7-Day Budget-Friendly Cultural and Culinary Trip to Japan

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Kick off your trip with fresh sushi breakfast at one of the local stalls in the iconic Tsukiji Outer Market.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore the oldest temple in Tokyo, adorned with vibrant markets along the way.
Take the subway to Asakusa Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Stroll through Ueno Park

Enjoy a serene walk in one of Tokyo's most famous parks, perfect for art and culture.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Ameyoko Street

Sample various street foods such as takoyaki and yakitori in this bustling market area.
Walk from Ueno Park.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Dive into the heart of otaku culture with anime shops, maid cafes, and gaming rooms.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Tsukemen at Rokurinsha

Savor dipping noodles at the renowned Rokurinsha, famous for its rich dipping broth.
Take the subway back to Tokyo Station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

6:00PM

Evening views from Tokyo Skytree

Get an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the city from Tokyo Skytree, especially beautiful at sunset.
Take the train to Oshiage Station.
JPY2100, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Conclude your day with a cozy dinner at Omoide Yokocho, filled with tiny izakayas serving local dishes.
Take the subway to Shinjuku Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Have a quick breakfast at a café near your accommodation before departing for Nikko.
Walk to the nearest café.
JPY800, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Catch the Tobu Limited Express train from Asakusa Station to Nikko, enjoying scenic views on the way.
Board the train at Asakusa Station.
JPY4000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore Nikko's most famous shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site full of intricate woodwork.
Take a bus from Nikko Station to Toshogu Shrine.
JPY1300, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Nature at Lake Chuzenji

Enjoy the stunning laked views and maybe a brief hike around this beautiful area.
Catch a bus from Toshogu Shrine to Lake Chuzenji.
JPY2000, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Chuzenji Lake Café

Dine with a view at a café offering local dishes and relaxed atmosphere.
Stroll around the lake and spot the café.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Kegon Falls

Witness the spectacular Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls.
Take a bus from Lake Chuzenji.
JPY600, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Nikko

Head back to Nikko city to explore a bit more.
Catch a bus back to Nikko Station.
JPY600, 30 minutes

4:30PM

Explore Nikko town

Wander around the charming streets of Nikko, soaking up the local culture and shops.
Walk around Nikko Station area.
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Experience authentic izakaya dining, enjoying shared plates of delicious Japanese food.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Travel back to Tokyo

Catch the train back to Tokyo for an overnight stay.
Board the Tobu Limited Express at Nikko Station.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Tranquility in Takayama

Takayama, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before departing for Takayama.
Walk to the train station.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Experience the scenic train journey to Takayama via a limited express train.
Board the train at Nagoya Station.
JPY5000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Check-in and Drop Luggage

Check into your accommodation and drop off your luggage before exploring.
Walk to your hotel from the station.
Free, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Takayama Old Town

Wander through the beautifully preserved Edo-period streets full of traditional houses.
Stroll from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Soba Shop

Savor homemade soba noodles at a cozy spot in the old town.
Walk to a nearby soba shop.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit the Morning Market

Explore the lively morning market showcasing local crafts and fresh produce.
Walk from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hida Folk Village Tour

Discover rural Japan in this open-air museum featuring traditional farmhouses.
Take the bus to Hida Folk Village.
JPY600, 2.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hida Beef Restaurant

Feast on the renowned Hida beef at an affordable local restaurant.
Head back to the city center.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Stroll

Enjoy a peaceful evening walk through the quiet streets of Takayama.
Walk around the area near your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 4: Traditional Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up with a traditional breakfast provided by your inn.
Enjoy onsite dining.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Shirakawa-go

Take a bus to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Catch the bus from Takayama bus station.
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Shirakawa-go

Wander through the picturesque village, enjoying breathtaking scenery and traditional architecture.
Stroll around the village.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Eatery

Savor the local dish 'gohei mochi' at a cozy eatery in the village.
Visit a nearby restaurant.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Wada House

Tour the famous Wada House and learn about the history of the region.
Walk to Wada House.
JPY500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Head back to Takayama

Return to Takayama for more exploration.
Catch the bus back to Takayama.
JPY2000, 1 hour

4:00PM

Free Time in Takayama

Spend some time exploring more of Takayama's local crafts and shops.
Walk around the old town area.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Relax with dinner at a local izakaya enjoying the welcoming atmosphere.
Find a nearby izakaya.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Night Walk in Takayama

Embrace the tranquility of Takayama by walking through its illuminated, serene streets.
Wander around the town.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 5: Cultural Discovery in Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast in Takayama

Enjoy a final breakfast in Takayama at your accommodation or a local café.
Walk to a local café.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Catch a bus or train to Kanazawa, renowned for its cultural heritage.
Board a bus or train.
JPY3000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Explore Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes, Kenrokuen Garden.
Walk from Kanazawa Station.
JPY320, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and local delicacies at the bustling Omicho Market.
Walk to Omicho Market.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Tour the historic Kanazawa Castle and learn about its importance in Japanese history.
Stroll to Kanazawa Castle.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Higashi Chaya District

Explore the traditional geisha district filled with tea houses and local crafts.
Walk to Higashi Chaya.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Indulge in a hearty meal at a local restaurant known for Kaga cuisine.
Walk to a recommended restaurant.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Nighttime Stroll in Kanazawa

Experience the charm of Kanazawa under the night sky, with its well-preserved streets.
Wander around the streets.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Cultural Wonders in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Kanazawa

Enjoy a filling breakfast in Kanazawa at your accommodation or café.
Walk to a local café.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Travel by train from Kanazawa to Kyoto and witness the changing landscapes.
Board the train at Kanazawa Station.
JPY4200, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this iconic temple known for its wooden stage and stunning views of Kyoto.
Take a bus or walk from the station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Taste various traditional Japanese street foods at Nishiki Market, a foodie paradise.
Walk to Nishiki Market.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Gion District

Stroll through Gion, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses and geisha culture.
Walk from Nishiki Market.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Excursion to the famous shrine noted for its thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Take a train from Gion to Fushimi Inari.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine on seasonal dishes in the atmospheric Pontocho Alley, famous for its nightlife.
Walk from Fushimi Inari.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Night at Five Story Pagoda

Finish the day by appreciating the view of the illuminated five-story pagoda.
Take a short walk to the pagoda.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 7: Final Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kyoto Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Kyoto before heading to Osaka.
Walk to the hotel restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Make your way to Osaka, famed for its street food and vibrant culture.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station.
JPY560, 30 minutes

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Tour through Osaka Castle and its beautiful surrounding park.
Walk to Osaka Castle from Osaka Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Dive into street food heaven at Dotonbori, famous for takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Walk to Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Spend the afternoon browsing shops in this bustling shopping area.
Stroll to Shinsaibashi.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Umeda Sky Building

Get breathtaking views of Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory.
Take the subway to Umeda Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Final Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

End your trip with a delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat) at a local favorite.
Take the subway back to Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Evening Walk Along the Dotonbori Canal

Take in the illuminated signs and vibrant nightlife along the Dotonbori Canal as your trip concludes.
Stroll along the canal.
Free, 1 hour
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