JJapan Trips

First timer as a solo trip, 3 week itinerary check

  • October 9, 2025

Hi! Hope you're doing good.

I am travelling for the 1st time to Japan this November, and it's a 3 week solo trip. Hope you guys can check and see whether this will work or not. I am good for walking, but not athletic or fit in any sense. I haven't planned day to day visits, but hopefully this should give enough idea.

I am interested in history, the autumn foilage, nature, anything geeky and fun… Not very keen on amusement parks (except Ghibli). Mostly prefer vegetarian cuisine but ok with eggs.

DAY 0

Land at 7 PM at NRT, travel to hotel in Nihombashi, Tokyo, relax after travelling for nearly 20 hours, enjoy some convenience store meals/snacks

Day 1-4 in Tokyo

  1. Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajaku
  2. Akihabara, Odaiba, Ginza
  3. Asakusa, Ueno
  4. Mt. Fuji Day Trip (will keep an eye out for visibility days)

Day 5-10 in Kyoto

  1. Nishiki, Gion
  2. Nijo Castle, Arashiyama
  3. Kinkakuji, Kodaji Temples
  4. Ginkakuji, Imperial Palace
  5. Fushimi Inari, Nara Park
  6. A half day rest just to chill, not be overwhelmed & take care of laundry 😉

Day 11-14 in Osaka

  1. Himeji Castle, Dotonbori
  2. Osaka Castle, Namba Shrine
  3. Shinsekai, Osaka Museum
  4. Another half day relaxation and laundry

Day 15-17 in Hiroshima

  1. Peace Park, Museum
  2. Miyajima Day Trip

Day 18-20 in Hakone

  1. Torii Gate, Lake Ashi
  2. Ropeway, Open Air Museum

Day 21-22 in Tokyo

  1. Souvenir Shopping
  2. Ghibli Museum
  3. Walking Tour
  4. Half day chill, explore other area

Day 23 – Departure at 5 PM for NRT

I haven't decided my day to day activities yet, as I am keeping some space open for any day trip recommendations you may have. Also, open to shuffling the dates/movement around.

Some questions:

  • Should I take an e-sim with calling facility or just data facility? I don't intend to use my home country's phone number in Japan. Any recommendations?
  • I intend to wear my daily walking shoes and a pair of open toe slippers. Should I switch for another pair of walking shoes?
  • Carrying my passport around – is it safe? I mean, should I keep my passport locked in the hotel or is it necessary to carry it around?
  • Should I take in the JR pass considering the multiple places I am visiting? Will it be useful when I plan any day trips?
  • Any other tips or recommendations you have? I am ready to take a slowed down vacation too, I have no need to rush everywhere (except Ghibli Museum).
  • Will luggage forwarding be expensive? What if I want to travel lighter between cities?

Let me know your thoughts.

by notyourarbaab