1 Week in Japan on a Budget

Traveling on a budget in Japan is not only doable but actually enjoyable because of how much you can see and experience without overspending - not to mention the satisfaction of knowing you’re spending your money where it matters to you.

While Japan can cater to luxury travelers, there are plenty of budget hotels, free and cheap (yet thoroughly remarkable) activities, and ways to reduce transport costs so that anyone can have a fulfilling adventure here. Having a set budget can also make travel planning a bit of a fun challenge and still give you room to indulge a little (we’re talking about good food).

From Tokyo, Osaka to Kyoto — including activities and meal recommendations — this one-week itinerary on a budget is an example of how you could journey through Japan without breaking the bank. See our article on Japan Budget Travel Hacks for more budget travel tips.

Of course, the shinkansen bullet train is an excellent mode of transport. However, you don't always need the JR Pass, especially with its price set to increase from October. For the budget traveler, opting for a night bus between prefectures can significantly reduce costs. If you want to save on both accommodation and transport, our budget-friendly tip is to take a look at the nation’s many overnight bus route options.

That said, JR also offers a variety of rail passes with more regionally specific locations. If you want to know more about different transport payment options - generally a Pasmo or Suica card for non-bullet train rides - you can read our guide on everything you need to know about Japan's transport cards.

Morning: Tsukiji Market and early lunch

Start the day with one of Tokyo's most iconic attractions and the best place for fresh seafood - the Tsukiji Fish Market. What used to be divided into the “Inner Market” and “Outer Market” has now become the Tsukiji Outer Market, which retains its history and character. The newer incarnation, the Toyosu Market, is where to go to see the famous tuna auctions. The market is a bustling locale with the energy of fresh seafood, proud fishmongers, and hungry visitors.

While in the Odaiba area, explore this futuristic district for a little "sci-fi Tokyo". From theme parks, museums, and shopping complexes, there's no shortage of free and budget-friendly activities to keep you occupied for at least a day. Read our guide to the area for more inspiration.

Afternoon: Visit a free museum or art gallery

You’ll be pleasantly surprised that there are many galleries in Tokyo that you can roam for free or for a relatively small entry cost. Roppongi, the upmarket district of Minato City, is a great place to immerse yourself in some art.

The Piramide Building in Roppongi houses a selection of galleries, including Galerie Perrotin, Ota Fine Arts, and Kotaro Nukaga, which are free to enter.

Galerie Perrotin is a world-renowned contemporary art gallery that has featured artists including Daniel Arsham, Takashi Murakami, and KAWS. Ota Fine Arts is an intimate gallery that exhibits cutting-edge artworks, and Kotaro Nukaga is particularly interested in avant-garde global art.

Evening: Dinner in Shinjuku

Shinjuku caters as much to locals as it does to tourists and is a great spot for an evening meal at a reasonable cost. There are several local izakaya and ramen joints in the area.

For example, just on the outskirts of Omoide Yokocho, one of the most photographed alleyways in all of Tokyo, you’ll find izakaya Yasube. They offer a diverse menu, including sizzling yakitori, fresh sashimi, and stewed vegetable dishes; they also have a decent list of nihonshu (Japanese rice wine) available on the menu.

Stay overnight at a hostel or budget hotel

After a long day, you’ll want to kick back at an accommodation — luckily, Tokyo has enough options to keep you on budget even for an overnight stay.

For just 36 USD, you can get a bunk bed in a shared dormitory at Nui Hostel & Bar Lounge in the up-and-coming area of Kuramae. It is just a little out of the way, though. There’s also Ryokan Sansuiso, about five minutes from Gotanda Station, for around 70 USD for one night. For more affordable hotel inspiration, see our guide to the best hotels in Japan under 150 USD.

Morning: Visit the Farmer’s Market

If your second day coincides with the weekend, head to the Farmers Market at UNU (United Nations University). It’s one of Tokyo’s best-attended markets, serving organic fruit and vegetables directly from local farms and farmers. Even if you don’t plan to buy any produce, it’s a great place to experience a vibrant hub of activity. The market takes place every weekend from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mid-morning: Visit Meiji Jingu / Yoyogi Park

Meiji Jingu is a prominent sacred shrine connected to the forested escape of Yoyogi Park in the heart of Tokyo. Stroll through the tree-lined park walkways and visit the shrine grounds, where you can pray for good health and fortune, throwing in a coin or two for added luck.

Lunch: Gyoza in Harajuku

As you walk out of Meiji Jingu, you can make your way toward Meiji-jingumae Station and wander the stylish streets while you’re there. For an unexpected cheap eat in this fashion-clad area, go to Harajuku Gyozaro for some crisp and juicy gyoza.

Afternoon: Go to a bookstore or window shop

After a lot of walking and a decent meal, you might want to chill out at a bookstore. You could go to Daikanyama T-site, which is one of the most notable of the Tsutaya stores in Japan. With hundreds of superb magazine and book selections, you’ll easily be able to spend a whole afternoon here.

Evening: Dinner in Shibuya

To cap off your day, have something to eat in Shibuya. There's a lot to choose from, but Uobei Shibuya Dougenzaka is a restaurant that serves up great sushi (sushi-train style) for just a dollar or two per plate.
Next, it's off to Osaka - while the shinkansen bullet train is the quickest, a night bus (eight hours) is the most budget-friendly option. So hop on a bus and be prepared to arrive in Osaka in the morning.

While it's not technically free, one handy little travel hack worth looking into is the Osaka e-Pass, a one or two-day multi-pass that gets you "free" entry into many of the city's major attractions. Depending on where you go, you only have to visit two locations before you've made your money back!

Some of the popular attractions include the Nakanoshima River Cruise, Glion Museum, the Cruise Ship Santa Maria Twilight Cruise, and the Osaka Wheel, but the whole list is up on the e-Pass website. A one-day pass costs 2,000 JPY, while a two-day pass costs 2,500 JPY, less than 20 USD. Visit the e-Pass website for more information.

Morning: Visit Osaka Castle

Spend a little time admiring the green-roofed beauty from the surrounding Osaka Castle Park. The park covers a sprawling two square kilometers and is also home to cherry trees, sports facilities, a multi-purpose arena (Osakajo Hall), a shrine, and plenty of space to lay in the sun.

Osaka Castle was built in the 16th century under the rule of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but the current incarnation you’ll see was most recently renovated in 1997 after a series of renovations.

If you have a few loose coins in your pocket, you can always explore the lush Nishinomaru Garden (200 JPY admission), which boasts a 600-large collection of cherry trees, a tea house, and an excellent vantage point from which to admire the castle.

Lunch: Okonomiyaki, a local delight

Just inside an arcade in Dotonbori, you'll find Mizuno, an okonomiyaki restaurant with a 70-plus year-long history. Their menu ensures premium ingredients, ranging from Western-style beef to seared scallops and vegetables. The batter is specially created with yam mountain potato for the ideal texture of tender and crisp okonomiyaki. Mizuno also humbly holds a Michelin Bib-gourmand recommendation, keeping guests returning for more.

Afternoon: Visit the Glico Museum

For a look into the history of Japan's beloved candy manufacturer, swing by the Glico Museum in Osaka, which is a 16-minute walk from Tsukamoto Station on the JR Tokaido Main Line. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Glico candy company, the creators of some of Japan's most famous sweets, including Pocky, Pretz, and Caplico.

The museum is on the eighth floor of the Glico building and is free to enter; it covers the company's history and how it grew from a small confectionery shop to one of Japan's leading candy manufacturers. Plus, all displays are in English and Japanese. The museum is open between 9.30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and closed on Fridays.

Evening: Explore Dotonbori for dinner and a drink

Stroll along the Dotonbori River to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, see the famous illuminated Glico running man sign, and catch some street performers while you're there. The bright colors and energy showcase a more modern side of Osaka. The Shochiku-za Theatre, a relic from the 1930s, is one of the few reminders of the district's history.

If you're feeling hungry, try some of Osaka's most iconic street food, like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, of which you'll find plenty of price-friendly options here. See this foodie guide through Osaka or to Osaka's hidden drinking areas for more ideas.

Morning and Lunch: Visit Shinsekai

To experience a different side of the city, venture to Shinsekai west of Tennoji Park for a self-guided tour through retro-Osaka. The area flourished at the beginning of the 20th century and was considered a pinnacle of modernity during the pre-war era.

Today, although the bustle has faded, remnants of the past remain in old eating and drinking establishments, including Jan-Jan Yokocho Lane, a dining and shopping street with Japanese-style pubs. Try the area’s signature local dish kushi-yaki (deep-fried skewers) of delectable meat and vegetables.

Afternoon: Discover Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Make sure to visit Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's most ancient and significant shrines, in Osaka's Sumiyoshi ward. With a history spanning over 1,800 years, it stands as one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the country.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is free to explore, as are the shrine's grounds, which include several smaller shrines, a pond, and a bridge, and traditional Japanese gardens, which have been artfully landscaped to represent the four seasons.

Dinner: Eat duck ramen at Moeyo Mensuke

Want to try something a little different? Make your way to Moeyo Mensuke for rare duck ramen that’s been praised by locals and tourists alike.

Located in an alleyway right next to Fukushima Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, the long queues at the storefront speak for themselves. The highlight is Wakayama prefecture’s revered Kishu duck, accompanied by a rich broth and delicate noodles — astonishing value for your fill of the night.

Morning: Breakfast around Kyoto Station

Luckily, Osaka and Kyoto are quite close, so you could get either a shinkansen (15 mins) or a direct JR special rapid train (30 mins) to travel between the cities.

Once you arrive at Kyoto Station, grab breakfast from one of the spots in and around JR Kyoto Station.
One option is Shinshindo Bakery, founded in Kyoto in 1913 by Hitoshi Tsuzuki, known as the first Japanese baker to visit Paris to learn about French bread. With a mouth-watering spread of freshly-baked goods, you’ll be tempted to try a few of their pastries or sandwiches to kickstart your day. Shinshindo Bakery’s Kyoto Station branch is open from 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. every day and is a short distance north from JR Kyoto Station's central exit.

Mid-morning: Kinkakuji Temple

The "Temple of the Golden Pavilion", known as Kinkaku-ji, achieved UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1994 and is one of Kyoto's most iconic and popular tourist attractions. Originally the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's villa, the temple was designed to embody a vision of earthly paradise, adorned with gold leaf on its top two stories. After Yoshimitsu's passing, the pavilion was transformed into a Zen temple, fulfilling his final wishes.

General admission to the grounds is 400 JPY, and it's open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. all year round. The easiest way to get there is to catch a bus to the Kinkakuji-michi Bus Stop and walk three minutes to the temple.

Lunch: Local soba

After touring the historic temple site, head back towards the bus stop, where you will find Hanamakiya, a quaint little restaurant that serves traditional soba noodles. Try out the Kyoto specialty nishin soba, which is a bowl of buckwheat noodles topped with dried herring. Alternatively, you can get kamo nanban soba, a duck meat soba specially sourced from Kochi prefecture. The restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and has English menus readily available.

Mid-afternoon: The iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine

Now it's time to head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is instantly recognizable for the thousands of torii gates that line its path, making it one of Kyoto's must-visit destinations.

Entry to the shrine is free, and the hike to the mountain's summit takes about two to three hours. Start your journey at the impressive main gate (or romon in Japanese), and follow the signs as you explore the different shrines, prayer areas, and rest spots along the trail. Make sure to stock up on water and some snacks before you hike!

Dinner: Gion, Kyoto’s most picturesque neighborhood

Renowned as Kyoto's geisha district, Gion's charm extends to its array of traditional wooden machiya (townhouses), illuminated by lanterns. You might even catch glimpses of geishas or their apprentices, the maikos, adorned in impeccable makeup and elegant kimonos, strolling along the streets.

There are several delicious options for a reasonable price, given its location. Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is a warm and welcoming teppanyaki bar that serves a wide variety of dishes, from okonomiyaki to A5 wagyu steak. You can also check out Tsubomi, a restaurant serving obanzai, Kyoto's traditional home cooking. It comes with several small side dishes of vegetables, a flavourful stew, and a bowl of steaming hot rice.

Morning: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Start your second day in Kyoto early by heading out to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Stroll along the picturesque pathway as you admire the bamboo swaying gently in the wind. Most of the temples in the area open at 9:00 a.m., and the path can get quite crowded by then. To experience the area at its most serene, it's best to arrive before 8:00 a.m., as most temples open at 9:00 a.m., and the path tends to get crowded after that time.

Breakfast: Experience local coffee culture

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite with an early morning hike, it’s time to treat yourself to a fulfilling breakfast! Coffee Shop Yamamoto is a 10-minute walk from the bamboo grove and serves up a mouth-watering A5 Wagyu Beef sandwich. The quaint little cafe also has a decent selection of coffee and cakes as a pick-me-up before the next adventure.

Mid-morning: Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture

The Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture delves into the history and appeal of the Hyakunin Isshu- one hundred traditional Japanese poems written by one hundred different Japanese poets! The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily and has an entrance fee of 900 JPY. You also get a complimentary drink at the restaurant Kumahiko if you display your admission ticket.

Lunch: Udon noodles with a side of history

Shin-Togetsu is an udon store with a 90-year history in Arashiyama serving thick udon noodles in a hearty, meaty broth. A bowl of their signature duck and Kujo green onion udon is about 1,320 JPY.

Afternoon: Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama

Head to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, which is situated on a hillside overlooking the Katsura River and 15 minutes from the Saga-Arashiyama Station. The park is a fairly straightforward 30 minutes up to the top, although you may be joined by the monkeys hanging out in the area. The Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is open from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and has an admission fee of 600 JPY.

Early Evening: Nishiki Market for an early dinner

Don’t miss a visit to Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto. The marketplace is a narrow street jam-packed with more than one hundred shops and restaurants, offering preserved treats and traditional snacks for you to try. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out tako tamago, which is a baby octopus on a stick with a quail egg in its head.

If you can book in advance, the night bus from Kyoto to Tokyo will generally cost around 7,000 JPY. Otherwise, stay the night in Kyoto and opt for an early bullet train the following morning.

Morning: Ghibli Museum

Catch the train out to Mitaka in east Tokyo to the Ghibli Museum, which is a spectacular tribute to Studio Ghibli's journey and beloved anime films, including "Spirited Away", "My Neighbor Totoro", "Princess Mononoke", and "Howl's Moving Castle".

Designed by founder and main director Hayao Miyazaki to capture the whimsical feeling of the films and features several immersive displays recreating the worlds and their characters. Tickets must be booked in advance, so secure yours via the official website.

Midday: Lunch in Shimokitazawa

Have lunch in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo's hipster capital and a mecca of vintage clothing. Shimokitazawa has a rustic, bohemian charm, with its quaint atmosphere complemented by trendy retail venues. The neighborhood boasts a vibrant array of bars, restaurants, and izakayas that cater to the latest culinary trends, including craft beer and spicy curry.

Evening: A stroll through Ueno Park

Next, go by train to Ueno Park, another oasis of nature and culture adored by locals. Besides the ample greenery and seasonal flowers, the park hosts many cultural facilities, like the Tokyo National Museum (1,000 JPY), Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (free), Hanazono Inari Shrine, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and much more.