Itinerary
Classic Japan on a Shoestring — Autumn Loop
14 days · 38 stops · ¥30,000–¥50,000
Sat, Oct 3 – Fri, Oct 16
A 14-day solo journey through Japan's most iconic sights, from Tokyo's neon energy to Kyoto's timeless temples, with autumn colours just beginning to show. All connected by your JR Pass, with hostel stays and ¥800/day meals keeping it lean.
Days
Kakidai / CC BY-SA 3.0
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Tokyo
Schedule
Day 01 of 14Land at HND · Sat, Oct 3 · from JFK · 1 traveler
Renting a car? Check the license rules
Some licenses (FR/DE/CH/BE/TW) need a JAF translation, not an IDP — 5-min guide.
Stay
Tokyo · 2 nights
Sat, Oct 3 → Mon, Oct 5 · 1 guest
14:00
EXPLORE
新宿御苑
Stay ~1h 15m
Sendagaya Station
A calm green welcome to Japan after your flight — the vast lawns and traditional gardens ease you into Tokyo time.
~13 min by taxi (or metro)
15:28
EXPLORE
代々木公園
Stay ~1h
Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote)
Stroll through the zelkova groves as the late-afternoon light filters through — free, open, and quietly alive.
~21 min by train
16:49
EXPLORE
豪徳寺
Stay ~1h
Gotokuji Sta. (Odakyu)
The birthplace of the maneki-neko — hundreds of beckoning cats line the temple grounds, a whimsical last stop in Tokyo.
~30 min by train
18:19
EXPLORE
東御苑
Stay ~1h 30m
Otemachi Sta.
Higashi-Gyoen, the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, offers a serene escape in the heart of Tokyo. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, historic ruins, and tranquil ponds, it provides a glimpse into Japan's imperial history while being a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Getting around
🏔️
Hakone Free Pass
Round-trip from Shinjuku + unlimited Hakone buses, ropeway, pirate ship & mountain railway — ¥6,100 / 2 days.
View Hakone Free Pass →⛩️
Tobu Nikko Pass (All Area)
Round-trip from Asakusa + buses to Chūzenji, Kegon Falls & Yumoto Onsen — ¥4,780 / 4 days (¥4,160 Dec–mid-Apr).
View Tobu Nikko Pass (All Area) →🚄
JR Whole Japan Rail Pass
Close call — your rail estimates to ~¥49,200 vs ¥50,000 for the JR Pass (7-day). Rule of thumb: a 7-day JR Pass usually pays off only with 2+ long shinkansen round-trips (e.g. Tokyo→Kyoto→Hiroshima). Check the official fares for your routes.
Check official coverage →01 / 14
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥20,000–¥32,500 / person / day
¥280,000–¥455,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥6,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 37 travel legs and 13 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
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Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
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Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
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