7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Japan

1. Day 1: Tokyo
   Estimated 4-hours from the airport

   Experience the bustling capital of Japan by visiting the Sensoji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, and Shibuya Crossing.

2. Day 2: Mount Fuji
   Estimated 3-hours from Tokyo

   Take a day trip to Mount Fuji, visit the 5th station, hike or take the ropeway for breathtaking views.

3. Day 3: Kyoto
   Estimated 3.5-hours from Mount Fuji

   Explore the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto, including Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari-taisha, and the Gion District.

4. Day 4: Nara
   Estimated 1-hour from Kyoto

   Visit Nara Deer Park, Todai-ji Temple, and Kasuga-taisha Shrine to get up close with friendly deer and admire the ancient architecture.

5. Day 5: Osaka
   Estimated 1-hour from Nara

   Enjoy the food culture of Japan by trying street food in Dotonbori, visiting Osaka Castle, and seeing the floating garden at Umeda Sky Building.

6. Day 6: Hiroshima
   Estimated 2.5-hours from Osaka

   Learn about the tragedies of Hiroshima by visiting the Peace Memorial Park, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

7. Day 7: Miyajima Island
   Estimated 1-hour from Hiroshima

   Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine and climb Mount Misen for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Sensoji Temple (1-2 hours, free)
• Tokyo Skytree (2-3 hours, 2000 JPY)
• Shibuya Crossing (1 hour, free)
• Mount Fuji (1 day, 3500 JPY)
• Kinkaku-ji (1-2 hours, 400 JPY)
• Fushimi Inari-taisha (1-2 hours, free)
• Gion District (2-3 hours, free)
• Nara Deer Park (1-2 hours, free)
• Todai-ji Temple (1-2 hours, 500 JPY)
• Kasuga-taisha Shrine (1-2 hours, 500 JPY)
• Dotonbori (1-2 hours, free)
• Osaka Castle (1-2 hours, 600 JPY)
• Umeda Sky Building (2-3 hours, 1000 JPY)
• Peace Memorial Park (1-2 hours, free)
• Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum (2-3 hours, 200 JPY)
• Atomic Bomb Dome (1-2 hours, free)
• Itsukushima Shrine (1-2 hours, 300 JPY)
• Mount Misen (3-4 hours, 1800 JPY)
• Total Estimated Costs: 10000 JPY

Useful Tips

For those with more time, consider visiting other cities such as Sapporo, Nagoya, or Fukuoka. For those with less time, choose a few activities from each day rather than doing everything. It's also best to book accommodations in advance and purchase a Japan Rail Pass, especially for those planning on traveling to multiple cities.