14-Day Japan: City Adventures, Nature Escapes, Budget-Friendly Foodie Experience

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Shinjuku Gyoen

Start your adventurous journey in Tokyo with a stroll through the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a serene escape from the bustling city.
Take the JR Shinjuku Station, 15-minute walk to the garden.
JPY 500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yoshinoya

Enjoy a budget-friendly beef bowl meal at Yoshinoya, well-known for its delicious gyudon.
Walking distance from Shinjuku Gyoen.
JPY 600, 1 hour

2:00PM

Harajuku & Takeshita Street

Explore the trendy shops and unique fashion culture in Harajuku, especially along the bustling Takeshita Street.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku to Harajuku Station (10 minutes).
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

End your day with a delicious bowl of tonkotsu ramen at the famous Ichiran Ramen, known for its solo dining booths.
Walking distance from Harajuku.
JPY 1,100, 1 hour
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Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start the day with fresh sushi breakfast at one of the many stalls at Tsukiji Outer Market.
Take the Toei Oedo Line to Tsukiji Shijo Station (15 minutes).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Senso-ji Temple

Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo's oldest temple, and explore the surrounding Nakamise shopping street.
Take the Toei Asakusa Line from Tsukiji to Asakusa Station (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa's Tobei

Enjoy some delicious tempura at Tobei, a local favorite known for quality and affordability.
Walking distance from Senso-ji.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tokyo Skytree

Visit Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the entire city; don't forget your camera.
10-minute walk from Asakusa Station.
JPY 2,100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Head to Omoide Yokocho for a taste of local izakaya-style dining and some yakitori.
Take the JR Yamanote Line back to Shinjuku (10 minutes).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Nikko

Catch an early train to Nikko to maximize your day while enjoying gorgeous mountain scenery.
JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Utsunomiya, then transfer to JR Nikko Line (2 hours).
JPY 2,800, 2.5 hours

10:00AM

Toshogu Shrine

Explore the magnificent Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Take a 30-minute bus from JR Nikko Station to Toshogu.
JPY 1,300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yuba-ya

Savor nikko’s specialty, yuba (tofu skin) at Yuba-ya, a quaint local restaurant.
Walking distance from Toshogu.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kegon Falls

Visit the breathtaking Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most famous waterfalls; it's truly a sight to behold.
Take a bus from Toshogu Shrine (30 minutes).
JPY 550, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo after a refreshing day of nature.
Catch the bus back to JR Nikko Station for your train (1 hour).
JPY 2,800, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a local Izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner at a local izakaya near your hotel.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kamakura Day Trip

Kamakura, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Kamakura

Embark on your day trip to Kamakura, famous for its temples and the Great Buddha.
Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo to Kamakura Station (1 hour).
JPY 920, 1 hour

9:00AM

Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

Visit the iconic Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in which stands 13.35 meters tall.
15-minute walk from Kamakura Station.
JPY 200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hase-dera Temple

Stroll around the gorgeous Hase-dera Temple and enjoy its beautiful gardens.
30-minute walk or take a local bus.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Komachi Street

Explore Komachi Street and grab a bite at one of the many small eateries offering delicious local snacks.
Walking distance from Hase-dera.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Engaku-ji Temple

Visit Engaku-ji Temple, one of the most important Zen temples in Japan.
Take a local bus back towards Kamakura Station (15 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo and relax after your explorations.
JR Yokosuka Line back to Tokyo (1 hour).
JPY 920, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Matsuya

Enjoy a filling meal at Matsuya, another affordable chain famed for its gyudon.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY 600, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Nature and Relaxation in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Head to Hakone for stunning natural beauty and hot springs.
Take the Odakyu Limited Express from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto Station (1.5 hours).
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore the Hakone Open Air Museum with outdoor sculptures and art installations in a lush setting.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Chokoku-no-Mori Station (20 minutes).
JPY 1,600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Soba Shop

Try traditional soba noodles at a cozy soba shop near the museum.
Walking distance.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lake Ashi Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi with stunning views of Mount Fuji if weather permits.
Walk to the pier from the soba shop (15 minutes).
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Owakudani Valley

Visit Owakudani, a volcanic valley with hot springs, and taste the famous black eggs boiled in the sulfur springs.
Take the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai Station (20 minutes).
JPY 1,500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at an Onsen Ryokan

Indulge in a traditional meal at an onsen ryokan and relax in the hot springs afterward.
Return to Hakone Yumoto Station for your ryokan (30 minutes).
JPY 4,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Day in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Make your way to Kyoto, the city of traditional culture.
Take the Odakyu Limited Express back to Shinjuku, then Shinkansen to Kyoto (2.5 hours total).
JPY 15,000, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji, famously known as the Golden Pavilion, reflecting gracefully in the pond.
Take the bus from Kyoto Station (40 minutes).
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Wander through Nishiki Market trying various street foods, from mochi to pickled vegetables.
Bus back to Kyoto Station (40 minutes).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermillion torii gates.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Inari Station (5 minutes).
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Savor some delicious okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) at Okonomiyaki Katsu.
Take the bus back to the city center (20 minutes).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Temples and Gardens in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Start your day with coffee and pastries at a cozy café in Kyoto.
Walking distance.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Take a trip to the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for an otherworldly experience.
Take the JR Sanin Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (30 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sagano

Relish yuba dishes with a view at Sagano, located in Arashiyama area.
Walking distance from Bamboo Grove.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens.
10-minute walk from Sagano.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Nanzen-ji Temple

Explore the exquisite Nanzen-ji Temple and its serene surroundings.
Take the bus from Arashiyama back towards Kyoto (40 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gion

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner in the historic Gion district known for geishas.
Take the bus to Gion (30 minutes).
JPY 4,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Head to Nara, known for its free-roaming deer and historic temples.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara (45 minutes).
JPY 720, 1 hour

9:00AM

Nara Park

Stroll through Nara Park where friendly deer roam freely among visitors.
Walking distance from Nara Station.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the awe-inspiring Todai-ji Temple, housing a giant Buddha statue.
Walking distance from Nara Park.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Soba Shop

Enjoy a comforting bowl of soba right in Nara-town.
Nearby the temple.
JPY 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Visit the unique Kasuga-taisha Shrine, famous for its hundreds of bronze lanterns.
15-minute walk from Todai-ji.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto and unwind after the day.
Take the JR Nara Line back to Kyoto Station (45 minutes).
JPY 720, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a delightful meal at an izakaya in Kyoto with various small plates.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Food and Fun in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Make your way to Osaka, the food capital of Japan.
Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto to Osaka (30 minutes).
JPY 560, 1 hour

9:30AM

Dotonbori District

Explore the vibrant Dotonbori District, filled with neon lights and tasty street food.
Take the subway to Namba Station (10 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Try the famous takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki from local vendors along Dotonbori.
Walking distance.
JPY 800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Osaka Castle

Visit Osaka Castle, a historic landmark surrounded by lovely parks—all free to enter.
Take the subway to Osakajokoen Station (20 minutes).
JPY 600, 2 hours

4:00PM

Universal CityWalk

Experience the excitement at Universal CityWalk for shopping and entertainment.
Take the JR Yumesaki Line from Osakajokoen to Universal City (30 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Enjoy some delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at Kushikatsu Daruma, a must-try in Osaka.
Travel back to Namba (30 minutes).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour
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Day 10: History in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Head to Hiroshima to learn about its history and resilience.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (1.5 hours).
JPY 10,000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Peace Memorial Park

Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to understand the impact of World War II.
Walking distance from Hiroshima Station (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomi-mura, a famous food spot.
Walking distance from the park.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hiroshima Castle

Explore Hiroshima Castle and its beautiful surrounding park.
Take the tram from the park (15 minutes).
JPY 370, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shukkeien Garden

Relax at Shukkeien Garden, a beautiful traditional garden in Hiroshima.
Take a taxi from the castle (10 minutes).
JPY 260, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Yokohama

Try an affordable dinner at a local izakaya near your hotel.
Walking distance.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Day Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Miyajima

Start the day early for a trip to Miyajima, home of the iconic floating torii gate.
Take a train from Hiroshima to Miyajima-guchi and a ferry to the island (1 hour).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit Itsukushima Shrine and its famous torii gate floating in the sea.
Walking distance from the ferry terminal.
JPY 300, 1 hour

11:00AM

Mount Misen

Hike or take a ropeway up Mount Misen for spectacular views.
Access through the hiking trail or ropeway nearby.
JPY 1,800, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Momiji-tei

Savor some momiji manju (maple leaf pastries) and other local delicacies at Momiji-tei.
Walking distance from Mount Misen.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Shopping Streets

Roam through the shopping streets of Miyajima, picking up local snacks.
Walking distance.
Varies, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back to Hiroshima after a delightful day on the island.
Ferry and train back to Hiroshima (1 hour).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner at a friendly izakaya in Hiroshima.
Walking distance.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Culinary Delights in Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Fukuoka

Travel to Fukuoka, known for its vibrant food scene.
Take the Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Hakata Station (1 hour).
JPY 9,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Yatai

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local yatai (street food stall) in Fukuoka.
Walking distance from Hakata Station.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Ohori Park

Relax at Ohori Park, a beautiful green space with a large pond ideal for leisurely strolls.
Take the subway to Ohori Koen Station (15 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ippudo Ramen

Indulge in the original tonkotsu ramen at Ippudo, a must-try ramen chain.
Take the subway back to Tenjin Station (20 minutes).
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Visit the historical Fukuoka Castle Ruins for insight into the city's past.
Walking distance from Ippudo.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall

Explore the vibrant Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall, a great spot for souvenirs.
Walking distance.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Yatai

End your day with another visit to a yatai for some grilled skewers and local beer.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Exploring Nagasaki

Nagasaki, Japan

7:30AM

Travel to Nagasaki

Travel to Nagasaki, a city with a rich history and stunning views.
Take the limited express train from Hakata to Nagasaki (2 hours).
JPY 5,000, 2 hours

10:00AM

Nagasaki Peace Park

Start your day at the Nagasaki Peace Park, commemorating the atomic bombing's victims.
Walking distance from Nagasaki Station.
Free, 1 hour

11:30AM

Oura Cathedral

Visit Oura Cathedral, Japan's oldest wooden church and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take tram from the Peace Park (15 minutes).
JPY 300, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy some champon or sada ramen, regional dishes, at a local eatery.
Nearby Oura Cathedral.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Glover Garden

Take a stroll through Glover Garden, showcasing European-style houses amidst beautiful gardens.
Walking distance from your lunch spot.
JPY 610, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Mount Inasa

Enjoy stunning views of Nagasaki from the top of Mount Inasa, especially beautiful at sunset.
Take a ropeway from Nagasaki Station (25 minutes).
JPY 1,200, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Delight in delicious Nagasaki seafood at a local izakaya.
Take the tram back (30 minutes).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Final Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Travel Back to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for your final day in Japan.
Take the Shinkansen from Nagasaki to Tokyo (5 hours).
JPY 20,000, 5 hours

3:00PM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the bustling Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station (20 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Last Dinner at Tsukiji Outer Market

Finish your trip with a final dinner at the Tsukiji Outer Market to savor the freshest seafood.
Take the subway from Shibuya to Tsukiji Station (20 minutes).
JPY 3,000, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Shopping at Shinjuku

Last-minute shopping at the bustling department stores or electronic shops in Shinjuku.
Take the subway back to Shinjuku Station (15 minutes).
Varies, 2 hours
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