5-Day Japan Itinerary: A Quick Guide with Budget Estimates

Embark on a 5-day journey through Japan, focusing on Tokyo and Kyoto, two of the country’s most vibrant and historic cities. This itinerary provides a snapshot of Japan’s rich culture, sights, and culinary delights. Below is a detailed plan with estimated costs to help you budget your trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

Morning:

• Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport: Take the Narita Express (N’EX) or Tokyo Monorail to Tokyo Station.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥3,500 ($20 – $25) depending on the airport.
• Check-in at Hotel: Recommended areas include Shinjuku or Shibuya.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night for a mid-range hotel.

Afternoon:

• Explore Shibuya: Visit Shibuya Crossing and Shibuya 109.
• Cost: Free to walk around; shopping costs vary.
• Shibuya Sky: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000 ($14 – $21).

Evening:

• Dinner in Shinjuku: Try ramen or izakaya.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥3,000 ($7 – $21) per person.
• Visit Omoide Yokocho: Explore the traditional alleyway.
• Cost: Varies by bar; typically ¥500 – ¥1,500 ($3.50 – $10.50) for snacks.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥16,500 – ¥31,500 ($115 – $220)

Day 2: Tokyo Sightseeing

Morning:

• Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa: Explore Tokyo’s oldest temple and Nakamise Street.
• Cost: Free; shopping and snacks are additional.
• Sumida River Cruise: Enjoy Tokyo’s skyline from the water.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Afternoon:

• Ueno Park: Visit Ueno Zoo and the Tokyo National Museum.
• Cost: Ueno Zoo ¥600 ($4), Tokyo National Museum ¥620 ($4.30).
• Lunch in Ueno: Try katsudon.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Akihabara: Explore electronic shops and anime stores.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs vary.
• Dinner in Akihabara: Enjoy dinner at a themed cafe.
• Cost: ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 ($10.50 – $21).

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥4,720 – ¥9,620 ($33 – $67)

Day 3: Tokyo to Kyoto

Morning:

• Travel to Kyoto: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station.
• Cost: ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $105) for a one-way ticket on the Nozomi or Hikari trains.
• Check-in at Hotel: Accommodation in Kyoto.
• Cost: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140) per night.

Afternoon:

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Visit the famous shrine with red torii gates.
• Cost: Free.
• Gion District: Explore historic streets and traditional culture.
• Cost: Free to explore; shopping and dining are additional.

Evening:

• Dinner in Gion: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner.
• Cost: ¥3,000 – ¥10,000 ($21 – $70) depending on the restaurant.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥26,000 – ¥45,000 ($182 – $315)

Day 4: Kyoto Exploration

Morning:

• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Visit this iconic Zen temple.
• Cost: ¥400 ($2.80).
• Ryoan-ji: Explore the famous rock garden.
• Cost: ¥500 ($3.50).

Afternoon:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk through the bamboo forest.
• Cost: Free.
• Lunch in Arashiyama: Enjoy udon or soba.
• Cost: ¥1,000 – ¥2,000 ($7 – $14).

Evening:

• Pontocho Alley: Discover dining options.
• Cost: Varies; budget ¥2,000 – ¥5,000 ($14 – $35) for dinner.
• Stroll along the Kamo River: Enjoy the evening atmosphere.
• Cost: Free.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥5,900 – ¥12,900 ($41 – $90)

Day 5: Return to Tokyo and Departure

Morning:

• Travel back to Tokyo: Take the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo.
• Cost: ¥13,000 – ¥15,000 ($90 – $105).
• Check-out and last-minute shopping: Explore any remaining attractions or do some last-minute shopping.
• Cost: Varies.

Afternoon:

• Departure: Fly back home from Narita or Haneda Airport.
• Cost: Varies depending on your flight.

Daily Budget Estimate: ¥13,000 – ¥18,000 ($90 – $126)

Total Estimated Cost for 5 Days

• Accommodation: ¥50,000 – ¥100,000 ($350 – $700)
• Food: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 ($70 – $140)
• Transportation: ¥27,500 – ¥30,300 ($190 – $215)
• Attractions and Activities: ¥7,920 – ¥12,000 ($55 – $85)

Total Estimated Cost: ¥95,420 – ¥162,300 ($665 – $1,140)

Conclusion

A 5-day itinerary in Japan provides a dynamic experience of Tokyo and Kyoto, blending modern attractions with historic sites. This plan balances sightseeing and relaxation while managing your budget efficiently. Enjoy your brief but memorable journey through Japan!