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Japan on a BUDGET – SAVE MONEY on your Japan Trip

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Visiting Japan on a Budget is POSSIBLE. Your Japan trip does NOT have to be expensive, in fact we found it quite the opposite. There are plenty of ways to SAVE money on your Japan trip, that won’t sacrifice your experience.

In this blog, we will uncover everything you need to know to SAVE MONEY and help you budget while traveling in Japan.

Whether you’ve been dreaming of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo or Osaka, or wandering through the traditional and historic shrines or bustling markets, 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, grab your camera and phone, and get ready to Travel Japan’s wonders without worrying about your wallet!

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

Timing & Planning to Save Money on Your Japan Trip

  1. Wait for a SALE and be flexible
    • My BIGGEST rule when it comes to saving money on travel, is to be flexible and wait for a SALE to book your airfare. I ALWAYS book my airfare first and then build my trip around an incredible sale fare.
  2. Check what’s on and travel off peak:
    • When planning your itinerary, it’s a great idea to check if there are any BIG events on. Where possible try and avoid staying at these times, as the prices of accommodation can dramatically increase. Other events like, Golden Week, Obon, and New Year’s are also when accommodation and flights may be at their highest.
  3. Visit Japan in a shoulder season:
    • To save money on your Japan trip it’s important to consider the season you are visiting in. Japan’s prices tend to be inflated in peak season, especially in cherry blossom season or in ski season. Also, properties tend to book out quickly, so it is definitely important to book well in advance.
  4. Plan Your Itinerary Wisely:
  5. Use a third-party website to book your flights:
    • Use a third party website to search for your airfares. Sites like Trip, look for all possible flight combinations, and you will save yourself a lot of money booking on these sites. 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.

How and Where to Book Your Japan on a Budget Trip

My number 1 go-to site for booking accommodation all across the world, is Booking.com It one of, if not the largest Hotel booking site.

Your other alternative is Rakuten Travel. Rakuten Travel is known as the biggest online hotel & unique ryokans reservation company in Japan and has great LOCAL listings and pricing, that are sometimes not available elsewhere.

Easy & Practical tips that will SAVE you money

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!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

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 is a reputable website and we have some discount codes for you!

  1. Get a Japan Rail Pass:
    • If you plan to travel between cities long distances, and using the bullet trains (Shinkansen), consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains). It can be a cost-effective option for long-distance travel. Buy your JR Rail pass here)
  2. Use Regional Passes:
    • Depending on your itinerary, regional rail passes like the JR East Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, or the Tokyo Metro Pass can save you money on transportation within specific areas. Find out about Japan Regional Rail Passs here
  3. Take Advantage of Discount Tickets:
    • Look for discount train tickets, from online booking sites like Klook or Get Your Guide, which offers unlimited travel on local trains for five non-consecutive days.
  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.
  5. USE Promo code to book your Shinkasen Ticket

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.

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 or Pocket WiFi:
    • Instead of relying on expensive international roaming, get a local SIM card or rent a pocket WiFi device 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 in your home currency at the exchange rate of the ATM. This often comes with unfavorable exchange rates. Opt to withdraw in the local currency to avoid additional conversion fees.

Check current Exchange rates & FIND out more about WISE CARD

Japan on a BUDGET - How to SAVE MONEY on your Japan Trip
CLICK HERE

By implementing these tips, you easily save money on your Japan trip, and travel Japan on a budget with without sacrificing the quality of your experience. Enjoy your adventure in this fascinating country!

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