Table of Contents
Travel Japan on a Budget
Japan is a country where quite old cultural values exist, but at the same time, there is a tendency to presume couching and innovative technologies. Even though many people don’t think of Japan as a budget-friendly travel destination, it’s very easy to travel to Japan on a strict budget. If you’re willing to plan wisely and make smart decisions, along with being ready for adventures, discovering more about the world – its traditions, beautiful nature, and mouthwatering food – is only possible if you’re ready to spend a lot of money. Read this guide to get ideas and know-how on travelling cheaply around Japan without missing out on its awesomeness.
Choosing Budget Accommodations
It is possible to name many cheap places to stay in Japan as Japan has numerous kinds of cheap accommodation. The main reason why hostels are so popular is their relatively low price, plus it’s an opportunity to make new friends during the journey. Quite a few hostels in Japanese cities, such as Tokyo and Kyoto, have private rooms that are fairly cheap and can provide some privacy. Another attraction for cheap accommodation is the small and quite peculiar capsule hotels. These are not only ‘cheap’ bed structures but also ones quite uniquely different, typically from Japan.
For a more classical experience, try to find a ryokan – a Japanese inn. Although some may be rather expensive, others can be found for rather moderate prices, and the price is more reasonable if, for instance, you agree to share common facilities. Also, for a more local experience, one can try the guesthouses or minpaku, which refers to accommodations at people’s homes. Travel booking can sometimes be cheaper when arranged way ahead than booking immediately upon arrival, so plan earlier!
Using Public Transportation
Public transport is well-developed and one of the fastest, cleanest, and most convenient means of transport in Japan and the rest of the world. When moving from one city to another, one should purchase a Japan Rail Pass to travel on a budget. This pass permits the non-restricted use of almost all trains within its validity, including the Shinkansen Co, mainly known as bullet trains. It is cost-effective and makes your trip more enjoyable, enabling you to cross the country without hitches.
Subways and buses should be used for inter-city transportation. Most cities have what is commonly referred to as ‘men’s day’, which is a pass that allows anyone to move around the city by bus or train within a certain-numbered duration of time. Moreover, try to use your feet or bike in places with many points of interest clustered together. This will not only be cost-effective, but you will also get to know some of the best joints and cultures in the area. To a certain extent, Japan is one of the easiest countries to explore by public transportation; with a little planning, it’s possible to save money while moving around.
Eating on a Budget
Eating Japanese food is always a treat, and unless you’re dining at one of the Michelin-star restaurants, it won’t burn a hole in your pocket. The Lezi, café to go, and convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, have delicious and cheap menu items such as sushi, onigiri, bento sets, and snacks. These meals are cheap but very tasty, offering a quantity and quality you might not get when eating out regularly.
Japanese cuisine offers another exciting method of getting a taste of Japanese delicacies without spending a lot. Visit food halls and street stands to taste such dishes as takoyaki, yakitori, and okonomiyaki. Many restaurant lunch specials provide good value, so watch for those as you go out for lunch. Learning to choose healthier foods also means having a good time without spending much money.
Exploring Off the Beaten Path
Although famous holiday destinations such as Tokyo and Kyoto should not be missed, visiting some less-known sites in Japan would be beneficial. Suburban areas and the countryside are generally more genuine; they are not overcrowded or overpriced. If you are a history fan, consider visiting Takayama, which is equipped with several impressive buildings constructed during the Edo era, or, for instance, Shirakawa-go, which has houses with thatched roofs. These places give a much better look at the depth of the history of Japan and some of the beautiful natural wonders of the country for much cheaper than other well touristy places.
Besides, sightseeing in the countryside of Japan can help people find themselves in places such as the hot spring resort Hakone or the mountain trail Alpes Japonaises. Over the years, it has emerged that local guesthouses usually offer cheap food and accommodations and therefore, travellers should consider dining in less fashionable restaurants or neighbourhoods. At the same time, the strategy of being a tourist who doesn’t follow the obvious tourist track is frugal and makes travelling much more meaningful.
Finding Affordable Activities
Japan is overflowing with fun things to do, many of which are cheap as chips. You may find that several museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions charge token fees or sometimes have free days. For example, the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints in Tokyo provides occasional classes that are free of charge and focus on telling you about woodblock prints in Japan.
Think about joining local workshops or classes that will help you immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It could be a cooking class, an art of pottery class, or even a tea ceremony. Most of the lessons are cheap and educational. Local people may also offer free walking tours in many cities to give tourists information about the history and traditions of the place. There is no need to spend much when organizing your dates; therefore, there are ways to have fun on a budget.
Shopping Smart
Going shopping in Japan can be quite an exciting activity, not only for markets that offer the brakes of energy but also for the incredible boutiques. However, the consumer must ensure they are not carried away by the same and spend more money. Check out stores such as Daiso, where you can easily buy souvenirs, kitchenware, and other household equipment, such as novels, snacks and confectioneries, for 100 yen each. Second-hand shops or thrift stores are not bad options; famous districts, such as Harajuku, would have them, which are not expensive.
Fashion-wise shoppers should consider going to shopping outlets located on the outskirts of big cities, where they also sell branded clothes at throw-away prices. Also, use another opportunity to shop for tax-free items if you are a foreigner visiting the country intentionally. A great advantage of shopping at most shops is that customers are freed from taxes on any item that costs more than a specific sum, so taking a little piece of Japan home becomes possible. However, as you will find below, shopping can easily form a fun and exciting part of spending less on your vacation.
Planning Your Itinerary Wisely
Thus, time and again, careful planning is one of the most important strategies in budget travel around Japan. In this case, you need to look at your trip timetable and how you can plan to ensure that you meet your planned programs without necessarily incurring many expenses. Include basic things to see and do and be aware of the ticket prices. Free days should be set in advance to enable one to explore the locals and other untraditional sites. This will help you not to be over-clocked or overspent and make your experience in Japan full and completely enjoyable.
Another thing to look at is if it is winter, summer, autumn, or spring when you plan to travel. Since travelling in the shoulder season is generally cheaper, this is one of the best times to visit since there are low costs for accommodation and deals. If you visit during special events like festivals, try to capture them as they provide a great additional cultural experience. If you want to make sure your adventure in Japan would be unforgettable but would not leave your wallet empty, start planning well.
Conclusion
Travelling to Japan on a budget is possible if one follows these guidelines. You can spend time in Japan and enjoy its peculiarities, choosing cheap motels, taking the buses or the subway, trying the cheapest foods, and visiting the free-of-charge sights. To have great memories of this beautiful country, you must learn from the locals, discover unique places, and plan your future travel. Whether strolling through beautifully landscaped gardens or sampling food on the streets, there is much of Japan still to be explored and done – all without losing your pocket.
FAQs
Is Japan that expensive to visit?
The stereotype is that travelling in Japan is expensive, but that isn’t completely true. While travelling, you do not have to spend too much, with proper planning and cheap places to stay and eat in Japan.
What’s the best way to get around Japan cheaply?
Japan rail pass is one of the most convenient methods of getting from one city of Japan to another. For moving within the city, subways/buses within that city usually provide day passes inclusive of their fares. Walking and cycling are also cheap methods of travelling.
Are there any free attractions in Japan?
Absolutely! Some temples, parks, and shrines are inaccessible without paying, but most are free of charge. Also, many local festivals and events are free, so people can enjoy certain cultural events.
How can I find budget-friendly food in Japan?
You can also get cheap meals at convenience stores, and meals from street vendors are inexpensive. Search for lunch specials at restaurants if you want the best for a cheaper price.
What’s the best time to visit Japan on a budget?
This is because such seasons receive a small number of tourists, and accommodation prices are low compared to other great seasons, such as spring or other seasons.