From Sushi to Summits: A Three Week Itinerary for an Adventure Through Japan

From Sushi to Summits: A Three Week Itinerary for an Adventure Through Japan 



Japan is a country that truly has it all - bustling cities, ancient temples, breathtaking natural beauty, and mouthwatering cuisine. For Gen Z backpackers, a trip to Japan is an adventure of a lifetime. In this three-week itinerary, we'll take you through the most popular route, while also including stops that are sure to appeal to young travelers. And of course, we couldn't leave out the iconic Mount Fuji! So pack your bags, grab your JR pass, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun.

Week 1: Tokyo and Yokohama

Day 1-3: Tokyo 



Tokyo is a bustling city with an amazing vibe. I arrived in Tokyo in the evening, and after checking into my hostel, I headed straight to Shibuya Crossing to see the famous scramble. The next day, I visited Tsukiji Fish Market, where I tried some delicious sushi and saw the famous tuna auction. In the evening, I explored the lively neighborhoods of Shinjuku and Harajuku, and even got a chance to snap a photo with some Harajuku girls! On my last day in Tokyo, I visited the serene Meiji Shrine, which is a must-visit spot.

 Accomodation: Check out Booking.com Tokyo for awesome ho(s)tels in Tokyo!

Day 4-5: Yokohama



I took a day trip to Yokohama, which is just a short train ride away from Tokyo. The first stop on my list was the Cup Noodle Museum, where I learned about the history of instant noodles and even got to make my own cup noodles! After that, I rode the famous Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, which gave me amazing views of the city. I ended the day in Chinatown, where I tried some delicious street food.

Acoomodation 

Day 6-7: Hakone - From Tokyo, I took a short train ride to Hakone, a beautiful mountain town known for its hot springs and scenic views of Mount Fuji. I stayed in a traditional Japanese ryokan, where I soaked in a hot onsen and enjoyed the local cuisine. The next day, I took a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi and visited the Hakone Shrine, which has a beautiful torii gate that is surrounded by water.

Accomodation 


Week 2: Kyoto and Osaka

Day 8-10: Kyoto



Kyoto is the cultural and historical heart of Japan. I took a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto and spent the next few days exploring the famous temples and shrines such as the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kiyomizu Temple. One of my favorite experiences was visiting Gion, the geisha district, where I saw some beautiful maiko walking around. I also took a stroll through the beautiful Arashiyama bamboo forest, which was breathtaking.

Accomodation


Day 11-13: Hiroshima



I took a bullet train from Kyoto to Hiroshima, a city that is famous for its tragic history and remarkable resilience. I visited the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which was a somber but powerful experience. The next day, I took a ferry to the nearby island of Miyajima, known for its famous torii gate and friendly deer. I even got to pet a few of them!

Accomodation

 

Day 14-15: Osaka



Osaka is Japan's third-largest city, and it's known for its food and nightlife. I visited Osaka Castle, which has a rich history and beautiful architecture. In the evening, I went to Dotonbori district, where I enjoyed the vibrant nightlife and delicious street food. I tried okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake that is cooked right in front of you, and takoyaki, which is a ball-shaped snack filled with octopus.

Accomodation

 

Week 3: Mount Fuji and Tokyo

Day 16-18: Mount Fuji



I took a bullet train from Osaka to Mount Fuji, where I climbed Japan's tallest mountain. It was a challenging hike, but the views were breathtaking. I also took a scenic cable car ride and visited the famous five lakes of Fuji. On my last night in Mount Fuji, I stayed in a traditional ryokan and soaked in a hot onsen while admiring the beautiful views of Mount Fuji.

Accomodation: Here is the Ryokan we stayed (Kasuitei Ooya) - it was a truly great experience.

 

Day 19-21: Tokyo

I returned to Tokyo for my last few days in Japan. I visited the trendy neighborhood of Shimokitazawa, where I shopped for unique souvenirs and tried some delicious street food. I also visited the teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum, which is an immersive and interactive museum that combines technology and art. On my last day in Tokyo, I visited the Tokyo Skytree, which is the tallest tower in Japan, and got a bird's eye view of the city.

 

Conclusion

Throughout my three-week trip to Japan, I experienced so many incredible things that I will never forget. From soaking in hot springs to climbing Mount Fuji, Japan truly has something for everyone. The food was delicious, the people were friendly, and the culture was fascinating. I can't wait to go back and explore even more of this beautiful country.


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