The world is changing in a way where the travel gods are now in our favor. Specifically, traveling to Japan has never been cheaper!
These days, everyone is going to Japan. The country may not be considered a ‘cheap’ Asian destination by any means (compared to other countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, etc.), but it’s still quite easy to experience Japan on a budget — without breaking the bank.
Japan doesn’t have to be a “once-in-a-lifetime” kind of trip where you splurge, splurge, splurge—at least, not for me. Since my first two-week trip back in 2016, I’ve been completely enamored by the country. So much so that I’ve returned to Japan six times (and counting!).
These days, Papu and I visit Japan once (or even twice) a year, and we have no plans to slow down. For us, Japan has become a regular escape, a place we keep coming back to because there’s just too much to experience.
Traveling to Japan frequently means we’ve had to master the art of doing it on a budget. And trust me, it’s not only possible—it’s easier than you might think.
Over the years, I’ve picked up plenty of tricks to stretch my yen without sacrificing the magic of Japan. From scoring cheap eats to finding hidden gems that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, I’ve got a few insider tips I’m excited to share with you.
You’ll find out how to leverage meal times to get the best deals on food, how to find a home base hotel that will save you money on transportation, how you can stay in apartments and B&B’s for free, and much, much more.
This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!
Table of Contents
JAPAN ON A BUDGET: TRANSPORTATION & GETTING AROUND
1. Your biggest expense will probably be the flight itself.
Luckily for us, flights to Asia have been getting cheaper and cheaper over the years, to the point where sub-$600 flights can be pretty common.
If you travel frequently, subscribe to Going (previously Scott’s Cheap Flights) to get email notifications on cheap flights to many locations around the world. This is the only premium / paid subscription I personally own, and it’s saved me thousands of dollars on flights over the years.
I can definitely confirm that Japan pops up every once in a while!
2. Consider the Japan Rail Pass if traveling across 3+ regions of Japan.
Transportation across regions in Japan is not cheap. In fact, it’s surprisingly expensive compared to other Asian countries.
Most travelers visiting Japan for the first time do the classic 2-week trip from the Tokyo area (Kanto region) to the Kyoto/Osaka area (Kansai region).
Guess how much a roundtrip train ticket costs to get from Tokyo to Kyoto (and back)? Almost $200 USD (~28,340 yen).
Meanwhile, a 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs about $330 USD. While the 7-day JR Pass used to be around the same price as a roundtrip ride from Tokyo <-> Kyoto, the JR Pass recently saw a pretty substantial price hike, which totally sucks.
Nevertheless, these National JR Passes can really come in handy if you’re:
- planning to visit multiple regions across the country (3 regions or more)
- plan on doing day trips or even overnight stays in cities other than Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka
- plan on getting around by JR trains a lot during your trip
Yes, this pass is an investment in itself, but it does allow you to take bullet trains from Kyoto to Tokyo and back, as well as take a multitude of other side trips at no extra cost.
There’s also a 14-day and a 21-day version. Most people with 2-week trips opt for the 14-day version.
Not gonna sugarcoat it, the pass is expensive. But if you do your homework and map out how many train rides you’ll need over the course of your trip, you can calculate what makes more sense — buying the pass or buying train tickets as you go.
If you plan on staying in the Tokyo and Kyoto areas with very little side trips, this pass will not make sense for you.
But if you plan on visiting 3+ major regions within Japan (like a trip that incorporates Kanto region, Kansai region, and Kyushu region), it may actually save you money!
Not sure if the JR Pass is right for you and your travel needs? Check out the free fare calculator on the JR Pass website to map how much your trip would cost and determine if you’re actually going to save any money with it.
It’s a super cool tool! Don’t forget to add in your rides to/from the airport — the JR Passes can be used there too.
3. For the big distances, flying might be cheaper.
With the JR Pass price increase, it might make more sense to fly instead of taking the shinkansen from city to city. You can easily find flights from KIX to HND (and vice versa) in the $50-80 USD price range.
Again, you’ll have to do the math for yourself and compare prices with your specific travel dates to find the cheapest travel method.
4. Consider other regional passes if you’re staying within a smaller region.
Research extensively before committing to a Japan Rail Pass. Depending on your itinerary, there might be regional passes (or passes for a combination of regions) that suit your needs better, and for WAY cheaper.
Having gone to Japan six times now, I’ve found JR passes have very limited use within a city, particularly in major cities like Osaka, Tokyo, and Kyoto (since they have their own local transportation systems that the JR pass does not cover).
If you’re sticking to just a city or two, you might be better off with a regional pass instead of the nationwide Japan Rail Pass.
Here’s a real-life example of how I used regional passes on my latest trip to Japan: I visited Tokyo and the Fuji Five Lakes in the Kanto Region, as well as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kinosaki Onsen in the Kansai region. This 2-week trip consisted of just 2 regions total.
In the Kanto area, I purchased train tickets and bus tickets with my Suica card and paid as I went. On just one day, I got myself a 24-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket since I knew I’d be running around a lot.
In the Kansai region though, I opted for the Kansai Wide Area Pass, which actually saved me a ton of money. To get between regions (Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka and back), I actually took flights as opposed to bullet trains.
All that is to say: You’ll have to play with your transportation options to find a balance between cost and convenience!
5. Set yourself up with an IC card for the utmost convenience.
The IC card (or Suica, ICOCA, and Pasmo — they’re practically all the same) are rechargeable cards that can be used to conveniently pay fares on public transportation and to make payments at a majority of vending machines, as well as lots of shops and restaurants too.
It’s the most hassle-free way to pay in Japan. You simply touch the card on a reader for about a second and you’ll have paid! The convenience of having this was such a luxury—it meant no more fumbling for coins or bills, no more waiting for your credit card to go through/signing receipts!
They used to require you to buy a physical card, but now you can load an IC card right into your phone’s digital wallet for free. There’s no reason NOT to set one up for your trip!
6. Take public transportation to and from the airport.
The great thing about Japan is that its public transportation system is about the best in the world. Getting from the airport to the city center by bus or train is very easy and can save you a ton of money.
Rather than spending $80+ USD for a taxi from Narita Airport to Tokyo, just take the train for ~$20 or the bus for $10. Public transportation is even cheaper if you fly from Haneda International Airport!
Most airport websites provide clear information on how to buy tickets and get to the city center.
7. The Tokyo Metro offers unlimited rides which is great for getting around Tokyo.
If the JR Pass is out of the question for you, you can consider a bunch of other transportation passes. There are way too many to name here, but the one that I’ve found to be the most useful is the Tokyo Subway Ticket (the one I briefly mentioned above).
Got heavy subway-use days? The Tokyo Subway Ticket is one of the most useful discount Tokyo travel passes. It doesn’t cost very much and gives you unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro lines and Toei Lines. They come on 24-,48-, and 72-hour passes.
With these subway passes, you also get access to discounts at over 230 locations across Tokyo (restaurants, museums, sightseeing buses, etc.)
8. Consider overnight buses.
Kill two birds with one stone–lodging and transportation for the price of one!
Overnight buses are a significantly cheaper option compared to the pricey bullet trains and a very reliable way to get around. If you’re traveling on a budget, let’s say–trying to get from Tokyo to Kyoto or vice versa, going this route will inevitably save you time as well as on costs for a night of hotel.
They’re usually pretty cheap, clean, and comfortable. If you’re able to sleep on a bus (they have reclining seats) or are willing to sacrifice one night of good sleep, then you’ll really accelerate your savings here.
You can use Jorudan’s Japan Transit Planner to see all your options from Point A to Point B.
9. Minimize the number of cities you base yourself in.
Hopping from city to city and changing hotels every few days can 1) really add up in terms of transportation costs and 2) tire you out pretty quickly.
If you’re staying for a week or less and Tokyo is a must-see for you, I’d recommend not leaving Tokyo — unless for a short day trip or overnight stay somewhere less than 2 hours away.
There’s so much to do and see in Tokyo that you really can’t fit in more without feeling rushed. Despite making a stop in Tokyo on every one of my six previous trips to Japan, I’ve only been able to see about 2% of the city.
Crazy, right? My Tokyo bucket list is perpetually long because of how much there is to do in the city.
If you have extra time, check out some of the lesser-known neighborhoods like Shimokitazawa, Daikanyama, Yanaka, or Odaiba. There are tons of cool districts in Tokyo that most visitors never make time to see before they rush out of there.
If you’re looking to see more outside of Tokyo, there are actually a lot of cool day trips near Tokyo worth your time (including Kawagoe, Nikko, Yokohama, and the Fuji Five Lakes area). Even Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea (in Chiba) can be considered a full day trip from Tokyo!
And this is not just limited to the Tokyo side. There are lots of smaller cities worth visiting near Kyoto/Osaka too.
JAPAN ON A BUDGET: HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS
10. Stay at business hotels or capsule hotels.
Business hotels are located all around Japan — they’re simple and cheap.
Despite them being smaller than your average hotel room in the USA, you don’t need much while in Japan, since you’ll likely be out and about exploring all day and only using the hotel room as a place to shower and a bed to sleep on. A couple of good brands to consider: Tokyu Stay and Toyoko Inn.
Avoid the APA Hotel chain though, the CEO is into some weird right-wing extremist hullabaloo. You’ll find propaganda in the room magazines, which you don’t wanna be supporting.
Hostels, but more specifically capsule hotels, are by far the cheapest way to stay in Japan, and they’re actually quite nice. Look at The Millennials Shibuya and Resol Poshtel Tokyo Asakusa for example.
Not bad right? If you book early enough, you can get some really well-rated capsule hotels for cheap.
11. Stay close to a main subway station.
Staying close to a main subway station in Japan is a wise decision for several reasons. Firstly, it provides convenient access to efficient and extensive subway networks, allowing you to navigate the city with ease and save money on transportation costs.
Additionally, being near a main station reduces the need for extra bus rides or train transfers, and minimizes the amount of walking, saving you from tired feet after a day of exploring.
For example in Tokyo, you should try to stay at a hotel along the JR Yamanote line to avoid needing to spend extra time and money transferring trains to get to/from your hotel.
12. Look for a hotel with free breakfast.
If you’re traveling with lots of members in your group or family, a hotel with free breakfast can save you a lot of money. Plus, you’ll be in Japan, and most of the food provided during breakfast will actually be good!
My go-to booking site (Booking.com) has a “breakfast included” search filter. I always toggle this filter on when I’m looking for a stay that offers free food.
Here are a handful of nice and affordable hotels I’ve stayed at that offer free breakfast:
- Tokyo: Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside
- Kyoto: La’gent Hotel Kyoto Nijo
- Osaka: The Royal Park Canvas, Osaka Kitahama
13. Stay at Airbnb’s for less than the cost of a hotel.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, it may make more financial sense to rent a house rather than just a room.
If you’re considering booking an Airbnb or VRBO rental though, make sure you stay within walking distance of a train station! Better yet, find one near the major train lines.
Again, this means you’ll need fewer train/bus transfers, saving you time and money.
14. Try housesitting.
This is the ultimate Japan on a budget tip if you can pull it off!
Housesitting is a way to avoid spending anything on lodging and accommodation while traveling. If you’re flexible with dates for lodging and accommodation, take a look at housesitting as an option.
If you don’t know what housesitting is, it is an exchange in which a person (you) stays at someone’s home and cares for their pets and/or property while they are away. Usually, no money is exchanged between parties.
Check out Trusted Housesitters, the main housesitting service out there today. Keep in mind though, you may need to be flexible with your travel dates to make this work!
15. Find free Wi-Fi and messaging options.
Many vacation rentals and hotels offer perks like free Pocket Wi-Fi during your stay. There are also free messaging apps like WhatsApp and Line, free Wi-Fi calling, as well as cheap international calling options through Skype.
If your hotel/accommodation does not provide free pocket WiFi, then you should opt for an eSIM for the duration of your trip.
16. No pocket WiFi? Get an eSIM instead.
Digital eSIMs are a great alternative to pocket WiFi in Japan. You can simply buy a digital package online and download it directly to your phone — no need to spend time picking it up upon arrival at the airport!
I use Airalo for all my eSIM needs nowadays and I’ve never had any issues with connectivity or setting it up.
Traveling in Japan for 2 weeks? The 10GB package should be enough data for you to get around with your maps app and even for social media usage. With Airalo, you can always top up if you run out.
My rule of thumb: For 2 weeks, you’ll probably burn through 8-12 GB of data (they say the average traveler uses 1 GB per day with Google Maps/internet browsing usage). Unless your hotel/Airbnb gives you a free pocket WiFi to use, a digital eSIM is cheaper and more convenient (since it’s one less bulky item to carry around with you).
JAPAN ON A BUDGET: FOOD & EATING
17. Grab some meals at the konbinis (convenience stores).
Walk down any street in Japan for about 5 minutes and chances are you’ll come across at least one convenience store by the names of 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, or Daily Yamazaki.
If you’re envisioning a basic 7-Eleven in the USA, get that picture out of your mind. Right this second.
Japanese convenience stores (what the locals call konbini or conbini) are so much more than that as they carry a plethora of really delicious and quick food options for daily working people to grab and go.
Once you step foot inside konbini in Japan, your perception of the convenience store will be changed forever! Convenience stores have significantly cheaper food compared to restaurants, and they often carry full meals too.
We often buy rice balls, handrolls, udon bowls, and egg sandwiches for breakfast and lunch if we were crunched on time or planning on taking long-distance trains. You can often eat for under $5 per person by doing this!
18. Grab even cheaper meals at the local markets.
I’ve heard from many locals and exchange students living in Japan that they actually don’t go to convenience stores unless absolutely necessary.
Supermarkets and even smaller local markets tend to sell the same items for a lot less (though in our opinion, convenience stores have a better variety of rice balls, sandwiches, and drinks).
If you’re looking to save even more, check out supermarkets before heading to the convenience store and note the price differences for reference. You can often find really fresh sushi and bento boxes at cheap prices at the local markets too!
19. Vending machine restaurants can save you money too.
Vending machine restaurants offer affordable and filling food, and a slice of real Tokyo life! Insert some yen into the slot, select a meal and any add-ons, and a ticket will pop right out.
Give this to the staff at the counter in return for a breakfast set, a steaming bowl of ramen, or a plate of fluffy rice topped with curry.
You have so many options when it comes to vending machine restaurants. Yoshinoya, the oldest fast food restaurant in Tokyo, has served gyudon (beef and onions over rice) since 1899.
There’s also CoCo Ichibanya for Japanese curry plates, as well as Sukiya (one of my favorite spots for cheap Japanese breakfast) for breakfast and gyudon.
20. Take advantage of the ‘time-sale’.
Local secret: Head to the supermarkets from 6pm to just before closing time. Why? Because when they get close to closing, they start to discount their food!
It’s not just supermarkets (though this is our favorite type of establishments for time sales). The same goes for the food courts in the basement floors of department stores (this is where all of the super delicious foods are, so definitely don’t miss checking out these areas for dinner).
Every night, lunch boxes that are made fresh daily will be put on sale starting at around 6pm, starting at ~20% and going up to ~75% as the time nears closing. Food with a limited shelf-life such as ready-made bento boxes, side dishes, sashimi, and meats are all up for the taking!
Sadly, this perk does not apply to convenience stores though! With that said, your time sale options are still pretty plentiful.
Not sure which department stores in Tokyo have food basements? Start with Shinjuku Takashimaya, Ikebukuro Tobu, Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, ISETAN, and Daimaru Tokyo. Many of these department store chains have locations in other Japanese cities too.
21. Stop by the bakery for a quick snack too.
Japanese bakeries are also really inexpensive sources of food. Oftentimes, they will have sandwiches or bread with meat inside.
I found myself stocking up on bread and light sandwiches for $3-5 USD almost every other day. A great option for a light snack throughout the day!
22. Opt for more casual restaurants.
There are two kinds of restaurants in Japan: the ones where you simply go to eat and the ones where you go for the service, the ambiance, and the food.
Since Papu and I really like street food and casual bites, we often opt for the prior. Lunch and dinners are had at ramen shops, street carts, conveyor belt sushi shops, department store basement food courts, etc.
By opting for these food options (which are undeniably delicious), you can shave a lot off your food expenses.
23. Try instant ramen.
Most hotel rooms will have a hot water boiler. I’d highly recommend buying different types of instant ramen at the grocery store and spending one night pigging out and trying them all.
Japan has some really amazing instant ramen options, and I can attest to the fact that they taste way better than the stuff we have here (get out of here, $0.25 Top Ramen).
The instant noodles in Japan are very similar to the real thing found in ramen shops. I don’t know how they do it, but it’s something that everyone should experience for themselves!
24. Eat at bougie restaurants during lunch, not dinner.
If you want to experience Japan’s bougier restaurants—like spots that specialize in yakiniku, kaiseki, or omakase—go for lunch instead of dinner.
Many upscale restaurants offer the same quality dishes at a fraction of the cost during lunch service, sometimes at half the price or less. If you want to splurge on a meal, make that your lunch meal and keep your eyes peeled for those specials (often listed on their websites).
It’s a great way to enjoy the fine dining experience while keeping your budget in check!
25. Look for restaurants off the beaten path.
You don’t need to pre-plan where you’re going to eat for every meal. That takes the fun out of discovering the real Japan. Sure, you can plan for one must-do restaurant per day, but leave the other meals unplanned so you can find your own gems in Japan.
Don’t be afraid to try out smaller restaurants that are down back alleys or a bit off the beaten path. They can often be cheaper and better tasting than those with alluring pictures and English menus on the main roads.
Some of the best meals I’ve had were at mom-and-pop restaurants we randomly stumbled upon when we started feeling hungry!
👉 Pro Tip: Avoid TikTok/IG-viral, overhyped places that don’t take reservations. If they require standing in line for hours—it’s a waste of your precious travel time when there are plenty of incredible, under-the-radar spots with no wait.
26. Try conveyor belt sushi.
If you want to try conveyor belt sushi, Genki Sushi or Uobei, has branches from Hokkaido to Kyushu.
These two sister franchises are a great choice. Most of its dishes are priced under 200 yen and you can order your food via multilingual touch screens. The Shibuya branch in Tokyo is super popular, meaning that there is always a line during the dinner rush.
Kura is another really famous brand that now has locations in the USA.
Turnover at these restaurants are high, so the wait is rarely that long. If you don’t want to wait, I recommend visiting during off-peak hours when you can typically walk right in and get a seat without waiting.
You can always pop “kaitensushi” or “kaitenzushi” in your maps app and see what pops up. It means conveyor belt sushi.
27. Avoid buying fresh fruit/produce at the markets.
Fresh fruit and vegetables in Japanese supermarkets are super expensive. Especially the fruits.
Japan is known for its incredibly high standards for produce. Fruits and vegetables are often grown with meticulous care, resulting in perfect shapes, sizes, and flavors. This level of quality comes at a price.
Furthermore, fruits like melons, strawberries, and grapes are often given as luxury gifts, so they’re priced accordingly–as gifts rather than just casual snacks.
If you are looking to add fruits/vegetables into your diet, order them at a restaurant or at some other food establishment instead of buying them at the market.
28. Do not get pressured to eat at a restaurant by a stranger.
Do not go into restaurants on main streets when beckoned by young boys holding menus. You may find yourself in a hostile environment, where you won’t be allowed to leave unless you pay up.
Though this is usually not a problem throughout Japan, it could happen in the Kabukichō (red-light district) in Tokyo.
29. Go to a chain izakaya for cheap food and drinks.
If you love going to izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) but you think they’re too expensive for you—think again!
There are a few chains such as Torikizoku or Kin No Kura that promise good food and drinks without breaking the bank. They also offer all-you-can-eat or drink courses as well for ¥2,000 (around $20-25 USD).
CHEAP EATS IN TOKYO
Tokyo gets a bad rap for being expensive, but many of the top sights are actually free, and feasting on the city’s top ramen joints and sushi stands won’t leave you broke — if you know where the bargains lie.
Katsu Midori Sushi, Shibuya-ku | A spin-off from Tokyo sushi shop Sushi- no-Midori, this is the city’s best kaiten-zushi (conveyor-belt sushi) restaurant. It’s a bargain for the quality and it’s always crowded, so you know the plates are fresh! Address: Seibu Department Store, 21-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku; plates ¥100-500.
Onigiri Yadoroku, Taitō-ku | Onigiri, rice shaped into triangles and wrapped in sheets of nori (seaweed), is Japan’s ultimate snack. Try them made-to-order at Tokyo’s oldest onigiri shop (opened in 1954). Address: 3-9-10 Asakusa, Taito-ku; about ¥310-800 each.
Kagawa Ippuku, Chiyoda-ku | Originating from Kagawa, the prefecture synonymous with udon in Japan, Ippuku has a great reputation. Plus it’s a bargain bite! You’ll be handed an English menu to help with the options, but you’ll pay at the vending machine. Address: Tokyo Royal Plaza,1-18-11 Uchikanda, Chiyoda-ku; ¥430-900 per bowl.
Isetan Department Store, Shinjuku-ku | The massive food hall in this department store has outlets from some of the country’s top restaurants. Customize your meal of sushi, dumplings, tonkatsu sandwiches, and even dessert — then take it upstairs to eat on the roof garden! Address: 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku; dishes from ¥500.
Sagatani, Shibuya-ku | This noodle joint possibly wins the prize for Tokyo’s best cheap meal. Expect fresh, stone-ground soba noodles made daily and served with a side of goma (sesame) dipping sauce. You can wash it all down with a cheap beer too. Address: 2-25-7 Dōgenzaka, Shibuya-ku; 24hr; noodles from ¥280.
JAPAN ON A BUDGET: THINGS TO DO
30. Always carry cash with you.
It’s difficult to just get by with a credit card since everything is still so cash-based in Japan. In addition, you can make sure you have money loaded on your IC/Pasmo/Suica card).
This tip might not save you money, but it will save you time and hassle!
31. Take a free walking tour.
“Free” walking tours can be found in the major metropolitan cities in Japan. Tokyo Localized has become one of my favorite companies, offering free day and night walking tours. A quick Google search can yield many other local and intimate walking tour companies.
I usually like to go with the smaller ones, as I find that the guides are funnier and more engaging. These tours will usually provide you with the history of the city and will give you insight into the local culture, including off-the-beaten-path activities and local restaurant recommendations.
Tip the guide what you thought the tour was worth in the end! Usually $10-20 USD will suffice.
32. Spend time at the local gardens.
Botanical gardens and parks are everywhere and free to enter for the most part.
Small donations are encouraged at times, but it costs very little to experience these beautiful and peaceful Japanese gardens. The best part is, you’ll be able to spend a few hours relaxing, escaping from the hustle and bustle of city life, and picnicking among lush surroundings.
33. Carve out time to see less expensive cities.
Tokyo and Kyoto are world-class destinations. What that means is that it can be way more expensive compared to other cities in Japan.
Takayama, for example, is a thriving city far cheaper than Tokyo, as is Yokohama.
Kanazawa has lovely geisha and samurai districts that rival those of Kyoto, and Matsumoto is home to some of the oldest castles in Japanese history.
Each of these towns will be cheaper than metropolitan/touristy cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
34. Go on a hike instead of a museum or other paid attraction.
Hiking is not only a great way to spend a couple of hours, but it is also completely free! Pair your hike with a picnic with all the goods you picked up at the konbini and you’ve got yourself a super cheap daytime excursion.
35. Avoid tourist traps.
This might be obvious, but touristy attractions are often more expensive than cultural sites. Entry to temples usually costs around ¥500, while the tourist attractions can be three times as much.
Some tourist traps I can think of off-bat are maid cafes and butler cafes. Often times there will be an X-item minimum, and the food really isn’t all that great. Plus, you’ll have to pay to take a picture with the maids or the butlers! What a money-sucker.
36. Book discounted tickets for attractions on Klook.
Klook is like Viator or GetYourGuide, but for Asian countries. This is my go-to platform for all things transportation and activity-related whenever I travel to Asia.
Most of the time, you can find admission tickets to popular sites and theme parks in Japan for a fraction of the cost. At the very least, you’ll be able to save a couple of bucks by booking through Klook vs direct!
Klook is also the best place to get discounted Tokyo Disney and Universal Studios Japan Studio tickets!
Explore and get tickets to all the best Japan activities and attractions on Klook here.
37. If you love big attractions, look into attraction passes.
Attraction passes are great for travelers who enjoy experiencing a city’s top attractions. But instead of paying full price for each and every attraction, with an attraction pass, you’ll pay one set price and get free admission to all of them.
Depending on where you go in Japan, you may be able to take advantage of an attractions pass!
Here are a few attraction passes for Japan:
- Klook Pass Tokyo – includes general entry to all-time favorites including teamLab Planets TOKYO, LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo, Tokyo Kimono Experience, Tokyo Sanrio Puroland, TOKYO SKYTREE®, and many more. Add-ons include Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea!
- Grutto Pass offers discounts for museums in Tokyo
- Odakyu has lots of options for attractions farther afield (like the Hakone Freepass or the Enoshima Kamakura Freepass)
- We’ve also used the Kinosaki Must-Visits Pass during our 2.5 days in Kinosaki
- A variety of others can be found here
38. Skip the ryokan experience and opt for sentos (public baths).
Staying at a ryokan can easily set you back $200 USD or more per night. If being able to soak in thermal waters is what you’re after, consider visiting a sento, or public bath, instead.
Japan’s bathing culture dates back many hundreds of years, which means you’re going to find many sento still in operation today. All you need is a few hundred yen and a towel!
While you will have to pay a fee to bathe, it generally costs very little, usually ranging from a few hundred yen for one adult.
Pro Tip: Keep in mind many bathhouses don’t offer any shampoo or soap, so bring along your own in a small pack that you can carry easily. You also may want to bring a set of clean clothes to put on after you’re washed up.
Another option in the bigger cities is to look for spa facilities. In Tokyo, places like Spa LaQua are popular; open 22 hours a day, this deluxe hot spring facility in Tokyo Dome City offers various communal baths, relaxation spaces, and top-notch dining options.
JAPAN ON A BUDGET: SHOPPING
39. Go vintage/thrift store shopping.
Tokyo (specifically Harajuku) has a really strong thrift/vintage culture. You can often find really unique fashion pieces there for a fraction of the cost of some new goods you’ll find at the mall.
If you’re looking for a cheap yukata or kimono to take home, consider stopping by Chicago, a second-hand store in Harajuku.
For clothing that’s actually affordable, you’re going to want to hunt for thrift stores and buy/sell consignment stores (like 2nd Street or BOOKOFF) rather than vintage stores. Vintage stores tend to sell a lot of Americana brands for tons of money!
40. Don’t have time to shop for souvenirs? Head to a transit hub.
Airports and major train stations actually have some really cool shopping areas. The lower level of major train stations can be full-on shopping centers and food courts!
If you’re waiting to buy souvenirs or seem to have forgotten some last minute, even the airport is a good souvenir-shopping option. Unlike in the USA, the goods sold there are not drastically overpriced or marked up.
41. Buy Japanese pens as souvenirs.
Japanese pens are such a useful and affordable gift. No one does pens as well as the Japanese. With all the ink styles and ink color, you can have a lot of fun picking these out.
I personally love perusing through Loft and Hands — these lifestyle shops have massive stationery sections (as well as kitchenware, lifestyle goods, beauty and health products, and so much more).
42. Bring food/snacks back as souvenirs.
Souvenirs can end up being a large chunk of your budget. Yes, you’ll find tons of cute trinkets and cool figurines in Japan (think Studio Ghibli, Gundam, Pokemon, Naruto, other anime things), but these things are often pretty pricey.
Instead of bringing trinkets back, opt for Japanese confectionaries (mochi, candies, cookies, and snacks) instead. If you didn’t know, snack-making is an entire art form in Japan!
These items will actually be used/consumed instead of sitting on someone’s desk or closet collecting dust.
43. Shop at Don Quijote for cheap superstore buys.
You can find almost everything you need at a Donki, and it will always be cheap. I often make a Don Quijote run (or two) for candy and souvenirs during my time in Japan, and can easily spend over two hours in there!
You’ll be shocked at how cheap everything is in there compared to drug stores, department stores, and convenience stores.
The best part is, if you happen to be stricken with jet lag and wake up early, there will likely be a Don Quijote open near you at any time.
44. Take advantage of the tax-free shopping at larger stores.
When traveling to Japan, savvy shoppers should take full advantage of the tax-free shopping available at larger brands (such as Uniqlo, JINS for glasses, department stores, BIC Camera, and Don Quijote).
The tax-free process is relatively straightforward: eligible foreign visitors can enjoy tax exemptions on certain purchases by presenting their passport at the point of sale and meeting the minimum purchase requirement. The savings can be significant, as the consumption tax rate in Japan is currently 10%, and being able to reclaim this amount can make a noticeable difference, especially for big-ticket items.
I bought a rice cooker in Japan once, so getting an extra 10% off the price was massive.
45. Look out for monthly flea markets or antique markets.
Local flea markets can be a really affordable way to find souvenirs to bring home. Not only are they going to be cheaper due to their secondhand nature, but they’re probably going to be higher quality than those mass-produced items you’ll find at generic gift shops.
Wherever you’re going, just do a quick Google search of local events or flea markets.
For example, in Tokyo, there’s the Oedo Antique Market — held near Tokyo Station twice a month, with stalls selling wonderful antique and vintage wares.
Then there’s the Shitennoji Flea Market in Osaka, held on the 21st of every month, selling everything from secondhand kimonos to housewares and even samurai swords.
MONEY TIPS: JAPAN ON A BUDGET
46. You don’t need to tip.
Tipping is totally an American practice. In Japan, servers, taxi drivers, and everyone else is paid full livable wages, and it’s nearly universal that a service fee will be included in your bill.
Most Japanese restaurants require customers to pay for their meals at the front register, rather than leave money with the waiter or waitress.
In fact, if you try to leave your change or try to leave a tip, Japanese people will chase you down to return it to you!
If you’re doing a tip-based activity though (like free walking tours that run exclusively on tips), you’ll need to tip.
47. Change your money once you get there.
When exchanging cash, most of the time it is better to exchange your money in the country you’re going to. You will usually get the best exchange rates at banks, post offices and possibly hotels.
Avoid the foreign exchange stands you see everywhere in airports, train stations and touristy areas. They charge a fee for everything!
You will almost always get the best exchange rate when pulling local currency out with ATM cards. I always pull money out at the ATMs at 7-Eleven. If you don’t have an ATM-fee-free debit card, the ATM only charges a small fee of 200 yen per transaction ($1.50-2 USD).
48. Use credit cards without a foreign transaction fee.
Try to use credit cards whenever possible for large purchases such as hotel bills, excursion tickets, nice restaurants, and car rentals. The exchange rate is almost always one of the best, but make sure you charge in the local currency (yen), NOT your home currency.
Plus, if you’re in the credit card points game, you’ll get points for your large purchases!
49. Get an ATM fee-free banking card.
Most credit and debit card issuers charge foreign transaction fees, which typically run between 2% and 3% of the purchase price, as well as ATM fees. That might seem like a minor expense per transaction, but all those extra charges can really add up!
You can avoid these fees by signing up for a Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account.
This account comes with a debit card that does not incur currency conversion fees, and you’ll get a full rebate for all your US and overseas ATM charges at the end of every month (this is what I use, it’s changed my international money life for the better).
50. Start racking up credit card points now to pay for stuff later.
Credit card sign-up bonuses have been my secret to affordable travel for years now.
If you are a responsible spender, there are so many options for you, from branded airline and hotel credit cards (Delta, United, Marriott, IHG, etc) to cards that allow you to transfer points to travel partners (Chase Ultimate Reward points, American Express Membership Rewards points, Citi Thank You points).
Not only can these credit card points be used in exchange for free flights, but they can also be used for booking hotels and even excursions.
If you’re still in the early stages of planning that big trip to Japan, then you can consider accumulating some credit card points now!
The Bottom Line: How To Do Japan on a Budget
- Flights to Japan and transportation throughout Japan remain your two greatest costs, but there are times when you can find good deals.
- The cheapest way to enjoy Japan is to stick to one or two main regions (rather than hopping all over the country).
- Cities in Japan are massive with plenty of shops, restaurants, and things to do. Budget-friendly options are at every corner if you bother to look around you and discover off-the-beaten-path establishments.
- Try the street food, these options are delicious and cheap!
- Credit cards (and travel hacking) can be your friend–if you use them wisely and responsibly.
Planning Your Trip To Japan?
Here are some of our other Japan travel guides to help you plan an incredible trip!
Japan In General
- 18 Popular Foods To Try In Japan
- Best Of Japan: A 2-Week Itinerary For First-Timers
- 15 Amazing Onsen Towns In Japan To Visit On Your Next Trip
- Is The Kansai Wide JR Pass Worth The Money? (My Actual Experience)
Tokyo Area
- 10 Best Budget Hotels In Tokyo (Near JR Yamanote Line!)
- Tokyo After Dark: 25 Unique Nighttime Activities
- 20 Essential Tips To Prepare You For Tokyo DisneySea
- Shimokitazawa: Vintage Shops, Coffee, and The Artsy Side Of Tokyo
- 10 Effortless Day Trips From Tokyo For Your Japan Itinerary
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Very good article – comprehensive and thoughtful.