Traveling to Japan is a fascinating adventure that may seem expensive at first glance. However, it’s possible to experience authentic moments without breaking the bank.
This article won’t suggest eating exclusively at konbini (Japanese convenience stores) to save money. Instead, I’ll share my tips and tricks to enjoy Japan like a local while saving money.
The key lies in time management: the more rushed you are, the more you’ll spend. By taking your time, you’ll reduce your accommodation and transportation costs and fully enjoy your stay.
Stay in “Pocket” accommodations
To save on lodging while enjoying a central location, opt for hotels that fall between a capsule hotel and a traditional hotel.
These establishments offer rooms the size of a capsule in width but with a real door, enough ceiling height to stand up, and often a window. They are more viable/comfortable than traditional capsule hotels (which, let’s be honest, aren’t really an option for several nights) while remaining affordable.
Also, choosing a central accommodation reduces transportation costs and saves time. Do your calculations.
Crédit photo: © Pocket Hotel
Alternating restaurants and restaurant chains (supermarket bonus)
A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without fully enjoying the local gastronomy. It would be a shame to visit Japan and only eat at konbinis (convenience stores). And there are already enough YouTube videos on the subject. So here’s my alternative.
There are chain restaurants offering delicious meals for a few yen. For example, the chains specializing in gyudon (beef bowls) are excellent options for tasty and affordable meals. You can even try eel there before ordering it in a more expensive restaurant.
- The three main gyudon chains are: Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya.
- For conveyor belt sushi: Sushiro.
- For ramen: Ichiran or Tenkaippin.
Additionally, supermarkets like Life (and probably others) have a huge section of freshly prepared meals each day. While it’s less refined than a restaurant, with Japanese excellence, trust me, it’s super tasty. There’s everything: sashimi, sushi, yakisoba (fried noodles), yakitori (skewers), fish, and more. You can taste dishes that are often expensive in restaurants at more accessible prices.
My advice is to alternate between these options and restaurants to save money while eating well.
Bonus: You can also look for what I’ll call small Japanese canteens (at lunchtime). They might not look like much from the outside, but everything is usually homemade and delicious. For this, move away from tourist streets and look for small facades with plastic strips on the door, you can’t see inside well, and everything is written in Japanese.
Participate in free or low-cost activities
Japan is full of free or low-cost activities. Many temples and shrines are accessible for free or with a small contribution.
Public gardens, like Ueno Park in Tokyo or Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa, offer moments of relaxation and discovery without entrance fees. Attending local festivals is another way to enrich your experience without spending much.
For example, in Tokyo, you can go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building North Observatory, day and night, to get a view of all Tokyo for free.
Participate in local festivals
Japan is renowned for its numerous festivals, or matsuri, which take place throughout the year and offer a unique cultural experience at a low cost. These events often take place in the streets, with colorful parades, local food stalls, traditional dances, and fireworks. And it’s free. Attending a festival is a great way to discover Japanese culture in an authentic and festive way while spending little.
In July (when I’m writing this article), for example, the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is a must-see event. This festival, one of the most famous in Japan, features parades of richly decorated floats, traditional performances, and an electrifying atmosphere that invades the whole city. Attending the Gion Matsuri will immerse you in Japan’s vibrant and friendly atmosphere, making your trip even more memorable.
Explore the surroundings on foot or by bike
Walking and cycling are excellent ways to discover Japanese cities while saving on transportation costs. Many cities offer affordable bike rental services, and some even provide free guided walking tours. It’s also an opportunity to discover less touristy and more authentic neighborhoods.
Tip for using transport at the lowest cost
To save on transportation in Japan, it’s essential to have a bit more time and to plan your routes carefully.
When searching for an itinerary, whether traveling from one city to another or moving within a city, use apps like Google Maps and select the “cheapest route” option in the filters. You’ll often find that, for a difference of a few dozen minutes, you can significantly reduce your transportation costs.
For example, a local train journey instead of a shinkansen (bullet train) can cost almost half as much while offering the opportunity to see landscapes you would have otherwise missed. Thus, taking a bit more time to travel can not only lighten your budget but also enrich your experience by discovering aspects of Japan that faster routes don’t allow you to see.
Traveling in Japan without breaking the bank is entirely possible by following these tips. By taking the time to plan and live like a local, you can fully enjoy Japan’s cultural richness and beautiful landscapes without worrying about your budget.
Feel free to explore other tips and adapt these suggestions to your own preferences for a memorable and economical trip.
