https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JapanJapan is a paradise for numerous tourists, recognized for its combination of historic customs and contemporary advancements. You can discover Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka without straining your finances! This 10-day plan will lead you through Japan’s major cities while maintaining budget-friendly options
Day 1-3: The Heart of Japan
Day 1: Getting there and touring u
Budget Tip: To enjoy unlimited trips on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subw
ay lines, get a Tokyo Subway Pass (24, 48, or 72 hours).
Reach Tokyo – Arrive at . Use the Keisei Skyliner (¥2,570) or opt for the more affordable Keisei Main Line (¥1,050) to reach central Tokyo.
Look for an budget friendly hostel or hotel – Think about options such as Khaosan Tokyo Origami (Asakusa) or Wise Owl Hostel present another budget-friendly choice.
Explore Shinjuku: For reasonably priced street food alternatives like yakitori (grilled skewers), visit Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane).
Take pictures at the busiest crossing, Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue.
Dinner in a sushi restaurant with a conveyor belt: Sushi from Sushiro or Genki Sushi is tasty and affordable (plates start at ¥100).
Day 2-3: Asakusa, Akihabara, Ueno, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shinjuku Gyoen
Money-Saving Tip: Many Japanese temples offer free admission.
Visit Tokyo’s most popular and oldest temple, Sensō-ji Temple (free admission). You can buy reasonably priced appetizers like taiyaki and melonpan (¥100 to ¥300) if you go down Nakamise Street.
authorities at Ueno Park: While entrance to Ueno Park is free, institutions such as the Tokyo National Museum charge fair prices (¥1,000).
Akihabara – The Otaku Haven – Explore shops for anime and electronics. Numerous arcades allow you to play games for ¥100 each round.
Dinner at Ichiran Ramen – It’s somewhat expensive (approximately ¥900 for each bowl)
Day 4-6: Japan`s Cultural Capital
Budget Tip: rather than using the Shinkansen, use the Willer Express overnight bus, which costs about ¥4,000, to save money.
Arrive in Kyoto – Check into a budget stay like Piece Hostel Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Shrine (free entry) – Walk through thousands of iconic red torii gates.
Explore Gion District – Spot geishas and enjoy cheap matcha sweets (¥200–¥500).
Dinner at a Kyoto ramen shop – Kyoto-style ramen at Ichiran or Ippudo (around ¥900).
Day 5: Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama (Golden Pavilion)
Budget Tip: Want to see Kyoto on a shoestring? rent a bicycle for about ¥1,000 per day.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is free and ideal for taking amazing pictures.
A amazing climb with views is Togetsukyo Bridge & Monkey Park Iwatayama (¥600 admission).
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Japan’s most famous sites, admission is ¥400.
Dinner at Nishiki Market: Try cheap grilled seafood, takoyaki, and yuba (tofu skin).
Day 6: Day Trip to Nara
Purchase a Kintetsu Rail Pass (¥1,500) to enjoy unlimited journeys between Kyoto and Nara as a cost-effective solution.
Feed the amiable deer at Nara Park (deer crackers cost ¥200).
The largest Buddha statue in Japan may be found in Tōdai-ji Temple (admission ¥600).
Returning to Kyoto for dinner, try Torikizoku (¥298 per dish), a reasonably priced izakaya (Japanese tavern).
Day 7-10: Osaka – The Food Capital
Day 7: Travel to Osaka & Dotonbori
Budget Tip: Take a local JR train from Kyoto to Osaka (¥560, 30 minutes).
- Check into a budget hotel – Try J-Hoppers Osaka or Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza.
- Visit Osaka Castle – Beautiful from the outside, entry costs ¥600.
- Dotonbori Street Food Tour – Try takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (fried skewers) for under ¥500 per dish.
- Snap a picture at the Glico Running Man sign – A famous Osaka landmark.
Day 8: Universal Studios Japan or Free Alternatives
Budget Tip: If USJ (¥8,400) is too expensive, explore free attractions instead.
Option 1: Universal Studios Japan (USJ) – For Harry Potter, Nintendo, and thrilling rides.
Option 2: Free/cheap alternatives:
- Osaka Museum of History (¥600)
- Tennoji Park (free) & Tsutenkaku Tower (¥900)
- Shinsekai district for budget eat
Day 9: Day Trip to Nara
- Budget Tip: Use the JR Pass or buy discounted tickets for local trains.
- Kobe Option: Go to Harborland and sample reasonably priced Kobe steak in a laid-back eatery (~1,500).
- The most exquisite castle in Japan, Himeji Castle (¥1,000), is a UNESCO property.
- Go back to Osaka for dinner and try some inexpensive udon or sushi on a conveyor belt.
Day 10: Purchasing Memorabilia & Leaving
Budget Tip: For mementos, 100-yen shops like Daiso and Seria are excellent.
- Purchase Kit Kats, adorable presents, and reasonably priced Japanese delicacies in Namba & Shinsaibashi.
- Head to Kansai Airport – Take the Nankai Airport Express (¥920).
Final Tips for Traveling Japan on a Budget
Make use of discount passes to save money, such as day passes, subway passes, and JR tickets.
- Eat at Convenience Stores: Rapid ramen, bento boxes, and onigiri are afforable and great.
- For single people and those on a limited budget, hostels and capsule hotels are great options.
- Walk or hire a bike to explore at your own pace and save money on transit.
- Utilize no-cost attractions: Free, beautiful experiences can be found in markets, parks, temples, and shrines.
- You may make priceless memories and see the finest of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka on a budget with this schedule.
Have a safe trip!
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