Ultimate Japan Itinerary: Explore the Best of Japan in 3 Weeks

With the experience gained after living in Japan for 2 and a half years and having visited much of the country, I have decided to create this travel guide that includes the best of Japan in 3 weeks. The Land of the Rising Sun has always aroused interest and curiosity around the world. Its ancient culture, delicious cuisine, advanced technology, blend of old and new, and the courtesy of its people.

Whether you’re considering going to Japan to celebrate your honeymoon, traveling in a group, or being tempted by the idea of backpacking on your own in this unique country, in this 3-week Japan travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to visit and enjoy the essentials like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, as well as some lesser-known gems like Nagasaki, Kurashiki, Kusatsu Onsen, Noboribetsu, or Ishigaki.

Japan is composed of 5 main islands. From south to north: Okinawa, Kyushu, Shikoku, Honshu, and Hokkaido. In this 3-week Japan itinerary, I suggest starting with Kyushu and reaching Honshu. Once in Tokyo, you can choose to visit its surroundings, travel to Okinawa, or to Hokkaido. This will depend on the time of the year you travel to Japan and how much time you want to spend in tropical islands, cities, or in some of the best snow in the world.

10 Essential Things to Know Before Your Trip to Japan

• In Japan, they drive on the left side of the road.
• In Japan, cash is king. I recommend always carrying cash with you.
• In Japan, there are no trash cans on the streets. People hold onto their trash until they get home.
• In Japan, it is frowned upon to leave a tip.
• In Japan, public restrooms are free, plentiful, and so clean that they seem brand new.
• Japanese culture revolves around not bothering others. Avoid talking on the phone in public transportation.
• The most famous mega store in Japan is called Don Quijote. You’ll find it in the biggest cities. They have everything. Good, nice, and cheap.
• There are millions of onsen (hot springs) throughout Japan. You enter them naked, and they are separated by gender. It’s an experience you must include in your 3-week Japan trip.
• In Japan, there are three main stores open 24 hours: Family Mart, Seven Eleven, and Lawson. They’re known as konbini, and you can buy food and drinks at a good price.
• English is not spoken much in Japan, and they will greatly appreciate it if you say some basic words in Japanese. Download Google Translator and the Japanese language to use it offline.

Getting Around Japan: Shinkansen, Subways, and Travel Tips

Public transportation in Japan is one of the best in the world. Absolute punctuality and comfort blend with speed and tranquility. You can board a subway full of thousands of people and not hear a single noise. In most public transport, you’ll see signs indicating not to speak loudly and to use headphones if you want to listen to music. Japanese people do everything possible not to disturb others. And this includes immaculate cleanliness on trains, buses, and throughout the rest of the country, especially in public bathrooms 🙂

All of this, obviously, comes at a price. Getting around by subway in cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo is not expensive at all. A single ticket usually costs around €1.5. Every 2 or 3 minutes, a new subway arrives to help transport the millions of inhabitants of the country. It’s incredible. That said, getting around Japan in rural areas or between lesser-known cities is not cheap. Buses and trains still exhibit the characteristics mentioned above, but their prices are similar to or higher than in Europe.

The itinerary included in the best of Japan in 3 weeks will take you through its main cities and some lesser-known ones, but well worth visiting. The fastest and most comfortable option for moving between these cities is the Shinkansen, better known to us as the bullet train. The price of a single Shinkansen ticket is usually quite high, and for Japanese people, there is no pass or subscription that helps reduce the price. However, for tourists, there is the JR Pass, something similar to the Interrail pass we have in Europe. This pass, in addition to reducing the cost of individual tickets, allows you to move quickly and efficiently between the main cities of the country.

What is the JR Pass? Everything You Need to Know

JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) Overview

The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is a special train pass offered by the Japan Railways Group (JR Group) that allows foreign tourists to travel unlimited on most of Japan’s extensive rail network, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains), for a fixed period. It is available in several durations and types, and it’s a cost-effective option for travellers planning to explore multiple cities in Japan.

Key Features of the JR Pass

• Unlimited Travel: You can travel on most JR trains, including local, rapid, and express trains, as well as Shinkansen (bullet trains), except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services.
• Access to JR Buses and Ferries: The pass also covers some JR buses and ferries, like the one you’ll be taking to get to Miyajima 🙂
• Rail Travel Across Japan: Valid for travel across all regions of Japan, including major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hokkaido.

Duration Options

• 7-Day Pass
• 14-Day Pass
• 21-Day Pass

Where to Buy Your JR Pass?

There are a few JR Pass official sellers so, in order to make things easier for you, I’ve researched the best options for purchasing the JR Pass and found two great choices.

• Klook: Offers the lowest price for the JR Pass at the moment, making it the best option for travellers focused on saving money.
• GetYourGuide: While slightly more expensive, it’s a popular platform trusted by many travellers, with excellent customer service and a multilingual user-friendly interface.

I’ve included links to both so you can choose the option that works best for you!

How to Activate Your JR Pass?

1. Once you arrive in Japan, go to a JR Travel Service Center (such as JR East’s Midori no Madoguchi) with your exchange order (voucher).
2. The staff will activate your JR Pass and provide you with a ticket valid for the period you purchased (7, 14, or 21 days).
3. You’ll be asked to choose the activation date, which should be within 30 days of receiving the exchange order. You cannot backdate it.
4. Once activated, the JR Pass will be valid for consecutive days. This is very important. If you activate your pass on a Monday morning at 10:00, the pass is going to be valid until Sunday at 23:59. The JR Pass is counted in full days, not in period of 24 hours.

Final Thoughts on the JR Pass

The JR Pass is an excellent option for those planning extensive travel across Japan. It helps save money, especially for long-distance travel, and simplifies the ticketing process during your trip.

Depending on whether you follow the 3-week Japan itinerary to the letter or decide to modify it slightly by spending more days in certain cities, it may be worth it to buy this pass or to use regular public transportation. Even if you decide not to use the pass because you will only be traveling a couple of times between cities, I recommend that you take the bullet train at least once. It’s an incredible experience 🚅

Why Isn’t English Widely Spoken in Japan? Tips for Communication

Before going to Japan, I had been warned that the average Japanese person doesn’t speak much English. In my mind, I imagined it would be like in some Southeast Asian countries, but I was wrong. After 2 and a half years in the Land of the Rising Sun, I have come to the conclusion that there are two main reasons why Japanese people don’t speak much English.

1) Fear of making mistakes:

Japan is an incredible country with many things to enjoy. However, Japanese society is quite peculiar, and understanding it takes time. In Japan, people give a lot of importance to what others think of them. Individuals feel judged by society. This, combined with the fact that Japanese people find it quite difficult to express their feelings, is the perfect cocktail for them to often choose not to speak English, even though they may be able to do so.

2) Katakana:

Another point that works against them when it comes to speaking English is Katakana. In Japanese, there are 3 alphabets: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Katakana is used for foreign words. For example, in Japanese, when trying to say the word milk in English, it’s not said as milk but as miruku. The same happens when trying to say coffee. Instead of coffee, it’s said as koohii. Katakana is very useful for Japanese people when they are in Japan. It’s a kind of a Japanized English. That said, once they venture into the outside world, Katakana becomes useless. The fact that they spend years speaking a Japanized English is the second reason why the average Japanese person doesn’t speak much English or doesn’t have a good level in the language of Shakespeare.

Basic Japanese for the Best of Japan in 3 weeks

Once the reasons why English is not widely spoken in Japan have been explained, I would like to share with you some of the basic words that can help you during your 2 or 3-week trip to Japan.

• Hello: Konnichiwa
• Thanks: Arigato
• Please: Onegaishimas
• Bye bye: Sayonara
• See you later: Mata ne
• How are you?: Genki?
• I’m good: Genki des
• Subway: Chikatetsu
• How much is it?: Ikura deska?
• Thanks for the meal (it is normally said after finishing eating, before leaving the restaurant): Gochisosamadesta

How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Japan? Budget For a 21-Day Japan Itinerary

How much does it cost to travel in Japan for 21 days? Depending on whether you’re going on your honeymoon, traveling in a group, or backpacking solo, your budget will obviously differ. That said, considering the cities included in the itinerary of the best of Japan in 3 weeks, I can provide you with an estimated budget. I won’t give you the price of the most expensive or the cheapest accommodation, but rather that of a mid-range one. Contrary to what most tourists believe, Japan is not an expensive country. Eating out is cheaper than in most countries in Europe.

For example, in one of my favourite chains, Fujisoba, you can have a Japanese curry with soba noodles for about 5 euros at the current exchange rate. At Ippudo, my favourite ramen chain in the country, you can enjoy a bowl of ramen with all the white rice you want (you can refill) for about 7 euros.

Eating out is quite cheap, as well as getting around in big cities like Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo. Accommodation is the most expensive aspect of Japan. But the prices are not exorbitant. A night in a 3-star hotel usually costs less than in most of the main cities in Europe. Due to the type of country Japan is, restaurants and hotel rooms are usually small, smaller than in Europe. However, the quality and comfort, from my point of view, are superior to those in Europe.

• Travel insurance: around 70 euros.
• Roundtrip flight from Europe: around 1000 euros.
• Flight from Osaka to Nagasaki: around 50 euros.
• 14-day JR Pass: around 500 euros.
• Accommodation: around 50 euros per night. 50 x 14 = 700 euros.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner): around 30 euros per day. 30 x 14 = 420 euros.
• Public transport to move around cities: around 10 euros per day. 10 x 14 = 140 euros.

With the previous expenses, your budget for your 14-day trip to Japan would be around 2880 euros. As mentioned earlier, this depends on your travel plan and how much you want to spend on extras like gifts, nightlife, or museums. You’ll likely want to buy gifts, anime figures, or clothing, so a medium budget for traveling around Japan for the first 2 weeks would be around 3150 euros.

Depending on the itinerary you choose for your last week in Japan, your budget will change. If you’re wondering why I chose a 2-week JR Pass instead of 3, it’s because once you’re in Tokyo, regardless of the itinerary you choose for your last week, you won’t be using the bullet train much. This way, you save about 130 euros 🙂

Note: the price of accommodation is per person. If you travel in couple, the price per person will decrease.

Tokyo and surroundings

• Accommodation: accommodation in Tokyo is probably the most expensive in the country so, here, the price per person per night will rise a bit. Around 75 euros per night. 75 x 7 = 525 euros. If you decide to spend a night in a ryokan in Kusatsu Onsen, the night would cost 100 or 150 euros.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner): around 30 euros per day. 30 x 7 = 210 euros.
• Public transport to move around cities: around 10 euros per day. 10 x 7 = 70 euros.
• Public transport to visit the surroundings of Tokyo: 10 + 20 + 25 + 50 = 105 euros.

Thus, if you opt for Tokyo and its surroundings for your 3-week Japan trip, your average budget would be between 4050 and 4150 euros.

Okinawa

• Accommodation: around 60 euros per night. 60 x 7 = 420 euros.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner): around 30 euros per day. 30 x 7 = 210 euros.
• Public transport to move around cities: around 10 euros per day. 10 x 7 = 70 euros.
• Flight from Tokyo to Naha: 60 euros.
• Flight from Naha to Miyakojima: 60 euros.
• Flight from Miyakojima to Naha: 60 euros.
• Flight from Naha to Ishigaki: 60 euros.
• Flight from Ishigaki to Tokyo: 60 euros.

Thus, if you opt for Okinawa for your 3-week Japan trip, your average budget would be 4150 euros. The price of flights is approximate and does not include checked baggage. As usual, flight prices and accommodation will be higher during peak season, which is in summer.

Hokkaido

• Accommodation: around 60 euros per night. 60 x 7 = 420 euros. If you decide to spend a night in a ryokan in Noboribetsu, the night would cost 100 or 150 euros.
• Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner): around 30 euros per day. 30 x 7 = 210 euros.
• Public transport to move around cities: around 10 euros per day. 10 x 7 = 70 euros.
• Public transport to visit the surroundings of Sapporo: 10 + 35 + 30 + 30 = 105 euros.
• Flight from Tokyo to Sapporo: 60 euros.
• Flight from Sapporo to Tokyo: 60 euros.

Thus, if you opt for Hokkaido for your 3-week Japan trip, your average budget would be between 4050 and 4150 euros. The price of flights is approximate and does not include checked baggage. As usual, flight prices and accommodation will be higher during peak season, which is in winter.

Day 1: Landing in Osaka and Flying to Nagasaki

Arrival at Kansai Airport (Osaka). After collecting your luggage, you’ll take a flight to Nagasaki, on the island of Kyushu. The flight takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Depending on the time you arrive in Nagasaki, you can explore the surrounding area of where you’re staying or go straight to dinner and rest.

Days 2-3: Exploring Nagasaki’s History and Charm

Nagasaki is one of the cities that has impressed me the most in Japan. It has immense cultural richness, as its port was the only one that remained open during the Edo period. This translates into a mixture of architecture and culture ranging from the Dutch and Portuguese to the Chinese and Koreans. Due to this, exploring Nagasaki, one can encounter Confucian temples, Catholic churches, or Shinto shrines.

In Japan, there is the concept of the “10 million dollar night views”. It’s a category that gathers some of the best night views in the Land of the Rising Sun. In this travel guide to Japan in 3 weeks, the best of them couldn’t be missed, the one that can be observed from Mount Inasa. Additionally, in Japan, there are three cities that have a Chinatown. One is located in Yokohama, another in Kobe, and another… in Nagasaki 🙂

If all of this doesn’t seem enough reason to visit Nagasaki, unfortunately, there’s something else that makes it worth visiting: its tragic history during World War II. Yes, Nagasaki and Hiroshima were the two cities where the United States dropped the atomic bomb. The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum is a harsh experience but, from my humble point of view, it is quite worth it.

For me, the saddest part is not what happened, which, of course, what crazy, but the fact that, ever since WW2 finished, the number of nuclear weapons hasn’t done anything else other than increase. The museum can get crowded, specially with Japanese school trips. Thus, if you decide to visit it, I’d advise you to book your ticket online in advance.

What to See and Do in Nagasaki in 2 days? 10 Essentials of Nagasaki

• Nagasaki Peace Park: a park built to promote peace and commemorate the tragedy of the atomic bomb.
• Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum: a museum that pays tribute to the victims and recounts the suffering that occurred during and after the atomic bomb.
• Fukusaiji Temple: one of the most unique temples in Japan. You can admire the statue of Kannon on top of a giant turtle.
• Meganebashi Bridge: a stone bridge where you can walk and enjoy the tranquility beside the river.
• Chinatown: Nagasaki’s Chinatown.
• Confucius Shrine: beautiful temple dedicated to Confucius.
• Urakami Cathedral: cathedral that was almost completely destroyed by the atomic bomb.
• 26 Martyrs Monument: monument dedicated to the 26 Christians who were executed in Nagasaki.
• Dutch Slope: street with Western-style architecture buildings from which you can observe part of the city.
• Mount Inasa: one of the most magical places in Nagasaki. It is advisable to go at sunset to enjoy the 10 million dollar view.

Where to Stay in Nagasaki?

I stayed in the Meganebashi Bridge area and it was a great choice. I could easily walk to some of the most interesting attractions (like Chinatown) and the area was full of restaurants and bars.

Day 4: A Perfect Day in Fukuoka – Best Attractions, Ramen and Yatais

After spending 2 days enjoying Nagasaki, it’s time to head northeast to visit one of the meccas of ramen in Japan: Fukuoka. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes by bullet train. Nagasaki is one of the richest cities in terms of cultural and architectural points of view in Japan. So, it’s normal that Fukuoka doesn’t seem as beautiful. That said, the largest city in Kyushu has its own attractions.

How to Get From Nagasaki to Fukuoka?

If you bought your JR Pass, you can use it to get from Nagasaki to Fukuoka. As we speak, there is no direct Shinkansen connection between them though. You would need to get from Nagasaki to Takeo Onsen by riding the Kamome Nishikyūshū Shinkansen, get off there and get on the Relay Kamome Limited Express to get from Takeo Onsen to Hakata Station in Fukuoka.

If you didn’t buy your JR pass, what are you waiting for? Just kidding, lol. If you didn’t buy it, you can ride the same trains but you’ll have to pay for the train tickets. Either that or take the bus that connects Nagasaki Station with Fukuoka Station in around 2.5 hours.

For further info about prices and timetables, take a look at this amazing website 🙂

Almost forgot! In Japanese, kamome means seagull 😁 By the way! When you search for Fukuoka, you may not see what you want, since Fukuoka Station is known as Hakata ✌️

What to See and Do in Fukuoka in 1 Day? 10 Essentials of Fukuoka

• Canal City Shopping Mall: coming to Japan to visit a shopping mall? Don’t worry. I wouldn’t mention it if I didn’t have a good reason to do so. In addition to the various shops and curiosities that set it apart from a European shopping center, on the fifth floor, you’ll find the Fukuoka Ramen Stadium, where you can try ramen from different parts of Japan.
• Fukuoka Castle Ruins: ruins of an ancient feudal castle.
• Oohori Park: park near the castle ruins with a beautiful lake. Ideal for walking and relaxing.
• Kushida-jinja: Shinto shrine that serves as the starting point for summer festivals.
• Shofukuji Temple: first Buddhist Zen temple in Japan.
• Seaside Momochi: Coastal area along Hataka Bay. Futuristic buildings, parks, shops, and restaurants.
• Fukuoka Tower: with a height of 234 meters, this tower allows you to see Fukuoka from above. It is located in the Seaside Momochi area. I recommend going just before sunset to also enjoy the night views of the city. You can book your ticket here.
• Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: huge park where you can enjoy different types of flowers. It also has around 2000 cherry blossom trees and bicycles for exploring it more comfortably.
• Yatai: street food stalls in various areas of the city. A good way to end the day is by dining and drinking with the locals. There are several yatais (food stalls) throughout the city, but the most famous areas are: Tenjin, Nagahama, and Nakasu.
• Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival: one of the most interesting festivals in Japan where you can observe parades and processions. It takes place in the first week of July.

Where to Stay in Fukuoka?

I recommend the Tenjin area. It has yatais and the Canal City shopping mall next door. It is also a nice part of the city to walk around and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the yatais.

Day 5: Visiting Hiroshima – Must-See Attractions and Peace Memorial Park

We leave the island of Kyushu behind and arrive at Honshu, the largest and most well-known island in Japan. It takes about 1 hour by bullet train from Fukuoka to Hiroshima. Unfortunately, like Nagasaki, Hiroshima is also known for the atomic bomb catastrophe. The same thing I said about the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum applies to the The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. It is a harsh experience but, I think it is worth it. If you decide to visit it, I’d advise you to book your ticket online in advance.

How to Get From Fukuoka to Hiroshima?

With the JR Pass, buying individual Shinkansen tickets or by bus (about 5 hours). For more information on schedules and prices, I leave you once again the link to Japan Travel Navitime 🙂

What to See and Do in Hiroshima in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Hiroshima

• Peace Memorial Park: park built to remind the world of what happens when an atomic bomb is dropped. It is worth visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome, the whole Peace Memorial Park, and the Peace Memorial Museum.
• Hondori Street: pedestrian passage with various shops and restaurants.
• Shukkeien Garden: typical Japanese landscape garden with ponds, forests, and hills. As I mentioned with the onsen, you can’t leave Japan without visiting a Japanese landscape garden.
• Mitaki-Dera Temple: ideal for observing cherry blossoms or Japanese maple trees. The temple also features ponds, Buddhist statues, and pagodas.
• Hiroshima Castle: 5-story feudal castle with views over the city of Hiroshima.

Where to Stay in Hiroshima?

I stayed in the city centre and it was pretty convenient. I could easily walk to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and enjoy the city ambience. The area was full of restaurants and bars and, speaking about food and drinks, if you are craving some good Spanish food, I encourage you to check out this place. You’ll thank me later 😃

Day 6: A Magical Day on Miyajima Island

Miyajima is a small island about 1 hour away from Hiroshima. It is especially known for its floating torii gate (entrance gate to a Shinto shrine), one of the most iconic images of Japan. The island features various temples and streets with gift shops and restaurants. Additionally, you can observe deers strolling peacefully. If you visit the island in autumn, you will encounter forests of red and orange momiji trees (Japanese maple). Once you step on this beautiful island, you’ll quickly realize that Miyajima is a must-see in any 3-week Japan itinerary.

How to get from Hiroshima to Miyajima?

First train, then ferry. For the train, you have to take the JR San’yo Main Line to Miyajimaguchi Station. From there, you walk about 5-10 minutes to the ferry terminal and there, you will find two ferries, one operated by the JR company and one not. I recommend using the JR one. With your JR Pass, it is free 🤑

What to See and Do in Miyajima in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Miyajima

• Itsukushima Shrine: the Itsukushima Shrine is the most famous attraction on the island, as the famous floating torii gate is located in front of it.
• Daisho-in Temple: a beautiful Buddhist temple with different halls, statues, and stunning views of the island.
• Mount Misen: the highest mountain on the island. You can reach the summit by cable car or on foot (about 1 hour and a half). The ascent on foot is well worth it for the various views of the landscape.
• Senjokaku Hall: the Pavilion of a Thousand Tatami Mats. A huge hall with wooden flooring ideal for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
• Omotesando Shopping Arcade: shopping arcade with gift shops, restaurants, food stalls, and cafes. Don’t forget to try the momiji manjū, a cake filled with chocolate, custard, or red bean paste.

Where to Stay in Miyajima?

Miyajima is one of the best places you’ll find during this 21-day Japan itinerary to enjoy the experience of spending the night in a ryokan. Why? “Because of the views?” “Because of the experience itself?” You might answer. And you are right, but also, because most tourists visit the island during the day and return to Hiroshima to sleep. If you stay overnight, in addition to being able to enjoy the toori and the illuminated lanterns, you’ll have almost the entire island to yourself 🙂

Day 7: Kurashiki and Okayama – Beautiful Canals That Will Take You Back In Time

From Hiroshima to Kurashiki, it takes 1 hour by bullet train. Kurashiki is known as the “little Kyoto” or “little Venice” due to its canals, which used to connect the port with the city center. It’s a gem that goes unnoticed by most people who travel to Japan. To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, I’ve included it in this 3-week travel guide to Japan.

The canal area is a 10-minute walk from the train station. It’s worth leisurely walking through this part of the city, enjoying the canals, stone bridges, and the feeling of having travelled back in time. Half a day is usually enough, so I suggest continuing to Okayama (around 10 minutes by bullet train) and enjoying some of its gems. If you feel like taking it slower, you can spend the whole day enjoying Kurashiki and skip Okayama.

How to get from Hiroshima to Kurashiki and Okayama?

What do you think? I’ll give you a hint: the answer starts with a “J” and ends with an “s”. Bingo! With your JR Pass 🙂 If you don’t have one, you’ll have to buy a ticket. If you don’t mind the twice as long journey, instead of taking the Shinkansen, you can get there using the JR San’yo Main Line. From Kurashiki to Okayama you can take the Shinkansen (10 minutes) or the regional train (20 minutes).

What to See and Do in Kurashiki in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Kurashiki

• Canal Area: the main attraction of Kurashiki.
• Ohara Museum: the first Western art museum in Japan. It houses works by Picasso, El Greco, and other important artists.
• Ohashi House: an old merchant’s house open to the public. You can appreciate tatami floors, sliding shoji doors (similar to paper doors), scrolls, and different rooms.
• Ivy Square: a complex of brick buildings with ivy-covered walls. It includes museums, restaurants, and a hotel.
• Honmachi Street: a beautiful street where you can breathe in Japan’s past.

Where to Stay in Kurashiki?

I recommend staying at the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter to be close to Kurashiki’s main attraction: its canals. That’s what I did 🙂

What to See and Do in Okayama in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Okayama

• Korakuen Garden: ranked as one of the top three landscape gardens in Japan. It is definitely worth a visit. The garden closes at 17:00 or 18:00, depending on the season.
• Okayama Castle: beautiful Japanese feudal castle. You can book your ticket here.
• Handayama Botanical Garden: ideal for enjoying cherry blossoms and/or city views, depending on the season you visit.
• Kibitsu Shrine: Shinto shrine full of culture, history, and mythology.
• Momotaro: Momotaro is a famous hero from Japanese folklore who was born from a giant peach. You can observe his statue outside Okayama train station or look for his image on the various manhole covers throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Okayama?

I recommend staying in the city center to be close to Okayama Castle, Korakuen Garden, and, of course, to Momotaro.

Day 8: Himeji Castle and Osaka – Between Past and Future

Himeji is known for having the largest, most imposing, and famous castle in all of Japan. Since it’s on the way to Osaka, I highly recommend visiting it. It takes about 50 minutes by bullet train from Kurashiki to Himeji. From Okayama to Himeji, it’s around 30 minutes. I recommend spending the morning enjoying Himeji Castle and then taking the bullet train back to reach one of Japan’s most famous cities: Osaka. It takes about 30 minutes by bullet train from Himeji.

Himeji Castle is huge. It has the honor of becoming Japan’s first World Heritage Site. In addition to the story of how and when it was built, its architecture and design, this castle is not without its legends. To enjoy the visit and get the most out of it, I recommend this 3-hour tour with a licensed guide 🙂

How to Get from Okayama to Himeji?

By Shinkansen with your JR Pass, buying the Shinkansen ticket or by train (JR San’yo Main Line(Kobe-Okayama) or JR Ako Line).

Day 9: Osaka – Food, Fun, and Emblematic Landmarks

Osaka is the third largest city in Japan, after Tokyo and Yokohama. With this distinction, the city of Dotonbori, Namba, or The New World couldn’t be missing from the best of Japan in 3 weeks. Osaka is known for many things, but above all for its gastronomy, recognized worldwide. Among the most typical dishes are: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and kushikatsu.

Just like between Madrid and Barcelona, ​​there is also a comparison between Osaka and Tokyo. The people of Osaka are usually warmer, more open, and cheerful than those of Tokyo. In addition, they have a very peculiar accent that could be likened to Andalusian. Osaka is a city to get lost in, go out partying, and/or enjoy its incredible gastronomy.

How to Get From Himeji to Osaka?

By Shinkansen with your JR Pass, buying the Shinkansen ticket or by train (R Tokaido Sanyo Main Line New Rapid).

What to See and Do in Osaka in 2 Days? 10 Essentials of Osaka

• Dotonbori: the most famous district of Osaka. I would book the hotel there so you can be in the “center of the action”. Dotonbori is the name of a river that runs through Osaka, and around that river, hundreds of izakayas (typical Japanese tapas bar), shops, and tourist attractions have been built. In Dotonbori, you can taste the most famous dishes of Osaka in each of the different izakayas or street food stalls.
• Kuromon Market: huge market where you can taste different types of meat, fish, and vegetables. There are also shops selling typical Japanese sweets. The market is quite old and has a special atmosphere.
• Amerikamura: The American district of Osaka. It’s in front of Dotonbori. It has a special architecture and atmosphere, different from what you can see in the rest of the country. It’s worth walking around the streets and experiencing the atmosphere. Bonus: If you search on Google Maps for “Abura-soba Kirinji Amemura”, you’ll arrive at a restaurant that serves one of my favourite dishes in all of Japan: aburasoba. It’s like a kind of ramen but without soup. It’s quite unknown to Western tourists, but it’s delicious!
• Namba: similar to Dotonbori but with more shopping centers. It’s next to Dotonbori, and it’s also worth taking a stroll around there.
• Den-den town: the otaku (geek) district of Osaka. There are many streets with anime shops and maid cafes. You’ll find many girls dressed as maids working as public relations, trying to attract customers to the cafes. A typical Japanese experience.
• Shinsekai: New World. It’s located near Den-den town. There’s a tower from where you can observe Osaka from above: Tsutenkaku Tower. It’s worth going up and enjoying the views of this gigantic city. I recommend going at sunset to enjoy the sunset and the city lights at night. In the New World, there are endless restaurants and izakayas. Additionally, you can find arcades and establishments similar to fair booths, where you can play typical Japanese matsuri (festival) games .
• Tennoji Park: a beautiful park nearby Shinsekai. There are two main temples around the park: Isshinji and Shitennoji, both are worth visiting.
• Tsuruhashi: Korean district in Osaka full of narrow streets and plenty of Korean food stalls.
• Nobeha No Yu Tsuruhashi: I mentioned earlier that Japan is internationally known for its onsen (hot springs). There are millions of them throughout the country. Nobeha No Yu is not an onsen, but a sento. The difference lies in the source of the water. In an onsen, the water comes from a natural source, such as a volcano. In a sento, the water comes from an artificial source created by humans. Despite not being an onsen but a sento, this complex has all kinds of hot spring baths, saunas, and other rooms to enjoy a well-deserved rest. It is located in Tsuruhashi, so you can go before or after tasting Korean cuisine.
• Osaka Castle: as you will begin to notice, just as in Europe we have many churches and cathedrals, in Japan they have many Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and feudal castles. The one in Osaka is impressive. The area occupied by the castle is enormous, and walking around it is a beautiful and relaxing experience. Just like I mentioned about Himeji Castle, if you want to know more about the architecture, history and legends about this castle, I recommend this 3-hour guided tour 🙂

Where to Stay in Osaka?

Being one of the largest cities in Japan, the options are endless. I recommend three neighbourhoods:

• Dotonbori: because you are close to my favourite part of the city, the one with the river that gives name to the area itself (Dotonbori), to the amazing Osaka street food, to shops and to the incredible night lights.
• Tennoji: because you are close to the amazing Tennoji Park and its main temples, to Shinsekai and not to far away from Dotonbori.
• Shinsekai: because you are between Dotonbori and Tennoji 😁✌🏿

Days 10-11: Kyoto’s Best Temples, Shrines and Postcard Places

Depending on how you’ve followed the itinerary, your passion for deers, and whether you managed to see them in Miyajima, you might be interested in spending the morning in Nara and heading to Kyoto in the afternoon. If so, I recommend seeing Todaiji Temple (a Buddhist temple with a huge and beautiful Buddha statue), Isuien Garden (a Japanese landscape garden), and Nara Park (a park full of deers). It takes about 45 minutes by train from Osaka to Nara.

Kyoto is one of the most beautiful, famous, and important cities in Japan. It’s so important and beautiful that it was “spared” during World War II. The United States decided not to drop the atomic bomb on a city that holds so much cultural value. You could spend a week in the former Japanese capital and still not have time to visit all its temples.

This 21-day Japan itinerary isn’t the typical itinerary you’d get from a travel agency. It includes essential cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo, but also hidden gems that are unknown to the average Western tourist. I believe the cities I’ve included so far are part of the best you can see in Japan in 3 weeks.

They’re not typical tourist cities, but I’ve included them because I’ve visited them and I think they’re well worth it. Additionally, many travellers are interested in itineraries that go beyond the usual. This itinerary is flexible, so you can skip some of the previous cities and spend more time in Kyoto. Being a fairly large city with countless things to do and see, I recommend choosing some and visiting them by sector. That said, let’s move on to the 15 must-sees in Kyoto.

How to Get From Osaka to Kyoto?

That will depend on where in Osaka you are and where in Kyoto you want to go. You can get on the metro to arrive to Shin-Osaka, ride the Shinkansen and get to Kyoto Station. From there, you can either walk, take the metro or a bus until your hotel. You can do that or, instead of riding the Shinkansen, riding a local train. The local train will take you to either Kyoto Station or to a station nearby your hotel. As always, if you have your JR Pass, you can easily use it.

What to See and Do in Kyoto in 2 Days? 15 Essentials of Kyoto

Centre:

• Imperial Palace: Kyoto Imperial Palace. It used to be used as a residence by the imperial family until 1868, when the emperor and the capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo.
• Nishiki Market: Similar to Osaka’s Kuromon Market, but here, in addition to delicious dishes, you can also find shops selling typical Japanese knives, renowned worldwide for their beauty and sharpness.

North:

• Ryoanji Temple: Buddhist Zen temple with the most famous rock garden in Japan.
• Kinkakuji Temple: beautiful golden temple.
• Ninnaji Temple: temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

South:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: typical Japanese postcard. Shinto shrine with thousand of orange toriis.
• Tofukuji Temple: one of the main temples of Zen Buddhism in Kyoto. If you are lucky enough to visit it during autumn, you can enjoy incredible red and orange forests thanks to the Japanese maple trees (momiji).
• Toji Temple: temple with the tallest pagoda (Asian-style tower) in Japan.

East:

• Ginkakuji Temple: Silver Temple. The younger brother of Kinkakuji. It’s worth strolling along the Philosopher’s Path on the way to the temple.
• Nanzenji Temple: one of the most important temples of Zen Buddhism in Japan. You should try to visit the Sanmon Gate, the Hatto (Dhamma Hall) and the temples Nanzenin, Konchi and Tenjuan.
• Kiyomizudera Temple: one of my favourite temples in Japan. Its name means “Temple of Pure Water”. This already gives you an idea of the type of temple to expect. The dragon statue at the entrance of the temple is impressive.
• Higashiyama: typical Japanese postcard. One of the best-preserved historical districts in the city.

West:

• Arashiyama: beautiful district that includes the Togetsukyo Bridge and another typical Japanese postcard: the bamboo forest. Ideal for enjoying tranquility while walking along the river.
• Tenryuji Temple: located in the Arashiyama district, it is another of the great Zen Buddhist temples in Japan.
• Katsura Imperial Villa: imperial villa with a beautiful Japanese landscape garden.

Where to Stay in Kyoto?

Kyoto is the same as Osaka and Tokyo: they are very large cities. I recommend two districts:

• Gion: to be close to the district itself, the Kamo River and the Teramachi galleries.
• Kyoto Station: to be close to the main logistical point of the city and to be able to move around easily, and not to be too far from the Gion district.

Days 12-14: Tokyo’s Modern Marvels and Historical Treasures

And we reach the end of the journey. The final stop, one of the largest and most impressive cities in the world: Tokyo. Just like I mentioned about Kyoto, in Tokyo, you could spend weeks and still not see everything there is to see. I was lucky enough to spend 6 months living there and still didn’t see it all 🙂 It’s an incredible city where the old and the new blend together to leave those fortunate enough to visit it in awe. I recommend that you do as you did with Kyoto, decide on the places you want to visit, and organize yourself by sectors. If you don’t do it that way, you risk spending a large part of your time commuting from one place to another. The 15 must-see attractions in Tokyo are organized by districts to make it easier for you to visit this mega city.

How to Get From Kyoto to Tokyo?

By Shinkansen with your JR Pass, buying the Shinkansen ticket or night bus. There are a few bus companies. I recommend you Willer.

What to See and Do in Tokyo in 3 Days? 15 Essentials of Tokyo

Centre:

• Akihabara: another popular district of Japan. The older sibling of Den-Den Town, the most otaku and famous neighbourhood in all of Japan. Anime shops, manga stores, and cosplay outlets abound. Maid cafes and game centers are also plentiful.
• Imperial Palace: the residence of the imperial family. It’s worth strolling leisurely through this vast complex and enjoying the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace.
• TeamLab Borderless: the most spectacular museum I’ve seen in my life. Artificial intelligence, lights, moving figures throughout the museum, and much more. You can’t miss it!

North:

• Ueno Park: probably my favourite park in Japan. Temples, a huge pond, hundreds of cherry trees, statues, and even the Tokyo National Museum.
• Ameyoko: A bustling street packed with restaurants, izakayas, and bars. Located next to Ueno, it’s ideal for grabbing a drink and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
• Sensoji Temple: my favourite temple in Japan. It’s truly a marvel. The temple is located in the Asakusa district, one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Tokyo where you can see buildings and streets from ancient times. The entrance gate to the temple, Kaminarimon, is another iconic symbol of Japan.
• Sumida River: it’s a quite long river, but it’s worth strolling along its banks at least from Azuma Bridge to Komagata Bridge. A unique and highly recommended experience is taking one of the boats that take you from Sumida to Odaiba (an artificial island created in Tokyo). This boat ride allows you to enjoy the city from the water. On the way to Odaiba, you can see the impressive Rainbow Bridge. You can get more information about the boats by clicking here.
  Do you feel like something fancier? After all, when will you be coming back to Japan? Maybe next year, lol. Another good way to end your day or your trip, is to go on a fancy cruise with a Japanese course dinner and unlimited drinks, all this enlivened with incredible views of the Sky Tree Towers and Tokyo Bay. You can book your Yakatabune dinner cruise here.
• Tokyo Sky Tree: the tallest tower (not building) in the world at 643 meters. The entrance fee is a bit expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. The views of one giant (Tokyo) from the top of another giant (Sky Tree) are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji! I recommend, as always, going during sunset to enjoy the city before and after the sun sets. Pro Tip: Tokyo’s Sky Tree is one of the most popular attractions in the city. I recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially if you plan to go just before sunset.

South:

• Odaiba: futuristic architecture on an artificial island. I recommend arriving at this area of Tokyo by boat from the Sumida River, in the Asakusa area. The island features shopping malls, a Statue of Liberty, another one of Gundam, views of the Rainbow Bridge, and the Fuji TV building, among others.
• Rainbow Bridge: if you’ve taken a boat to reach Odaiba or if you’re in the area of the Statue of Liberty, you can enjoy the views of this impressive bridge. However, what many people don’t know is that the bridge, besides by car or monorail, can also be crossed on foot from Odaiba. The sunset from here with views of the bay and Tokyo is one of the best you can see.

West:

• Shibuya: I think this neighborhood in Tokyo needs no introduction. The busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, shops, restaurants, parks (I highly recommend visiting Miyashita Park to enjoy Shibuya from above), and the Hachiko Statue.
• Shinjuku: if I tell you that its train station is the busiest in the world, I think you can already imagine what type of area you’re going to visit. You can find everything you’re looking for: shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and entertainment areas.
• Meiji Shrine: temple dedicated to Emperor Meiji. It has a huge torii gate, several temples, and it is surrounded by nature.
• Yoyogi Park: one of the largest parks in Tokyo. Ponds, flowers, and forests. Ideal for a picnic or to rest and relax.
• Harajuku: another one of Tokyo’s most famous neighborhoods. It’s frequented by teenagers and adults alike. If you’re looking for fashion, clothing stores, restaurants, and cafes all in one area, this is the place for you.

Where to Stay in Tokyo?

Tokyo is one of the… wrong! Tokyo is the largest city in Japan and the largest in the world. Well, I guess the world one depends on who you ask but, for sure, it is one of the largest in the world. OMG! Where am I going to spend the night in such a mega city?! Fear not, that’s what I’m here for 🙂

• Asakusa: my favourite neighbourhood in Tokyo. I lived there for 6 months. That says it all, right? 🙂
• Ueno: my second favourite neighbourhood. It has Ueno station, from where you can go anywhere in Tokyo, one of the most beautiful and largest parks in the city and the famous Ameyoko street.
• Shinjuku: financial district, with great nightlife.
• Shibuya: similar to Shinjuku, but smaller, with lots of shopping options and very popular among teenagers.

After 2 weeks exploring the best of Japan, I propose 3 different itineraries for your last week in the Land of the Rising Sun. Your choice of itinerary will depend on your preferences and the time of the year you visit Japan.

Itinerary A: Tokyo and Surroundings

Day 15: Immersing Yourself in Tokyo

3 days in Tokyo may feel too short. If you have 3 weeks to travel around Japan, I suggest spending one more day in the country’s capital. You can visit the top 15 must-see attractions in Tokyo in 4 days instead of 3, or add 5 more essential experiences.

5 More Essentials of Tokyo

• Shin Okubo: if you couldn’t visit the Korean district (Tsuruhashi) in Osaka, or if you visited it but want more, you can explore the huge (so large that it’s the largest Korean district outside Korea), bustling, and lively district of Shin Okubo. Here, you’ll find Korean beauty products, K-pop culture, and the best of one of the world’s most famous cuisines.
• Ghibli Museum: My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, etc., if you’re a fan of Ghibli I recommend visiting this museum. It’s amazing. Located just 1 hour by train from Asakusa Station (if you’re staying near Shinjuku or Shibuya, you’ll be closer), you can find this unique museum that will immerse you further into the incredible adventures of Studio Ghibli. You can purchase your ticket here.
• Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo Disneysea: if you’re a fan of Disney and theme parks in general, I recommend spending the day visiting one of these two mega parks on the outskirts of Tokyo. It takes about 50 minutes from Asakusa. You can book your tickets here. If you want to be picked up at your hotel and be driven straight to Disneyland, you can take a look at this great offer 🙂
• Tokyo Tower: if you didn’t go up to the Tokyo Sky Tree, or if you did but you want to see Tokyo from a new perspective, I recommend visiting this kind of Eiffel Tower with white and red colours, standing at a height of 333 meters. Don’t forget to visit the Zojoji Temple located right next to the tower. It’s definitely worth it. And, as always, since it is a popular spot and can get crowded (specially at sunset), make sure to book your ticket in advance!
• Japanese Sword Museum: near the Sumida River, you can find this spectacular museum where you can learn about the ancient art of crafting katanas. You’ll also get to see some of the most incredible katanas in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Day 16: Yokohama’s Coastal Charms in a Day

About 45 minutes by train from Asakusa, the second largest city in Japan deserves at least 1 day of your time. As I mentioned earlier, there are 3 Chinatowns in Japan. One is in Nagasaki, another in Kobe, and one more in Yokohama. The city boasts a beautiful futuristic port, a museum dedicated to ramen, another dedicated to cup noodles, and a Kirin beer factory, among other attractions.

What to See and Do in Yokohama in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Yokohama

• Yokohama China Town: the largest Chinatown in Japan.
• Minato Mirai: it literally means “port of the future”. Skyscrapers, shopping malls, museums and theme parks.
• Sankeien Garden: if you haven’t been able to visit some of the Japanese landscape gardens mentioned earlier, or if you’re a big fan of these beautiful gardens, I recommend visiting the Sankeien Garden.
• Yamashita Park: park near Minato Mirai. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the views of the sea facing the city of Yokohama.
• Ramen Museum: museum dedicated to one of Japan’s most popular dishes. In addition to learning about its history, you can taste the dish at one of the various restaurants located in the museum. Get your ramen, I mean, your ticket here 😋

Day 17: Kamakura and Enoshima – Temples and Beaches

Kamakura is a small coastal city known for its imposing bronze statue of Buddha. Located about 1 hour and 30 minutes by train from Asakusa, it’s often referred to as the Kyoto of the East. This charming city boasts a plethora of temples, shrines, and even sandy beaches. Depending on the time you wish to spend in Kamakura, you may be interested in visiting Enoshima, about 25 minutes by train from the city. Enoshima is a small island connected by a bridge, renowned for its beaches. July and August are the busiest months. It’s ideal for a few hours of relaxation.

What to See and Do in Kamakura in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Kamakura

• Great Buddha: one of the most famous Buddha statues in Japan, it’s the second tallest, after the Great Buddha of Nara.
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu: the most important Shinto temple in Kamakura. Ponds, toriis, and shrines.
• Meigetsuin Temple: known as the Temple of Hydrangeas, if you travel to Japan in June, you can’t miss it. I was lucky enough to visit it when the hydrangeas were in bloom, and it was a beautiful experience. It’s worth visiting even outside of the blooming season.
• Kenchoji Temple: the most famous Zen Buddhist temple in Kamakura. It features a Zen garden, a Kannon statue, and various shrines.
• Hasedera Temple: temple overlooking the city of Kamakura. It features various shrines, statues, and ponds.

What to See and Do in Enoshima in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Enoshima

• Enoshima Shrine: complex of three different shrines: Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya.
• Samuel Cooking Garden and Sea Candle: park with a botanical garden and with a tower from where you can see the island of Enoshima.
• Benzaiten Nakamise Street: street filled with restaurants, gift shops, and stalls where you can try some typical Japanese sweets.
• Iwaya Caves: caves in the cliffs on the south coast of Enoshima. One of them has Buddhist statues, and another one has a dragon statue. This is a great spot to enjoy the sunset with views over the Sagami Bay.
• Beaches: although they’re not the best beaches in Japan (that honor goes to Okinawa), you can enjoy several sandy beaches on the way to Enoshima Island, before crossing the Enoshima Benten Bridge.

Day 18: Exploring the Scenic Fuji Five Lakes

It would be a shame to travel to Japan and not visit its greatest icon: Mount Fuji. That’s why I’ve included this day in the 3-week Japan travel guide. As the name suggests, Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) is a region at the northern base of Mount Fuji formed by 5 lakes. In this region, you can find hot springs, museums, and the Fuji Q Highland amusement park. You can also go hiking, camping, or fishing. Of the 5 lakes, the most famous and easily accessible is Lake Kawaguchiko.

How to Get From Tokyo to Kawaguchiko?

In order to visit Fuji Five Lakes, your best bet is to get from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko and from there, travel around the different spots you want to visit within Fuji Five Lakes. Then, how to get from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko? You have a few options, depending where in Tokyo you are and how you want to travel.

• By bus from Shinjuku or Shibuya Station: The bus companies “Fujikyu” and “Keiho” offer a direct service of 2 buses every hour. You can book your ticket here.
• By bus from Tokyo Station: You can book your ticket here.
• By direct train from Shinjuku Station: there is a direct train connecting Shinjuku Station with Kawaguchiko Station. You can book your ticket here.

If you’d like to skip the hassle of moving around between the different Fuji Five Lakes attractions, I recommend you getting on this amazing day tour from Tokyo so you can relax, enjoy the views and be spoilt 😁

What to See and Do in Fuji Five Lakes in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Fuji Five Lakes

• Lake Kawaguchiko: the most famous and easily accessible lake is Lake Kawaguchiko. You can reach it directly from Tokyo by bus or train. From Tokyo, you’ll get off at Kawaguchiko Station, and from here you can take a bus that will drop you off at the lake. The lake is quite large. It would take you about 2 hours to walk around it. That said, you can stroll around it peacefully and enjoy the views of both the lake and Mount Fuji. The best views of Mount Fuji are from the northern coast of the lake. Try to go early in the morning or after midday to avoid fog.
• Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway: located on the eastern coast of the lake, this cable car provides access to a hill with views overlooking Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji. You can book your roundtrip ticket here.
• Fuji Shibazakura Festival: the photo you can see at the beginning of the 3-week Japan travel guide was taken during the Shibazakura Festival. The festival usually takes place from mid-April to late May. During this time, you can see fields of pink moss. The color is beautiful and contrasts with the white peak of Mount Fuji. In addition to enjoying unique views, there are also several food, beverage, and sweet stalls. You can reach it by bus from Kawaguchiko Station.
• Chureito Pagoda: Another iconic photo spot in Japan: Mount Fuji with the 5-story pagoda. The views are especially beautiful during the sakura (spring) and momiji (fall) seasons. As you may have guessed, you can also reach it from Kawaguchiko Station.
• Fujisan Museum: museum about Mount Fuji, its ascents, and pilgrimages. It can be reached from Fujisan Station.

Days 19–20: Relaxing at Kusatsu Onsen

At this point in the trip, you probably already know what an onsen is and its importance in the Japanese culture. There are millions of them throughout the country. Although Japanese people can be shy about certain things, for them, spending hours with family or alone naked enjoying these hot springs is very normal. During my 2 and a half years in the Land of the Rising Sun, I had the opportunity to enjoy many onsen. Kusatsu Onsen is my favourite. Not for nothing, it is one of the most famous onsen towns in Japan. You can reach it by bus from Tokyo, from Shinjuku Station. The journey takes about 4 hours, so I recommend spending the night in Kusatsu Onsen.

Another reason why I recommend staying overnight there is to experience another must-do during your trip to Japan: sleeping in a ryokan. A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn or guesthouse. The rooms have tatami flooring, the doors are usually sliding shoji doors, and there are often onsen within the ryokan. In Kusatsu Onsen, you’ll find several public onsen throughout the town. But if you decide to stay in a ryokan, you can enjoy the hot springs without even leaving your hotel.

What to See and Do in Kusatsu Onsen in 2 Days? 5 Essentials of Kusatsu Onsen

• Sainokawara Rotenburo: probably my favourite onsen in all of Japan. It’s impressive. It’s huge and outdoors. On Fridays, mixed-gender access in swimsuits is allowed.
• Yubatake: Kusatsu Onsen’s icon. One of the main hot springs in the town. It’s worth strolling leisurely around this marvel and enjoying a meal at one of the various restaurants in the area.
• Yumomi: traditional way of cooling the water that comes from the volcano. There are performances in the Netsunoyo building, next to the Yubatake. It usually lasts about half an hour.
• Onsen for the feet: similarly to full-body onsen baths, there are some that are only for the feet. You can find one in the area of Yubatake and another one in front of the Jizu no Yu onsen.
• Mount Shirane: active volcano in the outskirts of Kusatsu Onsen. There are different hiking routes to the summit.

Where to Stay in Kusatsu Onsen?

The same thing I said about Miyajima applies to Kusatsu Onsen: it is one of the best places to stay at a ryokan and enjoy a must-do Japanese experience ♨️😍

Day 21: Flight Back to Europe From Tokyo

How to Get From Tokyo to Narita and Haneda Airports?

• From Tokyo to Haneda Airport: with your JR Pass, or paying the train ticket from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagaway by JR Keihintohoku Line-Negishi Line Rapid, and from there to Haneda Airport by Haneda Airport Terminal 1 (Monorail). You can as well take the popular Yamanote Line to get from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagawa, and from there to Haneda Airport by monorail. You can also go there by bus or by private transfer from your hotel.
• From Tokyo to Narita Airport: with your JR Pass by riding the Narita Express from Tokyo Station, by paying the ticket of the Narita Express, by bus, or by private transfer from your hotel.

Everything comes and passes, and unfortunately, your 3-week Japan trip including a week visiting Tokyo and its surroundings, has come to an end too. Depending on your flight time, you can spend a few hours shopping or enjoying some of the must-see attractions in Tokyo that you missed. I hope this travel guide for Japan has been helpful to you 😁

Itinerary B: Okinawa

Just like Spain has the Canary Islands, Japan has Okinawa. Both are characterized by having a subtropical climate and being distant from the mainland. In Japan’s case, Okinawa, the fifth-largest island, is located halfway between Kyushu and Taiwan, bathed by the East China Sea. It is divided into 3 groups of islands: the Okinawa Islands, Miyako Islands, and Yaeyama Islands. The culture, art, and even the language of Okinawa, like in Hokkaido, are similar yet different from the rest of Japan. Karate and sanshin originate from Okinawa and not from the main island of Japan. Due to its subtropical climate, you can include Okinawa in your itinerary at any season during your 3-week trip to Japan.

If you want to swim, snorkel, or dive, it makes more sense to go between the months of May and October. During the summer months, encountering a typhoon is not uncommon. During my 4 months living in Ishigaki, a couple of typhoons passed by, and it was quite a peculiar experience. Seeing the palm trees bowing down before the God Eolo was incredible 🌬️ With about 160 islands (inhabited and uninhabited), you could spend weeks or months exploring Okinawa. White sandy beaches, coral reefs, marine life, and delicious cuisine await you. As always, here’s an itinerary that you can modify based on your preferences. For a week in Okinawa, I suggest the following.

Days 15-16: Discovering Okinawa Main Island

Naha is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, and it’s where you’ll fly in from Tokyo. The flight takes about 3 hours. Being the largest island in Okinawa, there are several things to see, but it will depend on how much time you want to spend traveling around and how much time you want to spend on the beach doing nothing. Depending on the above, you may be interested in renting a car to explore the island (it takes about 2 hours to drive from one end of the island to the other), using the monorail to get around Naha, or hopping on one of the different buses that traverse the island visiting the most important tourist spots.

What to See and Do in Okinawa Main Island in 2 Days? 10 Essentials of Okinawa Main Island

• Peace Memorial Park: as of today, there are several American military bases in Okinawa, and they have been there since World War II. A bloody battle was fought on the main island of Okinawa after the Americans invaded and occupied the island. This park pays tribute to the victims.
• Hiji Waterfall: hiking trail that takes you through forests, passing by a suspension bridge, until you reach a 26-meter waterfall.
• Shuri Castle: Shuri is the name of the former capital of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which ruled Okinawa from 1429 to 1879. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, its architecture is quite different from the other temples or castles you may have seen in Japan.
• Hedo Misaki (Cape Hedo): cape located at the northern tip of the island. Ideal for enjoying views of the sea and the cliffs.
• Shikinaen Garden: second residence of the Ryukyu kings. Features Okinawan-style architecture, ponds, and gardens. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Okinawa Karate Kaikan: Complex dedicated to the martial art originating from Okinawa: Karate.
• Kokusaidori Street: Naha’s main street filled with restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and bars.
• Orion Happy Park: Orion is one of my favourites beers in Japan. It’s so famous that it even has its own song. In this happiness park, you can learn about the beer-making process through a free tour and taste it.
• Kouri Island: connected to the main island of Okinawa by a bridge, on this small island, you can enjoy crystal-clear waters, white sand, and rocky formations.
• Emerald Beach: beautiful beach with white sand, crystal-clear water and coral.

Where to Stay in Okinawa Main Island?

I recommend staying in Naha, more precisely, in the city center. In this way, you can be close to the city main attractions and whenever you feel like, drive your car or hop on a bus to get to the beach.

Days 17-18: Looking for Paradise in the Miyako Islands

Miyakojima is to the Miyako Islands what Naha is to the main island of Okinawa. It takes about 45 minutes by plane from Naha. Miyakojima, the main island of the Miyako Islands, is much smaller than Naha. It takes about 30 minutes from one end to the other. That said, Miyakojima is famous for having the most beautiful beaches in Japan. White sand, turquoise blue water, and an immense marine life. Miyakojima is also ideal for snorkelling or diving. I recommend spending 2 days relaxing on its beaches and visiting the surrounding islands. If lounging on the beach doing nothing isn’t your thing, you can spend more time in Naha or Ishigaki.

What to See and Do in Miyako Islands in 2 Days? 5 Essentials of Miyako Islands

• Yonaha Beach: probably the most famous beach in all of Miyakojima and one of the longest. Water sports, tranquility, and beauty are some of the options you can find at this beach.
• Yoshino Beach: one of the best beaches for snorkel.
• Yabiji Coral Reefs: one of the best diving spots in the whole island. Turtles, school of fishes and beautiful coral.
• Irabu Bridge: the longest toll-free bridge in Japan. It connects Miyakojima Island with Irabu Island. The views of endless shades of blue from the bridge are incredible.
• Ikema and Kurima Bridges: although not as spectacular as the previous one, you can use these bridges to visit the islands of Ikema and Kurima.

Where to Stay in the Miyako Islands?

Being the island kind of small, it will be up to how close you want to be to your favourite beach 🏖️

Days 19 and 20: Natural Beauty of the Yaeyama Islands

And here we are at the islands where you’ll find my most special one: Ishigaki. I was fortunate to spend 4 months living there, and it was an incredible experience. Ishigaki is smaller than the main Okinawa island and larger than Miyakojima. It takes about 50 minutes to drive from one end to the other. I recommend renting a car to explore the island since public transportation isn’t as convenient as on the main Okinawa island. Being part of Okinawa prefecture, Ishigaki offers the same special culture, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, diving, snorkeling, and delicious cuisine.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Miyakojima, and there is no ferry service, so you’ll have to return to Naha and fly to Ishigaki from there. The flight from Naha takes 1 hour. If for some reason Ishigaki feels too small for you or you want to visit another island, I recommend Taketomi Island, known for preserving Ryukyu architecture and for some of its crystal-clear water beaches. The island is small and can be explored on foot or by bike. You can reach it by boat from Ishigaki port, and the journey only takes 10 minutes.

What to See and Do in Ishigaki in 2 Days? 5 Essentials of Ishigaki

• Sukuji Beach: the beach responsible for some of my best sunsets in Japan.
• Nosokodake: Ishigaki doesn’t have very high mountains. Nosokodake is the second one, and although its height is not imposing, the views from its summit certainly are: 360 degrees over the entire island. The ascent from the parking lot to the summit takes about 20 minutes.
• Kabira Bay: one of the most famous areas on the entire island. You can stroll peacefully and enjoy the incredible shades of blue or hop on a glass-bottom boat.
• Hirakubozaki Lighthouse: lighthouse at the northernmost point of Ishigaki. The views of the East China Sea are amazing.
• Arakawa Falls: ideal for a short hiking route and cooling off in freshwater.

Where to Stay in Ishigaki?

Club Med! Just kidding. That just happened to be the place where I was working and, because of that, I was living kind of close to it and to the amazing Kabira Bay and Sukuji Beach. I know first hand that public transportation is not widely available in the island so, if I were you, I’d stay in the city centre (meaning, next to the ferry terminal where ferries go to Taketomi Island) and just drive to the beaches and other points of interest in the island.

Día 21: Flight from Okinawa to Tokyo and from Tokyo to Europe

How to Get From Tokyo to Narita and Haneda Airports?

• From Tokyo to Haneda Airport: with your JR Pass, or paying the train ticket from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagaway by JR Keihintohoku Line-Negishi Line Rapid, and from there to Haneda Airport by Haneda Airport Terminal 1 (Monorail). You can as well take the popular Yamanote Line to get from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagawa, and from there to Haneda Airport by monorail. You can also go there by bus or by private transfer from your hotel.
• From Tokyo to Narita Airport: with your JR Pass by riding the Narita Express from Tokyo Station, by paying the ticket of the Narita Express, by bus, or by private transfer from your hotel.

Everything comes and passes, and unfortunately, your 3-week Japan trip including a week visiting Okinawa, has come to an end too. You can flight to Tokyo directly from Ishigaki (the flight takes around 3 hours). Depending on your flight time, you can spend a few hours shopping or enjoying some of the must-see attractions in Tokyo that you missed. I hope this travel guide for Japan has been helpful to you 😁

Itinerary C: Hokkaido

The second largest island in Japan and the northernmost one, Hokkaido is known for its landscapes, flora, and snow, considered one of the best in the world. Like Okinawa, the culture, cuisine, architecture, and language in Hokkaido are similar yet different from the other islands of Japan. In Hokkaido, you’ll find the Ainu people, natives of the island. If you’re passionate about skiing or snowboarding, you should include Hokkaido in your 3-week Japan itinerary. There aren’t many bullet train lines in Hokkaido, and the island is quite large, so I recommend either renting a car or choosing one or several areas that aren’t too far apart and visiting them by train or by bus.

Days 15-16: Sapporo’s Top Attractions and Local Flavours

Sapporo is the largest city in Hokkaido and one of the largest in Japan. You’ll fly here from Tokyo, and the flight takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Being a big city with several attractions, I recommend spending at least 2 days here.

What to See and Do in Sapporo in 2 Days? 10 Essentials of Sapporo

• Sapporo Snow Festival: If you visit Hokkaido during winter, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to enjoy one of Japan’s most famous events. It takes place for a week in February, and you’ll be able to see true works of art made of snow.
• Sapporo TV Tower: especially beautiful when illuminated at night. With a height of 150 meters and an observation deck at 90 meters, it’s worth going up to see Sapporo from above. You can book your ticket here.
• Oodori Park: park that separates the northern and southern parts of Sapporo. Ideal for strolling and enjoying the vegetation. It is located next to the Sapporo TV Tower.
• Mount Moiwa: Do you remember “the 10 million dollar night views”? Well, the views from the top of Mount Moiwa are included in this special list. You can take a bus from the city to the station where the cable car is located.
• Sapporo Beer Museum: beer in Japan was born in Hokkaido. In this museum, you can learn how one of the oldest and most famous beers in Japan is produced and taste it.
• Shiroi Koibito Park: It literally means “Lover’s White Park.” It’s a theme park dedicated to chocolate and Ishiya cookies, from a local company. Perfect for a snack!
• Susukino: the largest (north of Tokyo) entertainment district in Japan. Neon lights, karaoke bars (like onsen, ryokan, and Japanese landscapes gardens, it’s an experience you must try during the your 3 weeks in Japan), restaurants, bars, and shops.
• Okurayama Observatory: built for the 1972 Winter Olympics, you can observe the 90-meter ski jump ramp and enjoy incredible views of Sapporo.
• Sapporo Station: the central train station of Sapporo, besides trains, features shopping centers, restaurants, bars, and an observation deck at a higher altitude (160 meters) than the one at the Sapporo TV Tower.
• Moerenuma Park: another park you can visit in Sapporo. It features a glass pyramid, a fountain with water shows from April to October, and endless green areas.

Where to Stay in Sapporo?

I recommend staying in the city centre so you are close to the main attractions of the city such as Oodori Park, Sapporo TV Tower and Sukusino.

Day 17: The Historic and Scenic Otaru

Otaru is a beautiful small coastal city about 30 minutes by train from northwest of Sapporo. You can go there and back in a day from Sapporo or spend the night there. It is known for its canal, ideal for a leisurely stroll enjoying the views.

What to See and Do in Otaru in 1 Day? 5 Essentials of Otaru

• Otaru Snow Light Path Festival: if you visit Otaru during the month of February, you can’t miss this festival. The Otaru Canal is dressed up with lights and snow statues, creating a stunning display.
• Otaru Canal: you can explore it on foot or by boat. There are restaurants, museums, and shops to enjoy.
• Otaru Music Box Museum: the largest music box store in Japan. You can find true works of art with music from Ghibli, Anime, or traditional Japanese music, among others.
• Tengu-yama: about a 17-minute bus ride from Otaru Station. You can take a cable car up. Ideal for enjoying the views of this beautiful coastal town.
• Saikamachi Street: beautiful street in the centre of the town. Ideal for shopping or eating out.

Days 18-19: Exploring Furano, Niseko and Daisetsuzan National Park

Depending on the type of traveller you are, you may be interested in visiting two small towns to the east and west respectively of Sapporo, or spending 2 days exploring the wildest and largest natural park, which boasts Hokkaido’s highest mountain. Your choice will also likely depend on the time of the year you visit Hokkaido. If you visit it in winter and are passionate about winter sports, you may decide to spend not just 1 but 2 days in Niseko. If you visit Hokkaido in spring or summer, you may want to enjoy the beauty of nature in Furano. And if you visit Hokkaido in spring, summer, or autumn, you may be interested in enjoying its most famous national park.

Furano

Furano is a small town east of Sapporo. It’s about a 2-hour drive or a 2.5-hour train ride away. It’s especially known for the beauty of its fields and vegetation, particularly its lavender fields (Furano Lavender Fields). If you visit Furano from mid-July to early August, you can enjoy this beautiful purple canvas. Another major attraction of Furano is the Blue Pond.

I’ve been fortunate to visit many incredible blue lakes around the world, but Furano’s Blue Pond seems unreal. This spectacular color is due to minerals washed from a volcano in the vicinity of Furano. Lastly, right next to Furano is the town of Biei, known for its hills and vast fields. To enjoy the scenery, you can explore it by bike or car. You can visit Furano in a day and return to sleep in Sapporo or spend the night there.

Niseko

Niseko is world-renowned for having some of the best snow in the world. People from all over the world (especially from Australia) visit this small town during the winter months and the early months of spring for skiing or snowboarding. You can spend the day there and return to Sapporo to sleep or spend the night in Niseko.

Daisetsuzan National Park

If you’re renting a car, you can drive directly to Daisetsuzan National Park. If not, you can take a bus or train to the city of Asahikawa and from there take a bus to the national park. You can either spend 2 nights in the national park or 2 nights in Asahikawa and visit the park from there, or alternate with 1 night in each location. As the park is quite large, there are several hiking trails available. You can find more information here. I took advantage of the coincidence of my birthday in Hokkaido to treat myself to a hike up the highest mountain on the island: Asahidake. Lakes, forests, and hot steam rising from the ground. It was incredible.

If you decide to visit Asahikawa, you can’t miss the Asahikawa Ramen Village and the Otokoyama Sake Brewery museum. In one, you can enjoy one of Japan’s most famous dishes, and in the other, its quintessential drink.

Day 20: Noboribetsu

What better way to spend your last day in Hokkaido than by visiting the most famous hot spring area on the island? Located 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train from Sapporo, Noboribetsu offers up to 11 different types of hot springs spread across various onsen. Most of the onsen are part of hotels or ryokans (staying overnight in a ryokan is a highly recommended experience during your 3-week trip to Japan), but you can also enjoy bathing without staying overnight. There are also some public onsens in the town.

Remember what I said about Miyajima? The same thing applies to Noboribetsu: it is one of the best places to stay at a ryokan and enjoy a must-do Japanese experience ♨️😍

One of the most intriguing attractions for visitors to Noboribetsu is the Hell Valley, or Jigokudani. It’s just a 5-minute walk from Noboribetsu Station. In this peculiar valley, you can witness hot steam rising from the ground, streams of sulphur, and a landscape that seems from another world. There are several short hiking trails (about 20 or 30 minutes) around the valley. Along the Oyunumagawa River, you can also enjoy foot baths with hot spring water. Oh, and I almost forgot! It’s not uncommon to come across demon statues in Noboribetsu. Be careful! 😈😱

Day 21: Flight from Sapporo to Tokyo and from Tokyo to Europe

How to Get From Tokyo to Narita and Haneda Airports?

• From Tokyo to Haneda Airport: with your JR Pass, or paying the train ticket from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagaway by JR Keihintohoku Line-Negishi Line Rapid, and from there to Haneda Airport by Haneda Airport Terminal 1 (Monorail). You can as well take the popular Yamanote Line to get from Tokyo Station to Hamamatsucho or Shinagawa, and from there to Haneda Airport by monorail. You can also go there by bus or by private transfer from your hotel.
• From Tokyo to Narita Airport: with your JR Pass by riding the Narita Express from Tokyo Station, by paying the ticket of the Narita Express, by bus, or by private transfer from your hotel.

Everything comes and passes, and unfortunately, your 3-week Japan trip including a week visiting Hokkaido, has come to an end too. The flight from Sapporo to Tokyo takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes. Depending on your flight time, you can spend a few hours shopping or enjoying some of the must-see attractions in Tokyo that you missed. I hope this travel guide for Japan has been helpful to you 😁

Final Thoughts on the Best of Japan in 3 Weeks

And that’s the best of Japan in 3 weeks. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve created this itinerary based on my experience of living and traveling in Japan. You can’t go to Japan and not see Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. But, if you have at least 3 weeks, it’s worth venturing off the typical tourist route and visiting other hidden gems that the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer. In case you have less than 3 weeks, I’ve also created an itinerary for the best of Japan in 2 weeks. I hope either of these proves useful and helps you enjoy a country as special as Japan. またね！

By the way, if you enjoyed my travel guide for Japan in 3 weeks and found it useful, I’d like to encourage you to share it with others as it can come in handy for them as well. Also, if you have any questions or insights to add to this post, do not hesitate to write in the comment section! Thanks a lot! 😁🤞