Is 3 weeks too long for a Japan trip?

Not if you have the time and budget. Three weeks allows for genuine rest days and slower regional stops like Kanazawa that shorter trips have to skip. It's a significant commitment, but it rewards depth over a highlight-reel pace.

Should I get a 21-day Japan Rail Pass for this route?

A 21-day national JR Pass is virtually always worth it for a route with this many long-distance Shinkansen legs, compare the pass price against your itinerary's individual ticket costs to confirm, but it usually wins decisively at this length.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, New Zealand, and most other Western countries can enter Japan visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists. Register with Visit Japan Web before departure.

Lantern-lit shrine pathway in Kyoto, part of a 3-week grand tour of Japan

Japan in 3 Weeks: The Grand Tour

Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, and Kanazawa

21 DaysBest for: Repeat VisitorFrom $4,600/personSpring/Autumn

Customize This Itinerary →See Full 21 Days Plan →View Trip Costs →

ExploreJapanDaily Editorial TeamEditorially reviewedUpdated July 6, 2026Verified July 6, 202632 min read

Duration: 21 DaysDestinations: Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, KanazawaBudget: Mid-RangePace: Relaxed

Three weeks is enough time to see Japan the way most guidebooks describe it, not just the highlight reel, but the full arc from Tokyo's density to Kanazawa's quiet old streets. This itinerary covers eight stops across Honshu, moving at a pace that allows for actual rest days, slow mornings, and the kind of unplanned detours that shorter trips can't afford.

It adds Hakone's onsen calm, a full Hiroshima and Miyajima loop, and Kanazawa's well-preserved Edo-era districts to the classic Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka spine, then loops back to Tokyo for a final few days. It's a serious commitment in both time and budget, but it rewards travelers who want to see Japan in genuine depth rather than a highlight tour.

⚡Quick Answer

What you need to know: 21 Days, $4,600-$12,200 per person, best in Spring or Autumn, covering Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa with a Japan Rail Pass covering every inter-city leg.

💡Good to Know

•Walking level: Heavy
•Japan Rail Pass recommended: Yes
•Family-friendly: Not specifically designed for young children
•Travel between Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa using a mix of JR trains, private rail lines, and regional buses.

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Your Route

Tokyo

Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Akihabara, and teamLab

Hakone

Mount Fuji views, hot springs, and a ryokan stay

Kyoto

Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Gion, plus a Nara day trip

Osaka

Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, and Kuromon Ichiba Market

Hiroshima

Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome

Miyajima

The floating torii gate and grilled oysters

Hiroshima

A final stop before departing for Kanazawa

Kanazawa

Kenroku-en Garden and the Higashi Chaya geisha district

Tokyo

Final shopping, a second look at favorite spots, and departure

What's Included in This Itinerary

�-�

Hakone and Mount Fuji

Soak in an onsen ryokan with Fuji views on a clear day.

🕊️

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

A moving, essential stop, paired with the Atomic Bomb Dome.

⛩️

Miyajima's Floating Torii

See the iconic gate appear to float at high tide, then try grilled oysters on the island.

🏯

Kanazawa's Old Districts

One of Japan's best-preserved Edo-era towns, far quieter than Kyoto.

🦌

Nara Day Trip

Feed the bowing deer and visit the giant bronze Buddha at Todai-ji.

🍢

Full Regional Food Tour

From Tokyo sushi to Hiroshima okonomiyaki to Kanazawa gold-leaf desserts.

Your Complete 21 Days Plan

Every day. Every stop. Real costs, real transport times, honest opinions.

TokyoDays 1–5

Stay: ShinjukuCost: $90–$160/dayEat: Yakitori in Omoide Yokocho

DAY 1Arrival and Shinjuku

Shinjuku

Afternoon

Land and check in

Arrive at Narita or Haneda, take the airport express into central Tokyo, and check into your Shinjuku hotel.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Narita Express or Limousine Bus to Shinjuku StationCost: $25–$35

Evening

Omoide Yokocho dinner

Ease into the trip with yakitori skewers in Shinjuku's tiny postwar alley.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: Walkable from most Shinjuku hotelsCost: $20–$30

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku

Central, well-connected to the JR Yamanote loop.

Don't Miss Eating

Yakitori in Omoide Yokocho

Grilled skewers in a narrow postwar alley, the classic first-night Tokyo meal.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$160/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 8,000–11,000 steps

DAY 2Shibuya and Harajuku

Shibuya

Morning

Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

See the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, then take in skyline views from Shibuya Sky.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: JR Yamanote Line to ShibuyaCost: $18–$22

Afternoon

Harajuku and Meiji Shrine

Stroll Takeshita Street, then escape into the forested calm of Meiji Shrine next door.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Walkable from ShibuyaCost: Free

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku

Same hotel as Day 1.

Don't Miss Eating

Crepes on Takeshita Street

Harajuku's famous sweet stuffed crepes, a classic afternoon snack stop.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$160/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 12,000–16,000 steps

DAY 3Asakusa and Akihabara

Asakusa

Morning

Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple and browse the Nakamise shopping street.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to AsakusaCost: Free

Afternoon

Akihabara electronics and anime district

Browse multi-floor electronics stores and anime/manga shops in Tokyo's otaku hub.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to AkihabaraCost: $10–$30 (optional purchases)

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku

Same hotel as Day 1.

Don't Miss Eating

Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market

Fresh sushi breakfast at the market that still supplies much of Tokyo's seafood.

Daily spend estimate: $85–$150/personTransport today: $10–$15Walking: 11,000–15,000 steps

DAY 4teamLab and Odaiba

Odaiba

Morning

teamLab digital art museum

Immersive digital art installations, book tickets in advance as slots sell out.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Yurikamome Line to OdaibaCost: $25–$30

Afternoon

Odaiba waterfront

Walk the waterfront promenade with views back across the bay to central Tokyo.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: Walkable from teamLabCost: Free

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku

Same hotel as Day 1.

Don't Miss Eating

Monjayaki on Tsukishima

A gooey Tokyo-style griddled batter dish, distinct from Osaka's okonomiyaki.

Daily spend estimate: $85–$150/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 9,000–12,000 steps

DAY 5Free Day and Departure for Hakone

Shinjuku

Morning

Free morning or Tsukiji revisit

An open morning to revisit a favorite spot or simply rest before the move to Hakone.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: FlexibleCost: $0–$20

Afternoon

Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone

Ride the panoramic limited express train into the mountains.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: Odakyu Romancecar from ShinjukuCost: $25–$35

Where to Stay Tonight

Gora or Miyanoshita

A ryokan with onsen access, the highlight of the Hakone stop.

Don't Miss Eating

Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan

A multi-course traditional dinner, usually included with a ryokan stay.

Daily spend estimate: $80–$140/personTransport today: $25–$35 (limited express to Hakone)Walking: 8,000–11,000 steps

HakoneDays 6–7

Stay: GoraCost: $150–$250/dayEat: Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan

DAY 6Hakone and Mount Fuji Views

Gora

Morning

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani

Ride the ropeway over an active volcanic valley, with Mount Fuji visible on clear days.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Hakone Tozan Cable Car then RopewayCost: Included in Hakone Free Pass

Afternoon

Lake Ashi cruise and onsen soak

Cruise Lake Ashi past the iconic torii gate, then return to your ryokan for an evening onsen.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Hakone Sightseeing CruiseCost: Included in Hakone Free Pass

Where to Stay Tonight

Gora or Miyanoshita

Same ryokan as Day 5.

Don't Miss Eating

Kaiseki dinner at your ryokan

A multi-course traditional dinner, the centerpiece of a ryokan stay.

Daily spend estimate: $150–$250/personTransport today: $15–$25 (Hakone Free Pass loop)Walking: 9,000–13,000 steps

DAY 7Departure for Kyoto

Miyanoshita

Morning

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Wander sculpture gardens set against the surrounding mountains.

Time: 1.5–2 hoursTransport: Hakone Tozan Railway to Chokoku-no-MoriCost: $10–$15

Afternoon

Train to Kyoto via Odawara

Return to Odawara Station, then connect to the Shinkansen for Kyoto.

Time: 3 hours totalTransport: Hakone Tozan Railway to Odawara, then Tokaido ShinkansenCost: $130–$145

Where to Stay Tonight

Gion or Kawaramachi

Walkable to Kyoto's old town and temples.

Don't Miss Eating

Bento box on the Shinkansen

An ekiben (station bento) is part of the bullet-train ritual, grab one before boarding.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$150/personTransport today: $135–$150 (Shinkansen to Kyoto)Walking: 6,000–9,000 steps

KyotoDays 8–11

Stay: GionCost: $90–$140/dayEat: Obanzai set meal in Nishiki Market

DAY 8Fushimi Inari and Eastern Kyoto

Gion

Morning

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk up through the thousands of vermillion torii gates, go early to beat the crowds.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: JR Nara Line to Inari StationCost: Free

Afternoon

Gion and Kiyomizu-dera

Wander Gion's preserved streets, then climb to Kiyomizu-dera for sweeping city views.

Time: 3 hoursTransport: City bus or 25-minute walkCost: $5–$10

Where to Stay Tonight

Gion or Kawaramachi

Same hotel as Day 7.

Don't Miss Eating

Obanzai set meal in Nishiki Market

Kyoto's traditional home-style cooking, sampled stall-by-stall through the covered market.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$140/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 13,000–18,000 steps

DAY 9Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji

Arashiyama

Morning

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk the famous bamboo corridor early, then visit Tenryu-ji temple's garden next door.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: JR Sagano Line to Saga-ArashiyamaCost: $5–$8 temple entry

Afternoon

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the gold leaf-covered pavilion reflected in its surrounding pond.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: City bus from ArashiyamaCost: $4–$6

Where to Stay Tonight

Gion or Kawaramachi

Same hotel as Day 7.

Don't Miss Eating

Tofu kaiseki in Arashiyama

A delicate multi-course tofu meal, a regional specialty of the Arashiyama area.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$140/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 12,000–16,000 steps

DAY 10Nara Day Trip

Nara Day Trip

Morning

Nara Park and the bowing deer

Walk among hundreds of free-roaming, famously polite deer in Nara Park.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: JR Nara Line, 45 minutes from KyotoCost: $10–$15 round trip

Afternoon

Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha Hall, home to one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: Walkable from Nara ParkCost: $5–$8

Where to Stay Tonight

Gion or Kawaramachi

Same hotel as Day 7.

Don't Miss Eating

Kakinoha-zushi (persimmon-leaf sushi)

Nara's signature sushi, pressed and wrapped in persimmon leaves.

Daily spend estimate: $80–$130/personTransport today: $15–$20 (round-trip to Nara)Walking: 14,000–18,000 steps

DAY 11Free Day and Departure for Osaka

Kawaramachi

Morning

Free morning or Nishiki Market revisit

An open morning for a favorite spot, a tea ceremony, or simply slower pace.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: FlexibleCost: $0–$25

Afternoon

Train to Osaka

A short rail hop to Osaka, checking into your hotel near Namba.

Time: 45 minutesTransport: JR Special Rapid Service to Osaka StationCost: $10–$15

Where to Stay Tonight

Namba or Shinsaibashi

Steps from Dotonbori's food streets.

Don't Miss Eating

Takoyaki from Wanaka in Namba

Crispy-edged octopus balls from one of Osaka's most-loved stalls.

Daily spend estimate: $75–$130/personTransport today: $15–$20 (local rail to Osaka)Walking: 10,000–14,000 steps

OsakaDays 12–13

Stay: NambaCost: $85–$130/dayEat: Kushikatsu in Shinsekai

DAY 12Dotonbori and Osaka Castle

Namba

Morning

Osaka Castle

Tour the castle grounds and climb the keep's observation floor for skyline views.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: Osaka Loop Line to OsakajokoenCost: $5–$8

Evening

Dotonbori food crawl

Graze takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu along the neon-lit canal.

Time: 3–4 hoursTransport: Walkable from NambaCost: $25–$40

Where to Stay Tonight

Namba or Shinsaibashi

Same hotel as Day 11.

Don't Miss Eating

Kushikatsu in Shinsekai

Deep-fried skewers in Osaka's retro Shinsekai district, dip once only in the shared sauce.

Daily spend estimate: $85–$130/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 12,000–16,000 steps

DAY 13Kuromon Market and Departure for Hiroshima

Namba

Morning

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Graze fresh seafood and wagyu skewers at Osaka's premier food market.

Time: 1.5–2 hoursTransport: Walkable from NambaCost: $15–$25

Afternoon

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Ride the Sanyo Shinkansen west to Hiroshima, roughly 1.5 hours.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: JR Shin-Osaka Station to Hiroshima StationCost: $95–$110

Where to Stay Tonight

Hiroshima Station area

Convenient base for the Peace Park and Miyajima ferry connections.

Don't Miss Eating

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Layered with noodles, unlike the mixed-batter Osaka version, a defining Hiroshima dish.

Daily spend estimate: $85–$130/personTransport today: $95–$110 (Shinkansen to Hiroshima)Walking: 10,000–14,000 steps

HiroshimaDays 14–16

Stay: Hiroshima Station areaCost: $80–$130/dayEat: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

DAY 14Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima Station area

Morning

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

A moving, essential visit covering the 1945 atomic bombing and the city's recovery.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Hiroshima streetcar to Genbaku Dome-maeCost: $2–$4 museum entry

Afternoon

Atomic Bomb Dome

View the preserved ruins of the former Industrial Promotion Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Time: 1 hourTransport: Walkable from Peace ParkCost: Free

Where to Stay Tonight

Hiroshima Station area

Same hotel as Day 13.

Don't Miss Eating

Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Try a second variation at a different okonomiyaki-mura stall.

Daily spend estimate: $80–$130/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 10,000–14,000 steps

DAY 15Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island

Morning

Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii gate

See the iconic torii gate appear to float at high tide, then explore the shrine itself.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: JR ferry from MiyajimaguchiCost: $3–$5 shrine entry

Afternoon

Mount Misen ropeway

Ride the ropeway up Mount Misen for panoramic views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: Miyajima Ropeway from the islandCost: $15–$18

Where to Stay Tonight

Hiroshima Station area

Day trip from Hiroshima, returning by evening.

Don't Miss Eating

Grilled oysters and momiji manju

Miyajima's two signature foods, oysters grilled streetside and maple-leaf-shaped sweet cakes.

Daily spend estimate: $70–$120/personTransport today: $10–$15 (ferry round trip)Walking: 11,000–15,000 steps

DAY 16Departure for Kanazawa

Hiroshima Station area

Morning

Shukkeien Garden

A landscaped Edo-period garden, a calmer counterpoint before a long travel day.

Time: 1 hourTransport: Walkable from Hiroshima Castle areaCost: $2–$4

Afternoon

Train to Kanazawa

Travel via Shin-Osaka or Tsuruga to reach Kanazawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Time: 4–4.5 hoursTransport: Sanyo and Hokuriku Shinkansen connectionsCost: $120–$140

Where to Stay Tonight

Kanazawa Station / Higashi Chaya

Close to both the station and the geisha district.

Don't Miss Eating

Kanazawa-style sushi and gold leaf soft-serve

Fresh Sea of Japan seafood, finished with the city's famous gold-leaf-topped soft serve.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$150/personTransport today: $120–$140 (Shinkansen and limited express to Kanazawa)Walking: 8,000–11,000 steps

KanazawaDays 17–18

Stay: Higashi ChayaCost: $80–$130/dayEat: Gold leaf soft-serve in Higashi Chaya

DAY 17Kenroku-en Garden and Higashi Chaya

Higashi Chaya

Morning

Kenroku-en Garden

Walk one of Japan's three great gardens, especially scenic in early morning light.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: Bus from Kanazawa StationCost: $3–$5

Afternoon

Higashi Chaya geisha district

Wander the preserved wooden teahouse streets, the best-preserved geisha district outside Kyoto.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: Walkable or short bus rideCost: Free

Where to Stay Tonight

Kanazawa Station / Higashi Chaya

Same hotel as Day 16.

Don't Miss Eating

Gold leaf soft-serve in Higashi Chaya

Kanazawa produces 99% of Japan's gold leaf, and this dessert is the city's signature use of it.

Daily spend estimate: $80–$130/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 12,000–16,000 steps

DAY 18Omicho Market and Departure for Tokyo

Kanazawa Station

Morning

Omicho Market

Kanazawa's 280-year-old fish market, famous for fresh crab and seafood bowls.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: Walkable from central KanazawaCost: $15–$25

Afternoon

Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo

Ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen directly back to Tokyo, about 2.5 hours.

Time: 2.5 hoursTransport: JR Kanazawa Station to Tokyo StationCost: $110–$130

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku

Final Tokyo stay, same area as the start of the trip.

Don't Miss Eating

Crab and seafood donburi at Omicho Market

A final regional specialty before returning to Tokyo.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$150/personTransport today: $110–$130 (Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo)Walking: 9,000–12,000 steps

TokyoDays 19–21

Stay: GinzaCost: $90–$160/dayEat: Tempura omakase in Ginza

DAY 19Ginza and Tsukiji Revisit

Ginza

Morning

Tsukiji Outer Market

Return for a proper seafood breakfast, this time without the first-week rush.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to TsukijiCost: $15–$25

Afternoon

Ginza shopping district

Browse Tokyo's upscale flagship department stores and side-street galleries.

Time: 2–3 hoursTransport: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to GinzaCost: $0–$50 (optional shopping)

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku

Same hotel as Day 18.

Don't Miss Eating

Tempura omakase in Ginza

A final splurge-worthy meal, Ginza is known for some of Tokyo's best tempura counters.

Daily spend estimate: $90–$160/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 10,000–14,000 steps

DAY 20Free Day for Favorites

Shinjuku

Morning

Revisit a favorite neighbourhood

An open day to return to Shibuya, Asakusa, or Akihabara, whichever resonated most.

Time: 3–4 hoursTransport: FlexibleCost: $0–$30

Evening

Final dinner in Shinjuku

A relaxed last dinner, izakaya-style, close to your hotel.

Time: 2 hoursTransport: Walkable from Shinjuku hotelsCost: $25–$40

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku

Same hotel as Day 18.

Don't Miss Eating

Izakaya dinner of your choosing

A flexible last-night meal, after three weeks you'll know what you're craving.

Daily spend estimate: $80–$140/personTransport today: $8–$12Walking: 8,000–12,000 steps

DAY 21Departure

Shinjuku

Morning

Last-minute souvenir shopping

A final pass through a department store basement food hall for gifts.

Time: 1.5 hoursTransport: Walkable from Shinjuku hotelsCost: $10–$30

Afternoon

Departure via Narita or Haneda

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Time: 1.5–2 hoursTransport: Narita Express or Limousine BusCost: $25–$35

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A

Departure day, no overnight stay.

Don't Miss Eating

Department store bento for the road

A final convenient meal from a depachika food hall before heading to the airport.

Daily spend estimate: $40–$80/personTransport today: $25–$35 (airport transfer)Walking: 4,000–7,000 steps

Transport Guide

Travel between Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Kanazawa using a mix of JR trains, private rail lines, and regional buses.

Route	Transport	Time	Cost	JR Pass?
Tokyo → Hakone	Odakyu Romancecar, or JR to Odawara + Hakone Tozan bus	1h 30m	¥2,470–¥4,200 (~$16–$28)	No
Hakone → Kyoto	Odakyu bus/train to Odawara, then JR Tokaido Shinkansen	2h 30m	¥8,500–¥9,500 (~$57–$63)	Yes
Kyoto → Osaka	JR Special Rapid Service, or Hankyu/Keihan private lines	15–30m	¥560–¥1,500 (~$4–$10)	Yes
Osaka → Hiroshima	JR Sanyo Shinkansen	1h 20m	¥10,750 (~$72)	Yes
Hiroshima → Miyajima	JR San-yo Line to Miyajimaguchi + JR ferry	45m	¥420 (~$3)	Yes
Miyajima → Kanazawa	JR Shinkansen or limited express	~2h	¥8,000 (~$53)	Yes

⭐Best For

A Japan Rail Pass is recommended for this route: most of the inter-city legs are covered.

See current JR Pass pricing →

Getting Around TokyoTrains, subway, IC cards, and costs for getting around Tokyo.

Estimated Trip Cost (USD, Per Person)

All figures below are per person, based on double-occupancy accommodation. Flights are from US/Canada.

Estimated trip cost per person in USD, by category and travel style
Category	Budget	Mid-RangeMost Popular	Luxury
Flights	$950	$1,400	$2,400
Accommodation	$1,650	$2,550	$4,800
Food & Drink	$750	$1,050	$1,900
Local Transport	$550	$750	$1,150
Activities & Entrance Fees	$700	$1,150	$1,950
Total	$4,600	$6,900	$12,200

Last verified: 2026-07-06. Costs are estimates per person. Exchange rate used: JPY 150 = $1 USD.

A 21-day trip with this many Shinkansen legs almost always favors a Japan Rail Pass, run the numbers for the full route (Tokyo-Hakone-Kyoto-Osaka-Hiroshima-Kanazawa-Tokyo) before buying individual tickets.

Book the Hakone ryokan and Kanazawa hotel earlier than the rest, smaller regional inventory sells out faster than big-city hotel stock.

Packing Tips

Pack for a heavy-walking trip in Spring or Autumn. See our full seasonal packing guide for a day-by-day checklist.

Full packing guide →

Best Time to Visit

This route is built for Spring and Autumn (March, April, May, September, October, November).

Compare seasons →

Need to Know Before You Go

Alternative Options

Rows of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto

10 Days

Best for: Couple

Cherry Blossom Japan: 10 Days in Spring

A spring route timed to peak sakura season through Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto & Osaka

Tokyo · Nikko · Kyoto · Osaka

#Mid-Range

From$2,800/person

Compare This Route →

Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, reflected in its pond in Kyoto

14 Days

Best for: Backpacker

Japan on a Budget: 14 Days

Two weeks through Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka without sacrificing the highlights

Tokyo · Kyoto · Osaka

#Budget

From$1,800/person

Compare This Route →

Japan in 3 Weeks: The Grand Tour

Your Route

Miyajima

What's Included in This Itinerary

Hakone and Mount Fuji

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Miyajima's Floating Torii

Kanazawa's Old Districts

Nara Day Trip

Full Regional Food Tour

Your Complete 21 Days Plan

Land and check in

Omoide Yokocho dinner

Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya Sky

Harajuku and Meiji Shrine

Senso-ji Temple

Akihabara electronics and anime district

teamLab digital art museum

Odaiba waterfront

Free morning or Tsukiji revisit

Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone

Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani

Lake Ashi cruise and onsen soak

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Train to Kyoto via Odawara

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Gion and Kiyomizu-dera

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Nara Park and the bowing deer

Todai-ji Temple

Free morning or Nishiki Market revisit

Train to Osaka

Osaka Castle

Dotonbori food crawl

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Atomic Bomb Dome

Itsukushima Shrine and the floating torii gate

Mount Misen ropeway

Shukkeien Garden

Train to Kanazawa

Kenroku-en Garden

Higashi Chaya geisha district

Omicho Market

Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo

Tsukiji Outer Market

Ginza shopping district

Revisit a favorite neighbourhood

Final dinner in Shinjuku

Last-minute souvenir shopping

Departure via Narita or Haneda

Transport Guide

Estimated Trip Cost (USD, Per Person)

Packing Tips

Best Time to Visit

Need to Know Before You Go

Alternative Options

Cherry Blossom Japan: 10 Days in Spring

Japan on a Budget: 14 Days

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