10-Day Adventure in Japan: Culture, Nature, and City Life on a Budget

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on November 5, 2024

10:00AM

Arrive in Tokyo

Touch down in the bustling city of Tokyo and prepare for an exciting journey ahead.
Take the Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo Station.
JPY 3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Gyukatsu Ichi Niban

Savor a delicious gyukatsu (breaded beef cutlet) lunch to experience a local delicacy.
Walk to Gyukatsu Ichi Niban, located in Shibuya.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Shibuya Crossing

Dive into the hustle and bustle of one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings.
Walking distance from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the tranquil forested grounds of this beautiful Shinto shrine.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shibuya to Harajuku Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Check in at K's House Tokyo

Settle in at this budget-friendly hostel known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Located in Asakusa, take the subway from Harajuku.
JPY 4000, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Experience a diverse array of yakitori and local street food for dinner.
Take the subway to Shinjuku Station.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on November 6, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Nikko

Leave for Nikko, famed for its National Park and intricate temples.
Take the JR Tohoku Line from Asakusa to Nikko.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, with stunning architecture.
Walking distance from Nikko Station.
JPY 1300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yuba Tei

Taste a local specialty, yuba (tofu skin) in a traditional setting.
Short walk from the shrine.
JPY 1600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji

Enjoy the breathtaking views and relax amidst nature before heading back.
Take a local bus from Nikko for 30 minutes.
JPY 500, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Make your way back to Tokyo, reflecting on the beauty of Nikko.
Take the same train back to Tokyo.
JPY 2000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Sushiro

Get an affordable sushi dinner at this popular sushi chain.
Walk to the nearest branch.
JPY 1500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Travel to Takayama

Takayama, Japan on November 7, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Takayama

Travel to the charming mountain town of Takayama, famous for its traditional wooden houses.
Take the Limited Express Hida from Tokyo to Takayama.
JPY 6600, 4 hours

12:30PM

Check in at Takayama Hiromiya Inn

Get settled in at this clean and budget-friendly inn.
Conveniently located near the station.
JPY 5000, 30 minutes

1:00PM

Lunch at Tori no Ko

Enjoy a delicious Hida chicken lunch at this cozy spot.
Walking distance from the inn.
JPY 1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Sanmachi Suji

Wander the historic district featuring traditional sake breweries and shops.
A short 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Hida Folk Village

Step back in time and explore this open-air museum showcasing traditional farmhouses.
Take a local bus from Takayama Station.
JPY 700, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Ajikura Tengoku

Savor some of the best Hida beef in this popular local restaurant.
Take the bus back and walk to the restaurant.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Shirakawa-go Visit

Shirakawa-go, Japan on November 8, 2024

8:00AM

Bus to Shirakawa-go

Experience one of Japan's iconic villages known for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
Take a bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go.
JPY 2400, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Shirakawa-go

Wander through this UNESCO heritage site, soaking up its historical atmosphere.
Walking around the village.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Try the soba noodles at a local eatery famed for its homemade dishes.
Find a recommended eatery close by.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Shirakawa-go Open Air Museum

Learn more about the traditional lifestyle of the village.
10-minute walk from the lunch spot.
JPY 800, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Return to Takayama

Head back to Takayama after a day in Shirakawa-go.
Take the bus back to Takayama.
JPY 2400, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Takayama Onsen

Unwind at an onsen (hot spring) facility with a stunning view.
A short walk from your inn.
JPY 1000, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Tofu Restaurant

Enjoy a healthy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in tofu dishes.
Short walk from the onsen.
JPY 1700, 1 hour
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Day 5: Kanazawa Discovery

Kanazawa, Japan on November 9, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Kanazawa

Head to Kanazawa, well-known for its samurai and geisha districts.
Take the Limited Express from Takayama to Kanazawa.
JPY 3000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Stroll through one of Japan's finest landscape gardens, perfect for a peaceful morning.
Bus or walk from the station.
JPY 320, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Omicho Market

Taste very fresh seafood at this local market, a feast for your senses.
Walk to Omicho Market.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Higashi Chaya District

Visit this traditional geisha district and explore the shops and tea houses.
Take the bus or walk 20 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Check in at Kanazawa Yuwaku Onsen

Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of this hot spring ryokan (inn).
Take a bus or taxi from Higashi Chaya.
JPY 8000, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at an izakaya with a range of comfort dishes.
Walk from the ryokan.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on November 10, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Kyoto

Make your way to Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan with thousands of temples.
Take the train from Kanazawa to Kyoto.
JPY 4000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning temple covered in gold leaf set amidst beautiful gardens.
Bus from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY 400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kamo Ramen

Indulge in some of the best ramen in Kyoto at this local favorite.
Take the bus from Kinkaku-ji.
JPY 1300, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the surreal pathways of the famous bamboo grove.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Wander through the iconic torii gates, a must-see in Kyoto.
Take the train back to Fushimi Inari.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Treat yourself to some kaiseki (traditional multi-course) meal.
Head to Gion District by bus.
JPY 3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on November 11, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Nara

Spend the day in Nara, the first capital of Japan, known for its friendly deer.
Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto to Nara.
JPY 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Be wowed by the Great Buddha and the impressive temple grounds.
Walk from Nara Station.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Nara Park

Wander with the free-roaming deer in this peaceful park setting.
Walking distance from Todai-ji.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nakatanidou

Experience the famous mochi (rice cakes) and other dishes at this local spot.
Short walk from the park.
JPY 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha

Delight in the beautiful shrines and stone lanterns dotted around the grounds.
Take a bus from Nara Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Kyoto

Head back for a relaxing evening after a day steeped in history.
Take the JR Nara Line to Kyoto.
JPY 600, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy a delightful dinner in this historic alley packed with izakayas.
Head to Pontocho by walking.
JPY 2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Osaka Exploration

Osaka, Japan on November 12, 2024

8:00AM

Train to Osaka

Head to Osaka, known for its modern architecture and culinary scene.
Take the JR Kyoto Line from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY 560, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this historic landmark adorned with beautiful parks that make for perfect photo opportunities.
Take the subway from Osaka Station.
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Stroll through Dotonbori

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with food stalls and vibrant neon lights.
Take the subway to Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste diverse street food at this vibrant market beloved by locals.
A short walk from Dotonbori.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Umeda Sky Building

Experience panoramic views of the city from this iconic skyscraper.
Take the subway to Umeda.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Osaka’s Local Kaiten Sushi

Enjoy quality sushi served on a conveyor belt at a local sushi spot.
Find a kaiten sushi restaurant nearby.
JPY 2000, 1 hour
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Day 9: Hiroshima Day Trip

Hiroshima, Japan on November 13, 2024

7:00AM

Train to Hiroshima

Set off early to visit Hiroshima, a city of peace and resilience.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
JPY 10000, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history and learn about the impact of the atomic bomb.
Take a streetcar from Hiroshima Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Hiroshima Castle

Discover the reconstructed castle and its beautiful surroundings.
Walk from the park.
JPY 370, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Taste Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with local ingredients.
Walking distance from Hiroshima Castle.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Day trip to Miyajima Island

Take a ferry to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine and roaming deer.
Take a ferry from the ferry terminal in Hiroshima.
JPY 1800, 3 hours

7:00PM

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka after a fulfilling day.
Ferry back and take the Shinkansen to Osaka.
JPY 10000, 1.5 hours

9:30PM

Dinner at Local Ramen Shop

End the day with a steaming bowl of ramen in Osaka.
Walk to nearby ramen shop.
JPY 1000, 1 hour
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Day 10: Back to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on November 14, 2024

9:00AM

Train back to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for your last day filled with last-minute sights and shopping.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo.
JPY 14000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and local snacks at the renowned market.
Take the subway from Tokyo Station to Tsukiji.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji

Experience the historic Senso-ji Temple and its surrounding shopping streets.
Subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Stroll through Akihabara

Explore the bustling district known for electronics and anime culture.
Subway from Asakusa to Akihabara.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy one last comforting bowl of ramen at this popular chain before departing.
Located in Akihabara.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

8:00PM

Prepare for Departure

Get ready for your flight home, cherishing memories of your incredible adventure.
Make your way to the airport.
Cost varies, Time varies
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