13-Day Affordable Adventure in Japan: Culture, Nature, and Culinary Delights

Day 1: Explore Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Street Start Breakfast

Begin your day with a delicious breakfast of onigiri (rice balls) at a local convenience store.
Find a nearby 7-Eleven for fresh onigiri.
JPY300, 30 mins

9:00AM

Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple and explore the charming streets of Asakusa.
Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Ueno Park Exploration

Stroll through Ueno Park, where you can see beautiful gardens and museums.
Walk or take the subway from Asakusa to Ueno.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Ameyoko Market

Enjoy lunch at one of the many food stalls offering takoyaki (octopus balls) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
Walk to Ameyoko Market from Ueno Park.
JPY700, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tsukiji Outer Market

Take a stroll through the Tsukiji Outer Market to sample fresh seafood and unique snacks.
Take the subway to Tsukiji Station.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shibuya Crossing Experience

Capture the iconic Shibuya Crossing amidst bustling crowds.
Take the Tokyo Metro to Shibuya Station.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Genki Sushi

Indulge in a conveyor belt sushi experience at Genki Sushi in Shibuya.
Walk to Genki Sushi location nearby.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Tokyo Tower

End the day with a visit to the Tokyo Tower for breathtaking nighttime views of the city.
Take the subway to Akabanebashi Station.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Tokyo Culture and Shopping

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at a Local Diner

Start your day with a hearty Japanese breakfast set featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
Find a local diner near your accommodation.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Meiji Shrine

Visit the serene Meiji Shrine nestled in a forested area, dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
Take the subway to Harajuku Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Harajuku Shopping

Explore the quirky fashion stores and cafés in Harajuku's Takeshita Street.
Walk around the Harajuku area.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a Crepe Shop

Try delicious sweet and savory crepes at one of Harajuku’s famous crepe shops.
Choose a popular shop on Takeshita Street.
JPY600, 1 hour

2:30PM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in Shinjuku Gyoen, known for its stunning gardens.
Take the subway to Shinjuku Station, then walk.
JPY500, 2 hours

4:30PM

Cultural Experience: Tea Ceremony

Join a traditional tea ceremony experience and learn the art of matcha preparation.
Pre-book an online session in Shinjuku.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Omoide Yokocho

Savor a variety of grilled skewers and comfort food in this historic alleyway.
Walk from Shinjuku Gyoen.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Golden Gai Experience

Explore the vibrant nightlife in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, known for its tiny bars.
Walk around the Shinjuku area.
Free (drinks cost extra), 2 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Hakone

Hakone, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Get a quick breakfast at your hotel featuring fresh bread and coffee.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel buffet.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

8:00AM

Travel to Hakone

Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Purchase a ticket online or at the station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Explore the fantastic outdoor sculpture park and art museum.
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Chokokunomori Station.
JPY1600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Museum Café

Enjoy a light meal at the museum's café, surrounded by art.
Eat at the on-site café.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Hakone Ropeway

Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway to see views of Mt. Fuji.
Board from Owakudani Station.
JPY1300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Onsen Experience

Relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring) experience at one of the local ryokans.
Book a day-use service at a local ryokan.
JPY2000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Savor local dishes at a nearby izakaya, like sashimi and grilled fish.
Ask locals for recommendations.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo on the Romancecar.
Catch the train from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Discover Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a continental breakfast at your accommodation.
Breakfast at your hotel.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Purchase tickets in advance for convenience.
JPY14000, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a bus from Kyoto Station to Kinkaku-ji.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Shishin Samurai Restaurant

Dine in a unique samurai-themed restaurant featuring kaiseki cuisine.
Catch a bus back to downtown Kyoto.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

Admire the zen rock garden and peaceful atmosphere of Ryoan-ji.
Take a bus from the restaurant to Ryoan-ji.
JPY400, 1 hour

4:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Wander through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a must-visit in Kyoto.
Travel by train from Ryoan-ji to Arashiyama.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Taste the specialty dish, yudofu (tofu hot pot) in the Arashiyama area.
Walk from the Bamboo Grove.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Gion District Evening Walk

Stroll through Gion to catch a glimpse of geishas and traditional tea houses.
Travel by bus to Gion.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Hike through the iconic shrine with thousands of vermilion torii gates.
Take a train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
Free, 2 hours

11:30AM

Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Experience life during the Edo period through shows and attractions.
Head back to Kyoto and catch a bus to the park.
JPY2500, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Budget Izakaya

Grab a meal at a budget-friendly izakaya near the park.
Walk to a nearby izakaya.
JPY800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Kyoto National Museum

Explore exhibits showcasing Japanese art and culture.
Take a bus back to Kyoto Station.
JPY1000, 2 hours

5:30PM

Kamo River Stroll

Take an evening stroll along the picturesque Kamo River.
Walk from the museum to Kamo River.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Enjoy the ambiance and flavors of Kyoto in this narrow alley lined with restaurants.
Walk to Pontocho Alley.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Nighttime in Gion

Experience the beauty of Gion at night and its traditional architecture.
Walk back to Gion.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 6: Osaka Delights

Osaka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a simple breakfast at your hotel before exploring Osaka.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Take a train from Kyoto to Osaka.
Purchase a ticket at Kyoto Station.
JPY560, 30 mins

10:00AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and its surrounding gardens.
Take the subway to Osakajo-koen Station.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Savor takoyaki and okonomiyaki at the bustling food stalls on Dotonbori Street.
Travel by subway to Namba Station.
JPY900, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shitennoji Temple

One of Japan's oldest temples, great for cultural immersion.
Take a bus from Dotonbori to Shitennoji.
JPY300, 1 hour

3:30PM

Umeda Sky Building

Marvel at the panoramic views of Osaka from the Floating Garden.
Take the subway to Umeda Station.
JPY1500, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Kuromon Market

Enjoy a delicious random selection of street food at Kuromon Market.
Walk to Kuromon Market from Umeda.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Walk at Dotonbori

Explore the buzzing nightlife of Dotonbori with its bright neon lights.
Head back to Dotonbori.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Osaka to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up at your hotel breakfast, so you’re ready for the trip.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Hiroshima

Take the Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima.
Purchase the ticket at the station.
JPY10500, 2 hours

10:30AM

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on the history at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park.
Take tram line 2 from Hiroshima Station.
JPY200, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomimura

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki in the traditional food village.
Walk to Okonomimura from the park.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Atomic Bomb Dome

Visit the haunting ruins of the Atomic Bomb Dome nearby the Peace Park.
Walk from Okonomimura.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shukkeien Garden

Relax in the beautiful landscapes of Shukkeien Garden.
Take the tram back towards Hiroshima Station.
JPY260, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy delicious dishes at a local izakaya, sampling various sake options.
Ask locals for recommendations.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Explore Hiroshima Nightlife

Discover the lively nightlife scene and enjoy a stroll through the illuminated city.
Walk around downtown Hiroshima.
Free, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Miyajima Island Adventure

Miyajima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before departing for Miyajima.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Miyajima Island

Take the ferry to explore the stunning island known for its floating torii gate.
Catch the ferry from Miyajimaguchi Station.
JPY1800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Walk from the ferry terminal.
JPY300, 1 hour

11:30AM

Explore the Island

Wander around Miyajima, discover wild deer, and hike up Mount Misen.
Walk the trails around the area.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Try momiji manju (Maple Leaf cakes), a specialty of the island, for lunch.
Choose a spot near the shrine.
JPY800, 1 hour

2:30PM

Mount Misen Hike

Hike to Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Follow the signposted hiking trails.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Ferry Back to Hiroshima

Return to Hiroshima by ferry after a day of exploration.
Catch the ferry from Miyajima.
JPY1800, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hiroshima Station

Sample another round of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki or sushi.
Eat at one of the station restaurants.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening in Hiroshima

Enjoy a leisurely evening walk along the riverside.
Head towards the riverside near the station.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 9: Travel to Fukuoka

Fukuoka, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before heading to Fukuoka.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Fukuoka

Journey via Shinkansen from Hiroshima to Fukuoka.
Purchase ticket at Hiroshima Station.
JPY6700, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Ohori Park

Relax at Ohori Park, a large public park centered around a pond.
Take the subway from Tenjin to Ohori Koen Station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yatai Stands

Sample local ramen or yakitori at a yatai food stall.
Walk to the yatai area near Nakasu.
JPY800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Explore the historical ruins of Fukuoka Castle.
Walk to the nearby Fukuoka Castle Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Kushida Shrine

Visit Kushida Shrine, an important cultural landmark.
Take the subway to Gion Station.
Free, 1 hour

4:30PM

Shopping at Tenjin Area

Enjoy shopping at the Tenjin district for unique finds.
Take a train or walk to the shopping area.
Free (shopping varies), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Indulge in a bowl of famous tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen at Ichiran.
Find Ichiran location near Tenjin.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Fukuoka Night View

Enjoy the night view of Fukuoka from Fukuoka Tower.
Take the subway to Fukuoka Tower.
JPY800, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Cultural Experience in Kumamoto

Kumamoto, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out to Kumamoto.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kumamoto

Take the Shinkansen from Fukuoka to Kumamoto.
Buy train tickets at the station.
JPY6000, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Kumamoto Castle

Visit Kumamoto Castle, an iconic and historically significant site.
Walk from Kumamoto Station.
JPY500, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Cafe

Savor the local delicacy 'basashi' (raw horse meat) at a café nearby.
Search for a local café near the castle.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Suizenji Jojuen Garden

Explore the beautiful Suizenji Jojuen Garden, designed in a traditional Japanese style.
Take a tram from Kumamoto Castle to the garden.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Kumamoto Prefectural Museum of Art

Learn about local art and culture in this respected museum.
Take a bus from the garden to the museum.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy a meal at a local izakaya with regional specialties.
Ask locals for recommendations.
JPY1500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Explore Kumamoto at Night

Experience the night atmosphere of Kumamoto by walking around.
Wander the nearby streets.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Nagasaki History and Culture

Nagasaki, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at your hotel before traveling to Nagasaki.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nagasaki

Take the limited express train from Kumamoto to Nagasaki.
Buy tickets at the station.
JPY5000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Glover Garden

Explore the beautiful Glover Garden, showcasing Western-style buildings.
Walk to Glover Garden from Nagasaki Station.
JPY620, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Try Nagasaki's unique champon noodles for lunch.
Search for a restaurant nearby.
JPY900, 1 hour

2:00PM

Nagasaki Peace Park

Visit the Peace Park and the symbolic statues that commemorate peace.
Take a bus from Glover Garden to the park.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum

Reflect on history at the Atomic Bomb Museum.
Walk to the museum from the Peace Park.
JPY200, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Savor Nagasaki's famous seafood at a local izakaya.
Ask locals for recommendations.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Night in Nagasaki

Take a stroll along the scenic harbor and enjoy the nightlife.
Walk near the harbor area.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your journey back to Tokyo.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Nagasaki to Tokyo.
Buy tickets at the station.
JPY20000, 5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Odaiba

Visit Odaiba, an entertainment and shopping district on Tokyo Bay.
Take the Yurikamome Line to Odaiba.
JPY800, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at DiverCity

Enjoy a meal at DiverCity, renowned for its food court and giant Gundam statue.
Walk around Odaiba.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening Views at Rainbow Bridge

Stroll along the Rainbow Bridge, capturing the stunning Tokyo skyline.
Walk towards the bridge from Odaiba.
Free, 1.5 hours

9:00PM

Final Night in Shinjuku

Wrap up your trip with a late-night exploration of Shinjuku.
Take the train back to Shinjuku.
Free (transport varies), 1.5 hours
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Day 13: Departure from Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Indulge in your final breakfast at the hotel.
At the hotel dining area.
Included in accommodation, 1 hour

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping in Shibuya

Explore the shops in Shibuya to find last-minute gifts or souvenirs.
Take the subway to Shibuya Station.
Free (shopping costs vary), 2 hours

11:00AM

Check-out and Prepare for Departure

Check-out of the hotel, pack your bags, and head to the airport.
Travel to the airport.
JPY3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability