{"id":210,"date":"2016-07-22T13:15:11","date_gmt":"2016-07-22T11:15:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=210"},"modified":"2025-01-20T11:09:25","modified_gmt":"2025-01-20T10:09:25","slug":"japan-travel-itinerary-21-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-travel-itinerary-21-days","title":{"rendered":"Japan in 21 days: The ultimate travel itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>With 21 days to explore, you can truly immerse yourself in Japan\u2019s highlights, moving seamlessly across regions thanks to the coverage of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>. This <strong>itinerary is designed to maximize your time and budget<\/strong>, covering major destinations and day trips, all easily accessible by rail.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historical charms of Kyoto and the beauty of Miyajima, this guide ensures a convenient and unforgettable journey with the JR Pass. Let\u2019s embark on a <strong>comprehensive 3-week itinerary through Japan<\/strong>, starting from Narita Airport!<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Day_1_Arrive_at_Narita_Airport_and_travel_to_Tokyo\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Day 1: Arrive at Narita Airport and travel to Tokyo<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Days_2-5_Explore_Tokyo_and_enjoy_day_trips\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Days 2-5: Explore Tokyo and enjoy day trips<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_6_Travel_from_Tokyo_to_Osaka\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Day 6: Travel from Tokyo to Osaka<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Days_7-10_Explore_Osaka_and_day_trips\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Days 7-10: Explore Osaka and day trips<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_11_Osaka_to_Hiroshima\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Day 11: Osaka to Hiroshima<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_12_Miyajima\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">6<\/span> Day 12: Miyajima<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_13_Hiroshima_to_Kyoto\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">7<\/span> Day 13: Hiroshima to Kyoto<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Days_14-17_Explore_Kyoto\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">8<\/span> Days 14-17: Explore Kyoto<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_18_Kyoto_to_Takayama\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">9<\/span> Day 18: Kyoto to Takayama<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_19_Takayama_to_Kanazawa\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">10<\/span> Day 19: Takayama to Kanazawa<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_20_Kanazawa_to_Tokyo\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">11<\/span> Day 20: Kanazawa to Tokyo<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Day_21_Depart_from_Narita_Airport\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">12<\/span> Day 21: Depart from Narita Airport<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_itineraries\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">13<\/span> Other itineraries<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_1_Arrive_at_Narita_Airport_and_travel_to_Tokyo\">Day 1: Arrive at Narita Airport and travel to Tokyo<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-8215\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/narita-airport-to-tokyo-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"How to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/narita-airport-to-tokyo.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/narita-airport-to-tokyo-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/narita-airport-to-tokyo-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your 3-week Japan adventure begins as you land at Narita Airport. <strong>Activate your 21-day JR Pas<\/strong>s at one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/japan-rail-pass-exchange-offices\">Japan Rail Pass Exchange Offices<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Next, hop on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/narita-express\">Narita Express <\/a>(N\u2019EX) for a <strong>direct journey to Tokyo Station in about 60 minutes<\/strong>. Alternatively, you could choose one of several other options for traveling from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/narita-airport-to-tokyo\">Narita Airport to Tokyo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Spend your first evening settling into Tokyo <\/strong>and enjoying the city\u2019s vibrant nightlife.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Days_2-5_Explore_Tokyo_and_enjoy_day_trips\">Days 2-5: Explore Tokyo and enjoy day trips<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Dedicate the next few days to uncovering some of the <strong>highlights of Tokyo<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shibuya-crossing\"><strong>Shibuya Crossing<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; A world-famous intersection known for its mesmerizing chaos of pedestrian traffic, vibrant neon lights, and proximity to top shopping and entertainment spots.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sensoji-temple-tokyo\"><strong>Sensoji Temple<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Tokyo\u2019s oldest temple, located in Asakusa at the end of the traditional Nakamise shopping street.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinjuku-station\"><strong>Shinjuku<\/strong><\/a><strong> &#8211; <\/strong>Tokyo\u2019s bustling hub, offering skyscrapers, vibrant nightlife in Kabukicho, and the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akihabara-station\"><strong>Akihabara<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Tokyo\u2019s mecca for anime, manga, and electronics enthusiasts. Known as &#8220;Electric Town,&#8221; it\u2019s packed with specialty stores, themed caf\u00e9s, and a vibrant otaku culture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_13087\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-13087\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-13087 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/akihabara-electric-town.jpg\" alt=\"Akihabara Electric Town\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/akihabara-electric-town.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/akihabara-electric-town-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/akihabara-electric-town-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-13087\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Akihabara Electric Town by @renbucholz 88787878 7Flickr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Take advantage of Tokyo\u2019s excellent connectivity for <strong>day trips<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/mount-fuji\"><strong>Mt. Fuji<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Climb the iconic volcanic peak or explore nearby attractions like the Fuji Five Lakes and enjoy scenic views from Hakone.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nikko-itinerary\"><strong>Nikko<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Visit the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with intricate carvings, surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kamakura-travel-guide\"><strong>Kamakura<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; A coastal city known for its Great Buddha (Daibutsu), tranquil temples like Hase-dera, and relaxing, scenic beaches.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_86\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-86\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-86 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/giant-buddha-kamakura-e1505219109213-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Great Buddha in Kamakura\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/giant-buddha-kamakura-e1505219109213.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/giant-buddha-kamakura-e1505219109213-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/giant-buddha-kamakura-e1505219109213-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-86\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Great Buddha in Kamakura<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Check out our post on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-tokyo\">best day trips from Tokyo by train<\/a> for more ideas.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_6_Travel_from_Tokyo_to_Osaka\">Day 6: Travel from Tokyo to Osaka<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-4888\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/tokaido-shinkansen-fuji-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"A Shinkansen In the Tokaido Shinkansen Line passing near Mount fuji\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/tokaido-shinkansen-fuji.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/tokaido-shinkansen-fuji-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/tokaido-shinkansen-fuji-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Board the <strong>Tokaido Shinkansen from <\/strong><strong>Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station<\/strong>. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes via the Hikari (fully covered by the JR Pass) or 2 hours and 21 minutes via the Nozomi, which <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/nozomi-mizuho-shinkansen\">requires a supplemental fee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Arrive in Osaka and spend the rest of the day exploring, starting with the dazzling neon lights of Dotonbori.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Days_7-10_Explore_Osaka_and_day_trips\">Days 7-10: Explore Osaka and day trips<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Osaka is <strong>a city full of character and culinary delight<\/strong>s. Formerly known as Naniwa, the ever-busy Osaka was the first ever officially recognized capital of Japan. It is currently the third-largest city in Japan after Tokyo, with a greater population than any European and American city (apart from New York).<\/p>\n<p>In Osaka, the<strong> key landmarks you should prioritize <\/strong>visiting include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/dotonbori-osaka\"><strong>Dotonbori<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Osaka\u2019s vibrant entertainment district, famous for its neon-lit billboards and variety of street food delights like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/shinsekai-osaka\"><strong>Shinsekai<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Known for Tsutenkaku Tower, this district offers a glimpse into Osaka\u2019s past with its Showa-era architecture and affordable local eateries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-castle\"><strong>Osaka Castle<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; A historic landmark originally built in the 16th century, surrounded by lush gardens and moats. Explore the museum inside, which showcases samurai history, or admire panoramic city views from the observation deck<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_11262\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-11262\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-11262\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Osaka castle\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/osaka-jo-castle-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-11262\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Osaka Castle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Osaka is also ideally situated for a number of <strong>exciting day trips.<\/strong> Consider traveling to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nara-jr-pass\"><strong>Nara<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Japan\u2019s first permanent capital is home to the iconic Todai-ji Temple and its Great Buddha. Don\u2019t miss Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely among visitors.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kobe-travel-guide\"><strong>Kobe<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Kobe, nestled between mountains and the sea, is famous for its premium Kobe beef, stunning harbor views, and cultural highlights like the historic Kitano district and scenic Mount Rokko.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/himeji-castle-travel-guide\"><strong>Himeji<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; Tour the stunning Himeji Castle, known as the &#8220;White Heron Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that enchants with pristine architecture and rich history.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Check out our post on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/day-trips-from-osaka\">best day trips from Osaka<\/a> for more options.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_11_Osaka_to_Hiroshima\">Day 11: Osaka to Hiroshima<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-8505\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/osaka-to-hiroshima-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"Reaching Hiroshima from Osaka by train\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/osaka-to-hiroshima.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/osaka-to-hiroshima-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/osaka-to-hiroshima-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>\u00a0Travel to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hiroshima-travel-guide\">Hiroshima<\/a> <strong>via the Sanyo Shinkansen<\/strong>, choosing the Hikari or Sakura trains (fully covered by the JR Pass). If you opt for the Nozomi or Mizuho trains, be prepared to pay a supplemental fee.<\/p>\n<p>Upon arrival, <strong>visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum<\/strong>, a poignant reminder of history, before enjoying Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner. Take a stroll down Hondori, one of the main city streets of Hiroshima, a covered arcade, which makes it the perfect place to go on a rainy day.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_12_Miyajima\">Day 12: Miyajima<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Take the <strong>JR Miyajima Ferry<\/strong>, fully covered by the JR Pass, from Hiroshima.Spend the day exploring the serene <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/miyajima-travel-guide\">island of Miyajima<\/a>, famous for the floating <strong>Torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_79\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-79\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-79\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/miyajima-great-torii-e1469187639379.jpg\" alt=\"The great red floating torii in Miyajima\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/miyajima-great-torii-e1469187639379.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/miyajima-great-torii-e1469187639379-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/miyajima-great-torii-e1469187639379-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-79\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The great red floating torii in Miyajima<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for nature and unforgettable views \u2013 go straight up <strong>Mount Misen<\/strong>. Located at 500 meters above sea level, this is the highest peak of Miyajima, offering breathtaking views that spread all the way to Hiroshima.<\/p>\n<p>For those who not so eager to walk, <strong>a ropeway will take you up the mountain<\/strong>, straight from the town. However, note that to reach the peak, you will have to walk 1 km before getting to the highest point.<\/p>\n<p>After exploring Miyajima, take the ferry back to<strong> return to Hiroshima for the night<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_13_Hiroshima_to_Kyoto\">Day 13: Hiroshima to Kyoto<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2479\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/kyoto-station-inside-station-800x531.jpg\" alt=\"Kyoto Station inside\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Hop on the <strong>Sanyo Shinkansen<\/strong> to Kyoto. The Hikari train takes about 2 hours and 42 minutes, while the Nozomi is faster (1 hour 35 minutes) but requires a supplement.<\/p>\n<p>Upon arrival, dive into Kyoto\u2019s historic charm and <strong>explore Gion, <\/strong><strong>the most famous district in Kyoto<\/strong>, the only geisha place left in the country where traditional wooden architecture meets lovely tea houses.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Days_14-17_Explore_Kyoto\">Days 14-17: Explore Kyoto<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kyoto is a treasure trove of culture and history,<strong> full of <\/strong><strong>sublime gardens, ancient temples, and vibrant shrines<\/strong>. Kyoto is where even the Japanese go to learn and soak up more of their culture.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Key attractions<\/strong> include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/arashiyama-bamboo-forest\"><strong>Arashiyama Bamboo Grove<\/strong><\/a>and the Togetsukyo Bridge.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kinkaku-ji-golden-pavilion\"><strong>Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> A picture-perfect zen temple.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/fushimi-inari-taisha-shrine\"><strong>Fushimi Inari Shrine<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Famous for its red torii gates.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kiyomizu-dera-temple\"><strong>Kiyomizu-dera Temple<\/strong><\/a><strong>:<\/strong> Offering incredible city views.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/philosophers-walk\"><strong>Philosopher&#8217;s Walk<\/strong><\/a>: A beautiful pedestrian path that follows a cherry-tree stream and includes some magnificent temples, gardens, and shrines.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/nijo-castle-kyoto\"><strong>Nijo Castle<\/strong><\/a> for a glimpse of samurai history.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6345\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6345\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-large wp-image-6345\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari-800x600.jpg\" alt=\"Senbon Torii, thousand torii gates\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/senbon-torri-thounsand-torii-fushimi-inari-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6345\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Senbon Torii, Fushimi Inari M338 under CC BY &#8211; SA 3.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_18_Kyoto_to_Takayama\">Day 18: Kyoto to Takayama<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6611\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6611\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-6611 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/takayama-downtown-800x534.jpg\" alt=\"Downtown Takayama\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/takayama-downtown-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/takayama-downtown-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/takayama-downtown-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/takayama-downtown.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6611\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Downtown Takayama<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Travel to Takayama <strong>via the<\/strong><strong>Tokaido Shinkansen<\/strong> to Nagoya (Hikari: 34 minutes) followed by the scenic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hida-limited-express\">Hida Limited Express<\/a> (2 hours 40 minutes).<\/p>\n<p>Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/takayama-japanese-alps\">Takayama<\/a>\u2019s old town, <strong>visit the Takayama Jinya<\/strong>, and enjoy Hida beef at a local restaurant.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_19_Takayama_to_Kanazawa\">Day 19: Takayama to Kanazawa<\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_228\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-228\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-228\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/kenrokuen-garden-kanazawa.jpg\" alt=\"Kenrokuen Garden at Kanazawa\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/kenrokuen-garden-kanazawa.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/kenrokuen-garden-kanazawa-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/kenrokuen-garden-kanazawa-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-228\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa &#8211; Photo by @Daderot (Wikimedia)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Take the <strong>Takayama Line<\/strong> to Toyama, then transfer to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/hokuriku-shinkansen-jr-pass\"><strong>Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/strong><\/a> for Kanazawa (the total journey is 2 hours 48 minutes).<\/p>\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kanazawa-travel-guide\">Kanazawa<\/a>, marvel at Kenrokuen Garden, <strong>explore the samurai district<\/strong>, and visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_20_Kanazawa_to_Tokyo\">Day 20: Kanazawa to Tokyo<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-10785\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/shinkansen-n700s-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Shinkansen n700s\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/shinkansen-n700s.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/shinkansen-n700s-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/shinkansen-n700s-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Return to Tokyo <strong>via the Hokuriku Shinkansen<\/strong> (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes). Spend your final evening revisiting favorite spots or shopping for souvenirs in areas like Ginza or Akihabara.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Day_21_Depart_from_Narita_Airport\">Day 21: Depart from Narita Airport<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Wrap up your journey with a return trip to Narita Airport. Take the Narita Express for a hassle-free journey. <strong>Reflect on your incredible 21-day itinerary <\/strong>across Japan as you prepare for your flight home.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Other_itineraries\"><strong>Other itineraries<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Finally, if you have less time to spend than than 3 weeks in Japan, please<strong> check out our other guides<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/7-days-japan-itinerary\">Japan in 7 days<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/14-days-japan-itinerary#Day_7_Nara_day_trip\">Japan in 14 days<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/3-days-tokyo-itinerary\">Three days in Tokyo<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No matter which itinerary you choose, <strong>the Japan Rail Pass will provide you with a convenient and cost-effective way to get around<\/strong> and see all the sights you wish to include on your journey!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">\n            <a class=\"fasc-button banner-button-shortcode fasc-size-large fasc-type-flat fasc-rounded-medium ico-fa fasc-ico-after fa-chevron-circle-right fasc-style-bold\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">\n                Buy your JR Pass\n            <\/a>\n        <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With 21 days to explore, you can truly immerse yourself in Japan\u2019s highlights, moving seamlessly across regions thanks to the coverage of the Japan Rail Pass. This itinerary is designed to maximize your time and budget, covering major destinations and day trips, all easily accessible by rail.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":79,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[17],"tags":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","pageresume":"Don't miss anything with this 3 weeks Japan itinerary. All the information you'll need to travel and discover its culture, cities, nature and hidden gems.","shortcodes":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Japan Travel Itinerary 21 Days | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore Japan with a 21-day itinerary fully covered by the JR Pass. 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