Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Japan: Explore the Land of the Rising Sun

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrive at Narita International Airport

After landing, clear customs and catch the Narita Express train to Tokyo city center.
Take Narita Express to Tokyo station.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local stalls while taking in the bustling market atmosphere.
Walk from Tokyo station to Tsukiji Outer Market.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, known for its iconic Kaminarimon Gate and lively shopping street.
Take Tokyo Metro from Tsukiji to Asakusa.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Asakusa Restaurant

Try some traditional soba noodles at a cozy prices-friendly eatery.
Walk to a local restaurant in Asakusa.
JPY 800, 1 hour

8:00PM

Night stroll through Akihabara

Experience the electric town, full of anime culture, arcades, and shops.
Take Tokyo Metro to Akihabara.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Tokyo Explorations

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Grab a delicious melon bread and coffee at a nearby convenience store.
Walk to a convenience store.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Stroll through this tranquil shrine surrounded by a lush forest.
Take the train from your hotel to Harajuku.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Wander through Harajuku

Explore quirky shops on Takeshita Street and soak in youth culture.
Walk through Harajuku streets.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy budget-friendly sashimi and rice at a local izakaya.
Walk from Harajuku to the nearby restaurant.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Ueno Park

Visit the beautiful park and its free outdoor spaces, perfect for a walk.
Take the train to Ueno.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ueno Market

Savor Japanese curry from a local stall, a comforting dish after a long day.
Walk to Ueno Market.
JPY 800, 1 hour

8:00PM

Relax at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Stroll through the beautiful park, ideal for unwinding after a busy day.
Take the train to Shinjuku.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Have a simple breakfast of toast and coffee at a local shop.
Walk to a nearby café.
JPY 600, 1 hour

8:30AM

Depart for Kyoto

Board the shinkansen to Kyoto using your Japan Rail Pass.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto.
Free with JR pass, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden temple framed by beautiful gardens.
Take bus from nearby Kyoto station.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kyoto Station

Enjoy a bento box from the famous station, known for its variety.
Walk around the station.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest, a peaceful escape.
Take train to Arashiyama.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Ramen Shop

Indulge in a rich bowl of miso ramen in Arashiyama.
Walk to an Arashiyama ramen shop.
JPY 900, 1 hour

8:00PM

Stroll along the Kamo River

Enjoy a serene evening walk along the riverbank, taking in the night views.
Take tram back to Kyoto city center.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Kyoto Temples and Culture

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Enjoy a pastry and matcha latte at a quaint bakery near your accommodation.
Walk to a local bakery.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through the iconic torii gate pathway that meanders up Inari Mountain.
Take train to Fushimi Inari.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy cheap and delicious soba noodles from a local shop near the shrine.
Walk to the nearby restaurant.
JPY 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore The Philosopher's Path

Stroll along this scenic path lined with cherry blossom trees and small temples.
Take bus to Ginkaku-ji.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Gion District

Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at a reasonable sushi restaurant.
Walk to a local sushi restaurant.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

7:00PM

Look for Geisha in Gion

Wander through the streets of Gion and perhaps spot a geisha on her way to an appointment.
Wander around the Gion area.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Travel to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Enjoy a simple breakfast of onigiri (rice balls) and tea at a nearby café.
Walk to a local café.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Depart for Osaka

Take the local train from Kyoto to Osaka.
Catch the train from Kyoto Station.
JPY 410, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Experience the impressive castle and its surrounding park.
Walk to Osaka Castle from the station.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Dotonbori

Try famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the lively Dotonbori area.
Take subway to Dotonbori.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Spend time browsing shops and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk to Shinsaibashi.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy an affordable meal with a variety of Japanese dishes at a local izakaya.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

8:00PM

Nightlife in Namba

Explore Namba’s nightlife with its bright neon lights and entertainment venues.
Walk around the Namba area.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Osaka Hotel

Grab a bento box breakfast from the convenience store.
Pick up breakfast near your accommodation.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Travel to Nara

Take a local train from Osaka to Nara.
Catch the train from Namba Station.
JPY 720, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Walk among free-roaming deer and appreciate the natural beauty of the park.
Walk from Nara station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Nara Eatery

Enjoy hot yudofu (tofu hot pot) at a cozy Nara restaurant.
Find a local restaurant near the park.
JPY 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue housed within the impressive temple.
Walk to Todai-ji from Nara Park.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Experience local flavors at a family-run izakaya in Nara.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Travel back to Osaka

Catch the train back to Osaka for the evening.
Board the train at Nara station.
JPY 720, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Travel to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Osaka Hotel

Have a light breakfast of rice balls and pickles before heading out.
Pick up from a convenience store.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Depart for Hiroshima

Board the shinkansen to Hiroshima using your Japan Rail Pass.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka Station.
Free with JR pass, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect at this important site dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb.
Walk to the park from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Hiroshima Okonomiyaki Shop

Try the famous Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with ingredients.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Hiroshima Castle

Visit the reconstructed castle and learn about Hiroshima's history.
Take tram to Hiroshima Castle.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a hearty meal at a local izakaya while meeting fellow travelers.
Walk to nearby izakaya.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Take a Walk along the Peace Memorial Park

Enjoy the beautiful evening ambiance as you reflect on your day.
Stroll through the park.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Visit Miyajima Island

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hiroshima Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
Dine at your hotel.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Take the train and ferry to beautiful Miyajima Island.
Take the tram to JR Miyajimaguchi Station, then ferry.
JPY 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

See the Great Torii Gate

Experience the famous floating torii gate, especially majestic at high tide.
Walk to the waterfront.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Shuck Shop

Taste the local specialty: grilled oysters at a seaside eatery.
Find a nearby seafood stall.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hike Mount Misen

Enjoy a scenic hike to the peak for breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area.
Take the ropeway to the hiking trailhead.
JPY 1000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner Back in Hiroshima

Savor okonomiyaki again, experiencing different styles in a local eatery.
Ferry back to Hiroshima, then walk.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Walk to Admire City Lights

Conclude your day with a reflective walk along the illuminated streets of Hiroshima.
Walk through the city.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 9: Wrap Up in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Final Breakfast in Hiroshima

Enjoy a light breakfast of rice balls and tea at a local café.
Find a local café near your hotel.
JPY 600, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Travel back to Osaka

Catch the shinkansen back to Osaka.
Board the train at Hiroshima Station.
Free with JR pass, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Osaka Aquarium

Explore the fascinating marine life and exhibits at one of the world's largest aquariums.
Take subway to the aquarium.
JPY 2300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy delicious curry rice at a popular café.
Walk to a nearby café.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shop at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Experience Osaka’s food culture while shopping for local delicacies.
Walk to Kuromon Market.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Final Dinner at Dotonbori

Savor your last meal in Japan at an iconic tonkatsu restaurant.
Take subway to Dotonbori.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Walk along Dotonbori Canal

Reflect on your travels with a leisurely evening stroll by the canal, enjoying the neon lights.
Walk along the canal.
Free, 1 hour
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