14-Day Shoestring Adventure Itinerary in Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and grilled seafood at this vibrant market.
Get there via subway to Tsukiji Station.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Wander through the historic Asakusa district and visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji.
Take the subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa Shokudo

Enjoy budget-friendly ramen at this local eatery.
Just a short walk from Senso-ji.
JPY 800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tokyo Skytree

Visit the Tokyo Skytree for stunning views of the city.
Take the Toei Asakusa Line from Asakusa Station to Oshiage.
JPY 2,000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Genki Sushi

Enjoy a fun, affordable sushi experience from conveyor belts.
Take a subway or walk to the Harajuku area.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nikko Day Trip

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast in Tokyo

Grab a quick breakfast from a convenience store before departure.
Catch a train from Tokyo to Nikko.
JPY 2,500, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shrine

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its exquisite architecture.
Walk from Nikko station (approximately 30 minutes).
JPY 1,300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Taste Yuba (tofu skin), a local delicacy.
Nearby the shrine.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Kegon Falls

Enjoy the scenic beauty of one of Japan's three famous waterfalls.
Take a bus from the Nikko Station.
JPY 550, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo in the late afternoon.
Catch a train back to Tokyo.
JPY 2,500, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Enjoy yakitori at this charming alleyway of small restaurants.
Take the subway to Shinjuku Station.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Tokyo to Matsumoto

Matsumoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Savor a simple toast and coffee breakfast at a nearby café.
Walk to a café close by.
JPY 700, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Matsumoto

Depart for Matsumoto via train.
Take a JR Limited Express train.
JPY 5,000, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Matsumoto Castle

Explore the beautiful Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure of Japan.
Walk from the station (about 15 minutes).
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Nakamachi Street

Enjoy soba noodles in this historic street lined with traditional shops.
Walk to Nakamachi Street.
JPY 1,200, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Nakamachi Shopping District

Stroll through the quaint shops, enjoying local crafts and snacks.
Walking distance from lunch spot.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Try some regional dishes at this friendly pub.
Nearby Nakamachi Street.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Matsumoto to Takayama

Takayama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Indulge in freshly baked bread and pastries.
Walk to a nearby bakery.
JPY 700, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Takayama

Set off for the picturesque town of Takayama.
Take the bus for a scenic ride.
JPY 2,000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Check in at Accommodation

Leave your bags and prepare for exploration.
At your pre-booked hostel.
JPY 3,000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Takayama Jinya

Savor Hida beef at a local restaurant near the historic government building.
Walking distance from Jinya.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Sanmachi Suji

Stroll through this preserved Edo-period street lined with sake breweries and shops.
Walking distance from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Sake Brewery

Taste local sake paired with small plates in the brewery.
Located in the Sanmachi Suji area.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Takayama, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a simple Japanese-style breakfast at your hostel.
Within your accommodation.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shirakawa-go Day Trip

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Take the bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Shirakawa-go

Discover the charming villages and beautiful landscapes.
Walking around the village.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Try local dishes made with seasonal ingredients.
Available within the village.
JPY 1,500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Return to Takayama

Enjoy the bus ride back with stunning views.
Take the bus back to Takayama.
JPY 2,500, 1 hour

4:00PM

Free Time in Takayama

Explore more shops or relax in a café.
Walking distance from your hostel.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Noodle Shop

Enjoy hearty bowls of ramen before resting for the day.
Close to your hostel.
JPY 1,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Takayama to Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a delightful breakfast at the hostel.
At your pre-booked hostel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kanazawa

Scoot on over to Kanazawa, a city rich in history.
Take the train from Takayama.
JPY 3,500, 2.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Omicho Market

Explore this bustling market and sample fresh seafood.
Walking distance from Kanazawa station.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.
Walking distance from lunch.
JPY 320, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Kanazawa Castle

Wander the grounds of this impressive historic castle.
Adjacent to Kenrokuen Garden.
JPY 500, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Taste Kanazawa's unique cuisine in a local izakaya.
Close by Kenrokuen.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Kanazawa to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Coffee Shop

Start with a cup of coffee and a pastry.
At a nearby coffee shop.
JPY 700, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Head to the ancient city of Kyoto.
Take the express train from Kanazawa.
JPY 4,500, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore the culinary delights at Kyoto's famous food market.
Walking distance from Kyoto Station.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning golden temple surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take local bus from Nishiki Market.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting bamboo forest and visit the nearby temples.
Take the train to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Savor a rich bowl of ramen at this popular eatery.
Return to central Kyoto.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Kyoto Cultural Immersion

Kyoto, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Café

Enjoy a traditional breakfast set at a local café.
Small café near your hostel.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari-taisha

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates.
Take the JR train to Inari Station.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch Around Inari Station

Indulge in local cuisine, such as inari sushi.
Nearby local eateries.
JPY 1,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Gion District

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's traditional geisha culture.
Take a bus or train to Gion.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Admire the breathtaking views from atop this beautiful temple.
Walk to the temple from Gion (about 15 minutes).
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Relish some fresh tempura while enjoying local sake.
Just a short walk from Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Kyoto to Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast before setting off.
At your hostel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Visit the historic city of Nara, renowned for its temples.
Take the JR train from Kyoto to Nara.
JPY 800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha and stunning temple architecture.
Walk from Nara Station (approximately 20 minutes).
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Taste delicious mochi made fresh on-site.
Nearby Todai-ji.
JPY 500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Nara Park

Interact with friendly deer and enjoy a peaceful walk.
Walking distance from Nakatanidou.
Free, 2 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Discover this significant Shinto shrine adorned with countless lanterns.
About a 15-minute walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto in the late afternoon.
Take the train back to Kyoto.
JPY 800, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Diner

Enjoy a satisfying meal at a diner famous for its katsu curry.
Within easy reach from your accommodation.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Kyoto to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have a light breakfast before your journey.
At your hostel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Osaka

Set off for Japan's culinary capital.
Take the JR train to Osaka.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

10:30AM

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit this famous historical landmark surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Walking distance from Osaka Station.
JPY 600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Indulge in street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Walk to Dotonbori (about 20 minutes).
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kuromon Market

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this local food market.
Walking distance from Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a tasty meal and drinks to round off the day.
Close to your accommodation.
JPY 2,000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Osaka to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast at your hostel.
At your hostel.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Head to the historical city of Hiroshima.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka.
JPY 10,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay respects at this poignant memorial dedicated to victims of the bombing.
Walk from Hiroshima Station (about 20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in the birthplace of this dish.
Nearby the memorial park.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the reconstructed castle and its surrounding gardens.
Take a tram from the park to the castle.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner in this bustling district.
Close to the castle.
JPY 1,800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Miyajima Adventure

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at your Hostel

Enjoy another hearty breakfast before heading out.
At your hostel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Miyajima

Set off to the sacred island of Miyajima.
Take a ferry from Hiroshima.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

See the famous torii gate rising from the water at high tide.
Walking around the island.
JPY 300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Indulge in grilled oysters, a regional specialty.
Nearby Itsukushima Shrine.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Hike Mount Misen

Enjoy beautiful views as you hike to the summit.
Start at the trailhead by the shrine.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back with memories of Miyajima.
Take the ferry back.
JPY 1,800, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Sample local street food from nearby stalls.
In Hiroshima city.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy breakfast before your travels.
At your hostel.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Tokyo

Make your way back to bustling Tokyo.
Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
JPY 10,000, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Favorite

Dine at a high-energy location in Shibuya.
Find a yakitori shop near Shibuya Crossing.
JPY 1,200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Shibuya Crossing

Experience one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.
Just outside the Yakitori shop.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Explore Harajuku

Discover quirky shops and the vibrant youth culture.
Take a train from Shibuya to Harajuku.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Themed Restaurant

Experience a unique theme café or restaurant.
In the Shinjuku or Shibuya area.
JPY 2,500, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Last Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Revisit the market for a last taste of fresh sushi.
A short subway ride away.
JPY 1,500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shopping in Shinjuku

Last-minute shopping in one of Tokyo's busiest districts.
Take the train back to Shinjuku.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yoshinoya

Try a delicious gyudon bowl for your final meal.
In Shinjuku area.
JPY 600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the peaceful forested paths and visit this important shrine.
Take a train to Harajuku and walk.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax in a Local Park

Take time to ponder the adventure surrounded by nature.
Near Yoyogi Park.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner in Shinjuku

Enjoy a fantastic last meal at a well-reviewed restaurant.
Choose from one of many options in Shinjuku.
JPY 3,000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability