Japan is a popular bucket list destination, but the Land of the Rising Sun has the reputation of being a costly adventure. But the truth is that it’s easy to be wowed by Japan without spending a ton of money on your trip. The bright city lights and peaceful countryside lend beautiful views to even the most money-savvy travelers. 

Here’s everything you need to know to travel Japan for cheap.

Jump Ahead:

• Exchange Rate
• How to Get Japanese Currency
• When to Travel for the Cheapest Price
• Cheapest Way to Travel to Japan
• How to Travel Cheaply within Japan
• Budget-Friendly Accommodation
• Dining for Cheap
• Activities on a Budget
• Budget Breakdown: One Day in Japan
  
  

The Exchange Rate in Japan

Both the Euro and the U.S. dollar are relatively strong to the Japanese yen. Compared to 2010-2012, Japan is a bargain for international travelers. To find the current exchange rate, head to Bloomberg’s currency page.

 

 *As of publish date.

How to Get Japanese Currency

For the most part, Japan is a cash-based society that rarely uses cards for payment. However, not all ATMs in Japan work for foreign cards. The most reliable sources of cash in Japan are 7-11 bank ATMs and Japan post office ATMs. Both are wildly available throughout the country, though you’d be wise to locate the nearest ATM when you arrive at your hotel.

If you are staying for a longer period of time, you may opt to purchase a Suica (prepaid public transport smart card) or another Japan rail pass. Note that the money you preload on these cards will act like cash at nearly all convenience stores, grocery stores, and even many vending machines.

When to Travel to Japan for the Cheapest Price

High-traffic times influence the prices of travel to Japan. Japan’s peak travel season is spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. Late April to early May is particularly busy, as this is when residents and tourists celebrate the holiday known as Golden Week. In 2022, Golden Week will take place from April 29 to May 5.

Domestic travel is also heavy during this time, so you may find stiff competition for accommodations and transportation arrangements.

The off-season in Japan is from mid-January to mid-March. While the weather will be colder, this will be the best time to find deals on accommodations and activities.

You should also consider what you want to experience. The best times to see Japan’s splendor are mid-March through May and September through November. If you’re an avid snow-sport fanatic, you can’t beat a winter visit to Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island. This island’s popular ski resorts typically see at least 600 inches of snow each year. Other leisure travelers will enjoy the moderate temperatures big cities like Tokyo offer year-round.

PRO TIP: Use the Japan Meteorological Agency's information on typical weather patterns to help you decide when to visit.

 

Finally, take into consideration any special events that may overlap with when you want to visit. Plan ahead to avoid a spike in prices.

 

The Cheapest Way to Travel to Japan

Be flexible with your travel dates and times to get a good deal on flights into Japan. Midweek flights (Tuesday – Thursday) tend to be cheaper than weekend flights, and you can frequently save money by snagging super early or late departure and arrival times.

The biggest airport isn’t always the cheapest option to fly into. Tokyo has two airports - Haneda and Narita. Haneda is more convenient for traveling into the heart of the city, but a flight into Narita may be significantly cheaper. Travelers to Osaka or Kyoto may find a cheaper flight into Kansai International Airport.

PRO TIP: Set up email alerts from Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo to find the best deal on a flight to Japan.

How to Travel Cheaply within Japan

Your transportation options are vast once you’ve touched down in Japan. Trains, planes, and buses are readily available throughout the country.

Planes on a Budget

Several low-cost domestic airlines operate within Japan. Sign up for sale-alert emails from airlines like Peach, Vanilla Air, Solaseed Air, AirAsia Japan, and AIRDO if you plan to travel domestically in Japan. Most of these airlines charge extra for bags and seat selection, but they may still offer significant savings. It’s not uncommon to find flights between Tokyo and Osaka for just $20 USD / €17.58 EUR during a sale.

Taxis on a Budget

Taxis in Japan are insanely expensive so it’s generally best to avoid them. Taxi fare starts at ¥400 - ¥730 JPY ($3.63 - $6.62 USD / €3.08 – €5.61 EUR) for the first two kilometers and increases ¥80 - ¥90 JPY ($0.73 - $0.82 USD / €0.62 – €0.69 EUR) for every 270 - 400 meters. From about 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. the rates rise by about 20%. Ubers usually end up being a similar price to taxis.

Trains on a Budget

Trains are the standard mode of transportation in Tokyo. Trains in Japan are quick, efficient, famously on-time, and reasonably priced.

You can find great deals on day passes for trains in almost every major city. Travelers to Tokyo should research the Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Pass. If you’re visiting Osaka or Kyoto, one affordable option is the Kyoto-Osaka Rail Sightseeing Pass.

The map of train lines can seem overwhelming at first, but Google Maps and Hyperdia make train transportation in Japan simple. Both are free on Android and iOS and will tell you exactly what train you need to get from point “a” to point “b.”

Rail staff are also plentiful and more than willing to point you in the right direction if you have any questions about your location or travel details.

NOTE: Most trains stop running around midnight, but there are some exceptions. Check in advance when the last train departs so you can avoid a pricey taxi ride home.

Busses on a Budget

Busses are another budget-conscious way of traveling around Japan. Willer Express offers both day and night busses leaving from a variety of stations around the country. Book in advance to get the best price and selection of seats.

Willer Express also offers multi-day passes.  Its overnight bus tickets cover both transportation and your accommodation costs for the night, making it perfect for the budget traveler in Japan.

 

Finding Budget-Friendly Accommodation in Japan

Japan offers various accommodation types to suit all travelers, from lavish resorts to simple capsule hotels. The further away from a train station you go in Japan, the cheaper the accommodation will generally be.

Capsule Hotels

Capsule hotels are accommodations unique to Japan. A capsule hotel is a great option for budget travelers, both for novelty and affordability. They typically run between ¥2,000 JPY and ¥5,000 JPY per person, per night ($18.15 - $45.37 USD / €15.38 - €38.46 EUR).

Airbnb

Airbnb is a great budget-friendly housing option. Budget travelers can save extra money in Airbnb’s by cooking their own food instead of dining out for every meal. Most properties also offer a free portable Wi-Fi device to help you save on sim cards or roaming data for your phone.

Hostels

Hostels are another affordable option in Japan. A bed in a hostel can be a cheap as ¥2,000 JPY ($18.15 USD / €15.38 EUR) per night in Japan. Find hostels at Hostels.com, HostelWorld.com, or HostelBookers.com.

Dining Cheaply in Japan

Dining out in Japan can be expensive, but if you eat like a local, meals can be as low as $5 - $10 USD / €4.23 - €8.47 EUR. Be sure to try the Japanese version of fast food. It’s inexpensive, authentic, and uniquely efficient (most ordering is done at a vending machine).

Menu items include thinly-sliced beef on a bowl of rice with miso soup or a vegetable-rich curry with rice. Some chains to keep an eye out for are Matsuya, Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and CoCo Ichibanya.

Additional Tips for Eating in Japan on a Budget

• Drink tap water instead of buying bottled water. It’s safe everywhere in Japan.
  
  
• Shop at the grocery store after normal dinner hours. You’ll find massive discounts on prepared meals and sushi that will allow you to try a variety of new Japanese foods for a low price.
  
  
• Visit that restaurant you’re dying to try at lunchtime. Many restaurants offer deals on their lunch menus.
  
  
• Don’t be afraid of Japanese convenience stores. Unlike convenience stores in the U.S., they are a staple of Japanese life. The food is fresh and they are on nearly every street corner in Japan. A cup of coffee or a latte is around ¥100 JPY (about $0.91 USD / €0.77 EUR). Plus, onigiri (rice triangles with various fillings) are about ¥200 JPY ($1.81 USD / €1.54 EUR) and make a great breakfast or snack in between meals.
  
  
• Keep your eyes open for a one-coin bar. One-coin bars offer a variety of drinks for a single 500-yen coin (about $4.54 USD / €3.85 EUR).

Budget-Friendly Activities in Japan

Save some money on transportation, get some exercise, and fight off jet lag by walking around one of Japan’s main cities. Larger Japanese cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are easily walkable, and you’ll see more than you would from a train, bus, or plane.

Below are some free or nearly-free attractions in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto that will keep your travel in Japan as cheap and rewarding as possible:

Low-Cost Attractions in Tokyo

• Take in an impressive view of the city from the Tokyo Skytree. Tickets range from ¥1,030 - ¥4,000 JPY (about $9.35 - $36.30 USD / €7.92 - €30.77 EUR). The base of the Skytree houses Tokyo Solamachi, a massive mall made up of specialty shops. Feel free to window shop or pick up some cheap souvenirs!
  
  
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park to reflect on the history of Japan. Both offer free admission.
  
  
• Stroll along the streets of Harajuku for a great slice-of-life view of Tokyo.
  
  
• Soak in the essence of Japanese culture at Shibuya crossing. Here you can people watch, visit the Hachiko statue, and catch a glimpse of one of the busiest intersections in the world.
  
  
• Take a Sunday picnic to Inokashira Park for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
  
  
• Enjoy a sunset view of Tokyo for free from the Shinjuku Government Building observation deck. On a clear day, you’ll be able to spot Mt. Fuji!
  
  
• Enjoy unsurpassed serenity in Kiyosumi Garden. This quintessential, traditional Japanese garden is located in the heart of Tokyo. Admission is only about ¥150 JPY (about $1.36 USD / €1.15 EUR).
  
  
• Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum for a spectacular look at Tokyo’s history. The museum includes a reconstructed life-size Edo-style town. Tickets to the museum are ¥600 JPY (about $5.44 USD / €4.62 EUR).

 

Bargain Activities in Osaka and Kyoto

• Dotonbori shopping area in Osaka gives visitors a truly Japanese experience with a plethora of neon city lights. Walk through the streets at night to see the famous Glico Man sign in all its neon glory.
  
  
• Take in an impressive view of Osaka Castle from its outer gardens – without paying an entrance fee. The gardens showcase the seasonality of Japan with colorful displays of Japanese flora.
  
  
• Go to the Asahi Beer Suita Factory to discover the inside scoop on one of Japan’s most famous beer companies (for free!).
  
  
• Get lost in the sights of the Gion neighborhood in Kyoto. Stroll through the traditional wooden merchant houses and see the geishas walk through the town.
  
  
• Catch a glimpse of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine and pray for a bountiful harvest, business prosperity, or safety under the orange torii gates. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is the head Inari shrine in Japan.
  
  

 

 

A Typical Day in Tokyo on a Budget

Here’s a breakdown of how to eat like a king, travel around Tokyo, and stay in an Airbnb for $40 a day. 

 

Explore More Japan Travel Content from WorldTrips

• – Travel Health Insurance for Japan
• – Japan Travel Visa: What You Need to Know
• – Traveling to Japan for the First Time
• – How to Travel Japan Alone

Explore Japan City Guides from WorldTrips

• – Fukuoka City Guide
• – Nagoya City Guide
• – Osaka City Guide
• – Sapporo City Guide
• – Tokyo City Guide
• – Yokohama City Guide