Japan is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations for Western tourists, who were once intimidated by the language barrier and unique culture.
The Japanese Government has not only made a concerted effort to make the country more welcoming to travellers, but the country also has an incredible cultural reputation. Everything from J-Pop, and the Nintendo Switch to the films coming out of Studio Ghibli, has made the Land of the Rising Sun a country many are desperate to explore.
However, the cost has often put tourists off from visiting. Japan has a reputation as one of the world’s most expensive destinations, its cities packed with luxury skyscrapers and high-end restaurants.
But, travelling across Japan needn’t break the bank. By researching, you can find a way to explore this incredible country affordably while still soaking up its rich culture, stunning landscapes and vibrant cities. Here are eight essential tips for travelling across Japan on a budget.
- Use a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
For any traveller, transportation is one of the biggest costs they face. It’s something that those in charge of the Japanese Rail Network certainly acknowledge, which is why they set up the Japan Rail Pass. The JR Pass allows foreign travellers unlimited travel on JR-operated trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet train). The pass lasts for a set time whether that be seven, 14 or 21 days.
While the initial cost may seem high, it’s still a great deal, as it can quickly pay off when compared to buying individual tickets for long-distance travel. It is the best way to explore every nook and cranny of Japan. We’d recommend purchasing the JR Pass before arriving in Japan, as it’s usually more affordable when bought outside the country.
- Travel During the Off-Season
Japan’s peak tourist seasons – spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn (for the fall foliage) – are both the most popular and most expensive times to visit. And as wonderful as it is to see the cities of Tokyo and Kyoto lit up in pink, we’d argue that if you’re keen on protecting your pennies it’s better to go at a different time of year.
The winter months (barring New Year’s) offer lower prices on accommodation and flights, yet don’t despair you’ll still have access to hot springs and ski resorts. If you’re someone who can handle the heat, and don’t mind a touch of humidity, then we’d also recommend visiting in the height of summer.
- Stay in Budget Accommodation
As tempting as Japan’s luxurious accommodation is, there may be smarter moves for your wallet. Capsule hotels may sound a little pokey, but they are surprisingly comfortable and offer you a unique experience without a hefty price tag. Business hotels are another good option, often providing small but clean and functional rooms at reasonable rates.
Hostels are also common in cities and tourist areas. They even offer private rooms if you’re not keen on sharing a room with strangers. Read this blog for more tips on how to find budget-budget accommodation while travelling.
For a bold choice, you could consider staying at a Manga café or Internet café. Within the cafés there are often pods, complete with reclining chairs and comfy mattresses, making for a very cheap night’s stay.
- Eat Like a Local
One of the main reasons to visit Japan is the food. And even if you have limited money to spend there a still a host of options available to you. For lunch, the convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson should have you covered. They offer plenty of affordable yet delicious meals such as onigri (rice balls), bento boxes, and sandwiches.
Later in the day, you can find great deals at some of Japan’s iconic conveyor-belt sushi restaurants known as Kaiten-sushi, where you can eat high-quality sushi for as little as 100 yen per plate.
Ramen shops, udon and soba noodle restaurants, and izakayas (Japanese pubs) often provide hearty, filling meals for a fraction of the price of fancier establishments. For the real taste of Japan, you can’t look past the street food with plenty of options available such as Takoyaki, Taiyaki and Yakitori.
- Take Advantage of Free Attractions
Japan offers countless number of free attractions that allow you to experience the country’s culture and beauty without spending a yen. Some of Japan’s most famous shrines and temples are free to enter, including the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto and Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, both of which are free to enter.
The beautiful public parks like the Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and the Nara Park are also free to enter. They are a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s busy cities. In Nara Park, you even go deer spotting.
Some museums also offer free entry or have designated free days, so it’s worth looking them up in advance.
It’s not just man-made landmarks that are worth visiting, Japan’s scenic landscapes are also a sight to behold. I mean, how can you visit Japan without catching a glimpse of Mount Fuji?
- Buy Food from Supermarkets in the Evening
One of Japan’s best-kept secrets for budget travellers is the markdowns that supermarkets offer on prepared foods in the evening. As the day draws to a close, supermarkets begin discounting bento boxes, sushi, and other ready-to-eat meals by 30-50%.
This is a smashing way to grab a delicious meal for a fraction of the cost. Keep an eye out for the markdown stickers, which are usually applied around 7 pm to 8 pm.
- Walk or Rent a Bicycle
Japan is a very pedestrian and cyclist-friendly country, especially in cities like Kyoto, Nara and Kanazawa. Walking is perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore the cities and your own pace, while also saving money on transportation costs.
In addition to this, many cities offer affordable bicycle rentals allowing you to cover more ground than you would on foot. Kyoto for example is packed full of cycle lanes. Plus there are scenic routes too that provide you with stunning views of the rivers and temples. Cycling is not only budget-friendly but offers you some exercise too in between feasting on gyoza and noodles.
- Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi and SIM Cards
Staying connected in Japan is vital for navigating the vast cities, especially when so many tourists rely on translator apps. However, international roaming charges can quickly add up. scuppering your chances of having a low-budget holiday.
Luckily, Japan offers many options for free Wi-Fi in major cities, at train stations, tourist centres and even convenience stores. Additionally, some airports provide free SIM cards for tourists, allowing for a limited amount of data usage at no charge. If you need more free data, buying a SIM local card or renting a portable Wi-Fi router can be the most cost-effective way of staying connected.
To be on the safe side, we’d also say that you should download offline maps such as (Google Maps), so you can navigate without needing constant internet access.