Travelling around Japan on a budget isn’t as impossible as you might think! So, you’ve made the decision to travel to Japan. Congratulations! This is going to be one of the most exciting adventures of your life.
Japan is a country with a rich history and cultural heritage that will fascinate you and leave you in awe. From Tokyo to Kyoto and beyond, there is so much to see and explore on your trip.
Travelling around Japan can be expensive, though. That doesn’t mean it has to be! As such, we’re here to show you how to travel around Japan on a budget, from the best places to stay, what to eat, the best ways to travel, and so much more.
Food – convenience stores and ramen restaurants are your best friends
Dining out in Japan can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re in big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, you will be spoilt for choice with a plethora of incredible, authentic restaurants.
However, if you’re travelling on a budget, you should be aware of the many ramen restaurants that line the city street, and they are very affordable.
A lot of them operate via machines, sort of like a vending machine, where you click the ramen dish you want and pay before you take a seat, or standing seat in many cases. A bowl of ramen can cost anywhere between 600 and 1,200 yen ($4 – $8), so it’s extremely affordable.
Better still, if you’re travelling on a super tight budget, the 7-Eleven convenience stores dotted around the cities will be your savour, and the food is really good, too. You can get ramen pots, onigiri, sushi, and even alcohol!
Accommodation – how to save your money
Hotels in Japan can be expensive, so if it’s something you’re comfortable with, why not consider couch surfing to ensure you can travel on a budget?
Couch surfing is a great way to save money while travelling, and thanks to a review system on the app, you can make sure where you’re staying is safe. But, if you’re travelling alone, couch surfing probably isn’t the best option, as safety is paramount.
Consider staying in a hostel if this is the case. This way, you can meet new people and avoid the hefty price of hotels. Capsule hotels are another great way to stay on a budget because they offer a unique, albeit compact, accommodation experience for a fraction of the price of a hotel.
Transport – travelling throughout Japan on a budget
Travelling within Japan is one of the most expensive parts of your trip, especially if you travel by train. If you want to travel on a budget, use the bus to travel between cities, as it’s considerably cheaper.
For example, while the train from Japan to Osaka will cost around $100, the bus costs around $35 for the journey. Furthermore, when you’re travelling within a city, such as Tokyo, don’t get taxis, as they are very expensive.
Tokyo is covered with a dense network of train, subway, and bus lines, so always look up your route and figure out the cheapest and easiest way to get there using public transport. A subway app or a Japanese Rail Pass are some of the essential things you will need when travelling to Japan.
Speaking of Tokyo! Here are our top ten reasons why you should visit Tokyo in winter.
Sightseeing – many attractions are completely free
Luckily, there are a lot of things to see and do in Japan that cost absolutely nothing. In Tokyo, just visiting areas alone is a fascinating adventure in itself, so you don’t have to break the bank every day of your trip!
You have the Shibuya Crossing to explore completely free. There are also a number of shrines that are free to explore, like the Meiji Shrine, and a number of free parks, like Yoyogi Park and Ueno Park.
In Osaka, you can explore the likes of Dotombori District, explore Minami, and admire Osaka Castle from the park, to name a few free activities.
In Kyoto, perhaps the most famous attraction, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, is also completely free! So is Arashiyama and exploring Nishiki Market Shopping District! So, one of the best ways to explore Japan on a budget is by indulging in the abundance of free attractions!
It’s time to start planning your Japan itinerary, and we hope our top tips on travelling around Japan on a budget have helped you! In the meantime, click here for ten customs and traditions in Japan you should keep in mind before visiting.
