Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Visiting Japan for the first time? This three-week itinerary is designed
to make the journey as enjoyable as possible for you and your family.
Whether you’re a couple or a family with teenagers, this itinerary strikes
the perfect balance between culture, adventure, and relaxation.

Japan has an undeniable appeal for many travellers and planning that first
trip can feel overwhelming. This country has sat on my bucket list for a very
long time and I wanted to get it just right and create the perfect adventure
for me, my husband and teenage daughter. Japan offers a magical blend of
futuristic cities, ancient temples, and serene landscapes, making it ideal for
those us seeking culture, food, and exploration.

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I wanted to tailor this guide for others just like me: first-time visitors who
enjoy travel but appreciate planning and organizing their own trip. If you’re
looking for mid-priced accommodations—not too budget or luxury—and want to
experience Japan’s highlights without falling into tourist traps, I have you
covered. 

This three-week Japan itinerary includes iconic destinations like
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, with side trips to
Hiroshima and Miyajima, and Hakone which are well worth
seeing. Plus, I’ve included some insider tips that will help your vacation go
smoother! Tip #1: buy some comfortable shoes. You’ll need them for this trip!

I do like a busy vacation schedule. If you prefer a slower pace, feel free to
adjust the itinerary by excluding activities or adding in rest days to suit
your needs!

📌TIP: Read to the end for a
special offer
on how you can get the Japan Travel Spreadsheet which includes all of the
information contained in this blog post in an easy-to-use spreadsheet
format

🗾 Table of Contents

But before you plan your Japan trip, consider these questions:

How Long Should You Stay In Japan As A Tourist?

When deciding how long to stay in Japan, it depends on how much you want to
explore. 

  • A one week trip is enough if you’re focusing solely on Tokyo, allowing
    time to enjoy the city’s highlights without rushing. 
  • If you want to visit multiple cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka,
    you’ll need at least 10 to 14 days to cover the essentials and truly
    experience each destination while allowing for travel time. 
  • For a more relaxed Japan trip, including four or more cities like
    Hiroshima, Nara, or Hakone, plan for 18 to 21 days, giving you ample
    time to enjoy the best places without feeling rushed

Our 18 day trip was a good amount of time for us to see the best things in
Japan while enjoying authentic, meaningful experiences as a family. We
split our Japan itinerary like so:

  • 3 nights in Tokyo
  • 2 nights in Hakone
  • 2 nights in Osaka
  • 1 night in Hiroshima with a day trip to Miyajima
  • 4 nights in Kyoto
  • 5 nights in Tokyo
  • 1 day travel home

Had we a bit more extra time, I would have added a night in Miyajima and
one more night in Osaka. I didn’t feel like we missed anything though and
I loved that we alternated between bustling major cities and quieter
smaller towns (that was intentional!).

When Should You Visit Japan?

Japan has so much to offer that you could visit any time of year and find
something to do. If you want to see the cherry blossoms, plan your trip from
late March throughout the month of April. To see the vibrant fall colors, plan
on vacationing from late October to late November. The colours peak in mid
November.

japan trip to kyoto fushimi inari shrine

Our trip took place in the month of July, the only time we could visit because
of school schedules. I’ve read all the Reddit threads warning that July and
August are the worst months to visit because of the unbearable heat and I’ve
come through on the other side to tell you… it IS hot but bearable with some
preparation! 

Just bring your own hot-weather travel essentials: a portable fan, cooling towel, drink lots of water or Pocari Sweat, and
grab a UV-umbrella and stylish face towel while you’re there (I grabbed a
super cute one at the shops at Fushimi Inari Shrine!). And be sure to dress for the weather!

Getting Around

Japanese transportation systems are remarkably efficient and logical.
After 2 or 3 days, and relying solely on Google Maps,
you will get the hang of the public transportation system
and get to your destination easily. 

The lines and platforms are well marked with most signs in English, and
Google Maps is precise, telling you which specific subway cars to board on
and displaying arrival times to the exact minute.

We mostly travelled on foot or by subway, and took Shinkansen (high speed
trains) between cities. Taxis are plentiful, safe, and convenient. If your
driver doesn’t speak English, just show them the Google Map address in
Japanese, or use this handy translation feature on your iphone.

In terms of reservations, I recommend:

  • booking Shinkansen tickets 1-2 days ahead from the terminals in the
    stations
  • booking accommodations on
    Booking.com 3-4 months in
    advance
  • booking tickets for sell-out attractions through
    Klook. We also
    used Klook for attractions like
    TeamLab Planets
    which don’t accept North American credit cards on their website, and
    for purchasing tickets to
    Tokyo DisneySea
    (the Tokyo Disney website is notorious for being confusing, even when
    translated to English)
You’ll need data when using Google Maps and sites. I recommend
purchasing an
Airalo e-SIM
(digital SIM card) so you can stay connected and avoid high roaming
rates. 5GB-10GB should be sufficient for two to three week trip.

Do They Speak English In Japan?

Unlike travel to Europe where English is widely spoken, I find travel to Asia in general is a bit more challenging because of the language barrier. As a first-time visitor, this is something you are no doubt worried about.
I was too but I had taken some lessons on Duolingo and Buusu, watched some
YouTube videos, and landed in Japan knowing maybe 10 conversational
phrases. It was more than enough to get by!

You’ll find that most employees at hotels, tourist attractions, and retail
shops will know some English. Restaurants will often have plastic food on
display and English menus available so you know what you’re ordering.
Directional signs are often displayed in Japanese and English, and on
buses and subways, you will hear announcements in Japanese and English as
well.

shokuhin sampuru plastic food japan
Occasionally you’ll need to
use Google Translate on your phone
to translate a Japanese menu or talk with a taxi driver or restaurant
employee who doesn’t speak English. But those instances are rare,
especially in the larger cities.

📌 TIP: Researching your transportation ahead of time can save you
confusion and minimize language challenges.

What I would encourage you to do though is research all of your
transportation needs ahead of time. Knowing where and how to buy your
tickets, reading train schedules and routes ahead of time, and generally
understanding how to get from one destination to the next will save you a
lot of time and confusion. 

Those kind of in depth, detailed conversations, where you’re trying to
communicate your needs to the ticket agent, are harder to have if you
don’t speak the language.

But don’t let any of that dissuade you. The Japanese people are helpful and
accustomed to having tourists from all over the world.

japan itinerary for first time visitor, 18 day japan trip, visiting japan 3 weeks

Week 1: Tokyo and Hakone Adventures

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

After a long flight, the first thing you’ll want is a smooth
transition from the airport to your hotel, so let’s start with some
transportation tips. We flew into Narita Airport and took the
Narita Express (N’EX). It will take you directly to central Tokyo in
about an hour, with stops in Shinjuku (where we were staying) and
Shibuya, two of the city’s most convenient areas to stay in. Get a
ticket for the
N’EX online or at
the JR East Travel Center in the airport terminal.

You can also
pick up a
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
if you need one, and a
Suica
card at the JR East Travel Center. It’s a good idea to get a Suica card on
your first day. 

The Suica card is a prepaid rechargeable contactless smart card that you can
just tap to pay fares for train lines, subways, and can also be used as
payment in some convenience stores. If you have an iPhone, you can also load
a digital Suica card instead. Pasmo card is another card that operates the
same as Suica.

Where To Stay In Tokyo

For your stay, consider booking a hotel in
Shinjuku,
Shibuya or
Ginza
. Shinjuku and Shibuya are both vibrant areas packed with restaurants,
shopping, and easy access to Tokyo’s top sights. Ginza offers higher end
accommodations and walking distance to flagship stores of top brands from
Uniqlo to Gucci.

Dealing with jet lag and time change, I always
like to have a bit of comfort and familiarity on my first night so we stayed
at the
Hilton Tokyo. It was conveniently located with beautiful city views and a short walk to
the subway.

📌  TIP: Note that when booking a hotel in Japan, “child” implies they will
share the bed with you. We booked our Hilton hotel for two adults and one
child (our 15 year old) and found there was only one queen bed in the room.
Not a big issue – the roll-away bed we added was heavenly!

Day 2: Tokyo – Explore Shinjuku

First time visitors should absolutely start their first full day with a
visit to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. The free
panoramic views
are stunning and a wonderful way to be welcomed to Tokyo, the largest city
in the world.

From there, hop on the subway at Shinjuku Station
to the Asakusa District. I’ll be honest – Shinjuku Station is massive
and intimidating. It is one of the world’s busiest train stations, handling
over 3.6 million passengers a day!! 

The Asakusa Tourist Information Centre offers fantastic views of the
area, including the iconic Senso-ji buddhist temple and
Tokyo Skytree. Take a stroll down lively
Nakamise Shopping Street before reaching Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest
temple. Don’t forget to follow temple etiquette, like bowing and purifying
your hands at the entrance. For lunch, stop at Kura Sushi Asakusa,
an authentic conveyor belt sushi spot where you can grab fresh plates
as they pass by.

From there, you can walk to Kappabashi,
Tokyo’s kitchenware district, where stores offer beautiful Japanese cooking
tools and high-quality knives. A quick subway back to the hotel leaves you
time in the evening to explore Shinjuku. The famous 3D cat billboard,
Godzilla head, and narrow streets of Omoide Yokocho are definitely
worth seeing.

Day 3: Tokyo – Shibuya & Harajuku

Begin this day at Meiji Shrine, a tranquil oasis and Shinto shrine in
the heart of Shibuya. The stroll through the peaceful grounds and seeing the
traditional Shinto architecture was one of my favourite experiences.

Next, take a short walk to Harajuku’s Takeshita Street,
known for its vibrant fashion and unique shops. It’s a great place to find
vintage clothing, affordable finds, and delicious sweet treats. Nearby
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando is the main street to admire striking Japanese
modern architecture.

Finally, make your way to
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of Tokyo’s most iconic sights. Early
evening is the best time to enjoy the famous Shibuya Crossing and lively
atmosphere of the surrounding district.

📌 TIP: For fast, inexpensive, and easy ready-to-eat meals, visit the hot
counter in most convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawsons, Family Mart) or the
“Depachika” food halls found in the basement of Tokyo’s large department
stores.

Day 4: Tokyo to Hakone

After a busy few days in Tokyo, you can find respite in Hakone, a picturesque hot spring resort town known for its stunning natural
landscapes including views of Mount Fuji. Hakone’s relaxing hot springs and
cultural attractions are the perfect place to rejuvenate and spend some time
in nature.

Travel by Romancecar from Tokyo to Hakone, enjoying
the quick glimpse of Mt Fuji along the route (be sure to sit on the right
side of the train for the best view!) For discounted travel, make use of the
Hakone Free Pass, which provides access to various attractions and transportation options.

📌  TIP:  Pick up your Romancecar ticket and Hakone Free Pass a day or
two prior at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku
Station.


Every minute counts when you’re travelling. If you don’t have much
time to go to your hotel, take advantage of the stress-free luggage delivery
service at Hakone-Yumoto station. We had them transfer our carry-on luggage
directly to the
Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en which left us free to go sightsee.

The Hotel Kowaki-en is a stunning, newly renovated hotel. I loved the
traditional Japanese pajamas and slippers (everyone wore them to dinner and
breakfast), the ample buffet with Western and Japanese food options, and
free access to the
Yunessun Hot Springs Park
next door.

Your memorable experience in Hakone starts with taking
the switchback Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station. Known as
the “Hydrangea Train”, July is the perfect time to see the sides of the
tracks blooming with colourful hydrangeas.

After a quick stop at
Hakone No Mori for the fluffiest pancakes, you are ready to explore
Hakone Gora Park with its beautiful gardens and tranquil
atmosphere. Be sure to check out cultural activities like the tea ceremony
or glass bead blowing. Our teenager absolutely loved this activity and it
was a a fun way to make a unique souvenir.

Lastly, don’t miss
the Hakone Open Air Museum. I was blown away the Picasso museum and
the impressive sculptures, all set in a spectacular outdoor setting.

Day 5: Hakone: Ropeway, Cruise, and Shrine Visit

A trip to Hakone wouldn’t be complete without a ride on the cable cars
of the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan Station to Owakudani, an
active volcanic valley known for its sulfur vents and hot springs. There you
can try the famous black eggs (Kuro-tamago), which are boiled in the
sulfuric hot springs and believed to add seven years to your life, or black
ice cream if you’re not as adventurous.

Torrential rains forced
us to abandon our afternoon plans which included a scenic
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
across Lake Ashi which offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear
days. Disembarking at Motohakone, our plan was to visit
Hakone-jinja Shrine and stop to take photos at the
Heiwa no Torii, the red gate that stands in the lake.

Luckily,
Hakone is an onsen town and you can find many options to enjoy the area’s
natural hot springs, even on rainy days. We booked a private onsen at
Hakone Hotel Kowaki-en, and it turned out to be an experience I will always
remember.

Day 6: Hakone To Osaka

From Hakone, make your way to the bustling big city of
Osaka. Our stay at
Mimaru Osaka Shinsaibashi West
was fabulous and I highly recommend staying at the Mimaru chain of
apartment-style hotels. They’re typically quite spacious and located near
grocery stores and transportation.

Begin exploring with a long
stroll down Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, a bustling covered
arcade filled with trendy boutiques, souvenirs, and local shops. 

In the evening, head to the Dotonbori area, famous for its bright
lights (stop for a photo at Glico man!), lively atmosphere and street food,
and check out the nearby Hozenji Yokocho. With its red lanterns,
cobblestone paths, and the famous Hozenji temple, it offers a more
traditional side of Osaka.

For a special dining experience,
enjoy dinner at
Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M Yokocho Branch, where you can the savor top-quality Matsusaka beef that Japan is known
for grilled to perfection. Be sure to make a reservation and arrive on an
empty stomach – we barely made it through the 8-course meal!

Want to get the details of this itinerary in an easy-to-use spreadsheet
format?

Week 2: Exploring Osaka, Hiroshima and Kyoto

Day 7: Exploring Osaka: Castles, Markets, and City Views

Start your day with a visit to the historic
Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city with stunning architecture and beautiful grounds
perfect for a morning stroll.
Booking ahead online
is highly recommended as the onsite line is very very long.

Making the trek to the top of Osaka Castle will reward you with 360° views
of the city. But be warned – the elevators were not in use during our
visit so we had to walk up and down eight flights of stairs!

If
you’re ready to eat, head to Kuromon Market, a popular spot where
you can sample fresh seafood, street food, and local delicacies. Osaka is
known as the kitchen of Japan and I can see why – the shrimp tempura we
had there was seriously the best I’ve had in my life!

For
breathtaking views of the city, visit the
Abeno Harukas Observation Deck, the tallest skyscraper in Japan. Or, explore the lush
Namba Parks which has a spectacular rooftop garden and unique
shopping. Wrap up your day with a hearty bowl of Ichiran Ramen. At
this popular restaurant chain, you can customize your ramen and enjoy it
in a cozy, private individual booth—a must-try in Osaka!

visiting japan osaka castle

👉🏼 Special Note: Luggage Forwarding Service for Hassle-Free Travel in
Japan

If you are planning any overnight trips in your itinerary, I highly
recommend making use of Japan’s luggage forwarding service. Known as
Takkyubin or Ta-Q-Bin, it’s a convenient and reliable way
to travel light between cities. 

This service allows you to send your luggage from one hotel to the next
or directly to the airport, freeing you from the hassle of carrying
heavy bags on public transport. We used this service to transport our
luggage from our hotel in Osaka to our hotel in Kyoto, while we just
took an overnight bag with us from Osaka to Hiroshima in between.

You arrange for your luggage to be picked up from your hotel (confirm
your hotel offers this service), and it usually arrives the next day, in
24 hours, allowing you to enjoy your trip without extra weight. We found
it to be affordable (approximately $40 CAD for each of our carry-ons)
and efficient!

Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima/Miyajima: A Day of Culture and Food

Travel from Osaka to Hiroshima, then take a scenic boat ride to
Miyajima Island, famous for its floating torii gate and serene atmosphere. Our day there
was rainy, which only added to the ethereal atmosphere. The island has an
abundance of deer you can see up-close roaming the streets, so its a good
alternative to Nara Park.

There are many hotel options in
Miyajima, or return to Hiroshima. We stayed at
Hotel Cla-ss Hiroshima-Tokaichi, which was a fine budget friendly accommodation, but I’d opt for a hotel
closer to the Peace Memorial Park. For dinner, head out to enjoy
Hiroshima’s famous layered style of okonomiyaki, packed with savory
ingredients. 

japan vacation to osaka, kuromon market shrimp tempurajapan miyajima island floating torii gate
hiroshima peace memorial, atomic bomb buildingjapan visit to miyajima island hiroshima

Day 9: Hiroshima to Kyoto: History and Tradition

Start your day in Hiroshima with breakfast at Bakery Roti. They
serve the most delicious French pastries and the owner is delightful! Then
make your way to the solemn Hiroshima Peace Park, a moving tribute
to the victims of the atomic bomb.  

The
Peace Memorial Museum
is worthy of a visit, but I highly recommend spending time at the
Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims.
The Hall of Remembrance is incredibly moving, and along with the
Atomic Bomb Dome, is something I will never forget. 

Before heading to Kyoto, grab an Eki-ben (a special bento box) at
the train station, perfect for enjoying while on the bullet train. Upon
arrival, check in at
Mimaru Kyoto Kawaramachi Gojo. Like the Mimaru hotel we stayed at in Osaka, the hotel rooms are well
decorated and spacious. We loved the convenient location of this
family-friendly hotel.

Spend the late afternoon exploring
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street and the famous Nishiki Market,
known as “Kyoto’s kitchen”. End your night immersed in the rich culture of
the nearby historic Gion district, known for its traditional
atmosphere and chance to spot a geisha strolling the lantern-lit
streets.

Day 10: Kyoto Temples

Every Japan travel guide will tell you that a trip to
Kyoto
must include a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha.
This popular destination is famous for its thousands of red torii gates
that wind through the forested mountainside. 

In the summer months, the paths are busy with a lot of people but grow
less crowded the further up you go. Before leaving the area, we highly
recommend poking into the many souvenir shops along the way. They offer
lovely coin purses, fans, chopsticks, or small towels as a remembrance of
your time in Japan.

📌 TIP: Japan is known for its high-quality burgers. A stop at
Dragon Burger across from Fushimi Inari will reward you with absolutely the
best burger you will ever have in Japan! Months later and I am still
dreaming about their Yuzu burger and homemade ice tea.

Next, head to Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage
site known for its grand wooden stage that offers panoramic views of
Kyoto. 

Be sure to leave enough time to enjoy the long walk to the temple. From
Gion, it’s just a few minute walk along the picturesque streets of
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka up to Kiyomizu-zaka. The
narrow street is sure to be packed with western tourists looking for
Japanese souvenirs, crafts, and matcha ice cream! You can also stop for
your coffee fix at
Starbucks Coffee – Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya and sit on the
traditional tatami mats!

Day 11: Gion Matsuri and Exploring Gion-Higashiyama

Our stay in Kyoto luckily coincided with Gion Matsuri, one of
Japan’s most famous festivals. The streets of Gion fill with colourful
floats, lively parades, and traditional performances, offering a perfect
chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. 

The Yoiyama night-festival which happens on July 16th should not be
missed. Street stalls serve up delicious food and you can see many of the
floats lit up and on display.

Outside of the festival, one must
spend time exploring the Gion-Higashiyama area, starting with the
iconic Yasaka Pagoda, a stunning five-story structure that stands
out against the traditional wooden buildings. 

We took a stroll down the picturesque Shirakawa Lane, a charming
street lined with willow trees, rivers, and old tea houses, but ran out of
time to visit Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, a popular
place known for its serene gardens and beautiful artwork.

japan kyoto gion matsuri 2024
visiting kyoto fushimi inari taishakyoto Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple bamboo forest arashiyama alternative

Day 12: Kyoto’s Natural Wonders

Eager to visit the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest but want
to avoid the crowds??? 

Here’s the best way to do that: Start with a visit to
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, a peaceful spot known for its
thousands of stone Buddha statues honoring the departed. There is a mini
bamboo forest there where you can take beautiful photos – without others
ruining your shot!

From there, it’s a pleasant walk through
traditional neighbourhoods, past the
Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, until you make your way to the
far end of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. There you can enjoy the
towering bamboo stalks which create a serene, otherworldly
atmosphere.

Finally, as you leave the bamboo forest you will
come upon the Garden Entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple. This UNESCO
World Heritage has the most magnificent gardens which blend seamlessly
with the surrounding mountains. I highly encourage you to enjoy a moment
of zen sitting at the Main Hall, overlooking
Sogen Pond.

Week 3: Tokyo Attractions

Day 13 & 14: Tokyo Art, Food, and Shopping

One smart decision we made was to start and end our three week
Japan trip in Tokyo. Doing so gets you back to Narita or Haneda
Airport for your return flight home, but also is convenient for any
shopping you plan to do. You won’t have to lug your purchases through
the other big cities if you leave shopping till the end!

In
contrast to the temples and gardens you’ve seen on this trip, today is
the day to immerse yourself in the futuristic world of
TeamLab Planets, an interactive digital art museum where you walk through water and
experience art installations
that engage all your senses. Be sure to book your ticket ahead of time
as it does sell out.

Afterward, visit the
Tsukiji Fish Market for a taste of local specialties . The
wholesale fish market has moved but the Tsukiji Outer Market is still
the place find stalls offering traditional Japanese food especially
fresh seafood.

In the afternoon, head to Ginza, one
of Tokyo’s premier shopping districts. On Saturday and Sunday
afternoons March to October, the main shopping street
Chuo Dori is closed to traffic, making for a pleasant and easy
shopping experience.

📌 TIP: Japan offers tax-free shopping for tourists for purchases
over 5,000 yen. You’ll need to present your passport at the time of
purchase and your items will be wrapped. You can open and use the
non-consumable items (such as clothing, jewelry, shoes, etc.) as
long as the item is leaving the country with you. However, you
cannot use or consume the consumables (such as food, drink,
cosmetics etc.) before leaving Japan. They must be left in the
wrapped package and may be checked by customs officers.

Some of our favourite shops were
Uniqlo
and it’s lower-priced sister shop GU
for trendy yet affordable fashion,
Itoya
for unique stationery, and of course
Muji for
stylish home goods, gifts, and everyday essentials. We ended up
purchasing two additional carry-on luggages from Muji for our trip
home so you can guess how many purchases we made in Japan!!

Day 15 & 16: Tokyo DisneySea and Exploring Tokyo’s Icons

One fun family experience we were looking forward to was a visit to
Japan’s theme parks. You have a few options:
Universal Studios Japan
in Osaka, and
Tokyo Disneyland
and
DisneySea in
Tokyo. 

DisneySea offers a unique, ocean-themed experience, perfect for
thrill-seeking teens and those looking for immersive attractions. Tokyo
Disneyland, with its classic Disney charm, is ideal for families and
anyone wanting to relive the magic of Disney.

Temperatures when
we were in Japan in July were extremely hot so we decided to start our
visit to DisneySea later in the afternoon and stay for the night time
show. It was a great time to go: we avoided the crowds and with a few paid
Premier Access passes and short lineups we were able to enjoy some
of the best rides.

The next day, explore more of Tokyo. You can
visit the Imperial Palace, home to Japan’s royal family, and enjoy
its beautiful gardens. For lunch, head to Tokyo Ramen Street in the
underground of Tokyo Station, where you can taste some of the city’s
best ramen. In the afternoon, find your way over to Akihabara,
Tokyo’s hub for electronics, anime, and manga culture. It’s a must-visit
for your anime obsessed teens.

Day 17: Shibuya and Roppongi: Starbucks, Shopping, and Skyline Views

One place we had to visit was the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in
Nakameguro, a stunning four-story coffee haven where you can enjoy
artisanal coffee, tea, and pastries in a stylish setting. Even if you are
not a coffee fan, you’ll enjoy starting your day at the Roastery, one of
only six in the world, with it’s gorgeous architecture and peek at coffee
bean roasting on-site.

For a final day in Japan, head to
Shibuya for a shopping spree. TikTok favourite
MEGA Don Quijote offers an eclectic mix of goods, from snacks and
only-in-Japan KitKat flavours, to skincare and Korean makeup products, and
fun souvenirs. 

Other shops I highly recommend in the area are
Standard Products (a must stop if you love inexpensive, minimal design!), Hands,
LoFT, Uniqlo and Muji (a great place to pick up extra
luggage if needed!)

In the evening, make your way to
Roppongi Mori Tower for the
Tokyo City View, an observation deck that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the
city. We arrived just before sunset and it was a wonderful way to say
goodbye to this amazing city. 

tokyo japan city view roppongi observation deck

Day 18: Travel Home 

With five carry-on luggages now to manoeuvre, we didn’t really want to hop
back onto a subway or express train back to Narita airport. The most
convenient and inexpensive option was to take the Limousine Bus

Taking a taxi to the nearby bus terminal, we caught the Limousine Bus
which offers a stress-free and comfortable way to travel from your hotel
to
Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

The bus also has multiple pickup points at major hotels throughout Tokyo,
and we found the air-conditioned bus and their on-time service so
enjoyable. It was a convenient, stress-free, efficient way to end this
perfect trip – we wouldn’t expect anything less from the wonderful
Japanese people!

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Perfect for first-time visitors, it ensures you have all the essential
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An Unforgettable Journey Through Japan

Whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo, soaking in the
serene beauty of Kyoto’s temples, or savoring local delicacies in Osaka,
this 3-week Japan itinerary offers a perfect balance of modern adventure
and rich cultural experiences. 

From thrilling theme parks to tranquil hot springs, Japan’s diverse
attractions ensure there’s something for everyone in the family and we
loved every moment of our time there.

As you wrap up your
journey, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper
appreciation for Japan’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, ready
to plan your next visit to this extraordinary country – I know
I am ready to go back!

Have questions about Japan? Leave a comment below!


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