Affordable 10-Day Tokyo Adventure: Tokyo, Japan - December 2024

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on December 30, 2024

12:00PM

Check into Budget Hotel

Settle into your accommodation, like the capsule hotel, The Millennials, for a unique budget-friendly stay.
Located in Shibuya for easy access.
JPY5000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Shibuya Crossing

Witness the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, where the hustle and bustle of Tokyo comes to life.
Just a short walk from your hotel.
FREE, 1 hour

2:30PM

Lunch at Uobei Sushi

Enjoy a fun sushi experience where plates zoom by on a conveyor belt at this budget sushi chain.
Located nearby in Shibuya.
JPY1200, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Stroll through the tranquil forest to Meiji Shrine, a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
Take a train to Harajuku station for this.
FREE, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Indulge in a delicious bowl of ramen at this popular spot known for its solo dining booths.
Not far from the shrine in Harajuku.
JPY1000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Tokyo, Japan on December 31, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Start your day with a ¥100 pastry and delicious coffee from a local bakery in Shibuya.
Walk out early to grab breakfast.
JPY500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Immerse yourself in traditional Japan by visiting the vibrant Senso-ji Temple.
Ride the train to Senso-ji Temple.
FREE, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Asakusa Imahan

Taste some affordable katsu at a local eatery, trying to save room for the street food afterward.
Located a short walk from Senso-ji.
JPY800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Akihabara

Explore the otaku culture in Akihabara, with shops filled with anime, manga, and electronics.
Ride the train from Asakusa to Akihabara.
FREE, 2 hours

3:30PM

Tokyo Tower

Get a great view of Tokyo from this iconic landmark (consider the outdoor observatory for a budget option).
Train from Akihabara to Tokyo Tower.
JPY1000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Gyukatsu Katsu-ya

Experience gyukatsu (breaded beef cutlet) served with rice and dipping sauces.
Too far from the tower, so consider local shops.
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 3: New Year's Day

Tokyo, Japan on January 1, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Family Mart

Pick up some traditional osechi-ryori to-go from a convenience store for a taste of New Year's tradition.
Walk to the nearest Family Mart.
JPY800, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit the New Year Celebrations at Meiji Shrine

Join locals celebrating the first day of the year at one of Tokyo's most popular shrines.
Return to Meiji Shrine.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza Lou

Relish some budget-friendly yet delicious gyoza in this popular gyoza spot.
Short walk from Meiji Shrine.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shopping in Harajuku

Explore the quirky shops of Harajuku and maybe pick up some unique souvenirs.
Just a few minutes walk.
FREE, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Yoyogi Park

Take a leisurely stroll to Yoyogi Park to unwind amid nature.
Walk from Harajuku.
FREE, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Matsunoya

Savor a delicious tonkatsu for under ¥1000 at this budget-friendly spot.
In Harajuku, convenient for you.
JPY900, 1 hour
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Day 4: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on January 2, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Yoshinoya

Grab a quick and affordable beef bowl to fuel up for your journey.
Located conveniently near your hostel.
JPY400, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Travel to Nikko

Take an early train to Nikko to explore its beautiful temples and nature.
Direct train from Shinjuku Station.
JPY2000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site honored for its elaborate carvings and serene atmosphere.
Short bus ride from Nikko station.
JPY1300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gyro Gobo

Enjoy a tasty meal at this local eatery that offers traditional Japanese cuisine.
Walking distance from the shrine.
JPY1000, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore Rinnoji Temple

Visit the beautiful Rinnoji Temple, known for its stunning statues of Buddhist deities.
Just a short walk away.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Catch a train back to Tokyo after an enriching day in Nikko.
Take the same route as before.
JPY2000, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at tempura restaurant, Tenya

End the day with some affordable and delectable tempura from Tenya.
Near your hotel in Tokyo.
JPY800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Day Trip to Nikko

Nikko, Japan on January 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Enjoy a Japanese-style breakfast to kickstart your day.
Staying in Tokyo, choose a cafe nearby.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit National Museum of Nature and Science

Experience Japan's rich natural and scientific history at this engaging museum.
Take a train to Ueno Station.
JPY620, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ueno Park's Street Food Stalls

Explore the delicious street food options available in the lively park.
Located right outside the museum.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Stroll in Ueno Park

Enjoy an afternoon stroll in Ueno Park, known for its cherry blossoms and museums.
Walk around within the park.
FREE, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Tokyo Skytree

Get a bird's eye view of the city from Tokyo's iconic broadcasting tower.
Take the train to Asakusa and walk from there.
JPY2100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sushiro

Relish delicious sushi at this popular conveyor belt sushi chain offers great value.
Near the Skytree area.
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 6: Travel to Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan on January 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Grab a budget-friendly breakfast set at Denny's.
Head to the nearest branch in Tokyo.
JPY800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Travel to Yokohama

Take a short train ride to Yokohama.
Direct train from Shinjuku Station to Yokohama.
JPY500, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Visit Yokohama's Chinatown

Explore one of the largest Chinatowns in the world and enjoy vibrant architecture.
Easy to walk to from the station.
FREE, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Kanteibyo Restaurant

Savor delicious dumplings and noodles amidst the lively streets of Chinatown.
Located nearby Chinatown.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit the Cup Noodles Museum

Learn about the history of ramen through interactive exhibits and even create your own cup noodles.
Take a quick bus from Chinatown.
JPY500, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Saizeriya

Enjoy very affordable Italian food—perfect for a low-budget traveler.
Nearby the museum; walkable distance.
JPY900, 1 hour

7:30PM

View the Yokohama Bay Bridge

Take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful view of the illuminated Yokohama Bay.
Short walk from the restaurant.
FREE, 1 hour
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Day 7: Explore Hakone

Hakone, Japan on January 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Coco's

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast at Coco's before your trip to Hakone.
Head to the nearest branch in Yokohama.
JPY900, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Take an Odakyu train to Hakone to explore hot springs and scenic views.
Direct train from Yokohama.
JPY2000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover beautiful sculptures set against stunning natural backdrops.
Take the bus once you arrive in Hakone.
JPY1800, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hakone Bakery

Try some fresh and delightful bread from the famous Hakone Bakery.
Located on the bus route.
JPY1000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Hakone Ropeway

Ride the famous ropeway with breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.
Just a short walk from the bakery.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Relax at an Onsen

Unwind at one of Hakone’s public hot springs for a rejuvenating experience.
Located nearby the ropeway.
JPY1500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner of Onsen Cuisine

Finish your day with a traditional onsen meal at a local spot.
In Hakone, check out options nearby.
JPY2000, 1 hour
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Day 8: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on January 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Café

Enjoy a simple breakfast at a café before your journey to Kyoto.
Near your Hakone accommodation.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kyoto

Catch a train to Kyoto to dive into the city's rich history.
Direct train from Hakone.
JPY2500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore the vibrant Nishiki Market and try various street foods from local vendors.
Walkable from Kyoto Station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the stunning beauty of the Golden Pavilion amidst serene gardens.
Bus from Nishiki Market.
JPY400, 2 hours

3:30PM

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Discover the history of Japan’s imperial family at the beautiful Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Take a bus or a short train ride.
FREE, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Katsu

Dive into a delicious okonomiyaki at this popular eatery in Kyoto.
Located in the city center.
JPY1200, 1 hour
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Day 9: Kyoto Highlights

Kyoto, Japan on January 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Cafe

Have a relaxing breakfast with coffee and pastries at a local café.
Near your accommodation.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha

Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its stunning torii gates.
Train from central Kyoto.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Inari Sushi

Try local sushi plates featuring seasonal ingredients at this reasonable-in-price sushi restaurant.
Nearby the shrine; very convenient.
JPY1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the enchanting bamboo forest for an unforgettable experience.
Take the train to Arashiyama.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Discover the beauty of this UNESCO site with its historic gardens.
Walk from the bamboo grove.
JPY500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Sit down for a relaxing meal at a local izakaya to share dishes and enjoy the atmosphere.
Easily found nearby.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Back to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on January 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Family Restaurant

Enjoy a last affordable breakfast before traveling back to Tokyo.
Located in Kyoto, perfect for a farewell meal.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Take a shinkansen back to Tokyo for your last adventures.
Direct train from Kyoto Station.
JPY13000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yoshinoya

Grab lunch at this well-known gyudon chain for a quick and hearty meal.
Located near Tokyo Station.
JPY500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Shopping in Shinjuku

Spend your final afternoon shopping and exploring Shinjuku's vibrant streets.
Easy to reach from your lunch place.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a tranquil escape in the city.
Head to the garden from Shinjuku station.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at a Local Izakaya

End your Tokyo adventure with a traditional izakaya experience, sharing small plates and drinks.
Find suitable izakayas in or around Shinjuku.
JPY1500, 2 hours
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