6-Day Family Friendly Rail Trip in Japan on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with delicious and affordable sushi or tamagoyaki at the Tsukiji Outer Market, a must-visit food paradise.
Take the Toei Oedo Line to Tsukiji Market Station.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Ueno Park

After breakfast, stroll through Ueno Park, home to museums and a zoo, perfect for family fun.
Walk from Tsukiji to Ueno Park (approx. 30 minutes).
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inshotei

Enjoy a reasonably priced traditional Japanese meal at Inshotei, located within Ueno Park.
Located within Ueno Park.
JPY1200, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Akihabara

Explore the vibrant district of Akihabara, known for its otaku culture, electronics, and themed cafes.
Take the Yamanote Line from Ueno to Akihabara Station.
JPY200, 2 hours

4:00PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Tatifei

Savor a delicious gyukatsu meal, featuring tender beef cutlets that are a hit with families.
Short walk from Akihabara.
JPY1500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Explore Shibuya

Wander around Shibuya, experiencing the iconic scramble crossing and vibrant atmosphere.
Take the Yamanote Line from Akihabara to Shibuya Station.
JPY400, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature and History in Nikko

Nikko, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de L'ambre

Enjoy a light breakfast at a quaint cafe famous for its coffee beans.
Walk to the nearby station and take the Tobu Nikko Line.
JPY800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Toshogu Shrine

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Toshogu Shrine, rich in stunning architecture and history.
From Nikko Station, take a local bus to Toshogu.
JPY1300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yuba Shokudo

Enjoy a local dish of yuba (tofu skin) at this cozy eatery in Nikko.
Short bus ride back to town.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Kegon Falls

Witness the majestic Kegon Falls, a spectacular sight especially during autumn.
Take a bus from Nikko to Kegon Falls.
JPY400, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Nikko

Head back to the town for a relaxing evening.
Bus back to Nikko Station.
JPY400, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Nikko's Local Izakaya

End the day with dinner at a local izakaya, trying various Japanese tapas-style dishes.
Walk to a local izakaya in Nikko.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Delights in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Katsuya

Enjoy a simple yet flavorful Japanese breakfast at Katsuya before exploring Kyoto.
Take the Tobu Nikko Line back to Ueno, then Shinkansen to Kyoto.
JPY1300, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning Golden Pavilion surrounded by serene gardens.
Take bus number 101 or 205 from Kyoto Station.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Okonomiyaki Kiraku

Try making your own okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake, at this wonderful eatery.
Take bus number 101 back to Kyoto Station.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, an unforgettable experience for families.
Take the JR San-in Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama.
JPY250, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at the Togetsukyo Bridge

Stroll along the Togetsukyo Bridge, enjoying picturesque views of the river and mountains.
Short walk from Bamboo Grove.
JPY0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Unagi no Nedoko

Delight in traditional grilled eel at Unagi no Nedoko, a favorite among visitors.
Take a bus back to the city center.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Food and Fun in Osaka

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at 551 Horai

Treat yourself to delicious pork buns at this famous eatery, a must-try among locals.
Take the JR train from Kyoto to Osaka (15 minutes).
JPY800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historic Osaka Castle and its beautiful surrounding park.
Take the subway to Osaka Business Park Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Dotonbori

Experience the lively atmosphere and taste local street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Take the subway to Namba Station.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Universal City Walk

Visit the vibrant Universal City Walk, filled with entertainment, shops, and eateries.
Take the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal City Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Relish a bowl of flavor-packed ramen at Ichiran, famous for its unique solo-dining experience.
Short walk from Universal City Walk.
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 5: History and Nature in Nara

Nara, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Daruma

Start off your day with a hearty breakfast featuring Nara's famous deer-shaped pancakes.
Take the JR train from Osaka to Nara (45 minutes).
JPY800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Explore the magnificent Todai-ji Temple and its great Buddha statue in Nara Park.
Walk from the train station to the temple (30 minutes).
JPY600, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nara Mahoroba

Savor delicious kakinohazushi (persimmon leaf sushi) at Nara Mahoroba.
Short walk back to the main street.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Feed the Deer at Nara Park

Spend some time feeding the friendly deer in Nara Park, a delightful experience for kids.
Short walk from the lunch spot.
JPY500 for deer crackers, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Naramachi

Take a leisurely stroll in Naramachi, an old merchant district filled with traditional wooden buildings.
Walk from Nara Park to Naramachi.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hiraso

Enjoy a local favorite, sushi served fresh and affordable at Hiraso.
Walk back to Naramachi.
JPY1500, 1 hour
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Day 6: History and Peace in Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shukkein-tei

Delight in a traditional Japanese breakfast at this family-friendly restaurant.
Take the JR train from Nara to Hiroshima (1 hour and 30 minutes).
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Peace Memorial Park

Pay respects at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a poignant experience for the whole family.
Short walk from the train station.
JPY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Choose from a range of okonomiyaki stalls at Okonomimura, a popular local spot.
Walk to nearby Okonomimura.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Shukkeien Garden

Visit the serene Shukkeien Garden for a peaceful stroll amidst traditional Japanese landscapes.
Take tram lines to the garden from Peace Memorial Park.
JPY300, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kaki Goya

End your trip with some grilled oysters at Kaki Goya, a local favorite along the waterfront.
Short tram ride from the garden.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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