Hey everyone! I wanted to share my 3-week Japan itinerary, which I planned for a solo trip and covers major highlights across Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakone. The goal was to balance sightseeing, food, culture, and downtime without burning out. I focused on efficient travel days and kept most activities within walking or short train distances. This itinerary includes a mix of iconic spots and local gems, and I’d love feedback or suggestions for tweaks!

Day 1 – Arrival in Tokyo

• Arrive at Narita Airport
• Pick up Japan Rail Pass, transit cards, and SIM card
• Check into hotel (Shinjuku or Shibuya area)
• If not tired, visit Shibuya Crossing and grab dinner at Ichiran Ramen or Genki Sushi

Day 2 – Tokyo

• Morning: Tokyo Rinkai Disaster Prevention Park
• Afternoon: National Museum of Emerging Science (Miraikan)
• Evening: Dinner at a yakitori izakaya in Odaiba
• Night: Walk around DiverCity Plaza and see the life-size Gundam

Day 3 – Tokyo

• Morning: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa)
• Afternoon: Explore Akihabara (arcades, anime stores, electronics)
• Evening: Dinner at Kanda Matsuya (soba)
• Night: Retro arcades or themed café in Akihabara

Day 4 – Tokyo

• Morning: Ueno Park
• Afternoon: Tsukiji Outer Market (street food + shopping)
• Evening: Visit teamLab Borderless
• Night: Take a cruise on the Sumida River

Day 5 – Tokyo

• Morning: Visit Meiji Shrine and walk around Harajuku
• Afternoon: Shop at Omotesando or Takeshita Street
• Evening: Dinner at Afuri Harajuku (yuzu ramen)
• Night: Visit Shibuya Sky for night city views

Day 6 – Kyoto (Travel Day)

• Morning: Shinkansen to Kyoto
• Afternoon: Fushimi Inari Taisha (Torii gate hike)
• Evening: Explore Gion, dinner at a local soba spot
• Night: Walk along Shirakawa Canal

Day 7 – Kyoto

• Morning: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Afternoon: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple
• Evening: Dinner at Arashiyama Yoshimura
• Night: Stroll along the Togetsukyo Bridge (illuminated)

Day 8 – Kyoto

• Morning: Tea ceremony at Camellia Flower Teahouse
• Afternoon: Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market
• Evening: Explore Pontocho Alley, casual izakaya dinner
• Night: Kamo River walk

Day 9 – Kyoto to Osaka

• Morning: Train to Osaka (~30 min)
• Afternoon: Osaka Castle
• Evening: Dotonbori – try takoyaki, okonomiyaki
• Night: Visit the Glico sign and explore nightlife

Day 10 – Osaka

• Morning: Museum of Housing & Living
• Afternoon: Shinsaibashi and Amerikamura
• Evening: Dinner at Mizuno (okonomiyaki)
• Night: Umeda Sky Building for views

Day 11 – Osaka

• Morning: Sleep in or visit Kuromon Market
• Afternoon: Optional Nara day trip (deer park + temples)
• Evening: Relax at hotel or revisit Dotonbori
• Night: Early night or casual bar

Day 12 – Osaka to Hiroshima

• Morning: Shinkansen to Hiroshima (~2 hrs)
• Afternoon: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum
• Evening: Dinner at Okonomimura (Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki)
• Night: Walk along Hondori Street

Day 13 – Hiroshima / Miyajima Day Trip

• Morning: Ferry to Miyajima Island
• Afternoon: Ropeway or hike Mount Misen
• Evening: Return to Hiroshima for dinner
• Night: Quiet evening

Day 14 – Hiroshima to Hakone

• Morning: Shinkansen to Odawara, transit to Hakone
• Afternoon: Check into ryokan, relax in onsen
• Evening: Traditional kaiseki dinner
• Night: Stroll around Hakone-Yumoto

Day 15 – Hakone

• Morning: Visit Hakone Shrine
• Afternoon: Cruise on Lake Ashi, Hakone Ropeway
• Evening: Return to hotel/ryokan
• Night: Onsen or quiet evening walk

Day 16 – Return to Tokyo

• Morning: Travel back to Tokyo
• Afternoon: Final shopping in Ginza or Ikebukuro
• Evening: Dinner at Tonki (tonkatsu)
• Night: Chill night, maybe walk through Shinjuku

Day 17 – Tokyo

• Morning: Ghibli Museum (reserve tickets in advance)
• Afternoon: Kichijoji area walk
• Evening: Explore Shimokitazawa or Koenji
• Night: Optional jazz bar or izakaya

Day 18 – Tokyo

• Morning: Day trip to Kamakura or Yokohama
• Afternoon: Beachside walk or Cup Noodles Museum
• Evening: Return to Tokyo for dinner
• Night: Pack and prep for final days

Day 19 – Tokyo

• Morning: Sleep in or chill in a local café
• Afternoon: Explore local neighborhood (Setagaya, Daikanyama, etc.)
• Evening: Farewell dinner (sushi omakase or ramen)
• Night: Shinjuku nightlife or observation deck

Day 20 – Tokyo

• Morning: Final souvenir shopping
• Afternoon: Quick revisit to favorite area or café
• Evening: Light dinner, early night
• Night: Final packing

Day 21 – Departure

• Morning: Head to airport
• Afternoon: Flight home