7-Day Family-Friendly Budget Itinerary in Japan: Nature & Culture

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Arrival and Check-In

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and take the Airport Limousine bus to your accommodation, allowing for a smooth start to your journey.
Airport to hotel via bus
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Asakusa Sightseeing

Visit the historic Asakusa district, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and lively Nakamise Street for souvenirs and snacks.
Short walk or local train from hotel
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Ueno Park Exploration

Head to Ueno Park where you can enjoy the vast greenery and perhaps visit one of the several museums.
Take the train to Ueno Station
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Isomaru Suisan

Enjoy a casual dinner at Isomaru Suisan, known for its fresh seafood and izakaya-style dining.
Walk or take a short train ride back
JPY 4000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nature Day in Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Nikko

Take an early morning train from Tokyo to Nikko, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
JR Tohoku Line
JPY 2500, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated mausoleum dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Bus from Nikko Station
JPY 1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Savour delicious yakitori and other local specialities at Hippari Dako, a family-friendly eatery.
Walk from Toshogu Shrine
JPY 2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Lake Chuzenji & Kegon Falls

Explore the serene Lake Chuzenji and visit the spectacular Kegon Falls for breathtaking views.
Bus from Nikko City
JPY 2000, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yuba Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional dinner at a restaurant specializing in yuba, or tofu skin, a local delicacy.
Return to Nikko City
JPY 3000, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Relaxation in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Train to Hakone

Travel from Nikko to Hakone via train, gearing up for a day of relaxation and hot springs.
Train from Nikko to Odawara
JPY 3000, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover both art and nature at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring sculptures set against majestic mountains.
Local bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station
JPY 1600, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at La Terrazza

Take a break for a delightful Italian meal at La Terrazza, offering beautiful garden views.
Walk from museum
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Onsen

Enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen experience, soaking in the mineral-rich hot spring water.
Shuttle bus to an onsen resort
JPY 2000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kamata

Feast on a kaiseki dinner at Kamata, showcasing local seasonal ingredients.
Return to hotel
JPY 5000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto, speeding towards rich cultural experiences.
Shinkansen from Odawara Station
JPY 10000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji

Explore the stunning Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Bus from Kyoto Station
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Omen

Savour udon noodles at Omen, a popular spot known for its homemade dishes.
Walk from the pavilion
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit the nearby monkey park for a bit of adventure.
Train from Kyoto Station
JPY 600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Katsu

Enjoy hearty katsu dishes at Katsu, a family-friendly restaurant.
Train back to the city
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Start your day with a short train ride from Kyoto to Nara, famous for its friendly deer.
Kintetsu Nara Line
JPY 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nara Park

Visit Nara Park to feed the friendly deer and soak in the natural surroundings.
Walk from Nara Station
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Maguro Koya

Savour fresh tuna dishes at Maguro Koya, known for its sashimi.
Short walk from the park
JPY 2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the magnificent Todai-ji Temple, housing giant Buddha statues.
Walk from lunch
JPY 600, 2 hours

3:30PM

Cultural Experience

Participate in origami or a tea ceremony workshop for a hands-on cultural experience.
Short bus ride
JPY 3500, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Kyoto and Dinner

Head back to Kyoto for dinner at Gyu-Kaku, enjoying a fun yakiniku experience.
Train back from Nara
JPY 600, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Foodie Adventure in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a short train ride to Osaka for a day filled with culinary delights.
JR Line from Kyoto Station
JPY 560, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Explore Dotonbori

Stroll through the vibrant Dotonbori district, famous for street food and neon signs.
Subway to Namba Station
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Kushi Katsu Daruma

Indulge in kushi-katsu (deep-fried skewers) at Kushi Katsu Daruma, a local favourite.
Short walk in Dotonbori
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore historic Osaka Castle and its beautiful grounds, perfect for relaxation.
Train or bus from Dotonbori
JPY 600, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kuromon Market

Discover Kuromon Market for a foodie paradise; try various local delicacies.
Return to Dotonbori for a short walk
JPY 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Final Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen for your final day adventures.
Shinkansen from Osaka Station
JPY 14000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Savour fresh seafood and local street food at the Tsukiji Outer Market.
Train to Tsukiji Station
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Shibuya and Harajuku

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Shibuya and take a stroll through trendy Harajuku for unique shops and sights.
Take the train to Harajuku
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Experience delicious tonkotsu ramen at the famous Ichiran Ramen, perfect for a last meal in Japan.
Return to hotel
JPY 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability