Japan on a BUDGET – SAVE MONEY on your Japan Trip

Get 10% off on Klook Code: TRAVELLIVNKLOOK

Visiting Japan on a budget? Yes, it’s totally possible! Your Japan trip doesn’t have to be expensive, in fact, we found it surprisingly affordable. With the right tips, you can save money without sacrificing the magic of the experience.

In this blog, we share everything you need to know to travel smarter, spend less, and make the most of every yen.

These budget saving tips will ensure that your Japan holiday is both affordable and unforgettable.

From finding budget-friendly accommodations and navigating transportation options to dining on a budget and enjoying free attractions, we’ll show you how to experience the best of Japan without breaking the bank.

So, pack your bags and get ready to experience Japan… without worrying about your wallet! 🗾💸


Table of contents: Japan on a BUDGET – SAVE MONEY on your Japan Trip

Save Money on Your Japan Trip

As someone who travels overseas more than 6+ times a year, I’ve learned exactly where I can save money and unnecessary spending. Budgeting is second nature to me, because if I didn’t master the art of stretching a dollar, I wouldn’t be able to travel as often or as well as I do. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others do the same, especially in a place like Japan, which so many assume has to be expensive. Spoiler, it doesn’t have to be, and Japan can easily be done on a budget..

After visiting Japan multiple times, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks that will help you save money without compromising or impacting your trip.

Planning your Japan Trip

✈️ My BIGGEST rule for saving money? Be flexible and wait for a SALE

I always book my airfare first…and only when it’s on sale. Once I’ve locked in an amazing deal, I build everything else around it. Flexibility is your secret weapon to creating a budget friendly itinerary.

💻 Use a third-party site to book flights

Always compare flights on a third-party site like Trip.com. It checks multiple carriers and routes (even into or out of nearby cities), which can lead to major savings. Plus, Trip has a feature that you can search multiple cities at once. So you can look if it is cheaper to fly out of a nearby airport or into Tokyo or Osaka for example.

💰Get a 10% discount on your Attractions, Tours, Train Travel, Hotels and Theme parks

Klook is our go to site for booking Tours, Admissions to Attractions, Rail passes and Shinkansen tickets. Not only is it an easy booking process, Klook very is a reputable website. Often you’ll find the prices much cheaper on Klook than booking direct!

Klook.com

📅 Check what’s on & travel off-peak

Before you lock in your airfares, check for major events happening at your destination. Large festivals or public holidays like Golden Week, Obon, or New Year’s can drive up the cost of flights and accommodation dramatically. If you can, avoid those dates or pivot to quieter areas during those times.

🌸 Travel during shoulder season

To save serious money, avoid peak periods like cherry blossom season or golden week, unless that’s the whole point of your trip. Visiting during shoulder seasons (just before or after the peak) gives you better prices, more availability, and a more relaxed experience. Also, properties tend to book out quickly, so it is definitely important to book well in advance.

🗺️ Plan your itinerary wisely

Avoid zig-zagging across the country. The more efficiently you plan your route, the less you’ll spend on transport and the more time you’ll have to enjoy yourself. I’ve got a super helpful 10-day Japan itinerary for first-timers that does exactly that.

Where to book your accomodation in Japan

My number one go-to site for booking accommodation around the world is Booking.com. It’s one of the largest hotel booking platforms out there and easily one of the most reliable. In Japan, it’s especially popular, with everything from major hotel chains to smaller ryokans and even Airbnb’s listed on the site.

Budget Accommodation Options

Accommodation in Japan can DEFINATELY be booked on a budget, and here are some of the ways you can save money on your Japan accommodation!

Stay in Budget Hotels or Hostels:

  • Look for budget hotel chains like APA Hotels or Super Hotel, which offer affordable and comfortable stays.
  • Hostels and guesthouses (Ryokan’s) are also economical options and often provide a unique cultural experience.

Book in Advance:

  • Early booking can secure better rates for hotels and other accommodations. Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto may be BIG cities with lots of accommodation options BUT they do book out.

Use Capsule Hotels:

  • Capsule hotels are very popular in Japan and are a cost-effective option. They offer basic amenities at a fraction of the price of traditional hotels. For something different look for a book and bed type of accommodation.

Consider Airbnb or Vacation Rentals:

  • Renting an apartment can be cheaper than staying in a hotel, especially for longer stays or groups.

Budget (But Nice) Hotels in Tokyo

Our full list of Budget friendly Hotel suggestions in the BEST AREAS of Tokyo: [Read full blog]

Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time
Where to stay in Tokyo for the first time

Cheapest & Fastest Way to get from the Airport to Tokyo

Tokyo Narita Airport Transfers to Tokyo City Centre

Discover the FASTEST and CHEAPEST ways to get from the Airport to Tokyo City & to your Hotel with our Airport Train, Buses and Transfer Guide.

Airport transfers, trains and buses to Tokyo city.

Transportation – Save money on these Japan passes

For most travelers, especially those sticking to a classic route Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass often isn’t the most cost-effective choice. Unless you’re planning to take 3 or more bullet train rides within a 7-day window or or more+ within 14 days, you may actually spend less by purchasing tickets individually.

When it comes to Tokyo, the value of the JR Pass is even more limited, as it only covers JR-operated lines, not the broader Tokyo Metro network that you’ll likely use more often.

Best way to figure out what’s best for your trip is to use the JR Pass Calculator to crunch the numbers.

Other Ways to Save on transport in Japan
  1. Take Advantage of our Discount Code – 10% off TOURS code: TRAVELLIVNKLOOK
  2. Consider a Regional Pas – in many cases a regional pass will be a better option that the whole JR pass. It will cover a smaller region of Japan and is often much cheaper: Find out about Japan Regional Rail Passs
  3. Unlimited train travel with a Metro Pass – We saved ourselves alot of money with the Tokyo Metro Pass, which includes unlimited metro travel on the Metro lines (Note: it does not include the JR lines which you will have to pay for with your Suica Card). Similarly, you can get a card for Osaka and Kyoto called the Kansai Railway Pass. Another option is a pass that includes train travel and certain popular attractions. Like the Osaka Amazing Pass or the Tokyo Pass
  4. Use Buses for Long-Distance Travel:
    • Overnight buses are a cheaper alternative to the Shinkansen and also save on accommodation costs for one night.

The 15 x Best Travel Apps for Japan

From navigating, translating, staying connected, to finding the best local eats, or booking attractions, this is your Ultimate Guide to all the Travel APPS you are going to want to download to travel JAPAN with ease!

Food – Where to find cheap eats

  1. Eat at Convenience Stores:
    • To travel Japan on a budget, why not eat at their Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart offer affordable and tasty meals, snacks, and drinks available 24 hours a day!
  2. Visit Supermarkets and Depachika:
    • Supermarkets and department store food basements (known as depachika) often have discounted prices on prepared foods in the evening. They are a great way to save money on your Japan trip.
  3. Eat at local ‘Meal Ticket’ Restaurants.
    • These types of restaurants you will purchase a ticket from a vending machine at the front and then go in and give it to the staff, usually sitting at a bar or single seating.
  4. Eat at Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi) Restaurants:
    • These restaurants offer sushi at reasonable prices, and you can control how much you spend by choosing the dishes you want based on the price of each plate.

Budget ideas in Japan, where to save money on food

Sightseeing Ideas: Free & Money Saving Options

  1. Free Attractions:
    • Japan has many FREE activities including, temples, parks shrines, and museums. Examples include Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, and Ueno Park.
  2. Get a City Pass:
  3. Join Free Tours:
    • Some cities offer free guided tours by local volunteers. Look up: Tokyo Free Guide or Goodwill Guides.
  4. FREE Festivals and Public Events:
    • Japan hosts numerous free festivals and events throughout the year. Check local calendars for events during your visit.
  5. Discount codes through sites like Klook like this one: TRAVELLIVNKLOOK

General Tips to Explore Japan on a Budget!

  1. Use a SIM Card instead of Pocket WiFi:
    • Instead of relying on expensive international roaming or pocket wifi, use a e-sim for affordable internet access. I use an Airalo Esim
  2. MONEY Card
    • Get a WISE money card! We have found that WISE have the best exchange rates, FAR higher than our banks rate or any of the other cards we have researched and trialed. What’s even better is you get a digital card immediately and a physical card when ordered:
    • FIND out more about – WISE CARD
  3. ATM Withdrawals
    • If you have a WISE card, or a card with a good exchange rate from your home country, do not choose ‘dynamic currency conversion’, essentially withdrawing at the exchange rate of the ATM. This often comes with unfavorable exchange rates. Opt to withdraw in the local currency so that your Wise card does the conversion, NOT the atm.

Check current Exchange rates & FIND out more about WISE CARD

wise travel currency card, a great way to travel to Japan and overseas on a budget, and save money
CLICK HERE

By following these budgeting tips, you can travel to Japan on a budget and still enjoy every bit of the experience. It’s completely possible to save money on Japan travel without compromising on quality or adventure. Sayonara (さよなら)

Need more help planning your Japan Travel? ⬇️

Where to next?

Philippines
Vietnam
Japan
Mexico
Egypt
Greece

About me

Hey, nice to meet you, I’m Shannon Thomson and I am a Diploma Qualified Photographer and Social Media / Marketing graduate with a passion and love for Travel.

I have been lucky enough to be working in the field of Travel, and as a successful Social Media Manager, Content Creator and Blogger for the past 6 years. Throughout this time, I have been lucky enough to travel to some of the most sought out destinations around the world.

Within this Blog you will find all my best travel tips, guides and itineraries.

MY Top 5 favorite countries: Japan, China, Egypt, Tanzania, Philippines!

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