Grab an onigiri (look for 'ume' or 'ume shiso' / plain rice options), sandwiches, fruit, and a drink at 7-Eleven/FamilyMart/Lawson for the cheapest morning meal and to experience everyday Japanese food culture.
Historic Buddhist temple complex and lively shopping street; great intro to Japanese culture, architecture and inexpensive souvenirs — Nakamise stalls open ~9:00am–6:00pm, temple grounds open early.
T's TanTan (vegan ramen) near Tokyo Station is a reliable, affordable vegan ramen option (check opening ~11:00am–9:00pm). If out of the way, pick a vegetarian-friendly konbini meal.
Large park with museums and street market — great for people-watching and cheap street snacks; museums usually open ~9:30am–5:00pm if you want one (check schedules).
Ueno and Asakusa have budget Indian restaurants (vegetarian-friendly) where you can get dal/vegetable curry and rice for cheap; staying at a hostel with a communal kitchen is cheaper and social.
Meet other travelers at your hostel’s common room or find local language exchange/Couchsurfing events — excellent low-cost way to make friends and learn cultural tips.
Ain Soph. Journey (or similar vegan cafes) offers a full vegetarian meal; if it’s too pricey, choose a small café or konbini meal nearby. Check café hours (often 11:30am–9:00pm).
Look for small izakaya offering vegetable dishes or a neighborhood Indian/Nepali place; many offer set meals for budget travelers (check 11:00am–10:00pm hours).
Economical way to travel Kyoto overnight and save a night's accommodation; typical departure around 10:00–23:30, travel time ~7–9 hours—book in advance for lowest fares.
Wander Gion’s traditional streets to possibly spot maiko/geisha and soak up old Kyoto atmosphere; free to walk around, shops/teahouses have separate hours.
Try budget-friendly vegetarian set meals in small eateries or go for an Indian curry restaurant in central Kyoto — shojin (Buddhist) meals are cultural but sometimes pricier.
Home to the giant Buddha statue and a World Heritage site; temple open usually 8:30am–5:00pm with entry fee — cultural must-see with friendly deer in the park.
Dotonbori is famous for street food; for vegetarians, seek out vegan stalls or small Indian restaurants — if unsure, a vegetable set at a small eatery keeps costs low.
Market and retro neighborhoods offer cultural vibes and inexpensive snacks; some stalls sell vegetarian items — enjoy the atmosphere and street scenes.
The outer market has many stalls and restaurants with vegetable dishes and Japanese snacks; open generally from morning until afternoon — check stall hours.
Free-to-enter scenic gardens (East Gardens open 9:00am–5:00pm, closed Mondays/Fridays sometimes) or Ueno Park museums depending on interest — pick a quiet cultural end to the trip.
If you want a modern cultural experience, teamLab Planets/Borderless require advance tickets and cost more (entry ~JPY3000+). As a budget alternative, stroll Odaiba seaside or explore Shimokitazawa for thrift shops and cafés.
If you have late-night travel, choose a reliable Indian restaurant near the airport/train line for familiar vegetarian food; otherwise use konbini to pack for the journey.
Allow extra time for transit to Narita/Haneda — use the Keisei Skyliner (Narita) or monorail + train (Haneda) or highway bus depending on your flight. Confirm flight time and transit duration.