Budget-Friendly Southern Japan Trip from Toyama with Osaka World Fair and Nara Day Trip

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, for an easy start to your southern Japan journey.
JPY8000, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nishiki Market

Explore Nishiki Market, sampling local affordable delights like takoyaki and fresh sushi.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk through the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, a beautiful and free cultural experience.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in at budget guesthouse

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

7:00pm

Dinner at a local ramen shop

Enjoy a warm bowl of ramen at Ippudo or another affordable spot to end your day.
JPY800-1200, 1h
View Hotels

Day 2: Kyoto Temples

Kyoto, Japan on August 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a cafe

Start your day with a light Japanese-style breakfast at Inoda Coffee, a beloved local café.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion with its beautiful gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
JPY400, 1h30m

11:30am

Ryoan-ji Zen Garden

Experience the serene rock garden at Ryoan-ji, perfect for contemplation and photography.
JPY500, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch with Bento box

Pick up a budget-friendly bento box lunch from a supermarket for an authentic experience.
JPY600, 1h

2:00pm

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous Bamboo Grove and enjoy the tranquil surroundings free of entrance fees.
JPY0, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at accommodation

Take time to rest before dinner.
JPY0, Overnight

7:30pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy small plates and sake in a casual izakaya offering budget-friendly options.
JPY1500-2000, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 3: Osaka World Fair

Osaka, Japan on August 25, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

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

9:00am

Osaka World Fair

Spend the day exploring the Osaka World Fair exhibitions, open 10:00am to 8:00pm. Tickets in advance recommended.
JPY2000, 8h

7:30pm

Dinner at Dotonbori

Head to Dotonbori for delicious street food like okonomiyaki and takoyaki at affordable prices.
JPY1000-1500, 1h30m

9:00pm

Check-in in Osaka

Stay overnight at a budget hostel in the city center.
JPY3500, Overnight
View Hotels

Day 4: Osaka City

Osaka, Japan on August 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at cafe

Start with a simple breakfast at a nearby cafe.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Osaka Castle

Tour the iconic Osaka Castle and its gardens, open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Enjoy fresh seafood and other street food specialties inexpensively at Kuromon Market.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

1:30pm

Umeda Sky Building

Visit the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka, open 10:00am to 10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1h

3:00pm

Nakanoshima Park

Relax in this serene riverside park with lovely walking paths and greenery.
JPY0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Rest at accommodation

Rest before dinner and the next day’s trip.
JPY0, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at kushikatsu restaurant

Try Osaka’s specialty fried skewers at an affordable kushikatsu establishment.
JPY1200-1800, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 5: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on August 27, 2025

8:00am

Train to Nara

Depart early from Osaka to Nara by train, approximately 45 minutes.
JPY800, 0h45m

9:00am

Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple

Visit Nara Park to feed friendly deer and explore Todai-ji Temple, housing the Great Buddha statue, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local noodle shop

Enjoy traditional soba or udon noodles at a budget-friendly eatery near the temple.
JPY800-1000, 1h

2:00pm

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Stroll to the atmospheric Kasuga Taisha Shrine with its hundreds of lanterns, open 6:30am-5:00pm.
JPY500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka to rest for the evening.
JPY800, 0h45m

7:00pm

Dinner in Osaka

Eat a simple dinner near your accommodation to keep the evening relaxed.
JPY1000, 1h
View Hotels

Day 6: Travel to Hiroshima

Hiroshima, Japan on August 28, 2025

8:30am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Depart Osaka in the morning via Shinkansen to Hiroshima, around 2 hours.
JPY10000, 2h

11:00am

Peace Memorial Park & Museum

Explore the powerful Peace Memorial Park and Museum for historical insight about the atomic bombing.
JPY200, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch with Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki

Try the local style okonomiyaki for a filling and affordable lunch.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Hiroshima Castle

Visit reconstructed Hiroshima Castle and its gardens, open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
JPY370, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at budget guesthouse

Rest and prepare for next day.
JPY3500, Overnight

7:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy local small plates and drinks at a budget-friendly izakaya.
JPY1500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 7: Miyajima Island

Miyajima, Japan on August 29, 2025

8:00am

Train and ferry to Miyajima

Travel by train and ferry to Miyajima Island for a day immersed in nature and culture.
JPY2000, 1h30m

9:30am

Itsukushima Shrine

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

11:00am

Mount Misen hike or cable car

Enjoy a moderate hike or take the cable car up Mount Misen for fantastic views of the Seto Inland Sea.
JPY1800, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch with local specialties

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

4:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Ferry back to Hiroshima followed by train, approx. 1.5 hours total.
JPY2000, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner near Hiroshima Station

Dine affordably at noodle or casual restaurants near your accommodation.
JPY1000, 1h
View Hotels

Day 8: Travel to Okayama

Okayama, Japan on August 30, 2025

9:00am

Train to Okayama

Travel from Hiroshima to Okayama by local or Shinkansen train, about 1 hour.
JPY5700, 1h

11:00am

Korakuen Garden

Visit the famous Korakuen Garden, open 7:30am to 6:00pm, to enjoy one of Japan's top gardens.
JPY400, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at local cafe

Choose an affordable eatery offering set meals or noodles.
JPY1000, 1h

2:30pm

Okayama Castle

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

4:30pm

Check-in budget accommodation

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

7:00pm

Dinner at local izakaya

Enjoy local affordable dishes at a nearby izakaya.
JPY1000-1500, 1h30m
View Hotels

Day 9: Kurashiki Visit

Kurashiki, Japan on August 31, 2025

8:30am

Train to Kurashiki

Short train ride to Kurashiki to explore the historical district, about 15 minutes.
JPY230, 0h15m

9:00am

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Wander canals, old warehouses, and museums in this charming historic town center.
JPY0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a cafe

Eat light and affordable meals at a local café in the district.
JPY800-1000, 1h

2:00pm

Ohara Museum of Art

Tour Japan’s first museum for Western art, open 9:00am–5:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

4:00pm

Return to Okayama

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

7:00pm

Dinner near Okayama Station

Affordable dining near your accommodation to end the day.
JPY1000, 1h
View Hotels

Day 10: Travel to Kanazawa

Kanazawa, Japan on September 1, 2025

8:00am

Train to Kanazawa

Long train journey around 3.5 - 4 hours with one transfer from Okayama to Kanazawa.
JPY9000, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch near station

Sample seafood donburi or other local dishes affordably near Kanazawa Station.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

2:00pm

Kenrokuen Garden

Visit one of Japan’s top gardens open 7:00am – 6:00pm for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
JPY320, 2h

4:30pm

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore modern art exhibits until closing at 6:00pm.
JPY1000, 1h30m

6:30pm

Check-in & dinner in Kanazawa

Budget accommodation stay with dinner near the station or hostel.
JPY3500 + JPY1000, Overnight + 1h
View Hotels

Day 11: Kanazawa Full Day

Kanazawa, Japan on September 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local cafe

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast in a local cafe.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Nagamachi Samurai District

Walk through the well-preserved samurai district, offering insight into Edo period architecture; free to explore.
JPY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Dive into fresh seafood and local produce at Omicho Market, choosing from many affordable stalls.
JPY1000-1500, 1h

1:30pm

DT Suzuki Museum

Visit this minimalist museum dedicated to the philosopher Suzuki Daisetz; free or low-cost entry.
JPY400, 1h30m

3:30pm

Shirayama Hime Shrine or local shopping

Explore another local shrine or enjoy some shopping in Kanazawa’s downtown streets.
JPY0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner

Dine affordably in town to enjoy your last night in Kanazawa.
JPY1000, 1h
View Hotels

Day 12: Relax & Evening Return

Kanazawa to Toyama, Japan on September 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Take it easy with a nice breakfast nearby your lodging.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Local walk and souvenir shopping

Explore Kanazawa on foot, visiting shops for souvenirs and enjoying local sweets like gold leaf treats.
JPY500, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at local cafe

Eat a casual and budget-friendly lunch before departure.
JPY1000, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kanazawa Station Architecture

Admire the modern and stunning Kanazawa Station building with its wooden gate and glass dome.
JPY0, 1h

3:30pm

Prepare and pack for departure

Head back to accommodation or station area to prepare for train ride back to Toyama.
JPY0, 1h

5:00pm

Train to Toyama

Evening train back to Toyama, about 25 minutes by limited express train.
JPY1200, 0h25m

6:00pm

Arrive in Toyama

Arrive home after a relaxed and rewarding journey through southern Japan.
JPY0, Rest
View Hotels