3-Week Japan Itinerary in Japan

Start your journey in Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital. From futuristic skyscrapers to ancient temples, Tokyo offers an amazing blend of modern and traditional experiences.

• Day 1: Arrival and Shibuya/Shinjuku
  • Begin with Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, and visit Shibuya Sky for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
  • Head to Shinjuku in the evening for a taste of Tokyo’s lively nightlife. Visit Golden Gai for its tiny, eclectic bars, or experience a traditional izakaya in the Omoide Yokocho alley.

Tip from Firefly Japan: If jetlag hits you hard, a quiet walk through Shinjuku Gyoen or the calming atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine is a great way to adjust while taking in some of Tokyo’s serene spots.

• Day 2: Asakusa and Ueno
  • Visit the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo’s oldest temple, and walk through the bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street.
  • Explore Ueno Park, home to Ueno Zoo and multiple museums, such as the Tokyo National Museum.
• Day 3: Harajuku and Roppongi
  • Harajuku is the epicenter of Japan’s youth culture. Wander down Takeshita Street to see quirky fashion, and then relax at the nearby Meiji Shrine.
  • In the evening, head to Roppongi for a more upscale nightlife scene, or visit the Mori Art Museum for modern art and stunning views.
• Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko
  • Take a day trip to Nikko (2 hours from Tokyo), where you can visit the ornate Toshogu Shrine and enjoy the scenic Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji.

For more details on Tokyo, check out our Complete Tokyo Travel Guide.

• Day 5: Hakone
  • Take the train to Hakone for a relaxing stay in an onsen town. Enjoy the Hakone Ropeway for incredible views of Mount Fuji and explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum for a mix of nature and art.
• Day 6: Mount Fuji
  • Spend a full day around Mount Fuji. Whether you want to hike one of the trails, visit the Chureito Pagoda for iconic views of Fuji, or relax around the Fuji Five Lakes, this area offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

Tip from Firefly Japan: For a less crowded view of Mount Fuji, visit Oshino Hakkai, a quiet village with beautiful views of the mountain and small ponds fed by snowmelt from Fuji.

• Day 7: Return to Tokyo
  • Head back to Tokyo for an evening of relaxation before continuing your journey.

Check out our Day Trips from Tokyo Guide for more ideas on exploring the area.

Kyoto is Japan’s historical heart, filled with temples, shrines, and traditional gardens. You’ll need at least three days to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this ancient city.

• Day 8: Temples of Eastern Kyoto
  • Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its stunning views over Kyoto, then stroll through the Higashiyama District, filled with traditional tea houses and shops.
  • Don’t miss the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates stretching up the mountainside.
• Day 9: Northern Kyoto
  • Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), then visit Ryoan-ji for its iconic rock garden.
  • End the day in Arashiyama. Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoy the tranquility of the Tenryu-ji Temple.

Tip from Firefly Japan: For a break from the crowds, visit Okochi Sanso Villa in Arashiyama. It’s a peaceful garden retreat once owned by a famous Japanese actor, offering panoramic views of Kyoto.

• Day 10: Day Trip to Nara
  • Take a quick trip to Nara to visit Todai-ji, home to the largest bronze Buddha in Japan, and walk around Nara Park, where you can feed the friendly, roaming deer.
• Day 11: Gion and Traditional Kyoto
  • Spend your last day in Kyoto exploring Gion, the city’s famous geisha district. Catch a glimpse of traditional tea houses and, if you’re lucky, spot a geiko (Kyoto geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking the streets.

For an in-depth look at Kyoto, check out our guide to Cultural Experiences in Japan.

Osaka is known for its street food, lively atmosphere, and excellent shopping. It’s a great contrast to the serene beauty of Kyoto.

• Day 12: Exploring Osaka
  • Start your day at Osaka Castle to learn about the city’s rich history.
  • Spend the afternoon in Shinsekai, a retro district filled with old-fashioned shops and eateries.

Tip from Firefly Japan: Don’t leave Shinsekai without trying kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables. There are plenty of local shops where you can eat like a true Osakan.

End your stay in Osaka with a night in Dotonbori, the city’s famous entertainment district. Try some of Osaka’s must-eat street food, like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). cold soba (zaru soba), dip the noodles into the tsuyu (dipping sauce) before each bite. For hot soba, sip the broth directly from the bowl. It’s common to be served a small pot of soba-yu (the water in which the soba was cooked) at the end of the meal—pour this into your leftover tsuyu to dilute it and drink it like a soup.

Day 13: Universal Studios Japan

Take a full day to enjoy Universal Studios Japan, home to themed attractions like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Day 14: Dotonbori and Namba

Begin your final day in Osaka by revisiting Dotonbori to explore it by daylight. The area has a completely different vibe in the morning, and it’s a great time to snap photos of the iconic Glico running man sign and the massive mechanical signs of the crab and octopus. You’ll also find many shops open, offering a wide range of souvenirs and local snacks.

For more food-centric travel tips, don’t miss our Japan Foodie Itinerary.

Day 15: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Spend the day in Hiroshima, visiting the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the impact of World War II.

Day 16: Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island, famous for the floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine. Hike up Mount Misen for stunning views of the surrounding islands.

Day 17: Okunoshima (Rabbit Island)

If you have extra time, consider visiting Okunoshima, also known as Rabbit Island. This quirky spot is home to hundreds of friendly rabbits and offers a fun, unique day trip.

Tip from Firefly Japan: Stay overnight on Miyajima to experience the magical sight of Itsukushima Shrine illuminated after dark, when the crowds have thinned out.

For more history-centric travel ideas, don’t miss our Japan Castles and Heritage Sites Itinerary.

Day 19: Kanazawa

Visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens, and explore Kanazawa Castle. Wander through the preserved samurai district and visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art for something more modern.

Day 20: Takayama

Head to the preserved town of Takayama in the Japanese Alps. Walk through the historic Sanmachi Suji district, known for its traditional wooden houses and sake breweries.

Day 21: Shirakawa-go

On your last day, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Shirakawa-go, known for its traditional thatched-roof houses. This picturesque village offers a glimpse into rural life in Japan.

For more travel inspirations, check out our Japan Itinerary for Nature Lovers: National Parks and Scenic Landscapes.