Two-Week Low-Budget Sightseeing Adventure in Japan

Day 1: Tokyo Urban Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on May 19, 2025

9:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh and affordable Japanese breakfast options at the Tsukiji Outer Market, including grilled fish and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette). It opens early around 5am and is best visited in the morning.
JPY1000, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Senso-ji Temple

Explore Tokyo's oldest temple and its vibrant Nakamise shopping street offering souvenirs and street food. It is open 24 hours, but shops open by 9am.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ueno Ameyoko Market

Try affordable street eats and bento boxes in this bustling open-air market near Ueno Park.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Stroll and relax at Ueno Park

Enjoy Ueno Park's open spaces, ponds, and free outdoor sculptures. Great for a peaceful walk after lunch.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Akihabara District

Discover electronic shops, anime culture, and inexpensive cafes with unique themes. Walking and window shopping are free.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at a local ramen shop

Eat at an affordable ramen shop near Akihabara, such as Ichiran or a local mom-and-pop, offering filling meals under 1000 JPY.
JPY900, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Nikko Nature and Culture

Nikko, Japan on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Tokyo to Nikko

Take the Tobu Nikko Line from Asakusa Station to Nikko, which takes about 2 hours and offers affordable train options.
JPY2000, 2h0m

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for intricate architecture and spiritual significance. Open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY1300, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at local soba restaurant

Enjoy a modestly priced soba noodle meal, a regional specialty of Nikko.
JPY1200, 1h0m

12:30pm

Walk around Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls

Take a bus to scenic Lake Chuzenji and visit the beautiful Kegon Falls nearby. Outdoor natural sights perfect for photos and relaxing walks.
JPY1500 (bus roundtrip), 3h0m

4:00pm

Check into budget lodging

Stay in a guesthouse or hostel for an affordable night in downtown Nikko.
JPY3000, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Experience an affordable local izakaya offering various small dishes and drinks at good prices.
JPY1500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Nagano Mountains and Temples

Nagano, Japan on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Nikko to Nagano

Return to Tokyo by train then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano, approximately 4 hours total.
JPY8000, 4h0m

11:00am

Visit Zenko-ji Temple

Explore Nagano's historic and spiritual Zenko-ji Temple, open 6:00am - 5:00pm, free admission.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at local café

Try affordable Japanese set meals (teishoku) near Zenko-ji.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Togakushi Shrine

Take a bus to Togakushi Shrin, famous for peaceful forest paths and historic shrines. Ideal for light hiking and culture.
JPY1000 (bus roundtrip), 3h0m

4:30pm

Check into budget guesthouse

Choose an affordable lodging in Nagano city, hostels typically 3000-4000 JPY.
JPY3500, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at Nagano-style soba restaurant

Enjoy inexpensive and delicious soba noodles, a regional specialty at moderate prices.
JPY1200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Kyoto Historical Sites

Kyoto, Japan on May 22, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Nagano to Kyoto

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa, then transfer to Thunderbird Limited Express to Kyoto, about 4 hours total.
JPY9000, 4h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Sample affordable fresh and local snacks at Kyoto's famous food market open 9am to 6pm.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore iconic thousand Torii gates at the vibrant Shinto shrine, open all day, free entrance.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning hillside views of Kyoto. Open 6:00am - 6:00pm, entrance fee applies.
JPY400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Check into hostel

Budget hostel accommodations near Kyoto Station, affordable and centrally located.
JPY3500, Overnight

6:30pm

Dinner at local yatai or food stall

Enjoy affordable Kyoto street food including yakitori and takoyaki.
JPY1000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Gardens

Kyoto, Japan on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel or convenience store

Quick and budget-friendly Japanese breakfasts such as onigiri or sandwiches from convenience stores.
JPY500, 0h30m

8:30am

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the picturesque bamboo forest early to avoid crowds, free access.
Free, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple

Enjoy the famous Zen temple and its serene gardens, open 8:30am - 5:30pm, affordable entrance fee.
JPY500, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at local soba or udon shop

Eat nutritious and budget-friendly noodles near Arashiyama area.
JPY1000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Explore Philosopher's Path

Leisurely stroll along the cherry-tree-lined canal path connecting temples in eastern Kyoto, free access.
Free, 2h0m

3:00pm

Visit Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Explore the peaceful temple gardens, open daily 8:30am - 5:00pm, small entrance fee.
JPY500, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to hostel and relax

Rest after an active day of temple visits.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at budget-friendly noodle restaurant

Enjoy a comforting bowl of ramen or udon at an economical price.
JPY900, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Nara Historic Exploration

Nara, Japan on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Kyoto to Nara

Take the Kintetsu train from Kyoto Station to Nara for about 45 minutes, cost-effective and frequent.
JPY600, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

See the giant Buddha statue and explore grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Open 7:30am - 5:30pm.
JPY600, 1h30m

10:30am

Walk in Nara Park

Spend time among friendly free-roaming deer and peaceful park scenery.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local café

Affordable Japanese set meals near Nara Park.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Enchanting shrine famous for its lanterns, open 6:30am - 5:00pm with affordable admission.
JPY500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Travel to Osaka

Take a quick train from Nara to Osaka, just 45 minutes and inexpensive.
JPY560, 0h45m

3:15pm

Check into budget hostel in Osaka

Affordable lodging close to central Osaka for easy access to nightlife and street food.
JPY3000, Overnight

6:00pm

Dinner at Dotonbori Street

Sample budget street food favorites like takoyaki and okonomiyaki while soaking in vibrant neon atmosphere.
JPY1200, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Osaka City and Castle

Osaka, Japan on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at convenience store

Quick and cheap breakfast options featuring rice balls and coffee.
JPY500, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historical castle grounds and museum, open 9:00am - 5:00pm with a small entrance fee.
JPY600, 2h0m

11:30am

Walk through Osaka Castle Park

Relax and enjoy extensive park area surrounding the castle, free and great for photos.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Taste various fresh and inexpensive seafood and street food options.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Shinsekai District

Experience retro streets, affordable eateries, and iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. Walking and window shopping are free.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to hostel to rest

Relax and prepare for evening activities.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local kushikatsu restaurant

Try delicious and affordable Osaka specialty kushikatsu (fried skewers).
JPY1200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Day Trip to Himeji

Himeji, Japan on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Osaka to Himeji

Take JR Special Rapid service train, about 1 hour and economical with JR Pass.
JPY1100, 1h0m

8:30am

Visit Himeji Castle

Explore Japan’s most spectacular original castle, open 9:00am - 5:00pm with affordable admission.
JPY1000, 2h0m

10:30am

Walk around Kokoen Garden

Relax in beautiful and budget-friendly traditional gardens next to Himeji Castle.
JPY300, 1h0m

11:30am

Lunch at local café

Enjoy affordable Japanese set meals or sandwiches nearby.
JPY1000, 1h0m

12:30pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka for evening activities.
JPY1100, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Enjoy one of the world’s largest aquariums, open 10:00am - 8:00pm, reasonable entrance fee.
JPY2400, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to hostel and relax

Rest after a full day of sightseeing.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at a budget okonomiyaki restaurant

Try Osaka’s famous savory pancakes at a local affordable eatery.
JPY1000, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Return to Tokyo Leisure

Tokyo, Japan on May 27, 2025

8:00am

Travel from Osaka to Tokyo

Take JR Shinkansen to Tokyo for about 3 hours, book discounted passes if available.
JPY14000, 3h0m

11:00am

Check into budget accommodation

Affordable guesthouse or hostel near central Tokyo station or Shinjuku area.
JPY3500, Overnight

12:30pm

Lunch at local soba noodle shop

Enjoy tasty and inexpensive soba meals at a casual spot near accommodation.
JPY900, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Explore a tranquil Meiji Shrine complex and adjacent park, free entry and open from sunrise to sunset.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Harajuku Takeshita Street

Experience youthful fashion, quirky shops, and affordable street food options.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Rest at accommodation

Relax after walking and shopping.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at inexpensive izakaya

Enjoy casual Japanese pub food and drinks without breaking the budget.
JPY1500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Tokyo Culture and Shopping

Tokyo, Japan on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at convenience store

Grab quick, cheap breakfast like onigiri and coffee from 7-Eleven or Lawson.
JPY400, 0h30m

8:30am

Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens

Walk peaceful gardens of the Imperial Palace, free and open from 9:00am - 4:30pm.
Free, 1h30m

10:00am

Explore Ginza district

Window shop luxury stores and visit affordable cafes along the famous shopping street.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Kyubey Sushi Takeout

Enjoy affordable sushi to go from a reputable shop in Ginza.
JPY1500, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit teamLab Borderless digital art museum

Experience immersive digital art exhibitions, open 10:00am - 7:00pm. Book online for discounts.
JPY3200, 2h0m

3:30pm

Relax at Odaiba Seaside Park

Enjoy views of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge, free public space.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return to accommodation

Rest for the evening.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Tonkatsu restaurant

Try affordable tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet) dishes at casual restaurants.
JPY1200, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Day Trip to Kamakura

Kamakura, Japan on May 29, 2025

7:00am

Travel from Tokyo to Kamakura

Take JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station, about 1 hour and reasonably priced.
JPY920, 1h0m

8:00am

Visit Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha)

See the famous large bronze Buddha statue, open 8:00am - 4:30pm, small entrance fee.
JPY200, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk through Hase-dera Temple Gardens

Enjoy beautiful gardens and ocean views, open 8:00am - 5:00pm for a small fee.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:00am

Lunch at local café

Affordable Japanese set meals or noodles restaurant.
JPY1000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Walk Komachi Street

Explore a lively shopping street filled with souvenirs and snacks, great for casual walking.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine

Explore the main shrine of Kamakura with beautiful surroundings and historic value.
Free, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo by train to rest before dinner.
JPY920, 1h0m

4:00pm

Rest and leisure at accommodation

Relax after a day trip.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Enjoy affordable and fun sushi dining experience in Tokyo.
JPY1500, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Tokyo Parks and Museums

Tokyo, Japan on May 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local bakery or convenience store

Start the day affordably with fresh pastries or sandwiches.
JPY500, 0h30m

8:30am

Visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Relax in a large beautiful garden in the heart of Tokyo, entrance fee is affordable, open 9:00am - 4:30pm.
JPY500, 2h0m

10:30am

Visit Samurai Museum

Learn about Japanese samurai culture with exhibits and armor. Open 10:30am - 8:30pm, affordable entrance.
JPY1800, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch in Shinjuku local diner

Try hearty and inexpensive set meals popular with locals.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:00pm

Explore Omoide Yokocho

Visit this narrow alley for atmosphere and affordable snacks and drinks.
Free, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Tokyo National Museum

Explore Japan’s oldest and largest museum open from 9:30am to 5:00pm, reasonable ticket prices.
JPY1000, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return to accommodation

Relax and unwind.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at budget-friendly curry house

Enjoy filling Japanese curry dishes at a low price.
JPY900, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Free Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on May 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hostel or convenience store

Affordable and quick breakfast options.
JPY500, 0h30m

9:00am

Choose your own adventure: shopping, strolling, or visiting any missed spots

Explore your favorite neighborhoods such as Shibuya or Ikebukuro at your own pace, with many free or low-cost options for entertainment.
Varies, Full day

12:00pm

Lunch at local budget café

Try Japanese fast casual restaurants for under 1000 JPY meal.
JPY1000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Wrap up your trip with a delicious casual meal in a local bar setting, priced reasonably.
JPY1500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Departure from Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation or convenience store

Quick and budget-friendly breakfast before departure.
JPY500, 0h30m

8:00am

Travel to Tokyo Narita or Haneda Airport

Use airport express trains or bus shuttle based on your departure terminal and convenience.
JPY1000-3000, 1h0m to 1h30m
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