Japan is a fascinating country to explore with a lot to offer visitors. With a few weeks in the Land of the Rising Sun, you can explore its bustling cities, visit stunning natural areas, soak in hot springs, take in a sumo match, eat all the sushi you can handle, and so much more. Here’s a closer look at what you can do in a 3 weeks in Japan recap.

Tokyo

We start off in the capital and the largest metropolitan area in the world. Tokyo is actually a collection of 23 wards, which are all unique in their own way. With a few days here, you can hit temples, museums, the fish market, a sumo tournament, and take in a bit of the nightlife. You’ll have to plan a return trip, though, because there’s just so much to see and do here.

Train Travel in Japan

The best way to get around Japan is definitely by train. Pick up a Rail Pass that can cover your entire trip and you’ll be able to hop on and off trains as you please. This post details the different types of trains, how to buy tickets, and has more useful info on the rail pass.

Hakone

Located just 100 km west of the capital, Hakone is a stunning mountainous region that’s definitely worth a few days. Here you can stay in a traditional Japanese ryokan, relax and play in an onsen water park, visit Hell’s Valley, ride a pirate ship, and check out an awesome outdoor art museum.

Kyoto

This former Japanese capital features a blend of tradition and modernity. Explore the Imperial Palace Park, visit a scenic area full of temples and monkeys, and check out the stunning Golden Pavilion. It’s a vibrant, beautiful city, and two days here is just enough to scratch the surface.

Osaka

With only a few short weeks to spend in the country, we had to quickly pass through Osaka. Even with just 24 hours there, you can explore an ancient castle, stroll through the park, sample the local snacks, and take in the bright neon lights in the Dotonburi district.

Hiroshima and Miyajima

While Hiroshima was destroyed in World War II after it was hit by the first atomic bomb, it has since rebuilt into a thriving, cosmopolitan city. On a short visit, you’ll want to spend a whole day at the Peace Memorial. Another great idea is taking a day trip over to  Miyajima, the “Shrine Island.”

Nagasaki

Our final stop is Nagasaki, located on the island of Kyushu. Once a secluded fishing village, it’s now a major port city that has been rebuilt and reinvented numerous times. On your visit, you can explore shrines and parks, check out the famous Spectacles Bridge, and take in the “10 Million Dollar Night View.”

What a whirlwind tour of Japan that was! A 3-week trip there allows you to hit most of the big cities as well as a few other destinations on the side. Of course, you could spend years traveling in this amazing country and not see it all. That means you’ll just have to plan a few return trips!

Have you been to Japan? How long did you spend there? What places did you visit? Leave a comment and let us know!