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“10-days Japan Itinerary: Tokyo, kyoto, Osaka on a Budget”

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 7Travel 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 8Universal 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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