7-Day Adventure & Cultural Immersion in Osaka and Kyoto on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Start your day with fresh sashimi and grilled seafood from one of Osaka's famous food markets.
Walk to the market from your accommodation.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Stroll through the beautiful park surrounding iconic Osaka Castle, where you can also explore its historical museum.
Take subway from Kuromon Ichiba to Tanimachi 4-chome Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Feast on street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the canal.
Walk from Osaka Castle to Dotonbori.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Street

Experience Osaka's shopping district, filled with a variety of shops, boutiques, and cafes.
A short walk from Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Floating Garden Observatory.
Take subway from Shinsaibashi to Umeda Station.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Savor a variety of small dishes and drinks in a casual dining atmosphere.
Walk or take a short subway ride to a nearby izakaya.
JPY2200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Insights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast from a コンビニ (Convenience Store)

Grab quick and affordable breakfast items like onigiri and a drink.
Locate a nearby 7-Eleven or Family Mart.
JPY500, 30 min

9:00AM

Visit Sumiyoshi Taisha

Explore one of Japan's oldest shrines, featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Take the Nankai Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Osaka Museum of History

Dive into the rich history of Osaka through interactive exhibits and displays.
Take subway to Tanimachi 4-chome and walk to the museum.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

Try local ramen at a budget-friendly shop along the bustling shopping street.
Take subway from the museum.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Discover a huge variety of marine life and an impressive main tank where you can see a whale shark.
Take subway to Osakako Station.
JPY2400, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Namba

Opt for a local curry dish at a small eatery and enjoy your last evening in Osaka.
Take subway back to Namba Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Journey to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel or Local Cafe

Fuel up with simple toast, eggs, and coffee at a local cafe before checking out.
Spend time packing and preparing to check out.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Head to Kyoto via the JR train for a quick and smooth transfer.
Take the JR train from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.
JPY560, 30 min

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning gold leaf-covered temple nestled in beautiful gardens.
Take bus number 101 from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Nearby Izakaya

Taste delicious kaiseki lunch, a traditional multi-course Japanese meal, while keeping an eye on your budget.
Easily walk from Kinkaku-ji to a nearby izakaya.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through enchanting paths of towering bamboo stalks and lush greenery.
Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Arashiyama

Enjoy a locally sourced meal at a casual soba restaurant while soaking up the atmosphere.
Dining options available nearby.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Traditional Japanese Breakfast

Start your morning with a traditional Japanese breakfast at your accommodation or a local hotel.
Refer to your hotel for options.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Discover the impressive thousands of vermillion torii gates that wind their way up the mountain.
Take the JR train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Yasaka Shrine Cafe

Enjoy a simple meal with a view of Yasaka Shrine, known for its seasonal festivals.
Take bus from Fushimi Inari to Yasaka Shrine.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Gion District

Stroll through the historic streets of Gion, spotting geishas and enjoying the traditional architecture.
Walk through from Yasaka Shrine to Gion District.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Experience breathtaking views of Kyoto from this historic temple known for its wooden stage.
Walk from Gion to Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY400, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner in Kiyamachi Street

Savor some authentic yakitori at a local grill while capturing the vibrant atmosphere.
Walk back down to Kiyamachi Street.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Zen and Relaxation

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Your Accommodation

Indulge in a simple breakfast, perhaps rice, miso soup, and a side of pickles.
Check local options at your accommodation.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Nanzen-ji Temple

Enjoy peaceful gardens and stunning temple architecture in this important Zen temple complex.
Take subway from Kyoto Station to Keage Station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at an Udon Shop

Savor hot, hearty udon noodles at a quaint local udon shop.
A short walk from Nanzen-ji.
JPY1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Philosopher's Path

Stroll along this picturesque canal lined with cherry blossoms and quaint cafes.
Walk to the Philosopher's Path starting from Nanzen-ji.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Take a Tea Ceremony Class

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony to immerse yourselves in Japanese culture.
Book in advance to find a local tea house.
JPY3000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Treat yourselves to a delightful meal at one of the riverside restaurants in this historic alley.
Walk over to Pontocho Alley from the tea ceremony location.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 6: Return to Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast in Kyoto

Enjoy a light breakfast at the local cafe before heading back to Osaka.
Check local cafes near your accommodation.
JPY900, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Osaka

Catch the JR train back to Osaka for a day of final explorations.
Take the JR train back to Osaka Station.
JPY560, 30 min

10:30AM

Visit Osaka's Science Museum

Engage with hands-on exhibits and enjoy the planetarium show, discovering scientific innovations.
Take subway from Osaka Station to Nishi-Umeda.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Noodle Shop

Grab a quick bowl of ramen at one of Osaka’s famous noodle shops.
Find a nearby ramen shop within walking distance.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Nakanoshima Park

Take a relaxing stroll through this riverside park, perfect for unwinding amidst city life.
A short walk from the noodle shop.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Shopping in Amerika-mura

Browse quirky shops for unique finds in this trendy neighborhood.
Take subway to Shinsaibashi Station.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Shinsekai

Indulge in a local specialty, kushikatsu, at a casual eatery while enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Take subway to Dobutsuen-mae Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe for your last morning in Osaka.
Check final options near your accommodation.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

Explore this historic shrine dedicated to the deity of scholarship, known for its beautiful architecture.
Walk or take a short subway trip from your accommodation.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore National Museum of Art, Osaka

Immerse yourself in contemporary art and culture at this unique museum located underground.
Take subway to Nakitako Station.
JPY430, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Cafe

Grab a simple but tasty lunch at a cozy bakery or cafe nearby.
Find within walking distance.
JPY900, 1 hour

2:30PM

Final Stroll in Osaka Castle Park

Take a leisurely walk one last time through Osaka Castle Park, soaking in the beauty.
Take subway back to Osaka Castle Station.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Departure

Prepare for your journey home, reflecting on your exciting week in Japan.
Check out from your accommodation and head to the airport.
Varies, Varies
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