Our top 4 train itineraries with the JR Pass 21 days in Japan

The JR Pass, which comes in 7, 14 and 21-day versions, is a pass that offers travel on the entire national JR train and bus network, including the high-speed Shinkansen 🚅 lines.

The JR 21-day pass can quickly prove necessary when your several-week trip spans the entire territory and therefore includes long distances to cover. With 21 days of travel, you can easily discover the must-see places of the archipelago thanks to JR train lines that lead everywhere! This pass can also be used to take themed itineraries, if you wish to explore one of Japan's many facets in depth during your trip.

Route 1: Crossing Japan

From Sapporo to Fukuoka, cross Japan in 21 days with the Shinkansen included in the Japan Rail Pass! With this itinerary, Japan's major cities will hold no secrets for you. Refresh yourself in the north of the archipelago, exploring Hakodate and Sapporo, the major cities of Hokkaido and Sendai, Hachinohe and Morioka in Tohoku. You can then head off to Japan's landmarks, including Mount Fuji and the magnificent city of Kyoto. Between your stops in Hiroshima and Osaka, you'll catch some sun in Kyushu with a day in Fukuoka. Temples, sanctuaries, electric districts, gardens and lakes - you'll be spoilt for choice during these 21 days!

Some places to see:

• Kyoto: Gion district, Fushimi-Inari taisha, Arashiyama bamboo grove
• Sapporo: Susukino, Sapporo TV tower, Buddha hill
• Morioka: Morioka Hachimangu, Morioka Central District, Hoonji temple

Route 2: In the mountains

This route is for lovers of hiking and winter sports! Everyone knows Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain, but 80% of Japan's territory is also mountainous! Here, you'll discover both volcanic landscapes in the north, with Daisetsuzan and Jigoku-dani, and mountain ranges, with the Japanese Alps between Tokyo and Kyoto. Each destination has nearby hiking or winter sports resorts, making this itinerary suitable for all seasons! And if you want to relax between hikes, stop off at an onsen or in one of the big cities (Kyoto, Sapporo) for a stroll and a change of scenery!

Some mountains to see:

• Sounkyo → Daisetsuzan crater

• Komoro → Mount Asama

• Tokyo → Mount Miitake

• Usu → Mount Usu

Tips:

• Note that the JR Pass can be used on JR train lines in major cities such as Tokyo or Osaka to allow you to navigate more easily within the metropolises!
• If your plane lands in Tokyo and departs from Kansai airport, don't return to Tokyo for the last day, and use this day in a region where you'd like to deepen your visit!

Route 3: From beach to beach

Travelling in Japan doesn't have to be all about cultural and urban tourism. A number of beautiful beaches are easily accessible by train with the JR Pass, each with its own unique scenery. On the Sea of Japan coast(Matsue, Tottori), the beaches are similar to those in Southeast Asia, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation. Around Shikoku(Hiroshima, Takamatsu to Shimoda), beaches with fine sand and clear water await you. Miyazaki and Katsuura are Japan's favorite surfing spots. For a change from salt water, Lake Biwa also offers heavenly beaches not far from Kyoto, where you can relax in the sun. Finally, Miho no Matsubara beach near Shizuoka is one of the few beaches with a magnificent view of Mount Fuji. Of course, there's always more to discover in every location! Check out our articles on each city to find out more!

Some beaches and places to see :

• Tottori → Iwami beach / Tottori dunes

• Miyazaki → Aoshima beach / Aoshima Shrine

• Takamatsu → Chichibugahama beach / Takamatsu castle

If you'd like to explore the magnificent beaches of Lake Biwa, not just on the Kyoto side, but all around it, don't hesitate to check out our excursion: The Lake Biwa Bike Tour !

Route 4: At the heart of spirituality

In this itinerary centered around temples and shrines, explore Buddhist and Shinto architecture throughout the country! The archipelago is brimming with places of worship, each more different than the last. Learn more about Japan's history and visit cities like Kyoto, home to several thousand temples and almost 400 shrines. Many of the temples and shrines are located in the countryside, whether by the sea, in the mountains or in the forest. This route therefore allows you to visit both the rural and urban sides of the places of worship.

Some temples and shrines to see:

• Fukuoka → Tocho-jo, Nanzo-in, Joten-ji

• Utsunomiya → Oya-ji, Utsunomiya Futaarayama-jinja

• Okayama → Kibitsu-jinja