Morning: Land at Narita, collect your camper‑van rental and settle into a budget hostel in Asakusa for a quick refresh. Grab a quick bite of onigiri from a convenience store.
Afternoon: Wander the quieter streets of Kagurazaka, spotting hidden shrines such as Akagi Shrine and sampling street‑side yakitori.
Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya in Omoide Yokocho and get an early night for the next day’s drive.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the tranquil Nezu Shrine and its surrounding garden before heading to the bustling Tsukishima area for monjayaki cooking.
Afternoon: Explore the back‑alley cafés of Kichijōji, stopping at Inokashira Park for a short lakeside walk.
Evening: Dine on cheap ramen at Ramen Jiro in Meguro and soak in the neighborhood’s relaxed vibe.
Find HotelsMorning: Load the van and drive toward the Fuji Five Lakes region, stopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets for discounted gear.
Afternoon: Arrive at Lake Kawaguchi, set up at a low‑cost campsite, and enjoy a paddle‑boat ride with views of Mount Fuji.
Evening: Cook a simple barbecue at the campsite while watching the mountain’s silhouette at sunset.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike the easy trail to Chureito Pagoda for iconic photo spots, then descend to the nearby shrine.
Afternoon: Relax in the public onsen at Yamanakako, a budget-friendly hot‑spring with lake views.
Evening: Enjoy a budget dinner of udon at a family‑run shop in Fujiyoshida.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early, taking the scenic route via Shizuoka and stop at a roadside tea house for green tea.
Afternoon: Arrive in Nagoya, park the van at a municipal RV park, and explore the lesser‑known Owari Shrine.
Evening: Sample cheap hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice) at a local eatery.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive toward Osaka, passing through the quiet countryside of Mie and visiting the small Ise Grand Shrine gate area (outside view only).
Afternoon: Check into a budget capsule hotel in Namba and stroll the backstreets of Shinsekai for street snacks.
Evening: Taste takoyaki from a local stall and enjoy the neon glow of Dotonbori from a distance.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the peaceful Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine before heading to the nearby market for fresh fruit.
Afternoon: Cycle along the Yodo River bike path, stopping at small parks and local cafés.
Evening: Grab a cheap okonomiyaki dinner at a neighborhood joint in Tennoji.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short drive to Kobe and wander the quiet Nunobiki Herb Garden (free entry).
Afternoon: Sample inexpensive beef bowls at a local shop in Motomachi and walk the harbor promenade.
Return to Osaka, relax at the campsite near Osaka Bay and enjoy a simple rice‑ball dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early, stop at Okayama to view the free Kojima Shrine and stretch your legs.
Afternoon: Arrive in Hiroshima, park the van at a municipal lot, and stroll the quiet Shukkeien Garden (small fee).
Evening: Dine on affordable Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a neighborhood eatery.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island (use the ferry pass for a discount).
Afternoon: Hike the gentle trails up Mount Misen for panoramic sea views.
Evening: Return to Hiroshima and enjoy a casual dinner of oysters at a low‑cost market stall.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive west along the coastal road, stopping at Ube for a quick beach walk.
Afternoon: Reach Fukuoka, park at an RV park near Ohori Park, and explore the park’s bamboo garden.
Evening: Sample cheap yakitori at Yatai stalls along the Naka River.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the modest Kushida Shrine and watch a local morning market.
Afternoon: Take a short ferry ride to Itoshima for a scenic coastal bike ride.
Evening: Return to the city for a simple ramen dinner at Ippudo’s budget counter.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early, stop at Beppu to view the free Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) coastal area.
Afternoon: Arrive in Kagoshima, park near the ferry terminal, and walk the Sakurajima viewpoint (free).
Evening: Enjoy cheap pork‑bone ramen (tonkotsu) at a local shop.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive along the southern coast, stopping at Aoshima Shrine for its iconic torii gate.
Afternoon: Reach Miyazaki, set up camp near Aoshima Beach, and relax on the sand.
Evening: Cook a simple meal at the campsite and watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Find HotelsMorning: Load the van onto the overnight ferry at Miyazaki Port and enjoy the deck views.
Afternoon: (At sea) Rest, read travel guides, and plan the Okinawa leg.
Evening: Arrive in Naha, collect the van, and settle into a budget guesthouse for a quick night’s sleep.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the modest Shurijo Castle Park (outside grounds are free) and nearby Tsuboya Pottery District.
Afternoon: Rent a bike and ride along the Okinawa Coastal Route, stopping at hidden coves.
Evening: Enjoy inexpensive Okinawan soba at a local eatery.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the Yambaru forest region, hiking the Hiji Waterfall trail.
Afternoon: Picnic on the secluded Emerald Beach, swimming in clear waters.
Evening: Return to the campsite near Motobu and grill fresh fish bought at the market.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a budget ferry to Ishigaki Island, explore the Kabira Bay viewpoint.
Afternoon: Snorkel at Yonehara Beach, spotting colorful reef fish.
Evening: Ferry back to Okinawa main island, enjoy a simple rice bowl dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit Sunset Beach near Chatan for a relaxed walk.
Afternoon: Rent a scooter to explore the less‑touristy Gusuku Sites such as Nakijin Castle Ruins.
Evening: Dine on cheap taco rice at a local izakaya.
Find HotelsMorning: Attend a free morning performance of traditional Eisa drumming in a village hall.
Afternoon: Wander the quiet streets of Kokusai-dori side lanes, sampling local snacks.
Evening: Final sunset at Cape Manzamo**, enjoying the cliffs before packing up.
Find HotelsMorning: Load the van, head to Naha Airport, return the rental, and check‑in for your flight.
Afternoon: Grab a quick bento at the airport shop (budget option).
Evening: Fly home, reflecting on a low‑cost, off‑the‑beaten‑path Japanese adventure.
Find HotelsTotal Estimated Cost: £1,558
If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping the Miyazaki leg and flying directly from Hiroshima to Okinawa, which saves about three travel days and £120 in transport. To extend the adventure, add a few extra days on Okinawa’s remote islands such as Miyako‑jima or add a night‑time campsite near Lake Yamanaka for more nature immersion; this will increase accommodation by roughly £40‑£60 per additional night.