I’d be happy to help plan a 30-day trip to Japan on a budget! Japan can be an expensive destination, but with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to enjoy the country’s many attractions and experiences. Here’s a sample itinerary:
Day 1-3: Arrive in Tokyo, check into budget accommodation (cost: around $50-70 per night)
- Travel method: Fly into Narita or Haneda International Airport, then take a train or bus to your hotel (cost: around $30-50 for a train or $10-15 for a bus)
- Activities: Visit the Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji Temple, and explore the city.
Day 4-6: Take a train to Kyoto
- Travel method: Take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto (cost: around $90-120 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and take a walk through Gion.
Day 7-9: Take a train to Hiroshima
- Travel method: Take a train from Kyoto to Hiroshima (cost: around $60-80 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island, and take a walk through Hiroshima.
Day 10-12: Take a train to Osaka
- Travel method: Take a train from Hiroshima to Osaka (cost: around $60-80 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and take a walk through Umeda.
Day 13-15: Take a train to Nara
- Travel method: Take a train from Osaka to Nara (cost: around $30-50 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga-taisha Shrine, and take a walk through Nara Park.
Day 16-18: Take a train to Tokyo
- Travel method: Take a train from Nara to Tokyo (cost: around $90-120 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shrine, and take a walk through Harajuku.
Day 19-21: Take a train to Nikko
- Travel method: Take a train from Tokyo to Nikko (cost: around $70-100 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Toshogu Shrine, Shinkyo Bridge, and take a walk through Nikko National Park.
Day 22-24: Take a train to Hakone
- Travel method: Take a train from Nikko to Hakone (cost: around $70-100 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and take
a dip in one of the many onsens (hot springs) in the area.
Day 25-27: Take a train to Kanazawa
- Travel method: Take a train from Hakone to Kanazawa (cost: around $100-130 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and take a walk through the Higashi Chaya District.
Day 28-30: Take a train to Tokyo
- Travel method: Take a train from Kanazawa to Tokyo (cost: around $100-130 per person)
- Activities: Visit the Tokyo Disneyland or the Tokyo DisneySea, and do some last-minute shopping in Tokyo.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and can be adjusted to your preferences. Prices and activities may vary depending on the season, please check the current situation before planning your trip. Also, please note that the cost of accommodation, food, and other personal expenses are not included in this budget. Some additional activities you could consider are visiting the Kyoto Gion festival, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, or the Osaka Universal Studio. It’s important to book accommodations and transportation ahead of time as it can save you money and also make sure you have a place to stay. Also, It is important to note that getting around Japan can be more expensive by using local transportation such as trains and buses instead of flying. Additionally, Japan has many restrictions regarding dress code, behavior, and activities, and it is important to research and follow these guidelines during your trip. Additionally, Japan is a country that has many different areas and cultures, so it’s important to plan accordingly to make the most of your trip.