12 Days in Japan: Cultural Immersion on a Budget

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with a fresh seafood breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market, enjoying sushi or grilled fish while watching the bustling market activities.
Take Tokyo Metro to Tsukiji station.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Wander through the historic streets of Asakusa to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, where you can soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
Walk 15 minutes from Tsukiji Outer Market.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Ramen Shop

Savor a delicious bowl of ramen from a local shop like Ichiran, indulging in this classic Japanese comfort food.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
JPY900, 1 hour

1:00PM

Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Experience the famous Shibuya Crossing and snap a photo with the iconic Hachiko statue, a symbol of loyalty.
Walk 5 minutes from the ramen shop.
JPY0, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Harajuku and Omotesando

Immerse yourself in youth culture in Harajuku, visiting Takeshita Street's quirky shops and cafes.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shibuya to Harajuku.
JPY200, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yoshinoya

Enjoy a budget-friendly gyudon (beef bowl) dinner at Yoshinoya, a popular fast-food chain.
Walk to the nearest Yoshinoya.
JPY600, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Deep Dive

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Convenience Store

Grab a quick and affordable breakfast like onigiri or a sandwich from a nearby convenience store.
Find a Lawson or Family Mart.
JPY500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Visit the Tokyo National Museum

Discover Japan’s rich cultural heritage at the Tokyo National Museum, featuring ancient artifacts and art.
Take the subway to Ueno Park.
JPY620, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ueno Park Street Food Stalls

Try various street foods at the stalls within Ueno Park, including yakitori and taiyaki.
Walk around the park.
JPY800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Explore Akihabara, the Electronics District

Dive into geek culture in Akihabara, visiting anime shops and unique electronics stores.
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Akihabara.
JPY200, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens

Stroll through the serene East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, enjoying the historical architecture and lush greenery.
Take the subway to Tokyo Station.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Donburi Shop

Enjoy a donburi (rice bowl) at a local shop, where you can personalize your meal with various toppings.
Walk to the nearest donburi shop.
JPY900, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Start your day with a complimentary breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
Take the shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
JPY13,000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Take bus 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Sushi Place

Savor sushi lunch at a local kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant.
Take the bus back to Kyoto city center.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Relax and reflect at the Zen rock garden of Ryoan-ji, appreciating the tranquility.
Take bus 50 from Kyoto Station.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, feeling immersed in nature.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama.
JPY240, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Experience a cozy dinner at an izakaya, where you can sample various Japanese dishes and drinks.
Take the JR train back to Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 2 hours
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Day 4: Historic and Traditional Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Traditional Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your ryokan, including rice, grilled fish, and miso soup.
Walk to the dining area.
JPY1000 (included in stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates.
Take the train to Inari Station.
JPY240, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Gion Tea House

Savor a traditional kaiseki lunch at a teahouse in Gion, experiencing seasonal Japanese cuisine.
Walk around Gion.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Walk in Gion District

Explore the atmospheric streets of Gion, looking for geisha and soaking in historic Kyoto architecture.
Stroll through Gion.
JPY0, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Visit Kiyomizu-dera, known for its stunning wooden stage and breathtaking city views.
Walk to Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY400, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Curry Shop

Indulge in a bowl of Japanese curry rice at a local shop, a hearty and flavorful meal.
Take the bus back to your accommodation.
JPY800, 1 hour
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Day 5: Vibrant Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast in Kyoto

Have breakfast at a local café, enjoying a Japanese-style pastry or “melon bread.”
Walk to a nearby café.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Head to Osaka, known for its lively street food and entertainment culture.
Take the train to Osaka (20 minutes).
JPY400, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its beautiful surrounding park.
Walk from Osaka Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Walk Dotonbori, sampling iconic street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take subway to Dotonbori.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Shitenno-ji Temple

Visit Shitenno-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, known for its serene ambiance.
Take subway from Dotonbori.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping in Shinsaibashi

Shop for unique souvenirs and trendy fashion items in the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.
Walk to Shinsaibashi.
JPY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy dinner in Shinsaibashi, indulging in izakaya-style dishes.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Osaka Adventures

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a continental breakfast at your accommodation.
Walk to the dining area.
JPY800 (included in stay), 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

Explore the awe-inspiring displays at the Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
Take a subway to Osakako Station.
JPY2300, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Market

Taste local delicacies at Kuromon Market, where you can find fresh seafood and fruits.
Take a subway to Nippombashi Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Universal City Walk (Optional)

Stroll through Universal City Walk and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Take a train to Universal City station.
JPY0 (entrance for theme park not included), 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore the Osaka Museum of History

Learn about Osaka’s rich history through engaging exhibits.
Take subway to Tanimachi 4-chome Station.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Takoyaki Shop

Enjoy some takoyaki, Osaka's famous octopus balls for dinner, served fresh from street vendors.
Walk to a nearby takoyaki shop.
JPY600, 1 hour
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Day 7: Hiroshima Discovery

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for the day with breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
Take the shinkansen to Hiroshima.
JPY12,500 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Pay tribute at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, commemorating those lost in the atomic bombing.
Walk from Hiroshima Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Savor Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Okonomimura, a complex of eateries specializing in this famous dish.
Walk to Okonomimura.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Learn at the Hiroshima Museum

Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to deepen your understanding of the events and aftermath of the bombing.
Walk to the museum located in the Peace Park.
JPY200, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Shukkeien Garden

Relax in the beautiful Shukkeien Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden.
Take the tram from the Peace Park.
JPY350, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya, sampling regional specialties.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Miyajima Island

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel in Hiroshima before heading to Miyajima Island.
Take the ferry to Miyajima from Hiroshima.
JPY360, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Marvel at the iconic floating torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Hike Mount Misen

Spend the morning hiking to the peak of Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Take the ropeway or hike from the shrine.
JPY1800 (ropeway), JPY0 (hike), 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy local delicacies such as anago (grilled eel) at a restaurant on the island.
Walk to a nearby restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Momijidani Park

Relax in the beautiful surroundings of Momijidani Park, especially stunning during the fall.
Take a tram or walk from lunch.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Hiroshima

Head back to Hiroshima for dinner.
Take the ferry back to Hiroshima.
JPY360, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Conclude the day with dinner at an izakaya, enjoying various small plates.
Explore restaurants near your accommodation.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Cultural Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before moving on to Nara.
Take the train from Hiroshima to Nara.
JPY6000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Wander through Nara Park and encounter the freely roaming deer, a national treasure of Japan.
Walk from Nara Station.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha housed inside Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk to Todai-ji Temple.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Soba Shop

Dine on soba noodles at a local shop, a traditional and healthy meal.
Take a short walk back to the center.
JPY900, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Explore the beautiful Kasuga-taisha Shrine, known for its stone lanterns and serene pathways.
Walk to Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Naramachi

Stroll through Naramachi, the old merchant district, and take in the historic buildings.
Walk to Naramachi.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local izakaya specializing in regional dishes.
Head back to the station area.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Day Trip to Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Take the shinkansen from Nara to Yokohama.
JPY7000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

10:00AM

Visit the CupNoodles Museum

Learn about the history of instant ramen at the CupNoodles Museum where you can create your own Cup Noodles.
Take train to Minato Mirai station.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Chinatown

Enjoy lunch in Yokohama's Chinatown, sampling authentic Chinese dishes.
Walk over to Chinatown.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Yamashita Park

Relax and enjoy views of the harbor at Yamashita Park, a beautiful urban park.
Walk to Yamashita Park.
JPY0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

Explore the historic Red Brick Warehouse shopping and cultural complex.
Walk to the warehouse.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Minato Mirai

Wander around the Minato Mirai area, known for its modern architecture and shopping.
Walk through the Minato Mirai area.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

End the day with dinner at a cozy izakaya in Yokohama.
Find an izakaya nearby.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Relaxing in Hakone

Hakone, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast in Yokohama before traveling to Hakone.
Take the train to Hakone.
JPY4000 with Japan Rail Pass, 2 hours

10:00AM

Explore the Hakone Open Air Museum

Discover impressive sculptures and art installations set against natural beauty in the Hakone Open Air Museum.
Take the bus from Hakone Station.
JPY1600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Stop at a local café for a refreshing lunch, enjoying the serene mountain view.
Walk to a nearby café.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Soak in an Onsen

Unwind in a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring), a must-do experience in Hakone.
Choose an onsen nearby.
JPY2000, 2 hours

4:30PM

Visit Lake Ashi

Take a scenic ride on a pirate ship across Lake Ashi for breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
Board the pirate ship from the dock.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Lake View Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with stunning views of the lake, featuring local Hakone cuisine.
Walk to a restaurant with a view.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in your final breakfast at the hotel before heading back to Tokyo.
Take a train back to Tokyo.
JPY3000 with Japan Rail Pass, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Last Minute Shopping in Shibuya

Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs and last-minute gifts in vibrant Shibuya.
Take the subway to Shibuya.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Sushi Train

Grab a quick and delicious lunch at a sushi train restaurant before heading to the airport.
Find a sushi train nearby in Shibuya.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Explore the beautiful Meiji Shrine, set in a tranquil forest setting across from Harajuku.
Take the subway to Harajuku.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Head to the Airport

Make your way back to Narita or Haneda Airport for your departure.
Take the Narita Express or Limousine Bus to the airport.
JPY3000, 1 hour
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