Helpful Guide of Budget-Friendly Ways to Visit Japan

Japan is a country that has been at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists. However, before booking your flights over to Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, you might want to consider how much of your bank account you are willing to sacrifice for this epic vacation.

Japan is an amazing and unique country with a rich culture and history. However, it can be quite expensive to visit, especially if you are on a tight budget. Luckily, there are ways to visit Japan without breaking the bank. Here are some of the top ways to plan an affordable budget-friendly vacation to Japan:

Use air miles or points to book or reduce your flight cost

If you have accumulated air miles or points through credit cards or other loyalty programs, now is the time to use them to book your flight to Japan. This can potentially save you hundreds of dollars on your airfare.  Even if you don’t have enough miles for the full ticket, you may be able to substantially reduce the cost.

Buy your plane tickets at least 2 months in advance 

If you’re looking to visit Japan on a budget, buying your plane tickets at least 2 months in advance is one of the best ways to do so. By doing this, you’ll be able to take advantage of lower airfares and save yourself a significant amount of money.

Stay in budget accommodation

There are many options for budget-friendly accommodation in Japan, such as hostels, capsule hotels, guest houses and Ryokan inns. Hostels typically cost around ¥2,500 per night, while capsule hotels can be as low as ¥1,000 per night. Both options are much cheaper than traditional hotels and can help you stretch your budget further. These options can offer a comfortable place to stay without breaking the bank.  Airbnb stays are another option to explore.

Consider Capsule Hotels or Hostels

These types of accommodations are typically much cheaper than traditional hotels, and they offer a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

Capsule hotels are exactly what they sound like – small capsules or rooms that you sleep in. These capsules are usually stacked on top of each other, and they often have a TV and other amenities inside. Capsule hotels are perfect for budget-minded travelers who don’t mind sleeping in close quarters.

Hostels, on the other hand, are more traditional accommodations that offer dorm-style rooms with bunk beds. Hostels typically have more social spaces than capsule hotels, so they’re perfect for travelers who want to meet new people. Many hostels also offer private rooms for those who prefer more privacy.

Book your hotel well in advance

When it comes to saving money on your trip to Japan, one of the best things you can do is book your hotel in advance. This will allow you to take advantage of early bird discounts and special promotions that may be offered by the hotel. In addition, by booking in advance you can also avoid the peak season prices that are typically charged during the summer and winter months.

Take advantage of free activities

There are many free activities and attractions that you can enjoy while in Japan. For example, you can explore temples and shrines, take a walk through one of the many parks, or even just people watch in one of the busiest districts.  Here’s a handy list of 20 free things to do in Japan.

Eat like a local

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to eat as the locals do. In Japan, this means eating at Izakaya bars, street food stalls, and convenience stores. Not only is this food cheaper than dining at restaurants, but it’s also often more delicious!

Use public transportation

Japan has an extensive network of trains that are clean, comfortable, reliable and fast.  Rail lines connect most of the cities in the country and there are signs in English for all trains and destinations.   In other spots not served by the rail system,  buses, taxis and rental cars are available.  Japan’s bullet trains are famous for their swift, efficient journies throughout the country.

Purchase a Japan Rail Pass

Rail Passes are also available at a discount for students. A 7-day JR Pass costs about ¥29,000 for adults, but only ¥14,000 for students. This can be a great way to save money if you plan on doing a lot of travel within Japan.

Use buses for short-distance travel 

There are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to use the bus for travel in Japan. The first is the cost. Buses in Japan are very affordable, especially when compared to other forms of transportation such as trains and cars. A one-way ticket on a local bus can cost as little as 100 yen, which is about $1 USD.

The second thing to consider is the distance you will be traveling. Buses in Japan generally only travel short distances, so if you are looking to travel from one city to another, you may want to consider taking the train instead. However, if you are just looking to get around within a single city or town, then the bus is a great option.

Finally, keep in mind that buses in Japan can be quite crowded during peak hours. If you are not comfortable with being elbow-to-elbow with your fellow passengers, then you may want to avoid taking the bus during rush hour. Otherwise, if you don’t mind a little crowding, then the bus is a great way to get around Japan without breaking the bank.

Know which type of subway pass works best

There are a few different types of subway passes available for purchase in Japan, and it can be confusing to know which one is the best option for you. If you plan on using the subway system frequently during your stay, then it might be worth it to buy a prepaid pass. These can be purchased at any subway station and can be reloaded with money as needed.

Another option is to purchase a day pass, which allows unlimited use of the subway system for one day. Day passes can be bought at any station ticket office and are a great option if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing in one day.

If you only need to use the subway for a few trips, then you can just pay per ride. Tickets can be purchased at any station ticket office or vending machine. Just make sure to have the correct fare ready as there is no change given.

No matter which option you choose, using the subway is an affordable way to get around Japan and see all that this country has to offer!

Take the overnight sleeper train to Tokyo

If you’re looking for an affordable way to travel to Japan, consider taking the overnight sleeper train. This option is much cheaper than flying and can be a great way to see the countryside. The downside is that it can be a bit of a hassle to book tickets and find your way around the stations, but it’s definitely doable if you’re on a budget.

Travel during Japan’s off-peak periods

Avoid traveling during the peak summer months when many attractions are closed, and water levels are high.

Japan is a country that is rich in culture and history. It is also a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. However, Japan can be a very expensive place to visit, especially during the peak summer months when many attractions are closed and water levels are high.

There are ways to visit Japan without breaking the bank, though. One way is to travel during the country’s off-peak periods. The weather is still pleasant during these times and many attractions remain open. Traveling during the off-peak periods also means that you’ll likely have a more authentic experience as you’ll be interacting with more locals than tourists.  If you’re interested in saving money on your trip to Japan, consider traveling during the country’s off-peak periods. You’ll still be able to enjoy all that Japan has to offer without spending a fortune.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Many museums and attractions offer student discounts with valid IDs. For instance, the Tokyo National Museum offers a 50% discount for students, and the Edo-Tokyo Museum offers a 40% discount.

Finally, be sure to take advantage of free activities when you can. Many temples and shrines offer free admission, and walking around town is also a great way to see the sights without spending any money.

Always check the weather before you book anything expensive like an overland tour or flight

When it comes to booking an overland tour or flight, always check the weather first. This is especially important if you’re visiting Japan during the rainy season. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a hotel room because of bad weather.

Final Thoughts

Once you arrive in Japan, be sure to take advantage of all that the country has to offer. From its stunning natural scenery to its rich culture and history, there is much to explore in Japan. And with Airbnb, you can do so without breaking the bank.