By Zoe Branigan-Pipe
Embark on a whirlwind journey through Japan, traversing from the bustling north to the serene south, mainly exploring the vibrant landscapes of Honshu. This fast-paced adventure isn't your typical slow travel experience; it's designed for those who thrive on daily excitement and constant movement like we do - packing each day with new discoveries. It can be exhausting and overwhelming - but we loved it. While we cherished every moment across the country, the charming locales of Itoshima and Onomichi captured us - these places could certainly be somewhere we go back and stay longer!
Despite the fast pace, we adhered to a budget of approximately $40 per person per day for food and miscellaneous expenses, which proved to be quite manageable. Much of our dining involved cooking and frequenting convenience stores (thank. you 7-Eleven, for always having veggies and fruit), where the prices were surprisingly reasonable, allowing us to enjoy a variety of local flavours without breaking the bank.
From the northern reaches (Aomori) to the southern coasts, each destination held its unique charm (which is what we were hoping for), making this itinerary not just a travel plan, but a trip of a lifetime. Join us as we navigate through the highlights and hidden gems of Japan, each stop an unforgettable chapter in an epic travel tale.
This itinerary covers a three-week journey through Japan for three people, with approximate costs for both a group of three and an individual. Additionally, I've included interesting points about each destination and related videos from my YouTube channel,
Japan Itinerary for Three Weeks
Day 1-2: Arrival and Tokyo Stay
Location: Narita, Tokyo
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Narita - $114.18 total ($38.06 per person)
Interesting Points: Explore Narita, visit Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, enjoy the local cuisine (we loved the breakfast buffet- probably our favourite in our entire stay across Japan!!)
Travel Time: 10 minutes walk to hotel from airport - also offers airport transportation
Day 3-4: Nagano Stay - LOVE IT!
Location: Nagano
Accommodation: Minshuku Miyama - $310 total ($103.33 per person)
Interesting Points: Visit the famous snow monkeys, explore Zenkō-ji Temple, try Nagano's renowned soba noodles.
Travel Time: 4 hours from Tokyo.
Approx. Cost for Three: $310
Approx. Cost for One: $103.33
Day 5-7: Return to Tokyo
Location: Sumida City, Tokyo
Accommodation: AirBnB in Sumida City - $664 total ($221.33 per person)
Interesting Points: Visit Tokyo Skytree, explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple.
Travel Time: 4 hours back to Tokyo.
Approx. Cost for Three: $664
Approx. Cost for One: $221.33
Day 8: Fukushima Visit
Location: Fukushima
Accommodation: Yumori Onsen Hostel - $321 total ($107 per person)
Interesting Points: Relax in the onsen, visit the Fukushima Waraji Festival.
Travel Time: 1.5 hours from Tokyo.
Approx. Cost for Three: $605
Approx. Cost for One: $201.67
Day 9: Aomori
Location: Aomori, then Akita
Accommodation: Hotel JAL City Aomori - $236.23 total ($78.74 per person)
Interesting Points: Enjoy the Nebuta Festival in Aomori, explore the historical sites in Akita.
Travel Time: 7.5 hours total journey.
Approx. Cost for Three: $236.23
Approx. Cost for One: $78.74
Day 10: Sendai
Location: Sendai
Accommodation: Hotel JAL City Sendai - $250 total ($78.74 per person).
Travel Time: 7.5 hours total journey.
Approx. Cost for Three: $236.23
Approx. Cost for One: $78.74
Day 11-13: Shizuoka
Location: Shizuoka
Accommodation: Hotel Associa Shizuoka - $338.93 total ($112.98 per person)
Interesting Points: Visit the Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, hike to see Mount Fuji, explore the hip atmosphere of the town.
Travel Time: 3.5 - 4 hours from Sendai.
Approx. Cost for Three: $338.93
Approx. Cost for One: $112.98
Related Video: Explore Shizuoka
Day 14-16: Itoshima
Location: Itoshima, Fukuoka
Accommodation: Itoshimanogita House - $593.61 total ($197.87 per person)
Interesting Points: Visit the Totoro forest, enjoy the beaches, explore hiking trails.
Travel Time: 6 hours from Shizuoka to Itoshima.
Approx. Cost for Three: $593.61
Approx. Cost for One: $197.87
Related Video: Itoshima Adventures
Day 17-18: Onomichi
Location: Onomichi
Accommodation: AirBnB in Onomichi - $563.07 total ($187.69 per person)
Interesting Points: Cycle the famous Shimanami Kaido, explore the historic temples, enjoy the scenic views.
Travel Time: Transition from Itoshima.
Approx. Cost for Three: $563.07
Approx. Cost for One: $187.69
Related Video: Onomichi Cycling
Day 19-20: Nara
Location: Nara
Accommodation: Nara Apartment - $281.56 total ($93.85 per person)
Interesting Points: Visit Nara Park and its deer, explore the Todai-ji Temple, enjoy traditional Japanese gardens.
Travel Time: Transition from Onomichi.
Approx. Cost for Three: $281.56
Approx. Cost for One: $93.85
Day 21-22: Tokyo End of Trip
Location: Tokyo
Accommodation: Tokyo Apartment, Shimokitazawa - $200 total ($66.67 per person)
Interesting Points: Explore the trendy Shimokitazawa neighborhood, shop for vintage clothes, enjoy local cafes.
Approx. Cost for Three: $200
Approx. Cost for One: $66.67
Additional Costs:
Airfaire from Toronto Canada -Approx. Cost for Three: $6,114.18
Approx. Cost for One: $2,038.06
Food and Miscellaneous: $2,000 total ($666.67 per person)
Japan Rail Pass and WiFi: $3,768 total ($1,256 per person)
Total Approx. Cost for Three: $15,390.58
Total Approx. Cost for One: $5,130.19
This itinerary blends historical exploration with cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable trip across Japan. The use of the Japan Rail Pass with the Green Car upgrade greatly enhances the comfort and convenience of your travels.
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