How to go to Japan really cheaply.

I love travel, and of all the places I’ve travelled I love Japan the most of all, and I can tell you why. See, I’ve been to the beaches in Puerto Rico, Fort Lauderdale, and Hilton Head Island. I’ve seen the metropolis of Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. And then I’ve witnessed the beauty of Tokyo and nothing has yet to compete with what Tokyo, and the rest of Japan, has to offer.

People in Tokyo are friendly, clean, and polite, and the entire city is like it was designed by people who know how to maximize the most stuff in the most limited amount of space. Bottom line is that Tokyo is convenient and fun.

But what about price? For decades many people thought of Tokyo as one of the most expensive cities in the world — but with Japan’s declining populations and reliance on tourism, that is all changing. It’s now possible to travel to Japan and enjoy your time in Japan on the cheap!

Flights

There are several ways to get yourself to Japan cheaply:

1. Look for flights during off-peak seasons, such as spring or autumn, as airfare is typically cheaper during these times. I like to visit in March and/or October.
2. Consider budget airlines, such as Peach and Jetstar, which offer lower airfare than major airlines.
3. Book your flights and accommodations in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. Most travel websites now let you schedule “price alerts” to let you know when prices go down.
4. Look for deals and discounts on travel websites, such as Expedia, Priceline, and Kayak. Also use Google Flights extensively.
5. Use a travel credit card that gives you rewards or points for travel expenses. For example, there are some cards that offer enough points to get all the way to Japan and back just for applying.
6. Consider alternative airports, such as Osaka or Fukuoka, which may have cheaper flights than Tokyo.
7. Save money for your flight by looking for budget accommodation options such as hostels, guesthouses, or capsule hotels. I personally don’t like them, but you may find them convenient.
8. Save even more by living like a local by eating at street vendors, local markets, and convenience stores.

The total cost of going to Japan is estimated to be between $2000 and $5000 all inclusive.

Nekomae intersection in Shinjuku. Photo copyright © Ryan Kopf.

Inside Japan

Here are some ways to save money while in Japan:

• Use a Japan Rail Pass to save on train tickets, especially if you plan on traveling to multiple cities. The Shinkansen can cost $100-$200 or more per trip without the rail pass.
• Take advantage of the many free activities in Japan, such as visiting temples, parks, and gardens. The uniquely rich and historical culture of Japan is great and costs almost nothing to enjoy.
• Eat like a local by trying street food, vending machine meals, and convenience store bento boxes instead of dining at expensive restaurants. Udon and soba shops with a ticket machine are often between $3 and $6 per meal.
• Shop at discount and 100 yen stores for souvenirs and everyday items. Check out Daiso, the equivalent to the US’s Dollar Store.
• Take advantage of free Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, and convenience stores.
• Use a prepaid IC card for public transportation, it allows you to save money on fares and avoid buying individual tickets each time.
• Use cash instead of credit cards to avoid foreign transaction fees.
• Be mindful of peak season and look for alternative destinations or accommodation that are less crowded and expensive. The peak is in the summer, so I suggest late Spring and early Fall. It can get cold outside of those times.
• Use the free or low-cost tourist information centers and brochures to plan your itinerary.
• Look for free walking tours or volunteer guides to help you navigate the city and learn more about the culture.

A festival at Honozono Shrine in Shinjuku. Admission was free. Copyright © Ryan Kopf.

Eating Cheaply

You can also save a lot by thinking about how to eat cheaply in Japan. Japanese foods are cheaper than you think!

• Convenience store bento boxes, which are pre-made meals sold at convenience stores and can be a quick and cheap option. Bento, is a traditional type ofJapanese lunch box, which often contains a variety of items such as fish, meat, or vegetables.
• Street food, such as takoyaki (octopus balls), yakisoba (pan-fried noodles), and okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) can be found at street vendors, festivals, and night markets.
• Ramen, which can be found at small shops throughout Tokyo, is famous both inside and outside of Japan — and very cheap.
• Udon, is a type of soft, thick wheat noodle, is a popular and cheap option, and it usually comes in a simple broth with tempura on top.
• Donburi, ie a rice bowl, are cheap. You can get them with all kinds of things like chicken or shrimp tempura. I suggest gyu-don which is a meat-on-rice-bowl.
• Curry with rice is popular and cheap and can be found across the country.
• Yakitori, which are skewered and grilled chicken, is a popular and cheap option for a meal or snack, but its often more expensive than the other options.
• Onigiri, are Japanese rice balls (technically more like a triangle) that is often filled with fish, meat, or vegetables, it’s a convenient and cheap option for a meal or snack, and you can grab one from the local convenience store (7–11, Family Mart, Lawsons, etc).

Overall if you have $2,000 to $5,000 you can definitely experience Japan on the cheap! The more you have the longer you can stay and the more you’ll be able to see and do.