The Perfect Japan 3 Week Itinerary: What You Need to Know
If you’re searching for the perfect Japan 3 week itinerary to help plan your trip, then STOP: you’ve found it.
Tokyo flirts with modern trends; Kyoto is steeped in history. Osaka treats you to budget eats and shopping while Fukuoka is a lesson in humble living. All these unique cities come together to form one of the most popular travel destinations in the world: Japan.
What I find most enticing about Japan is that every region and every season gifts you with new sights and traditions! It’s impossible to see it all at one go – even if you’re lucky enough to have three weeks to do it – but this 3-week itinerary for Japan will let you sample your fair share.
Keep in mind that this is a loose itinerary for three weeks in Japan!
You can spend longer in cities you’re interested in or mix around the order for your 3 weeks in Japan. If you’re worried about the cost of transport, the handy JR Rail Pass is a great bargain for intercity travel.
I’ve also clustered activities together on a day-to-day basis based off location, but feel free to play around with your Japan 3 week itinerary.
How to Spend 3 Weeks in Japan
I’m lucky enough to have spent months in Japan, let me take you through the best 3 weeks in Japan itinerary for the best trip ever.
TOKYO: Day 1 – 4
With its high traffic of international flights, Tokyo is the perfect place to start. It’s also a good idea to start with the most expensive city since budgets tend to get tight near the end of trips. This way, you won’t have to worry about running out of money at the end of your Japan 3 week itinerary.
Day 1: Shibuya and Shinjuku
At the heart of Tokyo is Shibuya, the perfect first glimpse of the metropolitan. Sit at a café along Shibuya Crossing to people watch, or hop around the various malls and boutiques.
Next-door Shinjuku is another commercial district full of department stores, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife options. You can:
Shop at Keio Mall, Mylord, LUMINE , NEWoMan, Marui, SEIBU Shinjuku PePe and more.
Meander through Shinjuku Park’s three distinct areas; the stunning Japanese Garden, manicured French Garden, sprawling English Garden and additional greenhouses.
Kabukicho’s famous izakaya houses are a must when it comes to night-time dining.
For bars and clubbing, drop by the LGBT+ friendly Shinjuku ni-chome. If you’re worried about going it alone, or just want some tips and guidance on where to go join the Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku by MagicalTrp! It’s a great introduction to how nights out are done in Japan!