21-Day Japan Itinerary: Discover Your Step-by-Step Route
Spending 3 weeks in Japan requires extensive planning… Which cities should you visit? Is the JR Pass a good option? When is the best time to go? What budget should you set aside, etc.
Planning a 3-week stay in Japan requires careful organization… Which cities should you visit? Is the JR Pass worth it? When is the best time to travel? What budget should you plan for, and more. The journey raises many questions! To help you navigate, here's a 21-day Japan circuit…
Day 1 Departure
Days 2–7 Tokyo (5 days)
Day 8 Hakone (1 day)
Days 9–12 Kyoto (4 days)
Day 12 Nara-Kyoto (1 day)
Days 12–14 Osaka (2 days)
Day 14 Himeji (1 day)
Day 15 Hiroshima (1 day)
Days 16–17 Miyajima (2 days)
Days 18–20 Fukuoka (3 days)
Day 21 Return
Departure (1 day): Setting off for 3 weeks in Japan!
After a flight (approximately 12 hours) from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you'll land at Tokyo-Haneda Airport (HND). Upon arrival, you'll need to take a shuttle to reach central Tokyo. Several options are available:
● express trains (serving each terminal via the Keikyu line),
● buses connecting Haneda to all districts across the city,
● taxi (the easiest option, but also the priciest).
The airport is approximately 15 km from central Tokyo (expect roughly 50 minutes of travel, depending on your transport choice).
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) For an extensive journey across the country, taking trains in Japan is essential. For this itinerary, you'll want to purchase a Japan Rail Pass (21 days), which grants unlimited access to the entire Japan Railways network throughout your stay. You can buy the ticket online through the official Japan Rail Pass website before your trip (activate it upon arrival) or purchase it at the airport. (*) All Shinkansen, with the exception of Mizuho and Nozomi express trains. The JR Pass is quite pricey, but it provides access to all trains (including high-speed Shinkansen trains)*, airport transfers, metro lines, as well as numerous bus and ferry services. 21-day JR Pass fares: ● Standard: €612/adult; €306/child ● Green Pass (First Class): €858/Adult; €429/child |
Tokyo (5 days): Beginning Your 3-Week Japan Circuit
After a good night's rest at your hotel: head straight to the heart of Tokyo! The city is bursting with must-see attractions… Here are some ideas for visits spread across five days – adjustable to your preferences.
Day 1: Immersion in the Japanese capital
Senso-ji Temple. For your first immersive dive into Japanese culture, Senso-ji Temple is an excellent choice. Located in the historic Asakusa district, this Buddhist temple is renowned for its vibrant colors.
Tokyo National Museum. Regarded as one of the oldest in the country, Tokyo National Museum allows you to discover Japanese culture and history through 120,000 artworks!
Rikugien Garden. For your first escape in Tokyo, treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at sunset in Rikugien Garden. Developed in the 18th century, it's considered one of the most beautiful traditional landscape gardens!
Day 2: Imperial Palace and Akihabara District
Akihabara District. Akihabara Electric Town is a showcase of Japanese technology… Known for its pop culture and iconic video game shops, this high-tech neighborhood is hugely popular with geeks and otakus!
Tokyo Imperial Palace. Built on the site of the former Edo Castle, then bombed during World War II: the Imperial Palace is fairly modern, having been rebuilt in 1968. While the gardens are freely accessible, visiting the palace itself requires prior registration on the official website.
Day 3: Exploring Odaiba Island and Ginza
Artificial Island Odaiba. For an offbeat experience, don't miss the Tokyo Joypolis amusement park (located on Odaiba Island, in Tokyo Bay). Spread across three floors, this venue promises great entertainment, thanks to its numerous attractions (thrilling or otherwise).
Ginza District. Prized for its luxury shops and high-tech stores, Ginza blends modernity with tradition, its buildings interspersed with traditional structures. The district is also famous for its fine dining restaurants.
Hamarikyu Garden. For some calm away from urban intensity, head to Hamarikyu Garden for a lovely walk along the pond (whose water level fluctuates with the tides).
Day 4: Exploring Harajuku District
Located near the upscale Aoyama district, you'll find Harajuku: a neighborhood renowned for its street art and considered a fashion hotspot. Its specialty? This is where you'll encounter the famous Cosplay – a hobby involving dressing as characters from films, manga or video games!
This practice, deeply rooted in Japanese youth culture, takes on various forms, with gothic, lolita or kawaii (cute) cosplays!
You'll also find vintage shops, trendy cafés, the Watar Contemporary Art Museum and the Meiji-jingu Shinto shrine – one of Japan's most popular!
Day 5: Heading to Hakone
After some shopping and souvenir hunting: head to Hakone (home to some of the best views of Mount Fuji near Tokyo!).
To do this? Take a bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo (the Odakyu Hakone bus company offers a direct route). Expect approximately 2 hours of travel and around €12 for your ticket.
Hakone (1 day): Discovering Mount Fuji
Once you arrive in Hakone? You'll need to take a second bus to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, then board a boat – for a cruise across Lake Ashi, discovering the region's stunning volcanic landscapes.
In the evening? Opt for a stay in a ryokan ! The next morning, head to Odawara Station (Odawara station) and, with your JR Pass in hand, board the shinkansen toward Kyoto (approximately 4 hours of travel).
Kyoto (4 days)
Day 1: Exploring Higashiyama District
Nestled at the foot of the mountains, the Higashiyama district offers lovely strolls through the city. It boasts many religious buildings (including Kiyomizudera, Nanzen-ji, and Ginkaku-ji temples) and the magnificent Maruyama Park – where you'll likely encounter locals in traditional attire.
Day 2: Visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kinkaku-ji Temple is one of Kyoto's symbols. Nicknamed the "Golden Pavilion,
