💴 Budget travel to Japan: 15 life hacks for saving 🇯🇵

Japan is considered one of the most expensive countries today. But even here there are loopholes on how to cut costs and make your trip more budget-friendly. We have collected the best tips on how to save on accommodation, tickets and meals.

Japan Rail Pass is a great travel option

The Japan Rail Pass is one of the best ways to save money and see the most of Japan. JRP provides an unlimited number of trips on rail transport, including the lightning-fast Shinkansen, which is popularly nicknamed the “bullet train”.

Standard JRP for a week will cost 29,650 yen ($220), for 14 days – 47,250 yen ($350), and for 21 – 60,450 yen ($450). For luxury lovers, there is the Green Car, which starts at 39,600 yen ($295). You can buy a pass online or at a travel agency.

Prefer business hotels and book directly

Business hotels have rooms with private bathrooms at the best prices. For example, for a double you will pay from 8 thousand yen ($60), and for a single – from 6 thousand yen ($45). At the same time, give preference to those places where the price includes a buffet breakfast. As a rule, it is quite filling.

You can also stay in a capsule hotel. When you rent a room like this, you literally only get a bed. Such housing will cost about 4 thousand yen ($30) per night. This is especially beneficial in large and extremely expensive cities.

Japanese guesthouses and hostels are clean and comfortable. A bed in a dormitory will cost about 3 thousand yen ($22). Sometimes they may ask you to pay extra for a towel. It will be more economical to take your own. In addition, the price will be significantly lower if you book accommodation directly. We advise you to study housing offers in advance.

By the way, the cheapest option for accommodation in Japan is camping. The country has entire networks of landscaped sites, which, as a rule, are located in rural or resort areas. You will have to pay from 500 to 1 thousand yen ($3-8) per person or per tent. However, keep in mind that many of them work only in the summer. 

Travel intercity at night by bus e and fly domestic flights

Intercity buses are the cheapest way to travel. Especially when it comes to night flights. So you can avoid spending money on a hotel. If you are planning several long journeys, you can purchase a bus pass.

By the way, Japanese low-cost carriers Peach, Jetstar and Air Do offer flights at low prices. If you choose this method of traveling between cities, be sure to take into account the time and transfer to or from the airport.

Eat in the “right” places or buy bento

You can eat well and satisfyingly in shokudo – these are budget “canteens” where you can get large portions for little money. For example , a plate of delicious ramen will cost 600 yen ($5), and miso soup will cost 300 yen ($2). At tachigui, a Japanese fast food restaurant, you can try soba (buckwheat noodles) and udon (white wheat noodles) for 350 yen ($3) per serving.

In addition, many expensive restaurants offer smaller portions at lunchtime than during dinner, but at a lower price. Also note that in all restaurants in Japan, tea and water are free, and it is not customary to leave tips. 

Bento, or boxed lunches, include a variety of foods. They are sold in stores. The price tag is approximately 1 thousand yen ($8). Also keep in mind that food halls sell delicacies at high prices, but closer to closing their prices drop rapidly.

Also remember that you can always find affordable, albeit not entirely healthy, food in convenience stores. And don’t forget about noodles in cups – they are always at your service. Also don’t forget about the markets. At these locations you can find products at several times cheaper, and also get to know the local culture.

Attend festivals

Throughout the year, various festivals are held in sanctuaries and temples, as well as on city streets. Firstly, this is free developmental treatment. And secondly, at such events there are always street food vendors. And thirdly, what is not a reason to get to know Japanese culture?

By the way, they usually don’t charge money for entering Shinto shrines and temple grounds. However, please note that you will not be able to enter individual rooms or fenced gardens for free.

Walk

Throughout Japan, and especially in Tokyo, you can find incredible buildings designed by famous Japanese architects. So there is something to see here not only for fans of unusual architecture.

And if you want to feel the Japanese atmosphere, then take a walk along the old pilgrim paths and rural streets or climb the mountains. Fortunately, there are enough national parks in the country.

Spend time in city parks 

City parks are generally open to the public. Locals come here quite often, especially on weekends. You can take a cue from them and have a picnic or just sit back and people-watch during the day. And if you time your visit correctly, you can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms.