Grab an onigiri, tamago sandwich and coffee from 7-Eleven/Lawson/FamilyMart — cheap, fresh and open 24/7; good for starting a budget day and eating on the move.
Visit Tokyo's oldest temple and walk Nakamise shopping street for inexpensive souvenirs and street food; temple grounds are open 24 hours though shops are typically 9:00–18:00.
Walk or take a short train to view Tokyo Skytree from below or along the river — free riverside views are budget-friendly; observation deck is optional (paid).
Walk through Ueno Park; if you want museums on a budget, the National Museum has discounts and the park itself is free to enjoy — museums typically open 9:30–17:00 (check closures).
Drop bags at a budget hostel (capsule or dorm) in Asakusa/Ueno or Ikebukuro for lower nightly rates and central access; many hostels allow late check-in.
Explore Akihabara electronic streets or Shinjuku’s neon and cheap izakaya alleyways; window-shop electronics and anime goods or sample inexpensive bar snacks; areas are lively and free to wander late into the evening.
Visit the peaceful Meiji Shrine (typically open 5:00–18:00 depending on season) and walk through Yoyogi Park — shrine grounds are free and great for a morning stroll.
Eat at a budget kaiten-zushi chain (e.g., Sushiro, Kura Sushi) where plates can be JPY100–150 each — a tasty way to sample sushi on a budget; many open 11:00–22:00.
See the famous Shibuya crossing and Hachiko statue; crossing views are free and the nearby Shibuya Scramble Square has paid observation decks if desired (optional and paid).
Free observation decks in Shinjuku (typically open 9:30–11:00 and 12:30–11:00 on weekdays/varies by day) for panoramic city views — check scheduled closures (usually closed on some Mondays).
Find a budget izakaya near Shinjuku/Ikebukuro offering set meals and drinks at reasonable prices; many izakaya open from 17:00 and offer value set menus.
Board a highway overnight bus (e.g., Willer Express or JR Bus) to Kyoto to save a night’s accommodation; buses depart late evening (around 10:00pm) and cost JPY4000–8000 depending on seat class — book in advance.
Walk the iconic bamboo grove (open 24h) and visit Tenryu-ji temple (typically 8:30–17:30) to see its garden; early morning is less crowded and budget-friendly (temple entry fee modest).
Buy a bento or eat at a local udon cafe near the river for an inexpensive meal while enjoying scenic Togetsukyo bridge views; many restaurants open from 11:00.
Continue along walking trails toward Okochi-Sanso (garden entry is paid but worth it for views) and the less-crowded corners of Arashiyama; garden typically open 9:00–17:00.
Stroll Gion’s historic streets after dinner to spot traditional machiya architecture; strolling is free and atmospheric, but private teahouse visits are expensive so skip for budget travel.
Explore the famous torii gate trails at Fushimi Inari — shrine is open 24 hours, so morning is ideal to avoid crowds; walking the main trail takes 1–2 hours depending on pace.
Visit Kiyomizu-dera (typically open 6:00–18:00) and wander the preserved Higashiyama streets with inexpensive craft shops and tea houses — temple entry fee is modest but worth the view.
Walk part of the Philosopher’s Path to see quieter temples and shrines along the canal; most outdoor areas are free though some temples have small entry fees and opening hours around 9:00–17:00.
Relax at a local sento (public bath) for a modest fee — times vary but many open until late evening; great budget-friendly way to unwind and experience Japanese bathing culture.
Walk to Kasuga Taisha shrine and enjoy the mossy paths — shrine hours typically 6:30–17:00; the approach through the park is pleasant and free to enjoy.
Sample Osaka street food: takoyaki and okonomiyaki in Dotonbori — stalls and casual restaurants offer good-value portions and open into the late evening.
Wander the neon-lit canal area, try small snacks, and join budget-friendly standing bars or izakaya; this lively area is free to explore and fun at night.
Visit Osaka Castle grounds (park open 24h) and the castle museum if interested; the museum hours are typically 9:00–17:00 with a modest entry fee — great history and skyline views.
Visit Umeda Sky area for shopping and window-shopping; the free parts of department stores are great for browsing and cheap souvenirs, while the paid observatory is optional.
Visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (typically 10:00–17:00) for a low-cost way to see historical street recreations; good if you want indoor budget culture.
Return to Dotonbori or explore game arcades in Namba; arcades and street life are lively and inexpensive to enjoy even just to watch and play a cheap game.
Take the Nankai Line or airport limousine/bus to Kansai Airport (allow 60–90 minutes) or travel to your next destination; trains run frequently but check timetable for your departure.