Top Things To Do in Japan (On a Smart Budget)

Day 1 – Tokyo (Asakusa + Skytree)
Senso-ji (free) → Nakamise snacks → Sumida river stroll → Skytree views (optional paid).

Day 2 – Tokyo (Shibuya/Shinjuku + Meiji Shrine)
Meiji Shrine (free) → Harajuku crepes → Shibuya Crossing → Tokyo Metro Government Bldg free observatory.

Day 3 – Hakone/Mt. Fuji Day Trip
Hakone Freepass loop (train → cable car → cruise) → onsen soak (family/private bath).

Day 4 – Kyoto (Fushimi + Gion)
Early Fushimi Inari (free) → Nishiki Market lunch → Kiyomizu-dera → Gion evening walk.

Day 5 – Kyoto (Arashiyama)
Bamboo Grove (free, go early) → Monkey Park (optional) → riverside picnic.

Day 6 – Nara or Osaka
Nara: Deer Park (free) + Tōdai-ji. OR Osaka: Dotonbori food crawl + Osaka Castle park.

Day 7 – Tokyo wrap-up
teamLab (reserve) or Odaiba seaside park → 100-yen shop souvenirs → yakitori alley dinner (early with kids).

Add 3 days: Hiroshima & Miyajima / Kanazawa / Nikko depending on interests.

• Tokyo – Asakusa/Skytree: first-timers, classic + views
   
• Tokyo – Shinjuku/Shibuya: nightlife, shopping, transport hubs
   
• Kyoto – Gion/Higashiyama: temples, old streets
   
• Osaka – Namba/Dotonbori: street food central
   
• Hakone: onsen + Fuji views, chill pace

• Tokyo neighborhoods walkabout — Asakusa’s Sensō-ji (free), Meiji Shrine (free), Shibuya Crossing (free), Ueno Park (free museums some days).
• Kyoto temple circuit — Fushimi Inari (free), Kiyomizu-dera (small fee), Arashiyama bamboo grove (free).
• Osaka for food — Dotonbori street eats, Kuromon Market tastings, Osaka Castle park (free grounds).
• Nara day trip — Giant Buddha at Tōdai-ji (fee) + free deer park.
• Hakone onsen + Mt. Fuji views — Loop pass bundles boats/ropeways (good value).
• Hiroshima & Miyajima — Peace Park (free) + Itsukushima Shrine torii views.
• TeamLab (Tokyo) — Paid, but a family favorite tech-art splurge.

• Konbini (7-Eleven/Lawson/FamilyMart): bentos, onigiri, sandos = $3–$6 meals.
• Ramen & udon shops: hearty bowls $6–$10.
• Kaiten (conveyor) sushi: plates typically $1–$2; kids love it.
• Set lunches (teishoku): mains + rice + miso for less than dinner prices.
• Family hack: Many restaurants have kid sets; shareable portions are common.

• IC cards (Suica/PASMO/ICOCA): tap-and-go on trains, subways, buses, even vending machines.
• Rail passes: Regional passes (e.g., Kansai, Hokuriku, JR East) often beat a nationwide pass unless you’re doing multiple long shinkansen hops in a short window.
• Luggage: Use takkyūbin (luggage delivery) or coin lockers to keep days light.
• Strollers: Stations are accessible overall, but some older stops have stairs—look for elevators (エレベーター).

• Tokyo Museum “Grutto” Pass (bundle discounts)

• Hakone Freepass / Nikko Pass / Kansai Thru Pass (multi-mode value)

• Free: Shrines, many parks, neighborhood festivals; some museums have monthly free days.

• Changing tables in most big stations; spotless restrooms.
   
• High chairs available in chain eateries; convenience stores heat kid meals.
   
• Theme-day options: Ghibli Museum (reserve early), teamLab, Universal Studios Japan (Express Pass can be worth it).

• ✅ Worth: TeamLab (timed entry), regional day passes, onsen (family rooms/private baths if shy).
   
• ❌ Skip: Costly “panoramic” bus tours you can replicate via subway; overpriced themed cafés unless it’s your thing.

• Extremely safe; lost-and-found actually works.
   
• Basic etiquette: no loud calls on trains; line up; cash is still handy though cards/PayPay are common.
   

• Stay: ¥4,000–7,000 (business hotel or apartment)
   
• Food: ¥2,000–3,000 (konbini + ramen + snacks)
   
• Transit: ¥800–1,500 (IC cap or day pass)
   
• Activities: ¥1,000–3,000 (mix of free + a couple paid)
  → Total: ¥10,000–15,000 ($70–$110)
  Family of 5: ¥30,000–45,000 ($210–$330) with kids sharing and using discounts.

  Picnicking under cherry blossoms in Ueno Park with convenience-store bentos—our 5-year-old chasing petals, our 7-year-old counting trains, and everyone agreeing the $5 lunch tasted incredible outdoors. 

• Do I need a nationwide JR Pass? Only if you’re doing several long-distance shinkansen trips within ~7–14 days. Otherwise regional passes or pay-as-you-go IC is cheaper.
• Cash or card? Both. Cards are widely accepted in cities; carry some cash for small eateries/shrines.
• Vegetarian friendly? Getting better—look for “veg” ramen, tofu cuisine, and convenience-store salads/onigiri (check labels).
• Is Japan good with little kids? Yes—elevators in big hubs, clean facilities, and staff who go out of their way to help families.