10-Day Budget-Friendly Adventure in Japan with Friends

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on March 20, 2025

2:00PM

Check into Budget Hotel

Settle into a budget-friendly hotel or hostel and refresh before exploring the local area.
JPY6000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Senso-ji, and stroll through Nakamise Street filled with traditional snacks and souvenirs.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hōtō Fudō Asakusa

Enjoy a hearty bowl of traditional Hōtō noodles in a cozy setting, an affordable local favorite.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on March 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Convenience Store

Grab a quick breakfast from a local convenience store; they have ample options like onigiri and drinks.
JPY500, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Meiji Shrine

Experience the tranquility of Meiji Shrine surrounded by a beautiful forest, free to enter.
JPY0, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku's Pompompurin Café

Enjoy a fun lunch in this themed café known for its cute dishes at reasonable prices.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Stroll through Shibuya

Witness the famous Shibuya Crossing and explore the bustling shops and cafes in the area, no entry fee.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Uobei Shijuku

Enjoy an affordable kaiten sushi experience where you can get sushi dishes starting from only JPY100 each.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

Day 3: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on March 22, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a basic breakfast at your hotel before checking out.
JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take a budget shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto, booking in advance to save.
JPY9000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check into Guesthouse in Kyoto

Settle into an affordable guesthouse for your stay in Kyoto.
JPY4000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample various affordable street foods and delicacies while strolling through this vibrant market.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Marvel at the renowned Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
JPY400, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at KyoKaiseki Yamagawa

Experience a simple kaiseki dinner, known for its fresh seasonal ingredients and skillful cooking.
JPY5000, 2 hours

Day 4: Exploring Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on March 23, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Budget Café

Visit a local café offering affordable pastries and coffee to fuel up for the day.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Experience the enchanting bamboo forest and visit the nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, an inexpensive outing.
JPY400, 2 hours

11:30AM

Katsura River Boat Ride

Enjoy a scenic boat ride down the Katsura River surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
JPY1200, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Yudofu Sagano

Savor a delicious tofu dish at this lovely restaurant with affordable prices and a peaceful atmosphere.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine

Wander through the iconic torii gates of this famous shrine, a must-see and free attraction.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Grab a delicious bowl of ramen at this popular chain known for its reasonably priced meals.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

Day 5: Trip to Osaka

Osaka, Japan on March 24, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast at the guesthouse before departing for a day in Osaka.
JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Osaka

Take a budget train to Osaka, approximately a 30-minute ride.
JPY500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Osaka Castle

Visit this iconic castle and surrounding park, which offers stunning views and historical insights.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Dotonbori Street

Sample Osaka's famous street food, including affordable takoyaki and okonomiyaki in this lively district.
JPY2000, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka City from the Floating Garden Observatory with a small entry fee.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Matsusaka Yakiniku

Indulge in a budget-friendly yakiniku experience featuring local meats in a lively setting.
JPY3500, 2 hours

Day 6: Nara Day Trip

Nara, Japan on March 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy breakfast at your guesthouse to start your day with energy.
JPY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Nara

Take a short train ride to Nara, around a 45-minute journey.
JPY500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Nara Park

Explore Nara Park, where you can witness the deer wandering freely and visit ancient temples, completely free.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Maguro Katsu

Feast on fresh tuna sashimi and rice bowls at this locally loved eatery, known for its reasonable prices.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Todai-ji Temple

Visit the grand Todai-ji Temple housing a giant Buddha statue, an impressive site to see.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Train back to Osaka

Travel back to Osaka to unwind after your day in Nara.
JPY500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Taste Osaka's famous deep-fried skewers in a casual and vibrant setting.
JPY1500, 2 hours

Day 7: Journey to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on March 26, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Get energized with breakfast before heading to Hiroshima.
JPY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Hiroshima

Catch an affordable train to Hiroshima, saving by booking in advance.
JPY9000, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Reflect on the history of Hiroshima at this significant memorial, free to access.
JPY0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Okonomi-mura

Dive into Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki, a savory pancake layered with various ingredients at this casual eatery.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Explore the historic Hiroshima Castle, showcasing culture and history with an entry fee.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Nagataya

Enjoy a plate of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this well-known and budget-friendly eatery.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

Day 8: Day Trip to Miyajima

Miyajima, Japan on March 27, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your breakfast before venturing out to Miyajima.
JPY0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Miyajima

Take an affordable ferry to Miyajima, known for its floating torii gate.
JPY1800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Itsukushima Shrine

Explore the beautiful Itsukushima Shrine, known for its picturesque torii gate, with a low entry fee.
JPY300, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Yakigaki no Hayashi

Try the grilled oysters that Miyajima is famous for at this popular and reasonably priced restaurant.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Hike up Mount Misen

Enjoy a scenic hike to the summit of Mount Misen for stunning views, a free activity in nature.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:00PM

Ferry back to Hiroshima

Return by ferry to Hiroshima after a memorable day on Miyajima, repeating your affordable commute.
JPY1800, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Goku

Savor reasonably priced grilled meat in a chic restaurant setting, an excellent way to end your day.
JPY3500, 2 hours

Day 9: Relax in Hakone

Hakone, Japan on March 28, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel.
JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hakone

Enjoy a scenic train ride to Hakone, famous for its hot springs, booking in advance for cheaper fares.
JPY3000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum

Explore this unique outdoor museum that combines nature and art for a small fee.
JPY1600, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Indulge in a cheap meal option available at this hot spring resort, popular among visitors.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax in an Onsen

Soak in a traditional onsen, embracing the relaxation and rejuvenation this experience offers.
JPY3000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Hakone Yuryo

Enjoy an affordable kaiseki dinner with local ingredients, rounding off your relaxing day.
JPY5000, 2 hours

Day 10: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on March 29, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a leisurely breakfast before making your way back to Tokyo.
JPY0, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel back to Tokyo

Make your way back to Tokyo via budget train options for a smooth return.
JPY3000, 2 hours

11:30AM

Last-minute Shopping in Shinjuku

Head to Shinjuku for some souvenir shopping in one of Tokyo's busiest districts, free to roam.
JPY0, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ichiran Ramen

Enjoy a memorable ramen experience at Ichiran, known for its signature tonkotsu at a solid price.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Enjoy Tokyo Tower View

Visit Tokyo Tower to enjoy stunning views over the skyline at a modest fee.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Final Dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro

Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime sushi experience at this acclaimed restaurant known for its incredible sushi.
JPY20000, 2 hours