7 Days Japan Itinerary – The Complete Japan 7 Day Travel Guide (Budget-Friendly)
Every traveler has asked themselves: “How can I spend 7 days in Japan and still experience everything?”
There is no need to ask this question any longer! In this 7-Day Japan Itinerary, I combine Tokyo’s modernity, Kyoto’s temples, and Osaka’s street food with a view of Mount Fuji in order to offer a well-balanced,budget-friendly travel plan to those who want to experience Japan and still travel on a budget. I created this guide step-by-step to ensure ease for those who are budget travelers and first-time visitors. I cover everything: where to go, how to get around, what to eat, where to stay, and unique opportunities to save.
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Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – Shinjuku Nights
Morning / Afternoon: Welcome to Japan! If you are planning to get a Japan Rail Pass, make sure you activate it right upon Landing. If you are landing in Narita, you can take the Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner to get to Tokyo quickly.
Check in: For budget travelers, you can get hostels in Asakusa or Shinjuku. Asakusa is a more traditional neighborhood, while Shinjuku is a little more lively.
Afternoon: For a peaceful start, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is a great place to visit. After enjoying nature, you can go to Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest and famous intersections in the world.
Evening: For your first dinner in Japan, you can go to Ichiran Ramen or a small izakaya and then head to Shinjuku Golden Gai, a maze of tiny bars, each with a unique character, where you can take a stroll at night.
Tip: Tokyo subway is one of the most complicated in the world, and to make it easy, you can get a 24-hour Tokyo Metro pass.
Day 2: Exploring Tokyo – Tradition Meets Modernity
Morning: Start your morning with Senso-ji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo, which is in Asakusa. There is also a Nakamise shopping street where you can get unique snacks and some souvenirs to take back home.
Afternoon: Another interesting place to visit is Akihabara, which is the center of anime, gaming, and electronic stores in Japan. Even if you are not a big fan of gaming, the vibrant street is still worth a visit.
Evening: For breathtaking city views, experience the Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Watching the skyline transform at sunset is truly magical.
Dinner: For an authentic and inexpensive sushi meal, visit a conveyor belt sushi restaurant.
Stay: For budget accommodation, hostels or budget hotels in Asakusa are a great choice.
Day 3: Day Trip to Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko
Morning: It’s a 2-hour trip via train or bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station.
Highlights:
Lake Kawaguchi – breathtaking views of Mount Fuji reflecting in the lake.
Chureito Pagoda – a popular picture spot in Japan for views of Fuji.
Mount Fuji 5th Station – get closer to the iconic mountain (access is seasonal).
Lunch: Near Mt. Fuji, enjoy a warm bowl of local Hoto noodles to help you with the cold.
Evening: Return to Tokyo for your last night in the capital.
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto - Entering Japan’s Cultural Heart
Morning: It’s a 2.5-hour trip on the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, which is also covered in your JR Pass.
Check-in: For a cultural touch, ryokans (traditional inns) and hostels are available for budget accommodations.
Afternoon: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is known for its endless rows of red torii gates.
Evening: Walk around the Gion District, where you can see the traditional tea houses and the geisha.
Dinner: Indulge in a bowl of udon noodles, or if you can afford it, a kaiseki meal, which is a traditional Japanese meal made of multiple courses.
Day 5: Kyoto’s Temples and Arashiyama
Morning: Start with a trip to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, followed by the Monkey Park, which has a view of the city.
Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) which is one of the most incredible temples in Japan.
Evening: Walk the Philosopher’s Path which is particularly stunning during the cherry blossoms.
Food: No one should skip the matcha desserts in Kyoto. For a wider selection, visit Nishiki Market where you can sample a variety of foods such as takoyaki and mochi.
Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka – Street Food Capital
Morning: It is a quick 30-minute train journey to Osaka.
Check-in: You can stay in Namba or Dotonbori, both great for nightlife and street eats.
Afternoon: Head to Osaka Castle, then to the Umeda Sky building for panoramic views of the city.
Evening: Dotonbori is filled with bright lights and a spirited atmosphere. You can obtain:
Takoyaki (octopus balls)
Okonomiyaki (savory pancake)
Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers)
Note: You can purchase the Osaka Unlimited Pass, which offers transport and attraction access at a discounted price.
7th Day: Shopping, Nara, or Osaka
Option 1: Visit Nara to see Nara Park with its friendly deer and the Giant Buddha at Todai-ji Temple (45 min by train).
Option 2: Nara or Park: Stay in Osaka to shop and see the Osaka Aquarium (one the largest in the world) to see the Osaka Aquarium (one the largest in the world).
Evening: Your return flight departs from Kansai International Airport.
Estimated Budget (Per Person, Approximate)
7-Day JR Pass: $280 (considering the travel route Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka, it is worth it)
Accommodation (hostels): $25–40 a night → $175–280 in total
Food: $20–30 a day → $140–210 in total
Spending Budget ( incl attractions and extras): ~$100
Total Budget for 7 Days in Japan: $700–850
Food to Try
Tokyo: Ramen and sushi (conveyor belt)
Kyoto: Matcha sweets and yudofu (tofu hot pot)
Osaka: Takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu
Fuji Area: Hoto noodles
Getting Around
The Japan Rail Pass is best for covering the long distances (Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka).
Use Japan IC cards (Suica or Pasmo) for the metros and buses.
Japan’s local metros in Tokyo and Osaka offer 24- to 48-hr passes.
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