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Osaka, Japan
Dive into Dotonbori for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu at street stalls. Kuromon Ichiba Market is a must for budget bites. Stay near Namba or Shinsaibashi for easy access to cheap eats and convenience store meals.
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Kyoto, Japan
Only 15 minutes from Osaka by shinkansen or 30 min by cheap Hankyu train. Try Nishiki Market for tofu skewers, pickles, and street snacks. Explore Fushimi Inari and Gion on foot — both are free.
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Kobe, Japan
A quick 30-minute train ride from Osaka on the budget-friendly Hanshin line. Kobe is famous for its beef but budget travelers can try beef croquettes for just a few hundred yen. Explore Chinatown (Nankinmachi) for cheap and delicious bao and dim sum.
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Nara, Japan
An easy and cheap day-trip or overnight from Osaka via the Kintetsu line. Try kakinoha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi) and mochi snacks near Nara Park. The deer roam freely and Todai-ji temple is a stunning low-cost highlight.
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Osaka, Japan
Return to Osaka for final food crawl days. Hit Shinsekai neighbourhood for budget kushikatsu and retro vibes. Stock up on snacks at Don Quijote and explore Tsuruhashi, Osaka's Korean food district, for incredibly cheap bibimbap and yakiniku.