Traveling Japan as cheap as possible.
You want to travel cheap? Going to Japan isn’t the cheapest vacation in the world, but the total cost of going to Japan might not be as high as you’d expect. But I want you to be able to go experience the joy of visiting Japan some day, and so here are my top tips for travelling cheaply.
Tip #1: Plan your trip in advance and be flexible on dates. To save money on your trip to Japan, it’s best to plan your trip in advance. This way, you can find the best deals on flights, hotels, and activities. Book your flight and hotel at least two to three months before your trip to take advantage of early bird discounts. You can’t be locked into specific travel dates until you know exactly the price of flights. Flights are the biggest expense when it comes to getting to Japan.
Tip #2: Consider a Japan Rail Pass, or Tokyo Wide Area Pass. Japan is known for its many transportation options, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. The Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited access to the country’s extensive train network, including Shinkansen trains between cities, which otherwise cost over $100 without the pass. This pass can save you a lot of money if you plan to travel around to different parts of the country. Additionally, you can also use buses, which are sometimes cheaper than trains, to travel within cities.
If you’re sticking to one area, there are several regional rail passes available in Japan, each covering different regions and offering different benefits. Some of the most popular regional rail passes include the JR East Pass, the JR West Rail Pass, the JR Kyushu Rail Pass, and the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass. Each pass is specific to a particular region and allows for unlimited travel on selected trains and buses within that region.
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass is another option that includes 3 days of unlimited travel on trains and Shinkansen in the greater Tokyo Metro area! There are also other options, like the Tokyo Metro 24 hour pass. A ticket allows unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro for 24 hours from first use. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the day. They cost about $6, or equivalent to the price of 3 or 4 rides, so this can be a great savings!
Tip #3: Stay in budget-friendly accommodation: Instead of staying in expensive hotels, opt for budget-friendly accommodation options such as hostels, capsule hotels, or Airbnb. These options offer clean and comfortable rooms at a fraction of the cost of traditional hotels. You can also consider staying in less touristy areas to find cheaper accommodation options.
I personally avoid hostels and any kind of shared-room accommodations, due to the risks involved with staying with strangers. But if you’re travelling without valuables, its a good option.
When choosing an AirBNB, make sure that the Airbnb is in a convenient location, close to public transportation, and in a fun neighborhood. Nearly all neighborhoods in Japan are pretty safe, but some are much louder than others. I suggest you research the exact area and read the reviews of previous guests to get a better idea of the location. The most important part of choosing an AirBNB for me is usually choosing one near the Yamanote line, which encircles most of Tokyo.
Carefully review the photos provided by the host to get an accurate representation of the property. Look for any potential issues, such as a lack of privacy or outdated furnishings. Also note that spaces in Japan are smaller than you might expect, so be careful of angles that don’t quite show the size of the room you’re looking at.
Tip #4: Explore free activities: There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Japan, such as visiting temples and parks, strolling through local markets, and enjoying scenic views from scenic spots. Take advantage of these free activities to save money and still experience the local culture.
Visiting Akihabara, for example, is free if you stick to window shopping.
Many of Japan’s temples and shrines, such as the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo and the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, offer free admission and offer a unique glimpse into Japanese culture and history.
Japan is also famous for its parks, such as Ueno Park in Tokyo and the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto. Take a walk, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery, all for free.
Japanese street food is a delicious and affordable way to experience the local cuisine. From takoyaki (octopus balls) to yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), there is a wide variety of street food to try and its far more affordable than a sit-down restaurant.
Japan is also home to many scenic spots, such as Mount Takao near Tokyo and Mount Rokko near Kobe, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Some of these places offer great views of some large solar farms too, which I find fascinating!
Tip #5: Avoid dining at restaurants: Dining out in Japan can be expensive, especially in tourist areas. Instead, opt for eating at convenience stores, which offer a wide variety of affordable and delicious food options. You can also try street food, which is a cheap and authentic way to experience Japanese cuisine.
Tip #6: Shop at discount stores: Japan is known for its high-end shopping, but you can still find great deals at discount stores and second-hand shops. Look for stores like Don Quijote and Seria, which offer a wide variety of products at discounted prices. The cheapest stores are Daiso and Can Do, which are the Japanese equivalent to dollar stores.
You can also find great deals on souvenirs at local street markets and flea markets. By shopping at discount stores, you can save money and bring back unique souvenirs from your trip to Japan.
Tip #7: Attend festivals and events. Many cities in Japan offer cultural events and festivals, such as the famous cherry blossom viewing parties in spring and the Illumination events in winter, which are free and open to the public.
Tokyo is home to many exciting festivals throughout the year, showcasing traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment. Some of the most famous festivals include the Sanja Matsuri, a vibrant festival honoring the founders of Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the Sanno Festival, a traditional festival held at Hie Shrine in central Tokyo, and the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, which features a spectacular display of fireworks over the Sumida River. Another popular festival is the Tokyo International Film Festival, which is held annually and showcases the latest in international and Japanese film.
Additionally, the New Year’s festivities at Shibuya Crossing and the Tsukiji Fish Market New Year’s Auction are must-see events for those visiting Tokyo during the holiday season. Shibuya is also pretty wild during Halloween as well.
Tip #8: Avoid the most expensive activities. Japan is home to several popular theme parks, such as DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan. A day at one of these parks can cost several hundred dollars, including admission, food, and souvenirs.
Tokyo is also home to a ton of high-end shopping, particularly around Shinjuku, Roppongi, and Ginza. Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise, with high-end fashion boutiques, luxury department stores, and high-end electronics shops. Shopping in these places can quickly add up, especially if you are looking for premium or high-end products.
Tokyo is home to many world-class art museums and cultural institutions, such as the National Art Center, the National Museum of Modern Art, and the Mori Art Museum. Admission to these museums can cost several hundred yen per person. But often they may run special deals on admission, so keep an eye out for those.
Whether you’re an anime nerd who likes going to events at anime conventions, or if you want to see some anime sites in Japan, I hope these tips help you travel cheaply!
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Ryan Kopf is the President of AnimeCon.org and visits Japan annually for convention business, including bringing great Japanese concert experiences to fans in the Chicagoland and Minneapolis areas.