9-Day Nature Exploration on a Shoestring Budget in Japan

Day 1: Urban Nature Start

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Explore Ueno Park

Start your trip with a leisurely walk through Ueno Park, home to museums and beautiful cherry blossom trees.
Take the Yamanote Line to Ueno Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit the Tokyo National Museum

Dive into Japan's rich history at one of the world's largest museum collections.
Walk to the museum from Ueno Park.
JPY620, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ueno Yakiniku

Have a delicious yet cheap Japanese grilled meat set lunch.
Located near the park, just a short walk away.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in the beautiful gardens known for its diverse landscaping.
Take the Marunouchi Line to Shinjuku Station and walk 10 minutes.
JPY500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a casual dining experience with drinks and small plates of various local cuisines.
Choose a local izakaya in Shinjuku.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Getaway

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Transfer to Nikko

Start your journey early and take a train from Tokyo to Nikko to enjoy its natural beauty.
Board the Tobu Limited Express from Asakusa Station.
JPY2800, 2 hours

9:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Marvel at the ornate sacred shrine surrounded by lush forest.
Take a local bus from the train station.
JPY1300, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus to Lake Chuzenji for stunning views of the lake and mountains.
Catch the bus from Toshogu Shrine.
JPY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Chuzenjiko Onsen

Try local specialties while enjoying lakeside scenery.
Walk along the lakeshore for lunch.
JPY900, 1 hour

2:30PM

Kegon Falls Hike

Take a hike to see the magnificent Kegon Falls, especially beautiful in fall.
Catch the bus from Lake Chuzenji.
JPY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Enjoy a warm meal at a local diner serving Japanese comfort food.
Many options near the station.
JPY1000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Hot Springs and Views

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Transfer to Hakone

After breakfast, take a scenic train ride to Hakone, known for its hot springs.
Take the train from Nikko back to Tokyo and then to Hakone.
JPY4000, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Enjoy an eclectic mix of art among stunning natural landscapes.
Take a bus from the station to the museum.
JPY1600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch in Gora Park

Have a picnic with fresh items from local convenience stores in the park.
Stroll through Gora Park to find a good picnic spot.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Take the Hakone Ropeway

Experience breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on your way to Owakudani.
Board from Gora Station.
JPY1340, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Owakudani Valley

Explore the volcanic area, known for its sulfurous hot springs.
Hike a little bit around the area.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya in Hakone

Savour local fish and rice dishes at a nearby izakaya.
Located close to Hakone's main area.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Iconic Mountain View

Mount Fuji, Japan

7:00AM

Transfer to Fujiyoshida

Travel to Fujiyoshida just outside Mount Fuji.
Take a bus from Hakone to Fujiyoshida Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

View Mount Fuji at the 5th Station

Catch public transport to the Fuji 5th Station for panoramic views.
Board a bus from Fujiyoshida Station.
JPY2000, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at 5th Station

Enjoy a simple meal at the mountain café with great views.
Dining options available at the station.
JPY1000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Pre-Hike to Fuji's Base

Start a trek towards the base of Mount Fuji for a closer view of the majestic mountain.
Follow the marked hiking paths.
JPY0, 3 hours

4:00PM

Return to Fujiyoshida

Head back for some rest before dinner.
Hike back and take a bus.
JPY500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Savour traditional Japanese cuisine at a local family-run restaurant.
Choose a restaurant near the station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Heritage

Takayama, Japan

7:00AM

Transfer to Takayama

Journey to the beautiful well-preserved town of Takayama.
Take a bus from Fujiyoshida to Takayama.
JPY3500, 3 hours

10:00AM

Explore the Sanmachi Suji District

Wander through traditional wooden houses and sake breweries.
Easily walkable from the station.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Sake Brewery

Sample delicious local sake paired with seasonal dishes.
Many breweries have tasting options.
JPY1300, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Takayama Jinya

Discover the historical government building with beautiful gardens.
A short walk away from Sanmachi Suji.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through the Morning Market

Explore local produce, crafts, and street food.
Near the Takayama Jinya.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Takayama's Local Grill

Devour grilled Hida beef and noodles at a famous local grill.
Numerous options in Takayama.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Traditional Village

Shirakawa-go, Japan

8:00AM

Transfer to Shirakawa-go

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakawa-go.
Take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go.
JPY1800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Shirakawa-go Village

Wander the quaint thatched-roof houses and beautiful landscapes.
Easily walk around the village.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Shirakawa-go Café

Sample local dishes featuring seasonal ingredients.
On-site café options.
JPY1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri Mura

Learn about the traditional craft of thatched roof building.
Connect via a short walk from the café.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Take Pictures of the Scenery

Capture the beautiful scenery and unique architecture in this picturesque village.
Find spots while wandering through the village.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Inn

Enjoy a traditional multi-course dinner at a local minpaku (inn).
Stay at a local inn for easier access to dinner.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 7: Cultural Capital

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Transfer to Kanazawa

Depart for the vibrant city of Kanazawa.
Take a bus from Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa.
JPY2500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kenroku-en Garden

Explore one of Japan's quintessential gardens, famous for its beauty in all seasons.
Take a short bus from Kanazawa station.
JPY310, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savour fresh seafood and local delicacies at this lively market.
Walk to the market from Kenroku-en.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Delve into modern and contemporary artworks in a stunning architectural space.
Easily walk or take a bus from the market.
JPY1000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Higashi Chaya District

Step back in time as you walk through this traditional geisha district.
A short walk from the museum.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Sweets Shop

Wrap up the day with some sweet treats at a local shop.
Located nearby the district.
JPY800, 1 hour
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Day 8: Relaxed Nature in History

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Transfer to Nara

Travel to Nara, the first capital of Japan, known for its temples and deer park.
Take a train from Kanazawa to Nara.
JPY3500, 2.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Stroll through the park while interacting with friendly free-roaming deer.
Walk from the train station.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Taste local specialties, including kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves).
Multiple eateries around the park.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue housed in this impressive temple.
Walk to Todai-ji from Nara Park.
JPY600, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Discover beautiful trails lined with lanterns leading to this sacred site.
A scenic walk through the forest from Todai-ji.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at an open-air izakaya that serves local food.
Numerous options around Nara Park.
JPY1500, 2 hours
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Day 9: Culmination in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Transfer to Kyoto

Travel to culturally rich Kyoto, known for its temples and gardens.
Take a train from Nara to Kyoto.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Admire the stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf and surrounded by serene gardens.
Take bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Indulge in a local meal while exploring the beautiful Arashiyama area.
From Kinkaku-ji, take a bus back to Kyoto Station and transfer to the train.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest, a photographer's paradise.
Easily walk from the train station.
JPY0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with its beautiful gardens.
Walking distance from the Bamboo Grove.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Traditional Kyoto Ryokan

Enjoy a final memorable multi-course kaiseki dinner in a traditional setting.
Choose a ryokan in Arashiyama or central Kyoto.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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