13 day itinerary
Giappone
Itinerary
Japan is a fantastic destination with a rich culture, delicious food, and stunning landscapes. Let’s create an exciting yet budget-friendly 13-day itinerary for you. I’ll focus on economical options for flights and accommodations, and sprinkle in some must-see sights and experiences. Ready? Let’s go!
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
- Morning: Arrive at Narita or . Use the Airport Limousine Bus or the Narita Express for budget-friendly transport to the city.
- Afternoon: Check into a budget-friendly hostel or guesthouse in areas like Asakusa or Shinjuku. Explore the local area and grab a quick bite at a konbini (convenience store).
- Evening: Visit in Asakusa, and enjoy the vibrant for some street food snacks.
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration
- Morning: Head to for a delicious and affordable breakfast of fresh sushi or seafood.
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a stroll through for quirky shops and crepes.
- Evening: Explore Shibuya, see the famous , and have dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub) for a local experience.
Day 3: Day Trip to Nikko
- All Day: Take an early train to Nikko (use a JR Pass if you have one). Visit the stunning and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Pack a lunch to save money.
- Evening: Return to Tokyo and relax at your accommodation.
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto
- Morning: Take a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. Look for discounted tickets in advance.
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hostel. Visit the and hike up the mountain for beautiful views.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal at a reasonable restaurant or try some yudofu (tofu hot pot).
Day 5: Kyoto Temples and Culture
- Morning: Visit and take in its stunning beauty.
- Afternoon: Head to Arashiyama to see the Bamboo Grove and visit the (bring some snacks for the monkeys!).
- Evening: Stroll through Gion, the geisha district, and keep an eye out for geishas heading to their appointments.
Day 6: Day Trip to Nara
- All Day: Take a short train ride to Nara. Visit and , where you can feed the friendly deer. Pack a lunch or try some local street food.
- Evening: Return to Kyoto and enjoy a casual dinner at a local ramen shop.
Day 7: Kyoto to Osaka
- Morning: Travel to Osaka (just a short train ride away). Check into a budget hotel or hostel.
- Afternoon: Explore , famous for its neon lights and street food. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes).
- Evening: Visit and enjoy the view from the top.
Day 8: Osaka to Hiroshima
- Morning: Take the shinkansen to Hiroshima. Check into a budget accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the to learn about the city’s history.
- Evening: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki for dinner.
Day 9: Day Trip to Miyajima
- All Day: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island. Visit the iconic and hike up for breathtaking views. Pack a lunch or enjoy local specialties like grilled oysters.
- Evening: Return to Hiroshima and relax.
Day 10: Hiroshima to Hokkaido (Sapporo)
- Morning: Travel to Sapporo via a budget flight or train (consider overnight options to save on accommodation).
- Afternoon: Check into a hostel and explore and the .
- Evening: Try Sapporo ramen for dinner.
Day 11: Sapporo and Otaru
- Morning: Take a train to Otaru, a charming canal city. Explore the glass shops and sample fresh seafood.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the picturesque views.
- Evening: Return to Sapporo and enjoy a local izakaya experience.
Day 12: Sapporo to Tokyo
- Morning: Fly or take a train back to Tokyo.
- Afternoon: Spend your last day shopping in Shibuya or for souvenirs.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a local izakaya or sushi restaurant.
Day 13: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Depending on your flight time, you might visit a nearby onsen (hot spring) for relaxation.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Budget Travel:
- Accommodations: Look for hostels, guesthouses, or capsule hotels. Websites like Hostelworld or Booking.com can help you find good deals.
- Transport: Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively by train. It can save you a lot on transportation costs.
- Food: Eating at konbini, local markets, and casual restaurants can help keep your food budget low while still enjoying delicious meals.
I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your trip to Japan! It’s a beautiful country with so much to offer, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. Safe travels! 🌏✈️🍣
