3-Week Japan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Japan tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Japan Itinerary, incl. Tokyo and Okinawa

  The grand 21-day route takes in 7 major cities, from Tokyo's Sensō-ji Temple to Ishigaki's coral shores. The itinerary features a Mount Fuji summit trek, Shiretoko Five Lakes hike, and Iriomote kayaking, with 20 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 10 dinners included.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Tokyo & Mount Fuji

    Mount Fuji needs serious preparation. Plan to leave at 1 AM for the summit to catch sunrise at 3,776m. One experienced hiker puts it well: "The overnight climb was brutal but seeing the sunrise above the clouds made every step worth it. Pack layers - it drops below freezing near the top." In Tokyo, check out Asakusa's Sensoji Temple and the lively Nakamise shopping street. Get to Sensoji before 8 AM to avoid the tour bus crowds.

    
  • Days 4-7

    Shiretoko National Park

    Fly to Hokkaido to explore the wilderness. Walk the Five Lakes trail for mountain views and bring binoculars to spot Steller's sea eagles. Take the 3-4 hour Primeval Forest hike along clifftops overlooking bright turquoise waters. Stay in traditional ryokans with natural hot springs to rest after your hikes.

    
  • Days 8-11

    Northern Hokkaido

    Take the Asahidake Ropeway for high-altitude hiking. Pack for snow even in spring and fall. While in Sapporo, visit Nijo Market for fresh seafood and stop by the original Sapporo Beer Museum. November through March is prime time for the best crab.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Kyoto

    Take the peaceful 2-3 hour hike from Kurama to Kibune through mountain forests and temples. For the famous torii gates at Fushimi Inari, start hiking before 7 AM to avoid crowds. The full loop takes 2-3 hours but you'll get great views of southern Kyoto even on a shorter walk.

    
  • Days 15-21

    Okinawa Islands

    Finish your trip in the tropics at Yanbaru National Park with forest walks and sea kayaking. Try a traditional Sabani sailboat ride on Ishigaki Island (6 people max per boat). Bike around Taketomi's small coral-walled villages. Go mangrove kayaking on Iriomote. Remember that summers are very humid. Pack clothes that dry quickly and start activities early.

    

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• 21 Days in Japan, incl. Tokyo and Kyoto

  A vibrant 21-day tour covering 20 Japanese cities from Tokyo to Kagoshima. Marvel at UNESCO sites like Himeji Castle, wander through traditional villages like Shirakawa-go, and immerse in cultural highlights including Kyoto's tea ceremonies.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Tokyo & Surrounds

    Start in Tokyo with airport pickup and hotel transfer. Visit Meiji Shrine early at 8AM before the crowds arrive. Explore Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree. Plan a day trip to Nikko and leave Tokyo by 8AM to avoid traffic. The 2.5-hour journey takes you to the stunning Tosho-gu Shrine. Visit the Kegon Falls platform for unique views from below the waterfall. For Mt. Fuji, leave from Shinjuku by 8:15AM. A 2-hour bus takes you to the 5th Station viewing platform.

    
  • Days 5-8

    Central Japan

    Take a 1.5-hour bullet train to Nagano to visit the snow monkeys. The 30-minute walk to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park can get slippery. Pack hiking boots and spare socks. Visit Kanazawa's beautiful Kenroku-en Garden in the early morning light. Take a bus to Shirakawa-go UNESCO village (1.5 hours from Kanazawa). A visitor tip: "The observation deck view is incredible, but go before 3PM when tour buses arrive."

    
  • Days 9-12

    Kyoto & Nara Region

    Stay in Kyoto to explore temples and cultural sites. Get to Fushimi Inari Shrine before 7AM to see the torii gates without crowds. Take an evening tour of Gion's geisha district. One visitor shared: "Walking through the lantern-lit alleys of Gion at dusk was magical. Our guide knew exactly which corners to turn for spotting geiko hurrying to appointments." Plan a day in Nara to see the deer park and giant Buddha statue.

    
  • Days 13-16

    Western Japan

    Visit Osaka's Dotonbori food district after 6PM when it's most lively. Travel to Mt. Koya for a spiritual experience. Stop in Kobe for its renowned beef. A guest noted: "The beef literally melts in your mouth, worth every penny of the splurge." Visit Himeji Castle right when it opens at 9AM for the best photos.

    
  • Days 17-21

    Southern Japan Circuit

    Take bullet trains south through Hiroshima (spend at least 2 hours at the Peace Park). Continue to Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Kagoshima. For Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima, a traveler suggests: "Take the early ferry to beat both heat and crowds. The Yunohira Lookout offers the best views of volcanic activity."

    

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• 21 Day Japan Itinerary, incl. Kyoto and Tokyo

  The 21-day route spans 11 Japanese cities from Kyoto to Tokyo. Marvel at UNESCO sites like Yakushima's forests, visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial, and relax during 6 nights in traditional ryokans. Transportation includes bullet trains, internal flights, and private vehicles.

  

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  • Days 1-3

    Kyoto

    Begin your journey in Japan's cultural center. Take a direct transfer from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto (75 minutes). Book an afternoon flight to avoid traffic. Visit UNESCO temples and experience a private tea ceremony with a geisha. Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) before 9 AM to skip the crowds.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Kyotango

    Explore this coastal region's traditional crafts. Visit Ine Village's unique "funaya" boat houses in early morning when fishermen return. Watch local artisans create kimono silk, swords, and traditional vinegar. Your oceanview ryokan provides a perfect base.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Kobe

    Stay near Kobe Port Tower. Take a guided tour of Nada's sake breweries and Nunobiki Herb Gardens. Book your Kobe beef dinner well in advance as restaurants fill quickly.

    
  • Day 8

    Hiroshima & Miyajima

    Take a 2-hour bullet train from Kobe to visit Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park. A quick ferry ride takes you to Miyajima Island. Visit the famous "floating" torii gate during high tide for the best views.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Fukuoka & Nagasaki

    Try Fukuoka's street food at night markets. Take the ropeway up Mount Inasa before sunset for Nagasaki's night views. Visit Glover Garden in the morning to beat the heat.

    
  • Days 12-14

    Kumamoto & Mount Aso

    Use Kumamoto as your base to explore Japan's largest active volcano. Take an early morning boat ride at Takachiho Gorge when mist covers the water. Bring good shoes for volcano walks.

    
  • Days 15-17

    Yakushima

    This subtropical island offers ancient cedar forests. Pack waterproof hiking boots as trails can be slippery. For sea turtle watching (May-August), book official night tours since solo visits aren't allowed.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Tokyo

    Finish your trip in the capital. Start at Meiji Shrine and Senso-ji Temple before exploring modern areas. Book spots like Shibuya Sky ahead to avoid waiting. The Narita Express takes about an hour to the airport.

    

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