3-Week Budget-Friendly Japan Adventure: Snowboarding, Theme Parks & Tokyo Exploration

Day 1: Arrival & Snowboarding Start

Hakuba, Nagano, Japan on February 15, 2026

8:00am

Arrive and Check-in

Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and take the train or bus to Hakuba. Check into an affordable guesthouse or hostel known for budget travellers.
CURRENCY3000JPY, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Takinoya

Enjoy reasonably priced Japanese set meals featuring local ingredients—a great introduction to Nagano cuisine.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

2:00pm

Beginner Snowboarding Lesson

Join a beginner-friendly snowboarding school at Hakuba Happo-One Resort. Lessons include all equipment rental.
CURRENCY6000JPY, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kurumaya

Affordable izakaya serving hearty and warming traditional dishes, perfect after a day in the snow.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h30m

Day 2: Snowboarding Day 2

Hakuba, Nagano, Japan on February 16, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Enjoy simple homemade breakfast included in accommodation to fuel up for the day.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Snowboarding Practice

Practice skills on beginner slopes at Happo-One Resort, taking advantage of morning quiet times.
CURRENCY4500JPY, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Soba Restaurant

Savor hand-made soba noodles, a local specialty that’s filling and affordable.
CURRENCY1200JPY, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon Snowboarding

Continue learning and exploring beginner-friendly trails at the resort.
CURRENCY4500JPY, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Local Ramen Shop

Enjoy a budget-friendly hearty ramen bowl to warm up after snowboarding.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

Day 3: Snowboarding Day 3

Hakuba, Nagano, Japan on February 17, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Homemade simple breakfast to start the day.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Full-day Snowboarding Lesson

Join a full-day lesson package, including equipment rental, focusing on building confidence.
CURRENCY10000JPY, 6h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Onsen

Unwind in a local public onsen (hot spring) to soothe muscles after snowboarding.
CURRENCY800JPY, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Izakaya

Sample inexpensive local dishes and enjoy lively atmosphere at a popular spot.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h30m

Day 4: Snowboarding Day 4

Hakuba, Nagano, Japan on February 18, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start with an easy homemade breakfast.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Independent Snowboarding Practice

Explore beginner slopes independently, practicing skills learned in lessons.
CURRENCY4500JPY, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Café

Grab a quick budget-friendly sandwich or pasta lunch at a cozy café.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Hakuba Valley Museum

Learn about local culture and environment. Opens 9:00am-5:00pm.
CURRENCY500JPY, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Family Restaurant

Enjoy affordable Japanese-Western fusion meals perfect for diners on a budget.
CURRENCY1200JPY, 1h30m

Day 5: Last Snowboarding Day & Travel

Hakuba to Tokyo on February 19, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & Pack

Early light breakfast and pack up gear for departure.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Morning Snowboard Session

Enjoy a final morning on the slopes at Happo-One.
CURRENCY4500JPY, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Hakuba Village

Try local curry rice, a popular and inexpensive dish among skiers.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

1:30pm

Travel to Tokyo

Take a bus or train from Hakuba to Tokyo, approximately 3-4 hours.
CURRENCY6000JPY, 4h0m

6:00pm

Check into budget hotel in Tokyo

Stay in a budget hotel or capsule hotel in central Tokyo around Shinjuku or Ueno for convenience.
CURRENCY5000JPY, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen

Delicious and affordable solo dining ramen restaurant known for rich broth and fast service.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

Day 6: Tokyo Disneyland Day

Urayasu, Tokyo, Japan on February 20, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Quick light breakfast included with hotel stay or nearby convenience store.
Included or 300JPY, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Tokyo Disneyland

Take train from Tokyo station to Maihama station (approx 15 mins).
CURRENCY400JPY, 1h0m

9:00am

Tokyo Disneyland Admission

Enjoy full day exploring budget-friendly Disneyland attractions. Opens at 9:00am, closes at 9:00pm.
CURRENCY8200JPY, 10h0m

12:30pm

Lunch in Disneyland

Choose from affordable quick meals like curry rice or sandwiches at food stalls to save money.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Ikspiari

Eat outside the park at Ikspiari shopping mall for cheaper and diverse options.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h0m

8:00pm

Return to Tokyo Hotel

Travel back to central Tokyo by train and rest after a fun-filled day.
CURRENCY400JPY, 1h0m

Day 7: Tokyo City Sightseeing

Tokyo, Japan on February 21, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Convenience Store

Grab affordable breakfast options from nearby convenience stores like Onigiri and coffee.
CURRENCY500JPY, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa, a free and vibrant cultural site open early morning to late evening.
Free, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk Nakamise Shopping Street

Browse inexpensive souvenirs and street snacks along this historic shopping street.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tendon Tenya

Enjoy budget tempura bowls at this popular chain with locations all over Tokyo.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Tokyo Skytree Town

Visit the observation deck of Tokyo Skytree from 8:00am to 10:00pm (tickets approx 2100JPY) or stroll the free shopping area and Sumida Aquarium.
CURRENCY2100JPY, 2h0m

4:00pm

Explore Ueno Park

Walk around Ueno Park, visiting free public areas, and enjoy street food stalls for a snack.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at CoCo Ichibanya

Affordable Japanese curry chain with filling dishes and customizable spice levels.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

Day 8: More Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on February 22, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple included breakfast or nearby café.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Morning in Shibuya

Cross the famous Shibuya Scramble and visit Hachiko statue; free and open all day.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine

Walk through peaceful forest pathways to this iconic shrine; no entrance fee.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Genki Sushi

Affordable conveyor belt sushi where you can order by touchscreen for a budget meal.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Harajuku Takeshita Street

Browse trendy shops and enjoy budget-friendly crepes or street snacks.
Varies, 1h30m

3:30pm

Back to Hotel & Rest

Short rest after exploring before heading out for dinner.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Matsuya

A budget-friendly Japanese fast-food chain serving beef bowls and other meals until late.
CURRENCY700JPY, 1h0m

Day 9: Tokyo to Osaka Travel

Tokyo to Osaka, Japan on February 23, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy included breakfast and check out.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Osaka by Overnight Bus

Take an economical overnight highway bus from Tokyo to Osaka to save accommodation costs (approx 8 hours).
CURRENCY4000JPY, 8h0m

4:00pm

Arrive and Check-in Budget Hotel

Check into a budget accommodation near Universal City or central Osaka area.
CURRENCY4500JPY, 0h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma

Try Osaka’s famous kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at an affordable local eatery.
CURRENCY1200JPY, 1h0m

Day 10: Universal Studios Day

Osaka, Japan on February 24, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at Convenience Store

Grab quick and cheap breakfast options before heading to the park.
CURRENCY500JPY, 0h30m

8:00am

Universal Studios Japan Entrance

Enjoy a full day at Universal Studios, known for thrilling rides and shows. Park hours usually 8:30am to 9:00pm.
CURRENCY8300JPY, 10h0m

12:30pm

Lunch Inside Park

Eat at economical food stalls offering burgers, fries, and themed meals.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner near Hotel

Dine at a local budget-friendly izakaya or restaurant to end the day.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h0m

Day 11: Osaka Sightseeing

Osaka, Japan on February 25, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Simple included breakfast or nearby café.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore this iconic historical castle with surrounding parkland. Entry approx 600JPY, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
CURRENCY600JPY, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Dotonbori

Vibrant shopping and entertainment district known for neon lights and street food. Free to explore.
Free, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Takoyaki Stalls

Sample authentic and affordable takoyaki street snacks along Dotonbori.
CURRENCY800JPY, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Shitennoji Temple

One of Japan's oldest temples with free entry to garden areas, open 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Okonomiyaki Restaurant

Try budget-friendly okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), a local Osaka speciality.
CURRENCY1200JPY, 1h0m

Day 12: Day Trip: Nara

Nara, Japan on February 26, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast before day trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Travel to Nara

Train ride to Nara (approx 45 mins, 700JPY).
CURRENCY700JPY, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the Great Buddha statue in this UNESCO World Heritage site. Entry fee approx 600JPY.
CURRENCY600JPY, 1h30m

11:00am

Nara Park Deer Walk

Walk through the famous park and interact with friendly deer, free to enter.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nakatanidou Mochi Shop

Try freshly pounded mochi, a delicious affordable local sweet snack.
CURRENCY500JPY, 0h30m

1:30pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Beautiful shrine with lantern-lined paths, entrance approx 500JPY.
CURRENCY500JPY, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Osaka

Train back to Osaka for evening free time.
Included in earlier fare, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner Near Hotel

Relaxing budget meal at nearby restaurant or convenience store.
CURRENCY1000JPY, 1h0m

Day 13: Explore More of Osaka

Osaka, Japan on February 27, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Included breakfast to start the day.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory. Opens 10:00am to 10:30pm, entry 1500JPY.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h30m

11:00am

Shopping at Grand Front Osaka

Window shop or buy affordable souvenirs and enjoy free public spaces in this modern mall.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Budget Conveyor Sushi

Affordable sushi lunch with excellent quality, a must in Osaka.
CURRENCY1500JPY, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

Learn about historic Osaka life with hands-on exhibits; open 9:30am to 5:00pm, entry approx 600JPY.
CURRENCY600JPY, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Nakanoshima Park

Spend quiet time in this scenic park with views over the river and city.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Local Noodle Shop

Enjoy delicious and wallet-friendly noodles before returning to hotel.
CURRENCY900JPY, 1h0m

Day 14: Leisure & Departure

Osaka, Japan on February 28, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Standard included breakfast to start your day.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Local Neighborhood Walk

Explore streets near hotel for final souvenir shopping or café visit.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Check-out and Transfer

Prepare for departure or extend stay as preferred.
Variable, 0h30m