Tokyo Osaka itinerary on a budget

Budget Friendly: 10 days Tokyo Osaka Itinerary

Looking for a budget-friendly Tokyo Osaka itinerary good for 10 days? Well, you’re in the right place! This blog allows you to travel more but spends less because I will be sharing my itinerary tips and train discount pass which saves you a lot of money and maximize your stay here in Japan. 

 

This 10-day itinerary exploring Tokyo, Niigata, Shizuoka, Nagano, Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto will leave you awe-struck. Over the entire trip, you will be amazed by the beauty of Japanese culture, eat authentic ramen, travel like a local, and discover the history and traditions that have shaped this captivating country. 

 

Whether you’re a history guy, a foodie, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique adventure, this itinerary promises to be an exciting journey through the best of Japan.

tokyo osaka itinerary
rainbow bridge in Odaiba

Rainbow bridge in Odaiba is one of the tourist destinations when you visit Tokyo. For a unique experience, I deliberately captured a picture of it without lights, so you can personally witness its exquisite beauty and romantic ambiance upon arrival.

 

 

So pack your bags, prepare your camera, put on your comfortable walking shoes, and let’s start on a 10-day journey!

For your accommodation, I highly suggest Asakusa Ryokan Toukaisou located at Nishi-Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Price starts at ¥ 4300/person per night. It is the cheapest Ryokan (Japanese Style hotel) you will find in Tokyo. 

 

Why stay in Ryokan? 

Staying in a Ryokan can be a unique and enriching experience, especially if you’re visiting Japan or a place where Ryokans are prevalent. Here are some reasons why people choose to stay in a Ryokan:

Cultural immersion: Ryokans offer a deep immersion into traditional Japanese culture. From the architecture and decor to the traditional tatami-matted rooms, sliding doors, and Japanese-style futon beds, staying in a Ryokan allows you to experience the authentic way of Japanese living.

Hotels nearby tourist spots

Senso-ji

sensoji temple
Famous Senso ji Temple located in Asakusa
  • Considered as oldest Temple in Tokyo
  • Famous Kaminarimon also found here
  • 10 min walk

Tokyo Skytree

tokyo skytree
Tokyo SkyTree. Tallest building in Japan
  • Tallest building in Japan
  • 20 min (via Train)

Akihabara

akihabara
strolling in akihabara
  • Gadget and Anime District of Japan
  • 10 min (via Train)

Ginza

picture in front of prada in ginza
Taking photoshoot in the luxurious district of Japan - Ginza
  • Luxury shop district. Stores like LV, Prada, Gucci etc.
  • 30 min (via train)
ueno park during sakura
Ueno park during peak Sakura season
inside science museum at ueno park
Science museum at Ueno park
  • Zoo, National Museum of Nature and Science
  • 10 min (via Train)

Shibuya and Harajuku

Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Monument
Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Monument
  • Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble, Shibuya Sky (perfect for romantic date)
  • 40 min (via Train)

Tokyo Tower

tokyo tower onepiece
Inside tokyo tower -OnePiece
  • Tokyo’s famous landmark
  • 40 min (via Train)

Tokyo Disney Resort

inside tokyo disneyland capturing Disney castle
Inside the Happiest place on Earth capturing Disney Castle
  • Disneyland and Disneysea (only in Japan)
  • 50 min (via train)

Tokyo Osaka Itinerary

You may follow everything I write in my Tokyo Osaka itinerary but you may also add or delete tourist spot depending on your preference. 

Download excel format here or click button below to download PDF File

Day 1 : Arrive in Japan

narita-airport
Narita airport- arrival area

Check-In time: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Upon arriving at the hotel before the designated check-in time, you can conveniently store your luggage in the lobby from 8:00 AM onwards. Take this opportunity to explore nearby tourist attractions and restaurants while waiting for your check-in time.

One must-visit site in Tokyo is Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, attracting thousands of tourists every year. The temple’s entrance, known as Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), is a famous landmark. As you make your way to the temple, you’ll come across various souvenir shops and food stalls. Remember that the place is sacred, so maintaining silence and reverence is essential.

 

Day one is getting familiar with the place and walking around nearby FREE tourist spots like Ueno Park and Sumida River.

Day 2: Explore Tokyo’s suburbs- Niigata Prefecture

Niigata prefecture tourist spots
Niigata prefecture tourist spots

You will buy a JR Tokyo WidePass for a three day trip to explore the suburbs of tokyo. 

For a price of ¥15, 000, you can now enjoy unlimited train rides including shinkansen (bullet train) for three consecutive days.  For complete guide of day 2, day 3 and day 4, please refer to my previous blog .

Places to explore:

  1. Yuzawa kogen Mountain
  2. Kiyotsu Gorge Tunnel
  3. Ponshukan (wine)

Day 3: Explore Tokyo’s suburbs- Shizuoka Prefecture

shizuoka-prefecture
Shizuoka prefecture tourist spot

Places to explore:

  1. Perry monument
  2. Kadowakicape lighthouse
  3. Jogazaki Coast

Day 4: Explore Tokyo’s suburbs- Nagano Prefecture

nagano prefecture
Nagano prefecture tourist spots

Places to explore:

  1. Komoro Castle Ruins
  2. Shiraito Falls
  3. Odaiba: Gundam Unicorn, Statue of Liberty, rainbow bridge
Odaiba is not part of Nagano Prefecture but allow me to insert this one since we still have time and Odaiba is perfect during nighttime because of the rainbow bridge.

Day 5: Go to Osaka

in front of osaka station
In front of Osaka Station

Day 6 and Day 7: Explore Osaka

taking Picture in front of Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle

You need to buy an Osaka Amazing pass for two days. For a price of ¥ 3600 you can now enjoy unlimited rides and free entrance to popular destinations.

Places to explore:

  1. Osaka castle
  2. Sta. Maria Cruise
  3. Tempozan Ferris wheel 
  4. Cosmo Tower
  5. Shinsekai
  6. Tsutenkaku Tower 
  7. Glico Store – Inside Tsutenkaku tower
  8. Tennoji zoo
  9. Umeda Sky Building
  10. Hep five Ferris wheel
  11. Dotonbori
Play Video about Osaka amazing pass

Day 8: Nara Walk day

deers playing at Nara park Kansai region
Play along with deers at Narra park.

Places to explore:
1. Central Golden Hall

2. kofukuji Temple main hall
3. Eastern golden Hall
4. National Treasure Museum
5. Nandaimon Gate
6. Daibustuden hall
7. Nigatsudo Scenic Hall way
8. Nigatsudo Hall
9. Nara Park

Day 9: Kyoto

Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Starbucks
The Famous Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Starbucks of Kyoto
Fushimi-Inari-Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine

Places to explore:

  1. Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya Starbucks
  2. Kiyomizudera Temple
  3. Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
  4. Fushimi Inari Shrine

Day 10: Leave Japan (Osaka Airport)

Conclusion

I have drafted everything I know that will help you during your vacation here in Japan and all you need to do is to download my tokyo osaka itinerary that I prepared. 

As I always mention, it is important to plan ahead for your trip so that you can maximize your time, effort, and money. Rest well for the entire night to gain energy during the day. Take vitamins to boost your energy and wear your most comfortable shoes.

Maybe you’re wondering why I didn’t include the top tourist destination in Japan like Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea and Universal Studio JapanWorry no more because I also have a separate 10-days Tokyo Osaka itinerary which includes these theme parks.

 

Yes, I have tons of beautiful tourist spots that I forgot to include in my Tokyo Osaka Itinerary.  Please help me remember by commenting down below.

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