Budget-Friendly Southern Japan Exploration from Toyama Including Osaka World Fair

Day 1: Travel to Kyoto

Toyama to Kyoto, Japan on August 23, 2025

9:00am

Shinkansen to Kyoto

Take an early morning Shinkansen from Toyama to Kyoto, approximately 2.5 hours, to start your southern Japan journey comfortably and efficiently.
JPY8000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market for fresh and affordable local foods including takoyaki and fresh sushi, giving a taste of Kyoto’s market culture.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates at Fushimi Inari, one of Kyoto’s most famous and free-entry shrines.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at budget guesthouse

Rest and freshen up at a budget-friendly guesthouse or hostel in Kyoto city.
JPY3500, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at a local ramen shop

Enjoy a hearty bowl of local ramen at a popular spot such as Ippudo, perfect to end your first day affordably.
JPY800-1200, 1h
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Day 2: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a cafe

Start with a light Japanese-style breakfast at a local cafe such as Inoda Coffee, known for its traditional atmosphere.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Visit

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful gardens and iconic architecture.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Explore the contemplative rock garden at Ryoan-ji to experience classic Japanese Zen garden aesthetics.
JPY500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch with Bento box

Have a budget-friendly Japanes bento box lunch purchased from a convenience store or supermarket for an authentic and cheap meal.
JPY600, 1h

2:00pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the peaceful Bamboo Grove and enjoy the surrounding nature in the Arashiyama area, nearby free accessible.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Return to accommodation and rest

Relax at your accommodation after a fulfilling day of sightseeing.
JPY0, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at a local izakaya

Enjoy local small plates and sake in a casual izakaya that offers budget choices for dinner.
JPY1500-2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Osaka World Fair Visit

Osaka, Japan on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Take a morning train from Kyoto to the Osaka World Fair site, approximately 30-40 minutes.
JPY600, 0h40m

9:00am

Osaka World Fair

Spend the day at the Osaka World Fair exploring exhibitions, pavilions, and international displays, open generally from 10:00am to 8:00pm, buy tickets in advance.
JPY2000, 8h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dotonbori

Head to Dotonbori nearby for a lively evening dining on famous street food like okonomiyaki or takoyaki.
JPY1000-1500, 1h30m

9:00pm

Stay overnight in Osaka

Check into a budget hostel or hotel within Osaka city center.
JPY3500, Overnight
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Day 4: Explore Osaka

Osaka, Japan on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Start your day with a simple breakfast to fuel your city exploration.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Visit iconic Osaka Castle with its historical museum inside and beautiful park grounds around, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and budget-friendly street food at Kuromon Market known as 'Osaka's kitchen.'
JPY1000-1500, 1h

1:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka city, open 10:00am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Relax in Nakanoshima Park

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or sit by the river in Nakanoshima Park, a lovely urban green space with zero cost.
JPY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to accommodation and rest

Take some time to rest before dinner.
JPY0, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at local kushikatsu restaurant

Try Osaka’s famous kushikatsu—fried skewers—in a local, budget-friendly eatery.
JPY1200-1800, 1h30m
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Day 5: Day Trip to Kobe

Kobe, Japan on August 27, 2025

8:30am

Train to Kobe

Take a morning train from Osaka to Kobe, about 30 minutes by local train, affordable and efficient.
JPY410, 0h30m

9:15am

Visit Meriken Park

Walk around Meriken Park waterfront and see the Kobe Port Tower and maritime museum area for scenic views and photo opportunities.
JPY0, 1h30m

11:00am

Ikuta Shrine

Explore Ikuta Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, offering tranquility within city bounds.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local cafe

Enjoy a casual lunch at a budget-friendly cafe offering light meals like sandwiches or curry.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Kobe Harborland

Spend the afternoon browsing shops and walking around Kobe Harborland, a lively entertainment and shopping district.
JPY0, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Osaka

Catch a train back to Osaka for your overnight stay.
JPY410, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner in Osaka

Opt for an affordable eatery near your accommodation to keep the evening relaxed.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 6: Travel to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on August 28, 2025

8:30am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Take the morning Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima, roughly 2 hours, to visit this significant city efficiently.
JPY10000, 2h

11:00am

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Explore the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the atomic bombing’s history and peace advocacy.
JPY200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch with okonomiyaki

Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory pancake unique to the area, at a budget-friendly local shop.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Hiroshima Castle

Tour the reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and surrounding grounds, open daily 9:00am to 5:30pm.
JPY370, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check into a budget guesthouse

Rest and prepare for next day’s travel in central Hiroshima.
JPY3500, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy a variety of small plates and drinks at a local eatery popular with residents.
JPY1500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Day Trip to Miyajima Island

Miyajima, Japan on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Train and ferry to Miyajima

Take a train and ferry combo to scenic Miyajima Island for a day of nature and culture.
JPY2000, 1h30m

9:30am

Itsukushima Shrine

Visit the famous floating torii gate and shrine complex, open from 6:30am to 6:00pm depending on season.
JPY300, 1h30m

11:00am

Mount Misen hike

Take a moderate hike or cable car up Mount Misen for panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY1800 (cable car), 3h

2:30pm

Lunch with local specialties

Sample fresh oysters or momiji manju cakes offered at affordable cafes on the island.
JPY1000, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry and train back to Hiroshima for overnight stay.
JPY2000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Hiroshima station area

Relax with dinner close to accommodation, choosing affordable dining options like noodle shops.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 8: Travel to Okayama

Okayama, Japan on August 30, 2025

9:00am

Train to Okayama

Take a morning local or Shinkansen train from Hiroshima to Okayama, around 1 hour.
JPY5700, 1h

11:00am

Korakuen Garden

Visit Korakuen, one of Japan’s top three gardens, open 7:30am-6:00pm, for relaxation and classic Japanese landscape design.
JPY400, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at local cafe

Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at a nearby cafe offering set meals or noodles.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Okayama Castle

Tour the black exterior Okayama Castle, adjacent to Korakuen Garden, open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
JPY300, 1h30m

4:30pm

Check in at budget accommodation

Rest and prepare for next day’s travel.
JPY3000, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at a local izakaya

Try local specialties in an affordable izakaya close to your lodging.
JPY1000-1500, 1h30m
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Day 9: Kurashiki Visit

Kurashiki, Japan on August 31, 2025

8:30am

Train to Kurashiki

Morning train from Okayama to Kurashiki, about 15 minutes, ideal day trip destination.
JPY230, 0h15m

9:00am

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Walk through the quaint canals, white-washed warehouses, and museums in this charming old merchant town.
JPY0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at local cafe

Choose an affordable cafe in the quarter serving light meals or sandwiches.
JPY800-1000, 1h

2:00pm

Ohara Museum of Art

Visit Japan’s first museum for Western art, displaying works by Monet and others, open 9:00am-5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Okayama

Train back to Okayama for overnight rest.
JPY230, 0h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Okayama station

Enjoy a casual and budget-friendly dinner near the train station before resting.
JPY1000, 1h
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Day 10: Return Route via Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Kanazawa

Long-distance train from Okayama to Kanazawa, plan for approx. 3.5 - 4 hours with one transfer.
JPY9000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch near Kanazawa Station

Try local specialties like seafood donburi for an affordable meal.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:00pm

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s best traditional gardens, famous for its beauty year-round, open 7:00am to 6:00pm.
JPY320, 2h

4:30pm

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore modern and contemporary art exhibits, open till 6:00pm, offering a nice contrast to traditional sights.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Check-in and dinner in Kanazawa

Stay overnight in budget accommodation and dine cheaply near the station or guesthouse.
JPY3500 + JPY1000, Overnight + 1h
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Day 11: Kanazawa to Toyama

Kanazawa to Toyama, Japan on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Fuel up at a local café in Kanazawa before departure.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Train to Toyama

Take a direct train to Toyama, about 25 minutes by limited express train.
JPY1200, 0h25m

10:00am

Relax in Toyama

Arrive back in Toyama with free time to prepare for your studies and reflect on your journey.
JPY0, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy a casual dinner close to your accommodation to celebrate the end of the trip affordably.
JPY1000-1500, 1h
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Day 12: Stay in Toyama

Toyama, Japan on September 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a calm breakfast and prepare mentally for upcoming studies.
JPY700, 1h

10:00am

Local walk around Toyama

Take in local sights such as Toyama Castle Park or the Fugan Canal Kansui Park, both free and relaxing spaces.
JPY0, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at local noodle shop

Try Toyama’s famous tasty black ramen for a light and affordable meal to conclude your trip.
JPY800, 1h
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