi is one of the popular places in Tokyo to have sushi.

Another food that you need to try before leaving Tokyo is none other than the slurpy, chewy noodle ramen !

This dish can be found in almost every corner of the streets in Tokyo, and there is a great variety of ramen available over here. 

If you are keen to try this soupy dish, head over to AFURI .

After spending 5 days exploring Tokyo, it is time to travel to the charming city around the mountainous Japanese Alps on Day 6 of your Japan itinerary 3 weeks —Nagano. 

Apart from being a popular destination among tourists for its natural hot spring and onsen during the cold season, there are also fascinating temples and interesting museums that you need to visit in Nagano. 

Things To Do In Nagano

Below are some of the must-do activities in Nagano during your Japan 3 week itinerary: 

• Explore Zenkoji Temple – This famous Buddhist temple is the first temple to receive a Buddhist statue in the 7th century. Spend at least 2 hours exploring the temple grounds where you get to visit some major monuments, including the Main Hall, Zenkoji History Museum, Sanmon Gate and Niomon Gate.  
• Admire Togakushi Shrines – You can visit 3 main shrines at Mount Togakushi. Each shrine is located about 2km away from each other so you can expect some hiking here, or you can opt for a bus service to get to the shrines.  

Most temples and shrines in Japan require visitors to remove their shoes before entering into the buildings.

Therefore, it is best to buy yourself a pair of lightweight slip-on shoes for convenience before visiting Japan.

• Learn more about ninja’s history at local museums – If you are intrigued with ancient Japanese ninja skills and equipment, you can head over to Togakure Ninpo Museum . Alternatively, you can visit Kids Ninja Village for some interesting ninja obstacles training. 
• Visit the snow monkeys at Jigokudani Monkey Park – Watch the wild snow monkeys playing around and soaking in the hot spring all year round. If you prefer to explore the park with a great snowy mountainous backdrop, it is best to visit the snow monkeys during winter (January to February).   Make sure to read my detailed Japan winter packing list article if you are visiting during the cold season for a pleasant travel experience!

• Soak up the Olympic vibes at the remaining Olympic Winter 1998 – These world-class sports facilities are located sparsely around Nagano city where you can reach them conveniently by bus.
• Have a stroll at Gondo Covered Shopping Arcade – If you are looking for things to do at night in Nagano, you can have a walk along Gondo Covered Shopping Arcade. You can also shop for souvenirs or try delicious local street food here. 

Guided Tours In Nagano (That Includes The Famed Monkey Park)

Here are some recommended tours you can sign up for in Nagano: 

• Nagano: Snow Monkey and Cherry Blossom Day Tour in Spring
• Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

Where To Stay In Nagano (For All Traveller Types!)

Here are some recommended places for a night stay at Nagano: 

• Budget: Dot Hostel Nagano , Mash Cafe & Bed Nagano 
• Mid-range: Sotetsu Fresa Inn Naganoeki Higashiguchi , Hotel JAL City Nagano
• Luxury: Chisun Grand Nagano , Kokusai 21 International Hotel
• Ryokan: Umeoka Ryokan , Oshi Ryokan

What To Eat In Nagano

• Oyaki Dumplings

Invented in Nagano, Oyaki Dumplings are the must-eat food when you are in this beautiful city. 

The dumplings are mainly made with vegetables such as pumpkin, eggplant, or radish and you can have it either steamed or fried!

You can get this delicious snack at Nagano’s Oyaki Shichifuku Inshokuten .

Basashi is a unique type of sashimi. But instead of indulging in seafood, it is prepared using horse meat ! 

If you are up for the unusual food challenge, head over to Nihommatsu for a plate of basashi. 

How To Get To Nagano

To get to Nagano from Tokyo , you can take:

• Shinkansen 
• Operator: Hokuriku Shinkansen 
• Fare: US$73 (8000 yen) one way
• Duration: 80 to 100 minutes

On Day 7 of the 3 week Japan itinerary , it is time to travel to Matsumoto —located 50 minutes away from Nagano by train. 

Home to one of the remaining original castles in Japan , Matsumoto offers a unique, harmonious blend of both historic and modern travel experiences to visitors.

Things To Do In Matsumoto

Here are some of the main highlights that you can visit in Matsumoto for a day: 

• Visit Matsumoto Castle – This ancient castle has an observation deck on its sixth floor, providing a great scenic view of the city against the backdrop of the grand Japanese Alps. 

• Explore Daio Wasabi Farm – If you are a big fan of Japanese wasabi, make sure to make your way to Daio Wasabi Farm. Remember to get your own share of wasabi ice cream before leaving the farm! 
• Enjoy Kusuma Yayoi’s colourful sculpture at City Art Museum – This art museum has a showcase of stunning artworks of the local-born artists. And one of these artists is none other than the bold-looking Kusuma Yayoi .
• Mingle with local farmers at Nakamachi Street – A former merchant district, you can visit the bustling farmers’ market from May to December. Over here, you get to see the local crops, mingling with the farmers, or even asking for a tip or two for cooking Japanese dishes. 
• Stroll along Nawate Street – A pedestrian-only street filled with cafes and local shops, you can find an interesting Shinto deities shrine in this street. Yohashira Shrine is exceptionally packed on New Year as it is believed to grant the people wishes and make them come true. 
• Fill up your bottle with the natural groundwater from the city’s wells – The locals have been drinking the well water for years. Some cafes are serving their customers with this water source too. 

Some of the wells that you can find in Matsumoto city include Genchi Well and Iori Reisui Well . 

Tap water in Japan is safe for consumption . Consider bringing a collapsible bottle when travelling to this country (save luggage space & money!)

Guided Outings In Matsumoto (With Experienced Guides!)

If you would like to delve into Matsumoto’s rich history and culture, consider signing up for:

• Private Walking Tour With Matsumoto Local Guide
• Matsumoto Soba Noodle Making With An Experienced Master

Where To Stay In Matsumoto (Spoiled for Choice!)

Here are some of the recommended places to stay in Matsumoto: 

• Budget: Couch Potato Hostel , Nawate Guesthouse
• Mid-range: Southern Cross Inn , Minka House   
• Luxury: Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu , Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto
• Ryokan: Ryokan Matsukaze , Onsen Hotel Omoto  

What To Eat In Matsumoto – 3 Weeks Travel in Japan

• 1. Sanzokuyaki

Sanzokuyaki is a native dish to Matsumoto. This special fried chicken is prepared by marinating the chicken breast meat with garlic and other spices before getting deep-fried. 

You can have a taste of sanzokuyaki at Karaage Centre Matsumoto .

• 2. Shinshu Salmon

This reared salmon is among the popular foods to try when you are in Matsumoto. 

You can order this dish at any izakayas (Japanese tavern), such as Sakaba Yamazato . 

How To Get To Matsumoto

To get to Matsumoto from Nagano , you can take: 

• Operator: JR Shinano Limited Express 
• Fare: US$30 (3100 yen) one way
• Duration: 50 minutes

Located at Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is among the fascinating rural cities of Japan that you need to go to break away from the hustle and bustle of city life. 

I personally love Takayama ! I love the scenic views of the lush mountains and the overall vibe of this city. This was also where I stumbled upon an old-school restaurant ran by a lovely elderly couple and had the best Japanese curry shrimp rice! *French kiss*

Spend Day 8 and 9 of your itinerary Japan 3 weeks exploring Takayama’s old town and surrounding highlights to experience the beauty and calm side of this Japanese rural city. 

Things To Do In Takayama

Here are the main activities that you can do during your 2-day stay in Takayama in your Japan 3 week itinerary: 

• Get your breakfast at local asaichi – Start your day at Takayama by visiting the asaichi (morning markets)— Miyagawa Market and Jinya-mae Market . Over here, you get to see local fresh produce, handicraft, street foods, and snacks. 
• Enjoy sake tasting at sake breweries – Takayama is famous for the sake and you ought to visit one of the old sake breweries when you are in the city. You can easily identify a sake brewery by looking for the presence of sugidama (cedar branches made balls) at the store entrance.
• Learn more about Takayama’s history at local museums – If you are a history buff, then you must make your way to Fuji Art Gallery and Takayama Museum of History and Art . 

Some of the old artefacts that you can see here include precious paintings, brushes, and household items. 

• Temple-hopping along Higashiyama Walk Course – About a dozen temples, shrines, and Takayama Castle ruins are found within this 3.5 km long walking course. You can spend about 2 hours strolling along this peaceful trail while visiting some of the old temples, such as Hokkeji Temple. 
• Participate in the captivating Takayama Festival – Held on 14-15 April and 9-10 October annually, about 11 to 12 beautifully decorated festival floats are paraded around the Old Town and eventually stored in museums for public view. 

• Admire the delicate festival floats replica at Matsuri no Mori – This museum contains both miniature and life-sized replicates of festival floats with intricate designs that took part in the grand Takayama Festival. 
• Be blown away by real-life festival floats at Matsuri Yatai Kaikan – Some of the Takayama Festival’s festival floats are kept in this museum. The great, detailed craftsmanship shown on the floats will definitely leave you in awe. 
• Explore Hida Folk Village – This fascinating open-air museum showcases 30 traditional houses that are at least 150 years old. Get ready to be blown away by the impressive wooden architecture and the great condition of the century-old exhibits. 
• Create your own souvenir at Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Centre – To learn more about the local culture, you can also learn to make the local handicraft at Hida Takayama Crafts Experience Centre.

Travel tip: Check out my comprehensive Takayama in winter guide if you are visiting this city during the cold season!

Memorable Takayama Guided Tours

Have budget allocated for guided tours in Takayama ? Check out these best-sellers :

• Local Food Tour in Takayama
• Takayama Old Town Walking Tour
• Sake Brewery Tour in Takayama (+ Oldest Brewery!)
• Special Food Tour in Takayama
• Zen Meditation and Higashiyama Temples Walking Tour
• 3-Hour Takayama Hiking Tour
• Takayama’s Japanese Drum & Traditional Arts Show
• Hida Private E-Bike Tour with Premium Lunch and Farm Experience

Where To Stay In Takayama

Here are some places that you can consider staying at during your Takayama visit : 

• Budget: K’s House Takayama Oasis , Cup of Tea
• Mid-range: Spa Hotel Alpina Hida Takayama , Country Hotel Takayama
• Luxury: Wat Hotel & Spa Hida Takayama , Takayama Green Hotel
• Ryokan: Oyado Koto No Yume , Hidatakayama Futarishizuka , Ryokan Asunaro

I stayed at Country Hotel Takayama . The hotel is just located opposite Nohi Terminal Bus Station, which is just next to Takayama Station.

The room has an old-school design and I feel comfortable throughout my stay. The room comes with a mini bath tub too so you can bring along some bath bombs !

If you prefer to enjoy a relaxing dip alone or have a more intimate experience with your loved one, consider book one of the best Takayama ryokans with private onsen !

What To Eat In Takayama

• 1. Mitarashi Dango

This local traditional savoury snack made from mashed rice balls is first grilled and glazed with sauces, such as sesame or soy sauce. 

One of the best places to get Mitarashi Dango in this city is Jinya Dango . 

• 2. Hida Beef Sushi

Raised in Gifu prefecture, Hida beef is one of the top premium wagyu beef choices in Japan. 

Check out Sakaguchiya for a sushi beef treat in Takayama!

How To Get To Takayama

To get to Takayama from Matsumoto , you can take: 

• Operator: Nohi Bus 
• Fare: US$32 (3500 yen) one way
• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Best Day Trip To Hakone From Tokyo: The Ultimate Guide
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Day 10-11: Kanazawa

Next, spend Day 10 and 11 of your 3 weeks itinerary in Japan exploring another charming cultural city of the country— Kanazawa.

Highlights ranging from beautiful gardens, ancient samurai residences, contemporary art museums to scrumptious local food , be prepared to experience another mesmerising part of Japan in Kanazawa. 

Things To Do In Kanazawa

To fully make use of your time in Kanazawa during Japan 3-week itinerary, here is the list of recommended things to do: 

• Have a nice walk around Kenrokuen Garden – This tranquil garden is one of the country’s most beautiful landscape gardens . If you are looking to enjoy the cherry blossom and autumn foliage, Kenrokuen Garden is the place that you need to be at. 

• Explore Seisonkaku Villa – Head over to one of the few remaining well-preserved samurai villas in the country and admire the ancient building structure and interior design.
• Immerse yourself into the enchanting streets of Higashi Chaya District – Wander around this famous geisha district in kimono and visit the old teahouses to learn more about geisha performance and tea ceremonies. 

Not a big fan of your mobile phone battery running low , especially when you are trying to capture all those travel memories in Japan?

Well, make sure to include a portable charger into your Japan travel planner list!

• Enjoy local delicacies at Omicho Market – Fill up your tummy with food made from the freshest seafood that you can get from this century-old local market. 
• Learn more about samurai’s lifestyle in Nagamachi Samurai District – Spend some time exploring this former samurai district where few museums showcase the historic samurai residence and their precious exhibits. 
• Explore 21st Century Museum – Bombard your IG account with the intrigued Leandro Erlich’s “Swimming Pool” and the interesting architecture of the 21st Century Museum. 

Travel tip: You can buy One Day Pass from the Tourist Information Centre for US$8 (800 yen) to ride the Kanazawa Loop Bus and other buses for unlimited bus rides within one calendar day.

Consists of Right Loop and Left Loop, the buses will stop at Kanazawa’s main attraction sites and run at every 15 minutes intervals.

Guided Activities In Kanazawa (To Have A Blast!)

Want to explore Kanazawa to the fullest ? Check out these amazing tours:

• Kanazawa Full Day Tour (With Guide)
• Kanazawa Cultural Night Walking Tour
• Izakaya Hop Tour at Kanazawa

Day Trips From Kanazawa : 2 Awesome Options

It is also possible to have a day trip to Shirakawago or Noto Peninsula from Kanazawa on Day 11 of this 3 weeks Japan itinerary.

1. Shirakawago

Shirakawago is a tourist-flocking UNESCO World Heritage site attributed to the traditional farmhouses called gassho-zukuri . Some of these farmhouses are at least 350 years old . 

Apart from observing the unique, sturdy architecture of gassho-zukuri, you can also admire the mesmerising remote mountainous scenery. 

You can sign up for this Shirakawago day trip from Kanazawa where transportation and an English speaking guide are included—which means more relaxing time and less stress planning!

2. Noto Peninsula

If you would like to enjoy the coastal view , then it is recommended to have a day trip to the Noto Peninsula . This less touristy site of Japan offers an interesting glimpse into a slower pace of rural resident life. 

Some of the things that you can do in the Noto Peninsula are having an onsen session while looking out on the blue sea, besides experiencing the magnificent view of rice fields during sunset. 

You can sign up for this underrated Noto Peninsula Full Day Driving Tour (Private) that includes stops at several other major highlights in this picturesque peninsula. 

Where To Stay In Kanazawa

Here are some recommended accommodations in Kanazawa that you can consider in your Japan 3 week itinerary: 

• Budget: HOTEL MYSTAYS , Shaq Bighouse
• Mid-range: Hotel Intergate , Tokyu Stay Kanazawa
• Luxury: Kanazawa Sainoniwa Hotel , Mitsui Garden Hotel
• Ryokan: Sumiyoshiya , Hatori

Travel tip: Check out my article on the best onsen ryokan in Kanazawa to stay at to experience the traditional Japanese hospitality and enjoy relaxing onsen dip !

What To Eat In Kanazawa

• 1. Kabura Zushi

Kabura Zushi is made from a salted turnip, salted buri (yellowtail fish), and koji (fermented rice) . Some even come with carrot slices. 

Among all the stalls in Kanazawa, Shijimaya Honpo is the place that you should go for a piece or more of Kabura Zushi!

This signature dish of Kanazawa is a thick, brothy soy-based dish cooked with sliced duck meat, mushroom, and carrots and topped with wasabi for additional flavours. Can you imagine the richness of the dish already? 

To have the authentic taste of Jibuni , make sure to head over to Yoshihisa .

How To Get To Kanazawa

To get to Kanazawa from Takayama , you can take: 

• Operator: Limited express trains and shinkansen  
• Fare: US$60 (6500 yen) one way
• Duration: 2 hours (Change station at Toyama)

Day 12-14 of japan itinerary 21 days: Kyoto

Your Japan 3 week itinerary will not be complete without a trip to Kyoto , a fascinating city filled with ancient temples, beautiful shrines, and picturesque scenic views of nature. 

Make sure you rest your legs well because there is lots of walking and sightseeing involved from Day 12 to 14 when exploring Kyoto! 

Things To Do In Kyoto

Kyoto is home to 1600 ancient temples so you can expect some popular temple-hopping within three days. 

For a more in-depth post on how to navigate around this beautiful city wearing kimono , places to visit, and useful tips when exploring Kyoto, you can check out this comprehensive Kyoto 2-day itinerary . 

Here are the major highlights to visit in Kyoto: 

• Visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine – This ancient wooden shrine is popular among students particularly during the examination period as this famous landmark is dedicated to Shinto God for education.

If you are visiting Kitano Tenmangu Shrine on the 25th of every month , you will get to experience the local flea market known as Tenjin San’s festival too! 

• Marvel at Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji – These two stunning temples are among the few temples that you need to visit in Kyoto.

Apart from having impressive building architecture, you can wander around their respective lovely gardens to enjoy the beautiful view and have a peaceful zen moment. 

• Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine – Get your phone ready by taking countless pictures with the orange torii gates at one of the Instagrammable places in Kyoto . 

Travel tip: Make sure to wear non-slippery shoes if you plan to hike up to the summit of Mt Inari. I slipped and fell and hurt my right knee quite bad 🥺

• Wander around Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Expect to spend 30 minutes in this dreamy bamboo forest in Kyoto for photo taking and complete the walking trail.   
• Explore Nijo Castle – Walk around Nijo Castle’s complex grounds and admire the stunning architecture of Karamon Gate.

If you can’t get enough of Japanese gardens, you will be delighted to know that Nijo Castle has two gardens that offer lovely scenic views of trees and ponds. 

• Geisha spotting at Gion District – Gion is the one place in Kyoto that you need to head over to meet a geisha. To increase the geisha spotting probability, make sure you are in Gion by 5.45 pm. This is the time where geisha will be leaving their home to local tea houses for work. 

Popular Kyoto Food Tours or Cooking Classes To Fill Your Day

One of the best way to immerse into the local culture is through food , either by eating or learning how to cook it.

Check out these interesting Kyoto food tours & cooking classes:

• Nishiki Market Food Tour
• Pontocho Evening Food Tour
• Morning Japanese Bento Cooking Class at Kyoto
• Kyoto Japanese Izakaya Cooking Class
• Kyoto Tea Ceremony Experience

If cooking isn’t is your thing, here are other fun tours that you can sign up in Kyoto:

• Top 11 Kyoto Photography Tours In 2023 (+ Real Reviews!)
• Best 12 Bike Tours In Kyoto In 2023 (+E-Bike Options!)
• Top 8 Kyoto Sake Tours (Unique Cultural Insight!) In 2023

Where To Stay In Kyoto

It is best to stay near Kyoto Station or Gion District when in Kyoto. These areas are within walking distance to the major highlights mentioned in this article. 

 Here are some of the accommodation options located near Kyoto Station for your Japan 3 week itinerary:

• Budget: M’s Hotel Kyoto Station Taruya , Hotel IL Verde Kyoto
• Mid-range: Mercure Kyoto Station , Sakura Terrace
• Luxury: Hotel Takasegawa , Hotel Kanra Kyoto
• Ryokan: Daiya Ryokan , Ohanabo

Travel tip: Read my detailed article on the best ryokan with private onsen in Kyoto if you want privacy when dipping in your private hotspring tub!

What To Eat In Kyoto

1. Kaiseki 

Kaiseki strives for perfect and elegant food presentation and offers a Japanese fine dining experience with multiple small dishes served across a meal. 

If you would like to opt for an affordable kaiseki meal in Kyoto, make sure you visit Kawamura Ryori Hei . 

In Kyoto, wagashi is usually paired with a cup of thick matcha tea to balance the tea bitterness. 

To enjoy the wagashi-matcha tea session with a beautiful garden view, you will need to visit Toraya Karyo Ichijo .

Tip: If you are keen to try out delectable Japanese snacks , check out my comprehensive article on top snacks in Japan and where to get them!

How To Get To Kyoto

To get to Kyoto from Kanazawa , you can take: 

• Operator: JR Thunderbird Limited Express train
• Fare: US$64 (7000 yen) one way
• Duration: 2 hours 
• Japan Rail (JR) pass : Covered  

On Day 15 of the Japan 3 week itinerary, it is time to visit one of the most romantic places in Japan —Nara!

I think most of us think of those free-roaming wild deer when Nara is mentioned. 

Nevertheless, you will find that there are stunning temples and shrines to explore in this ancient city, besides offering impressive sights of cherry blossoms and autumn foliage at local parks and Japanese gardens. 

To know more things to do in Nara, how to navigate around, and local food to try, you can read on my jam-packed Day Trip to Nara Itinerary .  

How To Get To Nara

To get to Nara from Kyoto , you can take: 

• Operator: Miyakoji Rapid Train (JR Nara Line) and limited express train (Kintetsu Kyoto Line)
• Fare: US$7 (720 yen) vs US$11 (1160 yen) one way
• Duration: 45 minutes vs 35 minutes
• Japan Rail (JR) pass : Covered for JR Nara Line

It is time to move on to Hiroshima on Day 16 of the Japan 3 week itinerary.  

Exploring Hiroshima will bring a sense of new hope and great resilience to any visitors.

This historic city was once in severe ruins due to the World War II atomic bombing that took place more than 70 years ago. 

Things To Do In Hiroshima

Here are some of the main highlights to visit in Hiroshima during your Japan 3 weeks itinerary: 

• Visit Peace Memorial Museum – Over here you will get to see the chronology of the bombing and the devastating effect of this significant event on the city and human lives back in 1945. Some of the exhibits and recordings from the atomic bomb survivors might be upsetting to the visitors.   I thought I won’t be crying. I was wrong 🙁
• Visit A-Bomb Dome (Peace Hiroshima Memorial) – This UNESCO World Heritage site serves as a strong reminder about the destructiveness of atomic weapons. This dome is one of the remaining buildings that were still standing after the eventful incident.

• Visit Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims – This arched monument serves as the tomb for the demised atomic bomb victims. You can find more than two hundred thousand victim’s names on the register of the chest stone beneath the arch.  
• Have a stroll at Shukkeien Garden – If you can’t get enough of another tranquil Japanese landscape garden, you will have to make your way to Shukkeien Garden. Tea houses are built around the pond allowing visitors to admire the calm, serene view that this unique garden offers.  
• Enjoy the stunning city view at Hiroshima Castle – Hiroshima Castle was recently rebuilt as it was thoroughly destroyed during World War II. You can enjoy the scenic panoramic city view from the castle’s top floor. 

Travel tip: Do you know there is tram service in Hiroshima? I didn’t board any tram since I walked to most of the attraction sites but the tram is definitely a unique sight and poses a great photo opportunity!

Unmissable Tours In Hiroshima

Here are some sought-after tours in Hiroshima that you can check out: 

• Cycling Peace Tour In Hiroshima
• Hiroshima Bar-Hopping Food Tour
• Mt. Futaba & Hiroshima History Morning Hiking Tour
• Full Day Hiroshima/Miyajima Guided Tour

Where To Stay In Hiroshima

Here are the recommended accommodations in Hiroshima during your Japan 3 week visit: 

• Budget: Sejour Inn Capsule , WeBase Hiroshima
• Mid-range: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima , Mielparque Hiroshima
• Luxury: Hilton Hiroshima , Y-HOTEL
• Ryokan: Tenryu Ryokan , Kasuga Ryokan

What To Eat In Hiroshima

• Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

This savoury dish is native to Hiroshima. It might look similar to Osaka’s version of okonomiyaki but with 2 major differences.

Instead of mixing all the raw ingredients in a batter, the ingredients are fried in layers . Plus, you can find yakisoba noodles in Hiroshima Okonomiyaki .

Of course, you will need to head over to Okonomimura Building to enjoy this local delicacy!

Instead of being served in a hot bowl of soup, Tsukemen is the dry version of ramen .

The noodle is eaten with a spicy dipping sauce on another bowl and you get to choose your preferred spiciness level. 

Bakudanya is the place that you need to visit for a bowl of Tsukemen in Hiroshima. 

How To Get To Hiroshima

To get to Hiroshima from Kyoto , you can take:

• Operator: JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen
• Fare: US$100 (11000 yen) for Hikari, Kodama, Sakura trains vs US$105 (11500 yen) for Nozomi train
• Duration: 2 hours (Indirect) vs 95 minutes (Direct)
• Japan Rail (JR) pass : Covered only for Hikari, Kodama and Sakura trains

Day 17 of japan trip 3 weeks: Miyajima

Make your way to this small yet fascinating island, Miyajima, on Day 17 of Japan 3-week itinerary.

Apart from being one of the IG-famous areas in Japan attributed to the giant floating torii gate, Miyajima has several historical highlights to boast to fellow visitors too—not to forget its local appetising cuisine!

Things To Do In Miyajima

These are the popular places to visit in Miyajima:

• Visit Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate – Head over to this century-old Shinto shrine and visit its famous torii gate. Remember to check on the sea tides timing if you plan to admire the torii gate up close.

• Enjoy the high-up view at Mount Misen – Hike up to the highest mountain in Miyajima to enjoy the magnificent view of the sea and part of Hiroshima. If you are not into hiking, you can also board the ropeway to get to the observation platform for the sea view. 

Visiting Japan in summer? Get yourself a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the strong sunlight (not to mention a cool prop to have for photoshooting!)

• Explore Daisho-in Temple – Make your way to one of the important Buddhist temples in the country. You can perform an easy Buddhist ritual by turning the inscription-filled wheels when walking up the stairs. 
• Admire the wooden structure of Senjokaku Hall – Admire the ancient wooden architecture of 400-year old Senjokaku Hall. Its five-storey pagoda is even more stunning, with at least 600 years of history. If you love looking at centuries-old monuments, you will need to visit Senjokaku.  

Fun-Filled Guided Activities in Miyajima

Looking to spice up your Miyajima travel experience ? Consider booking these activities:

• Itsukushima Shrine Sea Kayaking Experience
• Oyster Farm and Itsukushima Shrine Visit
• Miyajima Rickshaw Tour
• Miyajima Cultural Experience Workshop

Where To Stay In Miyajima

You can choose to have a day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima or stay for a night on this beautiful shrine island to experience its peaceful nightlife. 

Here are some recommended places to stay in Miyajima in your Japan 3 week itinerary: 

• Budget: Miyajima Guest House Mikuniya
• Mid-range: OUCHI HOTEL Miyajimaguchi
• Luxury: Aki Grand Hotel & Spa
• Ryokan: Sakuraya , Kikunoya

Travel tip: If you are interested in watching the dazzling daily illumination of Itsukushima Shrine from a boat cruise, approach your ryokan for reservation. Alternatively, you can enjoy the view by having an evening walking along the trails.  

What To Eat In Miyajima

This saltwater eel is one of the seafood that you need to try in Hiroshima. It is usually grilled and served with rice (anago-meshi) and soy sauce. 

You can get a bowl of freshly prepared anago-meshi at this traditional restaurant, Ueno . 

Oysters are a big deal in Miyajima. Thanks to the many oyster farms on this island, you can see stalls selling grilled, fried, or fresh oysters literally everywhere. 

One of the best places in Miyajima to get your hands on oyster meals is Yakigaki No Hayashi .

How To Get To Miyajima

To get to Miyajima from Hiroshima (pier nearby A-Bomb Dome), you can board: 

• Operator: Aqua Net 
• Fare: US$33 (3600 yen) two-way
• Duration: 45 minutes

It is time to travel to Kurashiki on Day 18 of your Japan 3-week itinerary. 

This hidden gem is characterised by the presence of white walls of the traditional houses and a row of gracefully flowing willow trees lining along the canal that has been built since the Edo Period.  

If you prefer to explore less touristy yet highly cultural places in Japan, you will be glad to include Kurashiki in your Japan itinerary. 

Things To Do In Kurashiki

Here are the main attractions in Kurashiki: 

• Have a boat cruise along Kurashiki River – This iconic landmark of Kurashiki is unmissable. You can enjoy a traditional wooden boat cruise along the river with a picturesque view of willow trees and traditional residences. Head over to the Kurashikikan Tourist Information Service to get the boat ticket. 

• Admire magnificent artworks at Ohara Museum of Art – Being the first Western art museum in the country, you will get to see numerous priceless European artworks including Picasso’s.

You can easily distinguish this extraordinary museum from other buildings by looking at its cross-culture architecture between Grecian and Japanese styles.  

• Museum-hopping around the city – Depending on your preference, there are lots of museums to visit in Kurashiki exhibiting different and unique items, such as rural Japanese toys, prehistoric artefacts, and folk crafts.
• Get your sake dose at century-old Jizake Dotemori – Head over to this historical liquor store specialising in sake and beer in Kurashiki since the 1920s. 
• Explore Kurashiki Ivy Square – Visit Japan’s first cotton mill in this square. You can also visit the Kurabo Museum that maps out the mill history and related artefacts that are collected over the years since 1888.
• Denim shopping at Kojima Jeans Street – Explore Japan’s jeans capital birthplace for some jeans related apparel shopping—even international designers visit this place to get a piece of the denim too! 

Tip: If you are keen to design your own pair of jeans , consider getting this one-of-a-kind Jeans Making Workshop at Kurashiki.

Where To Stay In Kurashiki

Here are some recommended places to stay in Kurashiki during your 3 week trip to itinerary: 

• Budget: Hostel Cuore Kurashiki
• Mid-range: Green Rich Hotel Kurashiki  
• Luxury: Kurashiki Royal Art Hotel

How To Get To Kurashiki

To get to Kurashiki from Hiroshima , you can board:

• Shinkansen and transfer to the local train
• Operator: JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen & Sanyo Line 
• Fare: US$79 (8650 yen) & US$3 (330 yen)
• Duration: 1.5 hours & 20 minutes 
• Japan Rail (JR) pass : Covered only for Sakura trains

The 3 week Japan trip itinerary has almost come to an end. Spend Day 19 at Himeji! 

Himeji is home to UNESCO site Himeji Castle , a spectacular 400-year old Japanese castle that survived any natural or man-made catastrophes. 

Nevertheless, there is more to this city than the beautiful white castle—including breathtaking scenic views of mountains and scrumptious dishes that are native to Himeji.

Things To Do In Himeji

Here are several main highlights in Himeji that you can include in your 3 weeks Japan itinerary: 

• Explore Himeji Castle – Admire this White Heron Castle’s ancient architecture and interior design. You can also enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city from the top floor of one of the most celebrated castles in Japan. If you are looking for a great hanami spot, Himeji Castle is going to be your best bet. 

• Have a stroll in Kokoen Garden while enjoying the garden view – Have a stroll in Kokoen Garden located next to Himeji Castle. You can also enjoy having a tea session in one of the garden’s teahouses while admiring the view of the trees, flowers, and the fish pond. 
• Wander around picturesque Mount Shosha – You can visit some of the historical, intricate wooden temple halls such as Maniden (Engyoji Temple) and Mitsuno Do in Mount Shosha.

If the Mitsuno Do halls look familiar to you, that’s because Mount Shosha is a famous shooting location for both local and international films—The Last Samurai was shot over here too!

• Museum-hopping at Himeji – If spending time inside a museum admiring the artist’s artworks and unusual collection is more like your thing, head over to Himeji City Museum of Art and Japan Toy Museum. The toy museum has an impressive collection of over ninety thousand toys. 

Where To Stay In Himeji

Here are some recommended places to stay in Himeji:  

• Budget: T abist CapsuleHotel APODS , Shironoshita Guesthouse 
• Mid-range: Richmond Hotel Himeji , Daiwa Roynet Hotel Himeji
• Luxury: Hotel Monterey Himeji , Hotel Nikko Himeji

What To Eat In Himeji

1. Chanpoyaki

Chanpoyaki is Himeji’s version of okonomiyaki . 

The base ingredients of this local dish are yakisoba and yaki udon . It is cooked with soy sauce before topped with a generous amount of spring onion on the dish. 

You can head over to Tonton to try on this unique version of okonomiyaki. 

2. Takoyaki 

Himeji also has its own version of takoyaki .

Apart from drizzling the sauce on the takoyaki, you will be given a bowl of dashi soup too to dip on! 

To get a taste of this unique dish, head over to Himeji Tacopy located inside Himeji Grand Festa.

How To Get To Himeji

To get to Himeji from Hiroshima , you can take: 

• Operator: JR Sanyo Shinkansen
• Japan Rail (JR) pass : Covered only for Kodama and Sakura trains

Day 20-21: Osaka

Spend Day 20 and 21 of your Japan itinerary at this dazzling, neon light-filled metropolitan city—Osaka! 

A modern city that has its own charm, Osaka boasts its ancient historical monuments, appetising local cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and friendly locals —making it a must-visit city for any first-time international visitor.

Since there are plenty of things to do at night in Osaka , you won’t be having a boring travel experience over here!

Things To Do In Osaka

To know more in-depth about things to do and navigating around the city, you can check out my detailed 1 Day Itinerary Osaka . 

Here are the popular sites to visit in Osaka: 

• Explore Osaka Castle – Learn more about this ancient castle’s history where it was first built in 1583. It is also a popular hanami spot in Osaka. 

• Admire the panoramic city view at Abeno Harukas – Enjoy the unobstructed panoramic view of this megalopolitan city at the top of the tallest skyscraper in the country. 
• Visit Shitennoji Temple – Explore one of the oldest temples in Japan and admire the beautiful traditional temple architecture. 

Get yourself pocket Wi-Fi so you can upload those stunning Instagrammable shots of Japan onto your social media accounts instantly! Personally, I used this eSim and the connection was fast and stable throughout my Japan trip.

• Have a feast at Kuromon Market – Immerse yourself into the local culture by trying out the scrumptious street foods and delicacies sold by local vendors in Kuromon Market. 
• Explore Shinsekai – One of the best places to enjoy cheap kushikatsu and beer in Osaka. You can also visit Tsutenkaku Tower to enjoy the city view from another different angle.  
• Wander around Amerika-Mura – Check out Osaka youth’s fashion culture and apparel in this youth-inspired shopping district .
• Experience the nightlife at Dotonbori – This is where you get to see the IG-famous neon-lighted Glico Running Man in Osaka! Make sure you fill your tummy with the mouth-watering Japanese cuisine in Dotonbori before concluding your Japan itinerary. 

Guided Cultural & Food Tours In Osaka

If you would like to explore Osaka with the help of friendly knowledgeable local guides , consider signing up:

• Osaka Walking Tour
• Osaka Instagrammable Food Tour
• Shinsekai Food Tour
• Osaka Backstreet Night Tour
• Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

Day Trip From Osaka

Kobe is a popular day trip options from Osaka. Home to one of the largest sake producers in Japan, be sure to make your way to Kikumasamune Sake Museum in Kobe.

Other main highlights include Mount Rokko, Kobe Harborland, Ikuta Shrine , and Hanshin Snack Park .

Where To Stay In Osaka

Here are some recommended accommodation places to stay in Osaka:

• Budget: Hotel Atarayo Osaka , The Stay Osaka Shinsaibashi
• Mid-range: Grids Premium Hotel , Hotel The Flag , Toyoko Inn Osaka
• Luxury: Swissotel Nankai Osaka , Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station
• Ryokan: Imazato Ryokan , Hotel Yu Shu

If you prefer to enjoy a relaxing dip alone or have a more intimate experience with your loved one, consider book one of the Best Osaka Ryokan With Private Onsen !

Toyoko Inn Osaka is probably my favourite hotel in this 3 weeks in Japan itinerary. The room is clean and comes with a bath tub! There are several restaurants nearby and it is located near the subway station. And the breakfast is great too. Can’t recommend this place enough!

What To Eat In Osaka

1. Kushikatsu

Kushikatsu is the local’s favourite skewered deep-fried food . There are different types of kushikatsu options available, such as prawns, mushrooms, or even strawberries!

To get your fair share of kushikatsu in Osaka, head over to Kushikatsu Daruma .

Fugu or Japanese blowfish is one of the top dishes that you need to try in Osaka.

Only prepared by a licensed fugu chef, you can enjoy fugu as sashimi or being deep-fried or grilled. 

Guepin Fugu is the place that you need to visit for a fugu delicacy in this bustling city. 

How To Get To Osaka

To get to Osaka from Himeji , you can take: 

• Duration: 30 minutes
• Japan Rail (JR) pass : Covered only for Hikari, Kodama, and Sakura trains (Not Nozomi)

So here you go—an exciting city-hopping across the country and a fun-filled Japan 3-week itinerary! 

On the next day, you can choose to fly out of the country from Osaka’s international airports or board a shinkansen to Tokyo’s airport instead. 

Budget For 3 weeks in Japan: The Breakdown

There is no doubt that Japan is among the most expensive South Asian countries to travel around. 

Nevertheless, you can still travel to Japan with a minimal or mid-range budget—provided that you have done the price comparison and pre-book the accommodation and train tickets before reaching Japan. 

Here is the estimated average daily budget for low budget, mid-range, and luxury travellers for 21 days in Japan:

Note: All the estimated prices are in USD currency and for 1 person expenditure only. The figures shown do not include flight tickets, souvenirs, and other miscellaneous spending. 

Accommodation

You can find a hostel for as low as US$20 per night in a smaller city or rural town or U S$45 per night in a metropolitan city such as Tokyo. 

If having a good night sleep is what you prefer when travelling, you can easily find a mid-range budget private room for about US$70 to US$90 per night . 

For better hotel amenities with bigger room space, expect to spend at least US$150 per night . 

You can also get a futon bed at the Japanese styled inn or ryokan , for as low as $45 per night to a whopping US$500 per night. Most of the ryokans offer breakfast and dinner to their guests. 

Note: To check on the different types of accommodation that suit your travel budget, you can surf Booking.com . 

Alternatively, you can also opt for shukubo (temple lodgings) where you get to stay at the temple ground and experience the simple life of Buddhist practitioners. 

Typically, a night at shukubo will cost around US$60 to US$100 . 

Transportation

One of the money-saving travel passes you need to get for your Japan 3-week itinerary is the JR pass .

JR pass allows international visitors to travel between cities at a shorter time interval by boarding shinkansen—which means more time to cover the visiting areas!

Note: The pass is also valid on JR buses and JR ferries. 

To put your mind at ease, you can book the pass before flying into the country and get it directly at the JR Rail Office once you land. 

Allocate another US$100 for other modes of transportation such as public buses and subways . 

Japan is a food haven even if you are not a foodie. 

If you plan to indulge in the local cuisine without breaking the bank, you can visit the local food markets and neighbourhood restaurants . 

A serving of takoyaki is typically sold at US$5 whereas a bowl of ramen will cost about US$9 . 

Of course, you can splurge on trying premium food such as Kobe beef or for the great ambience in a fancy restaurant during your 3 weeks Japan visit. 

As such, expect to fork out at least US$200 in exchange for the unique dining experience. 

Activities and Entrance Fees

If you are on a low travel budget exploring Japan, you can visit the free entrance attractions such as temples, museums, and gardens . 

But if you want to delve into the fascinating Japanese culture and history through local guided tours throughout your 3 week in Japan trip, consider allocating at least US$250 .

Best Time To Visit Japan

Japan has 4 seasons, offering distinct and unique travel experiences to visitors. 

Each season has its pros and cons . Depending on your travel budget and individual preference, you can refer to the season guide below before planning a trip to Japan: 

Spring (March to May)

If you plan to admire the beautiful pink blossoms of cherry trees while exploring Japan, you will need to visit the country in the spring season. 

However, Japan’s travel in this season is also the busiest and the most expensive month to be. 

Most of the accommodations will be fully booked and some popular hanami spots will be overcrowded with local and international tourists too. 

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Japan is hot and humid, not to forget it is a rainy season too. 

Typhoons are also prevalent in the summer. 

If you prefer to visit the major attractions with lesser crowds , you can consider travelling to Japan in the summer. 

Autumn (September to November)

Another stunning and peak season to visit Japan is during the autumn —to watch the mesmerising fall foliage with the bright red, orangey maple leaves view spanning across the street or park. 

So get your room and entrance tickets booked (to save yourself time from queuing) in advance before visiting Japan. 

Winter (December to February)

Winter is the least touristy season in Japan due to its low temperature and cold weather. 

Accommodation is also the cheapest in winter and you get to visit the major attraction places without large crowds. 

Remember to have a fantastic onsen session at a local ryokan or public onsen during this chilly season in Japan.

Travel tip: Winter travel is not for everyone, especially if you have low cold tolerance. Make sure to read my helpful Japan Winter Packing List post so you know what items to bring (plus handy tips!) when visiting Japan in winter.

5 Unique Tips You Should Know When Visiting Japan

1. language  .

Japan’s official language is Japanese . Most Japanese people do not speak fluent English. 

To be safe, read on my best apps for travel to Japan article to learn which translation apps to download before visiting Japan.

2. Internet Connectivity 

Getting a local SIM card might come in handy when you need Google Translate or looking for directions to explore outside of the city. 

Alternatively, you can rent a portable wifi device that can be connected to up to 5 mobile phones at the same time—a better option if you are travelling to Japan in a group of people. 

If you are travelling solo, getting an eSim might be more budget friendly. I used this eSim and I had wonderful time exploring Japan alone!

3. Travel Adapter  

The type of sockets you can find in Japan are Type A & B .

So, make sure to bring along a universal adapter before visiting Japan.

If you forget to bring one, you can easily buy a universal adapter at the electronic stores.

4. Crowdedness At Popular Attraction Sites

Brace yourself to explore some of Japan’s famous iconic landmarks with hundreds of tourists flocking to the same place. 

If you would like to skip the crowd , you can plan your visit either in the early morning or late evening. 

And even better, book the entrance tickets online in advance to skip the queue and get a better bargain!

You can book the attraction tickets or tours in Japan from:

5. Toilets In Japan

Toilets in Japan’s major cities are so advanced! You might even find it overwhelming looking for the correct flushing button on the panel.

To prevent you from hyperventilating and freaking out in the washroom, here are some crucial Japanese toilet vocab to get familiar with: 

• 小 : refers to the “small” flush
• 大 : refers to the “big” flush
• 音 : a rhythm or music will be played when this button is pressed (to create a sound distraction so that you can answer the nature’s call freely in the cubicle without feeling embarrassed) 

Travel tip: Check out my detailed first time to Japan article to set yourself up for an enjoyable travel experience!

Additional Resources For Planning Japan Itinerary 3 Weeks

If you would like to know more on how to plan a trip to Japan or study its culture before flying over, below are the recommended books :

• Culture Smart Japan: The Essential Guide to Custom and Culture
• Moon Japan: Plan Your Trip, Avoid The Crowds and Experience The Real Japan
• Lonely Planet Japan Guide

FAQs: 3 Weeks In Japan

Is 3 weeks enough in japan.

Each Japanese cities have its respective highlights, including century-old temples, beautiful castles, tranquil natural splendours, and mouthwatering cuisines—there is always something pleasant for everyone! Therefore, staying for three weeks in Japan is definitely enough to explore and experience the different unique cultures of Japan.

Is 3 weeks in Japan too long?

Not at all. The flight duration to Japan is typically long, so staying in this country for extra days will make your trip more worthwhile. Also, it might be too rush for you to explore all the popular highlights of the major cities within two weeks. Hence, a 3-week stay in Japan is highly recommended .

How long a foreigner can stay in Japan?

A Japan tourist visa is generally valid for up to 90 days, starting from the day you enter the country. Japan also offers other visas that go up to a maximum of five years. Check your passport and apply for the Japan tourist visa accordingly before flying into Japan.

When should I visit Japan?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are typically the better seasons to visit Japan. That’s because you get to admire the stunning scenery of cherry blossom or fall foliage in each respective season. These two seasons are also typically crowded and packed with tourists.

Is Japan an expensive trip?

Averagely, foreign travellers will spend about US$110 (15000 yen) per day in Japan. If you do not have a budget, you can easily spend over that amount. Nevertheless, you can still have a good time exploring Japan even with a lower travel budget.

How much does a 3 week Japan trip cost?

With a minimum budget of US$70 (10 000 yen) for a person/day, you can expect to fork out at least US$1500 (210 000 yen) for a 3 weeks in Japan itinerary. This estimated figure is not inclusive of your incoming and outgoing Japan flight ticket price.

Conclusion: 3 Weeks Itinerary Japan 

Here you go—a comprehensive Japan 3 week itinerary that you can rely on for your upcoming Japan trip. 

Japan is a beautiful country that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. 

By following this three weeks in Japan itinerary, you are bound to have a wonderful time immersing in the unique cultures of Japan.

You will have a blast checking out the beautiful ancient temples and shrines as you advance from one Japanese city to another.

You will treat your palate to a wide range of  mouth-watering Japanese food  and learn a thing or two about the dish history from the friendly guides.

You get to admire the mesmerising sights of natural splendours, mountainous hills, and hot springs where words are simply not enough to describe their beauty.

So now go book your plane ticket and treat yourself to a three-week trip to Japan.

You deserve it. And you will not regret it!

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Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.

With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.

3 Week Japan Itinerary (Best Local Sights And Tips)

By: Author Aisha Preece

Do you need a 3 week Japan itinerary?

Are you intrigued by the bright lights of Tokyo or the serenity of Japanese bamboo forests? Planning a trip to Japan but don’t know where to start?  Fret not, for this 3 week Japan itinerary will guide you!

Traveling to Japan can seem intimidating at first. The culture is incredibly unique, and the country itself is made up of 6852 islands. This means Japan has so much to offer – from big city life, charming ancient villages to breathtaking natural wonders. 

You could easily spend three weeks in Japan, and it might still not be enough!

The right Japan travel itinerary for 3 weeks will allow you to experience a bit of everything. 

WWB Writer Alea has created an epic 3 week Japan itinerary which includes the must-see highlights, while also exploring some off-the-beaten-track places:

Day 1 – 4: Tokyo 

• Day 5 – 6: Lake Kawaguchiko at The Five Fuji Lakes

Day 7 – 9: Nagano, Yudanaka, Matsumoto 

Day 10: kanazawa, day 11 – 13: kyoto, day 14: nara, day 15 – 17: osaka.

• Day 18 – 19: Hiroshima, Miyajima

Day 20 – 21: Fukuoka

DISCLOSURE:

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks

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• The Best Japan Onsen For Couples (21 Romantic Options!)
• A Japanese Homestay – The Ultimate Guide In 2022
• 11 Best Family Onsens in Japan In 2022
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The Best 3 Week Japan Itinerary 

• Experience the bustling Shibuya Crossing and iconic Hachiko Statue
• Visit Yoyogi Park and Meiji-jingu Shrine
• Submerge yourself in Japanese pop culture at Harajuku
• Go to Shinjuku for great views at the Tokyo Metropolitan Observatory
• Experience Tokyo nightlife at Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) and Golden Gai
• Explore Japanese culture at The Imperial Palace
• Watch a once-in-a-lifetime show at The Robot Restaurant
• Eat your heart out at Tsukiji Outer Market
• Visit Asakusa for Tokyo Skytree and the historic Sensoji Temple
• Go to Odaiba for a fun immersive experience at TeamLab Borderless
• Go to Akihabara for the latest in electronics and Japanese anime
• Watch a Sumo match
• Go Park Hyatt’s New York Bar for a movie star experience

Tokyo is the natural place to start a Japan three week itinerary as most international flights will arrive at either Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport.

Shibuya is home to the city’s iconic Shibuya Crossing , as well as a myriad of attractions, food, drinks, and shopping. 

This makes Shibuya a great place to stay during your trip to Tokyo. 

Visit the Hachiko Statue at the exit of Shibuya Station that’s dedicated to the famously loyal dog , and of course, don’t forget to take a photo in the middle of the bustling Shibuya Crossing!

A short walk away from Shibuya is Yoyogi Park , a huge green lung that offers a nice respite from the crowds. If you happen to be there on a Sunday, watch out for the rockabilly dance crew who dance to 1950s rock and roll while dressed up like Elvis. 

On the edge of the park is the Meiji-jingu Shrine , a grand shrine that was built in 1920 as a memorial to the country’s first modern-day rulers. 

Harajuku is another quintessentially Tokyo area that you shouldn’t miss. 

A stroll along Harajuku’s main street Takeshita Street will open your eyes to the latest Japanese pop culture and teenage fashion trends. 

While you’re there, line up at one of the many crepe stores for some famous Harajuku crepes, or visit a cat cafe ! 

Head to Shinjuku for towering skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife, and bright neon lights. 

Visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory for a free birdseye view of the city. Then spend your evening exploring Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho) and Golden Gai, atmospheric little alleyways crammed with tiny yakitori restaurants and bars. 

Other attractions to visit in Tokyo:

• The Imperial Palace is located on beautiful large grounds. Guided tours are free, but pre-registration is required . 
• The Robot Restaurant is a flashy, over-the-top live show with laser lights, loud music, and dancing robots. It may be touristy, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime, only-in-Japan experience. Pre-booking tickets online tend to be cheaper than buying at the door. 
• Go to Tsukiji Outer Market on an empty stomach and feast on the freshest sashimi you’ll ever eat. 
• Spend an afternoon in the Asakusa area – Tokyo Skytree provides spectacular views 365 days a year (tickets start at ¥1100 or about USD 10 for adults ); the Sensoji temple is a beautiful ancient Buddhist temple that will take you back to a time bygone.
• Visit TeamLab Borderless , an interactive visual art exhibition that will blow your mind (and your Instagram feed). Tickets have to be pre-booked online . While you’re in Odaiba, take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel or stroll along the Rainbow Bridge. 
• Head to the electronic district of Akihabara if you’re a video game or manga fan! This area is also known for its maid cafes , where you get served by waitresses dressed as (yup, you guessed it) maids. 
• Watch a sumo match live. If your trip doesn’t coincide with tournament dates, you can still take a guided tou r to catch the morning sumo practice sessions.
• If you’re feeling fancy, channel your inner Scarlett Johansson at the Park Hyatt’s New York Bar , where the Oscar-winning Lost in Translation was filmed . It’s located on the 52nd floor, providing magnificent views and live jazz music. 

Day 5 – 6: Lake Kawaguchiko at The Fuji Five Lakes

• Watch the sunrise over Mt. Fuji
• Take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Railway for panoramic views
• Climb up to Chureito Pagoda
• Stay in a Ryokan with hot spring baths

No trip to Japan will be complete without visiting the iconic Mt. Fuji . This will be the next stop on our Japan 3 week itinerary. 

Most people visit Mt. Fuji via a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone. 

However, Mt. Fuji is famously shy, so a quick day trip may not guarantee a sighting. The Fuji Five Lakes region is right at the base of Mt. Fuji, promising closer and clearer views. 

Spending a night there also means you’ll get to enjoy the stunning area without rushing. The best views of Mt. Fuji tend to be right after dawn or in the early morning. 

Lake Kawaguchiko is the most accessible of the five lakes, with direct buses and trains available from Tokyo. Once you’ve reached Lake Kawaguchiko, you can take the Red Line Sightseeing Bus ( 1500 Yen or about USD 14 for a 2 day unlimited pass) to explore:

• A must-do in the area is the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway . 

The cable car ascends to an observation deck near the peak of Mt. Tenjo more than 1000m above sea level, promising panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. You can choose to hike back down, which should take about 40 minutes. 

• The Chureito Pagoda is a beautiful five-story shrine and peace memorial located on a mountainside. Getting to the top requires a steep climb of almost 400 steps , but it’s well worth it as it has one of the best views of Mt. Fuji! 
• If you want to make the most of your overnight stay at Lake Kawaguchiko, you could consider staying at a ryokan . These are traditional Japanese inns where you’ll get to experience true Japanese culture. 

As Lake Kawaguchiko is an area with natural hot springs, many ryokans in the area come with private onsens , or natural hot spring baths. Imagine taking a dip in a hot bath with open-air views of the mountainside and lakes!

Perfect addition to your 3 week Japan itinerary!

• Watch a traditional ceremony at Zenkoji Temple
• Play with snow monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
• Literally submerge yourself in Japanese hot bath culture at Shibu Onsen Village
• Experience history at Matsumoto Castle

From Lake Kawaguchiko, you will head back towards Tokyo where you’ll hop onto the Hokuriku Shinkansen train for Nagano. 

Nagano is a laid-back small city that is also known as the entrance point to the Japanese Alps. 

Nagano is less touristy than the previous stops on our 3 week Japan itinerary, so this is a fantastic way to experience a more intimate side of Japan. 

There are still plenty of interesting attractions in the surrounding area, making Nagano the perfect base for day trips:

• In the city itself is Zenkoji Temple , a famous pilgrimage site that is one of Japan’s most important temples. It is known for its hidden Buddha statue from the 7th century, a replica of which is only shown to the public once every six years. If you’re an early bird, you can witness the monks conducting an ancient morning prayer ceremony at sunrise every morning.  
• The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park in Yudanaka is about a one-hour bus ride away from Nagano city. I don’t know if you’ve ever felt the need to watch snow monkeys bathe in hot springs, but…. Why wouldn’t you? 
• There are also public bathhouses (for humans) nearby in Shibu Onsen village if you get inspired by the monkeys and want to experience a hot spring bath yourself. Japanese onsen water has high mineral content that is said to be beneficial for your skin and overall health . 
• Matsumoto Castle is another must-see in the region. It is about an hour away from Nagano city via direct train, making it an easy day trip. Matsumoto Castle is Japan’s oldest castle as it still retains its original wooden structure. You can easily transport yourself back to the days of the samurai and ninja. 

• Relax in the beautiful Kenroku-en Garden
• Visit Kanazawa Castle
• Pretend you’re a ninja at Myoryuji Temple
• Take a step back into the past at Nagamachi Samurai District  
• Explore Higashi Chaya and visit a  tea house
• Stop by at Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum
• Take a food tour and visit Omicho Fish Market

From Nagano, jump back onto the shinkansen train for the next stop on our three week Japan itinerary – the charming and historic Kanazawa .

Kanazawa was not affected by the bombings during WW2, so it is one of the best-preserved old cities in Japan. It is known for its arts and crafts, samurai heritage, and world-famous cuisine:

• Visit Kenroku-en Garden . Designed by the reigning samurai family over hundreds of years, it is often recognized as one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens. It is especially popular during the cherry blossom season in spring or when the leaves change in autumn. 
• Across from the gardens is Kanazawa Castle , home to the Maeda family that ruled the area. It has been restored in recent years and is free to visit.
• If you’re fascinated by ninjas, you must pay a visit to Myoryuji Temple , also known as the Ninja Temple. It has hidden tunnels, secret rooms, traps, and a labyrinth of corridors – perfect for making your 10-year-old Ninja Kid dreams come true. Pre-bookings are required. 
• Understand samurai culture at Nagamachi Samurai District . The area has been preserved to look like how it did during the Edo era, with cobbled alleyways and earth-tiled houses. Visit the Nomura Clan Samurai House , which was the actual home of a wealthy samurai family.  
• Take a walk through the old Geisha district of Higashi Chaya . Two tea houses are still operating, Ochaya Shima and Kaikaro , allowing you a glimpse into how geishas lived and worked. 
• Kanazawa has been known for its production of gold leaves since the 16th century. Artisans continue practicing the ancient craft to this day, and you’ll be able to see gold leaf shops throughout the city. Visit the Kanazawa Yasue Gold Leaf Museum to understand the history, process, and symbolism behind this art. 
• As a coastal town, Kanazawa is known for its incredibly fresh seafood, so don’t forget to indulge in some snow crab and fresh sushi! You may also opt to take a guided food tour that includes visiting the local Omicho Fish Market. 

• Hike up the iconic orange gates of  Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Visit Arashiyama for the surreal Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge
• Be amazed at the beautiful Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavillion  
• Take a step back in time while exploring Higashiyama and Gion
• Stroll along the The Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji
• Experience a traditional tea ceremony

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capital and a must on any 3 weeks Japan itinerary. The Limited Express JR Thunderbird train will take you directly from Kanazawa to Kyoto along a scenic coastal route.

In many ways, Kyoto perfectly represents a blend of old and modern Japan. It may be a bit touristy, but Kyoto’s heritage and natural beauty mean it’s worth taking a few days to truly experience the city’s charms:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine is home to the iconic orange torii gates of Kyoto. It is a magical experience to wander through the seemingly endless path of more than 5000 gates. The 4km hike up to the summit takes 2-3 hours but is completely worth the view!
• Arashiyama is an area slightly on the outskirts of Kyoto and known for its beautiful Bamboo Grove . Be sure to go early as it can get pretty crowded (you want to be able to take some nice photos without a horde of tourists in the background!). Then take a stroll along the district’s charming streets until you reach the picturesque riverside and the famed Togetsukyo Bridge . 
• Kinkaku-ji is Kyoto’s famous Golden Pavilion, and can be visited in the afternoon after Arashiyama. The entire top floors of the temple are covered in gold leaves, and its sprawling grounds make for a stunning view. 
• Higashiyama and Gion are historic neighborhoods right in the heart of Kyoto. Wander along the narrow lanes and explore the wooden shops and many temples. Alternatively, you could sign up for a free walking tour to better understand the historical context of the area. 
• The Philosopher’s Path is a beautiful 2km stone path alongside a canal, named after a famous Japanese philosopher who would walk this path on his way to university. It starts near the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji . The Philosopher’s Path is particularly popular in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, but it also makes a pleasant afternoon stroll any time of the year. 
• While we might think of tea as just another cuppa to get us through the afternoon, tea ceremonies are a whole sophisticated ritual in Japan. And Kyoto is at the heart of Japanese tea ceremony culture. There are several tea houses in Kyoto trying to preserve this culture, and it is worth attending one to experience this magical ritual firsthand. 

• Feed the deer at Nara Park
• See the giant Buddha statue at Todai-ji Temple
• Explore traditional Buddhist art at Kofukuji Temple

Nara is a relaxed little old town that was Japan’s first permanent capital. It’s very easy to get to via train, so many people opt to visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. However, you can also choose to spend the night there as another stop along your 3 weeks in Japan itinerary:

• Nara Park is famous for having more than 1000 free-roaming deers. The deers used to be considered sacred, and today they have been classified as national treasures. You can buy crackers to feed the deers, and they’re known to bow back at visitors who bow to them!
• Todai-ji Temple is famous for its giant 15m high Buddha statue, said to be the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. 
• Kofukuji Temple and its adjacent Kofukuji National Treasure Hall are historical monuments filled with ancient Buddhist art. 

• Experience the bright neon lights and buzz of Dotonbori
• Eat all the Osaka street food your stomach can fit
• Visit Shinsekai to be transported to a retro era
• Explore Osaka Castle
• Let your inner child out at Universal Studios Japan and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

After experiencing the more traditional parts of Japan, we’re heading to the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Osaka !

 Osaka is often dismissed as being Tokyo’s brasher, louder little sister, but it has its own character that shouldn’t be missed on a three weeks in Japan itinerary. 

Osaka is well known for its street food, shopping, and vibrant nightlife:

• Dotonbori is Osaka’s main shopping and food arcade that is also famous for its vibrant neon billboards. Visit at night and don’t miss out on the iconic Glico Running Man and moving gigantic crab signs (you’ll know it when you see it). Then get some takoyaki balls from a street vendor to snack on while you absorb the sights and sounds around you. 
• Osaka is known for its down-to-earth and affordable but delicious cuisine, so don’t miss out on trying kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of seafood or meat) and okonomiyaki (grilled savory pancakes filled with cabbage and meat). Visit Kuromon Market for freshly grilled seafood and other food prepared on the spot for you – it’s not known as “Osaka’s Kitchen” for nothing!
• Shinsekai is a quirky little neighborhood known as the “Retro District”. It was modeled after Paris and New York’s Coney Island in the Post-war era, and its colorful retro shop fronts give off a sense of old Osaka. 
• Osaka Castle is a symbol of the city and is considered one of the great castles of Japan. It is set in sprawling grounds, so one option is to take a bike tour to explore the whole area.
• Less than 30 minutes away from Osaka is Universal Studios Japan , one of the country’s best theme parks. It’s well known for being home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , so if you’re a Potterhead this is a must-do! 

Day 18 – 19: Hiroshima and Miyajima

• Pay homage to the memories of the past at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
• Visit Miyajima for the iconic Itsukushima Shrine
• Take the Miyajima Ropeway for stunning views

Less than 2 hours away from Osaka via the shinkansen is Hiroshima . You may recognize the name from the horrific atomic bombing that happened during WW2, but Hiroshima has now rebuilt itself into a thriving city:

• The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is a huge tranquil park dedicated to the memory of those who perished in the war. At the center of the park is the Atomic Bomb Dome, which is the remains of a building that survived the bombing. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is located within the park to document the atrocities and aftermath of the bombing.
• Miyajima is a small island that’s a quick ferry ride away from Hiroshima that makes for a great day trip. It is famous for the Itsukushima Shrine that has an iconic floating gate out on the sea. You can also take the Miyajima Ropeway up to Mount Misen for stunning sea views. There are also multiple hiking and walking trails that cut across the island affording beautiful sights.

• Enjoy the beach at Momochi Seaside Park
• Explore Fukuoka’s gastronomical delights
• See the beautiful wisterias at Kawachi Fuji Garden
• Experience serenity at Nanzoin Temple

What better way to end a 3 weeks itinerary in Japan than at the Ramen Capital of the world? On the southern side of Japan, Fukuoka is a vibrant city that also boasts beautiful coastlines, parks, shopping, and world-famous cuisine, making it the perfect place to wrap up a Japanese holiday:

• Momochi Seaside Park is a 1km stretch of beach in the city that makes for a fun and relaxing afternoon. It’s popular for swimming, beach volleyball or just enjoying a nice meal on the patio of a seaside restaurant. 
• Fukuoka is a gastronomist’s dream come true. Being closer to central Asia, its cuisine has infused elements of Chinese and Korean flavors. Go on a ramen crawl, try out a Fukuoka-style hot pot, or have some grilled yakitori (meat skewers) at a roadside yatai stall. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with options, sign up for a personalized food tour with a local guide. 
• If you happen to be in Fukuoka during spring or autumn, the Kawachi Fuji Garden is a must-do. This private garden is famous for its spectacular number of wisteria plants, especially a collection of large wisteria trees that come together to form a drooping roof of flowers.
• Nanzoin Temple is home to one of the world’s largest reclining Buddha statues – at 41m long, it’s about the same size as the Statue of Liberty. Nestled amidst the mountains, the temple is a serene spot for contemplation,

How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost for 3 Weeks?

Japan can be expensive to visit, but the cost for a 3 week Japan trip can vary wildly depending on your budget and preferences. 

Accommodation and transport will take up most of your budget.  

We will discuss this in more detail below, but broadly speaking a bed in a hostel dorm will start at about USD 18 . 

Other factors to consider include food and attraction ticket costs. Flights and travel insurance are not included in this calculation.

• In general, for budget travelers – you should set aside at least USD 90-100 per day minimum for your trip to Japan. This would mean about USD 1890-2000 for a three week trip. 
• For mid-range travelers (a more comfortable private room or a whole Airbnb apartment; eating at some sit-down restaurants) you would be looking at about USD 175-200 per day, so USD 3675-4200 for your entire 3 week Japan itinerary. 
• The sky’s the limit if you’re looking to splurge – there are some reallyyyyy fancy luxury hotels and Michelin-star gourmet restaurants in Japan. But if you’re planning on staying in a hotel, you’ll be looking at upward of USD 350 per day, or USD 7350 for a three week trip. 

Please note that these budgets are just estimates. 

The cost might also be lower if you’re traveling as a couple or in a group, as accommodation costs may be split. 

Best Time to Visit 

Contrary to popular belief, I think Japan is worth a visit any time of the year, as each season has its pros and cons. 

• Springtime, particularly March-April, is undoubtedly the most popular time of the year to visit Japan. The cherry blossoms are out in full bloom, and the weather is lovely. 

However, this also means that prices are hiked up, and you may find many attractions crowded with tourists.

• I personally really enjoy Japan in Autumn. 

The weather is still mild for traveling, and the color of changing leaves more than makes up for the lack of blooms. It’s also less packed and cheaper than spring.

• Summers in Japan can be really hot and humid, which might make it uncomfortable (and sweaty) to travel. Late summer is also the peak typhoon season.
•  However, summer in Japan is also known for outdoor festivals – many towns have their own fireworks festivals with outdoor food and beer gardens. Summer is also the best time to go if you enjoy hiking. 
• Winter is the cheapest and quietest time of the year to visit Japan . Japan is well known for winter sports, so a Japan winter itinerary might include skiing on the northern island of Hokkaido or even smaller ski resorts closer to Tokyo. 

Also, what better way to beat the winter chill than slurping on a hot bowl of ramen and green tea?

Where to Stay In Japan

There is a wide range of accommodation available in Japan. 

Prices will vary based on location and amenities. I would recommend staying closer to central locations – it may be slightly more expensive but it’ll save you travel time and cost:

• Budget travelers can opt to stay in hostel dorms – a bed in a standard dorm in Tokyo will cost about USD 20 . 
• Mid-range travelers can opt for a private room or Airbnb apartmen t that might cost between USD 80-150
• Luxury hotels will set you back upward of USD 180 (but can go into the four figures as well)

However, if you want to experience something unique to Japan, here are a few other accommodation choices to consider:

• Ryokans are a truly traditional Japanese experience, complete with tatami mats, futons as mattresses, and yukata robes to wear. Most ryokan stays also include a full Japanese-style breakfast, and many have private onsens. 
• Capsule hotels are little pods that are just big enough for you to sleep in. They are a cheap and basic alternative, especially if you plan to be out and about the whole day. 
• Japan is home to the first robot hotel chain in the world . Yes, you read that right – this is a hotel where the receptionist, concierge, and other staff are all robots! The Hen na hotel chain has several locations all around the country. 

What to Eat In Japan

Japan is truly a food haven, with Japanese culture emphasizing fresh, high-quality produce.

It is possible to eat well in Japan on any budget:

• Japanese konbinis or convenience stores are unlike anywhere else in the world . With 50,000 convenience stores across the country, they are ubiquitous on every street and are usually open 24 hours a day (the biggest ones are 7-11, Family Mart, and Lawson’s). 

Convenience stores in Japan offer tasty and cheap food, like fried chicken, bento boxes, sandwiches, and rice balls. There’s also a dizzying array of drinks and desserts. It’s a great way to try a wide variety of Japanese food at an affordable price point. 

• For most people, our first exposure to Japanese food is from sushi. Sushi in Japan is widely available – from conveyor belt restaurants (known as kaitenzushi ) to fancy omakase restaurants where sushi is made in front of diners. Seafood and sushi in Japan are incredibly fresh no matter the budget.
• Izakayas are small Japanese bars that offer sharing plates of food and drinks. They are very popular among locals after work (think of it as the Japanese equivalent of a British pub). It’s a great way to immerse yourself in a bit of local culture.
• Japan is also well known for its beef, particularly wagyu beef.
• You can try Japanese beef in multiple ways, such as yakiniku (grilled beef slices), teppanyaki (grilled on a hot iron plate) , gyudon (beef rice bowls), in a sukiyaki (hotpot), or gyukatsu (deep-fried beef cutlets). Your 3 week Japan itinerary is not completw without trying it (unless you don’t eat meat of course!)
• There are plenty of small local restaurants in Japan, many of them seating just 10-15 people along a counter. These restaurants tend to specialize in a particular food, e.g. ramen, udon, tempura, or curry rice. Don’t be afraid to walk into a random restaurant and just try something new!

How to Get Around Japan

To make the best of this 3 week Japan itinerary, I would highly recommend getting a Japan Rail Pass. JR Passes can be used on any JR Line train in Japan and are only available for foreign tourists, and can be bought for 7, 14, or 21 days.

A 21-day JR Pass for adults costs about USD 570.

  While this might seem expensive, it is significantly cheaper than how much single-trip train rides between cities would cost otherwise. 

This is particularly important for multi-city itineraries, but the JR Pass would also cover certain train lines within cities like Tokyo. 

You must book your JR Pass online before arriving, and pick it up when you’re there. You can book it online here . 

Unique Tips You Should Know When Visiting Japan

• Many people get overwhelmed by the idea of visiting a country that speaks a foreign language. Don’t be! Apps like Google Translate or TripLingo make it easy to read signs, menus, and instructions.
• You should pre-order PocketWifi or a Japanese sim card before your trip, and arrange to pick it up at the airport upon arrival. This would ensure you have internet access as quickly as possible.
• Japanese culture frowns upon eating while walking. You’ll notice people standing outside convenience stores or food stalls, finishing their food before they leave.
• You might realize that there aren’t many rubbish bins around, yet the streets are incredibly clean. This is because Japan places a lot of emphasis on hygiene, and most people will keep their trash with them until they reach home. Be sure not to litter!
• The Japanese are an incredibly polite society, so do be mindful. Bow back when you’re bowed to, and greet everyone you meet. It’s also considered rude to talk on the phone or listen to music out loud on trains. 

Japan is an amazing country with so much to offer, and this 3 week Japan itinerary might just be the start!

Anna Sherchand

Solo Female Travel Blog

Japan 3 week itinerary for first-timers

If you’re looking for traveling to Japan, here is the Japan 3 week itinerary that will have you dreaming about it and packing your bags straight away. I went to Japan back in 2014 and it was my second international travel in life EVER! And it seems like many moons ago, but the information here is all fresh and updated every year. So you can use this itinerary for your future Japan travels.

I will also be sharing the names of the best Japanese food to try. so keep your eyes peeled! But first,

• Japan 3 week itinerary

What are the travel tips for Japan?

Buy a rail pass, book accommodations in advance, check the essential visa, download these apps now, buy insurance if you can afford, when is the best time to visit japan, japan three week itinerary, 1st week in osaka, 2nd week exploring tokyo and hakone.

• Let me know in the comments:

The most important thing that I recommend you do before you fly to Japan is to buy a Japan rail pass (JR Full Rail System Pass 7, 14 or 21 Days) or West Japan: 7-Day Railway Area Pass. If you didn’t buy beforehand at least consider buying it within the first couple of days of your arrival because this is the easiest way of getting from place A to B unless you have a car and you’re driving in Japan or catching flights everywhere.

I recommend booking accommodation in advance just to be sure of it. Check hotel prices and book it through trusted  Agoda , or  Booking.com

Check if you require the visa requirements before you go because every country has different rules and regulations that we have to follow. As an Australian passport holder, I don’t need a visa to go to Japan because basically it was on arrival visa stamp on the passport but you may need a visa depending on your passport. In a nutshell, if you are one of 68 countries with a visa exemption arrangement with Japan you can skip this process and buy your flights right away as I did.

Something that I always recommend in travel itineraries is also downloading the must-have apps before you depart your country. Such as

a. Google Maps you can also pre-downloaded, either the entire map of Japan or the places that you prefer to visit and you can actually follow that map offline as well as long as you download it beforehand.

b. Google Translate the app helps with your communication in Japan because not everybody speaks English there.

c. Hyperdia is the third app I would recommend, basically this helps to check your train schedules in Japan.

d. Navitime this app is for great to check on subway and train schedules for Tokyo and Kyoto. Even the locals use it so it’s great.

I don’t advise anything on insurance because for many years I myself traveled without any insurance but yeah if you got the money get the insurance probably will save you a lot of money if something was to go wrong.

There are four different and distinct seasons in Japan.

Spring: March till May

If you are into the cherry blossom festivals consider visiting Japan mid-March to mid-April because that is when you can get the best Instagram shots with the cherry blossom season in Japan. Although it could be crowded and accommodation would be expensive it will be worth it because that is the perfect time and weather for the cherry blossoms in Japan.

Summer: June to August

If you are not into hot weather then you shouldn’t go to Japan between June and August because that is the time when it is unbearably hot there and is the typhoon season also. So you do not necessarily want to be in Japan at this time.

Fall: September to November

If you are into autumn weather, fall time is a beautiful time to visit Japan. It is when the leaves change color and the countryside is covered in yellow-orange and red. Although it could be a little bit chilly it is mild and more enjoyable.

Winter: December to February

If you are into snowboarding, skiing, and all the other winter sports then you should visit Japan in wintertime. It is also a low season there, so the accommodation will be slightly cheaper and tourist sites will be less crowded.

Now that we got the essential visa, flights, accommodation, and travel hack out the way. Let’s focus on making this trip one to remember a lifetime!

I believe any Japan trip would be incomplete without Osaka. It is laid back city with more culture that offers tasty foods! I highly recommend going to Dotonbori which is the most famous food district in Osaka and eat the Japanese takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Other highlights in Osaka include Osaka castle UNESCO World Heritage site, Kaiyukan Aquarium, Umeda Sky Building, National Bunraku Theater, Universal Studios Japan, Universal City Walk, and Minami (Namba). Osaka Castle Park, Kemasakuranomiya Park, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Nakanoshima Park and Nagai Park is a great option for some outdoor activities.

Another half of the week, if you feel like getting out of the hustle and bustle of the city, I recommend taking day trips to Mt. Gozaisho Ropeway, Nabana no Sato for Illumination and Begonia Garden, head to Kyoto by bus, or visit deer park in Nara, and try authentic wagyu beef in Kobe! (I did all 3 and loved everything about it) Although I will be recommending a few more days in Kyoto (more on that below) You can learn about traditional Japanese life and culture in these beautiful places even on a one day trip.

This 3 week Japan itinerary also includes must-see Tokyo, the capital city of the Japanese nation. Because of the difference in time zones, if you find yourself wide awake in the wee hours of the morning- Get up and head for Tsukiji Fish Market which typically opens 5-6 am!

After a breakfast of fresh sushi, head to Hama Rikyu, one of Tokyo’s oldest Japanese gardens (opens at 9 am), from which you can board a ferry for a cruise up the Sumida River to Asakusa, where you can visit Sensoji Temple and shop for souvenirs along Nakamise Dori. Afterward, see the Tokyo National Museum, the world’s finest repository of Japanese art and crafts. Then in the evening, head to Ginza for a stroll through a department store, and then try to attend a kabuki play.

Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum for a colorful portrayal of the city’s tumultuous history, followed by a stroll through Akihabara, with store after store offering the latest computers, cellphones, cameras, and more. Next, go to Harajuku to see Meiji Shrine (it is Tokyo’s most popular shrine, and if this is your first time in Japan, you’ll see the Torii gate here), followed by shopping at Oriental Bazaar, great for Japanese souvenirs. End the day with Shibuya crossing and eye-popping views from the 45th-floor observatory in Shinjuku’s Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office, followed by a stroll through Japan’s most notorious and craziest nightlife district, Kabuki-Cho. Also, don’t miss the Hachiko statue at the Hachiko Exit outside Shibuya train station. (great story of dog and human there for you!)

I found Tokyo to be really crowded but also really inspiring! I mean they are super-advanced in technology. Just take at their toilet bowl for instance! I could choose the type of music I want to listen to, the pressure of water, volume of the songs all while minding my own business! That is taking tech to the next level! Then there are restaurants where robots will serve you and interesting dogs, cats cafes too.

Then you go a few hours outside Tokyo and you could see the traditional Japanese life with no luxury at all. That brings us to, Hakone.

The other part of the week, I recommend taking an early train to Hakone Yumoto. The gateway to the wonderful Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (if possible, leave your luggage at Odawara or Hakone Yumoto Station and travel overnight only with a small bag). Here you can travel through some of Japan’s most scenic countryside via a circuitous route that includes a three-car streetcar, a cable car, ropeway, and a boat, while seeing such sights as the wonderful Hakone Open-Air Museum and, if you’re lucky, the elusive Mount Fuji. Be sure to schedule some time for a dip in a hot-spring bath, and spend the night in the Fujiya Hotel, one of my favorites in all of Japan, or in a Japanese inn.

Last week: visiting Kyoto

I suggest completing your Japan 3 week itinerary through Hakone, returning to pick up your luggage, and then transferring in Odawara for the 3-hour Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. Bus to Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace (on Sat. Sun. & national holidays, visit Higashi Honganji Temple instead).

From the Kyoto Handicraft Centre return to Kyoto Station and then board a local bus Kiyomizu Dera Temple. From the stop walk up this attractive winding road lined with colorful souvenir and craft shops. Kiyomizu Dera is famous for its giant wooden Butai (stage) overlooking panoramic views of Kyoto and its main hall purely constructed of wood and supported by huge columns and beams without the use of a single nail, screw or bolt.

In the evening board a subway from Kyoto Station to Shijo Station and walk towards Gion which is Kyoto’s famous geisha district, one place in Japan where you may see Maiko or Geisha walking between appointments. As darkness falls watch the traditional lanterns gradually come to life as you wander down tiny alleys housing a variety of restaurants offering tempting cuisine. End the day with a stroll through Kyoto’s central shopping area, topped with a stroll through the Pontocho nightlife area.

Three weeks in Japan would not be fun without some self-guided tour. I suggest starting the day with a self-guided walk through eastern Kyoto, seeing Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 wooden statues, Kiyomizu Temple, and Heian Shrine with its garden, followed by shopping at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.

Kyoto’s other main attractions include, Fushimi Inari Shrine, bamboo forest, Nijo Castle, former home of the shogun; Kyoto Imperial Palace; Ryoanji Temple with its famous Zen rock garden; and the Golden Pavilion. In the evening, head for Gion, Japan’s most famous geisha quarters, followed by an evening performance at Gion Corner with its cultural demonstrations.

Japan is well known for its polite language, delicious food, amazing history, Mt Fuji, unrivaled technology, and Samurais. But nowadays it is also becoming famous for many other things. such as Anime, Sumo, Cherry Blossoms, and Sushi which brings to the food section!

Here are some of the Japanese food that I highly recommend you try during your time in Japan.

All types of Sushi, Donburi, Octopus balls (i know it sounds weird lol) Raman noodles, Udon noodles (both cold and hot), soba noodles, wagyu beef, fish, okonomiyaki, yudofu, Unagi (eel), Kaiseki meal, Tempura (all kinds), Tamagoyaki, Onigiri, Yakitori, Ochazuke, tonkatsu and sake of course!

I hope you read all the way to the end of this Japan 3 week itinerary and it gave you an insight into what the japan travels look like!

Let me know in the comments :

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14 thoughts on “ japan 3 week itinerary for first-timers ”.

I’m now dying to visit Japan! Thank you for the tips

WOW…these photos make me want to visit Japan. This is a fantastic itinerary. Thanks for sharing!

I have always wanted to visit Japan. I love the countryside and the cities, and I’ve always been fascinated by Japanese culture.

If I ever get the chance to visit Japan I think I’ll use this exact itinerary. Japan has been on my bucket list for years, now.

Such an awesome trip because there is so much variety! I have never seen such tall bamboo!

Here then is the perfect itinerary for me that if I go to Japan I don’t know where to start xD

Thanks so much for all the great tips. Japan looks like an amazing place which is gorgeous in all seasons!

Nnniiiccceeeee….thank you for sharing the list of apps. They will definitely come in handy!

Japan has always been one of my favorite countries. I have been in Tokyo four times and Yokohama 1 time. Hope to visit Osaka, Nara and Hiroshima soon.

that looks amazing. i would love to visit japan someday

My significant other and I have always dreamed of going to Japan. It would be so beautiful!

i want to visit Japan. My aunt and uncle met when he was stationed in Japan with the U.S. Navy. You mention apps for your phones. Does that mean there’s good wifi options?

Well now you got me wanting to visit Japan. It’s a Destination that always interested me but now even more.

Awesome!!!! I so want to visit Japan. My friend lived there for 3 years teaching English. Yours tips will come in handy. Cheers

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Destinations

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Plan Your Trip

Spend three weeks in japan.

This is true for both newbie Japan travelers, and for seasoned veterans. My first trip to Japan saw me enjoy an enticing overview of the country for 21 days; my latest three-week adventure, less than a year ago, afforded me a comprehensive cross section of Japan’s amazing autumn .

Over the next several paragraphs—I’ve recently re-published this page, and cut it down to make it more digestible—you’ll learn everything you need to plan your own 3 week Japan adventure. So without further ado, let’s get down to the details, shall we?

Practical Matters

When to visit japan.

Conventional wisdom would dictate that Japan is best during its most colorful periods: The aforementioned autumn, which peaks between mid-November and early December, and cherry blossom season , which takes place during the last week of March and the first week of April in most of the country.

While I love visiting Japan during these times, they’re certainly not your only option. For example, even if you’re not a skier, Japan’s winter is a fabulous time to go , particularly in snowy northern regions like Tohoku and the island of Hokkaido. Likewise, the Japanese summer is a great time to visit, particularly if you can choose a destination (the Japanese Alps, for instance) that avoids its trademark heat and humidity.

All in all, Japan is a 365-day destination. It’s all about planning a trip that plays to the strengths of whenever you happen to be going.

Where to stay in Japan

Choosing awesome places to stay is key if you want to make sure that 3 weeks Japan doesn’t knock the wind out of you. This doesn’t mean you have to splurge on five-star accommodations, but it does mean you should choose clean, comfortable and centrally-located places (I call this my “three Cs” of travel accommodation) that are also authentic and have character, whenever possible. Another tip? Rather than hopping to a new place every night, try to spend a minimum of two days in each city or town so you can start to settle into your trip.

• In Tokyo , I love staying in the convenient, chic Tokyo Station Hotel or the stylish Hotel the Celestine Ginza if money is no object. If it is, business hotels like Asakusa’s The Kanzashi and Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (aka the Godzilla Hotel 🦖) will get the job done.
• Kyoto is famous for ryokan , but you don’t have to sleep on a traditional futon to have an unforgettable stay. To be sure, as much as I love properties such as Seikoro Ryokan and Izuyasu , so too do I love modern hotels like Dhawa Yura Kyoto and Rinn Gion Shirakawa , which incorporate ancient elements into state-of-the-art stays.
• Headed to Hiroshima ? I like to go utilitarian, be that at the four-star Hotel Granvia or the simpler Sotetsu Fresa Inn .
• Tokyu Stay , which operates properties throughout Japan, is one of my favorite mid-range Japanese hotel brand. Whether you stay at their properties in Tokyo , Kyoto, Fukuoka , Takayama or Sapporo , you’ll enjoy conveniences like in-room laundry at an unbelievable price.
• While Airbnb in Japan tends to leave something to be desired, you can still enjoy apartment-style accommodation throughout the country. I love the Mimaru brand, which features suites for couples and families in Tokyo , Kyoto and beyond.
• My favorite onsen-ryokan in Japan is, without a doubt, Gunma prefecture’s Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku .

Money, costs and communication

If you’re reading this in 2023, when I last updated it, chances are that your 3 weeks in Japan cost will be much less than you expect. At the moment, the Japanese yen is the weakest it’s been in decades, at around 140 to the US dollar. Even excepting this, most travel expenditures in Japan are surprisingly affordable. You can get a serviceable hotel room in many cities for under 200 USD per night; all but the fanciest meals can be had for $20-30 per person, or even less. While Japan has traditionally been a cash-centric country, this is rapidly changing, whether you use a credit card or ApplePay (particularly when pairing this with PASMO or Suica, the country’s two main rapid transit cards).

The good news? eSIM technology has now made its way to Japan. The better news? If you buy your Japan eSIM online today , you can be connected the moment you land in Tokyo!

Communication-wise, Japan has become a more English-friendly country over the years, but having some basic Japanese travel phrases at your disposal is still a good idea. This is in a literal sense. Figuratively, it’s easier than ever to stay connected in Japan, whether due to a plentiful Wifi availability, or keeping in mind that it’s easier than ever to buy a Japanese SIM card .

How to get around in Japan

Japan has one of the world’s most modern railway networks, connected not only by state-of-the-art Shinkansen bullet trains, but by a variety of efficient limited express and functional local trains, as well as subway, tram and bus networks within cities, many of which are actually walkable. Beyond this, it’s easy and affordable to fly domestically in Japan, or to get around using ferries or even renting a car when necessary.

Where to Go With 3 Weeks in Japan

Greater tokyo.

I usually recommend my clients to kick off three weeks in Japan with 2-3 nights in Tokyo , keeping in mind that you’ll likely need to return there for at least a night at the end of your trip. This includes at least two full days in central Tokyo, exploring districts like historical Asakusa , glitzy Ginza , quirky Akihabara , exhilarating Shinjuku and larger-than-life Shibuya .

Tokyo is also a fantastic base for taking day trips in the larger Kanto region. Some of my favorites include the ancient city of Nikko , centered around the forested Tosho-gu shrine, and coastal Kamakura , which was once Japan’s capital. You can also make a day trip to the Fuji Five Lakes region at the base of Mt. Fuji , even if spending a night or two there is more ideal.

Kyoto, Osaka and the Kansai region

Japan’s ancient capital, Kyoto , is an essential part of any 3 weeks in Japan itinerary. So too is its underrated second city of Osaka , which in my opinion is the best place in the country for street food. From these destinations—the core ones of the Kansai region—a wide array of day trips exist, including the deer-filled city of Nara , the tea-producing hub of Uji , the castle town of Himeji and Kobe , which is famous for its beef (among other things).

Kansai is great for getting off the beaten path as well. Head south to Wakayama and Mie prefectures, whether you spend a night in a Buddhist temple atop Wakayama’s Mt. Koya , or have lunch with ama pearl divers in Mie’s Toba . Head eastward from Kyoto to Lake Biwa or northward to Kyotango , aka “Kyoto by the Sea.”

Named for the Seto Island Sea that sits just off the shore of cities like Hiroshima and Okayama , this region of southwestern Japan is far richer than an atomic bomb museum. Many popular day trips are islands, be those Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) and Miyajima (home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine ) from Hiroshima , or the Naoshima “Art Island” from Okayama.

Hokuriku and the Japanese Alps

Once you’ve finished traveling Japan’s “Golden Route” (aka Tokyo, Kyoto/Osaka and Hiroshima), you can add more unique destinations to you 3 week Japan itinerary. One option would be to return to Tokyo the “back way” from western Japan—namely, by riding a Thunderbird Limited Express train from Osaka or Kyoto to Kanazawa . This underrated city is not only home to Kenroku-en , one of Japan’s “three great gardens,” but is a gateway to the Japanese Alps , as well as to destinations like the Noto Peninsula , the scenic prefectures of Fukui and Toyama and mountain towns like Shirakawa-go and Takayama .

Another option would be to head back to Tokyo, but to bypass the capital via a northbound bullet train. Whether you make your way to major cities like Sendai , Morioka and Aomori , or to more rural prefectures like Yamagata and Akita , the Tohoku region is one of Japan’s sweet spots. It combines the wild, northern scenery of Hokkaido (more on that place in a second) with ancient Japanese culture, be that the Samurai village of Kakunodate , or the haunting mountain temple of Yamadera .

Speaking of Hokkaido , Japan’s northernmost island is also its wildest one. For some, the city of Sapporo and its surroundings (historic Otaru and the ski resort of Niseko ) are as far in as they need to dig. Others will head all the way east, be it to cities like Kushiro and Abashiri (as well as nearby lakes like Akan and Kussharo ) during the frozen winter , or to the lavender fields of Furano or the castaway Shiretoko Peninsula during the summer. The southernmost city of Hakodate , meanwhile, is fantastic all year round.

Yet another option with three weeks in Japan? Travel southwestward from Hiroshima to Hakata , the principal Shinkansen station of Kyushu island. Explore the surrounding foodie hub of Fukuoka , or the rest of Kyushu’s interesting prefectures: Southwestern Nagasaki boasts history and harbors; Oita ‘s Beppu city is a hub for hot springs; Kumamoto ‘s Mt. Aso is a hiker’s paradise; and Kagoshima (aka where Japan ends) is like a microcosm of Kyushu, all with volcanic Sakurajima rising above it.

When it comes to your Japan itinerary, 3 weeks is also enough to get an introduction to Shikoku , which is connected to Okayama via train and Osaka by bus. The smallest of Japan’s main islands, Shikoku is divided into four prefectures: Ehime, which is home to the large city of Matsuyama and the Dogo Onsen hot spring; Kagawa , where you find Takamatsu , as well as lush Ritsurin Garden and haunting Kotohira-gu shrine; Tokushima and its awa-odori dance tradition; and Kochi , where you can explore castles by day and tear into succulent, seared katsuo-no-tataki at night.

If you want to hit the beach during your Japan 3 week itinerary, cap it off by flying from any major Japanese city to Okinawa . The main island of Japan’s sub-tropical archipelago, Okinawa allows you to access awesome islands like Ie and Tokashiki on day trips, and to go by ferry for longer excursions to sub-archipelagoes like Ishigaki and Miyako-jima . Okinawa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world—I have a feeling they’ll impress you as much as they impressed me.

Japan off the beaten path

Japan’s tourist trail is long and eclectic, but so too is the country’s beaten path. Extend your trip northward from Hiroshima to the San’in region, or head northward and eastward from Kanazawa to Niigata and scenic Sado Island . Alternatively, dig deeper into quasi-mainstream destinations like Kyushu (take a ferry to Yakushima island) or Sapporo, from which Hokkaido’s “wild east” is just a few hours away by train.

Is 3 Weeks Enough Time in Japan?

As I alluded to earlier in this post, three weeks hits the sweet spot for most travelers. It’s long enough that you can explore Japan’s tourist trail and get off its beaten path, but short enough that you don’t leave feeling exhausted (or being broke!). It invites you to come back to Japan—whether for three weeks, or a shorter time; you’ll probably return on multiple occasions!—and leaves you experienced enough that doing so will be much easier the second time around.

With this being said, if you want to plan longer than a 3 week itinerary, Japan is perfect for that, too. Extending your trip to span a month in Japan unlocks even more possibilities, to say nothing of what 2 months in Japan can empower you to do. On the other end, even if you’ve only got a couple of weeks to spare, you can still plan a rich, fulfilling trip to Japan .

Other FAQ About Visiting Japan for 3 Weeks

How much does 3 weeks in japan cost.

How much does 3 weeks in Japan cost? Assuming a minimum cost of 100 USD (¥14,000) per person per day, the least you can expect to spend for a Japan 3 week itinerary is $2,100 (¥294,000), which does not include the price of your flights to and from Japan. Keep in mind that this cost can quickly balloon if you’re staying in luxurious hotels and ryokan, or if you indulge in more than the occasional Michelin-starred kaiseki dinner.

Should I spend 2 or 3 weeks in Japan?

If you have three weeks to devote to travel in Japan, spending longer is always a better idea. With three weeks, you can spend two weeks on Japan’s tourist trail (Tokyo→Mt. Fuji→Kyoto/Osaka→Hiroshima and back) and an entire week going somewhere off the beaten path, be that to secondary islands like Kyushu, Shikoku or Hokkaido, or interesting regions such as Hokuriku, San’in or Tohoku.

How long should I visit Japan for the first time?

As long as you can! Japan is an endless well of discovery and revelation, and while the sense of newness can endure for years or even decades, it’s never as acute as it is during your first trip. Try to spend a minimum of 2-3 weeks in Japan on your first trip so that you can enjoy as wide an array as possible of experiences when you’re still completely vulnerable to the country’s charms and eccentricity.

The Bottom Line

3 weeks in Japan is enough for an “end-all, be-all” trip, but it works much better as an appetizer for years or even decades of returning to the country. Japan is much bigger than it looks on the map—and it’s significantly more diverse than its ethnic homogeneity would suggest. For first-timers, a three week trip is an invitation to mix Japan’s tourist trail with one or two destinations off the beaten path. If you’re coming back to Japan for three weeks, meanwhile, you can dig deep. Immerse yourself in one of the country’s colorful seasons, or venture where few other foreign tourists do. No matter how long you stay, make sure your next Japan trip is one for the record books— hire me to plan it!

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Japan Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know + 3 Weeks Itinerary

Latest update: July 20, 2023

Japan! The country was at the top of our list for a long time until we finally took the plunge and traveled to Japan. Right off the bat: Japan is absolutely great, unique, crazy, and special!

Japan is also pretty challenging, which we noticed while planning our trip and once we got there. And that’s exactly why we wrote this post.

It contains all our Japan travel tips that are useful before and during your trip.

Since the post is packed to the brim with everything you need to know about traveling to Japan, we’ve structured it into three large parts and put a table of contents to the beginning.

That way, you can easily jump to the Japan travel tips that interest you most or just read the entire article top to bottom.

We wish you a lot of fun planning your trip to Japan and an exciting stay!

Read all our posts about Japan

Japan travel planning

If you aren’t sure if Japan is the right place for you, the first part of this post is just for you.

Who is Japan perfect for as a destination?

Japan is definitely a destination that isn’t that popular yet in Europe So if you’re looking for an extraordinary destination for your next vacation, then you should add Japan to your list.

But what does Japan have to offer? In Japan you’ll find huge cities, especially Tokyo, one of the most exciting metropolises in the world. Although Japan is a very modern country, it has great cultural treasures and temples to offer, and nature lovers will also find a lot to do in Japan. How about a hike up the famous Mount Fuji, for example? Or maybe even a skiing vacation? Japan has it all.

And even if you need sun and beach on your vacation, then you’ll also find the right spot for that in Japan. Okinawa Prefecture in the south of Japan has some amazing islands and beaches that are in no way inferior to the well-known beach destinations in Southeast Asia.

Long story short: Japan is incredibly diverse. Whether you’re a city slicker, nature lover, or beachcomber. Everyone will find what they’re looking for in Japan.

Japan is also a country that’s easy to travel on your own. Traveling solo through Japan is very convenient on the one hand, because the infrastructure is excellent, but on the other hand it’s also a bit of an adventure, because hardly anyone speaks English and it’s not that easy to look up the Japanese characters in a travel dictionary.

Moreover, Japan isn’t a very cheap destination. Although it’s quite possible to travel through Japan on a relatively small budget, generally speaking, Japan is an expensive country to visit.

When’s the best time to travel to Japan?

In principle, you can travel to Japan all year round. Since the country extends from north to south over several thousand kilometers, there are also many different climate zones in Japan. The islands in the south around Okinawa have a subtropical climate, while the northern parts of the country border directly on Siberia, so it can get freezing cold there.

Many tourists traveling to Japan for the first time visit the main island of Honshu. It’s home to the famous destinations of Tokyo , Kyoto , Hiroshima, Osaka, and Mount Fuji.

It’s hot and rainy on the main island in summer while the winters are rather unpleasant, similar to central Europe. The best weather is in spring and autumn. The temperatures are the most pleasant then – not too hot and not too cold – and there’s less rainfall overall.

Of course, that’s when most tourists come to visit. It’s often very crowded around the main sights and room rates are much higher than in the low season.

Many travelers come to Japan for the cherry blossom season. It usually only lasts for about 10 days and migrates from south to north. The cherry blossom is never entirely predictable. During our visit to Japan, for example, it was unusually late. As a rule, cherries bloom between the end of March and the middle of April.

You should avoid the Golden Week at all costs. Between April 29 and May 5 (or May 6, if the 5th falls on a Sunday), there are four public holidays in Japan. Many Japanese people get the entire time off, some companies even close down.

Since Japanese people like to travel a lot in their own country, hotels, trains, and flights are likely to be fully booked and are often disproportionately expensive. If you can help it, try to avoid the Golden Week.

How much time should you plan for Japan?

Since the flight to Japan is relatively long, it’s worth staying in Japan for a bit longer.

To visit the main attractions on the main island of Honshu, you’ll need at least two weeks . But then you’ll be on a very tight schedule with little time to relax and explore.

Therefore, we’d recommend staying three weeks. The more time you have, the better. But three weeks are a very good start.

Getting there: Cheap flights to Japan

From Germany, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways offer direct flights from Düsseldorf, Munich and Frankfurt to Tokyo. There are also flights to Osaka from Frankfurt. The flight takes about 12 hours. From Switzerland, there are direct connections between Zurich and Tokyo.

Direct flights are usually more expensive than flights with a transfer. It’s worth comparing prices. Cheap connections are often available with Finnair via Helsinki, with LOT via Warsaw, with Emirates via Dubai , and with Qatar Airways via Doha.

You’ll just have to decide whether a longer flight is worth it at a much cheaper price. We always use the flight search engine Skyscanner to find the best flight for us.

Entry requirements for Japan

You’ll need a valid passport for your trip to Japan. As a tourist, you’ll be given a stamp in your passport when you enter the country, allowing you to stay for 90 days. If this isn’t enough, you can extend your stay by another 90 days.

On the plane you’ll be given a short form, which you have to fill out and hand in at the passport control. Among other things, you’ll have to enter an address in Japan. You can simply enter the address of your first hotel in Tokyo for example.

Officially, you have to have your passport on you at all times. We’ve never heard of anyone being checked, but better be safe than sorry.

What do I have to pack for a trip to Japan?

Depending on the season, you should obviously pack appropriate clothes. In the summer, short clothes and a thin jacket are enough, while you should wrap up warm in the winter.

Things are a bit more complicated in spring and fall. During our visit in April, there were days when we only needed a T-shirt, and on other days we had to wear our thick winter jackets, especially in the evening. So you should be prepared for any weather if you travel then.

Another important thing is a power adapter for Japan . Unfortunately, our universal adapter that worked everywhere else so far didn’t have the right connector for Japan. But you can buy the right adapter in a triple pack at a low price here .

The voltage standard in Japan is 110 volts. Make sure that all your technical devices you want to bring will work with this voltage. This is pretty much always the case with modern equipment, but it can’t hurt to check. There’s always a voltage rating printed on each power plug.

We also recommend bringing all your own cosmetics and toiletries . In theory, you could just as easily buy them in Japan, but the product descriptions are mostly printed in Japanese. That might be OK for toothpaste, but things get a bit trickier when it comes to creams. Because they often contain whitener in Asia.

Clothing and technical equipment are readily available in local stores if you’ve forgotten something at home.

To get from A to B within Japan, we recommend the Japan Rail Pass . With this pass, you can use almost all the state-operated trains in Japan, which will usually save you a lot of money compared with buying tickets individually. However, you have to order the Japan Rail pass before your trip, as you can’t buy it in Japan. You can order it online here .

Read about our experience with the Japan Rail Pass here.

Vaccinations and travel health kit for Japan

You don’t need any special vaccinations for Japan. The standard vaccinations for Europe or North America should do just fine. An additional vaccination against hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis is recommended only for long-term stays.

You can generally get all common drugs in Japan. Pharmacies are usually directly integrated into drugstores. But then there’s the problem of communication. Packages and package inserts are often printed exclusively in Japanese and you can’t always be sure that the pharmacist speaks English. So a small supply of diarrhea medication and painkillers can’t hurt.

If you catch a cold in Japan, we have a real insider tip for you.

Japanese people swear by a remedy called 粉薬 (Konagusuri). The powder needs to be dissolved in water three times a day. It tastes absolutely disgusting, but it really helps. Of course we tried it for ourselves. You can buy this miracle cure in most supermarkets.

3-week itinerary for Japan

There are so many great places and sights to discover that you don’t really know where to start. We were the same way. It was our very first time in Japan and we had to find our bearings first. Where are Tokyo and Kyoto on the map? We’ve collected all our accumulated knowledge here to help with your planning.

Our travel route for Japan

It’s often difficult to get your bearings when you travel to a country for the first time. To help you out, we’ve traced our travel route on a map for you.

The 3-week itinerary :

• 10 days – Tokyo including a day trip to Kamakura & Yokohama
• 3 days – Osaka including a day trip to Nara
• 6 days – Kyoto
• 1 day – Hiroshima + 1 day – Miyajima

How our route held up in hindsight

The Japan route we picked is an excellent route for beginners. In hindsight, we’re definitely satisfied with our selection of destinations and places of interest and can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Our Tip : If you have two more days to spare, we’d recommend a one- or two-day stay at the foot of Mount Fuji. We’ve heard many good things about the Kagelow Mount Fuji Hostel . They also have private double rooms and some rooms have a direct view of Mount Fuji.

Alternatively, you could also go on a day trip there from Tokyo.

Reduce the itinerary to two weeks

There are probably some people who don’t have three weeks to spare. If we had only had two weeks, we would have reduced our itinerary a bit. Like so:

The 2-week itinerary :

• 5 days – Tokyo (optionally: day trip to Kamakura & Yokohama & day trip to Mount Fuji)
• 2 days – Osaka including a day trip to Nara
• 4 days – Kyoto
• 2 days – Hiroshima including a day trip to Miyajima

Getting around in Japan

We ordered a two-week Japan Rail Pass before our trip. We did every journey, i.e. from Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima, Hiroshima to Miyajima. and from there back to Tokyo with the Rail Pass.

That’s definitely the easiest and fastest way of getting around the country, but it isn’t all that cheap. But that isn’t the only reason the Japan Rail Pass is worthwhile, because it also allows you to travel incredibly flexibly and spontaneously.

But please note: You can only buy the Rail Pass in your home country, i.e. BEFORE your trip to Japan.

Sights and attractions in Japan

Of course there’s no way we can list all the sights in Japan in this post. The country is much too large and too diverse for that. So we’ve limited ourselves to the highlights on the main island of Honshu, because it has more than enough to offer for first-time visitors to Japan.

Tokyo: Day 1 to 6

Most international flights land in Tokyo. The city is simply amazing and if you’re flying in from a more less high-strung country, you’ll experience a flood of stimuli.

Tokyo has great observation points, huge streets, and intersections with neon signs, some temples, beautiful parks and many crazy neighborhoods.

Also read our post about Tokyo

Day trips from Tokyo

There are two easy days trips to the area around Tokyo that we can recommend while you’re there.

Kamakura and Nikko have some of the most important temples in Japan and it’s nice to get out of hectic Tokyo for a bit.

If you can’t get enough of big cities, we recommend a trip to Yokohama, Japan’s second-largest city, only 20 minutes away.

Osaka: Day 7 to 9

Osaka often flies under most travelers’ radar, which is a real shame. We liked the city very much and it has some extravagant sights to offer, such as one of the most beautiful escalators in the world, a crazy entertainment district, and a Ferris wheel on the roof of a shopping center.

Day trip from Osaka to Nara

From Osaka you should definitely go on a day trip to Nara. The former capital is great for an extensive bout of temple-hopping.

If Osaka isn’t on your travel itinerary, you can also make the trip to Nara from Kyoto , or add Nara to your itinerary and stay overnight.

Kyoto: Day 10 to 15

Kyoto is the cultural highlight in Japan. For centuries, Kyoto was the capital of Japan and today the city is probably THE tourist hotspot in the country. While thousands of tourists and bus groups push their way through some of the myriad temples, other temples are almost completely deserted and just waiting to be discovered.

You should plan four full days for Kyoto. Of course there’s a lot more to be seen than you could possibly do in four days, but after a while you’ll probably start to get a bit tired of temples. At least we did.

Also read our post about Kyoto

Hiroshima and Miyajima: Day 16 to 18

In the southwest of the main island lies Hiroshima, one of the most exciting cities in Japan. The tragic history of the city is commemorated in different memorial sites. Although it can get very depressing at times, we can highly recommend a visit to Hiroshima.

All in all, we liked the city very much: lots of young people, nice restaurants and shops, and much less hustle and bustle than in the other big cities we visited.

While you’re in Hiroshima it’s also worth a going on a day trip to the the island of Miyajima with the famous torii standing in the water.

3-week itinerary for Japan: Final thoughts

As you can see, we’ve left a few overflow days in our three-week trip. Depending on your interests, you can use them to spend some more time at the individual destinations. For example, we spent 10 whole days in Tokyo because we’re absolutely fascinated by major cities.

Alternatively, you could also go on more day trips from one of the individual destinations. You can find more suggestions for day trips in our posts on the individual cities.

Travel expenses: How expensive is Japan?

As we mentioned, Japan isn’t a cheap destination.

Accommodation is definitely the most expensive item on the list. An average mid-range hotel in a good location usually costs between 100 and 150 euros per night. Prices for beds in a hostel start from about 30 euros.

Local food, such as sushi or noodle soup, is relatively affordable. Western food, on the other hand, is expensive. Taking the subway is cheaper than in Germany, and the prices for express trains are comparable to the German Intercity-Express. You can save money on travel by taking regional trains or buses.

Bottom line: Overall, the travel costs for Japan are more or less comparable to travel costs in Western Europe. If you’re traveling on a budget and are prepared to compromise when it comes to comfort, you can travel through Japan relatively inexpensively.

Where to stay in Japan

Unfortunately, accommodation in Japan is relatively expensive and the hotel rooms are really tiny in the big cities. In Tokyo we had a total of 11 square meters and in Kyoto even only 9 square meters, and we still paid for the 140 euros per night.

Those are common prices for a mid-range hotel in a good location during the main travel season. But you can can get cheaper prices, e.g. by booking a bed in a hostel dorm or at one of the infamous capsule hotels. The latter are usually men-only though.

As the Japanese themselves travel a lot in their own country and like to book many months in advance, we recommend sorting out your accommodation as early as possible. In the off-season, you generally have a good chance of getting a room at short notice, but in spring or fall, most places fill up fast.

We booked all our hotels through booking.com . You can cancel most hotels at no cost up to a few days before your arrival date, so you can still remain flexible in your travel planning even if you book early.

Our tip : In our post on Japan hotel tips , we present all the hotels we stayed at during our trip to Japan and give you lots of practical tips for searching for a hotel in general. We also have a separate post for Tokyo where we help you find the right neighborhood to search for a hotel:  Where to stay in Tokyo: Where’s the best place to stay in Tokyo?

Public transport is excellent in Japan. There’s a huge network of trains and buses both within and between cities.

Traveling between cities

The fastest way to get from city to city is by train. For long journeys, the Shinkansen super-high-speed train is the best option. The trains travel at speeds of more than 300 kph. Since the Shinkansen don’t share their tracks with slower trains, they consistently travel at high speeds and can cover long distances in a very short time.

The trains run at short intervals and are extremely punctual and reliable. But the Shinkansen also has its price, which is why we recommend the Japan Rail Pass . That’s definitely the cheapest option to quickly travel cross-country.

We ordered the Rail Pass for two weeks before we went to Japan and were very happy with our decision. It allowed us to travel through the country very easily, flexibly, and above all fast. To help you figure our which Rail Pass option is right for you, we’ve written down our accumulated knowledge in a separate post.

If you want to save money, you can take buses or slow trains instead. But the savings come at the price of longer travel times.

To find out the fastest or the cheapest connection between two cities, we recommend the Hyperdia website .

Domestic flights are another option. But most of the time, they aren’t really any faster than riding the Shinkansen because the airports are located outside the big cities, while the train stations are in the center.

Public transport in the city

The big cities often have an excellent metro network, supplemented by a dense network of buses. Your best bet is to buy an IC card when you arrive. You can conveniently top up this card at the ticket machines and use it on almost all subways and buses. Just place it on the card reader and off you go. That’s a lot faster and less stressful than buying a single ticket every time, and it’s also a bit cheaper.

Each region also has its own ticket. Tokyo has the Suica card , which also works in Osaka and Kyoto. So you don’t need to buy a new card every time. Of all the places we went, Hiroshima was the only place the card didn’t work, but you can get everywhere on foot there anyway.

Money and paying in Japan

This section is all about money in Japan.

Currency and conversion

The official currency in Japan is the yen. 100 yen is worth about 0.80 euros ; 1 euro is worth 120 yen .

The most common denominations are 10,000, 5,000, and 1,000 yen bills and a whole lot of coins that almost made our wallet come apart at the seams.

At many of the beverage vending machines that are everywhere in Japan, as well as in small supermarkets, you can also pay with the IC card you use for the subway. That’s pretty handy if you’re ever out of change, although that’s hard to imagine in Japan.

Paying by credit card is quite common in Japan. We always paid for our hotels with our travel credit card. Additional fees for credit card payments are rare.

Withdrawing money in Japan

Of course, Japan has ATMs all over the place where you can withdraw money. The machines look a bit different than back home, but you can switch them to English and other European languages. Some machines don’t accept foreign cards, but we always managed to find a suitable machine.

We were able to withdraw money free of charge anywhere in Japan with our credit cards. That’s quite handy, because that way you can withdraw smaller amounts.

Tipping in Japan

Tipping is highly unusual in Japan and is sometimes even considered rude. So don’t even try to give anyone a tip.

You’ll always get exact change in restaurants and taxis.

Internet in Japan

The Internet in Japan is fast and reliable. We had a very good Internet connection at all our hotels, which was even fast enough for streaming movies. Many cafés and stores also offer free WiFi hotspots.

Mobile Internet, on the other hand, is quite expensive. There are special SIM cards for tourists so you can get mobile Internet. Cards are available at the airport and at tourist information bureaus.

We spent 5,500 yen (about 47 euros) for our SIM card including 3 GB of data. But there are cheaper offers if you don’t need that much data.

Eating and drinking in Japan

Japan has some real culinary highlights to offer and we miss the food there already.

Breakfast in Japan

Traditional Japanese breakfast is quite unusual for the western palate. It consists of rice, fish, pickled vegetables, and omelet.

Hotels usually serve a Japanese breakfast. But it usually isn’t included in the room rates. If you’d prefer a sandwich or something sweet, you’ll have to head to one of the café chains instead, or look for one of the many French-style bakeries, which are actually pretty common in Japan.

Traditional dishes in Japan

Of all Japanese dishes, sushi is certainly the most widely known. Sushi is much cheaper in Japan than in Europe and of course it’s much better there. We usually had sushi at least once per day.

You should definitely try out a kaiten sushi restaurant, which is more commonly known as ‘running sushi’ in Europe. The plates pass you on a little conveyor belt and you just take whatever you want. Depending on the restaurant, each plate costs the same (often only 108 yen) or there are different prices depending on the color of the plate.

Traditional Japanese soups such as ramen and udon are also delicious. The soups are available with different main ingredients, such as meat, egg, or seaweed. At many soup restaurants, you have to place your order using a vending machine. It’ll give you a ticket to show the server or the cook.

We were very pleasantly surprised by soba . These are buckwheat noodles served cold with some horseradish and soy sauce for dipping. That might sound a bit strange at first, but it’s really very tasty.

Another specialty are okonomiyaki . They’re a kind of crepe prepared on a hot plate with noodles, meat, seafood, cabbage, and egg, and then garnished with a spicy sauce. Delicious! This dish is especially popular around Hiroshima, but you also can get it in other areas of Japan too.

Japanese cuisine is very meat-based in general. Many restaurants have a barbecue on the table to fry your own meat. On the other hand, vegetables, and fresh fruits are pretty scarce. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you won’t have an easy time finding something to suitable eat in Japan.

Drinks in Japan

Beer is relatively expensive in Japan. Prices for a small glass in a restaurant range from 3 to 8 euros. The best known brands are Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo, all of which are pretty tasty.

Sake, a rice wine, is also a popular traditional beverage in Japan. Where we have a wine shelf in the supermarket, Japan has a sake shelf. Sake is served cold or hot and usually has an alcohol content between 15 and 20 percent.

Coffee is available at one of the many coffee shops, as well as at vending machines in almost every supermarket. But tea is more common in Japan, and is available as both a hot and a cold beverage.

There are vending machines all over the place where you can get water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee at reasonable prices (about 1 euro).

Safety in Japan

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. Incidents of robbery or violence against tourists are very rare, and theft isn’t a big problem in Japan either.

You should exercise some caution in the nightlife districts in Tokyo and Osaka, but it’s still safer there than in many European cities.

However, earthquakes are a real danger in Japan. There are about 1,500 earthquakes every year, many of which can be felt. When we were in Tokyo, there was one time when the earth shook a little bit. Most earthquakes are harmless, but every few years theres a larger quake.

Finally, we’ll get to the most complicated part of a trip to Japan: communication. Most Japanese do not speak any English at all or only very few words here and there.

But that doesn’t stop them from talking your ear off in Japanese. It’s always very funny at the supermarket checkout. The cashiers let loose an endless swath of Japanese words listing all the products and prices as they scan your things. Just smile and nod and you’ll be fine.

At railway stations and tourist points of interest, the most important signs also usually also provided in English. In more touristy areas, restaurants often also have an English menu although the translations can be a bit odd at times. Apart from that, it’s common for restaurants to have pictures or showcases showing the food, so you at least you can see what you’re ordering.

Overall, you can get by pretty well despite the communication problems. The Japanese are very helpful and considerate, and despite the language barrier, communication always seems to work out somehow.

Our tip : Download the Google Translate app and the translation files for the Japanese language (within the app) to your mobile phone ( for Android – for iOS ) before your trip to Japan. Using the camera mode, this app can often help translate sentences or individual words. It actually was a lot of help.

Pro tip: Smiling always helps in Japan.

And Japanese people are often happy enough if you speak a few words of Japanese. Hello and thank you are usually enough, so we’ve listed the most important words for you here.

At first, we though it’d be easy: Hello is konnichiwa and bye is sayounara. But we were surprised to learn that these words are hardly ever used in everyday speech.

At least konnichiwa is used as a greeting in the afternoon, but sayounara rarely used at all. It actually means ‘farewell’, and that isn’t something you say everyday in English either.

But here are the most important words:

Good morning – ohaiyou gozaimasu Good afternoon – konnichiwa Good evening – konbanwa Bye – itte kimasu Thank you – arigato Thanks (more polite) – arigato gozaimasu Yes – hai No – iie One – ishi Two – ni Three – san

Even more Japan travel tips

So, those were all our tips for Japan condensed into a single post. In the relevant paragraphs we’ve also added links to more detailed posts on the respective topics, so you can find even more information if you need it.

Have you ever been to Japan? If you have any other tips for us, please let us know in the comments below. The same goes if you have any questions of course.

Ultimate Japan 3 Week Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Welcome to our Japan 3-Week Itinerary Planner.

Japan is a fascinating country.

It has many vibrant cities and incredible tourist attractions including renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites and ancient monuments.

You will find spectacular landscapes, intriguing culture, urban skylines, temples and pagodas, delicious food, and even a suicide forest!

The nature here is very beautiful: from the stunning cherry blossom trees in spring to beautiful fall colors; the natural sights are a photographer’s delight.

The Japan Rail bullet train system is fast, efficient, and great to get around during your Japan itinerary.

Located in the Far East, Japan comprises of 4 main islands Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku and thousands of smaller islands.

Honshu is the largest island and is also called the Mainland.

Its area is roughly comparable to that of California.

The popular Japanese cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka are located on Honshu and this is where most first time visitors plan their trip.

The mainland is well connected by the Japan Rail bullet train system.

3 Weeks in Japan Itinerary

Japan Itinerary 3 Weeks is a perfect time to explore this beautiful country.

We recommend flying in and out of Tokyo at the Narita International Airport.

See the city’s highlights including the skyline and urban attractions.

The visit the cultural destinations located away from the capital in Kyoto, Nara, and Miyajima using the Japan Rail.

Enjoy the natural wonders, cuisine, and culture of Japan. Buy unique souvenirs and plan a memorable trip.

This amazing Japan itinerary 3 weeks will guide around the best places to visit in Japan.

The itinerary assumes a leisurely pace of travel using the Japan Rail and is perfect for solo travelers, couples as well as families.

It covers major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and includes interesting side trips to Mt. Fuji, Nara, and Miyajima via the bullet train.

It also includes trips to Nikko in Northern Japan and to Takayama in the Japanese Alps.

The itinerary also offers suggestions for day tours, add-on activities, and includes recommendations for hotels of all budgets.

We have also included what and where to eat recommendations wherever possible.

You will also find key travel tips and travel essentials including the Japan Rail bullet train pass to plan your Japan 3 week itinerary.

Tokyo – 3 Days

Tokyo is Japan’s bustling capital city. It is a unique and startling mix of the ancient and the modern.

It is the perfect place to begin your 3 Week itinerary Japan.

Land at the Narita International Airport and begin your trip. Take the train to Shinjuku station.

Shinjuku is the most central part of Tokyo and has been a popular tourist destination for decades.

In Tokyo, you will find cultural sights, museums, wide open places, neon skylines, and Instagram famous animal cafes.

While we suggest spending 3 days in Tokyo, you can easily spend a week to a fortnight in the city and still not want to leave.

To know more about the ethical side of animals cafes, read this post on Should you visit Animal Cafes while in Japan?

Things To Do In Tokyo

Tokyo’s most famous tourist attractions include Tsukiji Fish Market and Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest observation tower.

For a unique attraction, snap a photo with the Hachiko dog statue in Shibuya Crossing.

The Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are popular with families and kids.

Here are some of the best things to do in Tokyo itinerary during your visit.

Tokyo National Museum

A must for history connoisseurs, the Tokyo National Museum has several exhibits and artifacts about the Japanese history and culture. 

The museum is largest in Japan and has an amazing collection of art pieces, artifacts, and relics dedicated to Japan’s intriguing history.

Here you will find samurai swords, kimonos and clothing articles, ancient pottery, beautiful paintings, and sculptures.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market is world famous for its gigantic seafood section.

The market also has the distinction of being the oldest fish market in the world.

Here you can get everything you want from cheap breakfast sushi to expensive caviar and sea urchins.

Whether you are looking to buy anything or not, just a stroll through the Tsukiji Fish Market is an unforgettable experience.

The market is open for business since dawn when the first fishing ships arrive from the sea.

Fresh seafood for sale at the Tsukiji Fish Market

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple is the oldest and most visited temple in the city.

The temple is dedicated to the Buddhist God of mercy and happiness.

The temple and its grounds are grand and have beautiful architectural features which are highly popular with most visitors.

Entry to the temple is free and it is one of the best free things to do in Tokyo .

Odaiba is located on the Tokyo Bay right next to the Downtown.

Odaiba has everything from stunning buildings, museums, parks, beaches, and even a Legoland.

In fact, Legoland is not the only amusement park on this island; Odaiba has many kid-friendly attractions from go-karting, Ferris wheels, and even a natural hot springs theme park for adults.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Shibuya Station of the Japan Rail system is the perfect location for getting around Tokyo and intercity.

We recommend staying in this area to be close to attractions.

Tourists who are looking for the perfect luxury hotel experience should look no further than the Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel.

The Park Hyatt has been ranked as one of the top 10 hotels worldwide and offers everything from luxurious rooms to fantastic food options at its restaurants.

If you’re looking for something more affordable, then check out Hotel Metropole Shinjuku where rates are reasonable and rooms are clean.

Kyoto – 3 Days

From the urban hustle and bustle of Tokyo, escape to the charming delights of Kyoto via the bullet train system to continue your Japan itinerary.

Kyoto is old Japan.

The time stands still among Kyoto’s more than 2000 temples and shrines, age-old teahouses, tranquil Zen gardens and inspiring bamboo forests, and traditionally dressed geishas carrying dainty umbrellas.

We would ideally recommend spending 3 to 4 days in Kyoto to see everything however for time-strapped travelers, 2 days is a great time to experience Kyoto’s highlights.

Things To Do in Kyoto

Kyoto, which was once the imperial capital of Japan, is a perfect introduction to Japanese culture and presents innumerable opportunities to immerse in Japanese culture.

Kyoto has a host of famous temples, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Golden Temple.

The city is home to over 2,000 different shrines and museums.

Take an extra day trip from Japan to see the other side of the city, including a visit to the Grand Kyoto Temple of the Murryry.

There are also plenty of cultural events to offer throughout the city to see, such as the Grand Gura and some of Japan’s oldest pagarina temples.

Here are the 5 must have Japanese experiences in Downtown Kyoto and surrounding areas that can be easily covered in two to three days:

Golden Pavilion or Kinkaku-ji

The Golden Pavilion of Kyoto, Kinkaku-ji is one of Japan’s popular sights.

Reconstructed in 1955, the temple with its gold-foil covering is very spectacular.

Visitors cannot enter the temple, however beautiful views of the temple surrounded by the lake can be seen from the garden.

Being one of Kyoto’s top sights, it is always crowded. You can avoid crowds by visiting early in the morning on weekdays.

Fushimi Inari-Taisha

This Shinto shrine is most photographed sight in Kyoto.

The Fushimi Inari shrine was built to honor Inari, the Shinto god of rice and is famous for its endless array of bright orange torii gates.

The shrine is guarded by the many statues of sacred foxes of Inari.

Visiting the Fushimi Inari shrine is not easy.

It requires a 90 min hike up the mountain and we recommend starting early to avoid crowds.

Ginkaku-ji stands for the silver pavilion however the temple was never actually covered in silver.

This Buddhist temple has a very beautiful Zen garden that looks spectacular especially in spring and in autumn.

The garden has beautiful sand sculptures, small waterfalls, and many other structures and is a great place to unwind.

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is a busy, bustling traditional Japnese market selling everything from food to souvenirs.

It is a foodie’s paradise with thousands of unexpected food items to tease the taste buds.

Specialty shops selling varieties of pickles, tofu, and dried fish are fascinating to look at.

The market also has shops selling Japanese knives and other fascinating accessories.

Bamboo Forest Street

The walk through the street lined with bamboo trees is incredibly pleasant.

There are usually lots of people on the hike and it is crowded but walking slowly and letting other people pass is a good way to enjoy the tranquility of the hike.

The view over the river at the end of the hike is impressive.

Gion is Kyoto’s largest and most famous geisha district. This is a highlight of the Japan itinerary for many visitors.

The district is very picturesque with traditional teahouses lining up the roads and dainty geishas walking to work.

In the evening, Japanese paper lanterns cast flickering shadows and Gion looks even more beautiful in their light.

Gion is full of upscale restaurants serving delicious Japanese food.

Did you know that you can also wear a traditional kimono or dress as a geisha while in Kyoto?

We highly recommend this one of a kind experience.

Visitors can rent a kimono for a day and walk about the charming old town.

Gion is a great place to take a photograph in a traditional kimono.

Alternatively, many shops also offer a geisha costume and makeup to tourists.

Dressing up as a geisha is an incredible way to understand this aspect of the Japanese culture.

Where to stay in Kyoto

We highly recommend staying in a Ryokan during your Kyoto itinerary.

Ryokan’s are present all over Japan, however, there is a special charm in staying in a Ryokan in the heart of Japan’s cultural capital of Kyoto.

For a luxurious stay, you can also try the Four Seasons Kyoto !

Kyoto Hana Hotel is also a wonderful choice in a central location. It is perfect for exploring surrounding Gion by foot.

The Hyatt Regency or the Kyoto Hotel Granvia Kyoto is also popular with tourists.

Century Hotel Kyoto, located right by the main bullet train station, is good for those short on time since it easy to get around the city from here.

Nara – 2 Days

Nara was once the imperial capital of Japan.

Just like Kyoto, Nara is all old Japan and has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visitors love walking through Nara Park’s moss laden statues, tranquil shrines and friendly deer.

You can easily visit Nara using the JR train.

Things To Do in Nara

Daibutsu or the Great Buddha statue of Nara, located in the Todai-ji temple, is a magnificent bronze figure.

The statue is over 16 m high and housed in the temple’s Great Buddha Hall.

The original structure of Todai-ji’s Great Buddha Hall was the largest wooden building in the world; the current hall is two-thirds that size.

Nara Park is a tranquil garden with many paths and plenty of friendly deer.

The deer are a special highlight of the park due to their sheer number and willingness to come close to tourists.

Visitors can buy deer crackers from vendors and feed the deer.

The Nara Park also has Kohfukuji National Treasure Hall, the Tokodo hall and the Todaiji Museum which have a great collection of Japanese sculptures.

Isuien Garden

This beautiful Japanese garden is a must visit especially in spring and fall.

The garden is also spectacular in summer when the entire landscape is a rich green hue.

The teahouse, interesting garden layout, and sculptures, streams, stepping stones are beautiful to see.

The Yoshikien Garden located next to the Isuien garden is also must see during spring and fall.

Naramachi is a quaint, historic neighborhood with 2 traditional Japanese style merchant houses open for viewing, lots of shops, rustic teahouses, and temples lining the streets.

A walking tour in this area is best started at the visitor center where you will get maps and locations of interesting sites. We highly recommend having tea in one of the traditional teahouses to end your trip.

Osaka – 3 Days

Osaka is Japan’s third largest city after Tokyo and Kyoto.

Not many tourists visit Osaka, which is a shame because this vibrant city has great shopping and is a foodie’s paradise.

We definitely recommend adding Osaka to the 3 week Japan itinerary.

Osaka has many tourist attractions and is a perfect introduction to modern Japan after the charm of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and old Japan in Kyoto.

The Osaka station of the Japan Rail is well connected making it easy to see the city in a short time.

Things to do in Osaka

Osaka is a lively city, both day and night, with places like the city’s entertainment district of Shinsekai.

Grab lunch at Janjan Yokocho Alley, the best place in the city to try kushikatsu, a dish of breaded and deep-fried skewered foods.

Check out the Instant Ramen Museum, located in nearby Ikeda City, and visit the Minoo Park, a nature preserve with a number of attractions, including a 3-km nature walk to a massive waterfall.

Also Read: One Day in Osaka Itinerary

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is among Japan’s most famous castles and one of the must-see attractions in the city.

Visitors can take a tour of the Osaka Castle.

The interior has been reconstructed into a museum and hence does not feel original; however, the exterior is a splendid example of magnificent Japanese castles.

Views from the top of the castle are impressive.

Osaka Castle Park

Located next to the Osaka Castle, the large public park is a beautiful place with sculptures, mature trees, and duck ponds.

In spring the park blooms with cherry blossoms and plum blossoms and is one of the best places for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in the city.

The park has beautiful views of the Osaka Castle.

Dotonbori neighborhood is the heart of Osaka’s modern lifestyle and is filled with theatres, restaurants, street shacks, shopping and more.

The area looks colorful during the day but is best viewed at night when all sorts of colorful neon signs come to life.

Visitors enjoy walking along the neon-lit storefronts, shopping for souvenirs and eating local cuisine off roadside eateries.

Some of the must eat street foods in Osaka include takoyaki, skewered chicken, Kobe beef, ramen, fugu fish, and other seafood.

Minami (Namba) and Shinsaibashi

After Dotonbori, these two areas are Osaka’s biggest night attractions.

All 3 shopping areas are located near each other.

Minami and Shinsaibashi also come alive at night with street food vendors, brightly lit neon signs, and an unbelievably large number of visitors.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Founded in the 3rd century, this shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines.

The architecture style is purely Japanese (lacks Buddhist style influences) and is stunning with its straight roofs and finials.

It is also surrounded by a tranquil Japanese garden with sculptures and beautiful trees.

The highlight of this shrine is the red arched bridge called Sorihasi, also constructed in a purely Japanese style.

Osaka also has many other attractions which are popular with families including Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Aquarium, Kuchu Teien Observatory, and the Ferris Wheel.

Where to stay in Osaka

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is one of our favorite hotels in Osaka.

It’s located close to Dotonbori and has really comfortable rooms.

It is also a great place to stay because of the food and entertainment options nearby.

Cross Hotel Osaka is a few minutes walk to Namba Japan Rail station and another great choice.

Kobe 2 Days

A must for culinary travelers, Kobe is famous for its seared Kobe beef and crisp, locally-brewed sake.

This cosmopolitan town is situated on the slopes of Rokko Mountains adjacent to the sea and has origins as a popular port city.

Kobe is a delight to wander and explore for most travelers.

We recommend Kobe as a short day trip from Osaka.

Things To Do in Kobe

Port of kobe memorial park.

Kobe was damaged due to a severe earthquake in 1995 which resulted in the complete devastation of the port area.

The Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims and destruction, is a great place to visit and view the immense damage in the form of demolished structures and tilted light poles.

Chinatown (Nankinmachi)

Kobe’s Chinatown may be small but it is a great place to visit especially if you are hunkering for delicious Chinese food.

Must try items include steamed dumplings, meat skewers, and the famous Kobe Beef.

Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum

The Brewery Museum is a great place to understand the traditional sake-making equipment and the sake brewing process.

The visit starts with a free self-guided tour and ends with free sake tasting. Visitors can also try sake ice cream at the souvenir shop.

Ikuta Shrine

Located in the center of Kobe, Ikuta Shrine is famous in Japan.

It consists of several shrines around the main building and a surrounding wooded garden.

The shrine is dedicated to relationships and finding love. Visitors can tie love prayers in the garden. 

Many weddings take place at the Ikuta Shrine.

Hiroshima – 2 Days

The name Hiroshima evokes unpleasant memories of the atomic mushroom cloud, innumerable deaths and destruction on a never seen before scale.

Hiroshima was the first city in Japan to be hit with an atomic bomb in 1945.

However, the present day Hiroshima shows great resilience and has come a long way from the bleak, abandoned blast zones.

It is a beautiful, cultured city that is a delight to visit, making it a must on your Japan trip.

To visit Hiroshima is to honor the cities hundreds of thousands of victims and their stories.

Things To Do in Hiroshima

Reach the city by the bullet train which goes to Hiroshima Station.

The Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Castle are the main attractions to visit the city.

The city is also known for its seafood, especially oysters and sushi.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The world’s most somber peace monument, the park does a great job of explaining everything that happened in the city on that fateful day.

The museum has many artifacts and exhibits about the atomic bombing.

Atomic Bomb Dome

Atomic Bomb Dome has been preserved in its original state of devastation.

It serves as a haunting reminder of the vast destruction caused in a single moment.

We also recommend visiting the dome after dusk to understand the eerie silence and atrocities of world war II.

Some of Hiroshima’s other peace monuments including Memorial Hall for the victims, Children’s peace monument, the peace bell are well worth a visit.

If you want a more detailed travel guide to Hiroshima , check this one out! 

Where to stay in Hiroshima

Royal RIHGA Hotel in Hiroshima offers great value for money and is a great place to explore all Hiroshima’s attractions.

Rooms are large, bright, and well furnished with all modern comforts.

The Sheraton Grand Hotel is situated in a great location close to the train station with plenty of transport and dining options nearby.

The hotel is connected to Hiroshima Shinkansen station by a short, covered walkway, providing easy transportation around the city and out to Miyajima.

The Peace Memorial Park and the city’s buses are both within easy walking distance.

Miyajima Island – 1 Day

Miyajima is a small island in the Hiroshima Bay and is known as the island of the gods.

The entire island is preserved as part of the UNESCO world heritage site and is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Miyajima Island is close to Hiroshima and should definitely be on your list.

The friendly and tame deer that float all over Miyajima island are delightful while the cultural attractions are stunning.

Things To Do in Miyajima

It is one of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions.

Main attraction is the bright red Torii gate of Itsukushima-jinja Shrine which stands out in the sea.

You can also take the ropeway to the sacred Mount Misen where you can go hiking.

Watch out for the tame deer that follow you around, especially paper and maps, as they love to eat paper.

Itsukushima – The Great Torii

The Great Torii is a single free-standing gate of the Itsukushima Shrine.

At high tide, the Torii is surrounded by water and appears to float on the sea.

It is one of the most photographed sites in the world and the gate is commonly called ‘The Floating Torii’.

Mt. Misen is Miyajima’s highest peak.

The observation deck at the top of Mt. Misen is accessible via a 2 hr hike or a ropeway and offers beautiful views of the island.

Five Story Pagoda

This lesser known attraction on Miyajima is a beautiful sight.

Almost 27 meters tall, the majestic Pagoda is dedicated to the Buddha of Medicine.

Himeji – 1 Day

Himeji is home to Japan’s most beautiful castle.

A stopover at Himeji is necessary for history lovers, art and architecture patrons, and culture geeks.

Things To Do in Himeji

Himeji castle.

Almost everyone comes to Himeji for the castle.

The beautiful castle has been recently renovated and is a glorious example of Japanese architecture.

The castle is a world heritage site and looks spectacular during the cherry blossom season.

Kokoen Garden

Kokoen Garden is home to 9 reconstructed Samurai style houses.

They reflect Edo period style architecture and are surrounded by stunning Japanese gardens with water features, sculptures, and elegant trees.

The garden is spectacular in spring and fall.

Himeji makes a perfect day trip from Kyoto and Osaka and is a perfect stopover on the way to Hiroshima.

Takayama, Shirakawa-Go & Shinhotaka – 2 Days

In the mountainous region of Gifu prefecture, Japan, there are quaint villages and towns that have been preserved from an earlier era.

The best known are Takayama, Shirakawa-Go, & Shinhotaka. They are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

These villages have a long history dating back to the 16th century when rice farming was introduced to the area.

Today, many tourists visit this region for its beautiful scenery, bamboo Japanese style homes, cobblestone streets, traditional gardens, quaint shops, temples and shrines, and craftsmanship in wood carving.

If you’re looking for a place with traditional Japanese culture as well as nature views then head over to Takayama Shirakawa-Go Shinhotaka!

Hakone & Mt Fuji – 2 Days

Hakone is a popular tourist destination in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is known for its natural beauty and hot springs.

Hakone also makes the perfect base to explore Mt Fuji.

Things to do in Hakone

The town of Hakone has been attracting tourists for centuries because it is an easy day trip from Tokyo and offers visitors a chance to enjoy the Japanese culture and scenery.

Hakone has many onsen, or hot spring bathhouses to enjoy.

The most popular way to experience an onsen is by visiting a traditional Japanese Ryokan (hotel) in Hakone.

These hotels usually have one or more private outdoor baths which guests can enjoy after a long day exploring the outdoors.

Hakone also has many parks with views overlooking Mount Fuji.

The town’s other attractions include temples, museums, gardens with cherry blossoms trees, shops selling traditional goods or souvenirs such as lacquerware or samurai swords.

Hakone is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations because it offers something for everyone: cultural sites for history buffs, outdoor adventures for sports enthusiasts, nature retreats for hikers and cyclists alike.

Hakonemachi Station connects to the Hakone Ropeway for access to more natural attractions like Lake Ashi or Owakudani Valley.

The best time of the year to visit this area is during winter when the ground becomes covered with snow and there are no crowds around as most Japanese people head south where it’s warmer.

Things to do in Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano that is the highest mountain in Japan.

Tourists often visit Mt.Fuji as they are drawn by its beauty or because they want to climb it for themselves!

Whether you’re looking for a place to hike or something more spiritual, there’s plenty to do near this amazing natural wonder.

After seeing Hakone and Mt. Fuji, head back to Tokyo and take your return flight from the Narita International Airport.

If you want to stay in Japan longer, you can spend more time in Osaka or Nikko to extend your trip.

Or visit the scenic Kiso Valley near the Central Alps.

2 Week Japan Itinerary

Often tourists have only 2 weeks to 10 days in Japan.

While not easy, you can definitely plan a trip to Japan in 2 weeks.

2 weeks is a perfect time to get out of Tokyo & Kyoto, explore the stunning landscapes including bamboo forests, understand the local customs and traditions like onsen, live in a ryokan and visit some of the distant attractions including the Japanese Alps.

With some initial bit of planning and booking hotels in advance, the 2 weeks you spend in Japan will be the most memorable ones.

The itinerary relies on using the Japanese bullet train system to get around Japan.

Our 2 week Japan itinerary is perfect for first-timers who want to see the absolute highlights of Japan in a single trip.

Nara – 1 Day

Osaka – 2 days, kobe – 1 day, hiroshima & miyajima – 2 days, hakone & mt. fuji – 2 days, how to get around japan.

The best way to get around Japan is the Japan Bullet Train system or Shinkansen using the JR Rail Pass.

The bullet train is safe, efficient, and extremely popular with travelers.

The Shinkansen train is the fastest way to get around Japan.

The shinkansen operates at speeds over 200 miles per hour and can transport passengers from Tokyo Station to Kyoto train station in a little under three hours.

Using the Shinkansen, visitors can explore different parts of the country without having to worry about costs or time spent traveling by bus or car between destinations.

We definitely recommend getting the JR Pass for travel via Shinkansen.

Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass is a rail pass that can be purchased by tourists in order to explore the country.

This unique rail pass is available only to foreign visitors.

The rail pass provides unlimited use of the bullet trains and buses operated by the various JR companies throughout Japan, as well as some of its ferries.

The pass also includes free seats on many shinkansen services!

The JR rail pass is available for either 7, 14, or 21 days.

14 day JR Rail Pass is very inexpensive and a practical option compared to renting a car and most destinations can be accessed for free via the rail pass if you have 2 weeks in Japan.

Similarly, get the 21 day bullet train JR rail pass if you are spending 3 weeks in Japan.

The easiest and least expensive way to buy the Japan Rail Pass is to buy it online from an official JR Pass vendor.

We recommend that you wait to activate your JR Pass until you are leaving Tokyo as Tokyo has just a few JR Lines.

Best Time to Visit Japan

When should you plan the Japan trip?

Spring is the perfect time to visit Japan.

Seeing cherry blossoms in Hirosaki, in northern Japan, is an amazing experience.

During summer, visit Japan’s most beautiful beaches and enjoy the amazing cultural attractions.

Travel Tips to plan Japan Itinerary

Anywhere from 15 days to 3 weeks in Japan is also a good time to learn some basic Japanese phrases. We definitely recommend this as it would make your trip easier.

If you have less time, you can also read this post about seeing the highlights of Japan in 10 days .

If you are visiting Japan with kids , then check out this awesome itinerary by my blogger friend Melissa. 

This itinerary assumes that you have your visas in order.

For more on visas and Japan budget, read this guide for essential things to know before your Japan trip .

We hope you liked our Japan 3 week itinerary and options to create your own 2 week Japan itinerary.

Are you looking forward to your trip to Japan? What are you most excited about? Drop a comment and let us know!

2 thoughts on “Ultimate Japan 3 Week Itinerary for First-Time Visitors”

Love this! So helpful! Do you have recommendations for a central place to stay,like airbnb location, with a family and do day trips to these locations?

Doing Japan in 2-3 weeks is so hard, but you’ve done a great job narrowing down the main attractions. I lived there for three years and will hopefully be visiting next year (fingers crossed they reopen for tourism by then) with my husband and two friends who have never been. I’m struggling to narrow down all that I want to show them in such a short time frame. The only other place I’d recommend your readers consider is Kamakura for the Great Buddha. It’s also just a beautiful town, second only to Kyoto in my opinion. Other than Kamakura, it’s reassuring to see your timeline fits roughly into what I’m thinking. Thanks!

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The Ultimate (and detailed) 3 Week Japan Itinerary with Kids

We recently returned from a wonderful 3 week Japan family holiday, it was our first time and we all just loved it!  We spent hours and hours working on the perfect 3 week Japan itinerary as we wanted to see and do as much as we possibly could. 

Putting together a Japan itinerary with kids is no easy task.  For one, there is a huge list of awesome things to do in Japan with kids , so trying to work out what to do and where to go in Japan with kids is a bit tricky.  Also just trying to figure out which cities to visit, which order to visit them in, how to get between cities, how long to stay in each, which hotel to stay at and not to mention putting together a budget is extremely time-consuming! 

If you’re travelling to Japan with kids soon and in the process of planning your own Japan travel itinerary, you’re going to find this guide super helpful.  I have a lot of Japan content to come, but in the meantime, I wanted to start by sharing with you our detailed Japan 3 week itinerary so you might use it when preparing your own Japan trip itinerary.  

We also travelled with friends who spent two weeks in Japan, so I’m also going to share with you their 2-week Japan itinerary in case that’s helpful too.  Or check out this one week Japan itinerary .

So in this post, I’m going to tell you exactly where we stayed, what we did, how we got around attractions and between cities.  I will also tell you exactly where we purchased things to make it super simple for you.  Hopefully, you can use this information to assist in your own Japan travel with kids planning and benefit from the crazy number of hours it took me to put together our Japan 3-week itinerary. 

So let’s get into it, the finer details of our 21 day Japan itinerary.

Talk to other families about their tips on visiting Japan and join our Thrifty Family Travel Facebook Group or be inspired on our Thrifty Family Travel Instagram Feed .

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer  here  for more information.

Page Contents

• 1.1.1 Plan your Japan Travel Itinerary
• 1.1.2 Pre Purchase Attractions Via Klook
• 1.1.3 Stay Connected with eSim or Pocket Wifi
• 1.1.4 eSim by Frewie
• 1.1.5 Pocket WiFi
• 1.1.6 Download APPs
• 1.2.1 Pick Up Pocket WiFi
• 1.2.2 Bus from Narita to Hotel
• 1.2.3 Tokyo Accommodation  
• 1.3.1 Buying Public Transport cards
• 1.3.2 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
• 1.3.3 Puroland (Hello Kitty Land)
• 1.4.1 Fukagawa Edo Museum
• 1.4.2 Asakusa
• 1.4.3 Shibuya
• 1.4.4 Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho)
• 1.5.1 Mori Digital Art Museum/ teamLab Borderless
• 1.5.2 Miraikan National Museum 
• 1.5.3 Odaiba Statue of Liberty
• 1.6.1 HARRY Hedgehog Café
• 1.6.2 Takeshita-dori Street
• 1.7 Day 6:  Disneysea
• 1.8.1 Hakone Free Pass
• 1.9.1 Cruise on Lake Ashi
• 1.9.2 Checkpoint Museum
• 1.9.3 Mishima Skywalk
• 1.9.4 Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
• 1.10.1 Hakone Open-Air Museum
• 1.10.2 Travel from Hakone to Nagoya
• 1.11 Day 10: Legoland
• 1.12.1 Kyoto Accommodation
• 1.13.1 Fushimi Inari Shrine
• 1.13.2 Kinkaku-Ji Temple
• 1.13.3 Nishiki Markets
• 1.13.4 Pontocho Alley
• 1.14.1 Nijo Castle
• 1.14.2 Arashiyama
• 1.14.3 Maiko Dance
• 1.15.1 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• 1.15.2 Gion District
• 1.15.3 Kodai-ji Temple
• 1.15.4 Ryozen Kannon Statute
• 1.16.1 Nara Deer Park
• 1.16.2 Osaka Accommodation
• 1.16.3 Dontonbori
• 1.17 Day 16: Universal Studios
• 1.18.1 Cup Noodles Museum
• 1.18.2 Kids Plaza
• 1.18.3 Travel to Hiroshima 
• 1.19 Day 18: Day Trip to Miyajima Island
• 1.20.1 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
• 1.20.2 Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
• 1.20.3 Travel to Tokyo and Fly Home
• 2 Final Verdict

3 Week Japan Itinerary with Kids  

I’ve done this as a Japan day by day itinerary, so if you like, you can do exactly what we did.  Or you can just make changes here and there to fit your individual preferences.

This post is brief in detail about the attractions we visited; I have only provided the necessary information.  Full details of all the attractions we visited and additional attractions to consider will be provided in future posts – stay tuned.  The purpose of this post is to simply provide you with a Japan sample itinerary to work from, or you can just follow this day by day.

Pre-Trip Tips

Here are my tips on what to do before you jet set off on Japan family holidays:

Plan your Japan Travel Itinerary

Before leaving for our trip, we had our Japan trip itinerary fully planned out.  There is a lot to see in Japan, and so by planning out our itinerary beforehand, we were able to ensure we made the most of our time while in Japan. Honestly, pretty much every day in Japan was jammed packed with activities.

Pre Purchase Attractions Via Klook

Where possible, we purchased tickets to attractions beforehand.  Most tickets were purchased through Klook, which is absolutely fantastic as 9 times out of 10, we saved a stack of money.  Below where I mention each attraction we visited – I will link to where we purchased our tickets so you can too if you like or click here to see what Japan attractions Klook covers.

Stay Connected with eSim or Pocket Wifi

We like to have access to the internet – it is an absolute must when you’re travelling with kids in Japan. We pretty much lived on Google Maps to get around the city as well as navigating the trains. 

It’s also great for things like using social media, and if you travel Japan with kids, it’s great to let the little ones play games and stream Netflix when you’re on the long train rides between cities. 

We’d like to share two great ways to stay online – the Pocket Wifi or an eSim. They are both slightly different in the way they operate. I will explain the pros and cons so you can decide which might be best for your trip.

eSim by Frewie

One of the main benefits of the eSim is that it is sent via email immediately, so it should be almost instant. 

You can purchase an eSim for a duration of 5, 8, 15 or 30 days. The more days you purchase, the better value the eSim. 

Your next choice is whether to go for 500MB, 1GB or unlimited data. If you choose unlimited data you can then choose whether to get the first 5GB, 8GB, 15GBb or 30GB as high speed.  

Each option alters the price, so it’s worth checking each option to see what works best for you and your family. On the subject of family, although the eSim will be installed on your phone (or whoever deals with the tech in your family!), you will still be able to share your hotspot so additional family members can connect to the internet through you.  

The eSim needs to be activated within 45 days of receiving the eSIM QR email.  Do check the small print as the eSim will not work with all models.

The main benefit of an eSim rather than Pocket Wifi is there is no extra equipment to carry with you. You don’t need to remember to pick it up in the airport and you don’t need to return it afterwards. 

You can purchase an eSim from Klook here.

Pocket WiFi

Pocket WiFi is a device that you carry with you to connect to the internet. With the pocket WiFi you pick it up from the airport when you arrive and drop it back off at the airport when you head home – easy!  

You can choose unlimited data with the first 3GB, 5GB or 10GB being high-speed, per day.  Unlike the eSim which has a minimum duration of five days you can pay for just one day with the Pocket WiFi.

The main disadvantage of choosing the Pocket WiFi over the eSim is the maximum number of connected devices is five at a time. Using an eSim hotspot you can most likely share with up to ten other users (depending on your handset). The Pocket WiFi limit is only an issue if you need to share with six people or more simultaneously though.

If you decide to go with Pocket WiFi, it’s a good idea to insure it as you will be liable for loss, damage and breakage. You can pay extra to insure it at the time of purchase to give you that protection.  

You can purchase pocket WiFi from Klook here.

Download APPs

So as I mentioned we used Google Maps all the time.  Google Maps is awesome for working your way around the trains as it will tell you which entry/exit to use as well as which platform.  Honestly, this was pretty much the only app I used for getting around Japan – definitely ensure you have it downloaded before your trip.

The other App you want to download is SmartEX App – we used this to book all our Shinkansen trains.  The APP is great because you can see exactly how much each train is and what seats are available.  For the most part, we just booked trains the day before or sometimes the same day – but just keep an eye on how busy the trains are to avoid not getting tickets on the train of your choice. 

You will still need to pick up your tickets at the train station – either from the ticket machines or by going inside a ticket office.  You can of course just book tickets when you arrive at the station, but we have heard of trains getting full and so we didn’t want to risk this. 

There is also the option of purchasing the JR pass – whether or not the JR pass is worth it for you will depend upon your individual travel plans – for us it wasn’t.  There are a couple of JR passes to look at, you can check them out here.

Day 1: Fly to Tokyo

Click here for our full guide on Tokyo with kids.

We live in Brisbane; yet flew from Gold Coast as we landed ourselves one of those cheap Jetstar fares where you get the return flight for free.  All up for the 3 of us, we paid $945 AUD, which is pretty amazing!  JetStar has these deals a few times a year, so be sure to sign up to their newsletter and Facebook page to be notified of when they have a deal on.  Otherwise, if you’re from somewhere else in the world, just check Skyscanner for flights.

Pick Up Pocket WiFi

As mentioned above, a few weeks before our trip we had arranged pocket WiFi, which we picked up at the airport.  We did have to go to a different terminal from where we arrived – but we found this really easy as everything is well signposted in Japan – so don’t stress.  And everything is also in English too.

Bus from Narita to Hotel

Before our trip, we had also purchased tickets for the Limousine Bus, which takes you from the airport into Tokyo.  We bought our tickets through Klook. Through Klook,  tickets are cheaper at 3100 Yen ($34.99 AUD) per adult and 1550 Yen ($17.49 AUD) per child as opposed to 4000 Yen ($43.50 AUD) per adult and 2000 Yen ($21.75 AUD) per child.  Click here if you want to book discounted tickets via Klook .

However please note that the bus doesn’t take you to your hotel, just a central point in the city, so from there we took an Uber to our hotel.   So if you haven’t got it downloaded already be sure to download the Uber App.  Uber is great for getting around if you don’t speak Japanese because your driver can see where you are going via the App.

The Limousine Bus isn’t cheap though, and I think next time I will just take the train to the city centre as I found it pretty easy to navigate my way around.  If you want to do this option, it’s best to arrange your train card beforehand – see more about transport cards in day 2 below.

However some people get nervous about the bus when visiting Japan with kids and so arrange private transfers.  Private transfers through Klook are around 19,990 yen ($224.79 AUD) for up to 5 people – a lot more pricey than the bus, but they will of course pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your hotel.    Click here to book private car transfers with Klook.

Tokyo Accommodation  

We stayed at the Sakura Cross Hotel Shinjuku East while in Tokyo.  Tokyo is not a cheap place to stay and we found this hotel quite good value compared to what was on offer.  We thought it to be the best hotel in Tokyo for family and central for all the Tokyo kids activities we had planned.    For current pricing click here .

Our hotel was in a great location being between two train stations – Higashi-Shinjuku Station (500 metres away) and Wakamatsu-Kawada Station (550 metres away) – the former being the one we used the most which is also just one station away from the main Shinjuku Station.  Our hotel also had various 7/11’s close by, as well as a laundromat and bakery.

We got in pretty late at night – but we all walked across to the 7/11 for some food for dinner (yes 7/11 has amazing Japanese food!!!) and also bought some breakfast so we were ready to go the next morning. When taking kids to Japan this is my number 1 tip for when you need food fast!

Click here for our complete guide on where to stay in Tokyo with kids as well as suggestions for other budget hotels.

Day 2: Explore Tokyo  

Here is a brief overview of how we spent our first full day of our 3 weeks in Japan:  

Buying Public Transport cards

The first thing we did on our first full day in Tokyo was go to the train station and buy everyone in our travel group a Suica prepaid card – which is a card that you load cash onto so you can ride the trains and buses all around Japan. You MUST get one of these cards while in Japan – as trains are the main form of transport!

I’m not going to lie, this is a bit daunting to arrange – but you can do it!  Just find a ticket machine inside the train station and find the button that says English and follow the prompts to purchase your cards.  I understand that since we went in June 2019, there is now a tourist Welcome Suica Card which is a bit easier then what we had to do. 

For our cards, we had to pay a deposit and then return them before we left to get a refund.  Apparently these new cards come with a pre-loaded amount on them and expire within 28 days.  The only downside is you can’t get any of the money back that is left on the card – so make sure you use it all up before you leave.

If you are on a family trip to Japan, you will need to have your children’s passports handy to be able to purchase the kid’s Suica cards.  It’s quite funny actually as you push a button to say you’re buying kids’ cards and almost immediately a person pops their head out just above the ticket machine to see the passports.

Once you have your cards and loaded some cash on them you are ready to get on the train!

The trains may seem a little daunting at first – but once you get the hang of them, they are really easy.  Google Maps is your best friend here as it will tell you what entrance to use and platform number.  Everything is super organised in Japan – I just loved it!  Plus there are heaps of signs at the stations and they are in English.  If all else fails just ask someone – everyone is super friendly and helpful in Japan.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

• There are a few different towers in Tokyo for great views across the city, but the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the only one that is free!!!  If you are looking for free things to do in Tokyo with kids then this is top of the list.
• Given this is a free attraction – do get there early and do expect a bit of a line-up. When we arrived soon after 9am, there was already a huge line-up – but surprisingly it went pretty fast.
• We spent about 90 minutes here including lining up for around 30 minutes.

Puroland (Hello Kitty Land)

• After the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we took the train to Puroland.  
• We spent about 2-3 hours here, we probably could have stayed another hour or so, but we were short on time.
• For what it’s worth, the adults just didn’t get this place, but the kids seemed to love it – so definitely somewhere to go on your Japan trip with kids. 
• Price: Ticket prices vary depending on the day and time you go, with adult tickets averaging 4300 Yen ($46.75 AUD) and kids averaging 2800 Yen ($30.45 AUD).  We prebooked our tickets with Klook who currently sells discounted tickets for 2000 yen ($20.99 AUD) per person which is a huge saving!  Click here to purchase your discounted Puroland tickets .

Day 3: Explore Tokyo  

Here is a brief overview of how we spent day 3 of our Japan 3 weeks itinerary:

Fukagawa Edo Museum

• From our hotel, we took the train to Fukagawa Edo Museum which is a lovely museum that has a replica Edo village set up, which via a tour guide you are encouraged to explore.
• We spent an hour or so here.
• Tickets can be purchased at the museum or at ticket handling facilities or online and are 600 yen ($6.50 AUD) per adult and kids 50 yen ($0.55 AUD). One of the cheapest Japan family tours you’ll find!

• We then took the train to Asakusa which is a nice tourist area with shops, restaurants as well as a few attractions.
• Here we had lunch as well as visited Denbouin Street – Old Edo Street, walked by Hanayashiki Amusement Park (Japan’s oldest amusement park), looked at the shops and spent an hour or so exploring Sensoji Temple (with everyone else in Tokyo it seems – note go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds).
• We had also planned on visiting Uneo Zoo and Park which is close by, but after reading some poor reviews about the zoo we decided to skip it.
• If you had more time then us, you could plan on spending the entire day just in this area on your family holiday to Japan.

• We then took the train to Shibuya Station, which is the busiest train station in Japan! Boy they aren’t wrong. 
• We checked out the Hachiko Memorial Statue which is right outside the station.
• We then went up to the rooftop of the Magnet Shopping Mall building to get a bird’s eye view of the world-famous Shibuya Crossing. It’s free to do so.
• We then walked across the Shibuya Crossing… which is just mental – but an iconic activity to do when in Japan, kids will be in awe!
• The kids spent a bit of their spending money at the 100-yen store (great place for them to by some Japanese souvenirs ).  This is a big shopping area, so if you want to shop, this is the area to do so.
• We then spent the afternoon at a karaoke booth where the kids all had an absolute ball singing… karaoke, of course, is another iconic activity you have to do on your Tokyo family holiday.  It’s just one of the many family friendly things to do in Tokyo.

Piss Alley (Omoide Yokocho)

• We then took the train back to Shinjuku Station and checked out Piss Alley which is a cool little bar eatery lane nearby. Such a cool little area.   
• We had hoped to eat dinner here – but the restaurants are super tiny and as a group of 7 we had no chance (something to keep in mind for larger families when you travel to Japan with kids) – but we found a place nearby for dinner.
• From here we took a train back to our accommodation.   

Day 4: Explore Odaiba  

Here is a brief overview of how we spent day 4 of our Japan family trip:

Mori Digital Art Museum/ teamLab Borderless

• From Shinjuku, we took the train to Odaiba and visited the popular Mori Digital Art Museum.
• This is an awesome place for kids so don’t miss it on your Japan family vacation.
• It’s super important to book this in advance ( book here ) as we heard from loads of people missing out. Tickets are 3800 yen ($39.85 AUD) per adult and 1300 yen ($14.99 AUD) per child (4-12).  
• We spent around 3 hours here – we actually got hungry and left (you can’t go back in) – otherwise we could have spent much longer here.

Miraikan National Museum  

• Take the free Tokyo Bay Shuttle bus to the Miraikan National Museum.
• We didn’t visit here as we were meeting friends and didn’t have time, but our friends we were traveling with who were doing a Japan 2 week itinerary, spent the afternoon here.
• Price is 630 yen ($7 AUD) per adult and 210 yen ($2.30 AUD)  per child.

Odaiba Statue of Liberty

• Can you believe Tokyo even has it’s own replica Statue of Liberty! 
• From teamLab Borderless we took the free Tokyo Bay Shuttle down to see the replica outside the Aqua City which is an indoor mall.

Day 5: Explore Harajuku  

Day 5 of our Japan holiday with kids we had planned to spend the entire day exploring the area of Harajuku. Unfortunately, the weather gods had other plans and the day was pouring with rain.  Nevertheless, we did get to do a few things:

HARRY Hedgehog Café

• First up we visited the very expensive and in my view overrated HARRY Hedgehog Café.
• Everyone must pay an entrance fee for this café and so we ended up just sending one adult (me!) with all of the kids, while the other adults went to a nearby café for a coffee. The kids however just loved the place – which seems to have happened a few times over our Japan itinerary, 3 weeks with quirky activities kids love! 
• For 30 minutes at the café the cost is 1430 yen ($15.70 AUD) and worm snacks are additional – not for you, for the hedgehogs!  Everyone must pay the entrance fee.  You can pre-purchase tickets via Klook – but they are not any cheaper and are for one hour so cost 2640 yen ($29.79 AUD) per person – but they do include unlimited coffee and tea.  Click here if you wish to pre book via Klook.  

Takeshita-dori Street

• We then explored the famous Takeshita-dori Street, which is literally around the corner from HARRY Hedgehog Café.
• We had lunch here and also visited the Rainbow Sweets store where they make colourful fairy floss, ice cream and even colourful toasted cheese sandwiches. At this stage do you you even need to wonder; is Japan kid friendly? They will be in food-heaven!
• It was really pouring at this stage and so our plans of also visiting nearby Yoyogi Park or the Meiji Shrine were unfortunately called off.  We also had planned on visiting Kiddy Land – but due to the rain, we went to a nearby shopping mall to spend the rest of the afternoon indoors.

Day 6:  Disneysea

What the kids had all been waiting for on this family trip to Japan!!!  A day at Disneysea!

We booked our tickets to Disneysea in advance via Klook and picked these up at the Maihama Train station before heading into the park.  Tickets to Disneysea vary greatly pending day and time, ranging from 7900 to 10400 yen per adult ($80 – $110 AUD), and 4700 to 5600 yen for kids ($50 – $69 AUD), you can check the prices out here .

Many people choose to stay at a hotel near Disneysea and we had considered it, but rather than changing hotels etc we decided just to take the train.  The train does take an hour or so, but it’s simple, reasonably cheap and if you’re trying to save money definitely just do this.

If however you’re travelling to Japan with toddler and need to have a break throughout the day, or if you plan on visiting both Disneysea and Disneyland, it’s probably best to stay at one of the hotels close by.

Day 7: Tavel to Hakone  

Day 7 of our trip to Japan itinerary saw us say farewell to Tokyo and travel to Hakone where people go to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji.

Hakone Free Pass

We had pre-purchased a 3 days Hakone Free Pass which provided us with transportation to Hakone via the Odakyo line.  The Hakone Pass is well worth it as it includes all your transport and various attractions.  The 3 day pass is 6500 yen per adult ($74.85 AUD) and 1350 yen ($14.55 AUD) per child (6-11).  If you only want the 2 day pass it’s 6100 yen ($63 AUD) per adult and 1100 yen ($11.50 AUD) per child. 

We pre-purchased our 3 days Hakone Free Pass in advance via Klook.  Klook don’t sell them at a discounted rate or anything – but you do accumulate loyalty points for your purchases – so might as well buy everything in the one place.  Click here to purchase your Hakone Pass from Klook.

All up it took us about 3 hours to go from Shinjuku to our hotel in Gora.

Our friends we were traveling with were doing a 2 week Japan itinerary, decided to spend their time in Hakone in a traditional Ryokan so they stayed at the Ichinoyo Shinkan .  Here they had their own private onsen and wore traditional Japanese dress.   

As we were doing a Japan budget itinerary we stayed in a private room in a hostel in Gora called the Emblem Flow Hakone .  Click here to check current pricing for Emblem Flow Hakone or here for Ichinoyo Shinkan .  Click here for our full guide on where to stay in Hakone with kids.

We spent the afternoon relaxing a little, but if you had some energy it’s definitely worth getting out and exploring some of the places included in your Hakone Pass to make the most of your three weeks in Japan

Day 8: Explore Hakone  

Day 8 we went off to explore the gorgeous Hakone – this place is beautiful and well worth spending a few days here.  But if you’re short on time or doing say a 10 day Japan itinerary – you can still do a day trip from Tokyo which I’d also recommend.

Our plan was to take the Hokane Ropeway (cable cars) and stop at each section – unfortunately while we were there, there was quite a bit of volcanic activity and due to safety reasons, the cable cars were not running , so there was a bus in its place, but unfortunately it didn’t stop at any of the cable car stops. 

Such a shame as I was so excited about doing it and from what I could see – the scenery is absolutely spectacular – so don’t skip this on your family holiday in Japan!!!

When the cable cars are running a one-way trip is 1500 yen ($16.95 AUD) per adult and 480 yen ($5 AUD) per child – or free for unlimited rides with the Hakone Pass.

Here is a brief overview of how we spent our first and only full day in Hakone:

Cruise on Lake Ashi

• The cable cars finish down by the stunning Lake Ashi which is also where the bus dropped us off.
• From here we used our Hakone Pass to take a cruise across the lake which was just beautiful.  Such a change from Tokyo – I just loved Hakone!!  The cruise takes around 30 minutes and is in a pirate ship! Family friendly Japan strikes again!
• The cruise is 1200 yen ($12.26 AUD) per adult or 750 yen ($7.97 AUD) per child – or free for unlimited cruises with the Hakone Pass.

Checkpoint Museum

• Once we got off the cruise we walked around to the Checkpoint Museum.
• We spent around an hour here and it’s also where we got our first glimpse of the gorgeous Mt Fuji!
• The Checkpoint Museum is 500 yen ($5 AUD) per adult and 250 yen ($2.50 AUD) per child.  With the Hakone Free Pass you get a discount of 100 yen ($1.10 AUD).

Mishima Skywalk

• From the Checkpoint Museum, we took the bus (which is included in the Hakone Free Pass) to the Mishima Skywalk.  
• We spent about 30 minutes walking across the Skywalk.
• The Skywalk is 1000 yen ($10 AUD) per adult and 500 yen ($5 AUD) per child.  With the Hakone Free Pass you get a discount of 100 yen ($1.10 AUD).

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

• From the Skywalk we then took the bus up to the fun Hakone Kowakien Yunessun.  Hakone is all about hot onsens right – you know the romantic type where you relax with your partner –  but pop a kid in the mix and you’re best off going to Kowakien Yunessun – which is like a warm water park.  It has warm pools, water slides and pools such as the coffee pool, red wine pool etc.  There are both inside and outside pools.
• You could easily spend the entire day hanging out at the Kowakien Yunessun, but we just spent a few hours here.
• Entry is 2500 yen per adult ($27 AUD) and 1400 yen ($15 AUD) per child.   You do get a small discount with your Hakone Free Pass.
• From here we headed back to our accommodation.

Day 9: Travel to Nagoya  

Here is a brief overview of how we spent day 9 of our family travel to Japan:

Hakone Open-Air Museum

• In the morning we checked out of our hotel (left our luggage there) and went to visit the Hakone Outdoor Museum.
• The Hakone Open-Air Museum is surprisingly one of the wonderful places to visit when traveling to Japan with kids – Myla just loved the place.  Plenty of interactive things for the kids to do here.
• We were short on time so only spent 2 hours here – but could have easily spent another hour or so.
• Entry is 1600 yen per adult ($17 AUD) and 800 yen ($9 AUD) per child. 

Travel from Hakone to Nagoya

• We then made our way to Nagoya Legoland by train.  The entire trip took around 3 hours.
• Apart from the Legoland Hotel , there is really no other option for a hotel so that’s where we stayed.  The hotel is super expensive, so if you’re looking at where to stay in Japan on a budget – this isn’t it and does not meet our usual budget requirements – but I guess this was our splurge of the trip and it is super fun for the kids to stay in the Legoland Resort where absolutely everything is Lego themed, including the food!  Click here to see the current pricing of the Legoland Hotel.

Day 10: Legoland

Day 10 of our Japan 21 day itinerary was all about visiting Legoland!  Click here to read our complete guide to Legoland in Japan.

• Legoland is just metres from the resort, which is awesome if you’re on a Japan holiday with toddler or travelling to Japan with a baby as you can easily come back to the hotel for a rest in the middle of the day if need be. 
• We spent the entire day at Legoland – Legoland is really great for younger kids.  All the kids in our group loved it!
• Again we had pre-purchased our tickets through Klook.  We did check booking our hotel with tickets but once again it worked out cheaper to get the tickets through Klook.  Entry at the gate is 7600 yen ($82 AUD) per adult and 4500 yen ($45.80 AUD) per child (3-12).  Klook are currently selling tickets for 4400 yen ($45 AUD) per adult and 3500 yen ($39.45 AUD) per child (3-12) so a HUGE saving!!!  Click here to book your discounted Legoland tickets.

Day 11: Travel from Nagoya to Kyoto

Day 11 was all about traveling from Nagoya to Kyoto.  This trip took about 1 hour.

Click here for our full guide on Kyoto with kids.

Kyoto Accommodation

In Kyoto we stayed in Kyoumachiya Inn Rakuoan (pictured to the right), which is a gorgeous little traditional Rykon in the back streets of Kyoto.  This was a three-bedroom house and we shared it with our friends who were doing a 2 weeks Japan itinerary.  Click here to check out accommodation options in Kyoto.

We spent the afternoon getting some groceries for our home in Kyoto as well as exploring the little narrow laneways around our accommodation.  

Click here for our full guide on where to stay in Kyoto with kids.

Day 12: Explore Kyoto  

Day 12 our friends who were doing a Japan 2 weeks itinerary – took the train to Osaka to spend the day at Universal Studios in Osaka – one of the great attractions in Japan for families.  We were going to Osaka after Kyoto, but they were ending their trip in Kyoto.  If you’re doing a Japan 14 days itinerary – this may be something you might also like to consider.  See more details about Universal Studios below.

This is a brief overview of what we got up to on day 12 of our Japan trip with family:

Fushimi Inari Shrine

• We took the train to the Fushimi Inari Shrine – which is one of the most popular things to do in all of Kyoto and so not surprisingly the place was absolutely packed!  If I had my time again I would come here super early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
• There are lots of walking tracks here and things to do around the temple so you could easily spend at least half a day here, however given we were short on time we only spent around 2 hours here.
• Entry is free.

Kinkaku-Ji Temple

• We then took a train then bus to the Kinkaku-Ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion.  
• I have to say I was a little disappointed with this temple – sure it’s beautiful, but apart from looking at it, there isn’t much to do here.  We were probably in and out within 30 minutes.  If you’re short on time – give this one a miss.
• The Kinkaku-Ji Temple entry is 500 yen ($5.65 AUD) per adult and 300 yen ($3.25 AUD) per child (7-15).

Nishiki Markets

• From the Kinkaku-Ji Temple we made our way back to downtown Kyoto by bus and checked out the Nishiki Markets.
• For seafood lovers, you’re in for a real treat as there are lots of interesting things to eat.  We just stuck with some ice cream though.
• We had also planned on visiting the Imperial Palace which is close to the markets – but we simply ran out of time and steam to be honest (so keep in mind if travelling to Japan with toddlers that little legs will get tired quicker), and so from here we walked back to our accommodation.

Pontocho Alley

• In the evening we headed out to the pretty little area called Pontoco Alley.  This area is filled with bars and places to eat and is a must-do while in Kyoto.
• We found a lovely little place that served Shabu Shabu and then afterwards slowly strolled the narrow laneways before heading back to our accommodation.

Day 13: Explore Kyoto         

Here is a brief overview of how we spent day 13 of our family vacation to Japan:          

Nijo Castle

• We started the day by taking the bus to Nijo Castle.  There is plenty to see here so we spent a few hours.
• Entry to the castle is 1300 yen ($13.30 AUD) per adult and 400 yen ($4.09) per child.

• From Nijo Castle we took a bus to the lovely tourist area of Arashiyama.  I really loved this area, it was probably my personal favourite place in Kyoto.
• First of all we had lunch in Arashiyama and strolled around the shops for a bit.
• Then we walked to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove which is just a short walk away from the main street.  Entry to the Bambo Grove is free.
• We then walked across the lovely Togetsu-kyo bridge and over to the entrance of the Arashiyama Monkey Park – which was about a 15-minute walk.  From here its a fairly steep walk up to the Monkey Park and takes around 30-45 minutes (depending on how often you have to stop due to tired children! – also keep this in mind if you’re travelling Japan with a baby and have to push strollers/use a carrier).  It’s a little hard going and the kids did complain – but worth it once you get to the top and see the super cute wild monkeys.  Entry to the Monkey Park is 600 yen ($6 AUD) per adult and 300 yen ($3.25 AUD) per child.
• We then took a bus back to our accommodation.
• Arashyiama is a great place and you easily spend the entire day here if you had more time.  But we also found half a day was a good amount of time to see the highlights.

Maiko Dance

• Later in the evening, our friends went to check out the Maiko Dance which happens every night at 6.15 pm outside the Touzan Bar at the Hyatt Regency.    We didn’t go simply because we were exhausted – but definitely put this on your list too for Kyoto itinerary with kids.  It’s free to watch.

Day 14: Kyoto

Day 14 was the last day of our friend’s 14 days Japan itinerary and also our last day in Kyoto.  Here is how we spent our last day in Kyoto:          

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

• From our accommodation, we took the bus to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.  As you can see, from here you have great views across all of Kyoto.
• You can explore the grounds of the temple for free, but to enter it is 400 yen ($4.35 AUD) per adult and 200 yen ($2.20 AUD) per child.
• We spent around an hour or so here.  You could spend longer exploring all the walking trails – but as usual, we were short on time.  If you’re going to visit just one temple in Kyoto, I’d visit Kiyomizu-dera in Japan with family.

Gion District

• From the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, we walked around the streets of the Gion District which are full of tourist shops, restaurants and cafes. 
• Be sure to check out streets such as Ninen-zaka Street and Sannen Zaka Street for old traditional wooden houses.
• We had lunch in this area, which we found fairly expensive compared to anywhere else in Kyoto – but I guess that’s because there are a lot of tourists around here.
• We spent an hour or so slowly strolling through the streets and looking in the odd shop.  If you are a shopper, definitely add this to your Japan trip planner, and you would probably spend a lot more time (and money) than we did!

Kodai-ji Temple

• From the streets of the Gion District, it’s just a short walk to the Kodai-ji Temple which I visited alone – I think most of the group were over temples by this stage.
• This is a really pretty temple, but reasonably small compared to some of the others.  I spent around 30 minutes here – but given some of the group was waiting for me outside, I did walk quickly – I could have spent another 15 or so minutes here.
• Entry to Kodai-ji temple is 600 yen ($6.50 AUD) per adult and 250 yen ($2.70 AUD) per child.

Ryozen Kannon Statute

• From the Kodai-Ji Temple, I wanted to visit the Ryozen Kannon Statute – but I couldn’t for the life of me work out how to get into the complex.  The statue is huge and I could see it, but just couldn’t work out how to get there.  Plus the others in my group were tired and not that interested – so I took a picture and we moved on.
• If unlike me, you do work out how to get to the Ryozen Kannon Statute, entry is 300 yen ($3.25 AUD) per adult and 100 yen ($1.10 AUD) per child.

Day 15: Travel to Osaka – With a Stop in Nara

On day 15 we said good bye to our friends as their two weeks in Japan came to an end.  They flew back from Osaka to Narita for their flight back to Australia.

Here is a brief overview of how we spent day 15 in Japan:

Nara Deer Park

• On our way to Osaka we stopped off at Nara as we wanted to visit the Nara Deer Park.
• It was really easy to stop off on our way as the train station at Nara has large lockers that we could leave our luggage in while we visited the Deer Park – Japan family travel does have it’s conveniences!
• The Deer Park is free to visit and you can buy some food to feed the deer if you like.  However I’d probably advise against this as the Deer are pretty pushy towards the people with food and it can be a bit scary for the little ones – even adults too!
• We then walked around Higashimuki which is the shopping area of Nara and had some lunch.  I also wanted to see the guys pound the Mochi (sticky rice cake) in Nakatanidou, but by the time we had got there they were finishing up for the day.  Check it out here . Pretty unique to see on your family holiday, Japan.

Osaka Accommodation

• We then continued our journey onto Osaka and checked into our accommodation.
• In Osaka we stayed in Ostay Umeda DDC Hotel Apartment , which was a great self-contained studio apartment close to the Osaka – Umeda train station.  Click here to check out a range of properties in Osaka for your Japan holidays with kids.

Click here for our full guide on where to stay in Osaka with kids.

• We only had a super brief stay in Osaka, so no sooner had we dropped out bags, we headed straight to Dotonbori.
• In Dotonbori we took the 20-minute Tombori River Cruise.   This provided a good brief overview of the area and also gave us an opportunity to see all the famous Dotonbori Billboards – can only imagine what this area must look like at night!
• The River cruises depart every hour and half hour and cost 1200 yen ($12.29 AUD) per adult and 400 yen ($4.35 AUD) per child (6-12).
• Dotonbori is also a shoppers heaven, with long shopping arcades absolutely everywhere.  We’re not shoppers so pretty much bypassed this.
• We then took a stroll down to the older area of Dotonbori – Hozenji Yokocho.  This area is where you will find sweet narrow laneways that head in the direction of the Hozenji Temple.  I loved strolling around this area. The laneways are filled with small food shops and cafes. Too bad we didn’t have long here as I would have loved to have eaten in a few of these restaurants.⠀
• We then headed back to our accommodation in Umeda and headed out for dinner at a super cute Okonomiyaki place.

Click here for our full guide on things to do in Osaka with kids.

Day 16: Universal Studios

 On day 16 of our Japan trip we headed to Universal Studios:

• We took the train to Universal Studios which was absolutely fantastic and we all loved it.  There is plenty to do here for young and old – great rides and awesome shows too.  I’ll provide further detail about Universal Studios in a separate post.
• Make sure you are at the park just before it opens as we found it much quieter at this time.  And plan to spend the entire day here.
• Entry to Universal Studios is super expensive and there is a range of ticket options too.  One day tickets start at 8600 yen ($97.22 AUD) per adult (12+) and kids are 5600 yen ($63.30 AUD) (4-11 – so if travelling Japan with a toddler, they’re free!).  We pre-purchased our tickets via Klook.  Klook don’t sell them at a discounted rate or anything – but you do accumulate loyalty points for your purchases – so might as well buy everything in the one place.  Click here to purchase your Universal Studios from Klook.

Day 17: Explore Osaka and Travel to Hiroshima

Here is a brief overview of how we spent day 17 in Japan:

Cup Noodles Museum

• In the morning we checked out of our accommodation and took the train to visit the Cup Noodles Museum.  We left our luggage at the train station by Cup Noodles Museum.
• The Cup Noodles Museum is great for kids and well recommended.  We visited on a weekend and it was packed, so I’d recommend getting there by opening hours or maybe it’s not so busy during the week.
• We spent around 2 hours here, but at least 30 minutes of this was lining up, so on a quieter day you could probably get away with less time here.
• Entry to Cup Noodles Museum is free, however if you want to create your own Cup of Noodles – which you should – it is 500 yen ($5.65 AUD).  

• We then took the train to Kid’s Plaza – which is basically heaven for kids!  Kids Plaza is like a museum – but better!  Across various levels – this place has a range of awesome things for kids to discover and play with.
• There is a huge playground the kids can climb, hide and slide in, as well as an area where the kids can try out a range of occupations such as shop keepers, firemen, and postman, as well as musical instruments, science equipment and heaps more.
• We spent around 2 hours here, but you could easily spend at least half the day – there is just so much to do here.
• Entry to Kids Plaza is 1400 yen ($15.25 AUD) for adults, 800 yen ($8.70 AUD) for school kids and 500 yen ($5.45 AUD) for preschoolers.  Kids under 3 are free.  

Travel to Hiroshima 

• We then said goodbye to Osaka and left for Hiroshima, the last destination of our 3 weeks in Japan itinerary.
• We arrived late afternoon in Hiroshima and checked in at our accommodation; Chidori Inn Fukuromachi Hiroshima.   Our accommodation was surprisingly huge (well for Japanese standards) with a separate living area and sleeping area.  Click here to check current pricing .

Click here to read our full guide on where to stay in Hiroshima.

Day 18: Day Trip to Miyajima Island

On day 18 we took a day trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island – one of my favorite places on this trip to Japan.  I will explain more about what we did in another post, but here is a brief overview for your Japan family itinerary planning:

• We took the train from Hiroshima to the ferry and from here we took the short 10-minute ferry ride across to Miyajima Island.  The return ferry trip is 360 yen ($3.90 AUD) per adult and 180 yen ($1.95 AUD) per child.
• We took the cable car up to Mt Misen – which was just stunning!  Even the walk through the forest to get to the cable car was gorgeous.  The cable car is 2000 yen ($22.60 AUD) return per adult and 1000 yen ($11.30 AUD) return for children.  Many people take the cable car up and walk back down so one way it is 1100 yen ($12.45 AUD) per adult and 550 yen ($6.25 AUD) per child.
• We saw the Itsukushima Shrine – entry is 500 yen ($5.12 AUD) per adult, 300 yen ($3.07 AUD) per high school student and 150 yen ($1.53 AUD) for children 6 and older. As well as the famous Floating Torii, which as you can see from above was under construction during our visit.
• Visited the Miyajima History and Folklore Museum – entry is 300 yen ($3.25 AUD) per adult, 170 yen ($1.85 AUD) per high school student and 150 yen ($1.63 AUD) for kids.
• We walked around Omotesando Shopping Street.
• Saw the Hokoku Shrine – 5 Story Pagoda and Daisho-in Temple.

Day 19: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Museum and Memorial Park

On our last day in Japan, we spent the morning at the Hiroshima Peace Museum and Memorial Park before returning to Tokyo for our flight home.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

• First up, we checked out of our accommodation and left our luggage in the lockers at the museum.
• For months and weeks before visiting, Andy and I were conflicted as to whether or not to go to the Museum as it would mean, of course, bringing Myla. In the end, we decided to take her and talked about what happened there in an age-appropriate way before arriving. We shielded her from some of the more graphic pictures and stories – but we spoke to her not only about the human suffering but also about the determination in the people to survive, rebuild, forgive and ultimately advocate for world peace.
• The Museum is fantastic, and we spent at least 90 minutes here – if I wasn’t with Myla, I could have probably spent even longer here – there is just so much to look at and to read.
• Entry to the Museum is 200 yen ($2.20 AUD) per adult, 100 yen ($1.10 AUD) for high school students and other children are free.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

• Right outside the museum is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.  There is a range of different monuments to look at here including the Atomic Dome and the Children’s Peace Monument.
• The Park is lovely, and it’s definitely worth looking at all the different monuments here.  We spent an hour or so here.

Travel to Tokyo and Fly Home

• Around midday, we then got our luggage and took a train back to Tokyo and onto Narita Airport.  Later that night we caught a 9pm flight direct to Gold Coast and our Japan trip came to an end. 

Final Verdict

We all thought our family trip to Japan was brilliant!  There are so many great Japan activities for kids that you will definitely benefit from planning out you’re itinerary first – hopefully, you can use the information contained in this post as a sample Japan itinerary for your own trip.  As you can see, a lot of work went into planning this trip – so if you’re planning a trip to Japan, why not save yourself some time and use this as a basis for your own trip to Japan.

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We hope this ultimate itinerary in Japan has been helpful. For some of the best family hotels in Tokyo click here and if you plan on visiting Legoland find out all the inside info here and for all the best things to do in Japan have a look here.

7 thoughts on “The Ultimate (and detailed) 3 Week Japan Itinerary with Kids”

This is awesome. Thanks so much.

Hi! Thank you. I’m interested in the 2 week itinerary please, where can I find that? Looks wonderful 😉

Hi Lindsey – the 14 day itinerary is the first 14 days of the trip – this is what the friends that were with us did. We continued on for another week in Osaka and Hiroshima.

Hi Melissa, great itinerary and I’m using this as a basis for our own family trip next year. Is there anything you would have done differently? Spent less or more time anywhere? Gone somewhere else instead? Thanks,

Hi Lauren – not really – but I have made some comments throughout the article about any suggestions or changes to the itinerary.

Can you advise on the budget of your 3 week trip?

I have listed prices throughout the article – so you’ll need to go through and add this up depending on how many people there are in your family. Will also of course depend on time of year as air fares and hotels change.

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This is the Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Japan: A 3 Week Itinerary (2023)

Japan has long been a top tourist destination , thanks to its unique and inspiring culture and food. If you are travelling to Japan for the first time, you will want to see as much of the country as you can. Three weeks is the perfect amount of time. Here is how to plan the ultimate Japan 3 week itinerary for backpacking Japan.

This post contains affiliate links. This means, if you make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, read my disclaimer .

How to plan the ultimate backpacking Japan 3 week itinerary

If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to explore Japan in 3 weeks, the first place to start is what inspired you to visit in the first place. Are you hoping to see temples and castles, eat sensational street food, relax on beaches or in the mountains, explore its modern city life, or all of these things on your backpacking Japan itinerary? In Japan, 3 weeks is enough time to do all of these things, though it is such a rich country you may still find you cannot visit all the places you’d like to.

While travelling through Malaysia  with my boyfriend a few years ago, we met a young Japanese couple who sketched us a map outlining their recommendations of all the best places to go in Japan .

If you’re interested in joining a group tour in Japan, check out the latest deals from Intrepid Travel .

Five years later, we finally did it. We planned our Japan backpacking route to spend 3 weeks in Japan from mid-April to May. We hoped to visit as many places as possible on our Japan itinerary of 3 weeks that our friends had suggested.

As you can see from the map, their recommendations ranged from Niigata, in the north of Honshu, Japan’s main island, all the way 1250 miles (2000 km) down south to Okinawa, the tropical islands in the East China Sea.

If like us you’re planning to spend around 21 days in Japan, you are lucky. On a 3 weeks in Japan itinerary, you will have time to fly to places like Okinawa, that not as many people visit. Still, we found that we had to make the choice between heading north or south from Tokyo, because we couldn’t fit everything in. In the end, we chose to head south and leave northern Japan for another time.

My first tip for planning a trip to Japan is to pick a few places that you really want to see, as even with Japan’s famous high speed bullet train , travelling between cities can take several hours. Read on for more tips and a sample 3 week Japan itinerary.

Don’t forget to bring Lonely Planet’s essential Japan guide book on your trip.

This is the ultimate backpacking Japan 3 week itinerary

Tokyo – 5 nights.

When deciding on your best itinerary for backpacking Japan, Tokyo is a must-stop on your list. You will probably fly in or out of Japan’s capital city and there is so much to see and do here.

The super SIM card to buy for your backpacking Japan trip

If you land at Tokyo’s Haneda airport, like us, make sure you head to the Bic Camera store on the third floor of arrivals and buy a B-Mobile 21 Days Visitor SIM. 

This SIM card is perfect for a 3 week trip to Japan: mobile internet access done in one. The only thing you need to keep in mind is it doesn’t allow you to make calls.

Top ways to travel to and from the airport

Haneda airport is around 10 miles (16 km) from Tokyo city centre. The city’s other international airport, Narita, is around 40 miles (64 km) away. Rather than tackle the public transport from Haneda airport, we took a taxi to our accommodation as we were tired from our long-haul flight from Europe .

Be sure to take a print-out of the name and address of your accommodation in Japanese kanji characters, as some taxi drivers will not understand the names if they are written in the English alphabet. We liked how clean the taxis were and the lace seat covers. Some of them even have passenger doors that automatically open and close for you.

There are limousine shuttle buses operating between some areas of Tokyo and the city’s two main airports. This is a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel with all your luggage while backpacking through Japan. This is what we ended up doing for the rest of our trip when we were catching flights. Ask at the airport information desk, your hotel’s reception or click here for more information on locations and timetables.

An awesome area to stay in Tokyo (with a hidden shrine)

For this first stop in our backpacking Japan travel itinerary, we stayed in a central part of Tokyo called Akasaka. This part of Tokyo is close to tourist attractions and parks, as well as being a convenient location to get around the city, as there are a couple of metro stations nearby. It’s a great place to stay.

In Akasaka you’ll find the peaceful Hie Shrine which is well worth a visit. This is known as Tokyo’s hidden shrine and has a numerous red torii gates marking its entrance. We saw local business people come here to pray and make offerings in this shrine, which is an oasis among the modern skyscrapers.

Find an awesome selection of accommodation in Akasaka here .

There are also a large number of great restaurants in Akasaka, so you will have plenty of choice of places to eat every day. Keep in mind that the menus may not be in English and the staff may not speak English either so you may have to point at a picture and hope for the best. We were lucky that a friendly local guy at the next table gave us his recommendations of the best dishes, so we were off to a good start.

A beautiful place for brunch in Akasaka is the Aoyama Flower Market teahouse. Located at the base of the Akasaka Business Tower, here you can dine on creative and tasty breakfast options, surrounded by stunning plants and flowers, as you sip their special tea of the day. Such a treat.

Tokyo backpackers guide to brilliant budget accommodation

Accommodation in Tokyo is relatively expensive and the rooms are smaller than usual Western hotel standards. Our favourite budget hotel in Tokyo was the Super Hotel Lohas Akasaka which has friendly staff and is in an ideal location with a 7-11 supermarket right next door. The hotel even its own onsen  public bath, with specific times for men and women, which is dreamy and incredibly relaxing. Perfect after a long day of sightseeing.

The nearby top-rated Kaisu hostel is a brilliant choice for backpackers in Japan, as it is clean, friendly and quiet, with a tasty free breakfast served daily in its cafe-bar. It offers the choice of mixed or female-only dorm rooms, as well as private rooms. Hostels in Japan are usually very clean and safe, so it’s a pleasant experience.

If you’re looking for a female-only hostel in Tokyo, try the fabulous Urban Hostel Kanda Jimbocho . Guests love this hostel’s helpful staff, cleanliness and cute kitchen area, including a washing machine. On top of all that there’s excellent WiFi and free coffee.

The two UNPLAN hostels in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward area are friendly, modern and offer female-only as well as mixed dormitories. UNPLAN Kagurazaka has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, coffee and breakfast served daily in the on-site bar and cafe, while UNPLAN Shinjuku is conveniently located close to Shinjuku station and tourist attractions.

Browse and book the best budget accommodation in Tokyo for your dates .

These are the top attractions in Tokyo

One of the reasons it’s good to spend a few days in Tokyo is because the city is larger and takes longer to travel around than you may think. One of the closest attractions to Akasaka is the Tokyo Tower, but it still takes 20-30 minutes to reach by public transport or on foot.

If it’s your birthday – like it was for me – they will give you a special package with free entry to ride to the top of Tokyo Tower and a complimentary drink or snack. From the summit there are incredible views over the city, so you can see for yourself how large it is.

Not far from Tokyo Tower – and by that I mean only 30 minutes on the metro – is Shibuya. Here you will find great shopping and the famous Shibuya Crossing, said to be the world’s busiest intersection. That said, it is incredibly well organised. Many people go for a coffee in the Starbucks in order to take photos from the window of all the people down below, scuttling across the road. Even though it’s only a pedestrian crossing, it’s quite the spectacle and a lot of fun, with people posing for shots along the way.

If you are a fan of Nintendo, you can book a tour where you don a onesie and drive in a convoy of go-karts around the city, Mario Kart-style. We saw one of these groups go past in Shibuya .

Following our Japanese friends’ recommendation, we visited Akihabara, a shopping hub full of electronics retailers, manga memorabilia shops and the Tokyo Anime Center. This was one of my favourite areas of Tokyo as it’s so colourful and lively. It is 30 minutes north of Akasaka via the city’s metro system.

Here we stopped for a drink and a cuddle with the cats at the MoCHA cat cafe. You can buy treats to attract the cats to eat from your hand.

In nearby Asakusa – still 20 minutes away by public transport – you can visit Sensō-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple which dates back to 645. Be warned, it gets incredibly crowded here, as it’s one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist attractions.

Around 25 minutes east of Sensō-ji is a much smaller Shinto temple called the Kameido Tenjin Shrine. This is a perfect place to go if you’re backpacking Japan in the spring, as during a few short weeks there is a special festival when the gardens bloom with hundreds of wisteria. They hang over a tranquil turtle pond with cute bridges, paths and wisteria tunnels you can walk through. It was also crowded here when we came, but with more Japanese rather than international tourists.

A 15 minute walk from this temple is another of the city’s famous towers, the Tokyo Skytree. At 634 metres (over 2,000 feet) tall, it is hard to miss. In fact, it is the tallest tower in the world and there is a whole complex of restaurants inside. When we visited, we found it to be overwhelmingly busy so we didn’t go to the top.

If you’re a foodie, a great place to visit is Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, around 20-30 minutes east of Akasaka, where you can find all kinds of local delicacies for sale. 

Okinawa – 5 nights

The next destination in our backpacking Japan itinerary was Okinawa , as recommended by our Japanese friends. Known as Japan’s best-kept secret , they are located hundreds of miles south of mainland Japan in the Pacific Ocean, close to Taiwan and Hong Kong. The Okinawa islands have a subtropical climate, with average temperatures above 20°C all year round.

We took a domestic ANA flight from Tokyo for the three hour journey and took a limousine bus from the airport to our accommodation. 

Browse and book the best hotels and hostels in Okinawa here .

The most interesting area to stay in Okinawa

Okinawa has a large international cultural influence, notably that of the U.S., which has a large military base there. We stayed on the main Okinawa Island in Chatan, close to American Village.

This colourfully-lit area feels like a mini-Vegas which is totally in contrast to the rest of Japan. It is full of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues with an American touch. 

For accommodation close to American Village check out this selection .

This is a truly fabulous hotel in Okinawa

Our hotel was the gorgeous new Doubletree by Hilton Okinawa Chatan resort overlooking the sea, a short walk from American Village. We decided to spend more money on accommodation here than we would normally because it was for my birthday. It was well worth it.

Our large room included two double beds and a wet room with an absolutely blissful rain shower head.This contemporary hotel is stylish with great facilities, including a cafe/shop, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. 

I would recommend choosing an ocean-facing room because the sunset views are absolutely stunning. We sat on our balcony and looked out over the ocean as much as we could. I’ve never stayed in a hotel like this that was so close to the coast. 

Check the latest prices and availability for this fabulous hotel .

Beautiful beaches and scuba diving in Okinawa

There are beautiful beaches in Okinawa with hardly a soul on them. One of the best is Oodomari beach on the remote Ikei Island. It can be reached by car – one hour from Chatan – thanks to a series of bridges from Okinawa island. You will need to pay a small fee to the beach’s owners and you can enjoy the area almost to yourself. The sea is ideal for swimming – clear, clean and full of fish. There are basic showers where you can wash off the sand afterwards.

For all the best things to do in Okinawa, check out my Okinawa itinerary .

If you are feeling adventurous, there are many scuba-diving sites around Okinawa . The islands are surrounded by coral reefs. We headed towards the neighbouring island’s Kerama National Park on our scuba-diving trip.

For your perfect backpacking Japan three week itinerary, you may prefer to leave Okinawa until the end of your trip so you can relax on the beaches after all the sightseeing around Japan’s cities.

Nagasaki – 2 nights

After Okinawa, we were looking for the most convenient direct flight back to the south of Japan’s main islands. We discovered an affordable price for a flight to the city of Nagasaki, taking just 1.5 hours, so we went ahead and booked it as the next stop on our backpacking Japan itinerary.

We had only heard of Nagasaki because of the devastating atomic bomb attack the city suffered during World War II at the hand of the United States. But the place has a fascinating history that started long before this tragedy befell it.

Today a city of over 425,000 people, Nagasaki began as a small fishing village. In the mid-16th century, Portuguese explorers landed here and over the years it became a popular port city for traders from China and countries across Europe .

On our walk from Nagasaki station to our accommodation, we were surprised to see a Christian church: the Nakamachi Catholic Church. It turns out, the arrival of the Europeans in the 16th century brought Christianity to Japan and the religion gained popularity in Nagasaki and beyond. However, Christianity was soon suppressed by the Japanese rulers of the time, who persecuted anyone declaring themselves a Christian. Japan was then officially secluded from international influence for two centuries, until the 1850s. Nagasaki’s ‘Hidden Christian Sites’ are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List as they tell the story of how the religion was revived when Japan opened its doors again in the 19th century.

Where to stay at a traditional ryokan in Nagasaki

Here in Nagasaki, we stayed in a traditional Japanese ryokan , called Fujiwara Ryokan , where the floors are covered with tatami straw mats and the futon bedding is folded up in the corner.

The host is Isamu Fujiwara-san, a delightful older man whose English is limited, but who is incredibly kind and welcoming His partner prepares a delicious traditional Japanese breakfast for guests. When you arrive, you will find yukata robes to wear and a fresh pot of green tea to help you re-hydrate after your journey.

Just a a 9-minute walk from Nagasaki train station, Fujiwara Ryokan is conveniently located and has five rooms. At first glance, it is basic accommodation, but there is free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs in each room. It was a unique, traditional experience – with modern conveniences – for our three week backpacking Japan itinerary, which was very special.

For more outstanding accommodation options in Nagasaki, click here .

Make a stop here for melt-in-the-mouth yakitori

Isamu Fujiwara-san at Fujiwara Ryokan gave us a map of recommended local restaurants. Thanks to him, we discovered a restaurant called Yakitori Torimasa Ebisu, where we ate heavenly yakitori – chargrilled meats, seafood and veg on skewers. Seriously, it all tasted so good and simply melted in our mouths.

Helpfully, the restaurant has an English menu and the chef can also recommend dishes for you, before cooking them right in front of you. He told us he has been making yakitori like this for ten years. Our favorite dishes included the miso pork belly. Highly recommended – one of our favourite dining experiences while backpacking Japan.

The most memorable and moving things to do in Nagasaki

Why not walk off dinner with an evening stroll just over a mile (2 km) to Fuchi Shrine Station. From here you can catch the half-hourly Nagasaki Ropeway up to the scenic Mount Inasayama Observatory and viewing platform, which sits of 333 metres (1,093 ft) above the city.

The panoramic sights from up here of Nagasaki’s ’10 Million Dollar Night View’ of the city’s many twinkling lights, mountains and reflective river ranks as one of the world’s top 3 night view spots, alongside Monaco and Hong Kong.

Every evening shortly before closing time at 10pm, the three large TV and radio station transmitters light up in a special colourful display.

A short tram ride from Nagasaki’s main station is the Nagasaki Peace Park. Even the trams themselves have a cute retro style.

In Nagasaki Peace Park, you will find the ‘hypocenter’, the exact spot where the atomic bomb landed on the city in 1945, destroying the north of the city and killing 35,000 people in less than a second. 

Nearby you can see a remnant of a church that was one of the area’s only buildings left standing. You can also find a preserved part of the ground, exactly as it was after the bombing. Tools and teacups show the sheer devastation at ground level and the lives that were lost here.

As you walk through Nagasaki Peace Park, you will find a number of moving statues dedicated to the people of Nagasaki and calling for world peace, including the striking Peace Statue. It is an emotional experience.

Hiroshima and Miyajima island – 4 nights

From Nagasaki, it’s a four hour train journey to Hiroshima, with a transfer at Hakata station that we had paid for in advance thanks to our JR Passes .

The best hotel in Hiroshima for fabulous city views

In Hiroshima, we stayed at the fabulous Rihga Royal Hotel . It was my birthday and the hotel staff had kindly upgraded our room to a corner room on a high floor of the tower, with panoramic views over the city. You can even see as far as the island of Miyajima.

In the evening, we went to the hotel’s rooftop bar and tasted deliciously fragrant and spicy Japanese gin, served by an expert bartender.

Check out the full list of excellent hotels in Hiroshima .

The most moving thing to see in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is well known, along with Nagasaki, for being the site of the devastating atomic bombings during World War II. Here, you can visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, an iconic building that was one of the few constructions left standing after the bombing.

The attack killed more than 70,000 people instantly, while 70,000 more succumbed to radiation poisoning. The building was preserved exactly as it was, serving as a memorial to the lives lost. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park.

Marvel at the shrines and friendly deer of Miyajima Island

The picturesque Miyajima Island is the perfect day trip from Hiroshima. Many people recommend staying overnight there too, but rooms are in high demand.

The island’s ‘floating’ Great Torii Gate in the bay is a popular spot for photos. It marks the entrance to the 12th-century Itsukushima Shrine. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For me, the most impressive structure is the Tahoto Pagoda, a striking red Buddhist temple built in 1523.

On Miyajima, friendly deer roam fearlessly among the tourists, searching for snacks. It’s rare to see these normally shy creatures up close and be able to pose for photos with them.

In the afternoon, take the Miyajima Ropeway the two journeys to the top of the mountain for incredible views. There will probably be queues, but it is worth it.

At the top of this sacred mountain, if you have time, you can hike around the forests and discover the Seven Wonders of Mount Misen.

It is so special here that you may wish to stay overnight so you can appreciate it after most of the tourists have left for the day. However, there are only a few places to stay and they are in high demand. You can book your room online in advance here .

Miyajima island is a charming and magical place that will stay in your memory for a long time.

Osaka – 3 nights

From Hiroshima, it’s a 2.5 hour journey by high speed bullet train to Osaka. Home to 19 million people, Osaka is a huge port city known for its modern architecture which lights up at night. While you can do one day in Osaka , two nights is great so you can take your time.

Browse and book from the extensive list of places to stay in Osaka here .

Its main historical landmark is the 16th-century Osaka Castle, which is surrounded by a moat and park with plum, peach and cherry-blossom trees.

The street food you need to try in Osaka

Osaka is renowned for its tasty street food so, as guided by the notes on the rudimentary map drawn by our Japanese friends, we had to try it.

First up, was takoyaki , stuffed batter balls topped with sauce. Even watching these little local snacks being made is a joy, as the market stall owners whip the batter around in the small moulds.

Next up, is okonomiyaki , delicious Japanese savoury pancakes filled with your choice of meat, seafood, vegetables and cheese, and topped with plenty of sauce. It’s street food heaven.

Osaka’s not-to-be-missed nightlife

As day turns to night in Osaka, the Dotonbori area of the city lights up into bright colours wherever you look. It’s awe-inspiring, simply walking along the streets and looking up at the giant, luminous adverts.

Look inside one of Japan’s video game arcades any time of day or night and you will be struck by the amount of machine noise, cigarette smoke and coloured lights. These dedicated gamers don’t seem to mind though.

Kyoto – 3 nights

Kyoto is just a 15-minute bullet train from Osaka. Once the capital of Japan, it is famous for its 2,000 beautifully preserved religious places, including 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, as well as imperial palaces, gardens and traditional wooden architecture. The historic monuments of ancient Kyoto are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is one of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, so be sure to allow at least two days in Kyoto . 

Kyoto is in high demand so book your accommodation well in advance here .

Explore Kyoto’s famous geisha district

As well as being a great place to go shopping, Kyoto has a long tradition of being a centre for geisha , the distinctive traditional Japanese female entertainers.

Kyoto’s most famous geisha district is Gion, where you will find many traditional wooden merchant buildings containing shops, restaurants and teahouses, where geisha entertain guests.

At the Gion Corner theatre, you can watch performances showcasing a variety of Japanese theatrical arts.

The nearby Ponto-chō district is also known for its preserved traditional architecture and entertainment. Pontocho Alley in particular is an atmospheric place to wander around after dark.

Here on its narrow streets you can discover tiny, moody bars where highly experienced bartenders mix you cocktails served with flowers, fruit and traditional Kyoto snacks.

Get lost in the bamboo forest

A popular day trip destination from Kyoto that you will recognise from Instagram photos is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Just under an hour by public transport from central Kyoto, the bamboo forest walk is extremely popular with tourists so go early or be prepared for crowds.

However, head off the beaten track and you will find secluded shrines and mossy pathways where you can enjoy a peaceful moment.

We found a great little Udon noodle restaurant called Ogura-ya, where you can tuck into delicious noodle soup.

From Kyoto it’s a comfortable three-hour bullet train ride back to Tokyo, where you can catch your flight home after an incredible three weeks backpacking Japan.

Tokyo – 3 nights

Returning to Tokyo for our flight home, we took an extra day for what turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip – a visit to the majestic Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji – the most fabulous day trip from Tokyo

About 1.5 hours from central Tokyo by train or bus is the famous Mount Fuji. This special place is well worth a day trip to enjoy the views. We were very fortunate to have perfect weather to see this magnificent mountain as often the summit is obscured by clouds.

Staying overnight in this beautiful location? Discover all the best places to stay .

From Kawaguchiko Station rent a bicycle or take the Red Line bus to Oishi Park. This route is usually not as busy as some of the others, so it won’t be so crowded when you get there. The gardens, flowers and lake provide a beautiful foreground for your Mount Fuji photos. The blueberry ice cream from the cafe at the nearby Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center will make your experience even sweeter.

Is backpacking Japan expensive?

You may be wondering, how much does backpacking Japan cost? Japan is certainly more expensive than other countries in Asia to visit. In total, for our three weeks in Japan, I spent around €3500 (£3000), but you can definitely do it for cheaper than we did, if you stay in shared accommodation instead of private rooms.

So, how much money do you need per day when backpacking Japan? For me, it worked out at around €165 (£140) per day. I will break down the costs below, to help you calculate the price for your own trip.

Just over a third of the total cost was for accommodation. We stayed in simple hotel rooms, as well as a traditional Japanese ryokan and a nicer hotel in Okinawa for my birthday. You will save a lot of money on accommodation in Japan if you are staying in hostel dorm rooms, such as the ones suggested in the section below.

Around a quarter of the cost was for transport, including return flights from mainland Japan to Okinawa and the JR Pass for high speed train travel around the country. The JR Pass is an expensive upfront cost, but it works out cheaper than booking individual train journeys in Japan once you’re there and gives you peace of mind. For more information, see the travel section below.

The next biggest cost, at 16% of the total, was for food and eating out at restaurants. The good news is you can dine well in Japan on a budget. We only spent around €27 (£22) per day on food. In Japan, you can find tasty street food and it’s great to try the local specialities – read more on this below. Even in one of the neighbourhood 7-11 supermarkets, you can find delicious and inexpensive Japanese snacks and meals.

Of the remaining budget, the largest was for tickets to attractions, but this only comprised 8% of the total.

In terms of how much cash you should bring to Japan, you may be surprised to find that many vendors still take cash rather than credit card payment. For this reason, I would make sure you always have plenty of cash on you. Sometimes it will take a while to find an ATM, so once you locate one, it’s worth taking out a large sum of money, as you will probably be charged by your bank, and maybe the ATM too, for each withdrawal. Luckily, Japan is a safe place to travel, so you don’t need to worry about carrying cash with you.

This is the best (and worst) time to visit Japan

Spring is said to be the best time to visit Japan because it’s cherry blossom season. For my trip to Japan, we decided to go from mid-April to the first week of May, over the Easter holidays. However, it’s good to check with a Japan itinerary blog or planner first. It was only after I booked our flights with ANA (All Nippon Airways) that I realised that our dates coincided with Golden Week.

At the end of April and beginning of May every year, Golden Week in Japan is a time when there are a number of national holidays. At this time of year, many transport hubs, hotels and tourist attractions across the country are much busier than normal, if not fully booked. Normally the advice for international tourists is to avoid this period. For this reason, it’s better to go to Japan in March or early April, if you want to see the cherry blossom. The mild autumn months between September and November is another good time to visit, as summer in Japan can get very hot.

For us, Golden Week in 2019 coincided with the abdication of Japan’s Emperor Akihito and the ascension to the throne of his son Naruhito, Crown Prince of Japan, ushering in a new era for the country. As well as more extended national holidays, it was a momentous time in history to visit Japan. Read on for my full Japan trip planner to help you organise the best trip to Japan.

This is by far the fastest and best way to travel in Japan

As you will be travelling long distances in a relatively short space of time, the best way to travel around Japan is by bullet train, known in Japan as the Shinkansen . It is fast, comfortable and incredibly efficient.

Buying the bullet train tickets separately can be expensive, so I highly recommend buying a Japan Rail (JR) Pass. This allows you to travel on the Shinkansen as often as you want within your Japan 21 day itinerary for a fixed price. You need to order it in advance before you leave, then exchange your voucher for the pass itself at a train station when you arrive.

Find out more, buy your JR Pass and get a free Japan train planner here . 

A Japan train tour like this is arguably the best way to see Japan if you are there for a week or more and visiting a few places – you can also buy a JR Pass for 1 week or 2 weeks. When you are looking into how to travel around Japan, you will see there are other options, such as buses and internal flights. Buses can be useful if your Japan travel route is more off-the-beaten path as the Shinkansen mainly serves the big cities. As we were taking flights for part of our trip, to visit Okinawa, we calculated that we didn’t need a JR Pass for 3 weeks to travel through Japan; we only needed to organise a 7 day Japan Rail Pass itinerary.

After you have planned your JR Pass Itinerary, you will need to book the individual tickets for the journeys at the train station. Then, the only thing you will need to worry about is getting on and off the train in time, as they only allow around one minute at each station, before speeding off to the next stop. 

To help you plan a budget and estimate costs for your trip to Japan, check out this useful site .

Final thoughts on a backpacking Japan 3 week itinerary

While we had a full Japan itinerary of 21 days, somehow it still didn’t feel like enough time. Because we had chosen to go south to Okinawa on our Japan backpacking trip, we weren’t able to visit the two destinations in northern Japan that our friends had suggested.

Niigata is a port city said to produce the world’s finest sake, Japan’s famous rice wine, while Nagano is a ski resort famous for the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs of Jigokudani Monkey Park. Seems there’s plenty left to visit on our return.

Whatever happens, you are sure to have an incredible time on your 3 week itinerary in Japan, as you eat, experience and enjoy everything this unique country has to offer.

56 Comments

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What would you skip for a two week itinerary? I thought Okinawa? And what else?

Hi Dirk, yes, for a two week itinerary I would suggest leaving out Okinawa and Nagasaki. I hope you have an incredible trip to Japan!

How much did you pay in total for the whole trip?

Hi Jackie, thanks for your question. I have added a section to the article outlining the total cost for the trip and the breakdown by type of expenditure. I hope this helps!

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Backpacking Japan Travel Guide

Japan is an amazing country full of contrasts. The Land of the Rising Sun is saturated with a fascinating heritage, natural beauty, rich history, and fantastic food. Backpacking Japan is one of the most fun adventures to be had in all of East Asia . I have been to Japan twice in the last six years, there are so many awesome places to explore. Check out my backpacking Japan travel guide featuring crucial travel tips to know before you go.

Whether you are in Asia already or just planning to visit Nihon (that is how Japanese people call their country), a backpacking trip through Japan is a truly fantastic way to spend a few days or a few weeks. Japan is made up of more than 3000 islands lying along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Mountains dominate the landscape, covering most of the country. Japan is very well connected, diverse, green, clean, and full of outdoor adventure potential.

This backpacking Japan travel guide will show you the way to having an awesome budget backpacking trip! Get the low-down of where to go, budget and travel costs, sample Japan itineraries, awe-inspiring hiking trails, Japan travel hacks, and recommendations on where to stay along the way.

Where to go Backpacking in Japan

There is a staggering amount of attractions and things to do in Japan ! This country is filled with culture; a culture that is unlike any other countries, and will leave a lasting impression with you. Best of all: you have so many ways of seeing everything. There’s something for everyone in Japan, be it a relaxing holiday in Tokyo or a thrilling hunt for hidden gems in Kyoto. It makes sense, now, as to why so many people fall in love with this country.

If you’re short on time, visit Kyoto. This is one of my favorite cities in Japan that inevitably conjures images of Geishas, forests of bamboo, temples, and shrines in gold.

Kyoto reflects the true characteristics of the society that it’s a part of. The city boasts numerous things to do, including exploring the fine examples of Japanese architecture, paintings, and other art forms in its many museums and galleries. This is part of what makes it such a captivating city to visit and it is certainly one of the most unique places in Japan!

The country is relatively small though. Therefore, you can take in quite a lot in a short period of time, especially if you invest in Japan Rail Pass beforehand. Japan receives a vast amount of tourist traffic every year. A vast majority of those people only visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and a few other well-known destinations. There is much more to Japan than that!

By the time you finish this Japan travel guide, you will have a solid idea of what those places are all about and will have nearly everything that you need to begin an amazing backpacking trip through Japan.

So, let’s get to it.

Best Time To Visit Japan

Unlike some destinations in Southeast Asia , Japan has four distinct seasons that make it a great time to go all year depending on what you are looking for with your Japan backpacking adventure.

If you’re going for the cherry blossoms , then end of March to mid-April is the best time to go. Weather and climate factors (temperature, rain, and winds) affect cherry blossom season and influence exactly when the blooming will take place each year.

Typically the blossoms bloom in country’s south first as the climate is milder, before gradually creeping up north towards major cities such as Kyoto, Nara, and Tokyo. The northernmost island of Hokkaido enjoys viewing the cherry blossoms around late April – early May.

The summer is generally hot and humid with 3-4 week rainy period, which takes place on mid-June through mid-July. However, the summer is the most popular time of year as the festivals are in full swing and Mount Fuji is open for climbing in July and August.

Travelers to Japan can witness the fall foliage in central Japan from early October until November. December is the best time to enjoy beautiful illuminations in Tokyo and visit the Sapporo Snow Festival , which is the largest snow festival in Japan. You may want to avoid travel to Japan during the Golden Week and Obon (April-early May and around mid-August, respectively).

Entry Requirements for Japan

There are 68 countries in total where their citizens don’t require a visa to enter Japan and will receive 90 days on arrival. But the length of stay depends on the which country you’re from.

Citizens of Australia, Canada, the EU, New Zealand, Switzerland, and a handful of other countries get a visa exemption 90-day tourist visa, provided they will not be working in Japan. If you travel to Japan from the USA, you don’t a visa too! Other foreign nationals get a temporary tourist visa for a period of 60 days or less. To find out the specifics for your country, check out this website , which explains the requirements for each country.

Backpacking Japan Travel Guide: Itinerary

Trust me, I know your pain. It can be extremely hard to figure out the best time to visit Japan, especially if you want to see both autumn leaves and cherry blossoms. It can be also hard to come up with a Japan itinerary that fits everything you want to see into three weeks. There are just too many awesome things to do in Japan.

However, based on my experience traveling around Japan, I’ve created four separate travel itineraries depending on the season. These itineraries cover a bit of everything such as the scenic Cape Kamui , iconic attractions like the Danjo Garan temple complex, the picturesque village of Shirakawa-go , historical temples of Kyoto and Takayama , and many more awesome places.

Take my advice: if you’re a first-timer and can allocate extra time and money, spend most of your time in Tokyo and Kyoto! But if you want to explore the countryside and rural areas in Japan, then check out the itineraries below, which will give you some solid exposure to Japan’s mind-boggling diversity.

3 Weeks in Japan in Spring

Determining the best time to go backpacking in Japan for cherry blossoms can be tricky due to the global climate change. However, If you have flexible travel dates or have a few weeks to play around with, you’re almost guaranteed to witness the wonder of the yearly bloom somewhere in Japan. Of course, you don’t necessarily have to be everywhere to see it in bloom.

Start your 21 day Japan itinerary at Narita or Haneda airports in early April. Allow 4-5 days to explore Tokyo (including optional day trips to Nikko and/or Hakone), and then head to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto for 3-5 days (5-7 if you include Nara Temples and Miyajima Shrine Island ).

From Kyoto, take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima (for 2-3 days) or to Shikoku Island (for 4-5 days). Finally, head back to Tokyo to finish up this amazing trip! With so many temples, beautiful gardens, imperial palaces, there’s never enough time to see everything in Tokyo. Stroll around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden , explore Akihabara district or enjoy the views at Tokyo Tower . The choice is yours!

3 Weeks in Japan in Summer

As I said, summer can be hot and humid. While there are annual festivals and fireworks all around the country, summer is not the best time to visit Japan.

In most of Japan, the rainy season runs from early June to mid-July. Tsuyu (as the monsoon is known as Japanese) affects the islands of Okinawa about one month earlier. Only Hokkaido and Ogasawara, Japan’s northernmost islands get less affected by the rainy season. However, this doesn’t mean the weather there is perfect. The weather can be cold and cloudy during this period.

You need to take a more pragmatic approach to planning a solo backpacking trip to Japan in the summer. Start your summer adventure trip in Hokkaido, and take advantage of its comfortable climate. You can see the lavender fields in Furano all stretched out from the beginning through to the end of July. In Biei blooming crops create a patchwork carpet of colors from June onwards. It’s actually worth seeing! Spend a week in Hokkaido to allow enough time to visit Asahikawa and the scenic Kamui Misaki Cape .

Continue your Japan rainy season trip with a flight to Fukuoka, where you can spend several days enjoying Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival . Extend this to 5-7 days if you plan to climb the Mt. Fuji . Remember, official Mt. Fuji climbing season lasts from early July to early September, but crowds are usually huge in August.

Finish your summer backpacking trip to Japan with a week in Okinawa. Home to many fabulous sandy beaches, some of them like Emerald Beach bright blue waters and a tropical vibes. If you’re a surfer don’t miss out on visiting Isonoura Beach of Wakayama prefecture that attracts surfers from all over the world.

3 Weeks in Japan in Autumn

Apart from cherry blossom, autumn in Japan is definitely my favorite time to see this beautiful country. However, yellow, orange and red autumn leaves, draw just as many visitors in autumn as the cherry blossoms do in spring. Since the autumn season creates contrast between red, orange, yellow leaves and temples, shrines, castle look so beautiful, it’s no wonder why so many people want to know when is the best time to see autumn leaves.

Early November is a good time for koyo in the Tohoku region . So it would be nice if you can base yourself there for another week of your 3 weeks Japan trip.

Mid-November is good for autumn foliage in the Fuji Five Lakes area and also in Hakone. You may want to consider spending 4-5 days in Kawaguchi-ko to take in its annual autumn festival while warming up in the onsen bath and hopefully catching the incredible view of Mt Fuji .

Finally, take a bus or train back to Tokyo and spend around a week explore fall colors both within the city and in the lower-lying areas of the Kanto region , such as Kamakura and Yokohama , whose Sankeien garden will make you think you are in Kyoto rather than Yokohama.

How to Travel in Japan

Tokyo has an extensive subway system with the color of the subway cars matching every certain line. Osaka, Yokohama, Fukuoka, and Kyoto also have subway systems. Metro one-way ticket costs between $1.5-$3 (¥140-¥250 JPY) depending on the city.

If you are planning to travel a lot by train, consider getting Japan Rail Pass for a fixed period of 7, 14 or 21 days. You can get a Japan Railpass for the entire country or for specific regions. Choose how many days you need it for and check the price. You can get the pass from various companies but prices are essentially the same.

Yup, I know, it is a big price to pay up front, but after my recent backpacking trip across Japan, I’ve done some calculations and discovered that if you plan to visit Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, buying the pass is well worth the money.

Get your JR Pass before your trip to Japan so you don’t have to worry about it once you get there. Remember, your JR Pass doesn’t give you access to the subway and metro lines! Within metropolitan areas, there are sometimes “package deals” on transportation. In Tokyo, I found the 24-hour metro ticket to be well worth the price. In Kyoto, where JR Rail Pass is of limited utility, all-day bus pass was a lifesaver when traveling between Arashiyama, Sagano, and Shugakuin.

Japan Travel Guide for Getting Around

Getting around japan by bus.

Buses are omnipresent in Japan. Expect to pay flat rate almost every time you ride a bus in big cities. When you enter the bus through the back door you get a paper ticket marked with a zone number. When you hop off the bus you need to show the ticket to a driver and pay the fare. Of course, if you use a rechargeable IC card, then you only have to touch the card against the reader, the same way you touched when entering the bus.

On the contrary, intercity buses have their rates based on distance and comfort. Intercity buses are usually considerably cheaper than trains and have comfortable, reclining seats, a toilet, and WiFi. Many highway and overnight buses, require seat reservations. Popular destinations and routes sell out quickly during high season, so you may want to book as early as possible. However, outside the peak season, it is usually possible to purchase a ticket just prior to departure at the bus terminal. On some shorter bus lines, seat reservations aren’t available.

Non-Japanese speaking travelers may find using buses a bit confusing outside major cities. Since stops are often announced only in Japanese, it would be wise to know your destination before boarding the bus.

Getting Around Japan By Boat

While traveling by boat is pretty much always more time-consuming than flying, boat rides between Japan’s main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku can be fun in itself. Of course, you won’t need a ferry to travel between Japan’s main islands since there are bridges and tunnels. But an extensive network of ferry services will help you reach the country’s smaller islands.

There are a lot of international ferries linking Japan to Donghae (South Korea), Shanghai (China), and Vladivostok (Russia). But sea voyages take a long time and usually quite tedious. Overnight ferries often have communal bathrooms and dining halls. 2nd-class (the cheapest option ) travel means sleeping in common rooms on carpet or tatami mats or the floor. However, you can pay a little extra to upgrade to a dorm room with about 4-12 beds (or a lot extra for a room with about 2 beds).

Getting Around Japan By Bicycle

What most Japanese do to save money and what you can do as well is get a bike. Rental bicycles are available in many tourist destination and range from road bicycles to electric-assisted bicycles.

However, the majority of bicycles available for rental in Japan are the large cruisers (also known as mamachari). Most hostels rent bikes out for the day for about ¥800 and there are bike lanes as well. You can also find rental shops at train stations too. If you rent a bicycle from the third-party shop they might ask for the address and phone number of your accommodation, deposit and/or your ID card for rentals. Drivers are used to bikes and cyclists are just as relentless as in the Netherlands or Denmark .

Bicycle touring allows you to see Japan from a local’s perspective. While its off-the-beaten-path places are those which truly left an impression on me.

How to Behave in Japan: Essential Japanese Manners and Etiquette

Japanese etiquette is super tricky and hard to just summarise. But to give you a broad overview, you should know that Japan is a group-oriented and traditional society where younger people show their family, employer and authority respect and honor. Referring to elders with informal language is considered rude.

Blowing your stuffy nose can also be considered impolite. Instead, use a public bathroom.

Avoid pointing with the index finger because it’s considered threatening. If you ask for directions, try to point directions with an open hand instead. You will soon notice Japanese people tend to do the same or they sometimes offer verbal directions without gestures.

How to Escape the Tourist Crowds in Big Cities

The tone of voice and facial expressions matter a lot in Japan. While spoken words can have several meanings.

It’s considered rude to speak loudly and laugh out loud while on trains and buses. People tend to play on their smartphones, send texts and Instagram, so as not to disturb other passengers.

Don’t eat or drink in public and at temples and shrines.

Taking off your shoes is common courtesy before entering indoor public spaces. Furthermore, you shouldn’t wear shoes or slippers when walking on a tatami. Most restaurants, hotels, and museums will have toilet slippers and you must use them when entering the bathroom. Again, don’t forget to take the slippers off when leaving the bathroom.

On a crowded public transport, it is polite to take the backpack off your shoulders and carry it in your hands. No matter how big or small, you are expected to place it on your lap for space reasons. Place your backpack in front or at the side of you. Sometimes that also for safety and pickpocket reasons .

Backpacker Accommodation in Japan

Finding cheap accommodation should be the main priority when backpacking through Japan. It’s definitely one of the biggest travel expenses and the best thing that you can do to keep costs down is to book well in advance. Space is at a premium in Japanese cities so when you find a good option, book it as soon as possible.

Hostels have a lot to offer backpackers, but as budget travel becomes more appealing, Airbnb is a popular alternative. Instead of emptying your savings on expensive hotels, find equally desirable rooms and rent entire apartments through Airbnb. If you haven’t yet rented a room through Airbnb, use my affiliate link to join. All first-time users will receive a free $35 credit for signing up, which can be used in any destination where Airbnb is available.

The apartments I rented through Airbnb while backpacking Japan often included money-saving extras like a washing machine, kitchen stove, and WiFi.

While backpacking around Japan, I paid ¥3200 JPY / $30 USD per night in Fukuoka, ¥2400 JPY / $22 USD per night in Hiroshima and a super saving ¥1900 JPY / $17 USD per night in Osaka.

I found that with Airbnb, staying longer in places while backpacking in Japan meant that I was often entitled to very significant discounts. Many Airbnbs hosts offer discounts for longer stays. I got 50% off in Kyoto for staying seven nights. I mean ¥1300 JPY / $12 USD per person per night. That was a serious win for my Japan backpacking budget.

How to Overcome Jet Lag Naturally

Tokyo budget accommodation is a whole different ball game and I often ended up staying in the strangest place. Most hostels average around ¥3250 GBP / $30 USD per night for a minimalist bunk bed in a dorm. I was very happy to find a decent option that only cost me ¥2000 GBP / $18 USD per night.

However, there was a catch. The ‘option’ was, in fact, a camping shop by day which rented its showroom tents out overnight as a kind of try before you buy thing. It was right in the centre of the popular area of Arakawa and was actually a really fun experience. I had to sacrifice comfort though.

Tokyo has no shortage of accommodation options, from capsule hotels to Manga Kissa internet cafes. Even if you travel by yourself in Japan, you have to be flexible when searching for a place to stay during your Japan backpacking trip.

Couchsurfing is your best bet whilst backpacking in Japan, especially for the first couple of days you need to find decent and budget accommodation. Make sure to start looking for an appropriate host early enough because there’s a high demand for budget accommodation in Japan.

Where to Stay in Japan

Below are a few of my favorite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking Japan:

Wired Hotel Asakusa, Tokyo K’s House Hiroshima – Backpackers Hostel Fukuoka Hana Hostel, Fukuoka Star Capsule, Okinawa Main island Khaosan Kyoto Guesthouse, Kyoto Oak Hostel Nara Hostel Mallika, Hiroshima Book And Bed Tokyo – Kyoto GRIDS TOKYO AKIHABARA HOTEL&HOSTEL, Tokyo Cup of tea, Takayama

Drink and Food in Japan

When you think about Japanese food, I bet you have sushi, ramen, and sake in mind. However, with its long history and influences from Chinese and European cultures, there’s so much more to Japan than that!

The Japanese love to eat out, and the endless array of culinary options, even in the smallest towns, can be overwhelming. There is something for every taste and budget, from restaurant vending machines to refined traditional eateries mainly udon and thin buckwheat noodles.

Japanese portion sizes are generally smaller than those served in the United States. However, one by one, even the smallest portions of golden brown tempura shrimp or cheap deep-fried skewers will quickly add up. Be advised! But seriously, dig in also!

Don’t let Japanese food burn a hole in your pocket – visit themed bars, restaurants, and izakayas during main lunch hours to claim lunch deals. In the evening, go to local supermarkets an hour before they close to snatch up heavily discounted foods, such as fried skewers, bento boxes and rice balls.

How To Choose The Next Travel Destination

If you have a sweet tooth, walk the main shopping streets and step into the small speciality shops or Daiso stores to grab sweet treats at a lower price, including kasugai kiwi gummies and those delicious butter cookies.

If you’re backpacking Japan on a shoestring budget, consider eating fast food, such as gyudon at Sukiya. I’m a big fan of their food and you can have a bowl of rice and meat with mustard leaf for $4! They also serve breakfast sets!

There are also smaller takeaway shops outside train stations that will have pre-cooked readymade meals, which are much cheaper (and less tasty) than the ones in restaurants and malls.

Should you want to try as many dishes as you can at once but without spending a fortune, I highly recommend all-you-can-eat buffet-style restaurants. These are ideal for times when you would like to try several different kinds of foods or when people in your group have different taste preferences.

At buffet restaurants, you can have as much food as you want for one fixed price. However, many buffet restaurants set a time limit for your meal, usually between 1-3 hours.

The Japanese specialities you Must Try

• Tempura: Seafood and vegetables deep-fried in sesame oil and served with either a tiny pool of salt or a soy sauce-flavored broth.
• Sushi: Slices of raw fish and vegetables available in a variety of flavors and textures and goes extremely well with soy sauce.
• Sashimi: Thinly sliced fresh fish served uncooked with soy sauce, pickled ginger, and wasabi.
• Ramen: Egg noodles in a meat, fish, soy or salty broth with toppings such as sliced pork and spring onions.
• Soba: Buckwheat noodles that one can eat hot in broth, or cold with a dipping sauce.
• Kushikatsu: Deep-fried skewers of fish, meat, and vegetables.
• Yakitori: Skewers of bite-sized grilled chicken.
• Okonomiyaki: A grilled savory pancake made with cabbage, seafood, pork, and noodles.
• Goya Champuru: Okinawan style stir-fry that combines bitter melon, tofu, egg, and sliced pork.
• Matcha: A bitter green tea used in tea ceremonies.
• Sake: Traditional Japanese rice wine served hot or cold.
• Shochu: A strong distilled spirit often mixed with soft drinks.
• Asahi and Sapporo: Crisp, dry lagers that you can find pretty much everywhere in Japan.
• Whisky: Japanese distilleries such as Suntory and Nikka are award-winning brands around the world with their fine, Scotch-style malts.

Tips to Travel Japan on the Cheap

The Land of the Rising Sun can be a very expensive country, luckily though if you follow the tips below you can backpack Japan on the cheap!

Travel in the Off-Season

Festivals like Obon, Golden Week and Japanese New Year make accommodation prices automatically increase. On the contrary, the rainy season (with only the first three weeks of rain) provides much lower prices. By going off-season you also get a chance of last-minute deals, which can be more attractive than options a month before.

Get JR Pass

If your trip across Japan involves a lot of train rides, then buying a Rail Pass is something you should consider. It essentially reduces costs while using railroads and buses owned by JR, and allows to ride a shinkansen (bullet train) without breaking the bank.

Hop On a Bus

Buses in Japan are reliable and cheap providing a convenient way of getting from A to B, especially when you travel long-distance. Overnight buses can also help you save money on accommodation as well. You can find buses from Tokyo-Osaka for ¥3200 JPY that is a lot cheaper than trains.

Hit Depachika Food Halls

These department stores found in the basement of department stores offer a wide array of precooked and fresh food. Depachika markets are great because usually they offer free food samples and sell foods by weight. Enjoy seasonal fruits while paying less money. The stores often have direct access to subway stations and easily accessible from there. In the evening before closing, some department stores will sell their products at a discount.

Japan is home to many Airbnb hosts offering their homes for rent. If staying at hostels isn’t your thing, there are plenty of decent options to be found through Airbnb. Prices differ from host to host. I recently came across a sweet and cozy separate room in Tokyo that sleeps two for just $25 USD per night! Be sure to book far in advance to get the best price.

Hit the 100 Yen Shops

The shops that offer almost any product for under 1 US dollar (100 JPY) are omnipresent in Japan. They are great for getting everyday items at a low price. Snacks, bottled water, clothes, and cosmetics – many locals, as well as backpackers, love these shops. The downside – overspending is easy, and you may end up buying the stuff you don’t really need (if you have money, of course).

Take Advantage of Manga Kissa

These internet cafes initially were used primarily as places where folks could read comic books (Manga) or play online games in private cubicles. Most internet cafes operate 24/7 and offer some kind of accommodation. Some will only offer a regular chair with a computer, others will have luxury reclining chairs and even mini sofas. Manga cafes are great to spend a night for around ¥1500 JPY ($14). Food is available from vending machines.

Places to Visit in Japan

Get lost in tokyo.

Visiting Tokyo is truly a thrilling experience. I was dreaming about going to Tokyo since I was a kid and fell in love with this city as soon as I got there. An amazing mix of traditional and modern life, Tokyo is filled with modern architecture, high-tech, sushi shops, and beautiful gardens. This city never sleeps, just take a look at Shibuya intersection during peak hours. With so many things to do in Tokyo, it’s better to explore Tokyo at a slower pace.

Enjoy Flowers in Hitachi Seaside Park

The park is mostly about the picturesque landscape, seasonal flowers and blue nemophila flowers that bloom here from April to May. Hitachi Seaside Park is the off-the-beaten-track place and usually overlooked in favor of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Located two hours away from Tokyo by train in the seaside town of Hitachinaka, the park has its main attraction – Miharashi Hill covered with different flowers, while the most popular are Baby Blue Eyes flowers. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel or spend some time in the Water Plaza, which is popular during the hot summer months.

Admire the Japanese Gardens in Kyoto

The former Imperial capital city has 17 UNESCO sites and is one of the most popular destinations in Japan for travelers from around the world. And for good reason. Kyoto is the embodiment of Japan’s soul. Centuries-old temples, ryokans, tranquil Zen gardens and teahouses. Seeing all these attractions may require a lot of time. But no matter what sites you’ll visit you can expect them maintained in the authentic tradition of the city.

Feed the Deer in Nara

The city of Nara deserves at least one day to spend here. Board the train from Osaka or Kyoto to reach Nara in less than one hour. Nara is home to some of Japan’s oldest shrines and temples, which are embraced by the Nara Park and fascinating Japanese architecture. Stroll the alleyways of the Nara Park to see grazing sika deer and feed them with crackers. If you find yourself here be sure to visit the Kasuga Taisha shrine, Todai-Ji, and Kofuku-Ji temples.

Stroll Through Arashiyama

When I was visiting Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was really high on my bucket list. Once you get into the surreal bamboo forest, it makes you feel like taking a step back in time. This peaceful place is one of the top destinations in Kyoto and it is usually packed with tourists on weekends. However, the further you go up towards the mountain, the fewer people stay on the path. The bamboo forest is easily accessible from the main street of Arashiyama, not far from Tenryu-Ji Temple entrance.

Enjoy a Bird’s Eye View of Yokohama

While Yokohama architecture may reminiscent of ultramodern Tokyo, the city hosts numerous temples and shrines with history, dating back hundreds of years. Rivaling Japan’s capital city, Yokohama has its own business district that is home to the headquarters of the most powerful MNCs.

Minato Mirai 21 futuristic looking area attracts travelers with an observation deck on top of Landmark Tower, parks dotted between skyscrapers and the large Ferris wheel. Don’t miss out on strolling through Chinatown, explore the Shinyokohama Ramen Museum and the Yokohama Port area.

Walk Through a Tunnel of Torii Gates

Fushimi Inari Taisha may seem to be an endless tunnel of torii gates leading up the sacred Mount Inari. As you start climbing up, the tunnel is packed with tourists but the further you go the more opportunities you get to take awesome photos without anyone else in the frame. For me, it was an unbeatable climbing experience so far. The tunnel looks surreal in spots where the gates have a high density that even the sunlight has a hard time getting through. The head shrine of Inari is reachable from JR Inari Station.

Visit Kawagoe

The town of Kawagoe is a wonderful destination for a day trip from Tokyo that still retains much of the charm of the Edo period. Situated half an hour away from Tokyo, Kawagoe has its main street lined with clay walled warehouse buildings that give some clear image of how the town looked like several centuries ago. Aside from architecture and culture, Kawagoe houses a number of traditional candy shops and restaurants serving eel dishes. If you go here for a weekend, be sure to see the Bell Tower situated close to Kurazukuri street and Kita-in Buddhist Temple.

Hike the Nakasendo Trail

The trail was very important during the Edo period. The route connected Kyoto and Tokyo, and these days a part of it was redeveloped. There are a few stretches that preserved their original form and allow to enjoy tranquil scenery of traditional Japan. The most popular section of the Nakasendo Trail lies in the Kiso Valley, between the towns of Tsumago and Magome. You’ll also notice warning bells along the path to scare off bears.

Hiking Nakasendo is like an antidote to the urban sprawl of Tokyo. You can expect to spend around 3-4 hours for this small section with picturesque forests, restored paving, monkeys and spectacular views of waterfalls along the way.

Explore Osaka

Going on an eating spree in Osaka is quite easy! Osaka is a food destination, which makes this city a paradise for foodies. While food culture in Osaka consists of primarily mainly fish and seafood, it also boasts some of Japan’s nicest grilled beef.

Visit Shinsekai or Kitashinchi districts to enjoy grilled octopus, shredded cabbage with squid or prawns, meat, and vegetables on the cheap. Apart from food, there is a number of interesting temples and sites. For example, Osaka Castle, Tennoji Park, Shitenno-Ji temple and Tempozan Ferris wheel.

Pay Tribute To Victims of Hiroshima

The city of Hiroshima will be associated with the nuclear bomb attack for a very long time, I think. While the city is completely safe to visit today, there is still a prejudice that high radiation levels can cause harm to visitors. That is not true. The city became livable 27 days after the explosion when the tropical storm washed the dangerous radioactive dust out of the air. Quite an underrated destination in Japan, Hiroshima is famous for its great restaurants, beautiful parks, and various museums.

Visit Okinawa

A cluster of Okinawa islands offers a chance to enjoy the earliest cherry blossom blooming in Japan. Because of its geographic location, Okinawa is among the country’s most popular getaway destinations.

Relax on beautiful sandy beaches, swim in perfect turquoise water and enjoy numerous water activities. With so many islands around here, you can choose your own island experience in Okinawa. Apart from beach activities, Okinawa boasts a rich culture and heritage. Strongly influenced by China, the island has to offer a bit different experience than mainland Japan.

Attend Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Japan’s spring season offers a chance to enjoy not only Sakura and tulip blooming but also shibazakura blooming (pink moss). Very impressive views of flower carpets with neat alleys among them are supplemented by magnificent Mount Fuji in the backdrop on clear days.

The venue is about three kilometers south of Lake Motosuko, in the Fuji Five Lakes district. Visit Shibazakura Festival in the morning if you want mind-blowing photos with perfect visibility.

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Backpacking Japan Three Week Itinerary

It’s a myth that Japan isn’t for backpackers or budget travelers! Although you shouldn’t expect $2 dorm beds like in Southeast Asia , it’s entirely possible to travel three weeks in Japan on a budget. 

If it’s your first time backpacking in Japan , I recommend this three weeks in Japan itinerary. It combines the traditional, the flashy, the delicious, the kawaii, exciting, cultural… everything that Japan has to offer! 

Spend time in  the classic Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima while backpacking three weeks in Japan, plus see some hidden gems like Naoshima and Okunoshima (Rabbit Island!). You’re sure to have a memorable experience that’ll make you want to book a second trip to Japan. 

Backpacking Three Weeks in Japan Itinerary

Start: Fly in to Tokyo

• Tokyo – 7 days (pick a few Tokyo day trips like  Kamakura/Enoshima , Yokohama , Mt. Takao ,  Disneyland , etc)
• Nagoya – 2 days (day trip to Shirakawago) 
• Kyoto – 4 days (day trip to Nara)
• Osaka – 3 days (day trip to Mt. Koya , Kobe, or Universal Studios)
• Naoshima – 1 day
• Teshima – 1 day
• Hiroshima – 1 day
• Miyajima – 1 day
• Return to Osaka – 1 day

End: Fly out of Osaka

Total = Three weeks backpacking in Japan on a budget!

Get some inspiration for weird and quirky places to stay around Japan in my list of 34 weirdest hotels in Japan !

Getting To and From Your Japan Three-Week Itinerary

To save money on your Japan backpacking trip, I recommend checking flight prices to/from  Tokyo and Osaka airports . Narita, Haneda, and Kansai International Airports all have competitive flight prices, especially one-way flights to/from other Asian destinations. 

I like to use  Google Flights  to compare flight prices, because I can input more than one airport to fly into or out of. See my Travel Resources page for more tips. 

The good news about picking Japan as your travel destination: every month of the year there are amazing sights to see and experiences to be had.  Japan can be visited year-round , so don’t stress about when the best time is to make a trip! 

How To Get Around During Your 3-Week Japan Itinerary

A common transportation method for tourists coming to Japan is the JR Pass. It gives you unlimited JR line rides (including bullet trains) for a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day time frame. For its hefty price-tag, you save a lot of time getting around Japan. If you have money but not a lot of time in Japan, check out  JR Passes for cheap from Klook .

For this backpacking in Japan and this 3-weeks Japan itinerary, the JR Pass is not cost-effective . The JR Pass in general is not something I recommend for backpacking in Japan on a budget.  

Get around Japan on a budget by using highway busses, or the local trains with the Seishun 18 Kippu . 

Check out Japan Bus Online , which is a database of different highway busses operating across Japan. I normally travel with  Willer Express , which operates both overnight busses and daytime long-distance busses. For non-Japanese passport holders, Willer has a  Japan Bus Pass  you can purchase, that lets you take their busses on 3-, 5-, or 7- different days within a two month period. Perfect for backpacking in Japan! 

Backpacking in Japan Three Week Itinerary

Start: tokyo - 7 days.

7 days might seem like a long time to be in Tokyo, but if you plan your 3-week Japan itinerary this way, it’s easier on your backpacking Japan budget! Tokyo has many amazing day-trip destinations, so stay in one hostel for 7 days, while exploring Tokyo, and its surrounding towns! 

Where to stay in Tokyo to start three weeks in Japan

Tokyo is filled with amazing neighborhoods, so it’s hard to go wrong when picking accommodation in Tokyo. To make getting around easier, I recommend staying in Tokyo near the Yamanote line , which is the circle line within Tokyo that connects to most of the top things to do in Tokyo .

Check out the following places to stay in Tokyo for your three weeks in Japan itinerary: 

• Budget:  The Global Hotel Tokyo  or  Holiday View Inn  near Shinjuku, or  Grids Toyko Ueno Hostel & Hotel  near Ueno
• Mid-Range:  The Millennials  in Shibuya,  Sakura Cross Hotel  or  Belken Hotel  in Akihabara
• Luxury:  Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel  in Shibuya or  The Tokyo Station Hotel  near Tokyo Station

How to Get Around Tokyo:

Whether you’ve invested in a JR pass or not, it’s convenient to have a  Suica card , a transit card that works on all transportation in Tokyo. The JR pass doesn’t allow you to take non-JR trains, such as Odakyu lines for example, which take you to Kamakura . 

Suica cards can also be used anywhere IC Cards are accepted around Japan. Transport in Kyoto and Osaka all accept Suica cards too, although their regional IC card is the  ICOCA card . They’re the perfect backpacking in Japan companion. 

How To Spend Three Days in Tokyo

As part of your 3-week Japan itinerary, I suggest dedicating at least three full days to Tokyo. With many weird & wonderful things to do , and more quiet off-the-beaten-path Tokyo experiences, you’ll never get bored backpacking Tokyo. 

Here’s an outline of things to do during three days in Tokyo :

Tokyo Day 1 

• Fire up your taste buds by touring around Tsukiji Market . Though the tuna auction doesn’t happen here anymore, there are countless street food stores selling seafood samples. 
• Stroll through the Ginza neighborhood, the 5th Avenue of Tokyo and a great place for shopping
• Visit the Imperial Palace Gardens for a nice break from the crowds. Have lunch at Tokyo Station’s underground Ramen Street and check out its quirky Character Street shops. 
• Head to the anime and electronics neighborhood of Akihabara  to surround yourself with modern Japanese culture
• Last stop: Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple is one of the most iconic sights in Tokyo. Take part in Japanese temple traditions here.  

Tokyo Day 2

• Head to ritzy Roppongi and the MORI Art Museum for a great city view overlooking Tokyo
• Immerse yourself in trendy Shibuya , a favorite neighborhood for young Tokyo-ites. See the Hachiko dog statue and the famous Shibuya crossing. A new viewpoint over Tokyo , Shibuya Sky recently opened for more great views over Tokyo. 
•  Explore the Meiji Jingu grounds, one of the most important shrines in all of Japan dedicated to the first Emperor and Empress. 
• Hop over to Harajuku and Takeshita Street , home to countless wacky Tokyo activities including eating rainbow food and dining at the Kawaii Monster Cafe. 
• Head to Shinjuku , one of the liveliest Tokyo neighborhoods at any time of the day. Have a drink (or just walk through) Shinjuku Gai, a grid of alleyways filled with tiny bars and izakaya. 

Tokyo Day 3:

• Go to Teamlab Borderless or Teamlab Planets , which are two incredible museums filled with immersive digital art exhibits. 
• Head to the Yanaka Ginza neighborhood to get a feel for old Tokyo. 
• Walk through a row of vermillion torii gates (smaller than the ones at Fushimi Inari in Kyoto but much less crowded) at the Nezu Shrine . 

Find more inspiration for Backpacking in Tokyo: 

• Read up on my Tokyo itinerary – The Perfect Three Days in Tokyo Itinerary
• Check out the highlights – Top 15 Things To Do In Tokyo
• See Tokyo’s weird and quirky side – 20 Weird And Unique Things To Do In Tokyo
• Learn where to escape the crowds – Off-The-Beaten-Path Places In Tokyo
• Get out of the city for a day – Best Day Trips From Tokyo
• Gain some elevation over Tokyo – Six Amazing Tokyo Viewpoints

Tokyo Day-Trips

Be sure to include a few  amazing day-trips from Tokyo  on your Japan itinerary. Whether you enjoy hiking, temples, shopping, or Disney, there is a day-trip for everyone. 

The three day-trips I recommend for backpackers in Japan are Yokohama, Kamakura & Enoshima (combined), and one day-trip to the mountains east of Tokyo. 

1. Yokohama Day-Trip

One of the most popular day-trips from Tokyo for locals is to Yokohama. It’s the second largest city in Japan, located just 30 minutes by train south of Tokyo. It’s a large port city famous for its sprawling Chinatown, shopping scene, and two Ramen Noodle museums . 

Yokohama is cheap to reach from Tokyo (¥450 from Shinjuku). Being close to the water gives you a break from being surrounded by tall buildings all the time in Tokyo. 

Read about making a Yokohama day-trip here ! 

2. Kamakura and Enoshima Day-Trip

Kamakura and Enoshima are separately two beautiful places to day-trip from Tokyo. Because they are close in proximity, it will save you time and money by combining the two into one day-trip.  Purchase a  Odakyu one-day freepass  (¥1520) to take unlimited rides between Kamakura and Enoshima, plus a round-trip ride from Shinjuku Station. 

Highlights of Kamakura include its bronze Great Buddha statue, many traditional temples and shrines, and its beaches. Exploring off-the-beaten-path Kamakura will give you a great feel for rural Japanese life. 

Enoshima is a tiny island off the coast of Kamakura. It’s famous for its ancient shrines and its geography of rugged cliffs and water-formed caves. Enoshima is home to a lighthouse and viewpoint, a local shopping street, and a great shoreline to wander around for sunset.

Read my comprehensive Kamakura-Enoshima Day-Trip Itinerary

3. Mountains & Nature Day-Trip: Mt. Takao, Mt. Jinba, or Mt. Mitake

Just west of Tokyo city are sprawling mountain ranges. If spending time in nature is high on your priority list during two weeks in Japan, head to one of these mountains. 

• Mt. Takao is the most crowded mountain day-trip, because it’s easily accessible from the city center (¥390 directly from Shinjuku). You can take a cable car or chair lift to the summit, and be greeted by a view of Mt. Fuji on clear days! Mt. Takao is home to some mountain monkeys, several temples, and restaurants serving Japanese hikers comfort food. 
• Mt. Jinba , which can be combined with a hike to Mt. Takao , is a popular mountain with hikers and trail runners. The summit of Mt. Jinba is wide and grassy, with a handful of restaurants and many benches perfect for picnics. See Mt. Fuji and the Kanto plain from the summit of Mt. Jinba too! 
• Mt. Mitake is another holy mountain located a bit further from Tokyo. It used to be a pilgrimage site, where monks would stay at the summit in temple accommodation. Today, it’s still possible to stay in a temple on Mt. Mitake. For day-trips to Mt. Mitake , you can have a meal with a view at the many restaurants, do some souvenir shopping, and enjoy the small mountain village life. 

4. Disneyland or DisneySea

Of course, if you’re a big fan of Disney, switch out one of these day-trips for an all-day excursion to Tokyo’s renowned Disneyland. If traveling Japan with kids, visiting Tokyo Disney is a must, and it’s highly recommended to buy tickets in advance. Purchase tickets to skip the line here .

If you’re looking for a different Disney experience, try  Disney Sea . The crowd here is a bit older so it’s perfect for an adult-only Disney experience. The rides at Disney Sea are more thrilling and… they sell alcohol here! 

5. Kawagoe Day-Trip

Not traveling with Disney fans during your three weeks in Japan? Check out this day-trip alternative from Tokyo: Kawagoe. Kawagoe is a short train ride north-west from Tokyo’s Ikebukuro station (¥480 from Ikebukuro), located in the neighboring Saitama prefecture.

Nicknamed “Little Edo”, you’ll find local tourists dressing up in kimono to walk through the old-Japan streets here. Highlights include “Candy Alley”, a historical alleyway filled with candy shops, an old clocktower, and a temple where you’re sure to get rich from visiting!

Read more about making a day-trip to Kawagoe here . 

Nagoya - 2 Days

Continue backpacking down the coast of Japan to Nagoya, your first stop on this 3-week Japan itinerary after Tokyo! From Tokyo, it’s possible to take a highway bus to Nagoya in just a few hours. 

Nagoya is one of Japan’s most underrated cities, and sadly, often skipped on Japan itineraries. 

Nagoya is a busy industrial city, but offers a lot more than just tall buildings! The Nagoya castle is a royal place to visit, plus there are plenty of museums and other activities around town. Nagoya is also a great place to take a  day trip to Shirakawago , where you can experience historic, rural Japan. 

How To Spend One Day In Nagoya

Nagoya has something for everyone backpacking in Japan:

• If you have yet to see a Japanese castle, be sure to stop by the Nagoya Castle , a grand building with adjoining quarters than can be entered.
• Interested in cars and machinery? Check out the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology  where you can learn about the start of Toyota (they didn’t start off by making cars!) Plenty of old machinery and cars through the decades are on display here, as are new Toyota inventions like a violin-playing robot!
• For those interested in art and history, check out the Tokugawa Art Museum, where several old Japanese relics are preserved. Over 10,000 works of art that have been passed down from the shogunate era are on display here. 
• Shoppers will love the Osu Shopping District  with its quirky stores, international cafes, and antique shops. The main shopping street ends at the front of Osu Kannon , a shrine where you can hand-feed the many resident pigeons. 
• Lastly, if traveling with kids, be sure to add  Nagoya’s Legoland  to your Japan travel itinerary.  Purchase tickets to Nagoya Legoland here! 

Shirakawago Day-Trip

You can easily spend more than one day exploring Nagoya, but you can also consider taking a day-trip tour to Shirakawago and Takayama. Both of these villages are tucked away in the Japanese mountains, in the neighboring Gifu prefecture. Shirakawago and Takayama are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, where traditional villages can be explored. The most famous sights here are of the slanted thatched-roof buildings, historically owned by farmers, artisans, and merchants in Japan. 

Tours to this region cost about  $80 USD , which is a good deal. Like all backpackers in Japan, I considered visiting Shirakawago by navigating the busses myself… but the price comes out to about the same, plus it’s a lot more of a hassle. 

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Kyoto - 4 Days

After Tokyo and Nagoya, it’s time to head south to the Kansai region during your backpacking Japan three weeks itinerary!

Kansai is home to two more famous cities not to be missed during three weeks in Japan: Osaka and Kyoto . To start, I suggest staying 4 days in Kyoto. Give yourself 3 days in Kyoto, and save one day for a day-trip to Nara, a historic city just south of Kyoto, famous for its domesticated deer.

Getting from Nagoya to Kyoto

Search for busses that run between Tokyo, Nagoya, and Kyoto at Japan Bus Online and  Willer Express .

Getting Around Kyoto

If you purchased a Suica Card in Tokyo, this same card works on all public transit within Kyoto,  and Osaka too. The Kansai version of the Suica is the  ICOCA card , which you can also collect at any station (besides being a souvenir, there’s no point in having both). 

How to Spend Three Days in Kyoto

Kyoto deserves at least three full days when backpacking three weeks in Japan. Kyoto is the cultural and historic capital of Japan, and is covered in beautiful, unique temples and shrines. 

The top things to do in Kyoto all happen to be a bit spread out around the edges of the city. Because of this, it is near impossible to see all of Kyoto’s highlights in less than three days. 

Kyoto Day 1:

• Head to Kiyomizudera  before the swarms of tour and school groups accumulate in the morning. This temple built into the side of a mountain is a great introduction to the grand temples of Kyoto. There’s a great view looking down over the city too!
• Admire Sanneizaka  the long, winding shopping street that leads up to Kiyomizudera temple. Shops sell all types of souvenirs includes teas, foldable fans, keychains, and traditional Japanese treats.
• Visit smaller local temples in the area including colorful Kongoji Temple and Yasui Konpiragu , home to a large stone you can crawl through to make a wish come true.
• Walk through the historic Gion neighborhood , which is filled with old homes and restaurants, and is a perfect spot to grab a meal. 
• Check out Nishiki Market , a large street food and souvenir street famous for its interesting snacks. 
• Visit Yasaka Shrine in the evening to see its famous lanterns lit up.

Kyoto Day 2:

• EARLY in the morning again, head to Fushimi Inari shrine , home to the famous rows of torii gates. The shrine becomes painfully crowded very quickly, so I recommend going at 6-7am. 
• Check out the off-the-radar, serene Komyō-in Temple and Tofukuji Temple, both located walking distance from Fushimi Inari.
•  Transit north to Higashiyama Jisho-ji, also known as Ginkakuji. Here you will also find the Philosopher’s Path that runs along a trickling river
• Walking distance from Ginkakuji is a quieter Hōnen-in Temple.
• Head back towards Kyoto City Center and stop by the massive  Heian Shrine.
• By now you’re probably all templed-out, so do some window-shopping along the bustling Teramachi-dori shopping neighborhood.

Kyoto Day 3:

• Head to western Kyoto, where Arashiyama or the Bamboo Forest is located. 
• Unfortunately for budget travelers, taking a taxi is the best way to get from Arashiyama to its neighbor to the north, Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavillion. You can also try to navigate the Kyoto public busses. 
• Visit nearby Ryōan-ji , which is another temple famous for its rock garden.
• Head to Kyoto Station to get some shopping done for souvenirs, or just grab a bite to eat at one of its hundreds of restaurants. Go at night to enjoy the stairs lit up with different seasonal light shows. 

Nara Day-Trip

Nara is a must-visit for a 3-week Japan itinerary. Not only is Nara filled with beautiful old temples, it’s home to hundreds of domesticated deer that come up to you for food! Historically, deer were seen as messengers of the gods, so they were treated as holy animals. Now, visitors to Nara can purchase deer cookies to feed to the deer. It’s a favorite destination and activity for backpacking in Japan. 

Tip : Hide the deer cookies as soon as you buy them, and feed the deer in a quieter spot. Deer in Nara hoard around vendors who sell the cookies and may bite for food. 

Another Tip : Being surrounded by hungry large deer can be traumatizing for small kids. Crying children running away from overly-enthusiastic deer is a common sign in Nara. Carry your little ones or help them when they feed the deer. 

Things to do during one day in Nara:

• Visit Tōdai-ji Temple , which was first built in the 700’s and houses Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue within it. 
• Explore the lesser-known temples that are scattered around Nara’s main temple area. 
• Of course: Feed the deer ! 

Osaka – 3 Days

Osaka is Kansai’s answer to Tokyo. Known as “Japan’s Kitchen” Osaka is also a city famous for its delicious Japanese food . Another city that never sleeps, Osaka is home to the famous Glico Sign as well as a historic castle, Universal Studios, an “American village”, and Dotonbori food street.

I recommend spending three nights in Osaka, while taking two day-trips from here to the surrounding Kansai sites. I think it’s possible to see most of Osaka’s highlights in just one full day, plus a few evenings after you return from the day-trips. 

In one day in Osaka, you can visit:

• Osaka Castle –  an impressive structure built in the center of large gardens and moats. Enter the castle and head to the top for a view over Osaka!
•   Shinsaibashi street  – this is a favorite shopping and dining area for Osaka visitors. This street opens in to a shopping grid that is home to the jiggly Rikuro’s Cheesecakes . 
• Snap a picture with the Glico sign. Don’t be shy, everyone is posing with their arms up in front of it. 
• Dotonbori is the street that Osaka is most famous for. Several street food stalls line the walkways for a quick bite, but the restaurants are the real stars here. They have massive moving figurines of their specialties above their storefronts. Find enormous crabs, pufferfish, octopus, gyoza, and more above your head! Tip: Try takoyaki , octopus dough balls famous in Osaka.
• America-mura – Literally “American village”, this neighborhood is home to many hip-hop style stores and has a small skate park in the center of it.
• Umeda Sky Building – Near Osaka Station, get a great view over the city here.

Osaka Day-Trips

Day-trip options from Osaka are plentiful, especially if you want to visit theme parks in the area. 

Kobe, Koyasan, and Universal Studios are day-trips from Osaka that cover all the bases for different types of travelers in Japan. 

Kobe is a large port city great for those interested in shopping, dining, and history. Koyasan is a holy mountain south of Osaka perfect for travelers interested in culture and temples. Universal Studios Japan is a dream come true for fans of Harry Potter, Minions, and in 2020, Super Mario and Nintendo. 

Things to do in Kobe:

• Explore its Chinatown, one of the largest in Japan and a street-food heaven. 
• Eat some Kobe Beef , a delicacy that originates from this region and one of many foods that Japan is world-famous for. 
• Check out Kitano-cho, a neighborhood with dozens of elaborate Western buildings that look like they were transported straight out of Europe. Houses here include the Vienna House, the Dutch House, the English House, and more. 
• Go to the Port of Kobe Earthquake Memorial Park, where you can see remnants of a devastating earthquake that hit Kobe in 1995
• Shop and dine at the Harbor Walk, a commercial area in Kobe with many malls and restaurants. 

Koyasan, or Mt. Koya, is a holy mountain located a 1.5-hour train ride south of Osaka. For visitors to Japan interested in culture and tradition, Koyasan is a must-visit day trip, or even overnight trip, during your three weeks in Japan itinerary. Many visitors to Koyasan  stay overnight  in a high-end ryokan, or traditional Japanese lodging traditionally available for pilgrims. Examples of beautiful Koyasan ryokan include  Jokiin  and  Shukubo Ekoin .

For a budget Japan itinerary, it’s best to just visit Koyasan as a day-trip. At the summit of Koyasan are several temples you can visit, as well as a large graveyard filled with hauntingly beautiful moss-covered stones and statues. 

Read more about making a pilgrimage to Koyasan here .

3. Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan, or USJ as it’s called by the locals, is nearly as popular of a destination as Tokyo Disneyland for a three-week Japan itinerary. Explore the world-famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter with your own magic wand, say hello to the Minions in Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem , and more. 

Buy tickets for USJ in advance , and consider  purchasing an express pass  for guaranteed entry to the top 4 USJ attractions. 

Naoshima + Teshima Art Islands - 2 Days

Here are some recommendations for stops on your three weeks in Japan itinerary that aren’t on every other list! Between Osaka and Hiroshima lies the Seto Inland Sea, home to several islands where you can experience a slower pace of life. Here, you’ll feel like you’re truly backpacking in Japan instead of just following Japan’s tourist trail. 

Historically, many of the Seto Inland Sea islands were suffering from a loss in population like many parts of rural Japan. To combat this, the these islands started transforming their old abandoned homes in to art installations and museums. Three times per year, the Setouchi Triennale Art festival draws thousands of visitors to the islands, boosting tourism income and revitalizing what was a dying community. 

Naoshima and Teshima are the two most-visited, and easy accessible, of the Art Islands. If you are going to spend the night on one while backpacking in Japan, I recommend Naoshima because it has more accommodation and dining options. 

Naoshima - 1 Day

Naoshima is the best starting point for two days in the Seto Inland Sea area. It’s easily reached by ferry from the Uno Port, which connects to the rest of Japan mainland’s JR railway system. 

Once on Naoshima, rent a bicycle to circle the small island while stopping at the many art exhibits and museums. The most popular ones to visit are:

• Chichu Art Museum – This museum was designed by Tadao Ando to blend in to the surrounding Naoshima nature. It’s home to some of Monet’s Water Lilies Series (must reserve tickets in advance).
• Benesse House – Part contemporary art museum part hotel, this facility is built into the side of a hill overlooking the beautiful sea. 
• Art House Projects – In the Honmura port side of Naoshima are seven previously abandoned homes or buildings that have been transformed in to art installations. Visit six out of seven for ¥1050. Entry to one art house, Kinza, must be  reserved separately in advance . 
• Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkins – One yellow and one red, these two iconic pumpkins can be found on different parts of Naoshima’s coastline

Teshima - 1 Day

Teshima is Naoshima’s neighbor to the East, and can be reached by ferry from either of Naoshima’s ports early in the morning. Your three weeks in Japan itinerary continues south after Teshima. 

Start your one day in Teshima early, and rent a bicycle to see the highlights of the island:

• Teshima Art Museum (book tickets in advance during the high season) – a contemporary art museum built in to the side of the Teshima’s hills. 
• Teshima Yokoo House – a renovated old Japanese home turned in to an art space
• “Nobody Wins” basketball hoops (below) where you can blow off some steam! 
• Shima Kitchen – an art space and small restaurant with a large, open-air patio

Spend the night in Teshima or back in Naoshima, before heading down to Hiroshima to continue this backpacking three weeks in Japan itinerary. 

Okunosima Rabbit Island (between Naoshima and Hiroshima)

Another long transfer here during your three weeks Japan itinerary: the Art Islands to Hiroshima. Luckily, day-tripping to Okunoshima is an amazing way to break up the transit. It’s a favorite island to visit for backpackers in Japan. 

Okunoshima, also known as Rabbit Island, is famous for its hundreds of furry residents. No one knows exactly why there are so many rabbits on Okunoshima, but they’re all tame and love coming up to visitors for food.

Interestingly, there’s a dark side of Okunoshima as well, because it’s home to an abandoned chemical weapons factory and storehouse. You could spend anywhere from a few hours here, to a whole day walking, biking, or hanging out on the beach. It’s an island with something for everyone!  

Tip: Purchase some rabbit food at the Tadanoumi Port before boarding the Okunoshima Ferry, so you can feed the rabbits (no rabbit food is sold on the island itself). 

Hiroshima + Miyajima - 2 Days

The last two stops on your three weeks in Japan itinerary are Hiroshima and Miyajima. These two unmissable stops in your Japan itinerary are located only 30 minutes away from each other. 

Often, Japan itineraries combine Hiroshima and Miyajima in to one day, but doing this is a travesty!! Hiroshima and Miyajima both deserve a whole day to themselves. 

Tip : If you’re traveling to Japan in August, try to reach Hiroshima on August 6th . This is the anniversary of the atomic bomb dropping on the city, and many beautiful memorials are held around the city. 

Hiroshima - 1 Day

Hiroshima is most known for its dark history. In World War II, the city was decimated by an atomic bomb. Civilians were killed indiscriminately in an instant, and those that survived the bomb lived in agony for years to come. 

During one day in Hiroshima , be sure to visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum , which is dedicated to memorializing the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the chaos and suffering that ensued. It’s a heart-wrenching and humbling reminder of the horrors of war. Around the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park are several more memorials, statues, and fountains where atomic bombing victims are remembered.

Hiroshima has more to its history than the just the war however. Head to the Hiroshima Castle to learn about samurais in Japan and climb to the top for a great view over the city. For lunch or dinner, don’t miss Okonomiyaki-mura , a building filled with dozens of small okonomiyaki (savory pancake) restaurants. 

Miyajima - 1 Day

Miyajima island is reachable by tram and ferry from Hiroshima (¥600 with an IC card). I recommend spending one day in Miyajima to admire its many beautiful shrines and temples, and to summit Mt. Misen for views of the whole coastline. 

Miyajima is most famous for its floating torii gate, and the bright red Itsukushima Shrine built over the water. Visit here at high tide so you can see the water below the shrine, then come back for low tide so you can walk out to the base of the torii gate. Don’t miss the Daishoin Temple either, which is a 9th century Buddhist temple. 

Take the ropeway or hike up to the summit of Mt. Misen , the highest point on Miyajima. Many more small temples are located at the top, as are great views over the surrounding islands and Japan’s coastline. With all of these attractions plus a sprawling shopping and dining street, you’ll definitely need a whole day to spend on Miyajima. 

I absolutely loved staying at the Miyajima Guesthouse Mikuniya when I was backpacking Japan. 

Return to Osaka - 1 Day

Spend your last day backpacking in Japan heading back to Osaka, before flying out from Kansai International Airport. 

This concludes my backpacking  three weeks in Japan itinerary : from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and the Art Islands, you’ll see countless highlights of Japan. While many travelers stay on a similar track, flying in to Tokyo and out of Osaka allows you to spend more time in each location, and not waste time backtracking. Using Tokyo and Kyoto as home bases also allows you to slowly explore the region, on a backpacker-friendly budget, instead of rushing around Japan. 

Pin This Three Weeks In Japan Itinerary!

Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?

Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!

• Book Your Flights  – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both  Google Flights  for their low fare calendar, and  Skiplagged , which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai). 
• Getting Around Japan : Prepare your  JR Pass  and  Suica transit card  before you depart.
• Book Your Accommodation  – Check out  Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂 
• Book Local Excursions  – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like  Teamlab Planets  or Tokyo Disneyland , by booking tickets online now. Check  GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan. 
• Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan?  Order a SIM  card just for you. 
• Buy Travel Insurance  – It’s better to protect yourself from mishaps when traveling. Get a quote from  World Nomads  to see how much it’ll cost to get you covered! 
• Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear , and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials . 
• Read more on my Travel Resources page!

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