9-Day Budget-Friendly Relaxation and Cultural Immersion in Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Explore Ueno Park

Start your adventure in Ueno Park, where you can stroll through lush gardens and visit various museums.
From Narita or Haneda Airport, take the Airport Limousine bus or train to Ueno Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Inakaya

Enjoy an authentic Japanese barbecue experience at Inakaya, where you grill your own food right at your table.
Walk to Inakaya (approx. 15 minutes from Ueno Park).
JPY2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, and take a stroll through Nakamise Street filled with souvenir shops.
Take the Ginza Line from Ueno to Asakusa (5 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Akihabara

Dive into otaku culture in Akihabara, visiting unique shops and themed cafes.
Take the Tsukuba Express from Asakusa to Akihabara (15 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu

Savor a bucket of deep-fried beef cutlet—this gyukatsu is a must-try.
Walk to the restaurant (15 minutes).
JPY2500, 1 hour
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Day 2: Full Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and street food in this famous seafood market.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station (15 minutes).
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Walk through the tranquil forested area leading to the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
Take the subway to Harajuku Station (15 minutes).
JPY0, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and grab a picture with the Hachiko statue.
Walk to Shibuya (20 minutes).
JPY0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Genki Sushi

Enjoy a fun conveyer belt sushi experience at Genki Sushi, perfect for budget travelers.
Walk to Genki Sushi in Shibuya (10 minutes).
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Harajuku's Takeshita Street

Explore the quirky shops and trendy cafes of Takeshita Street.
Take the subway back to Harajuku (15 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ramen Nagi

Savor a bowl of rich, flavorful ramen in a cozy setting.
Walk back to the station (20 minutes).
JPY1200, 1 hour

7:00PM

Tokyo Skytree

Finish your day with breathtaking views of the city from Tokyo Skytree.
Take the subway to Oshiage Station (20 minutes).
JPY2100, 2 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your journey to Nikko.
N/A
JPY1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Nikko

Catch the Tobu Limited Express train to Nikko and enjoy the scenic views.
Take the train from Asakusa Station.
JPY2500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the intricate architecture of Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Walk from Nikko station (30 minutes).
JPY1300, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nikko Yuba

Indulge in local cuisine featuring yuba (tofu skin), known for its delicate flavor.
Walk back to central Nikko (30 minutes).
JPY1800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Lake Chuzenji

Take a bus to Lake Chuzenji and soak in stunning natural landscapes.
Bus from Nikko (30 minutes).
JPY800, 2 hours

4:30PM

Kegon Falls

Visit the breathtaking Kegon Falls nearby and take in the sights.
Take the bus from Lake Chuzenji (15 minutes).
JPY500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Travel Back to Tokyo

Return to Tokyo for the evening.
Take the train back to Asakusa Station.
JPY2500, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at Curry Up

Enjoy a delicious plate of Japanese curry at Curry Up, a popular eatery.
Walk from your hotel (15 minutes).
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 4: Cultural Experiences in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Catch a morning Shinkansen to Kyoto to kick off your cultural journey.
Take the bullet train from Tokyo Station.
JPY13000, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji

Admire the beautiful Golden Pavilion and its surrounding gardens at Kinkaku-ji.
Take bus 205 from Kyoto Station (45 minutes).
JPY400, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Omen

Savor a bowl of homemade udon noodles at Omen, nestled near Gion.
Take bus 101 from Kinkaku-ji to Gion area (30 minutes).
JPY1400, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Gion District

Wander through the historic Gion district and spot beautiful geishas.
Walk (10 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Climb the trails lined with iconic torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Take the train from Gion to Inari Station (10 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Enjoy rich, flavorful ramen at the renowned Ippudo chains found throughout Japan.
Take the train back to Kyoto city center (20 minutes).
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 5: Temples and Tea in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Rihga

Start your day with a tasty breakfast set at Cafe Rihga before hitting the temples.
Walk from your hotel (20 minutes).
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Kiyomizu-dera

Visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple and marvel at panoramic views of Kyoto.
Take tram to Kiyomizu-dera from the city center (30 minutes).
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Relish in exquisite yudofu, a traditional tofu dish, served in the serene Arashiyama.
Take bus 28 to Arashiyama (40 minutes).
JPY1400, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoy its peaceful ambiance.
Walk from the restaurant to the grove (15 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

4:30PM

Traditional Tea Ceremony

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and learn about the art of tea making.
Located at a tea house nearby (15 minutes walk).
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Katsuya

Enjoy a delicious tonkatsu meal at Katsuya for a satisfying end to your Kyoto adventure.
Take the bus back to city center (30 minutes).
JPY1400, 1 hour
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Day 6: Cultural Day in Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a day of exploration with breakfast at your hotel.
N/A
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Nara

Take a train to Nara and witness the beautiful landscapes along the way.
Take the Kintetsu line from Kyoto (1 hour).
JPY600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Nara Park

Explore Nara Park and meet the friendly, free-roaming deer.
Walk from Nara station (30 minutes).
JPY0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Mugimaru

Enjoy a lunch break at Mugimaru, famous for its delicious udon noodles.
Walk (15 minutes).
JPY900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the magnificent Todai-ji Temple which houses the Great Buddha.
Walk from lunch (15 minutes).
JPY600, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Kasuga-taisha Shrine

Wander through the serene paths of Kasuga-taisha Shrine surrounded by stone lanterns.
Take a short bus ride (10 minutes).
JPY300, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Travel Back to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto after a fulfilling day.
Catch a train back to Kyoto (1 hour).
JPY600, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

End your day with a satisfying bowl of Ippudo ramen.
Walk to Ippudo (20 minutes).
JPY1200, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: City Experience in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Embark on a short train ride to Osaka, known for its culinary delights.
Ride on the JR line from Kyoto (30 minutes).
JPY560, 1 hour

9:30AM

Breakfast at Dotonbori

Enjoy a street-style breakfast with takoyaki and hot cakes at Dotonbori.
Take the subway to Dotonbori (15 minutes).
JPY800, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its beautiful park area.
Take the subway to Osakajokoen Station (30 minutes).
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Delight in various local delicacies from the stalls at Kuromon Ichiba Market.
Take the subway back to Namba (30 minutes).
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Stroll through the bustling Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade for some shopping and snacking.
Walk from Kuromon Ichiba (15 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Tsutenkaku Tower

Check out Tsutenkaku Tower for iconic views of Osaka.
Take the subway to Ebisucho Station (30 minutes).
JPY900, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savor Osaka's famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at this popular chain.
Take the subway back to Namba (30 minutes).
JPY2000, 1 hour
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Day 8: Tragic History in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Hiroshima.
N/A
JPY1500, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Catch an early Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
Take the bullet train from Osaka Station.
JPY10000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on the tragic history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum.
Take a tram from Hiroshima Station (20 minutes).
JPY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) at Okonomimura, a food complex.
Walk (10 minutes).
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the rebuilt Hiroshima Castle and its lovely gardens.
Take a tram (10 minutes).
JPY370, 2 hours

4:30PM

Travel to Miyajima

Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and marvel at the floating torii gate.
Ferry from Hiroshima (30 minutes).
JPY1800, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Experience local flavors at a traditional izakaya back in Hiroshima.
Ferry back to the mainland and walk (30 minutes).
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel to fuel your journey back to Tokyo.
N/A
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Travel Back to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo for your last day.
Take the bullet train from Hiroshima Station.
JPY10000, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Explore Ginza Shopping District

Enjoy a last shopping spree in Tokyo's upscale Ginza district.
Take the subway (15 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at Nodaiwa

Experience an upscale meal of unagi (grilled eel) at Nodaiwa, a historic restaurant.
Walk from Ginza (10 minutes).
JPY4000, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Tokyo National Museum

Immerse yourself in culture and history at one of Japan's premier museums.
Take a train to Ueno (20 minutes).
JPY600, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai

Cap off your trip with a delicious dinner of fresh sushi at the famous Sushi Zanmai.
Walk to the restaurant (15 minutes).
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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