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7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Japan - October 6-12, 2023

Friday, October 6: Exploring Tokyo

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the bustling city of Tokyo. In the morning, visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, where you can experience traditional Japanese culture. Enjoy lunch at a local ramen shop. In the afternoon, explore the trendy district of Harajuku and visit Takeshita Street for quirky fashion and delicious street food. Ending the day, head to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world, and witness the vibrant nightlife.

  • Senso-ji Temple: Entrance is free, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Lunch at a local ramen shop: Estimated cost: $10-15, time spent: 1 hour
  • Harajuku and Takeshita Street: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Shibuya Crossing: Free to witness, estimated time spent: 1 hour
Saturday, October 7: Cultural Kyoto

Travel to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan. In the morning, visit the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple and enjoy panoramic views of the city. For lunch, try traditional Kyoto cuisine. Afterward, explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the famous Tenryu-ji Temple. In the evening, stroll along the historic streets of Gion district and maybe catch a glimpse of a Geisha.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Entrance fee - ¥400 ($4), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Lunch at a traditional Kyoto restaurant: Estimated cost: $10-15, time spent: 1 hour
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Gion district: Free to stroll, estimated time spent: 2 hours
Sunday, October 8: Marvelous Mount Fuji

Embark on a day trip to experience the breathtaking beauty of Mount Fuji. Start your day by taking a bus from Tokyo to the Fuji Five Lakes region. Spend the morning exploring the scenic spots around Lake Kawaguchiko and capturing stunning views of Mount Fuji. In the afternoon, visit Oshino Hakkai, a traditional village with crystal clear ponds. Before returning to Tokyo, enjoy an onsen (hot spring) experience in the area.

  • Bus from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko: Estimated cost: $20-30, time spent: 2 hours (one-way)
  • Lake Kawaguchiko and Mount Fuji viewpoints: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Oshino Hakkai: Entrance fee - ¥300 ($3), estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Onsen experience: Estimated cost: $10-20, time spent: 1-2 hours
Monday, October 9: Historical Hiroshima

Take a train to Hiroshima and delve into the city's poignant history. Start by visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the atomic bombing. After lunch, take a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the floating Itsukushima Shrine and friendly deer. Don't miss the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner before returning to the city.

  • Train from Tokyo to Hiroshima: Estimated cost: $100-150, time spent: 4-5 hours
  • Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: Entrance fee - ¥200 ($2), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Ferry to Miyajima Island: Estimated cost: $5-10, time spent: 30 minutes (one-way)
  • Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner: Estimated cost: $10-15, time spent: 1 hour
Tuesday, October 10: Ancient Nara

Travel to Nara, an ancient capital known for its historic temples and friendly deer. In the morning, visit Todaiji Temple, home to the world's largest bronze Buddha statue. Enjoy lunch in Nara's lively downtown area. Afterward, explore Nara Park and feed the deer before heading to Kasuga Taisha, a beautiful Shinto shrine. Return to Tokyo in the evening.

  • Train from Hiroshima to Nara: Estimated cost: $100-150, time spent: 3-4 hours
  • Todaiji Temple: Entrance fee - ¥600 ($6), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Lunch in Nara: Estimated cost: $10-15, time spent: 1 hour
  • Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Wednesday, October 11: Vibrant Osaka

Visit Osaka, known for its vibrant food scene and lively atmosphere. In the morning, explore the iconic Osaka Castle and its surrounding park. Experience the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori, famous for its street food and nighttime entertainment. Enjoy a delicious takoyaki or okonomiyaki for lunch and indulge in some shopping in Shinsaibashi. Take a walk along the peaceful Dotonbori Canal before heading back to Tokyo.

  • Train from Nara to Osaka: Estimated cost: $20-30, time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Osaka Castle: Entrance fee - ¥600 ($6), estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Lunch with local street food: Estimated cost: $5-10, time spent: 1 hour
  • Shopping in Shinsaibashi: Free to explore, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours
Thursday, October 12: Farewell Tokyo

Spend your last day exploring more of Tokyo. Visit the magnificent Meiji Shrine in the morning, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy a final meal of sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market for lunch. Spend the afternoon shopping in the trendy district of Shibuya. Witness the energetic nightlife of Shinjuku in the evening before saying goodbye to Tokyo.

  • Meiji Shrine: Free to enter, estimated time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market: Estimated cost: $15-20, time spent: 1-2 hours
  • Shopping in Shibuya: Estimated cost varies, time spent: 2-3 hours
  • Explore the nightlife of Shinjuku: Free to experience, estimated time spent: 2-3 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While visiting Tokyo, make sure to check out Ueno Park, a serene green space with museums and a zoo. In Kyoto, consider a visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, a stunning shrine famous for its thousands of red torii gates. In Osaka, escape the crowds and explore the peaceful Nakanoshima Park. These attractions offer unique experiences that are beloved by locals and won't break the bank.

To check hotel and flight prices for your Japan trip, you can visit kayak.com

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