Our JapanAdventure
Family of 4 · 18 May – 3 June 2025 · 17 Days
Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Osaka
Countdown to departure
The Route
Our Journey
Arrive 18 May
6 nights · 18–24 May
5 nights · 24–29 May
2 nights · 29–31 May
3 nights · 31 May–3 Jun
Depart 3 Jun
Day by Day
17-Day Itinerary
Every day has an A plan, B plan, and a low-cost fallback. Flexible by design.
Tokyo
Mega-city energy, arcades, temples, and the world's best convenience stores.
Arrive cheaply, get settled, no pressure.
Easy first full day in Tokyo.
Neighbourhood Tokyo — away from tourist crowds.
Iconic Tokyo energy.
Gaming + tech district — the kids will love it.
Recharge or revisit a favourite.
Travel Days
Scenic Shinkansen transfer day.
Slow morning, no stress.
Money Talk
Budget Breakdown
Family of 4 · Exchange rate: A$1 ≈ ¥110
Expected Total (on-ground)
Most likely spend for the whole trip
Total by Category
| Category | Low | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (16 nights) | $2,600 | $3,900 |
| Food | $1,300 | $2,000 |
| Local transport | $150 | $350 |
| Intercity trains | $600 | $1,000 |
| Attractions / tickets | $300 | $700 |
| Shopping / misc buffer | $500 | $1,200 |
| TOTAL | $5,450 | $9,150 |
Tokyo
6 nights
Kyoto
5 nights
Hiroshima
2 nights
Osaka
3 nights
🍜 Typical Japan Prices
⭐ Optional Upgrades
⚠️ Budget Traps
What We've Booked
Bookings Registry
0 of 12 confirmed
Sydney → Tokyo Narita
Arrive Narita, take Airport Limousine Bus to hotel (¥1,500/person)
Osaka Kansai → Sydney
Allow 2.5h to reach KIX from Osaka city — take Haruka Express or Nankai Rapid
Where We Stay
Accommodation Strategy
Airbnb for longer stays (space + laundry). Hotels for short stops. All near train stations.
Tokyo
6 nights — Airbnb gives space, laundry, and better value for family of 4
Kyoto
5 nights — Airbnb again for laundry and space
Hiroshima
2 nights — short stay, hotel is simpler and well located near trams
Osaka
3 nights — Namba area Airbnb gives flexibility for late food nights
Getting Around
Transport Plan
Intercity Journeys
City Transport
Booking Checklist
Don't Forget Anything
Packing List 🧳
Print + save to phone
Exchange at Narita on arrival
ATMs at 7-Eleven / Japan Post work best
The Eat List
Food Bucket List 🍜
Tick them off as you eat them during the trip
Tap a card to mark as tried — syncs across all your devices
Practical Knowledge
Tips, Tricks & Deals
Everything we wish we knew before the first Japan trip.
Watch Before You Go
Need-to-Know Tips
Money Tips
- 01Get a Welcome Suica IC card at Narita — no deposit, works nationwide on trains, buses and convenience stores
- 027-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson are genuinely good meals — onigiri + hot food for ¥300–500
- 03Lunch teishoku sets at restaurants are 30–50% cheaper than the same meal at dinner
- 04Withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATMs — they accept foreign cards and show English menus
- 05Avoid taxis entirely — trains and buses are always faster, cheaper, and more reliable
- 06Vending machines are everywhere — water from a vending machine is ~¥100 (much cheaper than tourist shops)
- 07Free public bathrooms are everywhere and universally spotless — no need to buy anything to use them
Where to Buy Cheaper
Avoid gate prices — these platforms save real money on tickets and passes.
Best all-round platform for Japan attraction tickets. Usually 10–20% cheaper than gate prices with instant QR code entry.
Great for day tours, guided experiences and skip-the-line passes. Wide selection of English-speaking guides.
Official JR booking — book Shinkansen seats in advance. Earlybird 'eきっぷ' tickets available on some routes.
Kansai–Hiroshima 5-day area pass covers all your intercity travel from Kyoto through to Osaka. Much better value than nationwide JR Pass.
Book Universal Studios Japan tickets online well in advance — popular dates sell out weeks ahead. Add an Express Pass for shorter queues.
¥2,500 pass for entry or discounts to 100+ Tokyo museums and zoos. Pays for itself in 2–3 visits.
Money Strategy
Spend vs Save
Spend On
- ✓Well-located Airbnb (saves transport + stress)
- ✓Comfortable train transfers (Shinkansen seats)
- ✓Good dinners 2–3 times per week
- ✓Washer-equipped apartments (saves on extra luggage)
- ✓Flexible cancellation policies
Save On
- ✗Observation decks (use free viewpoints instead)
- ✗Packaged day tours
- ✗Rickshaws
- ✗Kimono rentals
- ✗Influencer food lines (find the same food elsewhere)
- ✗Taxis (train/bus almost always better)
- ✗Nationwide JR Pass (Kansai regional pass is better value)
Japan is actually affordable if you follow the locals. Street food, trains, and free temples beat packaged tours every time. The money you save on tourist traps pays for better Airbnbs and memorable dinners.
Speak Like a Local
Japanese Phrases 🗣
Tap any card to copy the Japanese text to your clipboard
Show the Japanese text on your phone — locals appreciate the effort even if your pronunciation is off