-Day Japan Itinerary for Students: 17 Cities Travel Guide & $2465 Budget Breakdown
**Unforgettable Japan Adventure: 17 Cities in 12 Days**
My journey spanned 17 incredible destinations—vibrant Tokyo, charming Kasukabe, historic Kamakura, majestic Mount Fuji, bustling Nagoya, picturesque Takayama, traditional Hida, scenic Toyama, quaint Amehira, artistic Takaoka, cultural Kanazawa, castle-rich Himeji, cosmopolitan Kobe, deer-filled Nara, matcha paradise Uji, timeless Kyoto, and dynamic Osaka—with overnight stays in each location.
**Budget Breakdown: Smarter Travel, Richer Experiences**
**Accommodation**:
– 5 nights in Osaka (¥108)
– 3 nights in Tokyo (¥72)
– 1 night each in Kanazawa (¥24), Yugawara (¥24), and Gifu (¥37)
Pro tip: Scored a ¥30 Agoda discount in Osaka and maximized Airbnb new-user coupons!
**Total**: ¥265 (proof that comfort doesn’t have to break the bank)
**Transportation**:
– Flight from Korea to Tokyo (¥210)
– 3-day Tokyo subway pass (¥70)
– Seishun 18 ticket (¥560)
– Kansai Mini Pass (¥133)
– Additional trips to Kasukabe, Kanazawa, Odaiba, and Narita to Oshiage (¥130)
**Total**: ¥1,103 (worth every yen for seamless exploration)
**Culinary Delights**:
– Premium treats: Kobe beef rice bowl (¥93), exquisite eel rice (¥56), all-you-can-eat beef (¥4)
– Daily favorites: Mixed meal sets (¥26), Uji’s finest matcha (¥56), artisanal cakes (¥46)
– Budget wins: Matsuya’s beef bowls (¥18), convenience store gems (~¥20), Tamade supermarket steals (¥4 fried rice!)
**Total**: ¥800+ (gourmet experiences on a savvy budget)
**Must-See Attractions**:
– Shibuya Sky’s breathtaking views (¥120)
– Himeji Castle’s timeless beauty (¥50)
– Abeno Harukas observation deck (free with pass!)
**Total**: ¥170 (culture and views without compromise)
**Extras**:
– Stay-connected essential: SIM card (¥60)
– Visa fees excluded (varies by traveler)
– Note: Only counted one-way flight (next leg to Taipei was ¥170)
**Step Count**:
WeChat recorded 300,000+ steps! Having previously logged 130,000 steps in 48 hours and 200,000 in 5 days, this 12-day adventure felt like a satisfying stroll through Japan’s wonders.
**Final Thoughts**:
Far from roughing it—I indulged in quality meals, comfortable stays, and premium attractions while spending just ¥2,000 on essentials. Japan shattered my expectations: world-class experiences can be affordable, and luxury travel doesn’t require a fortune. Every yen spent translated into unforgettable memories and delicious discoveries!
