Itinerary
Classic Japan on a Shoestring: Temples, Trains & Hostels
14 days · 39 stops · ¥112,000–¥140,000
Sat, Oct 3 – Fri, Oct 16
A whirlwind 14-day loop from Tokyo to Kyoto, Hiroshima, and back — hitting the icons you came for, with budget hostels, JR Pass savings, and a few hidden corners to breathe.
Days
Kakidai / CC BY-SA 3.0
Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple
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 · 5 nights
Sat, Oct 3 → Thu, Oct 8 · 1 guest
14:00
EXPLORE
浅草寺
Stay ~1h 30m
Asakusa Station
Tokyo's oldest temple — walk the bustling Nakamise market street for cheap snacks and a free cultural blast.
~20 min by train
15:50
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 →🚄
JR Whole Japan Rail Pass
Close call — your rail estimates to ~¥55,110 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 →🚗
Rental car recommended
Several stops on this route are in rural areas with limited rail access. A rental car from the nearest city hub gives you the freedom to reach places no bus serves.
Browse rental cars on Klook →01 / 14
Journey map
Trip budget · お見積り
¥20,500–¥32,000 / person / day
¥285,000–¥450,000 total
💴 Carry ~¥6,000/day in cash — many hidden spots are cash-only.
Estimated from 38 travel legs and 13 hotel nights. International flights not included. Typical prices, not quotes.
Before you go
Everything else, sorted.
Stay Connected
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Get Around
Shinkansen, regional rail passes, and city transit — sorted before you land.
Compare passes
Stay Hidden
Sleep in a centuries-old ryokan. Tatami floors, onsen, and a 7-course kaiseki.
Browse ryokans
Travel Light
Ship luggage ahead on the shinkansen route. Explore every day completely hands-free.
Book delivery
Travel Safe
Insurance that actually covers adventurous travel — hiking, onsen, ski slopes.
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Save on Exchange
Spend yen at the real mid-market rate. Saves real money on a 2-week trip.
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