The Excellent 3 Week Japan Itinerary For First-Time Guests (2025)

As Kyoto and Osaka are two in style cities to go to and keep in, it’s additionally doable to choose Osaka as your property base for the subsequent few nights. Kyoto isn’t removed from Osaka, so you can choose a resort in Osaka and take the prepare to Kyoto on day journeys.

We’ve acquired a full information evaluating Kyoto and Osaka as your base in Japan, however typically, Osaka is a little more trendy, has higher nightlife and is usually cheaper. Kyoto, alternatively, is a good place for staying in a conventional Japanese inn (ryokan) and has extra sights to see, however lodging right here is usually costlier.

What to do in Kyoto

Despite the fact that Kyoto is smaller than Tokyo, it’s nonetheless a really massive metropolis with tons of issues to see and do. Two full days undoubtedly aren’t sufficient to see every thing, so you’ll be able to select to spend a few additional days right here as an alternative of including any of the day journeys talked about within the subsequent sections.

Nonetheless, you’ll be able to see fairly just a few primary highlights and get an amazing impression of what Kyoto has to supply in two days. We now have a separate information with a strolling route that covers two days in Kyoto, however listed below are a few of the primary sights to take a look at:

• Go to Kyoto’s Geisha District: Higashiyama and Gion are Kyoto’s well-known previous Geisha districts (referred to as Geiko in Kyoto). It’s a reasonably touristy place, so be ready for big crowds. It’s nonetheless an unbelievable place to go to. The wood homes are lined up alongside the streets, with a few of Kyoto’s finest temples and shrines scattered across the space. Kiyomizudera Temple is one in all them, and shouldn’t be missed!
• See Fushimi Inari Taisha: The well-known shrine with 1000’s of purple torii gates can be positioned in Kyoto. You may hike up the mountain by means of the rows and rows of torii gates, which takes round 2-3 hours. The beginning of the hike is often very busy, however the greater you go, the much less folks shall be there. You too can select to go very early to keep away from the crowds, because the shrine is open 24/7.
• Put on a Kimono: Carrying Japan’s conventional clothes, the kimono, could be finished in lots of locations throughout Japan, however Kyoto is an apparent spot for it. For just a few thousand yen, you’ll be able to lease a kimono for just a few hours. An expert dresser will assist you put it on; it’s a really distinctive expertise!
• See Kinkaku-ji Temple: The Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is without doubt one of the metropolis’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Websites. This stunning temple is roofed in gold on the surface, and has some beautiful gardens to discover within the neighbourhood.
• Discover Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Situated in West Kyoto, the well-known bamboo grove is without doubt one of the most photographed spots within the metropolis. It’s stunning to see, however put together for crowds! There are another bamboo groves in Kyoto which might be much less in style, together with a number of across the Arashiyama space and the bamboo forest of Kodai-ji Temple within the Geisha district.

(Non-obligatory) Day Journeys From Kyoto or Osaka (Day 9–10)

No Japan itinerary matches all, so I wish to give some non-compulsory changes to this itinerary. That method, you’ll be able to choose and select the day journeys from Kyoto that fit your pursuits most. Because the Kansai Area has a lot to supply, taking a few day journeys from Kyoto is a good thought to see extra of Japan.

A few of my favorite day journeys from Kyoto are Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Arima Onsen. I’ll share a tough day-trip itinerary for them beneath. Within the part after that, I’ll additionally add some in a single day stays from Kyoto that you can take into account including to this three-week Japan itinerary.

Osaka

Osaka is one other in style spot to go to close to Kyoto. Because it’s solely a brief 15-minute Shinkansen journey, or a 30-40 minute native prepare journey, it’s additionally doable to choose Osaka as your base over Kyoto. Osaka is a little more energetic at evening, it’s extra trendy, and lodging is usually cheaper right here. We now have a separate information evaluating Kyoto and Osaka as your base. Our information on the place to remain in Osaka may also help, too.

Osaka makes for an amazing day journey as a part of this itinerary, as you’ll be able to see many of the primary sights by following a loop across the metropolis. Listed below are the spots we suggest you try:

• See Osaka Citadel: Whereas it’s not the unique fortress that when stood right here, Osaka Citadel remains to be stunning to take a look at. Surrounding it, you will discover some beautiful gardens too. Contained in the fortress, you will discover a museum that explains the function this fortress performed in unifying the nation within the sixteenth century.
• Go to Shinsekai: The Shinsekai district in Osaka was developed throughout the Nationwide Industrial Revolution. There are numerous eating places and meals stands right here, making it an amazing spot for lunch or dinner. You too can see the Tsutenkaku Tower, which was modelled after Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
• Go to Namba Shrine: One of the crucial distinctive shrines we’ve come throughout in Japan, Namba Shrine in Osaka has a 12-meter-tall lion head as one in all their primary buildings. Legend says the lion swallows any evil spirits.
• Discover Dotonbori: This space of Osaka is the center of the town’s nightlife. You too can discover the well-known Glico Man signal right here, together with many avenue meals stalls, eating places, outlets, arcades and extra.

Our in the future Osaka itinerary will present you the precise path to take and has extra information on all of the stops.

Nara

Lower than an hour from Kyoto and Osaka lies Nara Metropolis. This conventional metropolis was as soon as the primary everlasting capital of Japan. Trying on the buildings, shrines and temples nonetheless right here right this moment, you’ll be able to see how a lot historical past can nonetheless be loved right here.

Nara is most generally recognized for its free-roaming deer, however there are a variety of different locations to see in Nara. In the event you’re planning on visiting for the day, be certain to take a look at the next locations:

• Stroll Via Nara Deer Park: One of the crucial well-known spots in Nara is the Deer Park. Over 1,400 Sika deer reside right here and stroll round freely. You could have seen them in movies on-line the place they bow to guests to attain some crackers. They’re very cute, however keep in mind they’re wild animals, so be cautious round them!
• Go to Kasuga Taisha Shrine: This UNESCO World Heritage Web site is without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Nara Metropolis. With over 2,000 stone lanterns and 1,000+ bronze lanterns, Kasuga Shrine is a must-visit. There’s a small entrance price to go to the interior shrine, but it surely’s 100% value it.
• Have Udon at Mizuya Chaya: Contained in the deer park, you will discover a small restaurant with a thatched roof promoting scrumptious udon. It’s an amazing spot to cease for lunch. It’s reasonably priced and scrumptious, plus you’ll be capable of benefit from the forest views whereas consuming.
• Go to Todai-ji Temple: One other UNESCO World Heritage Web site, Todai-ji Temple (Nice Japanese Temple) was the world’s largest wood construction till 1998. It’s utterly made out of wooden and is residence to the biggest Daibutsu-san, or Bronze Buddha Statue, on this planet. You’ll need to pay for a ticket to go inside, but it surely’s value seeing the Buddha up shut.
• Discover Yoshikien & Isuien Gardens: There are two stunning gardens in Nara, positioned subsequent to one another. Isuien Backyard is the extra in style of the 2, however there’s a steep entrance price. Yoshikien Backyard, alternatively, could be visited at no cost by overseas guests. Each gardens are stunning, so it’s value stopping by at the least one in all them throughout your time in Nara.

You may try my full in the future Nara itinerary for extra info and a map with the strolling route.

Kobe & Arima Onsen

One other day journey possibility close to Kyoto and Osaka is Kobe and the onsen city inside Kobe, Arima Onsen. Kobe itself has a captivating historical past because it was the primary port metropolis to open its borders to the world after Japan was closed for 200+ years. It’s additionally one of the best place to strive the well-known Kobe beef.

In the event you’re trying to strive onsen on a day journey, you may as well head over to Arima Onsen, which is positioned north of Kobe Metropolis. This luxurious scorching spring resort has two sorts of water: Kinsen (gold) and Ginsen (silver), which might each be loved as day friends in the primary bathhouses.

When visiting Kobe and Arima Onsen, listed below are some spots to think about visiting:

• Go to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens: You may take the 10-minute ropeway journey up in direction of the well-known herb gardens. The ticket for the ropeway additionally features a ticket to the herb gardens, so I like to recommend getting the ropeway up and strolling down by means of the gardens. The gardens are divided into 12 areas with greater than 75,000 vegetation.
• Seize Lunch in Nankinmachi, Kobe’s Chinatown: Japan has three Chinatowns, positioned in Yokohama, Nagasaki and Kobe. Yow will discover a number of tasty avenue meals right here, and it’s a stunning space to walk round.
• Strive Kobe Beef: What higher place to strive the well-known Kobe beef than Kobe itself? This tender Japanese Wagyu is thought to be the costliest (and scrumptious) beef on this planet. There are a variety of locations in Kobe the place you’ll be able to strive it. If you would like it a bit cheaper, you’ll be able to go for a lunch set. However at all times do your analysis, as there are some eating places promoting beef that’s not classed as Kobe beef. I attempted it at Mouriya Sannomiyaten, which is an incredible restaurant!
• Wander Via Yumotozaka Purchasing Avenue: Arima Onsen has a captivating buying avenue with Edo-style wood buildings housing outlets, cafes and eating places. You may even hear a few of the geiko practising their shamisen typically.
• Strive Arima Onsen’s Golden Water: There are two public bathhouses in Arima Onsen, each settle for day friends, making it good for a day journey. Kin no Yu has golden water, Gin no Yu has silver water. You will get a mixture ticket to strive each! Alternatively, you’ll be able to strive one of many free footbaths across the city.

For extra info and free strolling routes, you’ll be able to try our in-depth guides on the right way to spend a day in Kobe and Arima Onsen.

(Non-obligatory) In a single day Keep From Kyoto (Day 9–10)

Another choice for the ninth and tenth day on this itinerary is including an in a single day keep within the Kansai area. There are some nice spots close by that supply distinctive lodging, are only a bit too far for a in the future journey or have method an excessive amount of to see and do for in the future.

A few of my favorite locations to remain in a single day close to Kyoto or Osaka are Kinosaki Onsen, Koyasan or Nara Prefecture. You may select one in all these as an alternative of taking two day journeys from the listing above. Under, I’ll share extra info on these three choices so you’ll be able to determine what works finest for you:

Kinosaki Onsen

Onsen, or scorching springs, are an enormous a part of Japanese tradition. So whenever you’re spending three weeks in Japan, including an in a single day keep to an genuine onsen city is a good thought. Throughout my time in Japan, I’ve been to fairly just a few onsen cities, however Kinosaki Onsen stays my absolute favorite. From Kyoto, you will get right here in round 2–3 hours. 

Kinosaki Onsen is especially recognized for its seven public bathhouses. Within the night, the streets fill with folks wearing yukata, hopping from one onsen to the subsequent. 

Because the environment at evening is so magical, staying in a single day makes extra sense than solely going for a day journey. Plus, it permits you to keep in a single day in an genuine ryokan. When staying in any of the ryokans in Kinosaki Onsen, you’ll get free entry to all seven public baths so you’ll be able to go strive them your self within the night! 

Listed below are one of the best issues to do in Kinosaki Onsen:

• Go Onsen Hopping: As talked about above, Kinosaki Onsen has seven public onsen. In the event you keep in a single day in any of the ryokans on the town, you’ll obtain an onsen cross, which provides you free entry to all seven public baths. Put in your yukata and geta and wander the streets of Kinosaki Onsen, making an attempt as many onsen as you’ll be able to.
• Strive Tajima Beef: Kinosaki Onsen is positioned in Hyogo Prefecture, which is known for its Kobe Beef (you will have heard of it earlier than, because it’s recognized to be essentially the most scrumptious meat on this planet). Kobe Beef comes from pure-bred Tajima cattle. Whereas not all Tajima cows could be classed as Kobe Beef, you’ll be able to nonetheless anticipate glorious high quality.
• Eat Matsuba (Snow) Crab: One other delicacy that brings folks to Kinosaki Onsen is Matsuba Crab, or Snow Crab. Between November and March, these crabs could be caught close to Kinosaki Onsen, making them as recent as they are often. In the event you’re having a Keiseki dinner in your ryokan and also you’re visiting throughout the winter months, there’s an enormous probability you get to do this scrumptious crab.
• Use the Free Footbaths: Sizzling spring water is a renewable useful resource, and Kinosaki Onsen makes use of this as a lot as doable. Throughout the city, you will discover a number of footbaths you need to use at no cost. Be sure you carry a small towel to dry your ft afterwards!
• Hike up Mount Dashi to Go to Onsenji Temple: The new spring water in Kinosaki Onsen was believed to be therapeutic. And to be allowed into the waters, guests must stroll a brief pilgrimage midway up Mount Daishi to go to Onsenji Temple. Those that made it to the temple got a particular ladle, which acted as their ticket to the onsen. These days, it’s not required to go to the temple, however it’s stunning, so undoubtedly definitely worth the stroll.
• Be a part of a Zen Meditation at Gokurakuji Temple: The Kinosaki Onsen Tourism Board presents some very distinctive experiences within the city, together with a conventional straw crafting workshop and a Zen meditation with the pinnacle of Gokurakuji Temple. The temple itself is gorgeous, with a well-kept Zen backyard on the entrance. The Zen meditation was unbelievable, and we acquired to speak with the pinnacle monk for a bit afterwards. It was such a particular expertise, and one I’d extremely suggest reserving.
• Keep In a single day in an Genuine Ryokan: Staying in Kinosaki Onsen for one evening throughout your three weeks in Japan provides you the chance to sleep in a conventional Japanese inn, or ryokan. There are 70+ ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen, so greater than sufficient selection. We stayed in Nishimuraya Resort Shogetsutei, which was wonderful!

For a extra detailed route and information, try my 2-day Kinosaki Onsen itinerary. It contains extra information on the sights, a strolling route and the right way to e-book a few of the experiences.

Koyasan (Mount Koya)

If you’re within the non secular facet of Japan, staying in a single day in Koyasan might be an incredible alternative. Koyasan could be reached by public transport in round 90 minutes from Osaka, or round 2 hours from Kyoto.

Koyasan, or Mount Koya, is the centre of Shingon Buddhism and the ultimate resting place of Kobo Daishi, the priest who introduced Buddhism to Japan over 1,200 years in the past. 

This small mountain village is residence to Japan’s largest cemetery (with over 200,000 gravestones, together with Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum) and 117 energetic Buddhist temples. One of the crucial distinctive issues to do in Koyasan is to keep in a single day in one in all these Buddhist temples, which known as Shukubo, or temple lodging.

Listed below are a few of the finest issues to do when staying in Koyasan:

• Keep In a single day in a Buddhist Temple: One of many primary causes to remain in a single day in Koyasan is to expertise sleeping in an energetic Buddhist temple. Not solely do you get to remain the evening right here, however you’ll be part of the monks in a few of their every day rituals. Throughout my time in Koyasan, I stayed at Rengejoin Temple. As a part of the keep, I acquired to affix their Ajikan meditation session within the afternoon and the morning Sutra studying within the morning. Dinner and breakfast have been additionally included, which have been genuine Buddhist Shojin Ryori meals. It’s an expertise I’ll always remember!
• Go to Japan’s Largest Cemetery, Okunoin: In the event you’re solely seeing one sight in Koyasan, it must be Okunoin. That is the biggest cemetery in Japan, positioned in a cedar forest on Mount Koya. There are over 200,000 gravestones on this cemetery, alongside Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. When staying in a single day, be certain to e-book an evening tour of the cemetery, the place one in all Koyasan’s monks guides you thru the cemetery and teaches you every thing you want to find out about this sacred place.
• Watch the Shoujingu Ceremony: Within the morning, head again to Okunoin to observe a particular ceremony on the Gobyo-bashi bridge (at 6 AM or 10:30 AM). Because it’s believed that Kobo Daishi entered his everlasting meditation in his mausoleum, the monks have been providing him meals twice a day. They’ve been doing this for over 1,000 years, so it’s fairly particular to see them carry it throughout the bridge.
• Strive a Conventional Shojin Ryori Meal: The normal delicacies for the monks right here known as Shojin Ryori. These dishes are totally vegan and constituted of domestically sourced greens and mountain vegetation. Substances with overwhelming flavours, like garlic, can’t be used. The meals are put along with a concentrate on 5 flavours (candy, bitter, salty, bitter, and umami), 5 cooking strategies (uncooked, baked, fried, boiled and steamed) and 5 colors (purple, blue, black, yellow, and white). Each dish is put collectively fantastically.
• Go to Kongobuji Temple: There are fairly just a few temples to go to in Koyasan, however Kongobuji is unquestionably the one to take a look at when you’re brief on time. That is the pinnacle temple on Mount Koya and residential to Japan’s largest rock backyard.

My full information to Koyasan provides you extra info on the sights and one of the best path to take when staying in a single day. I even have a full evaluation of my Shukubo expertise at Rengejoin Temple, which is without doubt one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had in Japan.

Nara Prefecture

Other than visiting Nara on a day journey, staying in a single day in Nara is one thing not many guests do, however one thing I’d extremely suggest.

If you’re visiting for the day, you’ll be able to see the deer park and surrounding areas, however Nara Prefecture has a lot extra to supply. When staying in a single day, you may as well see the deer park with out the crowds earlier than taking the prepare south in direction of another wonderful areas in Nara. Listed below are a few of the finest ones:

• Horyu-ji Temple: Solely half-hour from Nara Station, this is without doubt one of the oldest temples in Japan (courting again to 607). The primary corridor and pagoda are the oldest surviving wood buildings on this planet.
• Omiwa Shrine: The precise age of this shrine isn’t recognized, however Omiwa Shrine is taken into account to be one of many oldest in Japan. It sits in a lush forest, and there are a variety of native eating places and outlets between the shrine and the station.
• Asuka: Round one hour from Nara Station, Asuka makes for an ideal day journey to the Japanese countryside. That is the official first capital of Japan, the place you’ll be able to lease a motorcycle and cycle by means of the very well-preserved city surrounded by rice fields. Round Asuka, you will discover numerous historical tombs, which have performed an enormous function within the preservation of Japanese tradition.
• Mount Yoshino: Mount Yoshino is the place to go to when you’re searching for one of the best spot to see cherry blossoms in spring. Round one hour from Nara Station, this space has over 30,000 cherry timber. Autumn is one other nice time to go to, because the leaves could have turned a stupendous purple color.

Hiroshima (Day 11–12)

After Kyoto and its environment, we head additional west in direction of Hiroshima. This shall be our subsequent base for a few days. Hiroshima is mostly recognized for the devastating atomic bomb that was dropped right here in 1945; nonetheless, the town has rebuilt itself into the welcoming metropolis it’s right this moment. 

From Kyoto, it takes round one and a half hours to get to Hiroshima on the Shinkansen. Once more, you should buy tickets on the station on the day of your journey, or you’ll be able to prebook them on-line (which is beneficial when you journey with baggage or a big group).

What to do in Hiroshima

When spending a day in Hiroshima, here’s what we suggest visiting:

• See Hiroshima Citadel & Gokoku Shrine: Hiroshima Citadel, often known as Carp Citadel, makes for an amazing first cease throughout your time in Hiroshima. Close to it, you may as well cease by Gokuko Shrine, welcoming you with the massive stone torii gate simply outdoors the shrine.
• Cease by the Atomic Bomb Dome: Hiroshima is most recognized for the devastating bombing that occurred throughout WWII. Whereas many of the metropolis was wiped away, this construction in some way survived. The folks of Hiroshima have rebuilt the town, however stored this dome as a logo of hope.
• Go to the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Hypocentre Monument: This monument is a bit difficult to seek out because it sits between some tall buildings, so many guests skip it (or don’t realize it exists). Round 600 meters above this spot is the place the atomic bomb exploded. It’s chilling to face there, however because it’s near the Atomic Bomb Dome, it’s value stopping by.
• Wander Via Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Yow will discover many monuments scattered throughout the park to commemorate the lives that have been misplaced within the bombing, together with the Youngsters’s Peace Monument. Additionally, be sure you cease by the Relaxation Home. Inside, you’ll be able to go to a free exhibition of the memoirs of the only real survivor who used to work on this very constructing throughout the bombing.
• Go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an emotional expertise, however a vital one. It’s a spot to recollect the victims of the atomic bombing of 1945 and be taught extra about what occurred. I like to recommend doing this close to the top of your go to, because it’s fairly heavy.
• Eat Hiroshima-Fashion Okonomiyaki: Okonomiyaki is a well-liked dish in Osaka, however Hiroshima has its personal fashion you must strive earlier than leaving! These savoury pancakes are made with cabbage, egg, flour and different components of selection. Hiroshima Okonomi Monogatari is a good spot to strive them, however you will discover okonomiyaki eating places all throughout the town.

I’ve acquired a extra in-depth information to spending in the future in Hiroshima, which incorporates extra info on all of the sights and a strolling route.

Miyajima (Day 13)

Identified for the floating torii gate, one of many three most aesthetic views in Japan, Miyajima is a very talked-about day journey from Hiroshima. It solely takes round half-hour to get to Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima Station. Alternatively, you will get the ferry from Motoyasu Pier in Hiroshima, but it surely’s costlier.

When spending the day in Miyajima, be certain to take a look at the next spots:

• See the Grand Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine: The most well-liked landmark to see in Miyajima is the Grand Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Throughout excessive tide, it seems to be floating on the water, making for one of many three most stunning views in Japan. It’s additionally value visiting Itsukushima Shrine itself and the Treasure Corridor.
• Go to Senjōkaku Pavilion: This massive pavilion, looking over the Seto Inland Sea,  was commissioned by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587. Nonetheless, he died earlier than they have been in a position to end it, leaving it with none partitions. You may go to it for ¥100. Subsequent to it, you may as well discover Miyajima’s 5-Storied Pagoda.
• Hike down Mount Misen: Miyajima’s sacred mountain has a mountain climbing path and a ropeway you need to use. As you solely have in the future in Miyajima, I like to recommend taking the ropeway up and strolling down, because it takes loads much less time. You may cease by the Everlasting Flame of Reikado Corridor, the place you’ll be able to see a hearth lit by Kobo Daishi 1,200 years in the past.
• Strive a Momiji Manjū: Considered one of Miyajima’s specialities contains these small maple-leaf-shaped pastries referred to as Momiji Manjū. They arrive with a number of completely different flavours and are made recent on the island.
• Eat grilled oysters or conger eel: Miyajima is surrounded by the ocean, accessing the freshest seafood. Grilled oysters and conger eel are notably in style.

Try my one-day Miyajima itinerary or our Miyajima video information for the complete route and extra info on all of the sights.

Himeji (Day 14)

After we end our time in Hiroshima, it’s time for a protracted prepare journey to our subsequent residence base: Kanazawa. That is the place you’ll e-book the subsequent resort for just a few days – I’ve added Kanazawa resort suggestions within the subsequent part about Kanazawa. On the Shinkansen, the journey from Hiroshima to Kanazawa takes round 3.5–4 hours with a few modifications.

Nonetheless, when you do wish to add an additional sightseeing spot to this present day, the shinkansen stops at Himeji alongside the best way. Himeji Citadel has a surprising white exterior and is claimed to be the most stunning fortress in Japan. Whereas Himeji itself is a stunning metropolis to go to, there isn’t a ton to see, making it an ideal half-day stopover on the best way to Kanazawa.

Better of all, Himeji Station has lockers the place you’ll be able to securely retailer your baggage. You too can use baggage forwarding from Hiroshima to Kanazawa, so that you don’t have to pull your suitcases together with you on this lengthy journey.

Listed below are the primary belongings you’d wish to see when stopping at Himeji en path to Kanazawa:

• Go to Himeji Citadel: The primary attraction in Himeji is, in fact, Himeji Citadel. Courting again to 1333, Himeji Citadel is without doubt one of the 12 remaining unique castles in Japan. There are two guided English excursions each day (at 10 AM and 1 PM), making it value including to your stopover right here. 
• Stroll Via Himeyama Park: Subsequent to Himeji Citadel, you will discover Himeyama Park, which hosts just a few little shrines, a pond and a fortress moat stuffed with koi.
• Go to Kōko-en Backyard: You should purchase a mixture ticket for this backyard and Himeji Citadel, which is value doing when you plan to go to each (and if time permits!). It consists of 9 completely different Japanese-style gardens, a tea home, small streams and ponds. It’s beautiful throughout cherry blossom season and fall foliage.

Our full one-day Himeji itinerary explains every thing in additional element.

In the event you’d slightly skip Himeji, there are just a few different beautiful spots alongside the route in direction of Kanazawa for a half-day journey. Onomichi, Okayama and Kurashiki generally is a good different for this present day. It’s additionally doable to rely day 14 as a journey day and relaxation up within the resort, as the remainder of the itinerary has been fairly full on!

Kanazawa (Day 15–16)

Following this itinerary, you must get up in Kanazawa in your fifteenth day in Japan. After travelling up from Kyoto (with a doable cease at Himeji, Onomichi, Okayama or Kurashiki), you should have already arrived at your property base in Kanazawa.

Listed below are our suggestions on the place to remain in Kanazawa:

What to do in Kanazawa

Kanazawa pleasantly stunned me on my first go to, and I’ve been again just a few occasions since! The historic environment, the fantastically preserved geisha districts and the general great thing about this metropolis are unbelievable!

When spending just a few days in Kanazawa, don’t neglect to take a look at the next:

• Wander Via Kenrokuen Backyard: Considered one of Kanazawa’s most well-known sights is Kenrokuen Backyard, named one of many three most stunning gardens in the entire of Japan. The backyard is cut up up into a number of sections, showcasing completely different timber, vegetation and flowers. The pine timber right here have particular winter safety to cease the branches from breaking underneath the heavy snow. Additionally, be certain to cease by Kotojitoro Lantern on the banks of the pond within the centre of the gardens.
• Go to the Ninja Temple (Myouru-ji Temple): This temple is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing buildings I’ve ever been in. Again within the day, the shogun put constructing restrictions in place, not permitting any buildings to achieve over three tales. This temple, nonetheless, in some way managed to suit seven flooring throughout the three tales. The home is stuffed with half-floors, secret rooms, traps and escape routes. It’s not like something I’ve ever seen earlier than! Excursions are solely given in Japanese, however you’ll get an English guidebook with all the knowledge as a part of the tour, making it very straightforward to grasp. As you can’t go to and not using a tour, I extremely suggest reserving it!
• Discover Nishi Chaya District: Kanazawa has three Geisha districts, and that is one in all them. It’s not very massive, but it surely’s fantastically preserved, so value a fast go to after visiting Myouru-ji Temple. You too can discover the Ninja Weapon Museum right here. At first, I assumed it appeared like a little bit of a vacationer lure, but it surely was truly actually informative and really enjoyable!
• Go to Nagamachi Samurai District: Kanazawa’s former samurai district can be value wandering by means of. Lots of the remaining homes and buildings nonetheless offer you that conventional really feel. 
• Go to Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence: Contained in the samurai district, you will discover just a few museums and homes you’ll be able to enter. In the event you solely have time for one, I’d go together with Nomura-ke Samurai Heritage Residence. I completely beloved visiting this! It’s fantastically stored and offers you an amazing view of what the lifetime of a samurai would have been like.
• Discover Higashi-chaya, Kanazawa’s largest Geisha District: Visiting this a part of Kanazawa reveals you why this metropolis is typically nicknamed “Little Kyoto”. The normal teahouses which might be lined up on this space resemble those in Kyoto very intently. It’s a stupendous space to discover, so be sure you schedule sufficient time to take action.
• Be a part of a Actual Geisha Night: If, like me, you’ve dreamed about witnessing an actual geisha efficiency, you could be in luck. Whereas it’s usually nearly unimaginable to affix a geisha night as a vacationer, one teahouse in Kanazawa has particular ticketed geisha evenings. In the event you occur to be in Kanazawa when they’re on, I couldn’t suggest them extra. It was unbelievable seeing their performances in actual life.

Shirakawago (Day 17)

Right now, we transfer our base from Kanazawa to Takayama for just a few days. In between Kanazawa and Takayama lies one other cease you’ll be able to simply add to your itinerary: Shirakawago.

Identified for its stunning thatched-roof farmhouses, Shirakawa-go is a well-liked day journey from both Kanazawa or Takayama. It’s completely doable to cease in between your journey from Kanazawa to Takayama.

If you’ll be able to drive, I’d suggest hiring a automobile for the day. You may choose it up in Kanazawa and drop it off in Takayama on the finish of your day. We usually go together with Toyota Hire-a-Automotive when hiring a automobile in Japan.

By driving, you gained’t have to fret about your baggage. However most significantly, you’ll be able to cease at two of the lesser-known (and fewer busy) cities which have comparable homes: Ainokura and Suganuma.

Alternatively, you need to use baggage switch to ship your baggage in direction of Takayama. You may then use the buses between Kanazawa and Takayama to journey to Shirakawa-go and onwards to Takayama.

If you wish to skip Shirakawago however would nonetheless wish to see a few of the thatched roof homes, you may as well go to Hida no Sato in Takayama. A number of thatched-roof homes from Central Japan have been reconstructed right here.

Takayama (Day 18–19)

As we’re nearing the top of this itinerary, we take just a few days to discover Takayama.

What to do in Takayama

Listed below are a few of the primary sights in Takayama:

• Cease by the Miyagawa Morning Market: Between 6AM (7AM in winter) till midday, you will discover two markets within the previous city of Takayama. From recent greens and flowers to native crafts and snacks, you will discover it right here.
• Discover Takayama’s Sanmachi Suji District: You’ll instantly perceive why Takayama goes by the nickname Little Kyoto when wandering round this space. The normal wood home within the previous city of Takayama takes you again in time. This a part of city does get fairly busy, so it’s finest to get right here very early or later within the day when the day trippers have left.
• Go to the Takayama Competition Floats Exhibition Corridor: Two well-known festivals are held in Takayama yearly, one in spring and one in autumn. Through the pageant, stunning floats are carried round city. On this corridor, you’ll be able to see a few of them displayed. 
• Stroll the Higashiyama Strolling Course: On the East finish of Takayama, you will discover a 4km strolling route taking you previous temples, shrines and the ruins of Takayama fortress. On my final go to to Takayama, I discovered this route and noticed barely anyone there (in comparison with the massive crowds within the previous city), so it’s value coming right here for just a few hours to see this facet of Takayama.

Relying on how a lot you wish to see in Takayama, you can use one of many days for a brief day journey to Hida-Furukawa. This small mountain village is simply a brief prepare journey from Takayama and has koi fish swimming within the canals. It’s a stupendous conventional city that the majority vacationers utterly miss!

Matsumoto (Day 20-21)

Our last cease on this Japan itinerary is Matsumoto. As Takayama is hidden within the mountains, you’ll need to get a freeway bus to get to Matsumoto. Yow will discover the timetable and on-line tickets for it right here.

Matsumoto isn’t as huge a metropolis, so resort choices are a bit extra restricted in comparison with different cities on this information. Nonetheless, I’ve stayed at Tabino Resort Matsumoto a number of occasions and significantly loved it. This contemporary resort is positioned simply a few minutes from the primary station, with an on-site tub and cozy rooms.

From Matsumoto, it’s very straightforward to move to Narai-Juku, one of many 69 submit cities alongside the Nakasendo. If in case you have any extra time in Japan, you’ll be able to try our 3-day Nakasendo itinerary. This route will take you alongside three days of mountain climbing by means of central Japan.

Again to Tokyo (Finish of Itinerary)

And that concludes this 3-week Japan itinerary!

From Matsumoto, you will get a direct prepare again to Tokyo, which can take round two and a half hours. Relying on what time and what airport you’re flying residence from, you will have to regulate the itinerary barely.

Conclusion – Is 3 Weeks Sufficient to See Japan?

When visiting Japan for the primary time, three weeks is an ideal quantity! It’s unimaginable to see all of the wonderful spots Japan has to supply in a single journey, so roughly following this itinerary gives you an amazing first impression of this stunning nation.

Don’t be stunned in case your first journey to Japan leaves you desirous to see extra, although 😉 We now have many different Japan itineraries prepared so that you can use for any second, third, or fourth journeys!

Pleased travelling!

• 
  
  

  
  Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan College with an English and Inventive Writing Diploma and tries to spend at the least 3 months in Japan yearly, exploring all corners of the nation. She’s visited 23 prefectures to this point. You may learn her full story right here.

  
  
  View all posts