JAPAN 3 Weeks
Overview of the 21 Days
Day 1: Flight from Home (no overnight in Japan)
Days 2–8: Tokyo Base (7 nights)
Days 9–11: Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima Pref. (3 nights)
Days 12–15: Kanazawa, Ishikawa Pref. (4 nights)
Days 16–19: Kyoto (4 nights)
Day 20: Osaka (1 night)
Day 21: Departure from Osaka
You will have a private driver on select days (airport transfers + guided excursions). Other days are free for you to explore at your leisure.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Depart from Home
Board your flight; you’ll typically arrive in Japan on Day 2 due to time zone differences.
- Day 2: Arrive in Tokyo
Private Airport Pickup (Narita/Haneda) → Transfer to your hotel.
Hotel Check-In (4-Star)
Evening: Rest or take a casual walk in a nearby district (Ginza, Shinjuku).
- Day 3 (Driver Day): Tokyo City Tour
Morning:
* Tsukiji Outer Market (free to enter, pay for food as you go)
* Meiji Jingu Shrine (lush forest setting, entrance free)
Afternoon:
* Shibuya Crossing (iconic and free)
* Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple (free entry)
* Optional Upgrade: Tokyo Skytree
Evening:
* Return to hotel or let your driver drop you near Roppongi/Shinjuku for nightlife.
* Central Tokyo touring:
> Meiji Jingu: Free
> Senso-ji: Free
> Tokyo Skytree (optional) - Day 4: Free Day in Tokyo
Suggestions (no driver):
* Tokyo Disney Resort (DisneySea or Disneyland) – from
* Art & Culture: Tokyo National Museum (Ueno), Mori Art Museum (Roppongi)
* Neighborhood Explorations: Shimokitazawa (bohemian vibe), Daikanyama (chic cafes), Kichijoji (Inokashira Park) - Day 5 (Driver Day):
*Off-the-Beaten-Path Chichibu (Saitama)
* Chichibu is ~2–2.5 hours by car from central Tokyo, known for scenic mountains, shrines, and rural charm.
* Mitsumine Shrine (deep in the mountains): free entry,
* Chichibu Shrine (central area): free entry
* Hitsujiyama Park (seasonal flowers): ~
* Tokyo ⇄ Chichibu round trip:
* Mitsumine Shrine: Free
* Chichibu Shrine: Free
* Hitsujiyama Park (if in season): - Day 6: Free Day in Tokyo
Suggestions (no driver):
* Odaiba waterfront area (shopping, museums, Gundam statue).
* Akihabara (electronics & anime hub).
* Sumo Practice (early morning stables, arranged in advance). - Day 7 (Driver Day): Edo-Era Kawagoe
About 1.5-hour drive from central Tokyo.
* Kawagoe is famous for its preserved Edo “Koedo” district (old storehouses, clay-walled buildings).
* Kurazukuri Street (free to walk)
* Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (free)
* Kawagoe Castle (Honmaru Goten) ~
Evening: Return to Tokyo hotel.
* Tokyo ⇄ Kawagoe
* Kawagoe Castle - Day 8: Free Day in Tokyo
Suggestions (no driver):
* Day Trip by Train to Yokohama or Kamakura if you wish.
* Modern Architecture Tour around Tokyo Station / Marunouchi.
* Shopping in Ginza or Shinjuku.
- Day 9 (Driver Day): Tokyo → Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukushima Pref.)
* Depart early (~3.5–4 hours by car).
* En Route Stop: Possible quick views of Lake Inawashiro (fourth-largest lake in Japan).
Arrival: Aizu-Wakamatsu by mid-afternoon.
* Tsurugajo Castle– famed samurai history.
* Check-In (4-Star Example): Tokyo → Aizu: ~ Tsurugajo Castle: ~ - Day 10 (Driver Day): Exploring Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchijuku
Ouchijuku (former post town with Edo-period thatched-roof houses): free to stroll, small museums from Higashiyama Onsen area (short soak or scenic walk).
* Local Sake Breweries – many offer free tastings, small museum fees
* Local Aizu touring
* Ouchijuku museum houses
* Optional Sake Museum - Day 11: Free Day in Aizu-Wakamatsu
Suggestions (no driver):
* Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence)
* Local Crafts: Aizu lacquerware shops, try a painting workshop.
* Relax at your ryokan/onsen or do a short taxi ride into town. - Day 12 (Driver Day): Aizu-Wakamatsu → Kanazawa
A longer drive (~5 hours).
* Possible lunch stop in Niigata (coastal city known for fresh seafood and rice).
* Arrive Kanazawa late afternoon/early evening.
* Hotel Check-In (4-Star) - Day 13: Free Day in Kanazawa
Suggestions (no driver):
* Kenrokuen Garden (~¥320) – one of Japan’s top 3 landscape gardens.
* Kanazawa Castle Park (free to stroll; castle interior ~¥320).
* Omicho Market (taste local seafood).
* 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (~¥450). - Day 14 (Driver Day): Noto Peninsula Excursion
Drive ~1.5–2 hours north to explore the Noto Peninsula (less touristed):
* Wajima Morning Market (fresh produce, lacquerware).
* Senmaida Rice Terraces (dramatic seaside terraced fields).
* Return to Kanazawa by evening.
* Kanazawa ⇄ Wajima: ~¥4,000
* Wajima Lacquerware Museum (optional): ~¥500
* Senmaida: Free to view - Day 15: Free Day in Kanazawa
Suggestions (no driver):
* Higashi Chaya District (traditional teahouses).
* Samurai District (Nagamachi) with preserved samurai residences.
* Local crafts: gold-leaf application workshop (~¥500–¥1,000).
- Day 16 (Driver Day): Kanazawa → Kyoto (Possible Stop in Shirakawa-go)
About 3 hours direct, but Shirakawa-go detour adds ~2 hours:
* Shirakawa-go (UNESCO village with thatched-roof gassho houses) – some houses have small entry fees (~¥300–¥600).
* Arrive in Kyoto by late afternoon.
* Hotel Check-In (4-Star Example):
* Cross Hotel Kyoto or Daiwa Royal Hotel Grande Kyoto
Approx. Rate: ¥30,000–¥40,000/night
* Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Kyoto: ~¥6,000
* Shirakawa-go: village free to walk; individual house museums ~¥300–¥600 - Day 17: Free Day in Kyoto
Suggestions (no driver):
* Gion District stroll (old wooden machiya houses).
* Kiyomizu-dera (~¥400) or Philosopher’s Path (free).
* Cultural Experiences: Tea ceremony (~¥2,000–¥3,000), kimono rental, wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshop. - Day 18 (Driver Day): Kyoto Highlights
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ~¥400
* Ryoan-ji (Zen rock garden) ~¥500
* Fushimi Inari Taisha (famous torii gates, free)
* Nishiki Market (Kyoto’s “Kitchen,” free to enter)
* Local Kyoto driving: ~¥2,000
* Kinkaku-ji: ~¥400
* Ryoan-ji: ~¥500
* Fushimi Inari: Free - Day 19: Free Day in Kyoto
Suggestions (no driver):
* Arashiyama (bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji ~¥500).
* Imperial Palace grounds (free, guided tour reservations).
* Cooking Class: Learn traditional Kyoto cuisine (~¥6,000–¥8,000 per session). - Day 20: Free Day – Transfer to Osaka on Your Own
Kyoto → Osaka is 30 minutes by local train (¥560) or 1 hour by bus.
* Check-In (4-Star Example):
* Swissôtel Nankai Osaka or
* Hotel Granvia Osaka
Approx. Rate: ¥25,000–¥35,000/night
* Free Time in Osaka: Dotonbori (neon lights, food stalls), Shinsekai (retro district), or Osaka Castle (~¥600 if you haven’t visited yet). - Day 21: Departure from Osaka
Private Car from hotel to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport.
* Fly home with memories of three incredible weeks in Japan!
Osaka city → KIX: ~¥2,000
Hotels & Approx. Nightly Costs
(Double/Twin occupancy, approximate May pricing)
Tokyo (Days 2–8): 7 nights
~¥30,000/night → ¥210,000 total
Aizu-Wakamatsu (Days 9–11): 3 nights
~¥20,000–¥25,000/night → ¥60,000–¥75,000 total
Kanazawa (Days 12–15): 4 nights
~¥25,000–¥30,000/night → ¥100,000–¥120,000 total
Kyoto (Days 16–19): 4 nights
~¥30,000–¥40,000/night → ¥120,000–¥160,000 total
Osaka (Day 20): 1 night
~¥25,000–¥35,000/night → ¥25,000–¥35,000 total
Rough Overall Hotel Range (19 nights):
¥515,000–¥600,000 for two people (double/twin occupancy).
Entrance Fees Summary
Below are typical per-person costs if you do all recommended paid entries on driver days:
Tokyo Skytree (optional): ~¥2,100–¥3,400
Chichibu (Hitsujiyama Park seasonal): ~¥300
Kawagoe Castle: ~¥300
Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu): ~¥410
Ouchijuku (small museums): ~¥200–¥300
Shirakawa-go houses (optional): ~¥300–¥600
Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto): ~¥400
Ryoan-ji (Kyoto): ~¥500
Osaka Castle (if you go on Day 20 free time): ~¥600
Likely total if visiting most spots: ~¥5,000–¥8,000 per person (depending on your choices).
Toll & Gas Estimates for Private-Car Days
Day Route / Activity Approx. Cost (JPY)
Day 2 Airport → Tokyo Hotel (pickup) ~2,000
Day 3 Tokyo city touring ~2,000
Day 5 Tokyo ⇄ Chichibu ~6,000
Day 7 Tokyo ⇄ Kawagoe ~3,000
Day 9 Tokyo → Aizu-Wakamatsu ~8,000
Day 10 Aizu local touring (Ouchijuku, etc.) ~3,000
Day 12 Aizu → Kanazawa ~10,000
Day 14 Kanazawa ⇄ Noto Peninsula ~4,000
Day 16 Kanazawa → Shirakawa-go → Kyoto ~6,000
Day 18 Kyoto city touring ~2,000
Day 21 Osaka Hotel → KIX (drop-off) ~2,000
Approximate Grand Total: ¥48,000–¥50,000 in tolls & fuel across all listed private-car days.
(Your driver or tour operator may incorporate these into a package rate.)
Off-the-Beaten-Path Highlights
Chichibu, Saitama – Mountain shrines, scenic valleys, fewer crowds than Kamakura/Nikko.
Kawagoe (“Little Edo”) – Edo-period charm just outside Tokyo.
Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima – Samurai heritage, old post towns (Ouchijuku), far from big-city tourism.
Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa – Rural coastal vibes, famous Wajima lacquerware, scenic rice terraces.
Shirakawa-go (Gifu/Toyama border) – Although increasingly known, it’s still more remote than mainstream Golden Route destinations.
Free Day Recommendations
On your 9+ free days, consider:
- Cultural Classes (tea ceremony, sushi-making, calligraphy).
- Museums & Markets (Ueno/Tokyo, Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Omicho Market in Kanazawa).
- Nature Walks in local parks (Inokashira Park in Tokyo, Tetsugaku no Michi (Philosopher’s Path) in Kyoto).
- Short Train Excursions to neighboring towns if you want even more exploration.
Final Notes
Private Driver vs. Public Transport
You have a total of 9 sightseeing driver days + 2 airport transfers. This balances guided convenience with free days for self-guided adventures.
Seasonal Variations
Certain fees and opening hours vary by season. Always check official websites before visiting.
Hotel Costs & Availability
May is a popular month (mild weather, post-cherry blossom). Booking well in advance is advised.
Budgeting
Expect to spend ¥515,000–¥600,000 on 4-star hotels (19 nights, double occupancy), plus ~¥50,000 for tolls/fuel, and ¥5,000–¥8,000 on entrance fees per person.
Private car base rates (driver’s fee) are extra and depend on your chosen provider.
With this 21-day plan, you’ll see modern Tokyo, historic samurai towns, the scenic Tohoku countryside, the cultural gems of Kanazawa and Kyoto, and finish in vibrant Osaka—all while enjoying enough free days to explore at your own pace. Safe travels and enjoy discovering both classic and lesser-known sides of Japan!
Below is a comprehensive cost breakdown for the sightseeing and activities mentioned in the 21-day itinerary, including optional attractions. You’ll see a day-by-day list of potential entrance fees. At the end, there is a grand total range (minimum to maximum), which covers all optional admissions if you choose to do them.
Note: On free days, you can opt to do no paid activities or choose from multiple suggestions. In this table, we include only those paid activities explicitly mentioned in the itinerary’s descriptions and suggestions. All costs are per person in Japanese Yen (¥).
Day 2 Arrival day, no major paid sightseeing 0 –
Day 3 Tokyo Skytree (observation decks)(If visited) 2,100 – 3,400 Yes
Day 4 Tokyo Disney Resort (DisneySea or Disneyland) orOther museums (e.g., Tokyo National Museum, Mori Art Museum)* ~7,900 (Disney)(Museums: ~1,000–2,000) Yes
Day 5 Hitsujiyama Park (Chichibu, seasonal flowers) ~300 Yes
Day 6 Free day; no specific paid attractions listed 0 –
Day 7 Kawagoe Castle (Honmaru Goten) ~300 Yes
Day 8 Free day; no specific paid attractions listed 0 –
Day 9 Tsurugajo Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu) ~410 Yes
Day 10 Ouchijuku (small museums) ~¥200–¥300 eachSake Museum ~¥300 Up to ~600 total Yes
Day 11 Free day; Aizu Bukeyashiki (~¥850) or other options 0 – 850+ Yes
Day 12 Travel day to Kanazawa, no specific paid attractions en route 0 –
Day 13 Kenrokuen Garden (¥320)Kanazawa Castle interior (¥320)21st Century Museum (~¥450) Up to ~1,090 total Yes
Day 14 Wajima Lacquerware Museum (Noto Peninsula) ~500 Yes
Day 15 Free day; possible gold-leaf workshop (~¥500–¥1,000), etc. 0 – 1,000 Yes
Day 16 Shirakawa-go gassho house museums ~300 – ~600 each Yes
Day 17 Kiyomizu-dera (¥400)Tea Ceremony (¥2,000–¥3,000) Up to ~3,400 total Yes
Day 18 Kinkaku-ji (¥400)Ryoan-ji (¥500) ~900 total Yes
Day 19 Tenryu-ji (¥500)Cooking Class (¥6,000–¥8,000) Up to ~8,500 total Yes
Day 20 Osaka Castle (~¥600) ~600 Yes
Day 21 Departure day, no additional sightseeing fees 0 –
Because many attractions (especially on free days) are optional, we can estimate a minimum (visiting only free sites or skipping paid ones) and a maximum (doing all suggested paid attractions at the higher price points).
Below is a representative example of a minimum and maximum scenario, focusing on the major suggested stops:
Minimum scenario:
Skip or replace big-ticket items (Disney, expensive classes)
Avoid the optional extras (castle interiors, museum admissions)
Total = ¥0 (if you literally do only free sights)
Maximum scenario: Doing all optional paid activities at the high-end estimates:
Day 3 (Tokyo Skytree top tier): ~¥3,400
Day 4 (Tokyo Disney): ~¥7,900
Day 5 (Hitsujiyama Park): ~¥300
Day 7 (Kawagoe Castle): ~¥300
Day 9 (Tsurugajo Castle): ~¥410
Day 10 (Ouchijuku + Sake Museum): up to ~¥600
Day 11 (Aizu Bukeyashiki if chosen): ~¥850 (optional addition)
Day 13 (Kenrokuen + Castle + 21st CM): ~¥1,090
Day 14 (Wajima Lacquerware Museum): ~¥500
Day 15 (Gold-leaf workshop, if chosen): up to ~¥1,000
Day 16 (Shirakawa-go houses): ~¥600
Day 17 (Kiyomizu-dera + Tea Ceremony): up to ~¥3,400
Day 18 (Kinkaku-ji + Ryoan-ji): ~¥900
Day 19 (Tenryu-ji + Cooking Class): up to ~¥8,500
Day 20 (Osaka Castle): ~¥600
Let’s sum the key high-end items (excluding the Day 11 or 15 optional if not strongly featured; you can add them if you wish):
Day 3: ¥3,400
Day 4: ¥7,900
Day 5: ¥300
Day 7: ¥300
Day 9: ¥410
Day 10: ¥600
Day 13: ¥1,090
Day 14: ¥500
Day 16: ¥600
Day 17: ¥3,400
Day 18: ¥900
Day 19: ¥8,500
Day 20: ¥600
Subtotal:
= 3,400 + 7,900 + 300 + 300 + 410 + 600 + 1,090 + 500 + 600 + 3,400 + 900 + 8,500 + 600
= ¥28,500
If you also do Aizu Bukeyashiki (¥850, Day 11) and a gold-leaf workshop (¥1,000, Day 15), that adds another ~¥1,850 to reach ~¥30,350.
Therefore, a realistic maximum (including all big-ticket items) hovers around ¥28,500–¥30,000 per person.
Absolute Minimum: ¥0 (if you stick to free sights only).
Typical / Moderate: ¥5,000–¥15,000 for a mix of paid/unpaid attractions (e.g., picking a few must-sees).
All-In / High End: ~¥28,500–¥30,000 if you do every recommended (and optional) paid activity at the highest tier.
These figures exclude any food/drink costs, souvenirs, or additional choices on free days not specified in the itinerary.
Services Included
- Accommodation: Comfortable stays at well-rated 4 star hotels in central locations.
- Transportation: Private transportation with up to 4 people in one vehicle
- Dining: Pre-arranged reservations at acclaimed restaurants for an authentic taste of Japan.
- Guided Experiences: Expert local guides to provide cultural insights and ensure a seamless experience.
- Support: 24/7 travel assistance to address your needs throughout the trip.
Important Information: - Booking and Availability: Hotel and activity reservations are subject to availability; early booking is recommended.
- Seasonal Highlights: Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and year-round cultural festivals add unique charm to your visit.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect for local customs and traditions is key to enjoying your experience. Our guides will help you navigate these gracefully.
- Baggage allowance:
4 M size luggage (24×26 inch) + 2 carry on (or two L size luggage and 2 carry on)
Services not included
- Air fare
- Food & beverages
- Travel insurance
- Train tickets back to Tokyo if required
Let us handle the details so you can focus on making unforgettable memories. Book your two-week Japan tour today and embark on a journey that blends the ancient and the modern in perfect harmony
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We specialize in curated small-group trips and private-driver services in Japan. Our itineraries are carefully crafted to include iconic highlights and off-the-beaten-path gems, ensuring you enjoy an authentic and personalized travel experiences.
The best time to visit Japan depends on what you’re looking for:
- Spring (March to May): Famous for cherry blossoms (sakura), with mild temperatures.
- Summer (June to August): Warm weather and vibrant festivals, though it can be humid.
- Autumn (September to November): Stunning autumn foliage with cool, comfortable weather.
- Winter (December to February): Ideal for skiing or other winter sports and enjoying hot springs (onsen) in colder regions.
Yes. We focus on small group travel experiences (typically 2 – 6 people) to maintain a personalized feel, but we also arrange bespoke private trips and tours for couples, families, businesses or special-interest groups upon request.
Fully private trips for a mimum of 2 people and semi-private trips from 2-6 people maximum, ensuring more intimate experiences, greater flexibility, and direct interaction with our guides and local experts.
We offer both group tours and private tours. Group tours are ideal for those who enjoy meeting other travelers and following a set itinerary, while private tours allow you to have a more personalized and flexible experience. Please refer to the specific package details to see whether it is a (semi) group or private tour, or contact us to customize your experience.
It depends on your nationality and the length of stay. Many passport holders (e.g., from the US, EU countries) can enter Japan visa-free for short tourist visits. Check with your local consulate or embassy.
We offer a variety of travel packages to Japan, including:
- Cultural & Historical Tours: Explore ancient temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese culture.
- City Tours: Visit modern cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto with guided sightseeing tours.
- Custom Packages: Tailor your itinerary to your specific preferences, including family, romantic, or business travel.
Yes! We offer custom travel packages to Japan. If you have specific destinations, experiences, or dates in mind, just let us know, and we will create an itinerary tailored to your needs. You can also add or remove tours, extend your stay, or upgrade your accommodation.
Booking a package is easy! You can book directly through our website or contact our customer service team for assistance. Simply select your desired package, provide us with your travel details, and we’ll handle the rest, including sightseeing and accommodation arrangements. To book your flight please go here: Flights & Hotel
Trips are paid in-full in order to make booking. We advise to review our cancellation policy for more information.
