9-Day Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Japan including Universal Studios and Toy Stores

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and street food at the Tsukiji Outer Market, an ideal way to taste Japan on a budget.
Take Subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Ueno Park

Stroll through Ueno Park, enjoying the many free activities including the beautiful cherry blossoms and playgrounds for kids.
Take the Hibiya Line to Ueno Station, then walk.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ameyoko Market

Savor delicious street food at Ameyoko Market; options abound from yakitori to sweet treats.
Walk from Ueno Park to Ameyoko Market.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the world of anime and electronics in Akihabara's vibrant streets, including a visit to the huge Toy Store 'Yodobashi Akiba.'
Take the Yamanote Line from Ueno to Akihabara.
JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Enjoy an Evening in Shinjuku

Visit Shinjuku's parks and neon-lit streets, perfect for selfies and family memories.
Take the Yamanote Line to Shinjuku.
JPY0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

End your day with delicious grilled skewers in this iconic alley lined with tiny eateries.
Walking distance from Shinjuku Station.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at FamilyMart

Grab a quick and economical breakfast from a local convenience store.
Find a nearby FamilyMart.
JPY600, 30 mins

9:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Experience the beautiful Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding Nakamise Street for souvenirs.
Take the Ginza Line to Asakusa Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop

Try a hearty bowl of ramen nearby, a family favorite.
Walk from Senso-ji.
JPY900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Take a trip to the Tokyo Skytree for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Take the Tobu Skytree Line to Tokyo Skytree Station.
JPY2100 per adult, kids discounts available, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore the Sumida Aquarium

Children will love the exhibits at the Sumida Aquarium; it's both fun and educational.
Located within Tokyo Skytree Town.
JPY2000 per adult, kids discounts available, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sushiro

Enjoy a family-friendly conveyor belt sushi experience at Sushiro.
Take the Tobu Skytree Line back to Asakusa, then switch to the Tsukuba Express to Tsukumo Station.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Cafe

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation or at a local café before your journey.
Walk to nearest cafe/hotel.
JPY800, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Catch the early morning train to Hakone, a famous hot spring resort town.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara then switch to the Hakone Tozan Railway.
JPY4000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Hakone Open Air Museum

Enjoy the beautiful art installations and sculptures set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains.
Take the Hakone Tozan train to Chokoku-no-Mori Station.
JPY1600 per adult, kids discounts available, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Have lunch at a café near the museum offering fresh local dishes.
Walking distance from Hakone Museum.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Owakudani Valley

Ride the Hakone Ropeway for magnificent views and sample black eggs cooked in hot springs.
Board the Ropeway from the museum.
JPY1300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Hakone

End your day with a delicious meal at a local teahouse featuring traditional Japanese fare.
Head back via the Tozan Railway.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo after an enjoyable day.
Take the train back via the Tozan Railway and Shinkansen.
JPY4000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Discover Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Try a delicious breakfast pastry from a local bakery in Kyoto.
Walk from your accommodation.
JPY500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Discover the stunning Kinkaku-ji with its golden reflection shimmering on the pond.
Take the bus from the nearest station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the serene pathways of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a memorable experience for the entire family.
Take a train from Kinkaku-ji to Arashiyama.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local specialties.
Visit a nearby restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Experience the beautiful gardens of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk from the restaurant.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, sampling seasonal foods including sweets and fresh produce.
Take the train back to downtown Kyoto.
JPY1000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Thrills in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day right with breakfast at your accommodation or nearby bakery.
Walking distance.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train ride to Osaka for a day of fun.
Take the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY560, 30 mins

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historical Osaka Castle and its surrounding gardens.
Take the subway to Osakajokoen Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into street food paradise at Dotonbori, famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take subway to Dotonbori.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit a Toy Store

Check out the famous Toy Store 'Nipponbashi Den Den Town' for cool collectibles and toys for kids.
Walking distance from Dotonbori.
JPY0 (shopping optional), 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy Japanese cuisine at a cozy izakaya for your evening meal.
Walking distance from the CityWalk.
JPY1600, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Universal Studios Adventure

Osaka, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading off to Universal Studios.
Walking distance.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Universal Studios

Take a short train ride to Universal City Station and feel the excitement building!
Take the JR train from Osaka to Universal City.
JPY560, 30 mins

10:00AM

Enjoy Universal Studios

Dive into a day of thrills with various rides, shows, and attractions suitable for the entire family.
Enter Universal Studios.
JPY8000 per adult, discounted children's tickets available, 7 hours

5:00PM

Dinner Inside the Park

Grab a quick meal at one of the many eateries within Universal Studios; options vary.
At Universal Studios.
JPY1800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Return to Hotel

After an exhilarating day, head back to your accommodation to relax.
Take the train back to Osaka.
JPY560, 30 mins
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast Near Hotel

Grab breakfast at a nearby café or convenience store, perfect for your adventure.
Walking distance from your stay.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take a direct train to Nara, home of friendly deer and historic sites.
Take the train from Osaka to Nara.
JPY700, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Have fun interacting with hundreds of free-roaming deer at Nara Park.
Take a bus from the station to Nara Park.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy lunch at a café nearby offering local specialties.
Walking distance from Nara Park.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the stunning Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue.
Walk from the café.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for dinner and rest after a great day in Nara.
Take the train back.
JPY700, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Diner

Finish your day with a hearty meal at a local diner in Osaka.
Walk from the station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Day Trip to Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation.
Walking distance.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Yokohama

Catch the train to Yokohama, known for its waterfront and beautiful parks.
Take the train from Osaka to Yokohama.
JPY5000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Yokohama Chinatown

Explore the vibrant streets of Yokohama Chinatown, the largest in the world.
Take the train to Chinatown Station.
JPY0, 2.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Chinese Restaurant

Enjoy a hearty lunch at a popular Chinese restaurant in Chinatown.
Walking distance.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit CupNoodles Museum

Learn about the history of instant noodles and create your own custom CupNoodles.
Take the train or walk to the museum.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Conclude your day with a casual dinner at one of Yokohama's waterfront restaurants.
Take a bus or train back to Yokohama Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Walking distance.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to Tokyo

Catch the train back to Tokyo to complete your trip.
Train from Yokohama to Tokyo.
JPY500, 30 mins

10:00AM

Explore Shibuya

Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing and browse shops in the area, including the famous toy store 'Shibuya Parco's Toy Kingdom.'
Subway from Tokyo Station to Shibuya.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Local Café

Find a casual eatery for a final taste of Japanese cuisine.
Walking distance from Shibuya Crossing.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Take a serene walk in the forested grounds of Meiji Shrine, an iconic spiritual site.
Take the train from Shibuya to Harajuku.
JPY0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Dinner at Tokyo Tower

End your journey with breathtaking views from Tokyo Tower and dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Subway to Tokyo Tower.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability