Budget-Friendly 7-Day Japan Itinerary for 3

Day 1: Tokyo Arrival

Tokyo, Japan on March 11, 2025

10:00AM

Arrive in Tokyo

Check in to your budget accommodation such as a hostel or guesthouse to save money and meet fellow travelers.
GBP0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Asakusa

Visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple, a vibrant area and cultural heart of Tokyo with lots of shops and stalls.
GBP0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa

Grab a budget-friendly meal at one of the local soba shops, such as Asakusa Sushiken, for delicious noodles.
GBP10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Ueno Park

Stroll through Ueno Park to see cherry blossoms and visit one of the many free or low-cost museums.
GBP0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Akihabara

Have some affordable ramen at Ippudo, a popular chain known for its rich, flavorful broth.
GBP15, 1 hour
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Day 2: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast in Shibuya

Enjoy a light breakfast of pastries and coffee at a local café like Hoshino Coffee.
GBP7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Shibuya Crossing

Experience the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and grab some photos.
GBP0, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Harajuku and Meiji Shrine

Explore Takeshita Street for quirky shops and end at the serene Meiji Shrine.
GBP0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Harajuku

Eat at a crepe shop, such as Marion Crepes, for a delicious, inexpensive treat.
GBP8, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tsukiji Outer Market

Wander through the market, taste free samples, and explore seafood delicacies.
GBP0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Enjoy an izakaya experience at Torikizoku where dishes are affordable and filling.
GBP20, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on March 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have breakfast at your hostel or try a local bakery for fresh pastries.
GBP5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen

Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto for a quick and scenic ride.
GBP50, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Arrive in Kyoto & Explore Gion

Wander through the traditional geisha district and visit Yasaka Shrine.
GBP0, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Gion

Try a local udon noodle shop for a warm and satisfying meal.
GBP10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Visit the famous shrine with thousands of iconic torii gates, perfect for stunning photographs.
GBP0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine at a cozy restaurant with traditional Kyoto-style dishes at an affordable price.
GBP15, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Kyoto Adventures

Kyoto, Japan on March 14, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast in Nishiki Market

Try various street food bites, like yudofu and fresh seafood bowls.
GBP8, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Explore this stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
GBP7, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch near Kinkaku-ji

Opt for a local soba noodle shop for an authentic Kyoto experience.
GBP10, 1 hour

2:00PM

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting bamboo forest, a must-see natural beauty in Kyoto.
GBP0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local BBQ (Yakiniku)

Savor grilled meats at an affordable yakiniku restaurant for a fun communal dining experience.
GBP20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a simple breakfast at your accommodation.
GBP5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Osaka

Head to Osaka using a quick train ride (around 30 minutes).
GBP5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Osaka Castle

Visit the iconic Osaka Castle and enjoy the beautiful park surrounding it.
GBP6, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch in Dotonbori

Taste famous street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki in the vibrant Dotonbori area.
GBP12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shinsaibashi Shopping

Explore Shinsaibashi, Osaka's premier shopping district, to pick up souvenirs.
GBP0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Dotonbori

Return to Dotonbori for more street food options or a budget-friendly izakaya.
GBP15, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on March 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast in Osaka

Have breakfast at a café near your accommodation, enjoying local flavors.
GBP5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Nara

Take a short train journey to Nara to explore the temples and park.
GBP5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Nara Park & Todai-ji Temple

Visit Nara Park and see the impressive Todai-ji Temple housing a giant Buddha.
GBP6, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch near Nara Park

Choose a local cafe for a light lunch or some bento boxes.
GBP10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Free Time in Nara

Enjoy some leisure time, visiting shops or simply taking in the scenery with the deer.
GBP0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner in Nara

Dine at a traditional izakaya serving local delicacies for a casual evening meal.
GBP15, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on March 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast in Nara

Enjoy your last meal in Nara with a lovely coffee and pastry before heading back.
GBP7, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo via Shinkansen for your final day.
GBP50, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in the tranquil gardens, a beautiful spot to reflect on your trip.
GBP4, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch in Shinjuku

Try a local curry shop, such as CoCo Ichibanya, for a tasty budget-friendly meal.
GBP8, 1 hour

4:00PM

Last-minute Shopping

Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs or last-minute items around Shinjuku.
GBP0, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at a Conveyor Belt Sushi

Enjoy a fun dinner at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant for a casual and interactive meal.
GBP20, 1.5 hours
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