Japan’s story stretches from Jomon-era pottery to samurai domains and today’s neon megacities. You’ll feel that time-bend in a single day: quiet shrines framed by lanterns in the morning, conveyor-belt sushi and pop culture by afternoon, and craft beer taprooms at night. This three-week itinerary focuses on Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka—rich hubs for history, hiking, biking, shopping, breweries, and unique local experiences.

Expect excellent trains, punctual to the minute; clean, cash-friendly convenience stores; and a food scene where a “cheap” bowl of noodles can be life-changing. Spring and fall bring dreamy light for photography; summer adds festivals; winter offers crisp skies for Mt. Fuji views. Tipping is not customary; a simple “arigatou” and tidy manners go a long way.

With a mid-range budget, target ramen and set-lunch steals, splurge on a few standout dinners, and sleep near transit hubs. Pack comfortable shoes for shrine stairways and city rambles; carry a light layer for mountain excursions. We’ll group days by highlights so you can flex the plan to weather and energy.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a mosaic of villages—Asakusa’s temple streets, Harajuku’s teen fashion, Shibuya’s electric scramble, Nakameguro’s canals, and vintage-rich Koenji. It’s where you’ll chase sunrise at Senso-ji, bike park loops, savor tonkatsu perfection, and toast with Japanese craft beer. Photographers love Tokyo’s reflections: glass towers, lantern-lit alleys, and checkerboard crosswalks.

Getting there: Book your international flights to Tokyo (NRT/HND) via Trip.com flights or compare on Kiwi.com. From Narita, the Narita Express (~60 min, ~¥3,070) or Skyliner (~41 min, ~¥2,570) is easy; taxis are pricey. For a no-stress start, consider a private transfer: Narita Airport(NRT) Private Transfer To/From Tokyo (typical from ¥23,800 per vehicle, up to 5 people).

Days 1–3: Old Tokyo, Sky-high Views, Local Streets

• Asakusa & Senso-ji: Enter via Kaminarimon, browse Nakamise’s snack stalls (try ningyo-yaki cakes), and wander backstreets for retro kissaten coffee. Photograph lanterns at dusk; Tokyo Skytree glows just across the river.
• Ueno & Yanaka: Museums and park ponds in Ueno; then stroll Yanaka Ginza’s cats-and-croquettes alley—a slice of prewar Tokyo with low-rise lanes and artisan shops.
• Neighborhood ramble: Shimokitazawa and Koenji are vintage treasure troves with record shops, thrift racks, and secondhand kimonos; pop into tiny standing bars at night.

Eat & drink: Breakfast at Boulangerie Viron (flaky croissants) or a grilled-fish teishoku at Shinpachi Shokudo. Slurp yuzu-scented ramen at Afuri, stand for pristine nigiri at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi, and try tonkatsu at Maisen Aoyama Honten. Craft beer picks: Baird Beer Taproom (Harajuku), Watering Hole (Shinjuku), or Craft Beer Market (Otemachi).

Days 4–5: Shibuya, Harajuku, Meiji Forest, and Iconic Shots

• Meiji Jingu & Yoyogi Park: Walk the cypress-lined approach to Tokyo’s grand shrine, then picnic under zelkova trees in Yoyogi.
• Harajuku–Omotesando: Contrast Takeshita Street’s cosplay energy with Omotesando’s designer architecture. Finish in Shibuya for the world’s busiest crossing and neon skyline.

Unique, adventurous, and photogenic experiences:

• Private Photoshoot at Shibuya Crossing Tokyo

  

  Get pro photos with the scramble’s kinetic glow—perfect for your trip album.
• Shibuya Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya Annex

  

  A one-hour urban circuit—costumes optional, adrenaline mandatory.
• Tokyo Shinjuku Sumo Show Experience with Photo and Drinks

  

  Learn rituals, watch bouts up close, and snap photos with wrestlers—great cultural immersion.

Days 6–7: Mt. Fuji/Hakone or Hikes & Coastal Temples

• Mt. Fuji & Hakone day trip: Lake views, Owakudani’s volcanic steam, and (weather permitting) Fuji panoramas; return by bullet train for the thrill.
  Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train

  

• Alternative adventures: Hike Mt. Takao (about 50 minutes by Keio Line; 1.5–2.5 hours on trail with summit views), or visit Kamakura for Daibutsu, sea breezes, and the Daibutsu hiking course (~1 hour from Tokyo, ~¥1,000 each way).

Cafes & dinners to try: Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro) for single-origin pours; Glitch Coffee for light roasts; tempura at Funabashiya Honten (Asakusa); yakitori lanes under Yurakucho’s tracks; monjayaki on Tsukishima’s Monja Street. Nightcaps at Bar BenFiddich (creative infusions) or a mellow neighborhood izakaya in Nakameguro.

Where to stay (mid-range focus):
- Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Godzilla-topped, steps to nightlife).
- Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku (transport hub convenience).
- Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (great views, Shinjuku area).
Upscale options if you splurge: The Peninsula Tokyo, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, or Aman Tokyo.
Browse more stays: VRBO Tokyo | Hotels.com Tokyo

Travel to Kyoto (morning of Day 8): Take the Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi from Tokyo to Kyoto (~2 hr 15 min; ~¥14,000–¥14,500 reserved seat). Search schedules and fares on Trip.com trains.

Kyoto

Kyoto is the old capital in slow-motion: lantern-lit lanes, shrine-topped hills, tea-scented arcades, and river paths made for bikes. It’s a temple atlas—Kiyomizu-dera’s timber stage, golden Kinkaku-ji, Zen gardens that reward patience. When the sun dips, hunt izakaya in Pontocho and listen for geta clacking through Gion.

Days 8–9: Higashiyama Icons and Market Grazing

• Kiyomizu-dera to Gion: Start early at Kiyomizu-dera for citywide views, then drift through Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka’s preserved lanes. Detour to Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Shrine, and at dusk, explore Gion’s alleyways respectfully.
• Nishiki Market & Teramachi: Sample yuba, sesame skewers, and pickles; sharpen your eyes at knife shops; then browse Teramachi/Kawaramachi arcades.

Hands-on culture:
Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

Make noodles from scratch and learn the anatomy of the perfect bowl—delicious and skill-building.

Days 10–11: Arashiyama by Bike, Bamboo, and River Mist

• Biking Arashiyama: Rent bicycles near Saga-Arashiyama Station. Ride to Tenryu-ji’s garden, stroll the Bamboo Grove at off-peak hours, and continue riverside to the lesser-visited Otagi Nenbutsu-ji with quirky stone rakan statues.
• Kinkaku-ji & Ryoan-ji: Loop north for the Golden Pavilion’s mirror views and Ryoan-ji’s famed Zen rock garden. Late afternoon light is ideal for photos.

One-day overview option (if you prefer a guided sampler):
PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

Efficient for first-timers hitting headline temples and Fushimi Inari in a day.

Days 12–13: Fushimi Inari Hike, Tea in Uji, and Sake Breweries

• Fushimi Inari: Beat the crowds at dawn and hike under thousands of vermilion torii to the Yotsutsuji viewpoint (30–45 minutes) or the full loop (2–3 hours). Photographers: bring a fast lens for the tunnel effect.
• Uji tea town: 20–30 minutes by train for Byodo-in’s Phoenix Hall and matcha tastings. Try a tea soba lunch and pick up high-grade sencha to take home.
• Fushimi sake district: Walk the canals past white-plaster kura. Tour the Gekkeikan museum and sample junmai and ginjo at local tasting rooms.

Day 14: Nara Day Trip (Deer, Giant Buddha, and Park Biking)

• Nara Park & Todaiji: The Daibutsu (Great Buddha) sits inside one of the world’s largest wooden buildings. Gentle trails weave between Kasuga Taisha’s lanterns and mossy forest. Rent bikes to cover more ground.

Eat & drink: Coffee at % Arabica (Higashiyama) or Weekenders Coffee. Lunch with obanzai (home-style) small plates near Nishiki; tofu kaiseki in Arashiyama; yakitori on Kawaramachi. Beer at Kyoto Brewing Co.’s taproom (seasonal IPAs and saisons) and sake flights in Fushimi.

Where to stay (mid-range focus):
- Hotel M's Plus Shijo Omiya (great value, easy transit).
- Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (refined, quiet zone).
- Piece Hostel Sanjo (stylish budget with social vibe).
Upscale if you splurge: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto or Kyoto Brighton Hotel.
Browse more stays: VRBO Kyoto | Hotels.com Kyoto

Travel to Osaka (morning of Day 15): Kyoto to Osaka Station by JR Special Rapid (~30 minutes, ~¥570), or to Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen (~12–15 minutes, ~¥1,420). Check times on Trip.com trains.

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s fun-loving kitchen: smoky grills, neon billboards, and friendly banter at counter seats. It’s also a gateway to hikes (Minoo Park), castles (Himeji), and sake (Kobe’s Nada district). Nights here stretch into takoyaki runs, stand-up bars, and riverside walks under Dotonbori’s giant signs.

Days 15–16: Dotonbori, Street Eats, and River Lights

• Namba, Shinsaibashi, Amerikamura: Shop arcades and indie boutiques, then walk the canal for that classic “Glico Man” photo.
• Guided feast: Osaka Food Tour: 13 Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

  

  Navigate hidden alleys for kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, and more, led by a local.

Eat & drink: Try takoyaki from Wanaka or Aizuya, okonomiyaki at Mizuno (Dotonbori) or Kiji (Umeda), and skewers at Kushikatsu Daruma. Coffee at LiLo Coffee Roasters or Takamura Wine & Coffee. Breweries/bars: Beer Belly (Minoh Beer’s taproom), Craft Beer Works Kamikaze, and a mellow highball at a tachinomi (standing bar).

Day 17: Minoo Park Hike and Umeda Views

• Minoo Waterfall trail: A gentle 45–60 minute paved walk through cedar forest to a 33m cascade—ideal “forest bathing” near the city. Try momiji tempura (maple-leaf fritters) in season.
• Umeda Sky Building: Hit the Floating Garden Observatory for sunset cityscapes; photographers love the escalator tunnel and 360° deck.

Day 18: Kobe Sake & Harbor Day Trip

• Nada sake district: 25 minutes by JR from Osaka. Tour historic breweries, compare junmai ginjo vs. daiginjo, and pair with simple izakaya snacks. Stroll Kobe Harborland for night shots across the bay.

Day 19: Himeji Castle and Gardens

• Himeji Castle: About 1 hour by JR special rapid (~¥1,520). The “White Heron” is Japan’s finest surviving feudal castle; climb wooden keep stairways and wander Koko-en’s landscaped ponds next door.

Day 20: Koyasan Temples or Biking the Yodo River

• Koyasan day adventure: 2–2.5 hours by Nankai train and cable car; walk Okunoin’s mossy cemetery lined with towering cedars—one of Japan’s most spiritual landscapes.
• Alternative: Rent cycles and ride a flat stretch of the Yodogawa riverpath—local life, baseball diamonds, and picnic lawns with skyline views.

Day 21: Osaka Castle and Last-Call Shopping

• Osaka Castle Park: Cherry-lined moats, museum inside the keep, and broad lawns to stretch your legs before departure.
• Den Den Town: Retro consoles, model shops, and electronics deals; pick up souvenirs and snacks for the flight.

Where to stay (mid-range focus):
- Hotel Sunroute Osaka Namba (prime for Dotonbori eats).
- Swissotel Nankai Osaka (on top of Namba Station; easy airport access).
- Universal Bay Condominium (spacious if visiting USJ).
Budget and luxury range: Hotel Taiyo (basic) or The St. Regis Osaka.
Browse more stays: VRBO Osaka | Hotels.com Osaka

Departure: From Namba, the Nankai Limited Express to KIX (Kansai Airport) is ~44 minutes. Search flights home on Trip.com flights or compare with Kiwi.com.

Food & Coffee Shortlist (by city)

• Tokyo: Onibus Coffee (single-origin), Glitch Coffee (light roasts), Afuri (yuzu ramen), Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (stand-up sushi), Maisen (tonkatsu), Baird Beer Taproom, Watering Hole. Breakfast: Viron or grilled-fish teishoku.
• Kyoto: % Arabica, Weekenders Coffee, tofu kaiseki in Arashiyama, obanzai near Nishiki, Kyoto Brewing Co. Taproom, Fushimi sake tastings.
• Osaka: LiLo Coffee Roasters, Mizuno/Kiji (okonomiyaki), Wanaka/Aizuya (takoyaki), Kushikatsu Daruma, Beer Belly (Minoh), Craft Beer Works Kamikaze.

Shopping & “Live like a local” Ideas

• Vintage hunts: Shimokitazawa and Koenji (Tokyo); Teramachi arcades (Kyoto); Amerikamura (Osaka).
• Cycling: Arashiyama loop and Kamo River (Kyoto), Imperial Palace perimeter (Tokyo), Yodo River paths (Osaka).
• Evenings: Tiny izakaya alleys in Nakameguro and Golden Gai (Tokyo), Pontocho lantern lane (Kyoto), Namba backstreets (Osaka).

Optional Tokyo overview tour if you want a guided first-day sampler:
1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour

Another Fuji option (if you prefer lakeside views around Kawaguchiko):
Tokyo: Mt.Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko 1-Day Bus Tour w/Optional Lunch

Across 21 days you’ll see Japan’s contrasts—from torii-lined mountain trails and tea houses to street food feasts and cutting-edge neighborhoods. You’ll bike, hike, shop, sip, and photograph your way through three cities that define the country—and take home stories worth retelling.