7-Day Shoestring Budget City Experience in Japan

Day 1: Exploring Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and seafood at one of the many stalls, providing an authentic Japanese breakfast experience.
Walk from your accommodation to the market.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple, surrounded by a bustling shopping street called Nakamise, where you can grab snacks.
Take the subway from Tsukiji to Asakusa station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Enjoy a bowl of ramen from a local shop in Asakusa.
Short walk from Senso-ji.
JPY800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stroll through Ueno Park

Relax in this spacious public park, home to museums and a zoo.
Take the subway from Asakusa to Ueno station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Ginza Shopping District

Window shop or browse popular department stores and unique boutiques.
Take the subway from Ueno to Ginza.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a Conveyor Belt Sushi

Experience the fun of sushi on a conveyor belt at a budget-friendly restaurant.
Walk to a nearby sushi restaurant in Ginza.
JPY2000, 1 hour
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Day 2: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Combini

Grab a quick onigiri and coffee from a convenience store for a budget-friendly morning.
Nearby convenience store.
JPY500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Meiji Shrine

Visit this tranquil shrine nestled in a forested area, perfect for a peaceful morning walk.
Take the train to Harajuku station.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Explore Harajuku

Check out the quirky shops and try some street food along Takeshita Street.
Short walk from Meiji Shrine.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Enjoy a light meal at a themed café in Harajuku.
Nearby café.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Shibuya Crossing

Experience the iconic scramble crossing and snap some photos of the famous Hachiko statue.
Take the train to Shibuya.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping in Shibuya

Explore Shibuya’s vibrant shopping scene, from high-end brands to unique shops.
Walk around Shibuya.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

End your day at a cozy izakaya, trying various small Japanese dishes.
Take the train back to a nearby izakaya.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 3: Kyoto's Heritage

Kyoto, Japan

7:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take an early morning train to experience the beautiful countryside journey.
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto station.
JPY14000 (with JR Pass), 2 hours

9:00AM

Breakfast near Kyoto Station

Grab a traditional Japanese breakfast at a local diner.
Walk from Kyoto station to a nearby diner.
JPY1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Wander around this stunning, iconic temple set amidst beautiful gardens.
Take a bus from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Soba Noodle Shop

Enjoy handmade soba noodles at a local eatery nearby Kinkaku-ji.
Short walk from Kinkaku-ji.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Experience Fushimi Inari Shrine

Hike through the thousands of vermillion torii gates of this famous shrine.
Take the train from Kinkaku-ji to Fushimi Inari.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner in Gion District

Explore Gion and try kaiseki (traditional Japanese multi-course meal) for dinner!
Take the train from Fushimi Inari to Gion.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Cultural Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Bakery

Indulge in delicious pastries at a local bakery.
Walk within the Gion area.
JPY600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Marvel at the peaceful bamboo forest and take beautiful photos.
Take the train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch in Arashiyama

Enjoy a casual lunch at a riverside restaurant in Arashiyama.
Walk to a local restaurant.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Tenryu-ji Temple

Visit this World Heritage site and its beautiful gardens.
Short walk from the restaurant.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Walk to Togetsukyo Bridge

Enjoy the scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Walk 10 minutes from Tenryu-ji.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Ramen Shop

Savor delicious ramen at a popular local shop.
Take the train back to Kyoto.
JPY1000, 1 hour
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Day 5: Osaka's Vibrance

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take the train from Kyoto to Osaka for a morning full of adventure.
Train from Kyoto to Osaka.
JPY500, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kuromon Market

Sample fresh seafood and street food at this bustling market.
Walk to Kuromon Market.
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the beautiful grounds and historical significance of Osaka Castle.
Take the subway to Osaka Castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori

Famous for its vibrant atmosphere, enjoy some takoyaki or okonomiyaki.
Walk to Dotonbori.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll Through Dotonbori

Take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this lively district.
Walk around Dotonbori.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy an array of small shared plates in lively surroundings.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Osaka to Nara

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a light breakfast before heading out.
Near your hotel.
JPY700, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take a quick train ride to Nara, known for its friendly deer.
Take the train from Osaka to Nara.
JPY600, 1 hour

10:30AM

Nara Park

Wander around the park and feed the free-roaming deer.
Walk to Nara Park.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Café

Enjoy a light, traditional meal at a nearby café.
Walk from Nara Park.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Marvel at the Great Buddha statue in this historic temple.
Walk to Todai-ji Temple.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Take a Stroll around Naramachi

Explore the quaint, preserved historic neighborhood.
Walk back to Naramachi.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner in Nara

Savor traditional dishes before returning to Osaka.
Walk to a local restaurant.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Osaka

End your day back in the vibrant city of Osaka.
Train back to Osaka.
JPY600, 1 hour
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Day 7: Historical Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

8:00AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Embark on a trip to Hiroshima via the Shinkansen.
Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
JPY11000 (with JR Pass), 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast in Hiroshima

Savor a local breakfast, perhaps a Hiroshima-style omelet.
Head to a nearby café.
JPY800, 1 hour

11:30AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on history and the importance of peace at this memorial site.
Walk to the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Indulge in Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this famous food village.
Walk to Okonomimura.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore the Hiroshima Castle

Visit this historic castle and enjoy sweeping views from the top.
Take the tram to Hiroshima Castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner in Hiroshima

Wrap up your trip with a delicious meal featuring local seafood.
Head back to a local seafood restaurant.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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