Budget-Friendly Southern Japan Adventure from Toyama to Osaka World Fair and Back

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Toyama

Toyama, Japan on August 23, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café Sunny Day

Enjoy affordable local breakfast options including toast and coffee at this cozy café open from 7am to 3pm.
JPY800, 1h0m

10:30am

Toyama Castle Park

Visit the historical Toyama Castle and surrounding parkland to learn about local history and enjoy peaceful scenery.
JPY300, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Himi Udon Shop

Sample budget-friendly Himi-style udon noodles, a regional specialty served fresh and delicious.
JPY900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Toyama Glass Art Museum

Explore beautiful glass art exhibits reflecting Toyama's artistic culture. Open from 9:30am to 6pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Benibana Restaurant

Enjoy local Toyama cuisine featuring fresh seafood at budget prices. The restaurant operates till 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Travel to Kyoto & Explore

Kyoto, Japan on August 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Toyama Station

Grab a quick and inexpensive onigiri or sandwich before departure.
JPY400, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Kyoto

Take the JR Thunderbird Limited Express from Toyama to Kyoto (approx. 3 hr).
JPY6000, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Musashi Sushi

Affordable conveyor-belt sushi near Kyoto Station for a budget-friendly meal.
JPY1200, 1h0m

1:00pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Explore the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates. Open 24 hours, but best in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic streets and spot traditional tea houses and possibly geisha sightings.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Gyoza Hohei

Enjoy affordable and tasty gyoza dumplings, a popular local favorite open till 9pm.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Arrive & Explore Osaka - World Fair Kickoff

Osaka, Japan on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kyoto Station

Quick bakery items or coffee perfect for travel days.
JPY500, 0h30m

8:30am

Train to Osaka

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto to Osaka (approx 30 min).
JPY560, 0h30m

9:30am

Check-in at Budget Hostel in Osaka

Drop off luggage and refresh before exploring. Hostels are available for around JPY2500 per night.
JPY2500, 0h30m

10:30am

Attend Osaka World Expo 2025

Explore innovative exhibits, cultural pavilions, and entertainment at the Osaka World Fair, open 10am-8pm. Tickets are around JPY2600.
JPY2600, 6h0m

5:00pm

Light Dinner at Expo Food Stalls

Try diverse budget food options from global cuisines available onsite.
JPY1000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Return to hostel and rest

Take local transit back to accommodation and unwind.
JPY300, 0h30m
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Day 4: Osaka World Fair & City Tour

Osaka, Japan on August 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Simple breakfast included or small local café nearby.
JPY500, 0h30m

9:00am

Second day at Osaka World Expo

Explore pavilions you missed and attend scheduled shows/events. Expo hours from 10am to 8pm.
Included, 6h0m

4:00pm

Explore Dotonbori District

Walk along the canal and see iconic neon signs plus affordable street food.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kani Doraku

Try delicious but affordable crab dishes, a specialty in Dotonbori.
JPY2000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Day trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on August 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Osaka Hostel

Quick on-the-go meal to start early journey.
JPY400, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Nara

Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka to Nara (about 45 min).
JPY560, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Nara Park and Todaiji Temple

See friendly deer and the world's largest wooden building with the Great Buddha statue. Park open all day; temple open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a local soba restaurant

Enjoy a traditional, inexpensive soba meal popular in Nara region.
JPY1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Historic Shinto shrine famous for lanterns, walking trails open until dusk.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Head back to Osaka to rest for the evening.
JPY560, 0h45m

6:00pm

Dinner at local Osaka ramen shop

Affordable hearty ramen perfect for a travel evening.
JPY900, 1h0m
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Day 6: Travel to Hiroshima & Visit Peace Park

Hiroshima, Japan on August 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Osaka Hostel

Grab a light meal before the journey.
JPY400, 0h30m

8:00am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Take the JR Sanyo Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima (approx 2h). Use JR Pass or purchase a discounted ticket.
JPY10000, 2h0m

10:30am

Check-in at budget guesthouse

Settle into affordable accommodation near city center.
JPY3000, 0h30m

11:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Reflect on history visiting this important site open 8:30am-6pm, with free entry to park and museum ticket around JPY200.
JPY200, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Enjoy budget-friendly Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake dish, at this popular multi-floor food building.
JPY1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Shukkeien Garden

Relax in a beautiful Japanese garden near city center open 9am-6pm.
JPY260, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at local Izakaya

Experience casual Japanese pub food with affordable options and drinks.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Travel to Okayama and Visit Korakuen

Okayama, Japan on August 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Simple breakfast before traveling.
JPY400, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Okayama

Take the JR Sanyo Line from Hiroshima to Okayama (approx 45 min).
JPY2500, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Korakuen Garden

Admire one of Japan’s three great gardens, open 7am to 6pm. Entry fee is affordable and the garden is expansive and peaceful.
JPY400, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Okayama Castle

Explore the striking 'Crow Castle' across from the Korakuen Garden for a small fee.
JPY300, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at local noodle shop

Try udon or soba in a budget-friendly spot popular with locals.
JPY900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Okayama city center and shopping arcade

Stroll around and check out local shops and markets, a nice relaxing way to spend afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Okayama yakitori restaurant

End your day with inexpensive grilled chicken skewers and rice dishes.
JPY1300, 1h0m
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Day 8: Travel to Kanazawa and Explore

Kanazawa, Japan on August 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Prepare for longer travel day with a light meal.
JPY400, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Kanazawa

Take the Thunderbird Limited Express from Okayama to Kanazawa (approx 3.5 hr).
JPY7000, 3h30m

11:30am

Check-in at budget hostel

Settle in and freshen up at affordable accommodation in Kanazawa city center.
JPY2800, 0h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Enjoy inexpensive fresh seafood and street foods at Kanazawa's famous market.
JPY1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Kenrokuen Garden

Explore one of Japan's most beautiful gardens open 7am-6pm with moderate entry fee.
JPY320, 2h0m

4:00pm

Tour Kanazawa Castle Park

Relax and stroll the historic castle grounds, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at budget izakaya

Sample local Kanazawa dishes at affordable price in cozy setting.
JPY1500, 1h0m
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Day 9: Trip to Takayama

Takayama, Japan on August 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hostel

Quick meal before early train departure.
JPY400, 0h30m

7:30am

Train to Takayama

Take limited express train from Kanazawa to Takayama (approx 2.5 hr).
JPY4500, 2h30m

10:00am

Check into guesthouse

Stay at budget friendly guesthouse near Takayama Old Town.
JPY3000, 0h30m

10:30am

Explore Takayama Old Town

Enjoy traditional Edo-period architecture, shops and local cafes in this charming area, open all day.
Free, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at local soba restaurant

Try Hida soba, a regional specialty served fresh and affordable.
JPY1000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Takayama Jinya

Tour this historic government house and museum, open 8:45am-5:00pm for a small entry fee.
JPY430, 1h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy budget-friendly meal featuring local Hida beef skewers and vegetable dishes.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 10: Return to Toyama

Toyama, Japan on September 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Prepare for travel with a quick meal.
JPY400, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Toyama

Take train from Takayama to Toyama (approx 2 hr).
JPY3500, 2h0m

10:00am

Check in at Toyama accommodation

Settle back into the city to relax after the journey.
JPY3000, 0h30m

11:00am

Relaxed day visiting local parks and coffee shops

Take it easy exploring local favorites such as Kansui Park and cozy cafes.
Free / JPY700, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at local soba shop

Enjoy handmade, affordable soba noodles in a quiet spot.
JPY900, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Toyama Station Food Court

Try local specialties and budget dishes before preparing for departure.
JPY1300, 1h0m
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Day 11: Free Day Toyama

Toyama, Japan on September 2, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at local bakery

Enjoy freshly baked bread and coffee to start your day.
JPY600, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Toyama Bay and Waterfront

Take a relaxing walk along Toyama Bay, great for scenery and photography.
Free, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at seafood donburi shop

Try fresh and affordable seafood bowls popular in the region here.
JPY1200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Toyama Folk Craft Museum

Learn about regional crafts and traditions in this small museum open 9am-5pm (closed Mondays).
JPY300, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at a local Izakaya

End your trip with popular Japanese pub dishes at a budget-friendly spot.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 12: Departure Day

Toyama, Japan on September 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Have a light breakfast and pack up.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Last-minute shopping at Toyama Station

Buy souvenirs and snacks for your journey home.
Varies, 1h0m

10:00am

Head to transport hub for onward travel

Complete your trip with easy transit access from Toyama Station.
Varies, Varies
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