21-Day Japan Itinerary: An In-Depth Exploration

Experience the best of Japan over 21 days, covering major cities and cultural sites from Tokyo to Okinawa. This extensive itinerary balances sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation while providing a comprehensive view of Japan. Below is a detailed daily plan with estimated costs.

Days 1-3: Tokyo

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning:

• Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) or Tokyo Monorail to Tokyo Station.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥3,500 ($20 – $25) depending on the airport.
• Check-in at Hotel: Recommended areas include Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night for a mid-range hotel.

Afternoon:

• Explore Shibuya: Visit Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya 109.
• Cost: Free; shopping costs vary.
• Shibuya Sky: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 ($14 – $21).

Evening:

• Dinner in Shinjuku: Try ramen or izakaya.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 ($7 – $21) per person.
• Visit Omoide Yokocho: Explore the traditional alleyway.
• Cost: Varies by bar; typically ¥500 – ¥1,500 ($3.50 – $10.50) for snacks.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥16,500 – ¥31,500 ($115 – $220)

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Morning:

• Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and Nakamise Street.
• Cost: Free; shopping and snacks are additional.
• Sumida River Cruise: Enjoy Tokyo’s skyline from the water.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Afternoon:

• Ueno Park: Visit Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum.
• Cost: Ueno Zoo ¥600 ($4), Tokyo National Museum ¥620 ($4.30).
• Lunch in Ueno: Try katsudon.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Akihabara: Explore electronic shops and anime stores.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
• Dinner in Akihabara: Enjoy dinner at a themed cafe.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,720 – ¥9,620 ($33 – $67)

Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko

Morning:

• Travel to Nikko: Take the Tobu Railway from Asakusa Station to Nikko.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥2,500 ($14 – $18).
• Visit Toshogu Shrine: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Cost: ¥1,300 ($9).

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Nikko: Enjoy soba or udon.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).
• Explore Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls: Enjoy nature and beautiful scenery.
• Cost: Free; transportation costs may apply.

Evening:

• Return to Tokyo: Travel back and relax.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥5,300 – ¥8,800 ($37 – $62)

Days 4-7: Kyoto

Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto

Morning:

• Travel to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.
• Cost: ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $105).
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Kyoto.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walk through the famous torii gates.
• Cost: Free.
• Explore Gion District: Discover traditional Kyoto streets.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and dining are additional.

Evening:

• Dinner in Gion: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000 ($21 – $70) depending on the restaurant.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥26,000 – ¥45,000 ($182 – $315)

Day 5: Kyoto Exploration

Morning:

• Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Explore this iconic Zen temple.
• Cost: ¥400 ($2.80).
• Ryoan-ji: Visit the famous rock garden.
• Cost: ¥500 ($3.50).

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Arashiyama: Try udon or soba.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).
• Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through the bamboo forest.
• Cost: Free.
• Visit Tenryu-ji Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Cost: ¥500 ($3.50).

Evening:

• Dinner in Kyoto: Try yakitori or okonomiyaki.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥5,900 – ¥12,900 ($41 – $90)

Day 6: Day Trip to Nara

Morning:

• Travel to Nara: Take the Kintetsu Railway from Kyoto to Nara.
• Cost: ¥600 – ¥800 ($4 – $6).
• Visit Todai-ji Temple: See the Great Buddha.
• Cost: ¥600 ($4).

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Nara: Enjoy kakinoha sushi or deer-themed snacks.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).
• Explore Nara Park: See the famous deer and stroll through the park.
• Cost: Free.

Evening:

• Return to Kyoto: Relax or enjoy a light dinner.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,200 – ¥5,600 ($22 – $39)

Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka

Morning:

• Travel to Osaka: Take the JR Line from Kyoto to Osaka.
• Cost: ¥500 ($3.50).
• Visit Osaka Castle: Explore the historical castle and its grounds.
• Cost: ¥600 ($4).

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Dotonbori: Try takoyaki or okonomiyaki.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).
• Explore Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi: Enjoy shopping and street food.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and food costs vary.

Evening:

• Dinner in Osaka: Try kaiseki or other local specialties.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,600 – ¥6,500 ($25 – $45)

Days 8-10: Hiroshima and Miyajima

Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima

Morning:

• Travel to Hiroshima: Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥12,000 ($70 – $85).
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Hiroshima.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($70 – $105) per night.

Afternoon:

• Visit Peace Memorial Park: Explore the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and A-Bomb Dome.
• Cost: ¥200 ($1.40).

Evening:

• Dinner in Hiroshima: Try okonomiyaki.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥21,700 – ¥30,200 ($152 – $211)

Day 9: Day Trip to Miyajima Island

Morning:

• Travel to Miyajima Island: Take a ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥2,500 ($14 – $18).
• Visit Itsukushima Shrine: Famous for its floating torii gate.
• Cost: ¥300 ($2).

Afternoon:

• Lunch on Miyajima Island: Try grilled oysters or momiji manju.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).
• Explore Mount Misen: Take the ropeway or hike up.
• Cost: Ropeway ¥1,800 ($13).

Evening:

• Return to Hiroshima: Relax or explore the city.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥5,100 – ¥8,600 ($35 – $60)

Day 10: Hiroshima to Tokyo

Morning:

• Travel back to Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $105).

Afternoon:

• Check-in at Hotel in Tokyo: Return to accommodation in Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.
• Leisure time: Explore any missed spots in Tokyo.

Evening:

• Dinner in Tokyo: Try a new restaurant or revisit a favorite spot.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥24,500 – ¥38,000 ($171 – $266)

Days 11-13: Hokkaido

Day 11: Tokyo to Sapporo

Morning:

• Travel to Sapporo: Take a domestic flight from Tokyo to Sapporo.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($70 – $105).

Afternoon:

• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Sapporo.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($70 – $105) per night.
• Visit Odori Park: Relax in the city center park.
• Cost: Free.

Evening:

• Dinner in Sapporo: Try ramen or soup curry.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥21,500 – ¥33,000 ($150 – $230)

Day 12: Sapporo and Otaru

Morning:

• Travel to Otaru: Take a train from Sapporo to Otaru.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥2,000 ($10 – $14).
• Explore Otaru Canal: Walk along the historic canal and visit shops.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Otaru: Try sushi or seafood.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 ($10.50 – $17).

Evening:

• Return to Sapporo: Explore the local nightlife or relax at the hotel.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,500 – ¥8,000 ($31 – $56)

Day 13: Hokkaido Exploration

Morning:

• Visit Shiroi Koibito Park: Explore the chocolate factory and park.
• Cost: ¥800 ($5.60).

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Sapporo: Enjoy local specialties.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 ($10.50 – $17).
• Visit Sapporo Beer Museum: Tour and taste.
• Cost: ¥500 ($3.50).

Evening:

• Dinner in Sapporo: Try local dishes or international cuisine.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,800 – ¥7,800 ($27 – $55)

Days 14-17: Okinawa

Day 14: Tokyo to Okinawa

Morning:

• Travel to Okinawa: Take a domestic flight from Tokyo to Naha.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($70 – $105).
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Naha.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Explore Naha: Visit Kokusai Street and Shurijo Castle.
• Cost: Shurijo Castle ¥820 ($5.70).

Evening:

• Dinner in Naha: Try Okinawan soba.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥21,800 – ¥37,800 ($150 – $265)

Day 15: Okinawa Island Exploration

Morning:

• Visit Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium: Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums.
• Cost: ¥1,880 ($13).

Afternoon:

• Lunch near the Aquarium: Enjoy local seafood.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 ($10.50 – $17).
• Relax at Emerald Beach: Enjoy the beach and ocean.
• Cost: Free.

Evening:

• Dinner at a local restaurant: Try traditional Okinawan dishes.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,880 – ¥7,380 ($35 – $52)

Day 16: Explore Kerama Islands

Morning:

• Take a Ferry to Kerama Islands: Enjoy a day trip to these beautiful islands.
• Cost: ¥5,000 – ¥7,000 ($35 – $50).
• Snorkeling or Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater world.
• Cost: ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 ($35 – $70).

Afternoon:

• Lunch on the Islands: Enjoy local seafood.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 ($10.50 – $17).

Evening:

• Return to Okinawa: Relax or enjoy a light dinner.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥12,500 – ¥19,000 ($88 – $133)

Day 17: Okinawa Leisure Day

Morning:

• Visit a Local Onsen: Relax in a traditional Okinawan hot spring.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Afternoon:

• Lunch and Leisure: Enjoy a relaxed lunch and some last-minute shopping.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥2,500 ($10.50 – $17).

Evening:

• Dinner at a local restaurant: Try any remaining local specialties.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,000 – ¥7,500 ($28 – $52)

Days 18-21: Return to Tokyo and Departure

Day 18: Okinawa to Tokyo

Morning:

• Travel back to Tokyo: Take a flight from Naha to Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥15,000 ($70 – $105).

Afternoon:

• Check-in at Hotel in Tokyo: Return to accommodation.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.
• Leisure time: Explore any missed spots or do some last-minute shopping.

Evening:

• Dinner in Tokyo: Enjoy a final meal in the city.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥21,500 – ¥33,000 ($150 – $230)

Day 19-20: Tokyo Exploration

Day 19: Tokyo Cultural Day

Morning:

• Visit the Meiji Shrine: Explore the serene shrine in Shibuya.
• Cost: Free.

Afternoon:

• Explore Harajuku: Visit trendy shops and cafes.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
• Lunch in Harajuku: Try local or international cuisine.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Evening:

• Dinner in Roppongi: Enjoy dining with a view.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000 ($14 – $28).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,000 – ¥7,000 ($21 – $49)

Day 20: Tokyo Leisure Day

Morning:

• Explore Odaiba: Visit the futuristic island and its attractions.
• Cost: Free; specific attractions may have entrance fees.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Odaiba: Enjoy waterfront dining.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Evening:

• Final Dinner and Shopping: Explore remaining areas or do some final shopping.
• Cost: Varies.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,000 – ¥8,000 ($28 – $56)

Day 21: Departure

Morning:

• Prepare for Departure: Pack and check out of the hotel.
• Transfer to Airport: Take the Narita Express or Tokyo Monorail to the airport.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥3,500 ($20 – $25).

Afternoon:

• Flight Home: Depart from Tokyo.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥3,000 – ¥5,000 ($21 – $35)

Total Estimated Cost for 21 Days: ¥343,300 – ¥529,800 ($2,400 – $3,700)

This itinerary offers a mix of cultural experiences, sightseeing, and relaxation across Japan, ensuring a memorable and comprehensive journey. Enjoy your adventure!