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Japan is a dream destination for many travelers, but it often gets labeled as expensive. The good news? You can experience the best of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Mount Fuji, for just $1,000 (or under ¥100,000). Here's your ultimate guide to planning a memorable 10-day trip while staying on a budget.
Why Choose Japan for Budget Travel?
Japan offers a mix of rich cultural experiences, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. By making smart choices for accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, you can make the most of your trip without overspending.
Day 1-2: Exploring Tokyo (2 Nights)
Accommodation Options in Tokyo:
1980 Yen Hostel – ¥1,980/night
Hotel Prele – ¥2,000/night
Little Japan Hostel – ¥3,500/night
Total Accommodation Cost: ¥4,000–¥7,000 for 2 nights
Transportation in Tokyo:
Purchase daily train or subway passes (~¥800/day).
Total for 2 days: ¥1,600
Food in Tokyo (Daily Budget: ¥3,300):
Breakfast: Onigiri or sandwiches from convenience stores (~¥300).
Lunch: Ramen or beef bowls at chain restaurants like Yoshinoya (~¥800).
Dinner: Sushi or izakayas, chain restaurants like sukiya, ramen.. (~¥1,500).
Must-See Activities in Tokyo:
Sensoji Temple (Free)
Meiji Shrine (Free)
Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck (~¥1,800)
Total for 2 Days in Tokyo: ¥12,900–¥16,100
Day 3: Mount Fuji Day Trip
How to Visit Mount Fuji on a Budget:
Take a train to Kawaguchiko Station (¥1,300–¥2,500 one way).
From Kawaguchiko, hop on a local bus to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (~¥1,500 round trip).
Alternatively, join a guided tour (~¥8,000) to explore the area, including Lake Kawaguchi and Oshino Hakkai.
Estimated Cost for the Day: ¥3,000–¥10,000
Day 4-6: Discover Osaka (3 Nights)
Accommodation in Osaka:
Osaka Guesthouse Nest – ¥2,000/night
Hostel ViAGGi – ¥2,500/night
J-Hoppers Osaka – ¥3,000/night
Total Accommodation Cost: ¥6,000–¥9,000 for 3 nights
Transportation in Osaka:
Local transport passes (~¥800/day).
Total for 3 days: ¥2,400
Food in Osaka:
Try regional dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki (~¥3,300/day).
Activities in Osaka:
Osaka Castle (~¥600)
Dotonbori Street (Free)
Umeda Sky Building Observation Deck (~¥1,500)
Total for 3 Days in Osaka: ¥16,200–¥20,700
Day 7: Nara Day Trip
From Osaka, take a day trip to Nara, famous for its friendly deer and historic temples.
Transportation:
Round trip from Osaka to Nara: ~¥1,500
Activities in Nara:
Nara Deer Park (Free)
Todai-ji Temple (~¥500)
Food: ¥3,300
Total Cost for Nara Day Trip: ¥5,300
Day 8-10: Kyoto (2 Nights)
Accommodation in Kyoto:
K’s House Kyoto – ¥3,000/night
Santiago Guesthouse – ¥2,500/night
Guesthouse Len Kyoto – ¥3,500/night
Total Accommodation Cost: ¥6,000–¥7,000 for 2 nights
Transportation in Kyoto:
Local buses or trains: ~¥800/day.
Total for 2 days: ¥1,600
Food in Kyoto:
Breakfast: Matcha sweets and mochi (~¥500)
Lunch: Kaiseki meals at local restaurants (~¥1,500)
Dinner: Yudofu and yakiniku (~¥2,500)
Activities in Kyoto:
Fushimi Inari Shrine (Free)
Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) (~¥400)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Free)
Total for 3 Days in Kyoto: ¥18,000–¥22,000
Budget Summary
Total for 10 Days in Japan: ¥96,000–¥110,000 (~$650–$800 USD).
This is a breakdown of your daily accommodation, transportation, food, and activity costs to help you stay within your budget. You can still visit some of Japan's most iconic landmarks and enjoy delicious local cuisine while staying under $1,000.
Additional Tips:
Stay at capsule hotels or hostels to save on accommodation costs.
Use the JR Pass for long-distance trains if you’re traveling between cities (check if it fits your itinerary).
Get convenience store meals (bento boxes, sandwiches) for quick and affordable lunches.
Look for free activities such as visiting parks and temples to save on admission fees.
Ready to book your dream budget trip to Japan? Plan your itinerary, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!