Japan blends ancient ritual with hypermodern rhythm. From Edo-era alleys to neon crossings and tranquil temple gardens, it’s a land where tea steam curls through centuries and bullet trains glide like clockwork. Expect efficient transport, spotless streets, and a people-forward courtesy that makes exploring both easy and deeply human.

Across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, you’ll wander atmospheric lanes, visit top-tier museums, and capture iconic vistas: vermilion torii at Fushimi Inari, the bamboo hush of Arashiyama, and Osaka’s Dotonbori blaze at night. Historic highlights—from Tokyo National Museum to Himeji Castle—pair with local life in shotengai markets, public bathhouses, and cozy kissaten coffee houses.

Practical notes for March 2025: carry a rechargeable IC card (Mobile Suica/PASMO works great), budget set meals at neighborhood shokudō, and use convenience stores for breakfasts. Cash is still widely used (7-Bank and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign cards). For budget transport, compare night buses with trains; for intercity hops, book in advance when possible.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a galaxy of neighborhoods: serene shrines tucked behind high rises, secondhand vinyl in Koenji, steam rising from ramen counters in Shibuya. It’s also museum-rich—Ueno Park alone could fill days—and generous to photographers with free observatories and riverfront sunsets.

Where to stay (budget-friendly areas): Asakusa and Ueno for easy airport/train access and affordable hostels; Ikebukuro for business hotels and cheap eats; Kichijoji for a calmer “local” feel near parks.

• Browse budget stays on Hotels.com (Tokyo) or apartment-style options on VRBO (Tokyo).

Getting to Tokyo: Compare flights to Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. From the airport, budget options include the Keisei Access Express to Asakusa/Ueno or Haneda’s Keikyu line to central Tokyo.

Days 1–3: Classic Tokyo Highlights (Asakusa, Ueno, Shibuya, Shinjuku)

• Asakusa & Senso-ji: Arrive early to stroll Nakamise-dori before the crowds; photograph incense smoke curling under the Kaminarimon lantern. Pop into the free rooftop deck at the Asakusa Culture & Tourism Center for city views.
• Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum: The nation’s finest collection (samurai armor, ukiyo-e, Buddhist sculpture). Plan 2–3 hours; typical admission ~¥1,000. Nearby, Ameya-Yokochō offers bargain snacks and street photography.
• Meiji Jingu & Harajuku: A forested shrine walk leading to Takeshita-dori’s youth culture. Detour to Omotesandō’s sleek architecture for striking lines and reflections.
• Shibuya Crossing at dusk: Neon reflections after rain make the shot. Explore backstreets for cozy izakaya; learn that “izakaya” = casual pub serving small plates perfect for budget-sharing.
• Free viewpoints: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatories (Shinjuku) are free; time it for golden hour.

Eat & drink (budget): Breakfast at Komeda Coffee (drink + complimentary toast/egg “morning set”), or grab onigiri at Lawson. Slurp affordable bowls at Hanamaru Udon or Matsuya (gyūdon from ~¥400–¥600). For ramen, Mutekiya (Ikebukuro; rich tonkotsu) or citrusy Afuri (yuzu shio) run ~¥1,000–¥1,300. Stand-and-eat sushi at Uogashi Nihon-Ichi keeps costs down. Coffee nerds: Glitch Coffee & Roasters (Kanda) and Onibus Coffee (Nakameguro) pour top single origins.

Days 4–5: Neighborhoods & Local Life (Yanaka, Shimokitazawa, Koenji, Kichijoji)

• Yanaka Ginza: One of Tokyo’s few WWII-surviving districts. Photograph sloped lanes, cats, and retro signage. Try croquettes from street stalls for a cheap lunch.
• Shimokitazawa & Koenji: Thrift stores, vinyl, and pocket-sized cafes; great for “living like a local.” Street art and narrow lanes make excellent candid backdrops.
• Kichijoji & Inokashira Park: Pond boats, leafy paths, and calm lenses after city bustle.
• Museums to consider: Sumida Hokusai Museum (Katsushika Hokusai’s life and prints) and Mori Art Museum for contemporary shows (check current exhibitions). For digital art, teamLab Planets TOKYO in Toyosu is immersive and still operating in 2025; order timed tickets in advance.

Budget bites: Try Harajuku Gyoza Lou (dumplings from ~¥300 per plate) or yakitori at Torikizoku (most items ¥319). Kissaten classic: Kayaba Coffee near Ueno for thick toast and retro vibes.

Day 6: Day Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima

• Transport: JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station/Shinjuku (~60–70 min; ~¥940 one-way). Budget alternative: Odakyu Enoshima–Kamakura Freepass from Shinjuku (~¥1,600–¥2,000, fluctuates) includes local transit.
• Highlights: Great Buddha (Kōtoku-in; ¥300), Hasedera’s terrace views, and the Enoden tram skimming the sea. Sunset shots from Enoshima with Mt. Fuji silhouettes on clear days.
• Bites: Shirasu (whitebait) donburi for lunch; grab taiyaki fish-shaped cakes for a sweet snack.

Day 7: Day Trip to Nikko

• Transport: From Asakusa on Tobu Railway (~2 hrs). Look for discounted day passes (roughly ¥2,800–¥5,000 depending on coverage). JR via Utsunomiya is faster with limited express but pricier.
• Highlights: Toshogu Shrine’s ornate carvings (¥1,300), Shinkyo Bridge, and cedar-lined avenues—photography heaven. In colder months, add a quick soak at a public bath back in Tokyo.

Morning transfer to Kyoto (Day 8)

• Shinkansen: Tokyo → Kyoto in ~2 hr 15 min on Nozomi; approx. ¥13,500–¥14,500 one-way reserved (prices vary). Book seats and times via Trip.com Trains.
• Night bus (budget): 7–9 hrs overnight; fares from ~¥4,000–¥7,000 depending on seat type and date. Arrive early and save a hotel night.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a tapestry of temple roofs, hidden alleys, and tea steam. It rewards early starts: soft morning light on Kiyomizu-dera’s verandas, empty bamboo groves, and serene moss gardens. Museums here tell Japan’s story with patience and depth.

Where to stay (budget-friendly areas): Near Kyoto Station for transport and cheap eats; Higashiyama for atmospheric lanes (often pricier, but hostels abound); Demachiyanagi for quieter, local rhythms.

• Compare deals on Hotels.com (Kyoto) and homey stays via VRBO (Kyoto).

Days 8–10: Eastern Kyoto—Kiyomizu, Higashiyama, Gion, Philosopher’s Path

• Kiyomizu-dera: Arrive at opening for tranquil verandas and city views. Wander Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka stone lanes—photogenic eaves, noren curtains, and lanterns.
• Gion & Yasaka Shrine: Evening lanterns glow; be respectful—no intrusive photography of geiko/maiko. Maruyama Park adds seasonal color for wide shots.
• Philosopher’s Path → Nanzen-ji: Canal-side stroll with temples and gardens. Stop at Otoyo Shrine (small, fox statues) for a quiet local moment.
• Museums: Kyoto National Museum (premier Buddhist art; plan 1.5–2 hrs). If you love trains, Kyoto Railway Museum is hands-on and great value.

Eat & drink (budget): Morning coffee at Inoda Coffee (Kyoto classic) or Weekenders Coffee (courtyard roaster). Conveyor-belt sushi at Musashi Sushi keeps costs friendly. Ramen near the station: Honke Daiichiasahi steams from early morning and won’t break the bank.

Day 11: Fushimi Inari at Dawn + Uji Tea Town

• Fushimi Inari: Beat the crowds—start before 7 am. The torii tunnels glow orange in early light; loop partial trails for varied angles.
• Uji (20–30 min by JR or Keihan): Visit Byodo-in (Phoenix Hall on the ¥10 coin), explore tea shops, and sample matcha soft-serve. Affordable set lunches feature regional tofu and river fish.

Day 12: Arashiyama & the Bamboo Grove

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Arrive at dawn for ethereal, empty paths. Nearby Tenryu-ji’s garden frames seasonal color; Okochi Sanso villa offers hilltop views and tea.
• Local life: Walk Saga-Toriimoto’s preserved street and the Katsura riverside. Rent a cheap bike if the weather cooperates.
• Snacks: Fresh yuba (tofu skin) croquettes and mitarashi dango from street stands are tasty and affordable.

Days 13–14: Museums, Markets, and Nara Day Trip

• Nishiki Market morning: Taste-test pickles, tofu doughnuts, and grilled skewers; go early for elbow room and cheaper set lunches in side streets.
• Funaoka Onsen: A historic sento to soak weary legs—bring small coins and your own towel to save money.
• Day Trip to Nara (45–60 min; ~¥570–¥720 one-way): Todai-ji’s Great Buddha, deer-dotted Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha’s lantern path. Naramachi’s wooden machiya facades are perfect for late-afternoon photos.

Morning transfer to Osaka (Day 15)

• Local JR: Kyoto → Osaka (Osaka/Umeda or Namba) in ~30 min; ~¥570–¥620. Buy tickets or use IC; check schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Osaka

Osaka hums with appetite and humor. It’s the cradle of casual dining—okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kushikatsu—and a neon canvas for night photography. Museums are strong, day trips are easy, and locals are famously friendly.

Where to stay (budget-friendly areas): Namba/Shinsaibashi to walk to Dotonbori street food; Tennoji/Shinsekai for bargains; Umeda if you want transport hubs and department-store food halls.

• Find deals on Hotels.com (Osaka) or search apartments on VRBO (Osaka).

Days 15–17: Dotonbori, Shinsekai, and Osaka’s Museum Mile

• Dotonbori by night: Capture the Glico Runner sign and canal reflections. Snack around: Kukuru or Acchichi Honpo for takoyaki (from ~¥600), Mizuno for okonomiyaki (share one to save), and budget conveyor sushi at Kura Sushi.
• Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku: Retro arcades and cheap eats. Try Kushikatsu Daruma (fried skewers; mind the “no double-dipping” sauce rule).
• Osaka Castle Park: Best for photos from the moat and stone walls; the museum inside is optional if you’re maximizing budget.
• Museums: National Museum of Art (Nakanoshima) for contemporary shows and the neighboring Osaka Science Museum (hands-on). The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living recreates Edo-period streets—great for context and pictures; check for timed-entry on busy days.

Cafes & budget meals: Coffee at Lilo Coffee Roasters (Amerikamura) or Mel Coffee Roasters (Hommachi). Breakfast “morning set” at Komeda Coffee again stretches your yen. For hearty, cheap dinners, the yakitori chain Torikizoku keeps most plates at a flat low price.

Day 18: Day Trip to Himeji

• Transport: Osaka → Himeji by JR Special Rapid in ~60–70 min; ~¥1,520 one-way. Check departure times on Trip.com Trains.
• Himeji Castle: Japan’s most spectacular original castle. Pair with Kōko-en garden next door for serene pond and teahouse scenes. A combined ticket typically saves a bit.
• Lunch: Local soba or a simple tonkatsu teishoku near the station for under ¥1,000–¥1,200.

Day 19: Day Trip to Kobe (or Stay Local)

• Transport: Osaka → Kobe (Sannomiya) by JR in ~25 min; ~¥410–¥580. Easy, cheap, frequent.
• Highlights: Nada sake breweries (e.g., free museum tastings), Kitano Ijinkan hilltop houses, and harbor views at sunset. For an ultra-budget day, stay in Osaka and explore Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine and the tool-lined Doguyasuji arcade instead.
• Cheap bites: Kobe’s Chinatown (Nankinmachi) for steamed buns; back in Osaka, udon at Marugame Seimen is reliably affordable.

Days 20–21: Deep-Local Osaka or Big-Day Option

• Local immersion: Browse Kuromon Market early (better prices), then picnic in Nakanoshima Park. Hunt vintage in Tenjinbashi-suji, Japan’s longest shopping street. Sunset photos from Umeda Sky Building (paid) or free viewpoints inside high-rise malls.
• Museum add-on: Hop to CupNoodles Museum Ikeda (admission free; small fee for “make your own” cup) for quirky, educational fun.
• Ambitious option: Hiroshima & Miyajima in a long day via Shinkansen (about 1.5 hrs each way from Shin-Osaka; fares can exceed ¥9,500–¥10,600 one-way). For strict budgets, consider Okayama instead (~1 hr; ~¥3,000–¥3,500) for Korakuen Garden and castle views.

Getting around and keeping costs low

• Trains: Use IC cards and compare limited express vs. local options on Trip.com Trains. For intercity legs, check night buses versus Shinkansen.
• Daily budget target: ~¥6,000–¥9,000/day if sleeping in dorms/capsules (¥2,500–¥4,500), eating set meals/street foods (¥2,000–¥3,000), and limiting paid attractions (¥500–¥1,500).
• Local hacks: Lunch specials (“service lunch”) are cheaper than dinner. Department-store basements (depachika) discount bento near closing. Always carry a reusable bottle; public fountains are common. 100-yen shops are your friend for umbrellas, slippers, and toiletries.

Moving between cities—quick reference

• Tokyo → Kyoto: 2 hr 15 min by Shinkansen (~¥13,500–¥14,500), or 7–9 hrs by night bus (~¥4,000–¥7,000).
• Kyoto → Osaka: ~30 min by JR (~¥570–¥620).
• Plan and book trains on Trip.com Trains; compare flights if you’re arriving/departing Japan via Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

In three weeks you’ll trace Japan’s great arc: Tokyo’s urban sprawl and galleries, Kyoto’s meditative temples and alleys, and Osaka’s bright appetite and easygoing humor. With day trips to Nikko, Kamakura, Himeji, and Kobe, you’ll cover icons and local corners—without bruising your budget.