As the third most visited country in the world, Japan is a great destination for vacationers who are seeking an exotic mix of both traditional culture and modern metropolitan flair. But with its high cost of living, it can be difficult to plan an affordable trip to the Land of the Rising Sun. In this article, we’ll offer 38 money-saving tips to help budget travellers make the most of their visit to Japan.
If you’re short on funds, the first tip for travelling in Japan on a shoestring budget is to stay away from the tourist areas. Although popular tourist spots can be exciting, they usually come with a hefty price tag. Sticking to a slightly off-the-beaten track destination gives you a unique experience and may even help you save some yen.
Another great way to save is to use local transportation. Japan has an incredibly efficient network of buses, bullet trains, and ferries that can easily get you to your destination. Investing in a prepaid card can help to save on the costs of ticket fares.
When it comes to accommodation, consider booking hostels or a Bed and Breakfast (B&B). Hostels tend to offer a lot more than traditional hotels, including home-style meals and greater social interactivity. Japan also has an extensive network of B&Bs, which are much less expensive than regular accommodation options and provide a good way to meet local people.
Japanese convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven and Family Mart, are a convenient way to get the necessities without spending too much money. You can also check out supermarkets and street vendors. Many of these places offer reasonably-priced meals and snacks, some of which can be eaten on the go.
It’s also worth pointing out that you don’t need to eat at an expensive restaurant every night. Instead, try to find some local izakayas, or pubs, where you can enjoy a casual atmosphere with affordable meals and drinks.
If you are an adventurous eater, then local street food stands are another great way to save money. There are plenty of delicious snacks available directly from storekeepers and carts all over the country. The prices are incredibly affordable, and they in impart an authentic experience of Japanese cuisine.
Explore Free Attractions
Be sure to plan your visit around free activities or attractions. Many museums, galleries, and gardens provide free admission, and many cities and temples offer free or discounted tickets to certain areas. It’s also a good idea to join a tour or book a walking tour, so that you can learn more about the areas you are travelling to.
If you are travelling with friends, then you can also have fun by playing tourist-friendly board games. There are plenty of creative ways to explore the city without spending a lot of money.
Also, if you’re visiting Japan during a public holiday, then join in the local celebrations. During these events, streets are usually crowded with people and there are many stalls selling special products at reasonable prices.
Find Discount Deals
When travelling in Japan, it can be helpful to take advantage of discount deals. If you are travelling with children, then you may qualify for discounts of up to 30% on certain items, such as theme park tickets.
To save money on entertainment, you may be able to purchase discounted tickets online, or avail of discounts through your hotel. Many hotels offer a ‘rail pass’ which gives you access to all of Japan’s rail networks, often at discounted rates.
You can also sign up to cash back websites which offer discounts on attractions and activities. For example, a website that offers up to 8% cash back on purchases can help you save some money on specific purchases.
It’s also a good idea to take advantage of student discounts. Even if you’re not a student, there are still some places that offer student discounts.
Shop Mindfully
When shopping in Japan, it pays to be mindful of the prices of items. While it can be tempting to splurge on souvenirs, remember that even small items can add up to a lot over the course of a trip.
When it comes to gifts, consider buying local items such as traditional snacks, tea sets, or pottery. These are often more affordable than imported items and make excellent keepsakes.
You can also save money by buying in bulk. Many stores offer discounts if you buy in bulk, so consider this when making purchases.
Finally, it’s also important to tools for everything that you need, including travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment. Planning ahead will help ensure that you get the best deals on all of these items.
Check Currency Rates
To save money, it’s important to stay up to date on the currency exchange rates. Knowing when the yen is at its peak makes it easier to plan expenditure.
It’s also helpful to research the cost of living in each area you visit. Although a particular city may seem expensive, it may actually be more affordable than other cities in Japan.
You can also use a free currency calculator to help you compare prices between different cities. This can help you decide where to spend and where to save.
Use Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi is another great way to save money in Japan. There are free Wi-Fi hotspots available throughout the country, many of which are quite reliable.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a data plan for your phone so that you can access the internet for free while travelling. If you’re travelling for an extended period of time, then you may be able to purchase a data plan from your home country which can be used in Japan.
Finally, keeping your phone with you throughout your journey can be very useful. Not only does it provide you with easy access to the internet, but it also helps you keep in touch with your travelling party if you get separated.
Prepare Food Beforehand
Another money-saving tip is to prepare food before leaving home. Not only will this save you money on meals while travelling, but it also helps to eliminate the need to buy expensive items on the go.
Be sure to pack original snacks and quick eats, such as crackers, peanut butter, and trail mix. You can also bring along a thermos or cooler to keep your food fresh and safe.
If you’re staying in an accommodation for an extended period of time, then it may be worth investing in a rice cooker. Not only is this a great way to save money on meals, but it also helps you to enjoy some traditional Japanese cuisine.
Choose Local Activities
Japan is filled with unique activities for tourists. But many of these activities come with a hefty price tag. To save money, seek out free activities and events in each area.
You can also participate in local festivals, which are often quite affordable and offer a great insight into traditional culture.
Finally, it’s worth noting that nightlife in Japan can be quite reasonably priced. In addition to saving money on admission fees, many bars and clubs offer affordable drinks.
Travel During Low Season
If you are planning to take a long holiday, then it is worth noting that Japan has two main peak seasons, spring and autumn. These periods tend to be quite expensive, as well as crowded.
If you want to save money, then you should consider travelling during the summer or winter months. These periods tend to be much more affordable, and you will still get to experience the beauty of the country.
It’s also beneficial to visit during the weekdays, as many hotels offer discounts for mid-week stays. Shorter stays may also be eligible for certain discounts.
Choose Smart Transportation
When it comes to travelling around Japan, it’s important to choose the right form of transportation. For short distances, walking can be a very cost-effective option. Not only is it a great way to explore each area, but it also helps to save on ticket fares.
If you are travelling over longer distances, then look into options such as night buses or intercity trains. These forms of transport can help you save money on accommodation, as well as ticket fares.
Finally, avoid taxis unless absolutely necessary. Taxis tend to be expensive, and they may not always be reliable.
