J4Y – Summer Trip 12 Days + 19 Days - Budget travel to Japan for students

It’s happening — we’re officially on our way to Japan! The hype is real, the group chat is going wild, and we’re about to cross more than 9,000 km to reach Tokyo. Yes, it’s a long flight, but with movies, music, snacks, and time to scroll through the itinerary, it feels like the ultimate “loading screen” before the main quest begins. Japan, we’re coming!

Touchdown in Tokyo! We’re tired, sure… but the adrenaline kicks in fast. We transfer to the hotel, do a quick “bed test” (mandatory), freshen up, and then we step outside for our first real taste of the city.

Tokyo is huge. Bright lights, endless streets, people everywhere — it’s intense in the coolest way. By the time we’re back in our rooms that night, we’re exhausted… but already obsessed.

We start with Ameya Yokocho Market — a loud, busy, colorful street where you’ll see fresh fish and fruit right next to makeup, snacks, and streetwear. It’s messy, fun, and completely different from what we’re used to.

After that, we reset the vibe in Ueno Park. Wide paths, temples, shrines, museums — it’s the perfect calm break before we go full energy again.

And then… the holy land for anime, manga, and gaming fans: Akihabara. Giant neon signs, stacked tech stores, endless manga & anime finds, and themed cafés calling you in like NPC side quests. It feels unreal — until we show up at the hotel later with shopping bags that prove it was 100% real.

Today is all about Tokyo’s “old meets new” energy. We hit Tokyo Tower for those skyline views — the kind you’ve seen in movies, but now it’s your own camera roll.

Next up: Zojo-ji Temple, peaceful and historic — and then straight into the sleek, modern vibe of Roppongi with its futuristic buildings and city glow.

We wrap up in Ginza, Tokyo’s luxury zone. On Sundays, the main street turns into a pedestrian-only runway, so we can stroll freely, grab drinks, people-watch, and peek into places like Mitsukoshi — where even fruit can cost as much as a week’s groceries. Wild… but unforgettable.

Welcome to Shibuya — nonstop energy, shopping, food, and the famous Shibuya Scramble where it feels like the whole city crosses the street at once. We also stop by the Hachiko statue (yes, the legendary loyal dog 🐾).

Manga lovers, this one’s for you: we dive into stores packed with shelves on shelves of manga, collectibles, and artbooks — and suddenly “just browsing” becomes a lie we tell ourselves.

In the afternoon, we visit the Meiji Shrine and chill in the greenery around Yoyogi Park. If we’re lucky, we might even spot a traditional Japanese wedding — super rare and honestly magical.

Then it’s time for Harajuku — where Tokyo’s fashion goes full creative mode. Bold outfits, quirky shops, colorful snacks, and vibes that scream youth culture. If Tokyo has a “main character” district, it’s this one.

Today we time-travel. First stop: Asakusa, Tokyo’s old-town district where it feels like the clock paused 100 years ago. We spot people in traditional kimonos, rickshaws rolling through narrow streets, and the iconic Senso-ji Temple with its massive Thunder Gate lantern. Little market stalls line the path — snacks, souvenirs, and pure old-Japan vibes everywhere.

Then we switch eras completely. From Asakusa, we cruise down the Sumida River by boat toward Odaiba, Tokyo’s futuristic island playground. Suddenly we’re greeted by a mini Statue of Liberty and the life-size Unicorn Gundam — yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.

At the Miraikan (National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation), we see tomorrow’s tech today. And just when we think it can’t get cooler, we dive into the immersive digital art world of teamLab — lights, mirrors, water effects, and interactive installations that make you feel like you’re inside a video game.

Heading back across the bay at night, the illuminated Rainbow Bridge glows in the distance. Tokyo really said: past, present, and future — all in one day.

No guide. No fixed plan. Just us and the biggest city on the planet. A full free day in Tokyo means unlimited possibilities.

Some head to Tokyo Disneyland for rollercoasters and Disney-core memories. Others explore anime treasure spots like Nakano Broadway, packed with rare manga, retro gaming collectibles, and hidden gems from every fandom imaginable.

Meanwhile, Otome Road in Ikebukuro becomes a hotspot for fans of BL manga and female-oriented anime culture. Whatever your vibe — theme park chaos, collector hunting, or café hopping — today is your Tokyo story to write.

After a week of neon lights and city buzz, we escape to nature. Just one hour from Tokyo lies Mount Takao, a mystical mountain rumored to be home to Tengu — legendary mountain spirits with long noses and warrior energy.

Before hiking, we visit the Takao 599 Museum to learn about Japan’s wildlife — monkeys, foxes, wild boars, and more. Then it’s time to ascend! We ride one of the steepest cable cars in the world (or take the scenic chairlift if you’re feeling brave).

At the top, we explore the forest trails and visit Yakuo-in Temple, dedicated to the Tengu. From the 599-meter summit, we might even spot Mount Fuji — if it’s not hiding behind clouds. Challenge accepted.

After the hike, we reward ourselves with a traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring bath). Muscles relaxed. Stress gone. Energy fully restored before heading back to Tokyo.

We say goodbye to Tokyo and board the legendary Shinkansen bullet train to Nagoya. It’s not just transport — it’s an experience. The train glides so smoothly it barely feels real, and the scenery flashes by like a cinematic montage. Maybe we’ll finally catch a clear glimpse of Mount Fuji along the way?

In Nagoya, we head north to Meiji Mura, an open-air museum dedicated to Japan’s Meiji era — the time when Japan opened to the world and modernized rapidly. The architecture mixes Japanese tradition with Western influence, and we even get the chance to dress up in historical outfits from the late 19th century. Vintage drip unlocked.

Today is HUGE. We’re at the World Cosplay Summit, and the Cosplay World Championship is about to begin. The energy? Like a rock concert — but with armor, wigs, and insane handmade costumes.

Finalists from around the globe perform jaw-dropping stage shows. The craftsmanship, acting, and creativity are next-level. Choosing a winner would be impossible for us — they’re all that good.

In the evening, we celebrate at Plastic Factory, a trendy Nagoya club space hosting concerts, art shows, and live performances. The vibe is surreal, the music hits, and we head back to the hotel late — still buzzing from one of the coolest days of the trip.

Would it even be a Japan youth trip without the World Cosplay Summit? We’ve been counting down to this moment — and it absolutely delivers. Nowhere else do you see so many international cosplayers gathered in one place.

Every corner feels like stepping into a different universe. Live cosplay performances, insanely detailed costumes, and characters from every fandom you can imagine. Cameras are out nonstop because the creativity level is off the charts.

One of the biggest highlights? The Osu Cosplay Parade. Streets filled with perfectly crafted outfits, dramatic poses, and pure passion. From anime classics to the newest game releases — every fandom gets its spotlight.

But what truly stands out isn’t just the costumes — it’s the vibe. Everyone is welcoming, excited, and united by one shared love: cosplay. It’s so easy to connect with teams from all over the world. Different countries, different languages — same passion.

In the afternoon, we enjoy some free time in Nagoya. Whether it’s souvenir hunting, café hopping, or just replaying our favorite cosplay moments in our heads, the city is ours to explore.

The farewell day has arrived. Suitcases packed (and probably heavier than before), we head back to London & Europe.

But once Japan has you, it never really lets you go. The memories, the friendships, the neon nights, the cosplay hype, the temples, the food — it all stays with you.

So we don’t say goodbye. We say “Nihon, mata ne!” — See you again, Japan. ✈️🇯🇵

Same epic program as the Summer Trip — Tokyo highlights, cosplay energy, Nagoya vibes, and unforgettable moments. And now… we level up.

We head to Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital — and you feel the difference instantly. First stop: Nijo Castle, standing proudly since 1603. Massive gates, intricate woodwork, elegant gardens that look like they’re straight out of a Studio Ghibli scene. Edo-era vibes unlocked.

Next, the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, founded in 780. The wooden terrace overlooks a sea of trees with Kyoto stretching beyond — easily one of the most iconic views in Japan. Below the temple flow three streams of the Otowa Waterfall: one for long life, one for success, one for love. Drinking from all three? Too greedy. The debate alone is hilarious.

We stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. Traditional wooden houses, fine Japanese cuisine, and if we’re lucky, a glimpse of a geiko or maiko heading to an appointment.

Tonight we stay in a traditional Ryokan. Tatami floors, futon beds, and a relaxing Japanese bath — full cultural immersion mode.

We start at the legendary Fushimi Inari Shrine. Walking through thousands of bright red torii gates feels surreal — almost spiritual. It’s one of those “you have to experience it” moments.

Then it’s off to Arashiyama, where parts of old Japan still feel untouched. At a Zen temple, even our loudest group members fall silent. The garden, the mountains, the calm — it hits differently.

Next: the iconic Bamboo Grove. Sunlight filtering through towering bamboo stalks, leaves rustling overhead — it feels cinematic. And yes, there’s time to grab bamboo-themed souvenirs.

Authentic Kyoto Shopping Mode

In Teramachi Shopping Arcade and Nishiki Market, it’s impossible not to browse. Traditional sweets, manga, clothes, Buddhist prayer beads, unique snacks — it’s a sensory overload in the best way.

Tonight we try something futuristic: a real Capsule Hotel. After testing it out, we’re surprised how comfy it actually is. Japan innovation for the win.

We visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once home to Japan’s emperors before the capital moved to Tokyo. The vast grounds and ceremonial halls give us a glimpse into imperial life.

The Golden Pavilion — Zen Meets Luxury

Then comes Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Literally covered in gold leaf, reflecting perfectly in the surrounding pond — it’s almost unreal. Originally built as a shogun’s retirement villa in the 15th century, it later became a Zen temple. Every angle looks like a postcard.

We dive into pop culture at the Kyoto International Manga Museum, exploring manga history from classic to modern masterpieces. We could stay all day — but Osaka is calling.

Arrival in Osaka: modern skyline, business vibes — but also known as Japan’s food and party capital. Let’s see what it’s about.

Universal Studios Japan

Theme park mode activated! At Universal Studios Japan, we jump into cinematic worlds, meet oversized mascots like Snoopy and Hello Kitty, and experience epic rides.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Absolutely not missing that. Butterbeer selfies included.

Osaka from Above

We start at the Umeda Sky Building for insane panoramic views. Then to HEP Five, easily recognizable by its giant red Ferris wheel rising from the mall. Shopping and entertainment? Fully covered.

Next, Osaka Castle, rebuilt multiple times but still standing strong after nearly 500 years. Bonus: it even has an elevator. From the castle grounds, we get a fresh perspective over the city.

Evening at Dotonbori. Neon lights, the iconic Glico running man sign, and street food heaven: takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Osaka really earns its foodie reputation.

We visit Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. History check.

Then wander through Shinsekai, where everyone wants to try kushikatsu — Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers.

Finally: Ota Road, Osaka’s anime and manga paradise. Figures, collectibles, new releases — good thing we saved suitcase space.

Today you explore Osaka your way. Shopping spree? Hidden anime cafés? Last-minute souvenir mission? It’s your final Japan side quest.

Sayonara, Nippon!

In the evening, we head to Kansai Airport. There’s definitely a bit of melancholy in the air. Japan showed us its best side — culture, chaos, cosplay, cuisine. Saying goodbye to our guide and this adventure isn’t easy.

As the plane lifts off, we whisper one last “Arigato.”

After an overnight flight, we land in London & Europe in the morning. Tired? Yes. Changed forever? Absolutely.