10-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Tokyo and Kobe, Japan

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

10:00AM

Arrive in Tokyo

After arriving at Narita or Haneda Airport, grab a Suica or Pasmo card to make travel easy.
Take an airport train to Tokyo city center (around 1 hour).
JPY 3000, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka

Experience conveyor belt sushi here in the bustling district of Shibuya for an inexpensive meal.
Walk 10 minutes from your hotel Eastwards.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Shibuya Crossing

This famous intersection is a must-see and a perfect introduction to Tokyo's hustle.
Just a few steps from the sushi restaurant.
Free, 30 minutes

2:30PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

A peaceful sanctuary away from the urban buzz, immersing you in nature and Shinto culture.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku Station (5 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Stroll in Yoyogi Park

Adjacent to Meiji Shrine, this park is ideal for walking and relaxing amongst locals.
Walk 5 minutes from Meiji Shrine.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Savor a delicious and affordable bowl of ramen while enjoying a unique dining experience.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku (10 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploring Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Convenience Store

Grab a quick and budget-friendly breakfast, such as onigiri and tea.
Find a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart nearby.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit Tsukiji Outer Market

Explore the vibrant market and sample some free tastings along the way.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station (15 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Odaiba

Visit this futuristic area with attractions like the teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
Take the Yurikamome Line from Shimbashi (20 minutes).
JPY 2000 for museum entry, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Enjoy a budget meal in this shopping center - try the ramen or curry.
Walk for 5 minutes.
JPY 1000, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit the Tokyo Tower

Admire the views of the city from one of its most iconic attractions.
Travel via Yurikamome Line back to Shimbashi, then transfer to the JR line (30 minutes).
JPY 1200, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Savor grilled beef cutlet in a unique presentation for a budget meal.
Travel via subway back to Shinjuku (30 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Llorca

Enjoy delicious toast or pastries with coffee to fuel up for the day.
Take a local train to Suginami (20 minutes).
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Wander through Asakusa's historic temple and its vibrant Nakamise shopping street.
Travel to Asakusa Station via subway (30 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Try Ningyo-yaki

Enjoy these cute little cakes filled with sweet red bean paste, a local favorite.
Available on Nakamise shopping street.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

12:30PM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Experience a healthy and satisfying tofu meal nearby.
Walk 10 minutes to the restaurant.
JPY 1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Experience Ueno Park

Stroll through this park and visit its numerous free museums and gardens.
Take the subway to Ueno Station (10 minutes).
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Katsuya

Enjoy delicious pork cutlet and rice at this popular and affordable chain.
Near Ueno Park, easily accessible (10 minutes).
JPY 1000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Travel to Kobe

Kobe, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Bakery

Grab pastry and coffee from a local bakery near your accommodation.
Walk 5 minutes.
JPY 600, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Take Shinkansen to Kobe

Travel to Kobe via the bullet train for a seamless journey.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (2.5 hours).
JPY 10000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in and Lunch at Mosaic

Explore the Harborland shopping area and grab a casual lunch here.
Walk 10 minutes from the station.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Kobe Harborland

Enjoy scenic views, local shops, and the waterfront.
Just steps from your lunch spot.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kobe Port Tower

Take in panoramic views of the city and harbor from this iconic tower.
5-minute walk from Harborland.
JPY 900, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Steakland

Indulge in affordable but delicious Kobe beef at this well-known restaurant.
Walk back to Harborland area (10 minutes).
JPY 3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Exploring Kobe

Kobe, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Savor coffee and some traditional Japanese breakfast fare at a local café.
Nearby your accommodation.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Rokko Mountain

Take the cable car up to Rokko Mountain for stunning views of the city and sea.
Take the bus from Kobe Station (30 minutes).
JPY 2000 (round trip), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Diner

Enjoy a Japanese ‘teishoku’ (set meal) for a good value.
Return to Kobe and explore nearby dining options.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Kobe Earthquake Memorial Museum

Learn about the history and resilience of the city post-earthquake.
Take a bus to the museum (20 minutes).
JPY 600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Nankinmachi (Chinatown)

Explore Kobe's charming Chinatown, bustling with shops and stalls.
Take the subway (20 minutes).
Free, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Try various local dishes in a cozy setting at an inexpensive izakaya.
Near Nankinmachi.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Bakery

Grab a delicious croissant and coffee from a bakery in Kobe.
Local café near your accommodation.
JPY 600, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo via Shinkansen, enjoying the scenic trip.
Head to Shin Kobe Station (15 minutes).
JPY 10000, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Food Court

Sample various dishes from the vibrant food court in a shopping mall.
Head to Shibuya (30 minutes).
JPY 1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Akihabara

Explore the heart of otaku culture, filled with shops and arcades.
Take the subway (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Maid Café Experience

Enjoy a unique dining experience in this themed café.
Stroll around Akihabara.
JPY 2000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Sushi Restaurant

Enjoy fresh sushi prepared right in front of you at a budget-friendly spot.
Take the subway back to Shinjuku (20 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Tokyo Museums and Landmarks

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at FamilyMart

Grab some light snacks and coffee for a quick breakfast.
Nearby convenience store.
JPY 500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit the National Museum of Nature and Science

Discover fascinating exhibits showcasing Japan's natural history.
Travel via subway to Ueno (30 minutes).
JPY 620, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Yanaka District

Wander through this nostalgic area known for its old-town charm.
Walk from Ueno (20 minutes).
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yanaka Beer Hall

Enjoy a tasty meal with local beer in this quaint venue.
Local cafe in Yanaka.
JPY 1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in this beautiful park with stunning seasonal flowers.
Subway to Shinjuku (30 minutes).
JPY 500, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Matsuya

Grab a quick and affordable meal at this popular beef bowl chain.
Walk to nearby Matsuya (10 minutes).
JPY 800, 1 hour
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Day 8: Shopping and Relaxation

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Enjoy a light breakfast of toast and coffee in a local coffee shop.
Find a nearby café.
JPY 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shopping in Harajuku

Explore the trendy shops and quirky street fashion in this hip area.
Take the subway to Harajuku (20 minutes).
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Cafe 1886

Try a variety of dishes in a cozy ambiance.
Walk to nearby café (10 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Imperial Palace

Stroll through the gardens of this famous landmark.
Take the metro to the central Tokyo area (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ramen Nagi

Discover unique ramen flavors in an intimate setting.
Travel to Shinjuku via subway (30 minutes).
JPY 1200, 1 hour
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Day 9: Final Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Diner

Enjoy a hearty Japanese breakfast set featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
Find a nearby joint.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Tokyo Skytree

Famous for its breathtaking panoramic views and shopping complex.
Take subway to Oshiage Station (30 minutes).
JPY 2000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Asakusa

Wander around this famous district with shopping and temples.
Head back to Asakusa Station (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Asakusa Sushiken

Relish sushi at a nice but affordable restaurant.
Walk to the restaurant (10 minutes).
JPY 1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping in Harajuku

Return to Harajuku for last-minute shopping, souvenirs, and street fashion.
Take the subway back to Harajuku (20 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Finish your trip with a meal in this famous alley filled with food stalls.
Walk 10 minutes.
JPY 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Departure from Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Final Breakfast at Local Cafe

Enjoy your last breakfast with fresh pastries and coffee.
Local café or bakery nearby.
JPY 800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Pack and Check-out

Prepare for your departure and check out of your accommodation.
Final arrangements.
Free, 1 hour

10:00AM

Head to Airport

Travel back to Narita or Haneda airport for your flight home.
Travel via the airport train (1 hour).
JPY 3000, 1 hour
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