Japan on a Budget: 8 Day Travel Itinerary
Japan is a must-visit destination for many travelers, and for good reason. Its unique allure is truly indescribable—my first impressions left me feeling like I had stepped into a completely different world compared to what we experience in the West. From the subtly nuanced Japanese politeness to the captivating and distinctive street fashion, Japan offers a cultural landscape unlike any other.
Drawing from my own travels, I aim to assist you in crafting your ideal Japan itinerary, tailored to your interests and preferences. Feel free to use the table of contents to navigate directly to the sections that interest you most. If you only need quick tips for your Japan visit, head over to this section.
Please note that my trip took place in April 2024, so the prices mentioned here are subject to change. Would I recommend visiting Japan? Absolutely! Would I go back again myself? Without hesitation!
Japan 8 day itinerary, including a few hikes and picturesque stops
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Japan 8 day Itinerary
Our 8-day Japan adventure was a whirlwind of excitement, beginning in Osaka and ending in Tokyo. Following the classic Osaka-Nara-Kyoto-Hakone-Tokyo route, we encountered countless unforgettable experiences along the way. Here are the highlights that truly stood out:
Scenic Hike up Mount Takao: This half-day adventure exceeded my expectations with its picture-perfect views and a fun chairlift ride down. I initially wondered if Mount Takao would be scenic enough in spring, but visiting it was absolutely worthwhile—no regrets at all!
Exploring Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo: Majestic and awe-inspiring, it's a must-visit in the bustling city.
Overnight Stay in Hakone with Mount Fuji Views: Waking up to the sight of Mount Fuji was unforgettable, especially after completing the scenic Hakone Loop.
Tasting Mochi and Amazake at Amasake Tea House: Indulging in these traditional treats was a delightful experience.
Enjoying Tokyo Metropolitan Building with piano music in the background: The free piano music at the top of this skyscraper added a magical touch to our Tokyo visit.
Evening stroll at Kodai-ji Temple: The illuminated bamboo groves created a peaceful and magical atmosphere.
Taking in Panoramic Views at Arashiyama Bamboo Observation Deck: The vistas from here were breathtakingly beautiful after (always busy) Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Visiting Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Temple: The golden temple against the serene backdrop was simply stunning.
Yep, we packed in a lot, but every moment was filled with wonder and excitement! For our day-by-day itinerary take a look below.
Japan 8 Day Itinerary: Day by Day
Creating my own 8-day Japan itinerary initially felt overwhelming. With so many places to consider, it was hard to narrow down our must-see destinations. Thankfully, the Reddit community came to the rescue with valuable insights from their excellent Japan thread. Armed with this knowledge, I crafted an itinerary that perfectly suited our needs for our first-time trip to Japan.
Of course, there are countless other variations you can incorporate into your itinerary, such as visiting Fukushima, Sapporo, or exploring the Japanese islands.
Without further ado, here's our day-by-day Japan itinerary!
Day 1: Osaka
Flight to KIX airport
Evening walk in Dotonbori area
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Arriving at Kansai International Airport (KIX) was incredibly efficient—there were no queues at all, and we quickly cleared through immigration after scanning our QR codes. To make getting around easier, we purchased ICOCA cards at the airport. Keep in mind that you'll need cash to buy and top up the card. If you have an iOS phone, using a digital ICOCA card can be a convenient option.
Day 2: Nara & Kyoto
Journey from Osaka to Nara (local train) & spending a couple of hours exploring Nara Park with all it’s beautiful temples.
Journey from Nara to Kyoto (local train)
Arashyama Bamboo Forest and a walk around Arashyama Park (inlc. Arashyama observation deck)
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During our stroll in Nara Park, we stumbled upon a lovely spot near the temples where you can relax and enjoy complimentary green tea—an unexpected treat!
As for the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, it's known to be a popular spot that can get quite crowded. I used a bit of photo editing magic to remove people from the reference image above, but it's still absolutely worth visiting to soak in its unique atmosphere and beauty. Don't miss out on experiencing this iconic location during your trip to Kyoto!
Day 3: Kyoto
Visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and wandering through the charming streets of Ninenzaka
Indulging in a traditional tea ceremony in the Kiyomizu area
Enjoying Okonomiyaki at Okonomiyaki Kiraku (highly recommend!)
Exploring the stunning Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion).
Taking an evening stroll through Kodaiji Temple.
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If the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is too busy for your liking, Kodaiji Temple can be a wonderful alternative. This temple offers a serene and picturesque experience, especially in the evening when the area is illuminated with captivating light displays. Keep in mind that there is an entrance fee for Kodaiji Temple, unlike the free admission to Arashiyama.
Day 4: Kyoto & Hakone
Fushimi Inari Taisha Hike (Reached the mountain top, though we found it less rewarding than expected)
Bullet Train to Hakone (reservation is recommended !)
Settling into our Airbnb in Hakone
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Fushimi Inari Shrine can be quite crowded, especially during peak hours, so arriving early like we did at 9 am can still be considered late!
Also, keep in mind that most attractions in Hakone close by 5 pm during springtime. If you plan to do the Hakone Loop, it's best to start early in the morning to make the most of your visit and ensure you have enough time to explore everything before closing time. It’s yet possible to have Hakone just as a day trip from Tokyo or Kyoto / Osaka.
Day 5: Hakone & Tokyo
Visiting Susuki Grass Fields (for best views visit in September / October)
Taking the cable car to Owakudani to enjoy scenic views of Mount Fuji and indulging in local specialties like black shell eggs and ice cream
Boat ride to Moto Hakone
Exploring Onshi Hakone Park and Hakone Shrine
Taking an afternoon break at Amasake Tea House
Arriving at Tokyo via local train (no reservation needed)
Day 6: Tokyo
Exploring Asakusa Area including Senso-ji Temple, Kaminarimon Gate, and Nakamise-dori Street
Visiting Yanaka Ginza for a taste of traditional Tokyo atmosphere
Discovering Shinjuku, Harajuku & Shibuya: exploring Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu Shrin; enjoying street shopping and visiting the Hachiko Memorial Statue; experiencing the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing
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For a unique view of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from above, head to one of the department stores and check out their exhibitions — you will also get a chance to see the famous crossing free of charge and without queues!
Day 7: Tokyo
Visiting teamLab Borderless for an immersive digital art experience (booking required a few weeks before)
Enjoying lunch at Tsukiji Fish Market
Exploring the shops and boutiques in Ginza District (we found this district best for shopping)
Taking an evening walk from Akihabara's electric town to our Airbnb in Taito City and soaking in the vibrant city atmosphere along the way
Day 8: half-day trip from Tokyo & Tokyo
Spending Half-Day at Mount Takao: reaching Mount Takao using a local train (no reservation needed), then enjoy a hike up the mountain and take the chairlift down to the village for a delicious meal of soba noodles at a local restaurant.
Experiencing panoramic city views from the 45th-floor observation from Tokyo Metropolitan Building with piano music in the background (free entrance!)
Final Shopping in Ginza District
Day 9: Flight
MONEY
Cash is essential in Japan for various purposes, including paying entrance fees at temples, topping up your physical travel card, and using certain lockers. We found it convenient to withdraw money for free from 7-Eleven ATMs using an N26 card (Revolut also works).
The choice of using N26 over Revolut was due to the fact that it doesn't charge a currency conversion fee even on weekends (unlike Revolut, which charges 1%). Additionally, the N26 You Plan offers unlimited cash withdrawals abroad. If you don't have N26, you can apply for FREE here (you'll get a 5 EUR credit after your first transaction).
ESIM VS Pocket WIFi
For my trip, the most convenient option was to install an eSIM from Airalo before traveling to Japan. I had a seamless experience with reliable internet connectivity throughout my journey. The 10GB coverage plan was sufficient for my needs. While many people opt for pocket WiFi, I personally didn't find it appealing because it requires extra space, is more expensive, and needs regular charging.
If you are not familiar what is Airalo and how it works, you can read about it more here. If you want to save 3 USD, you can use my discount code (IEVA1707) or click here to apply the coupon directly.
Visa for Japan
We didn’t need visa (EU / Lithuanian passport) for our Japan trip, the only thing we needed to do was to fill in the digital card prior to our arrival and receive QR code. This was free of charge.
Apply // Official Japan website for visitors
Japan Quick Tips
Free cash withdrawals are available at 7-Eleven ATMs, which are plentiful including at airports.
Bring cash for temple visits and smaller restaurants.
Consider buying a digital travel card (like ICOCA or PASMO) if you use an iOS system.
If visiting Hakone, the Hakone Free Pass is usually cost-effective (buy at Odawara station if coming from Kyoto).
For Mount Takao, look into their 24-hour pass for convenience.
Some accommodations may not provide plug adapters, so bring your own (it’s different to one in Europe)
Coin lockers at train stations can be a lifesaver for storing baggage (prices vary by station).
Reserve bullet train tickets online, especially during busy periods like Golden Week; no reservations needed for local trains.
Google Maps is reliable for navigation in Japan, no need to install additional map apps.
Book everything in advance, especially if planning to experience geisha performance, tea ceremony or visit studio Ghibli
The average cost of lunch is around 7-10eu; one night sleep in Tokyo around 75-85eu (in other cities you can find better deals); bullet trains start from 60eu (depending on the distance), local trains are relatively cheap; internal flights can be as low as 30eu
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I'm ieva vi - a wedding & lifestyle photographer, based in Copenhagen and photographing worldwide. When I'm not behind the lens capturing beautiful moments, i love to explore new places and share my experiences with readers. Take a look at my portfolio, and feel free to reach out for collaborations.
