Hi folks, my girlfriend and I are planning a 3 week trip to Japan around mid May 2026. This will be our first ever visit and combines years worth of failed trip plans into one. If you have time, it would be great to get some experienced eyes over our current itinerary.

There is quite a lot packed in here, and we are totally open to suggested omissions/additions, especially as I imagine that many of the locations we have picked will have changed over the years.

I can fully admit that I am in a bit over my head with planning everything, so any criticism is welcome!

22-Day Japan Itinerary

Days 1–4: Tokyo (Stay Asakusa)

Day 1 – Arrival Tokyo / Asakusa

• Arrive Tokyo, check-in.
• Sensō-ji Temple, Nakamise Street.
• Sumida River walk.
• Dinner locally.

Day 2 – Ueno & Akihabara

• Ueno Park → Tokyo National Museum.
• Ameyoko Market street food.
• Akihabara shopping & cafés.

Day 3 – Shibuya & Shinjuku

• Shibuya Sky, Hachiko, explore Shibuya.
• Travel to Shinjuku → Omoide Yokocho, Golden Gai.

Day 4 – Harajuku & Omotesando / Optional Day Trip

• Meiji Shrine.
• Harajuku fashion streets & Omotesando.
• Optional half-day trip: Kamakura + Yokohama (Great Buddha, Hokoku-ji, Komachi Dori, Sankeien Garden, Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, Chinatown)

Days 5–6: Kanazawa (2 nights, stay Machiya/ryokan)

Day 5 – Arrival & Kanazawa

• Travel Tokyo → Kanazawa (~2.5–3h).
• Kanazawa Castle Park → Kenroku-en Garden.
• Higashi Chaya-gai (Geisha district, matcha desserts).

Day 6 – Kanazawa Highlights

• Omicho Market (unagi eel rice bowls).
• Nagamachi Samurai District.
• Optional museums or local streets in afternoon/evening.

Days 7–9: Takayama/Shirakawa-go (2 nights, stay Oyado Koto No Yume)

Day 7 – Arrival Takayama

• Travel Kanazawa → Takayama (~2.5–3h).
• Takayama Old Town → Sanmachi Suji, Miyagawa River views, Bagpipe Café/Showa-kan Museum.
• Dinner: Hida beef skewers.

Day 8 – Shirakawa-go Day Trip

• Bus to Shirakawa-go (~50 min). Explore village.
• Lunch: House of Pudding dessert.
• Return to Takayama. Optional Hida Folk Village if desired.

Day 9 – Takayama Markets & Travel to Kyoto

• Takayama morning markets & breakfast (Takayama Ramen).
• Checkout and light sightseeing if desired.
• Travel Takayama → Kyoto (~3.5–4h).
• Check-in Kyoto, dinner locally.

Days 10–14: Kyoto (5 nights, stay Kyomachiya)

Day 10 – Arrival / Gion District

• Check-in (already done on Day 9 evening).
• Walk in Gion District & Pontocho Alley for dinner.

Day 11 – Arashiyama & Sagano Bamboo Grove

• Sagano Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple.
• Iwatayama Monkey Park.
• Explore Arashiyama area and riverside.

Day 12 – Southern Temples & Higashiyama

• Fushimi Inari Taisha (torii gates).
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka lanes.
• Optional: Tempura Endo Yasaka.

Day 13 – Kinkaku-ji & Nara Day Trip

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
• Travel to Nara (~45 min).
• Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Yomogi Mochi.
• Return to Kyoto.

Day 14 – Day Trip Option

• Option 1: Himeji Castle (~1h 15m).
• Option 2: Mt Shosha Temple via ropeway (~1.5h).
• Pick one for a relaxed day.

Days 15–17: Osaka & Kobe / USJ (3 nights, stay Namba/Dotonbori)

Day 15 – Arrival & Dotonbori

• Travel Kyoto → Osaka (~15 min).
• Check-in → Dotonbori neon canal walk & street food.

Day 16 – Osaka Castle & Shinsekai

• Osaka Castle Park & Museum.
• Shinsekai retro district → lunch.
• Umeda Sky Building at sunset.

Day 17 – Universal Studios & Kobe Day Trip

• Morning: Travel Osaka → Universal Studios Japan (~15 min) → enjoy key attractions. (originally planned for Fuji-Q Highland, but my girlfriend liked the idea of Universal Park more).
• Early Afternoon: Travel Osaka → Kobe (~30 min from Osaka; ~45–50 min from USJ).
• Afternoon/Evening: Kobe Harborland, Wagyu lunch/dinner.
• Return to Osaka.

Day 18: Kinosaki (1 night)

• Travel Osaka → Kinosaki (~2.5–3h).
• Onsen hopping.
• Try Kani Kurimu Korokke.

Days 19–20: Kurashiki (2 nights, stay Machiya Bikan District)

Day 19 – Arrival & Bikan District

• Travel Kinosaki → Kurashiki (~4–5h).
• Explore Kurashiki Canal area, Ohara Art Museum.

Day 20 – Denim & Shikoku Day Trip

• Kurashiki denim shopping (selvedge brands).
• Optional day trip: Shikoku → Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle.
• Return to Kurashiki.

Days 21–22: Tokyo (2 nights, stay Ginza)

Day 21 – Arrival & Ginza

• Travel Kurashiki → Tokyo (~3.5–4h).
• Check-in → Ginza souvenir shopping.
• Dinner locally or bar visit.

Day 22 – Shimokitazawa & Kawagoe Day Trip

• Morning: Shimokitazawa walk → Bonus Track → Gotoku-ji Temple.
• Afternoon: Kawagoe day trip (~1h each way) → Kurazukuri Street, Hikawa Shrine.
• Evening: Return to Ginza → Hotel Gajeon if open.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!