How many days do you need in Japan?

This itinerary covers 9 days in Japan, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Japan?

Plan your perfect 9 days trip to Japan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

9-Day Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Japan

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.

JPY1000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Ueno Park

Stroll through Ueno Park, enjoying the many free activities including the beautiful cherry blossoms and open spaces for kids.

JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ameyoko Market

Savor some delicious street food at Ameyoko Market; options abound from yakitori to sweet tanks.

JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the world of anime and technology in Akihabara's vibrant streets, including stores dedicated to Transformers merchandise.

JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Enjoy an Evening in Shinjuku

Visit Shinjuku's parks and neon-lit streets, perfect for selfies and family memories.

JPY0, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

End your day with delicious grilled skewers in this iconic alley lined with tiny eateries.

JPY1200, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at FamilyMart

Grab a quick and economical breakfast from a local convenience store.

JPY600, 30 mins

9:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Experience the beautiful Senso-ji Temple and the surrounding Nakamise Street for souvenirs.

JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop

Try a hearty bowl of ramen nearby, a family favorite at the Ramen Museum.

JPY900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Ramen Museum

Discover the interesting history of ramen and enjoy sampling various types in this fun and educational environment.

JPY1000, includes free tastings for kids., 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore the Sumida Aquarium

Children will love the exhibits at the Sumida Aquarium; it's both fun and educational.

JPY2000 per adult, kids discounts available, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sushiro

Enjoy a family-friendly conveyor belt sushi experience at Sushiro.

JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

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.

JPY800, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Catch the early morning train to Hakone, a famous hot spring resort town.

JPY4000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Owakudani Valley

Ride the Hakone Ropeway for magnificent views and sample black eggs cooked in hot springs.

JPY1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Have lunch at a café near the ropeway offering fresh local dishes.

JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Hakone Checkpoint

Learn about the historical checkpoint and its significance during the Edo period.

JPY400, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner in Hakone

End your day with a delicious meal at a local teahouse featuring traditional Japanese fare.

JPY2000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo after an enjoyable day.

JPY4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 4: Cultural Exploration

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Try a delicious breakfast pastry from a local bakery in Kyoto.

JPY500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Discover the stunning Kinkaku-ji with its golden reflection shimmering on the pond.

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.

JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Traditional Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring local specialties.

JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Experience the beautiful gardens of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, sampling seasonal foods including sweets and fresh produce.

JPY1000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 5: More Kyoto Adventures

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Casually enjoy breakfast at a cozy local café before your day begins.

JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Inspect thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up the mountain - a memorable sight for any family.

JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore the Philosopher's Path

Take a leisurely walk along the Philosopher’s Path for beautiful canals and cherry blossoms.

JPY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Stop for lunch in a quaint eatery along the Philosopher’s Path.

JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Explore Ginkaku-ji and its beautiful gardens offering stunning views of the city.

JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Complete your day with dinner at a budget-friendly izakaya popular among locals.

JPY1500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 6: Osaka Day Trip

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day right with breakfast at your accommodation or nearby bakery.

JPY600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train ride to Osaka for a day of fun.

JPY560, 30 mins

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historical Osaka Castle and its surrounding gardens.

JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into street food paradise at Dotonbori, famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit the Universal CityWalk (Optional)

Stroll through Universal CityWalk with shops and entertainment (the theme park is often too expensive).

JPY0 (Shopping optional), 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Explore Shinsaibashi shopping arcade for unique souvenirs and local goods.

JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy Japanese cuisine at a cozy izakaya for your evening meal.

JPY1600, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 7: Historical Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast Near Hotel

Grab breakfast at a nearby café or convenience store, perfect for your adventure.

JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take a direct train to Nara, home of friendly deer and historic sites.

JPY700, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Have fun interacting with hundreds of free-roaming deer at Nara Park.

JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy lunch at a café nearby offering local specialties.

JPY1000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the stunning Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue.

JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for dinner and rest after a great day in Nara.

JPY700, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Diner

Finish your day with a hearty meal at a local diner in Osaka.

JPY1500, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Nara

Day 8: Hiroshima and Peace

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your accommodation.

JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen to Hiroshima, famed for its peace memorial history.

JPY9000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore the park that commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing.

JPY0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at a nearby eatery.

JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Discover the history at Hiroshima Castle, a symbol of the city.

JPY600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Conclude your travel adventures with a delightful meal at a local izakaya.

JPY1800, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.

JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel Back to Tokyo

Catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo to complete your trip.

JPY9000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Shibuya

Visit the iconic Shibuya Crossing and browse shops in the area.

JPY0, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Local Café

Find a casual eatery for a final taste of Japanese cuisine.

JPY1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Take a serene walk in the forested grounds of Meiji Shrine, an iconic spiritual site.

JPY0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Tokyo Tower

End your journey with breathtaking views from Tokyo Tower and dinner at a nearby restaurant.

JPY3000, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Tokyo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

9-Day Family Friendly Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Japan

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

7:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

8:00AM

9:00AM

12:00PM

1:30PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

7:00AM

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

7:00PM

Day 4: Cultural Exploration

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

Day 5: More Kyoto Adventures

7:30AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:30PM

Day 6: Osaka Day Trip

8:00AM

9:30AM

10:00AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

3:30PM

5:30PM

Day 7: Historical Nara

8:00AM

9:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

5:30PM

Day 8: Hiroshima and Peace

7:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

Day 9: Return to Tokyo

8:00AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

3:00PM

5:30PM

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