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Exploring Japan on a Shoestring Budget

Viewed by 51 travelers

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00 AM

Tsukiji Fish Market

Start your day at the Tsukiji Fish Market, where you can explore the bustling stalls and try some fresh sushi for breakfast.
Take the subway from your accommodation to Tsukiji Market. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
500 JPY, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Senso-ji Temple

Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and soak in the traditional Japanese architecture and culture.
Take a short walk from Tsukiji Fish Market to the nearest subway station. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the iconic Shibuya Crossing and feel the energy of Tokyo at one of the busiest intersections in the world.
Take the subway from Asakusa to Shibuya. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Meiji Shrine

Explore the peaceful Meiji Shrine located in the heart of bustling Tokyo, offering a serene escape from the city.
Take the train from Shibuya to Meiji Shrine. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
500 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at an Izakaya

End your day with a traditional Japanese dinner at an Izakaya, where you can enjoy a variety of small dishes and drinks.
Take the train from Meiji Shrine back to your accommodation. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
1500 JPY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Tokyo Exploration Continued

Tokyo, Japan

9:00 AM

Akihabara District

Discover the vibrant Akihabara District known for its electronics shops, anime culture, and themed cafes.
Take the subway from your accommodation to Akihabara. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Ueno Park

Stroll through Ueno Park, home to museums, a zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring.
Take the train from Akihabara to Ueno. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Harajuku District

Explore the trendy Harajuku District, famous for its street fashion, quirky shops, and crepe stalls.
Take the train from Ueno to Harajuku. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Tokyo Skytree

Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the observation decks of the Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan.
Take the train from Harajuku to Tokyo Skytree. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
2000 JPY, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Street Food in Omoide Yokocho

Savor delicious street food in Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley lined with small eateries offering local delicacies.
Take the train from Tokyo Skytree back to your accommodation. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.
1000 JPY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Kyoto Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

9:00 AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Begin your day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates leading to the mountaintop.
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
5000 JPY, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, a lively food market in Kyoto offering a variety of local snacks and ingredients.
Take a bus or taxi from Fushimi Inari Taisha to Nishiki Market. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
1000 JPY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its wooden stage that offers stunning views of Kyoto.
Take a bus or taxi from Nishiki Market to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
500 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Gion District

Experience the traditional atmosphere of the Gion District, known for its historic machiya houses and geisha culture.
Take a bus or taxi from Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Gion District. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at a Ramen Shop

Indulge in a hearty bowl of Kyoto's famous ramen at a local shop in the Gion District.
Take a short walk from Gion District to the ramen shop. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes.
1000 JPY, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 4: Kyoto Exploration Continued

Kyoto, Japan

9:00 AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Explore the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene natural wonder in the outskirts of Kyoto.
Take a train from your accommodation to Arashiyama Station. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a beautiful garden and mountain views.
Walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to Tenryu-ji Temple. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes.
500 JPY, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Sagano Scenic Railway

Take a scenic train ride on the Sagano Romantic Train for picturesque views of Kyoto's countryside.
Walk from Tenryu-ji Temple to the nearest train station. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
1500 JPY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion at Kinkaku-ji Temple, a must-see attraction in Kyoto.
Take a bus or taxi from the Sagano Scenic Railway to Kinkaku-ji Temple. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
400 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Enjoy a variety of street food and local delicacies for dinner at Nishiki Market in Kyoto.
Take the bus or taxi from Kinkaku-ji Temple back to your accommodation. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes.
1500 JPY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan

9:00 AM

Osaka Castle

Start your day with a visit to Osaka Castle, a historic landmark with a museum and panoramic views from the top.
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kyoto to Osaka. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
1000 JPY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Dotonbori District

Explore the vibrant Dotonbori District, known for its neon lights, street food, and entertainment.
Take a short walk from Osaka Castle to Dotonbori District. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

2:00 PM

Shinsekai District

Visit the retro Shinsekai District, home to Tsutenkaku Tower and traditional kushikatsu eateries.
Take the subway from Dotonbori to Shinsekai District. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Kuromon Ichiba Market

Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market and sample fresh seafood, street snacks, and local produce.
Take a short walk from Shinsekai District to Kuromon Ichiba Market. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes.
1000 JPY, 1.5 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at an Okonomiyaki Restaurant

Try Osaka's famous okonomiyaki, a savory pancake grilled with various ingredients, at a local restaurant.
Take the subway from Kuromon Ichiba Market back to your accommodation. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
1500 JPY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 6: Hiroshima Visit

Hiroshima, Japan

9:00 AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay your respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing in 1945.
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Osaka to Hiroshima. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
2000 JPY, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Hiroshima Castle

Explore the historic Hiroshima Castle, known for its reconstructed main keep and panoramic views of the city.
Take a bus or taxi from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to Hiroshima Castle. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
300 JPY, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Okonomimura

Visit Okonomimura, a multi-story building housing various okonomiyaki restaurants for a delicious lunch experience.
Take a short walk from Hiroshima Castle to Okonomimura. Travel time is approximately 10 minutes.
1500 JPY, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Shukkeien Garden

Relax in the tranquil surroundings of Shukkeien Garden, featuring traditional Japanese landscaping and tea houses.
Take a bus or taxi from Okonomimura to Shukkeien Garden. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
300 JPY, 1.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Hondori Street

Enjoy dinner at one of the many eateries along Hondori Street, offering a variety of local Hiroshima dishes.
Take a short walk from Shukkeien Garden to Hondori Street. Travel time is approximately 5 minutes.
1000 JPY, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 7: Nagoya Exploration

Nagoya, Japan

9:00 AM

Nagoya Castle

Begin your day at Nagoya Castle, a historic site with a beautiful castle tower and expansive grounds to explore.
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Hiroshima to Nagoya. Travel time is approximately 2 hours.
1500 JPY, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Osu Shopping District

Shop and dine in the bustling Osu Shopping District, known for its traditional stores and modern boutiques.
Take a short walk from Nagoya Castle to Osu Shopping District. Travel time is approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

2:30 PM

Atsuta Shrine

Visit the sacred Atsuta Shrine, one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, housing national treasures.
Take a bus or taxi from Osu Shopping District to Atsuta Shrine. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
500 JPY, 1.5 hours

4:30 PM

Sakae District

Explore the modern Sakae District, filled with shopping centers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Take a bus or taxi from Atsuta Shrine to Sakae District. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Farewell Dinner at a Teppanyaki Restaurant

Indulge in a delicious teppanyaki dinner at a local restaurant as you bid farewell to your Japan adventure.
Take the subway from Sakae District back to your accommodation. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes.
2000 JPY, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nagoya
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