cheapest places to travel in japan

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7 Best Places in Japan for Budget Travellers

Despite its long-held reputation for being one of the more expensive countries to visit in Asia, Japan can actually be surprisingly cheap. Of course, in the 1980s, the country went through an economic boom, and living costs skyrocketed; however, in the 30+ years that have followed, the cost of daily life and travel have evened out. Whether you are hoping to spot geishas in Kyoto, walk along Tokyo ‘s Shibuya Crossing or ride the bullet train to Osaka, here’s Culture Trip’s budget guide.

Architectural Landmark

Starting the list with Tokyo seems like a ridiculous notion, but if you’re willing to do your research and forgo personal space, staying in one of the most hectic cities in the world can be a rather thrifty option . Firstly, one of the greatest things about staying in Tokyo on the cheap is that many of the best sightseeing hotspots are free. You can explore countless stunning gardens like Yoyogi Park and the Imperial Palace East Gardens for free. If you want to see something a little more exotic, a visit to Shinjuku Gyoen is a must. So many of the city’s other sights like Tsukiji Market, the Shibuya scramble and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory will only cost you your transport fee.

Sitting on the northern shore of the Japanese island of Kyushu is Fukuoka, one of the country’s main cheaper city options. Given that it’s not as densely populated as say Tokyo or Osaka, Fukuoka balances between being small enough to stay on the cheap, while still being an incredibly vibrant city. You can easily get a dorm bed in a hostel for a low rate per night. Because the city is known for ancient temples and beaches, you can embrace Japan’s local culture while spending next to nothing.

Buddhist Temple, Historical Landmark

Want the history of Kyoto without the tourist trap costs? Then Kamakura is the place to go. Firstly, there’s the fact that it’s close to Tokyo (less than an hour), meaning that if you’re in the main city, you’ll save the crazy shinkansen (bullet train) prices. In a previous life (around 1192), Kamakura was actually the political centre of Japan, which it ruled for over a century. These days, a lot of the buildings and history of this era of Tokyo still remain. Known in some circles as the Kyoto of Eastern Japan, it is a popular tourist destination, but a lot more budget traveller-friendly. Don’t miss Kamakura Daibutsu, the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.

Osaka is like Tokyo’s grittier little sibling, with arguably better food. Like Fukuoka and Tokyo, accommodation options are varied and suitable for all budgets. However, what makes Osaka a budget traveller’s utopia is the ability to eat well for next to nothing. Street vendors sell local-style okonomiyaki (filling omelette/pancake-style hybrid dish) and takoyaki (fried batter balls), which cost friendly prices depending on how hungry you are. Osaka locals love to drink, too – check out izakayas with nomihodai (all-you-can-drink deals) to get boozed up for less.

If you want to experience world-class beaches and rich Japanese culture in one cheap vacation, Okinawa is the place to be. Surfers flock here for the waves, whilst others enjoy the turquoise waters for snorkelling and clear night skies for stargazing. There are plenty of beach camping options for free and cheap, just be sure to keep a look out for “no camping” signs. If you’d rather have a solid roof over your head, then a guesthouse is the best option – some places can be as low cost per night because real estate in the area is way cheaper than the more populated cities.

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If Osaka is the cheaper Tokyo, then Kobe is the even cheaper Osaka alternative. The capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of Japan’s 10 largest cities, Kobe has a lot more going for it than just beef, though the beef is, of course, pretty great. This busy hub is overflowing with history and rich diverse culture, thanks to its origins as a port city. Located only 20 minutes from Osaka, you have the best of both worlds – the affordability of being in a smaller city, but the accessibility of Osaka in less than a 30-minute journey.

If you want to explore Japan’s stunning mountains and sample the most incredible ramen you’ll ever experience, a visit to Sapporo is definitely one to add to your itinerary. If you’re concerned about breaking the bank, head during the warmer months to avoid the hordes of snow-chasing tourists and ski holiday makers. If you’re coming to Japan in summer and want to escape the heat, Sapporo’s mild temperatures provide some serious respite. Also, many of the city’s attractions are free, including Odori , Moerenuma and Nakajima Parks. During the non-snow season, finding a place to stay is a lot less competitive, which means you can nab a bed in a hotel or hostel for a very reasonable rate per night.

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The Cost of Travel in Japan: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

It took me six years to get to Japan.

I didn’t think I could afford it.

Every time I seriously looked into visiting, I would wince at the high cost of the train passes, read about how the hotels were super-expensive, and then fly to Vietnam instead. Or Taiwan. Or even Australia. Japan was simply too expensive for a budget traveller, so I decided to save it for when I was rich.

With that not happening any time soon, I decided to blow my money anyway, because I wanted to go and the gushing blog posts from travel writer friends had convinced me it would be worth the splurge.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I discovered that it really wasn’t that expensive.

I arrived in Japan fully expecting it to be the priciest country I’ve ever been to, but I discovered it’s more on a par with Western Europe or North America, and cheaper than Australia. It was way more affordable than Namibia , where my daily expenses came to $132, and way, way, way more affordable than the Democratic Republic of the Congo , where I averaged, um, $550 a day.

Anyway!  This is about the cost of travel in Japan rather than my poor financial decisions, so let’s get started!

My 16-Day Japan Itinerary

Here’s a brief rundown of where I visited over my 16 days in the country — I think I managed to put together the perfect itinerary for first-time travellers to Japan .

Tokyo:  4 nights Hakone: 1 night Yudanaka: 1 night Kanazawa: 2 nights Takayama: 1 night Kyoto: 3 nights Hiroshima: 1 night Osaka: 3 nights

What’s Included in this Post

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, food, and whichever miscellaneous items popped up while I was in country.

I’ve not included my flights into and out of Japan because this is going to vary significantly based on where you’ll be arriving from. In case you’re interested, though, I paid $320  for a return flight from Rome to Tokyo, which I scored through browsing my favourite site for flight bargains,  Secret Flying . 

The amounts in this guide are listed in Japanese Yen and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S. And finally, these are the three rules I always abide by on this site:

• I do not accept sponsored trips, so everything listed in this post is something I personally paid for with my own money
• I travel anonymously to ensure my experiences accurately reflect what yours will be. I don’t want special treatment!
• Every single word of this article was written by me, based on all of my own experiences. I strictly do not use AI to compose my guides.

Okay — let’s get started with my expenses.

The Cheapest Accommodation Options in Japan

Like practically every country in the world, prices in Japan have increased post-pandemic.

In 2024, you’ll be paying a little more for everything than you would have done a few years ago — in fact, prices almost doubled between my first trip in 2017 and today! — however costs are still on a par with most Western countries. Travel in Japan shouldn’t be too devastating to your travel budget.

I’ll start on the lower end of the spectrum. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, it’s possible to avoid paying for accommodation entirely.

Couchsurfing  exists in Japan and allows you to stay with a local for free , usually sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. Yeah, it’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget’s tight, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it. You can browse through the 300,000+ Japanese hosts on  the Couchsurfing site — just be sure to read the references of anybody you choose to stay with.

Housesitting  is a more upmarket option, aimed at mid-range and luxury travellers. Housesitting involves taking care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, often (but not always) looking after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you’ll need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you  do  have that freedom, though, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the main site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you could take a look at  WorldPackers in Japan , where you’ll be able to volunteer for locals in exchange for food and board. There are some seriously cool options available on the site right now, from helping harvest honey for a bee farm in the countryside to lending a hand in the garden of a Buddhist temple. Readers of this site get a $10 discount for WorldPackers with the promo code  neverendingfootsteps .

If you’re not looking to travel for free and just want a clean and comfortable room to sleep in, there are plenty of great budget options, too.

And then we have  hostels . In Japan, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, large cities, and even within the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

Hostels in Japan  are on a par with the rest of major cities in East Asia, and you can expect to spend  $25 a night for a dorm bed  for a well-reviewed hostel, with the price increasing slightly to around  $45 a night  for the absolute best of the best.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you’ll be looking at  $50 a night  for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find it cheaper to grab some privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room.  $90 a night  will get you an exceptionally well-reviewed private room in a hostel.

I use  HostelWorld  to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And then there are hotels, which I’m going to jump into next.

The Cost of Accommodation in Japan

There are so many different types of accommodation in Japan! I attempted to experience as many as possible while I was in the country.

I stayed in a capsule hotel, prioritised hunting down a ryokan, slept on a tatami mat floor, stayed in family-run guesthouses, and checked out some pretty cool hostels. While I did attempt to save money by staying in some cheaper places, I was also happy to splurge on extremely well-rated rooms, too.

As always with these budget breakdowns, I like to share the prices of where I personally stayed, along with a description of the property and whether I’d recommend choosing it, too — hopefully this helps make your trip planning easier!

I visited Japan with my partner, Dave, and we travelled on a mid-range budget; searching out good value accommodation that was highly-rated and in a central location. We prioritised locally-run properties that weren’t too flashy or fancy; for us, a cosy vibe, unique furnishings, and welcoming staff are far more important than the generic decor of a hotel chain.

(Oh and just a quick note: hotels do charge different prices across a range of dates, depending on how busy a certain travel period is going to be. Because of this, it’s hard to be super accurate in the costs that I list. To get to the quoted prices below, though, I looked at the rates across the next six months and took the average: it could be slightly cheaper or more expensive, depending on when you’re visiting.)

Tokyo: $135 a night Odds are, you’re probably going to kick off your Japan adventures in Tokyo, and if so, it only makes sense to really throw yourself into the local experience. That’s why we decided to stay at this lovely onsen-ryokan in Shinjuku. (Whenever readers ask me which neighbourhood to choose in Tokyo, I always recommend Shinjuku or Shibuya.) The reason why I loved this specific property, though, is because it’s a ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) that also has an onsen (hot pool). It’s a great way to jump immediately into all things Japanese.

And it was wonderful; my favourite hotel in the country. The rooms were small and cosy and felt super-traditional and calming. The views over Tokyo at night from the window were incredible. And the rooftop onsen? With free popsicles afterwards? So good. It’s located in a quieter neighbourhood, but still only a 10-minute walk to the subway. I really recommend this one!

Hakone: $80 a night In Hakone, we opted for a private room in a lovely guesthouse , with a tatami mat floor to sleep on and a private onsen on-site. The photo of the tatami mat room above is of our room here. It ended up being another one of our favourite stays in Japan! The staff were lovely and there was a restaurant/bar that served up fantastic pizzas. It had a cosy and chilled-out atmosphere, with great food and wine, and lots of blankets to snuggle up with as we ate. It was also worth staying here just to experience the private onsen — we got to go in as a couple!

Yudanaka: $105 per night In Yudanaka, we opted for a stay in a wonderful little ryokan ; this one was even more traditional than the one in Tokyo! Often, ryokans can be super-expensive in Japan — as much as $500 a night for the experience — so I was thrilled to have stumbled across a more budget option in Yudanaka. It was run by an adorable Japanese couple and their house came with a private onsen, return transport to see  the snow monkeys , and one of the most extravagant meals of my life. A kaiseki is a multi-course (like, 20 courses) meal that will see you eating roughly a week’s worth of food in a single night, sampling fresh, local-to-the-region Japanese cuisine. It was phenomenal, and I loved having no idea what anything was. It even included homemade plum wine, which was so good! I highly recommend the experience (although strongly advise you not to add breakfast to your booking — we were still so full that we couldn’t eat any of it!)

Kanazawa: $65 per night Kanazawa is home to some seriously cool accommodation! We had a hard time choosing where to stay because every property looked so cosy and inviting. In the end, we settled on this minimalist, modern set-up — it was great value for money relative to most other places we stayed in Japan, especially when you consider it’s only been open a year. It’s in a great location, right outside Omicho Market, where you’ll sample the best sushi of your life. Also within walking distance is Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden, so you’re really staying in the heart of it all. I recommend signing up for the traditional Japanese breakfast, as you’ll likely not have had anything else like it before! There’s also an onsen and laundry facilities (always appreciated mid-trip!), and the staff were so sweet and kind.

Takayama: $76 per night In Takayama, we stayed in a small, locally-run guesthouse  in the centre of town. It felt like particularly good value for Japan, as it was one of the few places we stayed that you could describe as spacious! It even had a kitchen and washing machine. The beds were comfortable and the hotel was within walking distance of everywhere, including the train station. It was quiet, the staff were lovely, and overall, it made for a comfortable stay!

Kyoto: $84 a night In Kyoto, we stayed in a cosy hotel in the heart of town — we loved this place so much in 2017 that when we returned to Japan this year, we knew we’d have to stay there again! The property was in a fantastic location for exploring Kyoto and the bathrooms were nicer than anywhere else we stayed. It’s one of the top-rated guesthouses in the city — while also being one of the cheapest — so when you take that into consideration, I’m convinced you won’t find anywhere better to stay in Kyoto.

Hiroshima: $40 per bed In Hiroshima, we opted for a capsule-style hostel because I didn’t want to leave the country without trying one — you can see a photo of the “capsule” at the top of this section. Fortunately, we found ourselves in a room with only two other people staying there, so our capsule room with 20-odd beds was light on snorers. The owner of this place was ridiculously lovely and it was within walking distance of all of the monuments and activities. Really great bathrooms, a fun common area, and a cheap price: surprisingly, I would have stayed another night!

Osaka: $108 a night I rounded off my time in Japan with a little bit of a treat, opting for this four-star hotel that offered a ton of freebies. It’s all about the onsen here — it’s open all day and is simply beautiful. After you’ve finished your daily bathe, there’s free ice cream to eat, free comics to read, massage chairs to relax in, and even free ramen to slurp on. Yes, really! It was in a great location for Osaka — just a couple of blocks from the nearest metro station. The decor was calming and traditional; the perfect way to say goodbye to Japan.

In total, I spent an average of $97 per day on accommodation over my 16 days in Japan.

The Cost of Transportation in Japan

Okay, so let’s talk about transportation now. And specifically transportation post-2024.

It used to be the case that practically every visitor to Japan would invest in a JR pass (a train pass that grants you unlimited rides over a certain time period). After all, the best way to explore this country is by train, and by buying said rail pass, you’d be saving a significant amount of money on your trip — especially if you were taking a similar route to my one. A JR Pass pre-October 2023 would have saved me a whopping $175 over buying individual train tickets.

Seems like a no brainer, right?

In October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass skyrocketed in price. No exaggeration here: prices increased by an incredible 70% .

What a baffling decision.

What that means is that it’s not such a clear-cut decision anymore. The Japan Rail Pass still holds some benefits: If you’re a first-time visitor to Japan and don’t feel too confident about buying multiple single-journey train tickets, the pass will make it a lot easier: you just show it at any station and get on a train. You won’t need to worry about any extra charges and will have the flexibility to take train-based day trips whenever you want.

For most travellers, however, the value proposition is simply no longer there. For example, my recent 16-day itinerary (Tokyo – Hakone – Tokyo – Nagano – Kanazawa – Takayama – Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Osaka) cost me 50,000 Yen ( $350 ) with single tickets. However, a 14 day rail pass is priced at 80,000 Yen ( $530 )!

Alas, the Japan Rail Pass is no longer something I recommend — unless you’re going to be taking enormous, lengthy rail journeys (like across the whole country) in a short period of time. Alternatively, if you do want that added sense of security and ease by not having to juggle a dozen train ticket bookings, you may find the extra price worth it.

So with all that being said: you’re most likely going to be using the JR West website to book your single train tickets online. This covers the entirety of Japan that’s west of Tokyo (all of the places I visited were west) and allows you to book your train tickets all in one place — and then you can reserve a seat on said train one month before its departure date. Honestly, it’s pretty easy to use, book, and reserve — and being able to do it all online means you can get everything sorted before you step foot in the country.

Let’s take a look at the some of the prices that a typical train journey in Japan costs — in this case I’ll use my itinerary mentioned above to plot out the costs:

Tokyo – Hakone: 2,500 Yen ( $17 ) Hakone – Tokyo: 2,500 Yen ( $17 ) Tokyo – Nagano: 7,500 Yen ( $50 ) Nagano – Kanazawa: 8,500 Yen ( $57 ) Kanazawa – Takayama: 5,000 Yen ( $33 ) Takayama – Kyoto: 9,000 Yen ( $60 ) Kyoto – Nara: 700 Yen ( $5 ) Nara – Kyoto: 700 Yen ( $5 ) Kyoto – Hiroshima: 10,500 Yen ( $70 ) Hiroshima – Osaka: 10,000 Yen ( $67 )

So if you were to replicate my Japan route exactly, you would end up spending $381 on rail tickets. It sounds like a lot of money but I do want to stress that the trains in Japan are some of the best in the world. They’re spotless, comfortable, modern, and lightning-fast. You will feel like you’re travelling in luxury.

If you’re not down to spend hundreds of dollars on trains, then the buses are going to be your best option. They’re cheaper, slower, less comfortable, often run overnight, and are complicated to book. The best sites I’ve found for booking long-distance buses is Willer Express and Japan Bus Online — but even they don’t run buses for several of the routes I took on my trip.

I thought it would be a good idea to share the cost of buses for the trip I took, so that you can compare them to the train and see how much money you could save.

Tokyo – Hakone: 2,250 Yen ( $15 ) Hakone – Tokyo: 1,800 Yen ( $12 ) Tokyo – Nagano: 2,200 Yen ( $15 ) Nagano – Kanazawa: No bus for this route Kanazawa – Takayama: 3,300 Yen ( $22 ) Takayama – Kyoto: 3,800 Yen ( $25 ) Kyoto – Nara: No bus for this route Nara – Kyoto: No bus for this route Kyoto – Hiroshima: 4,300 Yen ( $29 ) Hiroshima – Osaka: 4,000 Yen ( $27 )

As you can, see prices are generally around half what they are for the trains. You’d be looking at paying $212 in total for taking the bus, with three trains replacing the routes where I couldn’t find any existing buses.

We’ve covered the main ways to get in between the destinations, so now it’s time to take a look at how much you could spend on transportation within the cities.

Fortunately, this was where I found Japan to be really affordable. I love to explore cities on foot and I found many of the places I visited to be surprisingly walkable. In total, I spent $6 on the metro in Tokyo, $7 on the metro in Osaka, and $2 on the metro in Kyoto! Everywhere else, I just walked.

A reasonably big expense was our Hakone Free Pass (spoiler: not free), although this was more of a combined transportation and activity cost. At a cost of 6,100 Yen, or $41 , It provides you with unlimited transport around Hakone (where you’ll find Mount Fuji), and discounted entrance to all the attractions in town. If you’re going to Hakone, this will save you money because it covers everything you’ll definitely do there.

The Cost of Food in Japan

If you love Japanese food but have yet to travel to its homeland, you have such a treat in store for you. The food in this country is phenomenal; packed full of flavour and surprisingly inexpensive. It’s true: eating out is the easiest way for you to cut costs in Japan.

In fact, the vast majority of my meals in this country came to less than ¥1000 ($6.50) .

I’ll start first by breaking down the typical costs that you can expect to spend on the most well-known of Japanese dishes. Then, I’ll cover what you’ll be likely to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with the costs associated with each of these meals. Finally, I’ll round out the section off by sharing some of my favourite food experiences in the country and describe which options are worth a splurge and which ones you can happily skip.

You can’t think of Japan without picturing sushi, so that feels like the most logical place to start. If you eat fish, this is going to be such a revelation for you! The sushi and sashimi in Japan is better than any I’ve had in the world and it was here that I finally understood how raw fish could ever be described as buttery.

To combine your sushi/sashimi-eating with a cultural experience, head to Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo or Omicho Market in Kanazawa. For a bowl filled with a selection of sashimi, like in my photo above, you’ll pay between ¥1,800 and ¥4,000 , depending on the size and quality of the fish. That’s the equivalent of $12-$25 .

Slurping on a steaming bowl of ramen is my personal definition of a true travel joy, so I opted for this cheap and cheerful dish most evenings as a way to save money. Note: the ramen in Japan is incredible , so don’t interpret my frugality as a hardship. Once you’ve tried the ramen here, I’d be surprised if you didn’t immediately start planning a return visit.

One of my favourite aspects of ordering ramen in Japan is how you’re given the option to customise the dish to your own tastes. It’s not uncommon to be handed a small slip of paper where you’ll get to mark down all of your preferences. Do you want your broth to be rich or light? Your noodles to be firm or soft? Added spiciness or none at all? Extra spring onion? A hard- or soft-boiled egg? Most options come out to ¥1000 ($6.50) for a bowl of pork ramen.

Speaking of cheap and delicious food options, I highly recommend sampling a couple of versions of okonomiyaki while you’re in town. This savoury pancake dish is so delicious, extremely filling, and inexpensive at just ¥1000 ($6.50) – ¥1500 ($10) . The cities of Osaka and Hiroshima each offer up their very own version of okonomiyaki and strong opinions are held by many over which is best! If you’ll be heading to both destinations, make sure you try one of each and let me know which is your favourite.

A dish that I tried for the first time while I was in Japan was Japanese curry and what a wonderful experience that turned out to be! In comparison to Indian curries, I found the Japanese version to be richer, sweeter, and less creamy, with plenty of umami vibes. Once more, you can expect to pay ¥1000 ($6.50) for a plate of katsu (pork cutlet) curry.

One of the most delightful aspects of my Japanese eating experiences was sampling all of the different snacks in the country.

Street snacks like takoyaki were  ¥500 ($4.50) . We splurged on our kaiseki experience at our guesthouse in Yudanaka and paid ¥4000 ($36) for our food extravaganza. It’s a budget option compared to many other kaisekis, which can easily come to $100 for the experience, but still our most expensive meal. Another splurge was on sushi in Kanazawa, which I paid  ¥2000 ($18) for.

Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge, it’s essentially impossible to eat badly in Japan. If you’re on a really tight budget, you can even get surprisingly decent food from 7-Eleven !

My total cost of food in Japan averaged out to $23.20 per day.

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in Japan

Activities and entrance fees in Japan were very reasonably priced, and I never found myself outraged over the cost of anything. You’ll typically pay less than $5 to enter most temples, museums, and gardens.

Here’s how I spread my cash around:

Entrance fee for the hedgehog cafe in Tokyo: $13/1400¥ Entrance to the Snow Monkey Park : $7/800¥ Entrance to Kenroku-en gardens in Kanazawa: $3/310¥ Entry to the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto: $3/300¥ Entry to Ryoan-ji zen garden in Kyoto: $5/500¥ Ticket for the Hiroshima Peace Memorial: $2/200¥

My total cost of activities in Japan averaged out to $2 a day.

Miscellaneous Expenses in Japan

A local SIM card: $14

I mentioned above that I was able to buy a local SIM card when I purchased my rail pass. If you aren’t going to be using a rail pass in Japan, I recommend taking a look at Airalo instead. Airalo is a company that sells local e-SIM cards for travellers. What that means is that you can buy a virtual SIM card online before you arrive in Japan, and then as soon as you land in the country, can switch on your data and start using it.

It’s worked flawlessly for me and I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. It’s just so easy! You’ll pay  $6 for 1 GB of data  or $14 for 3 GB for Japan and can also top-up through the Airalo app.

If you’re going down the Airalo route, just make sure your phone is e-SIM compatible first (all recent iPhones and many Androids are).

Insight Guides guidebook to Japan: $10 

My sister bought me  this guidebook as a gift before I left for Japan and at first I was like, Insight Guides? Meh. I wish she’d got me the Lonely Planet instead. Then when I opened it up and started reading, I swiftly discovered that Insight Guides are my new favourite guidebook company. It was so, so useful!

What I love about Insight is that their books focus heavily on the history and culture of Japan, with big, beautiful pictures, tons of information about local customs, food, and how to travel responsibly and respectfully. I recommend picking up a copy before your trip to Japan, but not taking it to the country with you — they’re big and heavy, so this is one for inspiration, planning, and education. 

Luggage storage at Snow Monkey Park near Yudanaka: ¥500 ($4.50)

We had our backpacks with us when we visited the snow monkeys, so utilised the on-site storage facility while we hiked up the mountain in the snow. You can also hire snow shoes and winter gear if you’re unprepared for the climb, but I was fine in my totally impractical sneakers. 

Travel insurance for 16 days in Japan: $60

If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to the Japan. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How I Track My Expenses While I Travel

Every time I share my expenses, you guys always want to know how on earth I manage to keep track of so many details from my travels!

Because Never Ending Footsteps is my company, the vast majority of my travel expenses are business expenses. I therefore studiously record everything I spend everywhere I go. I take photos of every receipt I receive and use Xero accounting software to record these expenses. In cases where I can’t get a receipt, I’ll take a photo of the price list and my ticket or food, or something as evidence.

Once a week, I then sit down and spend an hour or so uploading my receipts to Xero and making note of every penny I spent in each country I visit. It makes writing these posts super easy!

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Japan?

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs!

Accommodation:  $97 per day Transportation:  $27 per day Food:  $23 per day Activities/Entrance Fees:  $2 per day Miscellaneous:  $2 per day

Average amount spent in Japan: $151 a day!

I don’t know about you, but given Japan’s pricey reputation, I’m fairly impressed with the amount I spent in the country, especially as I included quite a few splurges in there.

How about you? How expensive were you expecting a trip to Japan to be?

Related Articles on Japan 🇯🇵 What’s it Like to Travel in Japan? 🏯 How to Spend Two Weeks in Japan: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🍣 15 Weird and Wonderful Things to Eat in Japan 🎌 23 Incredible Things to Do in Osaka, Japan 🗼 21 Spectacular Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan 😎 Hipster Harajuku: The Coolest Neighbourhood in Tokyo 🦔 Should You Go to a Hedgehog Cafe? My Experience in Japan 🐒 Why Seeing the Snow Monkeys in Japan Sucked

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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107 comments.

Wow! that’s amazing. I especially got fascinated seeing the capsule hotel…must have been a unique experience.

It was surprisingly cosy! I would totally stay in one again.

Thank you so much for your information. We will go to Japan in October 2023 for 1 month. Have paid fully for 16 days. Using your guides to budget the remaining 2 weeks. Thanks again.

This is great! Do you think it would be much more expensive in summer or any of the peak holiday seasons? I’m going over July this year and wondering if the prices change much with the seasons.

Wow! That’s quite an eye-opener! I’ve wanted to visit Japan for years, and this has certainly nudged me a little closer, as I assumed it was expensive too. The costs seem much better than I found in Amsterdam this spring! (my boyfriend still gets a thousand-yard stare when I mention how much we paid for drinks in one bar.)

Yay! Yeah, it really did feel about the same price as Western Europe, if not cheaper. The transportation is more expensive, but the food was cheaper in Japan.

This is super awesome! I, too, was under the impression that Japan was a super expensive place to visit! Good to know that you can save so much on accommodation and activities! Are you going to be posting about food in Japan? My knowledge of what to eat there is very minimal…

Yes! I published a guide to my favourite things to eat in the country last week: https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/best-food-japan/

Ditto for here in New Zealand Lauren. All said it would be expensive. But we house sat – rent-free – and saw that food and travel are on par or cheaper than New Jersey. We also saw that virtually all things are cheaper than folks said. Methinks many labeling Japan and NZ as expensive as can be are used to paying $1 for lunch in Chiang Mai LOL. Budget folks see all Western lands as expensive. Granted I am from NJ; living by NYC makes for a high cost of living. But not bad at all, living in these lands.

Yeah, definitely true. I know that when I wrote off Japan as being too expensive, it was in the early days of my travels, when I could only afford to live in Southeast Asia!

Loving the posts about Japan so far. Do you have many more articles planned? I’ve a trip booked in November and this has been the most useful of the blogs so far for help in planning – thank you. Although I’ve had to cut the hedgehog cafe off my plans after reading your article as I hadn’t quite considered the ethics enough!

Yes! So many. I’ll probably post another half a dozen or more over the next few weeks :-)

I always assumed Japan to be very expensive. Thanks to your blog I don’t anymore. Cheers!

This is all very useful info! I’m impressed with your budgeting skills. Awesome, Thanks for sharing this!

Ha! Thank you :-) It comes naturally (finally) after seven years of doing this.

Great article. I’m planning a visit for early 2025 to go with my grandson … was the budget breakdown for one person or a couple … because you mentioned going with your partner?

The accommodation prices are the total cost of the room (rather than just my share), while the transportation, food, and activities are all my share of the costs.

Fantastic article. Love your budget posts because you never leave anything out.

I try not to! Thanks so much :-)

Beautiful photos, Japan look amazing and thank you for sharing your budget tips as well. :)

No problem! :-)

Thank you so much for this! I’m going to Japan in September and I’ve been worrying about my budget. This has definitely put my mind at rest!

Yay! Happy to hear that :-)

I’m so happy that you have posted so much lately, you’re my favourite travel blog and I check this page a lot more often now that the pace of the posts has increased :)

Thank you! :-) I’m aiming to stick to a three-times-a-week posting schedule now that I have a base and more time to dedicate to writing.

This is so much cheaper than I expected. Do you have any idea about prices for solo travellers though? Would I have to pay for a double room most of the time (apart from dorm beds of course)?

No, lots of hotels and guesthouses have single rooms, so you wouldn’t need to pay out for two people very often, if at all.

Thanks, that’s good to know!

Very useful breakdown that would be very helpful for first-timers to Japan.

Just to share, one of my own major expenditure in JP is … vending machine contribution! I simply can’t resist them and can end up buying seven times a day. “P

Yes! I couldn’t believe how many vending machines there were in the country, as well as the variety of things you could buy from them.

Hello! This is a very timely article for me to read as I’m actually going to visit Japan for a week on September. I really love Japan’s culture and their people. There are a lot of places that I want to visit and a lot of things I want to do but I am on a strict budget. Hopefully, your article would be able to help me fix my budgeting for my trip to Japan.

I hope so! I really didn’t find it horrendously expensive, so I think you’ll be surprised by how much you can do there for free.

I love your budget posts because they give me such a good idea of how much I can expect to spend in places around the world. Are you thinking of doing them for everywhere you visit?

That’s my plan! I’m slowly working my way through my records and adding more and more to the site.

Hey, thanks so much! :-)

I’ve planed to visit Japan next year, Thank you for sharing your budget, I’ll try to not exceed 100$/day, following your information on this post.

Have a fantastic trip, Ingrid! :-)

Which month you visited Japan? I am thinking for Cherry blossom (April 2019) and everything is coming up too expensive. Are those above for cherry blossom season you visited?

Ah yeah, unfortunately, the cherry blossom season is the most expensive time of year to visit Japan. I was there in December, so prices will be higher than the ones mentioned in this post. I’ll add that detail to my post now!

I was under the impression that Japan was a super expensive place to visit! Good to know that you can save so much on accommodation and activities! This article includes all the places you can visit in Japan and their expenses. It is very educative and it can be improved by providing expenses in INR. Thank you for posting this useful information.

Thank you! I usually just price these articles in the local currency and USD, which is where the vast majority of my readers are located. If I started including currencies for everyone, the post would quickly get ridiculous :-)

Seems a dumb question, but I’m assuming all the values are in USD, is it correct?

Yep! I write at the start of the post: “The amounts in this guide are listed in Japanese Yen and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S.”

That is a very good breakdown cost analysis there. i am planning to go to japan as well with my wife. and planning to stay for 10 days only. 4 in tokyo 3 in kyoto and 3 in osaka. i like to idea of 100 aud / day it’s a good target to keep but i guess the expense on buying cloths and souvenir would be uncontrollable though i heard things in japanese is not that dear if you know where to shop and avoid tourist trap. i didn’t see you mention buying internet data in advance ? or i missed it somewhere. i guess the expense for a couple will be double up. but i guess 3000 aud for 2 people is unavoidable.

amazing detailed guide

You’re welcome!

I’m so glad I found your website! I love the detail and photos. I just booked a trip to Japan with my boyfriend for this upcoming October, and your site will be very helpful. Question: do most hostels and accommodations that you experienced have you sleeping solo? I’m wondering if I should expect to sleep in a separate area than my partner for most of the trip…

Hi Lauren, Thanks for such a detailed description of your time in Japan! I’m going to Japan October this year with my wife and my major concern is how you managed to book sleeping pods for you and your boyfriend as almost all accommodations are either “male only” or “female only” from the options I’ve seen so far. Did you have to get separate beds for those nights?

Yeah, the capsule hotel-style accommodation is all single beds. You can see in my photo in this post that there’s not much room for anybody else!

My wife and I are heading to Japan in mid May and I plan to use your itinerary.

Would it be possible for you to write something about the travel logistics if you can remember them – ie to get from Tokyo to Mt Fuji we booked the following train, leaving at…from the following platform which took X hours and arrived at Mt Fuji at. We then bought our day pass from….and ……..

This would be really helpful to me and other independent travellers – from where did you buy your JR pass and how did you book your individual train rides?

Cheers Paul

Oh, man. That would take me hours and hours to put together and I’m sure times and platforms change so it would be impossible for me to keep the information up-to-date and accurate.

I recommend downloading the mobile app Hyperdia — you can plan your train travel out using that. Just enter in your destinations and it will tell you which train to take and from which platform. Super easy to use! :-)

The site I used to buy the JR Pass is this one . I booked the other train tickets in person at the stations when I arrived — there weren’t many that weren’t covered by the rail pass. Just the small regional ones to get to and from Yudanaka, I think.

Hello Lauren, I love the details in your blog. Your expenses were for 1 or 2 people?

I cover that at the start of the blog post: “And finally, these are the expenses I paid while travelling with my boyfriend. That means that accommodation prices (with the exception of the dorm bed in Hiroshima) have been halved to indicate my share.”

Great super helpful article. THANK YOU!

Hi Lauren, Thanks so much for this article, it is so helpful!!! on which dates did you fly to japan? what dates are you recommending on?

I spent the first two weeks of December in Japan. I’d recommend looking at May or September as the best months to travel there.

Hi Lauren I’d love your advice. I’m traveling with my 22yr old daughter to celebrate her graduation and my birthday. I booked the first two nights a hotel in Tokyo and then figured we would VRBO or Airbnb but after reading your post it looks like things have changed. I love the idea of the capsule hotels and the standard tatami mat rooms look enchanting. So how do I search for either? We’d like to experience both for the trip. oh by the way, I’m a traveler too, let me know where in the world are you now. Perhaps we can meet up and collaborate, I do video production, just got back from Colorado and am going to Cancun in June.looking forward to hearing back from you, Peace and Love always, “L” oh let’s connect on IG

Just book them through Booking.com — no need to go to any specific site. I’m in Bristol, in the UK. I actually don’t have an Instagram account — it wasn’t doing good things for my mental health, so I deleted it :-)

G’day Lauren,

Loved your detailed description of your travels through Japan. However; I’m not so brave as you travelling around on my own, especially with the language problem. I am a single traveler from Bangalore, India and would love to spend 7-8 days in Japan, with my journey starting and ending in Tokyo, reasonably priced hotels or local hostels, but preferably single accommodation, if possible. (willing to pay extra).

I love train travel and Japan is one of the best places to do that..your take on that would be appreciated. If you feel, I meet your requirements, would love to get an itinerary and costing for my 7-8 day stay in Japan.

Hello! I am really curious on how you got a 14 days pass JR for only 420$, from where I am from (Canada) it is 567!

If you click the link in the post, you can buy it through there. It’s currently listed for 414 USD.

$95/day seems cheaper than what I had expected – is that a tight budget? What can you do more with $150/day? I’d prefer to spend that extra on living in nice hotels + do more activities. Does that seem possible with $150/day?

No, not really. It was a mid-range budget and all of the hotels we stayed in were nice — I made zero effort to stick to a tight budget.

Hope you’re well. I’m wondering if you still advise from not booking Airbnb for Tokyo? Thanks.

Until moments ago, I had always assumed Japan to be too expensive to even consider. Never thought the cost of activities and entrance fees would be so cheap. This is an encouraging article, thanks, Lauren!

Really remarkable post, Lauren. Extremely thorough and helpful. I’m looking to plan a trip to Japan soon and stumbled across your blog. As you clearly hoped from city-to-city, (this may be a silly question) what did you do with your luggage on a day-to-day basis?

Thanks for any insight.

Oh, just left it in my hotels. If I spent less than a full day somewhere, it was visited as a day trip, so I didn’t take my luggage with me. And then whenever I arrived somewhere, I’d time my arrival with the check-in time of the hotel, drop my bags first, then head out exploring.

great article! As I have said in the past you always put out great stuff that’s very valuable information.

I just came across your website when searching for trips for Japan for my son. I have to say I am really so happy and want to thank you so much for the information. My eldest son has been taking Japan as a language course for the last 3 years and was looking forward to trying to get into the high school Japan trip in end of july beginning of August 2020. He also wanted to go to TUJ(Temple University Japan).

However, because of the olympics the high school Japan trip has been canceled for 2020. Unfortunately, he will be a senior next year so the 2021 high school program will not be available for him. Plus going to olympics are so expensive. If you can give me any advice, I would greatly appreciate. Thank you so much in advance for your time!!!

What advice do you need? About what?

Hi Lauren, I really liked you post and I think is really helpful. When exactly did you go in Japan? We have to change our plans for next February (previous planned for Philippines but to risky for my wife pregnancy) and we consider to go in Japan instead. So, do you think it is good idea travelling in Japan in February? Thank you and advance.

I went during the first half of December. As long as you keep in mind that it’ll be pretty cold (5-10 celsius), I think it’s a great time of year, as it won’t be as crowded as peak season.

is it favorable to use credit card or cash is much preferred? thanks

Hi. Thank you for the information! I am so inspired to go to Japan now. My mom who was from Japan, always told me it’s too expensive to go back and visit. I am now 56 and it has been my lifelong dream to go. My husband and I will go with backpacks like we did when we were younger and before having kids. Is October a good time to go? I read September can be humid. I want to follow your itinerary for the most part. My mom lived in Kanazawa. My heart is full right now and my eyes are misty. Thank you for making my dream a little bit closer.

Hey Lauren!

Thank you so much for the information. I actually got invited on a delegation to go to Japan this evening and am trying to get the average cost to travel in the country. Obviously, your trip was on a very impressive budget. I have two questions, 1. Based on the $95/day over the course of your 16-day trip, would it be right to say that (flight included) you only paid ~$1,600 for your entire trip? 2. Would you say for a trip including cultural experiences, transportation and stays in nice hotels for a week, a grand total of $3,700 is reasonable?

In advance, I appreciate your advice on this!

Hi Lauren, Are you able to name all the accomodations you stayed with? I would like to visit Japan next year on a very tight budget. Thanks.

Yes, they’re already linked in the post along with the reviews of them under the accommodation section.

Hi Lauren. I’m debating spending 5 nights in Osaka and doing day trips to kyoto, nara and himeji castle. (I have hotel points where i can stay at osaka). Based on your experience – is that ok? or is better to stay 2 nights in Osaka and 3 nights in kyoto. There is a lot of different opinions online, thought id ask you if you think i’d be missing out on anything if staying in osaka. The one plus is i can save some money if using points and also staying in 1 location for 5 nights vs packing and moving to another location. Thanks so much for your posts!

Hey i found this really helpful but I’ve been planning to visit japan for a while and have hopes of going after i graduate high school. With some research i found that the JR pass isn’t needed if you’re just staying in one city. How much do you think i would spend on transportation for 2 weeks in Tokyo? Will it come out to more than what you spent or less?

Definitely less! You can walk to a lot of places, but otherwise the metro won’t cost much at all — a dollar or two per trip.

Would you be able to give recommendations for food places in Kyoto that are affordable.

Hi Lauren. Came across your site on a Google search for budget travel. It convinced e that a trip to Japan is affordable. Never have done international travel and would like your advice on a couple of things. 1. What is the best way to pack? Do I have to just use a back pack? 2. Can I use a credit card or should cash be used? 3. Can I get cell phone coverage in Japan.

Thanks, you site is great!

1) I prefer to travel with a backpack, but you’ll do okay with a suitcase, too. I personally find backpacks easier for navigating train stations, as you don’t have to drag it up and down stairs, etc. It doesn’t really matter either way, though. Depending on how long you’ll be staying there, I usually pack for a week no matter how long my trip is, then do laundry once a week.

2) Japan is mostly cash-based, so plan for lots of trips to the ATM. I didn’t find many places that accepted cards, although I also wasn’t looking very hard either.

3) Yep, you can pick up a local SIM card at the airport when you arrive. I bought mine through the rail pass company I link to in this blog post, but you can also just buy one when you arrive. Super easy to do and they’ll get it set up for you in the shop, too.

Love your posts! have been browsing but when I stumbled upon your page found it really helpful! Planning for Japan and Singapore so finding both blogs is perfect timing :) We are still not sure if the JRpass will help us- when we did calculation for the main routes we are going it resulted not worth it, however then not sure if we will require any additional rails/trains in between these. Tokyo>Hakone>Kyoto> Osaka without returning back… your input will be appreciated :) P.S. Feel free to visit the island of Malta, my home country

Wooow !! This is amazing , My wife and I have been planning to visit japan and we always had a misconception that Japan is expensive to visit .. This is a great blog .. So the overall cost including your flight tickets and local travel in japan would cost around 2500 $ per person ?

This was so incredibly helpful! Normally I don’t find myself reading entire articles but yours was so informational and in depth. Thank you so much for helping me get an idea of how much I would roughly spend!

Ah, no problem! Thanks for reading, and I’m glad you found it useful :-)

I super love this article Lauren! I thoroughly enjoyed it. When all is well and my country allows us to travel again, this is going to be on my top 3 places to visit (the 1st 2 will be diving spots as I’m a freediver). I made sure to bookmark this page for reference. Again, thank you for writing this. One question though, when you say $ do you mean USD?

Yep, USD! “The amounts in this guide are listed in Japanese Yen and U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S.”

How much did you spend on transportation in Tokyo? I mean if you hadn’t had the JR Pass? How much did you save in Tokyo by having the pass?

Oh, I didn’t activate the pass when I was in Tokyo — I activated it on the day I left — so that was my total expenses without using it.

Hi Lauren! I just read your post. My boyfriend and I are backpackers and we are planning our next trip to Japan. I wanted to ask you when did you go there? (what time of the year). Because we can only take time off during winter time (dec-jan) and I don’t know if that’s a good time of year to go. We are from Denver and snow doesn’t bother us but we also want to enjoy it.

Thanks in advance! Love your blog

I was there in December! There’s fewer crowds then, which makes it a great time to go! As an added bonus you get to enjoy all of the cosy onsens in the snow :-)

Even in these unprecedented times, I feel as if I have already traveled to Japan! I loved every minute of the information you gave me. This place is definitely next on my list, of course! It can be months or a year from now.

It appears you’re still getting traffic in the comments here (excellent) so I thought I would ask a broad question. Wife and I are thinking to take our 6 and 9 year old to Japan for about 11 days. Any destinations you might leave off your itinerary given a bit less time and traveling with kids?

Fantastic! I’ve never seen any article about travelling to japan so specific and detailed before!! It sure will help me prepare for my own first&solo trip! thank you so much

Great post, but the prices are wildly outdated now. Your $30/night hotels in 2018 are going for around $220/night in 2023. Insane!

Hi CS, what time of year are you looking to visit? I’ve had a quick check and every hotel I link to still displays roughly the correct prices (a couple were out by about $10-20 a night, but nothing like $190!). If you’re looking at going in May, for example, Hakone Tent prices their rooms at $176 a night, but then offers rooms at a price of $73 a night a month later in June, so the time of year can affect the pricing. I’ll make a note to mention this in a future update to the post.

I visited in the low season, in December, so the prices I paid were lower than they might be at a more popular time of year.

This is amazing on every level. Thank you! only issue is prices for accomodations double during sakura season so what can I do

Thank you Lauren, for this insightful and complete post.

Out of curiosity, do you know what was the average USD/YEN exchange rate when this trip took place?

Kind Regards,

I update the prices in this article every two months so the exchange rate used in the post is recent

How recent was your travel to Japan and what exact dates were you there? I’m planning to take my family of 4 there in 2025 and would like to schedule it during cherry blossom season. I heard prices usually go up during this time so I was wondering if your trip happened during peak or off-peak season.

I was there in December. Prices do increase a lot during cherry blossom season, unfortunately — that’s the most expensive time to visit.

very good post for budget travellers. thanks for sharing.

Oh my gosh! These posts are amazing!! My husband and I are planning our honeymoon in Japan for October 2024 and this is a huge help as it’s our first time going (a dream trip forever!!). I was wondering if you could reshare the name of the Kyoto accom? The link just leads to the general booking.com page (I’m sorry in advance if this is just an issue on my end!)

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Japan on a Budget: The Complete Guide to Cheap Travel in Japan

How to Travel Japan on a Budget:  The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need

Is is possible to travel to Japan on a budget?  Definitely!  Japan is one of the most fun and amazing travel destinations in the world.  However, many travelers are reluctant to plan a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun because of the cost.

Known for being an expensive place to visit, many Japan lovers give up when they hear how much it costs to travel to Japan.  In doing so, they miss out on the trip of a lifetime.  It’s true that Japan has tons of luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, and first class transportation options that cost more money than most people’s mortgages.

However, Japan also has lots of cheap lodging, amazing food, and transportation options that are very easy on the wallet. In fact, Japan can be one of the CHEAPEST destinations to travel on a budget. If you want to visit Japan on a budget, this article will provide you with all of the tips, tricks, and advice to save you as much money as possible.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Japan

While it is possible to visit Japan by boat (namely from Australia, China, Taiwan, and Korea) the vast majority of visitors choose to go by air.

If you live in one of these nearby countries and have LOTS of time, check out your local boat companies for deals. Sometimes they sell last minute tickets at a fraction of the cost.

However, it’s almost always more efficient to travel by air.

So here are 5 tips to getting the cheapest airline tickets to Japan.

5 Tips to Find Cheap Flights to Japan

 1.  book as early as possible.

When searching for a flight to Japan, booking as far in advance as you can is best. Waiting until the last minute to grab reduced price tickets can certainly pay off, but it’s a big gamble if the tickets sell out (which happens more often than not).

You’re better off by being prepared, planning in advance and choosing to visit Japan at a cheaper time of year.

I usually buy my tickets at least a month before my travel date. I found that this is the latest I can wait before tickets sell out or really get expensive.

2.  Avoid Peak Periods of Travel: Peak Times

Not only does the cost of airfare increase during peak times of travel in Japan, but hotels, attractions, and even restaurants raise their prices as well (usually buffets or nice restaurants that offer things like “special” holiday menus). If possible, try to avoid these peak travel times in Japan if you are on a tight budget:

• Golden Week: End of April – start of May
• Cherry blossom viewing: Late March – early May
• Summer: Mid-August is the busiest due to the Obon Festival
• Autumn: Changing colors of leaves (busiest time is late September due to Silver Week, a period of national holidays grouped close together)
• Spring: The end of March – the beginning of April. School children are on spring break, and lots of families travel during this time
• New Years: A popular time to travel during this time (domestic and international)

3. Cheapest Time to Fly to Japan

Here are the dates that generally have the cheapest flights to Japan

• Early to late December (before New Years)
• Just after the New Year holiday ends (people are usually back to work by January 5th) up until the end of March. However, Hokkaido has lots of visitors during this time due to all of the incredible ski slopes and winter foods. The world-famous Snow Festival also takes place in early February, which makes finding a cheap ticket to Hokkaido difficult.
• Mid May – June is also a cheaper time to visit.

While the winter season might not be the best time to visit Japan in terms of weather, you’ll usually save money on plane tickets. Winter foods in Japan are absolutely delicious as well. Delicious hot pot dishes, fresh crab, and other seafood are especially delicious in winter.

If you want all of the details and insiders tips on when to visit Japan, check out our  best time to visit Japan   guide.

4. Check for Internet Deals

Or course you could get cheap airlines tickets by choosing non-direct flights with long, inconvenient waits in between. But who wants to do that? Sure, you can save some money, but you’ll be giving up a lot of time and comfort by doing this.

Before going this route, spend an hour or two searching the Internet for the best deals. You can decide if a reduction in price with a 12-hour wait in some random airport is worth the inconvenience.

How to do Internet Research for Cheap Flights to Japan

Here are the steps I use to find the best deals to Japan:

1. Determine Both Your Budget and Which Airlines Companies You Want to Use

Of course, if you are willing to fly with any airlines, you’ll have the best chances of finding a cheap flight. However, I highly recommend you only use reputable carriers. There are lots of airlines with cheap flights to Japan, but they usually have very long layovers or delays, poor service, and safety issues.

Sometimes, it’s just not worth the risk. So to minimize your chances of having a bad flight, go with a reputable airline company. Airlines that fly to Japan differ depending on where you live, but I like Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Korean Airlines.

2. Always Check Your Favorite Airline Carrier’s Website First

I always check the Hawaiian, JAL, and ANA Airlines website first. Most of the time, I find the best deals directly on their website.

Booking directly with the airline carrier is usually safer and more secure than booking with a third-party company. Be sure to check the prices often, as they can change frequently.

If the prices are high, proceed to step 3.

3. Do a Quick Search for Ticket Prices on a Multi-Search Website like Kayak.com

Other websites such as Skyscanner, Expedia, Jetstar, Kayak, Lastminute, and Farecompare are also good places to analyze ticket costs. Remember that flight costs will depend on where you’re flying from. Heading out from a major “hub” airport rather than a local one will certainly cut costs.

These websites search hundreds of travel sites and find the cheapest tickets out of all of them. Filter the searches by the airline carrier and how many layovers you are willing to have on your trip. Be sure to check the prices for different dates. Sometimes traveling just 1 day later can drop the prices significantly.

NOTE: I just do this to see what the average prices are for that dates of travel. I DO NOT purchase my tickets through Kayak unless there is an amazingly good deal though a REPUTABLE company. While there are usually cheap tickets that show up in the results, most of these are either a) flights with LONG layovers or b) flights listed by bad, untrustworthy third party companies.

In my experience, many of the companies that are listed on their website aren’t very trustworthy. Many of them have very bad reviews, with some even having complaints filed against them. Stick with the bigger companies like Expedia. Just use it to check the prices of the airlines you want to fly on.

4. Consider Buying a Ticket from Another Country or with a Different Currency

Choose the best 3 or 4 itineraries you found on Kayak/Expedia/Priceline/etc. I usually have the best results with Expedia.

At the bottom of the Expedia website, there’s a section called “Global Sites” with pictures of flags of different cultures. Choose a different country and search for the same flight. The ticket prices might be lower if you book it through another country with Expedia.

5. Fly into a Different Airport in Japan

If all of the flights to your desired airport in Japan are crazy expensive, consider flying to a different airport and then using the JR Rail Pass to take the train the rest of the way. If you don’t mind having a longer trip, the JR Rail Pass is a good way to cut costs.

You can fly into another major airport in Japan and then cash in your rail pass at the nearest participating station. Then you can take the bullet train to your desired location. While this does take more time, it can save you money and is much more fun that riding an airplane.

The seats on the bullet train are much more spacious than a plane and are much easier to travel. The only downside is that the bullet train doesn’t have space for big pieces of luggage.

Transportation in Japan: Saving Money on Domestic Travel

Finding a cheap way into the country is only half the problem. Domestic travel within Japan is also expensive. Of course, you could explore only one or two cities, which can cut costs dramatically by only paying local fares, especially if there are city passes available.

What makes Japanese so awesome is traveling to different areas to eat local foods and to experience the culture throughout Japan. If you want to explore many places in Japan, purchasing a travel pass will be your best bet. These passes can save you both time and money if you plan to travel a lot in Japan.

The JR Rail Pass: The Best Deal in Japan

The Japan Rail Pass is essential if you want to experience all that Japan has to offer. This pass allows you unlimited rides on most JR trains, including the bullet trains, as well as some JR buses and the JR ferry to Miyajima.

This pass opens up the whole Japan to you. You’re free to travel wherever, and whenever you want. I highly, highly recommend getting this pass.

This pass also makes traveling much easier. You don’t need to research ticket prices or deal with buying or keeping track of your tickets for each trip. Just walk on through the gates on the side and show your pass to the attendant.

Also, if you don’t mind sitting in the unreserved area, you can walk straight onto the train too – although reserving specific seats ahead of time is certainly recommended for busy times/seasons/routes.

How the JR Rail Pass Works

IMPORTANT: You can’t buy a Japan Rail Pass while in Japan. You must purchase your pass before you arrive in Japan. The pass is only for those on a tourist visa.

Also, keep in mind that the JR pass cannot be used on every type of transport. For example, you cannot ride the NOZOMI or MIZUHO type bullet trains using a Japan Rail Pass. This isn’t usually a problem, though.

The NOZOMI trains travel the exact same route as other types of bullet trains but only stops at major stations. A full list of what you can and can’t use the pass for can be found on the rail pass website .

JR Rail Pass Prices

There are two types of pass you can buy. A “green pass” allows you to sit in the first-class section of the train. However, not every train has a green car (first class section). The “ordinary” JR Rail Pass is the more economical option. Both of these passes can be used to make seat reservations for the bullet train.

Passes are available for periods of 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days. The countdown will start on the day you activate your pass. You do not have to activate it as soon as you arrive in the country. You can redeem it anytime during your trip.

Just take your rail pass voucher to a JR Station that can redeem it. A list of places should be included on a sheet with your voucher. However, most big, urban JR stations can activate your rail pass.

JR Rail Pass Prices (2017)

Prices for adult “original” passes:

• 7-day pass: 29,110 yen
• 14-day pass:  46,390 yen
• 21 day pass:  59,350 yen

Prices for child passes (age 6 to 11):

• 7-day pass:  14,550 yen
• 14-day pass: 23,190 yen
• 21-day pass:  29,670 yen

The passes may seem expensive but can save you an incredible amount of money if you travel a lot during your trip. A round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto would already cost 28900 yen, nearly the full price of a one week pass.

A typical 7-day trip for tourists would look like this:

• Days 1&2: Tokyo
• Day 3: Osaka
• Days 4&5: Kyoto
• Day 6: Hiroshima

This itinerary would cost you 41,640 yen, not including all of the local trains you’ll ride within these cities. If you were to return to Tokyo from Hiroshima, the total cost would be 60,200 yen, which is more expensive than a 21-day pass.

If you plan to visit more than one city by bullet train on your trip to Japan, a rail pass is an absolute must.

Where to Buy the JR Rail Pass

There are a few different agents you can use to order your Japan Rail Pass. Be sure to check the details. Some airlines sell rail passes, but you must book your airlines ticket with them as well.

Here are some of the main agents through whom you can purchase the pass: Tobu Top Tours, JTB Corp., KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL, Japan Airlines, Nippon Travel Agency, ANA Sales Americas (Los Angeles), and JALPAK. Check the website for details on how to purchase a rail pass.

Special Passes to Save You Money on Travel in Japan

As well as the Japan Rail Pass, there are other special tickets and passes you can buy to cut costs on your trip to Japan. Some tickets are regional, but others can be used all over the country.

Seishun 18 Pass

This is another offer from the JR (Japan Rail) company. This ticket is similar to the Japan Rail Pass, but it is more limited. However, the reduced cost makes this pass a great option if you’re trying to travel on a budget (and have lots of time).

The Seishun 18 ticket is a seasonal offer only. You can use the ticket for a 5 day period during the spring (early March to early April), summer (mid-July to early September), or in the winter (early December to early January). The exact dates are released when the tickets become available.

You can use this pass for unlimited travel on all local and rapid JR trains. You cannot use it on Shinkansen rides (bullet train) or on limited express travel.

The Seishun 18 is a 5-day ticket, costing 2,370 yen per day – a total of 11,850 yen.

A fraction of the price of the Japan Rail Pass, this is a great option if you want to do lots of little trips or one or two big journeys during the 5 day period. Interestingly, the ticket can also be shared between up to 5 people. You could have use of it for one day each and your friends could use it the other days.

Where to Buy the Seishun 18 Pass

You can buy the Seishun 18 ticket in the JR East station travel centers, or at JR Ticket Offices. Advance booking is available. Dates for when the passes go on sale are listed on the website along with the details, which usually becomes available from 1 to 3 weeks before the pass becomes available.

Hakone Free Pass

Hakone is an amazing place to visit. It is filled with stunning natural beauty, especially when the autumn leaves change and the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. Whatever the season, Hakone is a wonderful place to visit. Amazing hot springs, outdoor walks, mountain hikes, surrounded by peace and quiet. It’s pure bliss.

The Hakone Free Pass is a must for people heading out that way. It gives you free travel on eight different types of transport in the Hakone area for a 2 or 3 day period, as well as discounted entry to dozens of attractions, including hot springs, museums, galleries, historical sites, parks, restaurants, shops and more. A full list is available on their website .

The Hakone Free Pass has different prices depending on where you depart from.

While you can get passes that are valid from Machida and Odawara, most travelers start their journey at Shinjuku. However, if you are heading off from one of the other two locations, be sure to check out the details as those tickets are a little cheaper.

From Shinjuku:

2-day adult pass:   5,140 yen

3-day adult pass:  5,640 yen

For children:

2-day pass:  1,500 yen

3-day ticket:  1,750 yen

Where to Buy the Hakone Free Pass

Hakone Free Passes can be purchased at any Odakyu line station, including Odakyu line ticket machines.

JR Tokyo Wide Pass

If your trip to Japan will be focused in and around Tokyo (there is so much to do there that you could easily spend your whole holiday there) then you should consider buying the Tokyo Wide Pass.

This 3-day ticket offers unlimited travel in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area. Including both the Narita and Haneda airports, you can pick up your pass on arrival, and it will cover the cost down into central Tokyo, and everything else for the rest of the period of validity.

Like the Japan Rail Pass, this ticket is only available to people with a tourist visa. As it is only valid for 3 days, you could easily get yourself one of these passes to use for a few days in Tokyo, then after that head off around the rest of the country using a Japan Rail Pass.

The 3-day pass is 10,000 yen for adults and 5,000 yen for children aged 6 to 11.

Where to Buy the JR Tokyo Wide Pass

You can buy a Tokyo Wide Pass at the JR Ticket Offices and JR Travel Agents located in the Haneda International Airport and in the Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and 3.

The passes are also available at JR travel centers and general travel service centers at various locations, including Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ueno, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama, and Mito. Check the website for details.

Domestic Air Travel

Train passes are good for people who want to travel a lot, but what if you only want to explore one or two areas? While the rail passes are, on the whole, cheaper than buying individual tickets, they are still quite costly if you aren’t going to be getting a lot of use out of them. So if this applies to you, take a look at budget local airlines for domestic travel.

Low-Cost Carrier (LLC) Flights

Several airlines in Japan offer flights to various locations, and often at a fraction of the price of the same journey by train. Of course, you need to factor in all costs to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Keep in mind that getting to the airport might involve time-consuming/costly trips on the subway or train.

However, this depends on the city. For example, in Fukuoka, the airport is only a 5-minute subway ride away from the central train station.

Two of the most well-known budget airlines in Japan are Peach and Jetstar.

Both of these airlines fly to a variety of locations, including Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki.

Other popular domestic airlines include JAL (Japan Airlines) , ANA (All Nippon Airways) , Skymark Airlines , Vanilla Air , Spring Airlines and Solaseed Air .

Taking a plane instead of a train, even for a short journey, can make a huge difference in price.

For example, reserving a seat on the train from Kumamoto to Tokyo will cost a total of around 27,000 yen (and take about six hours!) whereas the same journey by plane (using Jetstar airlines) will cost less than 7,000 yen.

Taking the train from Kagoshima to Osaka will set you back around 22,000 yen, vs. a flight on Peach Airlines can cost you less than 6,000 yen. That’s a huge discount!

Special Airlines Discounts

If you prefer to take Japan Airlines or ANA Airlines, here are a couple of special discounts you can use.

JAL: Special Japan Explorer Pass – 10,800 yen flights to over 30 different cities in Japan.

Restrictions: Only for short-term visitors. Must have a ticket leaving Japan to be eligible for this special pass. You also need to purchase these flights directly through the JAL website.

ANA: Experience Japan Special Fares : 5,500 yen flights to cities within Hokkaido, or 7,700 – 11,000 yen flights for any other destinations.

Restrictions: You need to reside outside of Japan, have a passport from a country other than Japan, and have an international ticket leaving Japan.

Traveling by Bus

Probably the cheapest way to travel long distances in Japan is by bus. Taking a highway bus is not the most popular option, but can be a great way to save money on both short and long trips.

A popular bus provider is Willer Express. You’ll be surprised to know that you can make online reservations in English when booking through Willer Express. Most other bus companies don’t have online or English reservations.

Other companies to look into are Japan Bus Online, Hankyu Bus, and JR Bus branches (split into eight regional companies).

Insider’s Tip

Most bus companies offer different types of seating for overnight buses. These range from the cheapest 2-seater style seats (think of an American school bus) to super comfortable individual seats.

The price difference is significant, but if you’re taking a long bus (over 8+ hours) I highly recommend that you purchase a better seat. The buses with 3 seats per row are very comfortable. The seats are not connected, which makes it feel like you have your own personal space.

I took an overnight bus from Kobe to Tokyo on Willer Express with the cheapest seats (which was only 2,500 yen or so). While the bus looked new and the ride was smooth, it was the one of most cramped, cold (it was during winter), and uncomfortable experiences of my life. The better seats were 2 to 3 times more expensive, but I would definitely purchase those seats next time. These upgraded seats would still be much cheaper than taking a bullet train.

Taking the bus can also save you on money on hotels. You can sleep on overnight buses that run late into the night.

Japan Bus Pass

If you plan on traveling all around Japan, consider the Japan Bus Pass.

This pass can be used on all daytime and overnight buses provided by Willer Express. There are 3-day, 5-day, and *7-day passes, with 2 different prices depending on if you’ll be using it from Monday to Thursday or over a weekend period. A 3-day Monday to Thursday pass costs just 10,200 yen.

*NOTE:  The 7-day pass is only valid during Monday – Thursday, but you don’t need to use the 7 days consecutively.

There are a few rules. The pass can be used for up to 3 rides per day, but you can’t use it on premium buses. However, on the plus side, this is one of the “only for foreign visitors” passes which can also be used by foreign residents. That means that JET teachers and other ex-pats who usually miss out on the great travel deals can use the Japan Bus Pass.

For more information:  Willer Bus Pass Page

Cheap Places to Stay Overnight in Japan

Finding a place to stay is one of the major concerns for people wanting to travel Japan on a budget. There are tons of luxury hotels that cost a fortune, but there are also lots of budget hotels as well. A discerning eye can track down cheap accommodation all over Japan. The key is knowing what kind of lodging to look for, and where to find it.

Finding Cheap Deals Online

With price comparison websites and dedicated travel companies providing endless lists, this is the best place to start your search. However, bear in mind that these websites have more listings in big cities. Small towns in the countryside will probably yield very few search results. If you’re hoping to visit somewhere off the beaten track, you may need to find other ways to find lodging there.

One of the best websites to use is Booking.com . This website is easy to use and often has great deals. It is also a reputable company that most people trust. I recommend Booking.com because it offers a whole range of different sorts of accommodations. From fancy hotels to local ryokans, you can find something in your budget.

However, there are some popular hotels that are not listed on Booking.com. Agoda.com comes to the rescue in most cases.

Most of the lodging options that aren’t listed with Booking.com can be found on Agoda. I always check both of these websites anyway, to compare prices for the same hotels.

Other good websites are Rakuten, Hostelworld, Japanican and Jalan.

Accommodation Booking Websites

Booking.com :  Best choice to reserve most types of accommodations (hotels, Japanese inns, hostels, capsule hotels, etc.)

Agoda.com :  Not as easy to use as Booking.com, but has some hotels that are not listed on Booking.com

If you’re having trouble finding something, or the hotel you want is fully booked, check out the Japanese version of the site.

Particularly on Jalan and Rakuten, it might appear that something is fully booked, but when you check the local website, there is still availability! Also, the Japanese website sometimes lists a cheaper price.

The only downside to this is you need to be able to read Japanese.

However, if you are just booking a room (no meals or other services) you can probably book a reservation in Japanese by using “rikaichan” which is an add-on to the Mozilla Firefox browser (for Google Chrome, the extension is called “rikaikun.” When you turn it on and hover your mouse over Japanese characters, it will show you the reading and the definition of the word.

Google Chrome:  Rikaikun Mozilla Firefox:   Rikaichan

Business Hotels

One of the most affordable types of accommodation in Japan, business hotels are certainly “no frills, ” and you get what you pay for.

They are hugely popular, as the name suggests, with Japanese business people (mainly men) who travel a lot for work.

Business hotels are a good choice if you plan to explore Japan all day and just want a bed to sleep in at night. You find them all over Japan, with many big chains all over the country, with their rooms looking the same whether you’re staying in a big city or out in the countryside.

Major companies to look out for include Toyoko Inn, Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Dormy Inn, Chisun Hotels and Route Inn.

How Comfortable are Business Hotels?

Rooms are functional with minimal decorations. Some rooms can be very small (the bed and drawers take up most of the space). Beds are very standard but usually pretty comfortable. There’s usually a TV, small refrigerator, a hot water pot, and internet access (either by ethernet cable or wi-fi).

The bathrooms are usually very tiny but they do the job unless you are very tall or big. Most business hotel bathrooms are stocked with basic amenities (toothbrush, soap, shaving razor, etc.).

Average Prices

A single room in a business hotel will cost you between 4,000 Yen to 10,000 yen a night, whereas a twin or double room will be the cheaper option if split between 2 people. For a twin, prices are around 7,000 yen to 12,000 yen per night.

Capsule Hotels

One of the most famous types of Japanese lodging, staying in a capsule hotel is definitely an experience. The first ever capsule hotel opened in Osaka, Japan, and now you can stay in similar lodgings all around the world.

They may look like fun, but capsule hotels aren’t always all that they’re hyped up to be. It is small, but not as small as most people think. Most capsules are big enough for you to sit up inside without hitting your head.

However, it’s somewhere to sleep and nothing else. Also, many capsule hotels are for men only. They’re geared at businessmen and often don’t have capsules for women. Some capsule hotels have a “female only” floor, though. You’ll find them in big cities, but smaller towns throughout Japan are unlikely to have mixed gender capsule hotels if they have one at all.

Are Capsule Hotels Comfortable?

For the first day or so, capsule hotels are decently comfortable. However, it doesn’t take an expert traveler to know that these are not good for long term stays. There is only so many nights in a row that sleeping in what is basically a well-lit coffin can be counted as a fun novelty rather than an annoyance.

Depending on your fellow travelers, capsule hotels can easily be noisy, crowded places, and while many hotels offer lockers or other places to store your belongings, theft, while not rampant, is more common in these lodgings than in other types of accommodation.

Capsule hotels are far from the most luxurious hotel, but they do come cheap! Spending a night in a capsule hotel can cost as little as 2,000 yen. However, is it worth it? Some travelers thrive on this sort of “simple” accommodation, but if it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, move on to another type of hotel.

At best, make your stays in capsule hotels a one-night-at-a-time affair when you are just stopping over or arriving somewhere too late to make use of a regular hotel room. In these instances, the low cost is worth the inconveniences.

Japanese Hotels

This is probably the type of lodging with the widest variation between properties. Some hotels in Japan are little better than business hotels. The rooms have basic furnishings, no decorations or excessive comfort, and is just somewhere to spend the night.

At the other end of the scale, you have fancy hotels which are amazingly luxurious. Fully furnished rooms, spacious bathrooms, communal areas with massage chairs, gym facilities and even swimming pools.

There is great variety between different hotels in Japan. The number of choices can be overwhelming. The good thing is that many hotels are conveniently located near to train stations or bus stops.

Are Hotels in Japan Comfortable?

This really depends on what kind of deal you’re looking for. A cheap hotel will, naturally, not be very comfortable, but it will cost a mere fraction of the cost when you compare it to mega hotel chains like MyStays, APA or Nikko. In general, bigger hotels in Japan are comfortable and are good for both sleeping and relaxing in.

Cheaper hotels are usually around 8,000 yen per night, with luxury hotels priced 30,000 yen to 60,000 yen or more per night. While many hotels might look out of your budget, it’s worth keeping an eye out for special deals. For example, the MyStays chain is a delightful place to stay, but with the rooms usually priced at 20,000 yen per night, it’s not exactly a budget choice.

However, on websites like Booking.com you can regularly see special deals when booking in advance, which see those rooms listed at half price, or less!

Why pay 8,000 yen to stay in a terrible business hotel when you can splash out a little and stay in a palace for 10,000 yen?

Even budget travelers need to relax once in a while, so if you need a night of luxury, this is a great option to check out.

Minshuku / Ryokan

These are types of traditional Japanese accommodation, which are just as popular with foreign visitors as they are with locals. Cheap hotels are all well and good, but if you want to experience local hospitality and step back in time, you can’t beat spending the night in a ryokan or minshuku.

They are pretty similar, it’s just that minshuku tend to be smaller, located in older buildings and usually run as a family business. Ryokans are often run like this too, but sometimes they are located in newer, bigger buildings and have more staff with more services.

Are Ryokan and Minshuku Comfortable?

Staying in traditional Japanese accommodation isn’t for everyone.

For starters, you’ll be sleeping on the floor on a traditional futon, and the flooring will probably have tatami mats rather than carpet.

Sometimes ryokans and minshukus have showers, but often they only have traditional communal bathing facilities – and these will likely be down-to-earth and not luxurious unless you’re staying in an “onsen ryokan” which is specifically designed for spa relaxation.

However, if you like experiencing different cultures in local style, these can be very comfortable places indeed. They vary a lot – some have fun, bubbly atmospheres like youth hostels, with a variety of characters lounging in the common areas, and are quieter than an emply library. Check reviews to see what other travelers think before you make a booking.

These can vary quite a lot, particularly between little minshuku out in the countryside, and fancy onsen ryokan in a swanky location. However, lodging like this is seen less and less in big cities – it’s more frequent to see ryokan and minshuku out in the countryside and on the outskirts of small towns.

The cheapest minshuku can be seen at around 4,000 yen per night, up to about 9,000 yen per night. Ryokan can be as cheap as 5,000 yen or less per night, up to 60,000 yen per person for luxury inns. Be sure to check whether prices are per person or per room.

Internet Cafe / Karaoke Rooms

If you told a Japanese person that you were planning on spending the night in an internet cafe or private karaoke room instead of booking into a hotel, they’d probably think you were a bit weird. That isn’t because you can’t stay overnight in these places – it’s certainly a popular option.

It’s just that few people plan to use this kind of accommodation. The usual overnight clients at these types of establishments are salarymen who stayed out too late drinking and don’t want to go home and face the wrath of their wives, or young party animals who missed the last bus home and need somewhere to stay.

You can choose a public or private space, and choose between a normal chair, reclining chair, floor space or whatever other options they provide.

Are Internet Cafes in Japan Comfortable to Sleep In?

Generally not comfortable in at all. These rooms are not designed for sleeping in, they’re designed for surfing the internet or playing online games. You probably will not get a good nights sleep in a place like this.

They can be noisy, uncomfortable and full of people who are doing anything but sleeping. However, they are super cheap, and often there are shower facilities which you can use for a small charge, and machines which provide free soft drinks, ice-cream, etc.

If you want to try and get a good night’s rest in an internet cafe, be sure to choose the “floor” type of room. This is the only type of room that has enough space to lie down. The other types, come with reclining chairs, or small couches, which makes sleeping difficult.

This depends on how long you stay. Some places charge by the hour, and others have deals where you can stay up to a certain number of hours for a fixed price. You may have to pay in advance. Generally, one night in an internet cafe or similar place will cost 2,000 yen or less.

You can’t book in advance – just turn up, and be wary of busy times. There is usually a crowd around the time just after the last trains/buses have left, so be sure to arrive before then.

Food on a Budget

Eating out in Japan can cost a lot of money if you don’t know where to go. When you arrive in Tokyo, everything looks so delicious it can be difficult to hold back, even when you know you’re on a budget. But there are several ways to make savings in Japan without sacrificing all the delicious culinary experiences that are waiting for you.

Knowing a few tricks can save you a bundle – which you can use to treat yourself to a really extravagant meal. Use these tips to eat well while saving you some cash.

Cheap Restaurants in Japan

Just because you’re cutting down on costs doesn’t mean you need to miss out on eating at restaurants during your trip. There are plenty of budget restaurants in Japan where you can get a tasty meal for a reasonable price. Following these few hints will ensure you get the best value for money without sacrificing your dining experience.

Lunch Deals

If you want to find deals for food in Japan, lunchtime is king. Many restaurants have special menus at lunchtime where you can get the same food available in the evening, but at a lower price. The portions are usually a little smaller, but still worth it.

There are some hearty lunch sets that will leave you stuffed until dinnertime though. Even fancy restaurants offer lunchtime sets for 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen.

Cheaper restaurants sometimes offer a “one coin” lunch which will set you back just 500 yen (1 coin). This is especially a good deal for expensive foods like Kobe beef. Eating Kobe beef for lunch can save you a lot of money.

Gyudon (beef bowl) is one of the more popular cheap eats in Japan, and it soon becomes a favorite of foreigners traveling Japan on the cheap. “Don” means a bowl (with rice), and “Gyu” refers to the beef topping. Plenty of different “don” are available throughout Japan.

Thin strips of beef and slices of onion are simmered in a sweet sauce consisting of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine) and dashi (Japanese broth). Gyudon sets are often accompanied by a raw egg (for dipping the beef in), miso soup, salad, pickles, and tofu. You can get extra toppings like kimchi, cheese, green onion and grated yam.

Popular chain restaurants where you can purchase these dishes, and other cheap options, are Sukiya, Matsuya, and Yoshinoya. You can find these restaurants all over Japan, serving gyudon in portions of different sizes depending on how hungry you are.

A simple bowl of gyudon will cost you about 350 Yen (bargain!). For a set, you’re looking at between about 500 yen and 750 yen. An awesome deal for a quick and delicious meal for the hungry traveler.

Famiresu – Family Restaurants

As eating out is a popular weekend treat for families in Japan, there is a special type of restaurant which cater to this demographic – famiresu ファミレス , which stands for “family restaurant.”

With a mix of Japanese and Western style food at low prices, these places are also a great choice for budget travelers as it allows you have a filling meal in a comfortable environment for a relatively cheap cost. They also tend to have cheap alcohol so are good of you need a treat!

There are many different chains of famiresu in Japan, some of which have specialty dishes or styles, but they are all pretty much the same.

Here are some of the big names which you’ll see around: Gusto, Royal Host, Jolly Pasta, Denny’s, Joyful, and my personal favorite, Saizeriya. Meals cost as little as 500 yen, but taste great.

Teishoku Restaurants – Set Menus

Teishoku restaurants serve meals that follow this basic principle: one main dish, soup, and one side dish. You order whichever main meal you’d like, and it comes with a little plate of pickles, perhaps some tofu or a salad, and a bowl of miso soup.

These vary from place to place, but the combinations are the same. Main meals vary, serving seasonal products throughout the year but also traditional Japanese favorites: udon, katsu don, gyudon, karaage fried chicken, etc.

Some restaurants have a vending machine at the front where you purchase a ticket for your meal. You then hand the ticket to the server once you’ve taken your seat. Food is cheap, ranging from about 500 yen to 1,000 yen for a meal. Teishoku meals give you a taste of popular Japanese foods that can be found all over Japan.

Japanese Supermarkets

You may not think of visiting a supermarket for food during your trip to Japan, but it’s actually a great place with lots of choices. Supermarkets in Japan, whether they are small or large, have a great selection of ‘prepared food,” and they usually have a microwave where you can heat it up too.

Larger supermarkets will often have a seating area with tables where you can sit and eat. Bento boxes are a popular choice, with rice, meat, vegetables all packaged up neatly together. You can get all sorts of food in the supermarket – tempura, sushi, tendon, udon, salads, sandwiches, onigiri (rice balls), fried rice, Chinese steamed buns…the list goes on and on.

Price wise, a small bento at the supermarket could be 300 yen or less, while bigger bento with lots of different dishes cost around 400 yen to 600 yen.

Daily Discounts

The best thing about supermarket dining is the price discounts at the end of the day. From the early evening up until closing time, supermarkets reduce the price of their prepared food, making it even cheaper. At about 6:00 pm you can see savings of 10% or 20%, and then by 9:00 pm the reductions are as low as 50% off, or more.

However, by this time it’s slim pickings and the other customers around at that time as just as eager to grab a bargain, so you have to be decisive and time your visit wisely. If you go too early the savings are small, but go too late, and all of the food is gone.

This is a great option if you’re staying somewhere with a fridge. You can buy your meal late at night and then keep it for lunch the next day. If you really want to save money, you could easily get by on spending around 1,000 yen per day on food.

Cheap Attractions in Japan

If you aren’t fussy about how you spend your leisure time in Japan, it doesn’t need to drain your bank account to see and do amazing things. There are plenty of attractions which you can see cheaply, or even for free.

Parks and temples are often free to visit, and while some specialist museums can be costly, many others have very cheap admission fees.

Hiking and city walks don’t cost a thing, and attending local festivals are some of the best attractions you can see for free in Japan.

For attractions you need to pay for, you can often get combination tickets or discounts. Some small towns offer a combination ticket to encourage visitors to see more of their attractions. Big cities offer pricier combination tickets where you can get entry to dozens of attractions with just one ticket.

The best place to find out information about free and cheap attractions is at a local tourist center. Many centers have brochures with coupons for discount tickets, and the staff there can advise you on how to make the most of your trip for the cheapest cost.

Free local guides are a popular way to see Japan on the cheap. Often run by volunteers who want to practice their English, taking a free tour can be done in a group or even on a one-to-one basis. Research free guides for the area you’re visiting to see what’s available.

Shopping on a Budget in Japan

The cost of shopping in Japan varies greatly depending on where you are and what you want to buy, but the best tip I can offer you is to visit a 100 yen store.

These shops sell everything under the sun, including stuff that tourists want to buy (like Japanese fans, hand towels, chopsticks, fake lacquer bowls).

Almost everything in the store costs 100 yen (+ 8% tax) and if things cost more then they are clearly marked.

Popular 100 yen store shops are Daiso, CanDo and Seria.

TheTrueJapan

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11 Cheapest Cities in Japan to Visit or Live

Are you looking for the cheapest cities in Japan to visit? You’ve come to the right place!

Japan is a fascinating country known for its rich history, unique culture, and stunning natural landscapes.

While it may be perceived as an expensive travel destination, there are actually several budget-friendly cities in Japan where visitors can enjoy themselves.

In this article, I’ll be covering both the cheapest cities in Japan to visit, including average daily costs for travelers and monthly costs for those considering relocating to any of the cities mentioned.

For daily visiting and monthly living costs, figures consider accommodations, food, and transportation. Note all numbers are in US currency .

When many think of Japan, they automatically think of Tokyo and only think of visiting Tokyo. With how famous and unique of a city Tokyo is, it makes sense for travelers to think of Tokyo when thinking of Japan instantly.

It’s similar to many who instantly think of New York City when thinking of destinations in the US or those who think of Istanbul when thinking of Turkiye!

Cheapest Cities in Japan to Visit

Tokyo is amazing, futuristic, and a place unlike many others in the world, but there are many other captivating cities in Japan to explore that should be considered. Also, Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities to visit!

Whether you are a budget-conscious traveler or simply looking to maximize your money during your trip to Japan, these cities offer the perfect blend of affordability and unforgettable experiences.

Fukuoka is a vibrant city located on the southern island of Kyushu, Japan. Known for its warm climate, beaches, modern shopping malls, ancient temples, rich history, and lively atmosphere, Fukuoka offers a unique blend of modern and traditional attractions.

Sitting at a population of over 1.6 million people, Fukuoka is the largest city on the island of Kyushu and has plenty to offer visitors. The city is well connected, with an international airport and excellent transportation networks, making it easily accessible for travelers.

Fukuoka boasts a wide range of attractions, from historic landmarks to contemporary modern shopping districts. The most famous attraction in the city is the Fukuoka Castle Ruins, which provides a glimpse into the city’s feudal past.

Foodies will love visiting Fukuoka; the culinary scene here is exceptional. The city is renowned for its rich and flavorful tonkotsu ramen. As you walk around the city, you’ll find countless restaurants and food stalls offering it. Besides the city’s famous ramen, you’ll find gyoza, grilled meat skewers, the freshest seafood, and much more!

The Nakasu district is a bustling area in the city known for its many restaurants, shopping, vibrant nightlife, and entertainment options. Within the district is the Naka River, offering a unique feature to the area.

Additionally, Fukuoka hosts various festivals throughout the year, showcasing traditional performances and cultural events. Visiting during one of the many festivals offers an extra way for you to experience the local culture!

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $140 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,170 US

Sendai is Located in Japan’s northeastern Tohoku region, a vibrant and modern city that seamlessly blends innovation and tradition. Known as the “City of Trees,”

Sendai is famous for its picturesque scenery and abundance of green spaces within the city.

It is famous for being a cultural hub, offering visitors numerous museums, art galleries, and traditional festivals to experience. The city has a thriving culinary scene; Sendai is renowned for its delicious seafood, particularly its fresh and succulent gyutan (grilled beef tongue).

Visitors can also venture out and explore the nearby Matsushima Bay, an area known for its serene islands and breathtaking views.

With its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delectable cuisine, Sendai offers a captivating experience for all types of travelers.

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $144 US

In western Japan, Hiroshima is a city with immense historical significance. Today, it serves as a symbol of peace and resilience.

The city is forever etched in history as the first city to suffer the devastation of an atomic bomb during World War II. Hiroshima has since risen from the ashes and transformed into a vibrant, forward-thinking metropolis.

Hiroshima’s most known attractions are the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, serving as reminders of the devastating event that occurred in 1945.

These sites honor the victims and advocate for nuclear disarmament and global peace. The A-Bomb Dome, a skeletal structure that survived the blast, stands as a powerful symbol of the city’s resilience.

The city is blessed with natural beauty, including the scenic Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the picturesque Miyajima Island, home to the iconic floating torii gate.

Today, Hiroshima stands as a vibrant city that embraces its past while looking towards the future; with beautiful parks and a vibrant food scene, Hiroshima’s charm extends beyond its tragic past.

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $146 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $927 US

Located in the Kansai region of Japan, Osaka is a bustling city famous for its vibrant atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine.

With a population of over 2.7 million people, you’ve most likely heard of Osaka before. Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city, so there’s no shortage of things to do in Osaka!

One of the main highlights of Osaka is its food scene, so much so that the city is often referred to as the “ Kitchen of Japan .” It’s most famous for its street food, including takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Yakiniku (Japanese grilled meat).

The best way to experience street food in Osaka is to pay Dotonbori a visit. The vibrant street is a must-visit for food lovers, food stalls, countless restaurants, and a fun atmosphere.

Osaka is home to several iconic landmarks within the city. Most notable is Osaka Castle, a magnificent 16th-century fortress, which is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the city from its observation deck.

The Shinsaibashi and Umeda districts in Osaka are ideal for those looking to get some shopping done. You’ll find everything from trendy shops to luxury boutiques and large department stores. Another fun attraction in Osaka is Universal Studios Japan, a theme park that offers thrilling rides and attractions based on popular movies.

Osaka’s cultural heritage is evident in its many temples and shrines. The Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. The Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, known for its unique architecture, is another popular spiritual site.

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $147 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,220 US

As the fourth-largest city in Japan , Nagoya has a lot to offer visitors in terms of sights, experiences, and cuisine. Nagoya is known for its rich history and is home to several iconic landmarks, and it’s located in the Chubu region of Japan.

The Sakae district is a bustling area filled with high-end shopping malls, trendy boutiques, museums, and entertainment venues. Standing tall in the city’s heart is the Nagoya TV Tower, which offers breathtaking skyline views from its observation deck.

Foodies will be in awe and delighted by Nagoya’s local cuisine. Hitsumabushi, a grilled eel dish, is a city specialty and a must-try for visitors. Nagoya is also very much famous for its miso-based dishes, such as miso katsu and miso nikomi udon, which are flavorful and unique to the region.

The most famous attraction is The Nagoya Castle, a reconstructed 17th-century fortress that symbolizes the city’s feudal past and offers visitors a chance to explore its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens. Nearby, you’ll find the Osu Kannon Temple, a historic Buddhist temple.

With the city’s excellent combination of historical sites, modern attractions, and culinary delights, Nagoya offers a diverse range of experiences for tourists!

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $149 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,407 US

Often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa offers a glimpse into Japan’s traditional arts and architecture with its well-preserved historical districts and charming manicured gardens.

One of the Kanazawa’s main attractions is Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most famous gardens. Known for its beautiful landscapes and stunning seasonal beauty, Kenrokuen offers a harmonious atmosphere mixing the beauty of nature and man-made design.

The Nagamachi Samurai District provides a glimpse into the feudal era of Japan, with its traditional houses, narrow streets, and preserved samurai residences. Strolling through this district, you’ll think you’ve stepped back in time, and it offers insights into the samurai way of life.

Kanazawa’s culinary scene is worth mentioning, with its fresh seafood, traditional sweets, and unique local dishes like jibuni (a rich duck stew) and kaga ryori (traditional multi-course meal).

With its blend of history, culture, traditional crafts, and culinary delights, Kanazawa offers a captivating experience showcasing Japan’s best traditional and artistic heritage.

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $152 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,127 US

Nagasaki, located on the western coast of Japan’s Kyushu island, is a city renowned for its stunning scenery, rich history, and resilient spirit. Known worldwide for the tragic events that unfolded during World War II, the city of Nagasaki has since emerged as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

Nagasaki’s history is deeply intertwined with lots of international influences, particularly due to its historical role as a major port for foreign trade. The city’s cultural heritage is evident in its unique blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Western influences.

One of Nagasaki’s most famous attractions is the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park, a war museum. These poignant sites serve as a memorial to the devastating atomic bombing that occurred in 1945 and serve as emphasizing the importance of promoting peace in the world.

Mount Inasa, a popular observation point, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surrounding landscape. Overall, Nagasaki offers plenty of parks scattered around the city to explore.

Nagasaki’s cuisine is also worth exploring. The city is famous for its Nagasaki Champon, a hearty noodle dish with a variety of ingredients, and Castella, a sweet sponge cake with Portuguese origins. With Nagasaki’s captivating history, natural beauty, and scenic charm, the city’s worth a visit!

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $161 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $980 US

Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido in northern Japan, is a modern and vibrant metropolitan city that offers a unique blend of urban attractions and natural beauty.

You’ve most likely heard of Sapporo due to the famous Japanese beer that was founded here, named after the city. Visitors can also explore the Sapporo Beer Museum, where they can learn about the history and brewing process of Sapporo beer, the world-famous beer.

The city is known for its lively atmosphere. Sapporo is famous for its annual Snow Festival, where magnificent ice sculptures attract visitors worldwide. The Sapporo Clock Tower is the city’s most famous attraction, symbolizing its rich history.

Sapporo is also home to the historic Odori Park, a spacious green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for relaxation and picnics. Also, Sapporo is an excellent skiing destination in Japan for those who enjoy skiing.

The city is also home to various must-try foods when visiting, including the famous Sapporo ramen, Soup Curry, Kaisendon & Sushi (sushi rice bowl), and fresh seafood from nearby coastal areas.

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $165 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,240 US

Okayama is a charming city located in the Chugoku region of Japan. It’s known for its historical landmarks, beautiful gardens, and vibrant cultural scene. The city is home to one of Japan’s most iconic attractions, Okayama Castle, offering exceptional panoramic views of the city.

Adjacent to the castle is the stunning Korakuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s top three most beautiful gardens, boasting picturesque landscapes, traditional tea houses, and tranquil ponds.

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Okayama Prefectural Museum of Art, which houses an impressive modern and contemporary artwork collection.

The city is famous for its connection to the legend of Momotaro, a popular Japanese folklore hero, and visitors can explore the Momotaro Shrine and learn about the story’s significance.

Okayama is also known for its production of high-quality denim, and visitors can shop for unique denim products in the bustling shopping district of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. You must buy a pair of jeans during your visit to Okayama!

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $167 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,290 US

Takayama, nestled in the mountainous Hida region of Japan , is a picturesque city that showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage. Takayama boasts many well-preserved traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and historic buildings that transport visitors back in time.

The small city’s most notable attraction is the Sanmachi Suji district, a charming, preserved old town lined with several shops, sake breweries, and traditional Japanese houses. Takayama is also famous for its festivals, including the Takayama Festival, which dates back to the 1600s.

Foodies will be delighted by the many must-try foods in the city, including succulent Hida beef and traditional sake. Takayama’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, cultural richness, and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Japanese experience.

The city is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, including the stunning Hida Mountains and the scenic Hida-Kanayama Lake, offering opportunities to experience many outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, visiting hot springs, and more!

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $172 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,390 US

Kyoto is a cultural treasure trove renowned for its historical significance, traditional architecture, and serene beauty. Located in central Japan, known as the former capital of Japan for over a thousand years.

The city of Kyoto represents Japan’s history and offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage like no other city. Kyoto is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera, both known for their stunning architecture.

Another is the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, with its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. It is another must-visit destination in Kyoto that offers a unique and enchanting experience.

It is famous for its traditional Japanese gardens, such as the stunning Ryoan-ji and the meticulously landscaped Katsura Imperial Villa. These gardens provide a peaceful ambiance escape from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature.

The city is also known for its seasonal beauty, with its cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage attracting visitors from around the world to experience the scenery.

Kyoto’s culinary scene is equally enticing, with a wide range of traditional Japanese dishes, such as kaiseki (multi-course meal), matcha, and Kyoto-style sushi. The Nishiki Market is an iconic, vibrant market offering a bustling experience where visitors can try many local foods.

Average Daily Visitor Cost:  $215 US

Average Monthly Living Cost:  $1,090 US

RELATED: 11 Cheapest Places in Thailand

Is Japan Cheap to Visit?

Considering one’s costs for visiting Japan can depend on multiple factors, including what places you choose to visit, the travel season, and your travel style.

Generally speaking, Japan is not considered a cheap travel destination, especially compared to other Asian countries, such as Thailand and Vietnam .

However, that doesn’t mean you cannot visit Japan on a budget because it’s very much possible.

According to BudgetYourTrip , the average daily cost to visit Japan is around $130 US , including hotel, food, and transportation.

Keep in mind this is an average estimate across all traveler types and all destinations in Japan.

Many automatically think of visiting Tokyo when thinking of Japan; while that’s an excellent idea, it’s also one of the most expensive places in Japan to visit. So, ultimately, the places you choose to go will factor in your cost per day.

RELATED: 12 Cheapest Places to Travel

Cheapest Cities in Japan to Live

Now, let’s discuss the cheapest cities in Japan to live in. Keep in mind the cities mentioned above are all excellent destinations to visit, but if you’re an expat/digital nomad looking to move to Japan , you’ll want to relocate to a liveable city .

For a city to be considered liveable , it must be fairly developed, offer many grocery stores/shops, things to do, amenities, access to healthcare, and be somewhat near an airport.

Fukuoka — Fukuoka is an excellent city to live in. The city offers many modern amenities, its food scene is exceptional, and the public transportation in the city is great. Fukuoka offers a unique, diverse landscape, including mountains and beaches.

Sapporo — Those who enjoy nature will love the lifestyle in Sapporo, a city known for its natural beauty. It’s a rather safe city to live in, and you can find rental deals on apartments here.

Osaka  — Known as the third most populated city in Japan. Osaka offers a wide variety of amenities, many restaurants, gyms, etc. With, on average, lower rent prices than some of Japan and great public transportation, Osaka is a great choice.

RELATED: 12 Cheapest Places to Live in the World

Is Japan Cheap to Live in?

The cost of living in Japan first depends on your lifestyle, location, and overall spending habits.

Overall, Japan has claimed a relatively high cost of living compared to many other countries. If budgeting is your first factor regarding where to live, Japan shouldn’t be considered.

A main aspect that can make living in Japan more affordable is the public healthcare in Japan, which is known for its quality and accessibility, and the cost of healthcare is typically lower compared to some other developed countries.

Besides that, rent prices are quite high in many of Japan’s most liveable cities, and food expenses, like groceries and eating out, are considerably higher than in other countries.

Which city in Japan is cheapest?

Fukuoka is the cheapest city in Japan, with the average daily cost is $140 US.

Can I visit Japan on a budget?

It’s possible to visit Japan on a budget. The average daily cost in Japan is $130 US a day .

But if you choose to visit expensive cities like Tokyo and others, visiting them will quickly make your trip costly.

Is Nagoya cheaper than Tokyo?

Nagoya is approximately 12% cheaper in terms of living costs than Tokyo.

Is Fukuoka cheaper than Tokyo?

The average daily cost to visit Fukuoka is around $140 US a day, whereas for Tokyo, it’s around $171 US a day.

Happy & Safe Travels

Planning Checklist

• Find the best Hotels/Resorts
• Book a Vacation Home Rental
• Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
• Find the best Hostels
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• Get Travel Insurance when traveling

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Owity founded Travel Hiatus in 2022 to document his travel, food and cultural experiences from all over the globe in order to help fellow travellers along the way. His slow travels allow him to research and explore places in-depth, meaning only the best and most informational guides for fellow readers! From Europe to North America, Asia and more, so far Owity has visited 21 countries.

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15 Tips For Visiting Japan on A Budget (How to Travel Cheap in Japan!)

This post may contain affiliate links. This just means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you for helping them promote their product or service. I don’t endorse any services I don’t personally use or recommend.

Japan is widely known as the most expensive destination in Asia. I’m not going to contest that fact, but I am going to show you how to save LOTS of money on your next trip. Because Japan is one of those places that everyone wants to visit. A bucketlist destination if you will. While it wasn’t cheap, it was also not nearly as expensive as we had originally thought. And with these tips for visiting Japan on a budget, it can even be a rather affordable destination open to exploration by all kinds of travelers. 

This list isn’t going to include any Workaway or long-term travel tips for those staying months in the country. Instead, it’s going to focus on actionable easy budget-saving tips that people on a short trip can use to save bigtime in Japan. 

15 Tips For Visiting Japan On a Budget 

Transportation is by far the most expensive cost for travelers in Japan. We’re gonna start with ways that you can save while hopping from destination to destination in the country. 

1. The big question: Japan Rail Pass or no Japan Rail Pass? 

I actually wrote an entire post detailing my decision NOT to buy the Japan Rail Pass for $370 per person. The low-down is that we saved about $100 each by purchasing bullet train tickets on our own. We didn’t have to do an immense amount of research either. We just turned up and bought tickets. 

Check out my full post to see everywhere we went so you can compare your itinerary and make sure that buying the Japan Rail Pass isn’t right for you. 

2. Get Unreserved Train Seats. 

When you’re purchasing your Shinkansen (Bullet Train) tickets be sure to specify that you want unreserved seats. This means you’ll be sitting somewhere in cars 1-6 and left to choose your own spot. These are much cheaper. If you’re traveling as a duo you’ll most likely still be able to find seats next to one another. 

3. Choose buses. 

Buses are cheaper than trains & astronomically cheaper than bullet trains. If time isn’t a constraint for you (or if you can plan for these travel days) choose at least a few buses to save hundreds of dollars. 

4. USE the Metro! 

I probably don’t need to tell you that Japan has impressively clean, well-connected metro and train lines in each major city so you’ll never need to use a taxi. You can reach every single destination by metro, bus, or walking. I promise. In slightly smaller cities biking is a great way to get around and is very popular among Japanese people. 

Keep in mind that most metro stations (and all buses) require cash to purchase tickets. 

5. Skip the SIM. 

Everyone told us you need a SIM card to travel in Japan. But honestly, we found Japan super easy to travel without one. There’s free wifi everywhere (buses, trains, some towns) and  maps.me  has accurate metro info for offline use. All kiosks for restaurants and metro use had English language options and for the few menus that didn’t— use can download Google translate offline. 

6. Book your accommodation ahead of time. 

Budget-friendly places fill up first. Unfortunately, Japan is one of those countries where planning ahead is going to save you lots of money. Our guesthouses and hostels were all booked on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com for anywhere from $7.50-$23 per person. Hakone and the areas around Mt Fuji are the most expensive regions while Osaka had a $15 private room (not a great one but hey, what can you expect). 

You’ll probably need to book at least a month ahead for the high season. 

7. Where you stay in Tokyo matters. 

Tokyo is huge. Sprawling. But luckily there are lots of interconnected metros including one circular JR line that rings the best part of the city. We stayed in Nippori. This is in the far northeastern part of the city. Most of the places we wanted to see were located in the West and Southwest. This meant lots of metro trips, most 40 minutes or more.

If you plan to stay less than 4-5 days in Tokyo, instead of simply choosing the cheapest place to stay, look for a conveniently located neighborhood. Otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of time and money on the metro.

Consider the 24-hour Tokyo Pass (cost: 800 yen) on days you’ll do LOTS of sightseeing in various neighborhoods. You can purchase it at all the major metro stations.

8. Don’t visit ANYWHERE on a weekend. 

Obviously, you have to do something on a weekend. Make sure it’s Tokyo, Osaka, or another major city. Tourist cities like Hiroshima, Kyoto, Magome, Hakone, and more are absolutely flooded with local tourists. I mean A LOT of tourists. It’s kind of insane. You’ll have to wait in incredible lines. Plan accordingly. 

9. Kyoto is all about picking and choosing. 

To keep Kyoto budget-friendly you can’t see everything. Many Buddhist temples in the city charge an $8-$15 entrance fee. This is probably to combat overtourism in an area that sees an incredible amount of visitors. We found that the free shrines were often the best because they saw fewer people and it wasn’t just massive crowds jostling for a photo op. Shoren-in Temple even has a tea ceremony that’s authentic for half the price of typical touristy tea ceremonies. I wrote about how to attend it here. 

I recommend making a list of a few attractions and sticking to those rather than trying to see everything. These are our favorite things in Kyoto.

• Bike to the Bamboo forest just out of town early in the morning. 
• Hike to the top of Fushimi Inari Taisha, not just a quick photo op visit. 

If you’re looking to splurge on food in Kyoto, and it’s got some excellent options, definitely pay Teppan Tavern and La Bac a Sable a visit. Teppan Tavern serves Wagyu A5, traditional Kyoto bites, and homemade Umeshu (plum wine) that’s better than anywhere else for dinner. Seriously, this is the highlight of Japanese hospitality and it won’t break the bank. We spent $40 on a full meal with a few drinks. The French bakery is the perfect lunch pick-me-up. 

10. 7/11, Family Mart, and Lawsons. 

These are convenience stores scattered all over Japan. They have the cheapest beer and chu-hi, the cheapest coffee, and a wide array of Japanese snacks and desserts. But the best part is the bento boxes and hot food. You might be put off by the sushi, pizza or curry stuffed bao, habanero chicken strips, and tonkatsu meals but they are actually excellent and good quality! It’s a very popular stop for commuting Japanese residents. Keep in mind that hot food is usually restocked just before popular meal times. 

In my professional opinion, the best food goes to Family Mart— but the best coffee goes to Lawsons. 

Most restaurants don’t open until 10-11 AM and few hostels offer breakfast which leaves you out of luck. But these stores are a great cheap option for breakfast. Or late night meal. Or lunch. 

11. Another cheap meal option? Conveyor belt sushi. 

These places are the best. And they happen to be the most budget-friendly restaurants for great traditional Japanese sushi. You can typically get 10 plates between $8-15 depending on the items you select. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with sushi menus and sample new things too without having to commit to a whole set. 

12. Share meals! 

Unlike South Korea , a country we visited just before Japan, it’s very easy to order one dish and share. In Korea, you often pay by the person for popular meals like Korean BBQ. A major pain in the wallet for budget travelers looking to sample a lot of different items. Japan, fortunately, does not follow this rule and it’s quite easy to share several small plates for cheap. 

13. Buy food for your Magome excursion. 

I wrote an entire post detailing everything you need to know about hiking from Magome to Tsumago. I highly recommend this trip but since all restaurants close by 5 PM and I found most to be overpriced in the area— be sure to buy your own food from a Family Mart before you head to the mountains. Don’t forget trail snacks! 

14. Beer is the most expensive alcohol in Japan. 

Skip the beer and instead opt for Japanese Whisky highballs, Plum Wine, Shochu, and sake for cheaper drinking options. 

15. Choose Omoide Yokocho over Golden Gai for a night out.

If you are looking for Tokyo drinking hot spots and nightlife, Omoide Yokocho is cheaper and more authentic than the late-night Golden Gai district. In Golden Gai, the drinks aren’t as strong and you’ll often have to pay a cover to even sit at the bar. It was still worth wandering through the alleys of each but I much preferred Omoide for dinner and a night of drinking. 

How much did we spend in Japan on a Budget? 

Let’s look at a quick budget breakdown of what we spent while visiting the country. Keep in mind, we only took trains and bullet trains because we had a short amount of time. We also didn’t know many of the above tips beforehand and would have booked our Magome accommodation much further in advance. So basically, I think you could save hundreds by following our tips above. 

How much we spent in total for 19 days for two people: $2,687.55

How much we spent per day per person: $70.72 per day per person!!!

I hope this information helps you feel more confident to visit Japan on a budget and save lots of money while you do so! This was our most expensive trip BY FAR and with these tips, we could have easily cut costs by hundreds of dollars. Let me know in the comments if you think you have any Japan budget travel tips to add to my list.

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You suggested to hike to the top of Fushimi Inari Taisha. While I agree hiking up is really cool, I was underwhelmed because there really aren’t any great views so doing the entire top loop felt a waste. I did it at night which was totally cool, but eerie. You could hear but not see the monkeys in the trees.

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10 Days in South Korea: A Mini Travel Guide (2023)

Beyond_the_bucketlist.

Visit Japan on a Budget

Free or affordable destinations in the archipelago.

Traveling in Japan with a limited budget is possible. The islands’ life might seem costly, however the archipelago offers a wide range of transportation and accommodation services adapted to all budgets. Planning in advance remains the best solution to dig out the best value for money .

For those having time , long distance trips between larger cities can be done by night buses or boats . Also, hitch hiking works in the countryside.

There are several solutions to sleep at lower costs such as " manga kissa", capsule hotels and minshuku guest houses. Couch-surfing, that is to say free lodging at an inhabitant’s house, is less developed than in Western countries due to the small size of houses and the difficulty for Japanese people to welcome strangers at home.

On site, the country offers numerous free visits and combined tickets for several places, or comprising the transportation to get there from the closest train station. You can find here our information and advice to stay in Japan with a smaller budget and free destinations to visit .

Finally, to better estimate your spendings during your stay in the Japanese archipelago, you can use our Travel Budget Calculator .

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This is how you visit Tokyo on a budget

Mar 23, 2024 • 7 min read

From low-cost air fares to finding cheap places to eat, this budget guide to visiting Tokyo can help you make your money go further © AzmanL / Getty Images

No one in search of a budget city vacation is going to put Tokyo at the top of their list – this incredible city unfortunately comes with some pretty incredible prices.

But there are ways to make your yen go further without compromising on quality and we've got all the best insider tips and tricks you need.

Michelin-star cuisine for less than $10 per meal, nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) and tabehoudai (all-you-can-eat) options at izakaya (gastropubs), capsule hotels that marry quintessentially Japanese living quirks with cheap prices, and affordable low-season flight fares mean you can experience the best parts of Japan's capital without having to max out your credit cards.

Here is how to travel to Tokyo on a budget.

Daily costs in Tokyo

• Bunk in a capsule hotel: ¥6600/¥8000
• Basic hotel room for two: ¥22,600
• One-day public transport ticket: ¥600 (not all trains included)
• Coffee: ¥400
• Ramen: ¥1200
• Conveyor-belt sushi: from ¥100 per plate
• Pint at a bar: ¥600
• All-you-can-drink menus: ¥2000
• All-you-can-eat menus: ¥1800
• Mid-range dinner for two (with drinks): ¥3600
• Average daily cost: ¥23,000

Fly in low season or take a connecting flight to save on airfares

Tokyo experiences tourism high-season for large stretches of the year, particularly during the spring sakura (cherry blossom) and fall koyo (autumn foliage) seasons, during which flight fares come at a premium in line with the soaring demand.

This is especially true when flying direct from the US or UK. Traveling to Tokyo in winter or during the mid-June to mid-July rainy season will save you a few bucks, while frugal travelers from the UK should look at connecting through the Middle East or central Europe for lower-cost fares.

Learn more about Tokyo's festivals and seasons in our guide to the best time to visit .

Low-season travelers benefit from cheaper accommodations

The aforementioned low seasons also bring about much cheaper accommodations. Though beware, Tokyo is comparatively dead during Shogatsu – the beginning of the New Year – when many businesses close to allow employees to spend time with family and give votive offerings to their hometown shrines.

Opt for a smaller accommodation space

It is perhaps cliché that Japanese living spaces aren’t quite as roomy as their Western counterparts, but if travelers make similar sacrifices they’ll benefit from extra pocket money.

Capsule hotels are the epitome of Japanese spatial austerity, with dorms containing multi-leveled bunk spaces, or pods, for guests to sleep in (these typically come with shelves, charging ports, and reading lights).

Lockers are available for larger luggage and bathroom spaces are communal. Capsules can be as cheap as ¥6600 per night.

Alternatively, popular hotel chains like APA , Dormy Inn , and MyStays have locations across the city, and while your room will be barely large enough to swing a chopstick in, your bank account will thank you.

Also note, that whilst Airbnb isn’t super popular in Tokyo, it tends to offer better accommodation deals than the major hotels.

Use IC cards and day tickets for seamless travel on public transportation

Prepaid rechargeable Suica and Pasmo cards , also known as IC cards, work on all city trains, subways and buses. You can purchase these from machines at any station.

They require a ¥500 deposit, which will be refunded (along with any remaining charge) when you return the pass to any ticket window.

Since June 2023, the availability of the cards has been restricted due to a worldwide chip shortage. You can use digital versions or pick up a PASMO Passport at major airports and train stations – it's a travel card specifically for visitors to Tokyo that also comes with some discounts.

While paper tickets are only a few yen more expensive per journey, it’s also possible to get reimbursements on IC cards when you pass through the wrong barrier in a station (a common occurrence, even for the well-versed commuter); paper tickets don’t offer the same benefit.

Unlimited-ride tickets are also available: the Tokyo Subway Ticket allows unlimited rides on both Tokyo Metro and Toei subway lines, with 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour options available. Japan Rail lines, however, are not included.

Take yourself on a walking tour

It’s easy to default towards using trains in Tokyo: the rail network is extensive, efficient, punctual, and pretty affordable. But there’s no cheaper way to travel than your own two feet . Heading from Shibuya to  Shinjuku ?

Make your way through the old cedar forest of Meiji-jingu instead. Going southbound from Asakusa ? Look to the Sumida River promenade to direct you on your way.

Splashing out on dinner in Roppongi , followed by cocktails in Ginza ? Claw some yen back with an illuminated stroll between the two uber-classy neighborhoods .

Taxis are pricey so don’t miss the last train home

Tokyo trains stop around midnight every night of the year, except for December 31. If you miss your last train home, the alternatives can be costly. Tokyo taxis are expensive at the best of times, never mind the late-night surcharges, and Uber is generally no more competitive.

You could walk, but this is likely predicated on the length of the journey and how much sake you glugged with dinner. Or you could pitch up in a karaoke bar or all-night restaurant until the morning’s first train (usually around 5am), whilst incurring the requisite fees.

Google Maps features a last-train option when determining your best route home – embrace it.

Tokyo has many fantastic cheap places to eat

With some of the finest haute cuisine on the planet, Tokyo restaurants certainly know how to rack up a bill: a timeslot in Sukiyabashi Jiro is an infamously brief sushi-eating experience costing several hundred dollars. But with some estimations reckoning Tokyoites have around 150,000 restaurants to choose from, yen-saving options abound.

At many izakaya throughout the city, particularly chains such as chicken specialists Torikizoku and Showa-style diner Hanbey, nomihoudai (all-you-can-drink) options are available – the nomihoudai menu usually includes beers, mixers, highballs and soft drinks.

Other chains, like the cheap and cheerful Kin no Kura, have tabehoudai (all-you-can-eat) options, which tend to feature everything the kitchen has to offer, from sashimi and edamame to yakitori (grilled chicken) and pizza slices.

Dining on kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi is a cheap alternative to omakase (chef’s choice) sushi tasting menus.

Dine out on Michelin-starred ramen

As of 2023, 263 restaurants in Tokyo were awarded at least one Michelin star. But perhaps surprisingly, some of the city’s highest-quality restaurants are also among its cheapest.

For Michelin-starred ramen, head to Nakiryu (The Crying Dragon) for its spicy dandamen soup, or grab a seat at  Konjiki Hototogisu for an umami-filled broth pork and fish stock topped with truffle sauce – both restaurants offer signature dishes for less than ¥1400 a bowl.

Convenience stores serve cheap, tasty meals

Convenience store food around the world often leaves much to be desired, but quick and tasty meals are standard fare at the 7-Elevens, Family Marts, and Lawsons of Tokyo – you’ll find one on nearly every street corner.

For a few hundred yen, you can grab a Cup Noodle and add boiling water from the in-store kettles, purchase a selection of onigiri (rice balls), or indulge in hot chicken and steamed buns at store counters.

Tokyo konbini , as convenience stores are locally known, are open 24/7 making them perfect stop-offs for late-night repasts.

Watch out for cover charges in bars

In certain nightlife areas, most notably the warren of Showa-period alleyways in Shinjuku known as Golden Gai, cover charges up to ¥1500 per head are commonplace.

If you plan on bar-hopping – as most imbibers in Golden Gai do – this can add up throughout the evening.

Keep your eyes peeled for outdoor signage stating "No Cover Charge" or try asking the bartender before taking a seat.

Picnic when the weather’s on your side

Belying its tag as a concrete metropolis, Tokyo has some beautiful green spaces . At public gardens, such as Rikugie-en or Shinjuku-gyoen, however, all visitors are required to pay an entrance fee.

During  the hanami (flower-watching) season in spring, you can save a few hundred yen plonking yourself under the drifting petals in free-to-enter parks, like Yoyogi-koen or Inokashira-koen.

Public drinking is also permitted in Japan, so you can partake in a liquid lunch without splashing the cash.

Shop at Japan's best thrift stores

Japan is one of the best places on earth to buy retro goods. Second-hand stores exist all across Tokyo, with items that are usually impeccably maintained, and if you know where to look, bargains abound.

For consumer electronics and musical instruments, check out mega chains Hard Off and Book Off . For video game hardware and software, Super Potato and Retro Game Camp in Akihabara are the places to be.

Shimokita is Tokyo’s hipster hub of vintage clothing stores: Stick Out sells every item at ¥700, Mode Off is a hive of bargain hunting (albeit with sometimes questionable quality), while Flamingo specializes in Americana and usually has some pretty good deals.

This article was first published Apr 20, 2022 and updated Mar 23, 2024.

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GUIDE Guide to Traveling Japan on a Budget A guide to budgeting your trip to Japan

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• Guide to Traveling Japan on a Budget

Plan in advance to make your trip to Japan affordable

You may have heard that Japan is an expensive place to visit, but don't be discouraged. With some advance planning, Japan is an affordable destination for even the most budget-conscious traveler. Take some time to decide which options best suit your budget.

There are a wide variety of budget accommodation options, transportation passes and sightseeing discounts available. Browse our list for more details.

Transportation

Long distance buses

Ferries and passenger boats

Accommodations

Dining out in Japan doesn't have to be expensive, and is often better value for money than most other world capitals. Wherever you travel, restaurants in popular tourist areas will always cost more. Follow the locals and you will generally find both lower prices and more authentic Japanese cuisine. Avoid restaurants that don't list their prices outside the door. Budget dining can usually be enjoyed at more casual establishments such as izakaya (Japanese pubs), shokudo (small casual restaurants, often with set meals), kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) and okonomiyaki restaurants.

Comparing Prices

Improvements in the foreign exchange rate mean more favorable prices for overseas visitors to Japan. The price chart on this page is designed to give an idea of what you can expect to pay for a variety of everyday and travel-related items in Japan.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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Budget Travel in Japan – Ultimate Backpacking Guide [2024]

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From seeing up close the famous Mt Fuji, exploring the architecture of Japanese castles to slurping down the best bowl of ramen you ever had, all these epic memories to-be-made are possible even with our guide to  budget travel in Japan .

Today’s Japan is a fascinating example of blending the ancient traditions and modern day culture.

Throughout the country you’ll witness dynamic mountainscapes in stark contrast to futuristic cities that are inspiring new trends in architecture worldwide.

It’s also thought of to be notoriously expensive but we managed to travel to Japan on a budget, and so can you.

Table of Contents

Get A JR Rail Pass

Take some flights, deals in hiroshima, deals in osaka, deals in kyoto, deals in tokyo, cheap eating and drinking in japan, save this pin for later, budget travel in japan.

Japan has had a reputation as being expensive for a very long time, people paying hundreds of dollars for a piece of Kobe beef or a sliver of the finest blue fin tuna.

Prices of hotels can be among some of the most expensive in the world. Public travel, whilst incredibly reliable, can sometimes be quite expensive.

Well, some of this is true and some of it is a little more than a rumour that we have all perpetuated. Many people are put off traveling around for a long period of time because of the belief that the costs will be astronomical.

This isn’t always the case.

We have just finished 1 month of travel in Japan and it is comfortably cheaper than Australia, New Zealand, Western Europe and in some cases is even cheaper than China!

It sounds crazy, but here are a few really simple tips for budget travel in Japan that will save you some dollars on your next trip.

Note – At time of travel $1 USD was equal to about 110 Japanese Yen.

READ MORE: Don’t miss our brand new complete guide to help you travel to Japan!

This is a no-brainer. Anyone travelling between cities in Japan should consider investing in one of these.

However be very careful about which JR pass you choose as you could end up spending more than you need to.

I’ll use our situation as an example.

We spent our first 12 days figuring out an excellent Hokkaido itinerary , which is absolutely incredible and definitely our favourite part of Japan. From Sapporo we flew down to Hiroshima .

From here we planned to go on to Miyajima, Osaka, Himeji, Nara, Kyoto and Tokyo.

A few of these were day trips and a few were for a bit longer, but as you can see we had a lot of travel ahead of us.

A regular JR pass that allows travel across the whole country costs 29,100 yen. This is incredibly reasonable. If you take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto, throw in a day trip to Nara and you’ve started saving money.

Our plan was as follows:

• 3 days – Hiroshima and Miyajima
• 2 days – Osaka
• 1 day – Himeji
• 1 day – Nara
• 4 days – Kyoto
• 5 days – Tokyo

We decided to purchase a Kansai-Hiroshima pass through JR West for 13,500 yen per person.

We activated this when we travelled from Hiroshima to Osaka. We used it for our day trips to Himeji, Nara and our trip to Kyoto. We then travelled from Kyoto to Tokyo by night bus for 6500 yen per person.

A total of 20,000 yen, 9000 yen less than a 7 day rail pass.

We would not have had time to do everything we wanted to do around Kansai and get to Tokyo in 7 days. Hence why we elected to go this route.

The JR pass website states that a JR pass cannot be used on the Nozomi or Mizuho trains. However if you purchase ANY JR west railway pass, which ours was, you can use these trains. This is great for longer routes, notably Hiroshima to Osaka/Kyoto.

Plan where you want to go and what you want to see and then search on the Klook website to find the pass that best fits your plan.

You could end up saving yourself a lot of money.

I read about this little deal on the amazing website Japanguide , a must for anyone planning a trip to the land of the rising sun.

In essence, this deal covers cheap flights all over Japan for any visitors to the country. It’s advertised as a 10,000 yen deal however there are some flights that are cheaper and some that are slightly more expensive.

We paid 10,000 yen each to fly from Sapporo to Hiroshima. If we were to booked these flights without this deal it would cost us closer to 50,000 yen per ticket.

There are two airlines that participate in this amazing deal: JAL and ANA. We ended up flying with ANA and it was great.

One thing to remember is that for this to work you usually have to book from outside Japan. As always in Japan there are a variety of deals.

The deals that we researched are linked below, but the link above has information on all of the deals available.

• JAL – Japan Explorer Pass
• ANA – Experience Japan

Both of these links take you straight to the booking page where you can research and compare prices. This deal is a must for anyone looking to get away from the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route. This saved us a huge amount of money.

Day Passes for Attractions

Many of Japan’s cities have a variety of day passes allowing giving unlimited rides and even discounts to various attractions. This is a lifesaver for budget travel in Japan.

In Hiroshima you can purchase a 1 day street car and ferry pass for 840 yen. This is a great option if you are doing Miyajima as a day trip.

• Street Car to Miyajimaguch i = 280 1 way – total of 560
• Ferry to Miyajima = 180 yen 1 way – total of 360
• 560+360 = 920

This also means that you can use the streetcars to get around in the evening as your legs will be knackered after a day in Miyajima.

In Osaka you can pick up the “Osaka Amazing Pass” that covers subway and entry in a huge number of attractions for one day.

When we used it we headed to Osaka Castle, did the HEP5 ferris wheel, went to the top of the Umeda tower and took in an evening cruise (which was not that great to be honest).

It costs 2500 and it ended up saving us 2500 yen in transport and entrance fee’s definitely worth it.

Possibly the most popular tourist destination in Japan (it certainly felt that way when we were there).

Kyoto’s subway system is quite useful for accessing Northern Higashiyama and the city centre, but other than that it’s the bus and JR that are king.

However the JR routes to Arashiyama and Inari are very cheap so it’s not worth activating a rail pass just for this. Save it for intercity travel.

Kyoto’s bus network is both extensive and convenient. For 500 yen you can pick up an all day bus. You end up saving money if you take 3 or more buses. With Kyoto’s sites spread all over the city, this will not be a problem.

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Kyoto .

Japans greatest urban metropolis has one of the most impressive and confusing transportations systems on planet earth. The truth is there are huge number of tickets. Outlines of all of them are listed here .

Suica: This is just a simple subway card, like the oyster card in London or the octopus card in Hong Kong. You need to pay a 500 yen deposit for the card, but this is returned to you when you return the card at the end of your trip. Also the fares a few yen cheaper than if you buy tickets at the machine. They can be used on every line in Tokyo.

All Day Pass:  There are 2 all-day pass options. The all-day metro card for 600yen which can only be used on the Tokyo metro, or you can include the Toei lines for 1500yen.

We found the all-day metro card fantastic value. If you take 4 trips you will be saving money. Just remember, neither of these passes include the JR lines, so sometimes the journeys are a little longer.

While you’re at it, check out these great things to do in Tokyo.

Eating out in Japan can be extremely cheap, in some case it was far cheaper than eating similar food in Beijing. Obviously eating out can be as cheap or as expensive as you wish, but here is a very rough price guide based on 2 people eating.

• 500-1000 Yen – Bento boxes – can be brought from any convenience store
• 1000-1500 Yen – Ramen and Udon
• 1500-2000 Yen – Katsu Curry
• 2000-3000 Yen – Tempura Sets
• 3000-5000 Yen – Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ), Izakaya/Yakitori (Japanese style pub serving sticks of meat, sashimi and other wonderful delights), Sushi and Sukiyaki (type of Japanese hot pot)

This is not a definitive list, but it’s generally a good guide as to what type of food is generally cheaper or more expensive.

The big thing that raises the cost of meal is alcohol. A couple of draft beers would generally add at least 1000 yen to the bill. So an easy way to save is to limit your alcohol intake.

Budget Accommodation in Japan

Accommodation is usually the most expensive part of any trip.

Hokkaido – Booking.com and agoda.com offered us the best rates for anything outside Sapporo. In this region of Japan AirBnB is can be pretty pricey. In the national parks it can be around 9000yen per night, with breakfast included. However this is offset by the cost of food being much cheaper than other parts of Japan.

Hiroshima to Tokyo – Here AirBnB was generally cheaper and that was what we used the majority of the time.  We managed to rent entire apartments for half the price of a hotel room in Hokkaido.

Another thing to be aware of is that paying for 2 beds in a dorm is usually more expensive that getting a room in a hotel or guesthouse, so plan accordingly.

Sign up using our AirBnB link to get $50 credit to go towards your first booking and make help make your trip even cheaper.

In truth Japan is much more affordable than people would believe. Hope you found this useful. Head over to www.abearandapig.com to see more of what we do.

That’s it for our guide to budget travel in Japan. Please leave a comment below if you found this article useful, or if you have anything else to add.

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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People may think that Japan is very expensive, but there are many ways to travel in there very cheaply if you know some “secrets” like right organizations where you can get some very unbelievable travel deals 😉

What kind of organizations would those be?

Thanks for sharing this kind of information Thanks for the tips I’ve always enjoyed traveling, the idea of seeing the world fascinated me, but I was never able to take a very long trip

Thank you for your comment Luana. Travelling is definitely amazing in so many ways. Hope you can travel where you want to soon and stay for a long trip and immerse yourself in the country and the people. Happy travel planning 🙂

I love to visit this places in japan this year..Thanks for sharing such kind of information..I think Travelling is the most important way to enjoy life and know something different from your routines..

We agree. Travel is amazing. Have a great trip.

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How to Turn High-Cost Japan into a Cheap Place to Visit

For years, I put off traveling to Japan because I was afraid of how expensive it would be. The rumors I’d heard about the country’s high prices made me hesitant to go. I’ve always loved Japanese culture, and I knew any visit would involve gorging on sushi and ramen, visits to lots of temples, and heavy train travel through the countryside.

But the thought of how much it would cost always made me think, “I’ll wait until I have more money.”

When I finally visited Japan years ago, I was shocked to discover that, while it isn’t exactly cheap, Japan isn’t the prohibitively expensive country many people think it is. In fact, I actually found Japan to be affordable and on par with (and sometimes cheaper than) countries in Western Europe .

In subsequent visits, I’ve learned to further master the country and turn high-cost Japan into an affordable place to visit.

Traveling in Japan doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. To help you plan your trip and avoid breaking the bank, here’s a detailed breakdown of how you can cut your expenses to visit Japan on a budget!

Table of Contents

How to Save on Transportation in Japan

How to save on food in japan, how to save on accommodation in japan, how to save on attractions in japan, how much money do you need to visit japan.

The pass has several options (each valid for consecutive days, not just travel days):

• 7 days: 50,000 JPY (70,000 JPY for a Green Pass)
• 14 days: 80,000 JPY (110,000 JPY for a Green Pass)
• 21 days: 100,000 JPY (140,000 JPY for a Green Pass)

All pass times are for consecutive travel (the Green Pass is the first-class option, though this isn’t really necessary as even standard cars are quite luxurious).

Compare that to single tickets, where the three-hour journey from Tokyo to Osaka costs around 36,000 JPY (round-trip), yet you can get a 7-day rail pass that includes unlimited travel on JR trains for 50,000 JPY. That single round-trip trip is almost the same price as the entire 7-day pass!

Moreover, these JR trains also serve local city areas and so can be used intra-city. I used my pass to get around Kyoto and Tokyo instead of buying metro tickets. So, even if you aren’t going to do much traveling around Japan, buying a pass is better than buying individual tickets. While the high price of the pass can cause sticker shock, the alternative is even worse.

While you used to be able to purchase passes in Japan, you can no longer do so. You must buy your JR pass online in advance so it can be mailed to you. Read more about how it works in my complete guide to the Japan Rail Pass .

Metro Most of the city metro tickets cost 150–300 JPY for a single journey. The price varies by distance and may often be higher. You can buy a day pass in most cities which gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours for 800-1,100 JPY.

Buses Buses are a less expensive alternative to the bullet train system in Japan, but they take more time. For example, the three-hour train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a nine-hour bus ride. The price for that seat is just 4,500-8,000 JPY, but at some point, you need to think about how much your time is worth.

For me, the savings weren’t worth the extra hours of travel, since I had such limited time during my visit. If I’d had more time, I’d have taken the bus more often.

There are also bus passes available that offer unlimited travel and begin at 10,200 JPY for three non-consecutive days of travel.

Flights There are many budget carriers now serving Japan — you can find them on sites like Skyscanner . Peach and Jetstar are two of the main budget airlines available.

In general, their prices are on par with bullet train tickets. If you book well in advance, they may even be cheaper than the train. However, more often than not, they’ll be a bit more expensive and not really any faster if you’re going a short distance.

ANA also offers special last-minute fares via a hidden page on their website . It’s only available to foreigners and can sometimes be cheaper than the flights you find on Skyscanner, especially for longer routes around the country.

Just keep in mind that, by the time you get to and from the airport (and go through security), you might not be saving much time.  

As long as I didn’t feed my sushi addiction, I found I could eat for less than 2,000 JPY per day. Some typical prices were:

• Sushi lunch sets (sushi, soup, salad): 1,600+ JPY
• Traditional Japanese set lunches: 1,500+ JPY
• Sushi trains: 125–625 JPY per piece
• Western dishes (sandwiches, burgers, pizza, etc): 1,200-1,500 JPY
• Fast food: 800 JPY
• Ramen: 1,200 JPY
• Tempura dishes: 480-1,100 JPY

There’s an array of cheap food options in the country so you don’t really need to spend much money on food (unless you want to splash out). You can save money on food in Japan by doing the following:

• Eat at “100-yen” shops – There are many 100-yen shops (the Japanese equivalent to dollar stores) in Japan, where groceries, water, toiletries, household items, and more are simply 100 JPY. I did all my shopping at these stores. Their names vary by region, so ask your hotel/hostel reception where the nearest 100-yen shop is located.
• Use sushi trains – Sushi in Japan is delicious at all levels. While I had a few fancy meals, you can’t beat the sushi trains for value. At 125-625 JPY per plate, I could stuff my face for less than 1,500 JPY most of the time. I usually just ate at sushi trains.
• Eat at 7-11 – 7-11, Family Mart, and other convenience stores have a lot of pre-set meals for under 500 JPY that make for cheap lunches. Additionally, supermarkets have many set meals at similar prices. I noticed this was a popular option for many Japanese people.
• Cook your food – Hostels (as well as many Airbnbs) have kitchens, where you can cook and cut your food expenses.
• Buy food before grocery stores close – After 8pm, many supermarkets discount their fresh food, as they have to get rid of it. You can save up to 50% on almost all ready-made meals. It’s a great cheap dinner.
• Avoid fresh fruit – The one rumor about Japan that turned out to be true was that fresh fruit and vegetables were expensive. Outside of shopping for an apple or banana at the market, I generally avoided fresh fruits and vegetables. They were too expensive.
• Eat curry, ramen, and donburi – I essentially lived off these three foods during my three weeks in Japan (on my first trip). Curry bowls and donburi (bowls of meat and rice) are the best ways to eat cheap and filling meals in Japan.

Hostel dorms typically cost 2,500-4,500 JPY per night and hotel rooms start at 6,000-10,000 JPY for a double room at a budget hotel. Capsule hotels cost between 3,000-5,500 JPY for a tiny pod that’s essentially just a bed. It’s not fancy, but it’s a unique (and very Japanese) experience.

Here are some ways to save on accommodation:

• Work for your room – Many hostels in Japan often let you stay for free if you clean for a few hours a day. Use a site like Worldpackers to find opportunities before you arrive.
• Stay with a local – Hospitality exchanges are not as widespread in Japan as elsewhere in the world, but there is a small, active Couchsurfing community here. A lot of expats enjoy hosting because it lets them get back in touch with other westerners so don’t hesitate to reach out to them as well. Just make sure you send a request ahead of time to increase your odds of success (especially in popular cities like Kyoto and Tokyo).
• Use credit card points – It’s times like these that points and miles come in handy. With the large sign-up bonuses that many hotel cards offer, you can get up to a week’s free accommodation! Here’s a list of my favorite travel credit cards!
• Capsule hotels – A step up from hostels and a step down from hotels, capsule hotels (pictured above) are tiny capsules you sleep in. You share bathrooms and common areas, and your capsule has a light, outlet, and sometimes a small television. They are frequently used by businessmen who work late. These capsules are usually around 3,000-5,500 JPY per night.
• Airbnb – Airbnb is a budget-friendly option if you’re traveling with a larger group. Airbnb in Japan is heavily regulated, meaning that prices are high (as there are less Airbnbs), and there are a few caveats for your stay. First, only hosts who have registered with the government can list accommodation. Second, you’ll need to send a copy of your passport to your host before arriving or let them copy your passport when you check in. That said, it’s an affordable choice for anyone traveling as a group/family. If you’re traveling on your own, a hostel dorm, capsule hotel, or even a budget hotel room are all cheaper.

Overall, I found these passes to be the best way to save money on temples, museums, and other attractions. Additionally, there are many free gardens, temples, and parks! I hardly spent any money on attractions while I was in Japan.

If you do want to visit paid attractions or do tours (like walking tours), Get Your Guide is the best place to book tickets and tours.  

Traveling around Japan can be affordable if you know what to do and keep an eye on your costs. You can save money in Japan by living like a local.

If you’re staying in a hostel, buying a rail pass , eating relatively cheap food, and visiting a few attractions, budget around 10,000-16,000 JPY per day.

However, by utilizing the tips above, I think you can travel Japan for 7,000-10,000 JPY per day. Japan shouldn’t cost you more than that per day if you don’t splurge. This would mean more bus travel, a (very) limited amount of sushi, cooking most meals, free attractions, and the occasional night Couchsurfing (or other free accommodation).

I saw lots of travelers in Japan traveling on the cheap. They did it, and it’s possible — but you’ll never feed your sushi addiction if you travel this way.

To me, budget travel is value travel. Japan is never going to be as cheap as traveling through Southeast Asia , but Japan has plenty of ways to visit on a budget. Japan will never cost $20 USD per day, but it also doesn’t need to cost hundreds either.

Whenever people go to Japan and come back, they always say, “It wasn’t as expensive as I thought.” I hope this article taught you that! Stick to the discount transit, local food, and local accommodation, and you’ll keep your costs low.

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!

Want More Information on Japan? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Japan for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Japan's best budget-friendly destinations

Otaru Canal at night is a sight to behold.

Last updated . 06 September 2024

Dreaming of cherry blossoms, sushi and Mount Fuji? We look at the ultimate budget-friendly getaways in Japan.

Ah Japan – it’s one of Australia’s favourite destinations. And for good reason, really. There’s cityscapes, snowscapes, beachscapes, cherry blossomscapes, and basically everything in between. Perfect for the traveller who loves a bit of variety, but just how budget-friendly is a trip to Japan?

Is Japan expensive to visit?

If you dream of visiting the Land of the Rising Sun, the biggest costs to factor into your trip to Japan are always going to be food, transportation and accommodation.

Food is the most affordable of the three, with plenty of budget-friendly options available around the country.

Transportation in Japan can be expensive, especially if you’re travelling long-distance. However, the Japan Rail Pass can help with that. Instead of paying nearly $200 for a oneway train ticket from Tokyo to Osaka, you can buy an unlimited Japan Rail Pass for $371 for 7 days, $592 for 14 days or $757 for 21 days.

Finally, accommodation is where your budget will be hit the hardest. On the cheaper end of the scale, you’re looking at $50 a night for a hostel in Kyoto.

Accommodation is the third of the big three travel expenses, and unfortunately, it’s not only the most expensive travel cost in Japan, but also the most unavoidable: There’s no special pass for hostels or guest houses and prices for tourists are higher, if anything. For example, you can expect to pay at least ¥3,500 (or about 35 USD) for a dorm bed in a hostel in Kyoto.

The good news is there are plenty of ways to cut down on your costs – and some destinations are cheaper to visit than others. Here is how you can do it on the cheap.

If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Japan, head to Kyoto . Buddhist temples, ancient wooden houses, zen rock gardens and geisha, all nestled within the confines of the neighbouring mountains.

With a population of 1.4 million people, it’s definitely a bustling place, but still filled with hidden gems that will give you your travel kicks.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto.

1. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an incredible, must-visit garden situated just outside the city centre. Here towering bamboo stretches endlessly in every direction and travellers really do feel at peace.

Address: Togetsukyo, Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8383, Kyoto Prefecture

Onsens are dotted all over Japan, thanks to hot volcanic springs that deliver a steady supply of piping hot water; no trip to the country would be complete without having a soak in one. The city centre Funaoka Onsen on Kuramaguchi-dōri is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated.

Inside you’ll find hot, warm and cold baths, an outdoor rock pool and a cypress-panelled tub. And yes, you will have to abide by tradition and remove all of your clothes.

Address:  82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8225, Japan

Nishiki Market is the place to go for your fill of all the Japanese street food you can eat.

3. Nishiki Market

Head to Nishiki Market for your fill of all the Japanese street food you could want. The traditional food market, which you’ll find in a long alley way, has been in operation for over 400 years. Not only can you walk away full, you can also purchase souvenirs, clothes, gifts, and fresh produce, meat and seafood to take back to your accommodation to cook and eat. There are over 100 stalls, shops and restaurants to choose from, so arrive mid-morning and spend a couple of hours browsing the stalls and eating.

Address:  609 Nishidaimonjicho Tominokoji Dori Shijoagaru ,  Nakagyo, Kyoto 604-8054,  Kyoto Prefecture

Tour the Imperial Palace in Kyoto.

4. Kyoto Imperial Palace

Once home to the emperor of Japan during the Heian period, the Imperial Palace shouldn’t be missed for it’s sheer scale and tranquil gardens. There is no admission fee, so you can wander until your heart’s content. Take in the architecture, immerse yourself in the history and take in the beauty of the manicured gardens.

Address:  3 Kyoto-Gyoen Kamigyo-ku ,  Kamigyo, Kyoto 602-0881,  Kyoto Prefecture

Where to stay

Hotel sunroute kyoto.

The Hotel Sunroute Kyoto  is not only great value for money but is located within walking distance from the downtown shopping district of Kawaramachi. Each reasonably-sized room features wi-fi, flat screen televisions and a pull-out sofa. The hotel also has two restaurants and breakfast is available to book. Prices start at $100 a night per room.

Address:   406 Nanba-cho Matsubara-sagaru, Kawaramachi-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 600-8027, Japan

Read more: the ultimate travel guide to Kyoto

Though the port town of Otaru is little known to international visitors, it’s a popular destination with Japanese tourists.

A bit off the beaten track, this little town charms travellers with its many local attractions, including several popular museums and a picturesque canal.

1. Eat all the ice cream

Otaru is known for its unique and delicious ice cream flavours. If there is one ice cream parlour you have to visit, it’s Kita-no Aisukurimu-ya-san. Here you’ll find ice cream flavours you’ve never dreamed of tasting! Think sea urchin, beer, wine, sake, tofu and squid. For those who aren’t feeling quite so brave, you can also choose between a variety of more palatable ice cream flavours, including strawberry milk, fresh caramel, apple pie, white peach and many more.

Address:   1-2-18 Ironai ,  Otaru 047-0031,  Hokkaido

2. Otaru Canal

Otaru’s canal is a must, where you can wander along at leisure and admire the 19th and 20th century warehouses that line the waterway. The traditional oil lamps still burn each night along the promenade, making a sunset stroll something extra magical. There are canal boats for hire and walking tours for those after something a little more.

Address:  Minatomachi ,  Otaru 047-0007,  Hokkaido

3. Otaru Museum

While at the Otaru Canal, visit the vibrant Otaru Museum  nearby, with displays featuring Hokkaidō’s natural history, Ainu relics and various exhibitions from all over Japan.

Address:   1-3-6 Temiya ,  Otaru 047-0041,  Hokkaido

Smile Hotel

Located close to major local attractions and the main train station,  Smile Hotel  combines comfort, authentic experiences and amazing value, where two people can stay from just $54 a night.

Address: 3-5-14 Inaho, Otaru, Hokkaido

Kobe at sunset.

Located on Osaka Bay in Central Japan, this multicultural port city is renowned for its beautiful scenery, encompassing a scenic harbour and mountains, earning it a reputation as one of Japan’s most attractive cities.

1. Rokko cable car ride

Take a ride on the antique cable cars connecting Kobe to Mt. Rokko, which is one of the best ways to enjoy the spectacular panoramic views the port has to offer.

Address: Rokkosancho, Nada-ku ,  Kobe 657-0001,  Hyogo Prefecture

The Rokko cable car ride connects Kobe to Mount Rokko.

2. Arima Onsen

Then if you want to venture beyond the Rokko hills, experience the hot outdoor springs and public baths in Arima Onsen .

Address:  Arimacho, Kita-ku ,  Kobe 651-1401,  Hyogo Prefecture

The Arima Onsen is just beyond Rokko hills.

You’ll experience hot outdoor springs and public baths at Arima Onsen.

3. Eat Kobe marbled beef

The fun doesn’t stop at sundown either with many convivial bars to sample sake at, and a variety of restaurants where you can indulge in one of Japan’s delicacies, marbled beef. One of the best places to try the famous beef is at  Wakkoqu.  The beef is cooked in front of you as you dine, there are a variety of set menus and you can choose from a number of side dishes to accompany the beef.

Address:  1-1 Kitanocho, Chuo-ku  |  Shinkobe Oriental Avenue 3F ,  Kobe 650-0002,  Hyogo Prefecture

Hotel Villa Fontaine Kobe-Sannomiya

Set among Kobe’s many restaurants, bars and shops is  Hotel Villa Fontaine Kobe-Sannomiya , where well-appointed rooms (which come with a complimentary buffet breakfast) cost as little as $150 for two people per night.

Address: 4-1-4 Asahi-Dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0095, Japan

For a more active trip, the island of Hokkaido is an idyllic getaway, famed for its snow-covered slopes at Niseko, one of Japan’s best ski resorts.

1. Hit the slopes

Niseko, one of Japan’s best ski resorts.

2. Hikes and bike trails

If you’re visiting outside of winter months (although there’s snow most of the year); there’s a variety of hikes to tackle, or rent a bike and explore the island’s unspoiled scenery on wheels.

The Lodge Moiwa 834

The Lodge Moiwa 834  ticks all the right boxes with contemporary centrally-located capsule-style accommodation, which won’t break the bank.

A capsule for two costs from $120 per night, and you can purchase discounted ski passes from the hotel.

Address: 447-5 Aza, Niseko 048-1511, Japan

Hailed as the food capital of the country, foodies can’t go past a trip to Osaka . It’s also home to Universal Studios, Osaka Castle and Japan’s answer to Times Square – Dotonbori

Take in the bright neon lights of Osaka’s Dotonbori district.

1. Walk around Dotonbori

Take in the bright neon lights of Dotonbori , window-shop (if you’re on a budget) and stop for dinner at one of the many restaurants on offer to get your fill of ramen, takoyaki balls and all the weird and wonderful Japanese food you can consume.

Address:  Dotonbori, Chuo-ku ,  Osaka 542-0076,  Osaka Prefecture

Sample some delicious takoyaki balls while you’re there.

2. Osaka Castle

Not only is it one of the most beautiful landmarks in Japan,  Osaka Castle , it’s also free to visit the castle grounds and surrounding Nishinomaru gardens. If you wish to enter the castle and take in the view from the top, you’ll pay 600 yen (children under 15 years are free). The 14th century castle is surrounded by water and moat, and is one of the best places to view the famous cherry blossoms during April. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon in the gardens with the locals.

Address:  1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan

Osaka Castle is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Japan.

3. Sumiyoshi Shrine

One of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, the Sumiyoshi Shrine , with it’s striking red bridge and peaceful atmosphere is a must-see when in Osaka. Built over 1800 years ago, the shrine is beloved for its ornate architecture that is purely Japanese in design (it was built before the influence of Buddhist architecture).

Address:   2-9-89 Sumiyoshi, Sumiyoshi-ku ,  Osaka 558-0045,  Osaka Prefecture

The Sumiyoshi Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.

Hotel Ichiei

For a traditional Ryokan stay with a modern twist, check in at the Hotel Ichiei.  Sleep on a rolled out futon atop tatami mats with the added bonus of all the mod-cons you’re used to. Prices start from $189 a night per room.

Address:  1-6-8 Nanbanaka, Naniwa, Osaka 556-0011 Osaka Prefecture

Read more: the ultimate travel guide to Osaka

Want to know more about Japan? Read our ultimate travel guide to Japan .

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Budget Travel - Accommodation

Unless you can stay at a friend's or relative's home, accommodation is going to be one of your biggest expenses. While Japan offers the standard budget-oriented places like hostels , dormitories and inexpensive business hotels , there are also some unique types of accommodation , such as capsule hotels , manga cafes and 24-hour baths .

General strategies

• We recommend to research and reserve your accommodation well in advance, especially when traveling during peak seasons to avoid bad surprises and to save time and nerves during your trip. Those who prefer to remain flexible should at least be aware of good reservation websites or prepare budget accommodation listings for the cities visited.
• Last-minute reservations, while possible, are not a proven money-saving technique in Japan. Depending on when you travel, they may even be impossible, as some cities get completely booked out during big events like festivals or the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.
• Use the internet to compare hotel rates. Some of the best reservation websites for Japan are in Japanese, such as Rakuten Travel and Jalan . Both websites also maintain English versions, but they feature considerably fewer listings than the Japanese versions. International booking websites, such as Booking.com and Agoda , have also greatly improved their database of Japanese budget lodgings a lot in recent years. Another good website for budget travelers is Hostelworld .
• Note that some hotels and ryokan in tourist resorts raise their room rates considerably during peak travel seasons such as New Year , Golden Week and Obon and to a lesser degree on Fridays and Saturdays. The same is generally not true for hotels in business districts.
• Consider staying in less central locations, perhaps a few train stations outside the city center or a 10-20 minute walk from the closest station. Also consider the perks available at some places, such as included meals, free or discounted bicycle rentals or complementary shuttle bus rides.
• Use collected points of an airline or hotel mileage program on your hotel stays.

Types of budget accommodation

Below are the various types of budget accommodation found in Japan with their typical price ranges:

Hostels , backpackers and dormitories are budget-oriented lodgings that are mostly found in Japan's larger cities . Although private rooms may be available, guests usually stay in shared rooms that may be segregated by gender. Other facilities, such as showers, toilets , kitchens and other living spaces are typically also shared.

Hostel-style accommodation tends to be frequented by international travelers who may enjoy the sociable atmosphere that a hostel cultivates. In addition, some hostels offer their guests free or discounted bicycle rentals and sightseeing tours.

Be aware that hostels tend to be in older buildings, and some hostels maintain a curfew at night when the entrance doors are locked. Also, some hostel require their guests to be members of a hostel association, in which case registration can usually be made at check-in for a small fee. Hostelworld is a leading online reservation site for hostels in Japan.

Business hotels offer small, simple Western-style rooms that usually consist of a bed, desk, TV, and private bathroom and toilet. They are often conveniently located near train stations and may include breakfast. This option is especially attractive if traveling in pairs as the cost is similar to cheaper options, but at a higher level of comfort. Popular business hotel chains include Route Inn, APA Hotel, Toyoko Inn and Super Hotel.

Manga cafes (lit. comic book cafes) are establishments where you can rent time at a computer either hourly or for the night. The simplest places offer just some banks of computers with chairs, a selection of comic books and little to no privacy and are not suited for an overnight stay.

A lot of establishments, however, also offer their customers drinks, snacks, shower facilities, game rooms and quiet areas to rest or private booths, which may be equipped with couches or Japanese mattresses (futon). Some manga cafe chains require that you sign up for a membership which may come with a small registration fee.

Capsule hotels accommodate their guests in small capsules rather than rooms. The capsules are essentially enclosed bunk beds that are often stacked two high and may include a television, light and heating controls inside. Shared showers and toilets are provided, while personal belongings are usually stored in lockers. Some hotels also have lounges, restaurants and a public bath .

Capsule hotels are mainly found around major train stations and tend to cater towards men. These days, however, you can also find an increasing number of women-only capsule hotels, or hotels that have gender-segregated floors.

24-hour baths are a type of public bath usually found in large cities that are open 24 hours a day. In addition to the baths, some facilities provide lounging areas, large comfortable chairs or private rooms where visitors can rest for the night. The baths are gender-segregated while the rest areas generally are not. Some well known 24-hour baths include LaQua in Tokyo and Spa World in Osaka.

Inexpensive vacation rentals can be among the cheapest accommodation options around, especially for groups of travelers. The leading website for vacation rentals in Japan is Airbnb .

Weekly/monthly mansions are a type of accommodation for residents unwilling or unable to enter a long-term apartment rental contract, but they can also be attractive to travelers who stay in a city for a week or longer. Weekly/monthly mansions are typically furnished private or shared apartments, with some of them specifically targeting foreigners, in which case they are also known as gaijin houses ("foreigner houses").

Weekly/monthly mansions are most prevalent in larger cities , but also exist in smaller cities and in the countryside, although outside major urban areas they are less likely to cater to foreign travelers. While some establishments require a minimum stay of one month, others also offer weekly or even daily rates that can compete with budget hotel rates.

Overnight transportation has the dual benefit of combining cheap travel with the savings of a night of accommodation. An additional benefit is that you can gain back sightseeing time that you would otherwise have lost traveling between cities. Of course to be effective, this requires that you can sleep, or at least rest, while on the move.

Generally speaking, buses are the most practical and economical option for budget travelers, while overnight trains and overnight ferries are available only on a very limited number of routes. For more information see our page on budget transportation .

Also worth considering are tour packages , which combine transportation with accommodation. Large tour companies usually purchase hotel rooms in large numbers and are able to offer accommodation at rates below those available to individual consumers.

Camping in Japan is generally allowed only on designated campgrounds, which are found across Japan, especially in the countryside and in national parks . Campgrounds in cities are rare to non-existent. The overnight cost is a few hundred yen per person or around 1000 yen per tent if you bring your own tent. Some campgrounds also provide tents or cabins for rental. Note that some campgrounds are closed during winter.

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hostelworld.com.

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The Best Time to Visit Japan—and How Many Days to Stay

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The best time to visit Japan is always, honestly. Beyond c herry blossom season , there’s autumn foliage to enjoy against the backdrop of Osaka Castle or the many temples of Kyoto ; there are the magnificent summer festivals that beckon travelers not just from abroad but from all over the country itself; and of course in winter, there’s powder snow in Hokkaido and cool temperatures that let you enjoy Tokyo to its fullest from sunrise to midnight. Whenever you go to Japan, you’ll have a good time no matter the type of trip you take, culinary, cultural, or otherwise.

But there are certainly strategies for travelers to make the most of the time they spend in Japan. (Given its reputation as a technologically-advanced destination, optimization in Japan is only natural.) To get some of the best tips for Japan, we spoke to Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialists to get their take on how to plan for a trip to the country: Amy Tadehara and Chris Wiggin, the senior travel consultant and Japan product executive, respectively, of InsideJapan Tours ; and Andres Zuleta , founder of Boutique Japan offer their expert insight into visiting Japan, from when to go, what to bring (pack light!), and where to see those ever-popular cherry blossoms.

Below, read about the best time to visit Japan, as well as tips for when to book cheap flights, the etiquette to know so you can explore Japan respectfully, and the cities to see when you’re in the country for the first time.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Beyond cherry blossom season in the spring, Japan has plenty to offer tourists in the summer, fall, and winter too.

When is the best time to go to Japan?

Winter is the best time to visit Japan for an all-purpose trip. Zuleta of Boutique Japan recommends going after the New Year’s rush: “From around January 15 to March 15, you can almost feel as if you have the country to yourself. The exception is at winter resorts, which will be crowded with skiers and snowboarders.” Tadehara and Wiggin of InsideJapan Tours add that the cooler temperatures in winter make Japan’s hot spring onsens all the more enjoyable; plus, the air is usually much clearer in winter, letting travelers see the majesty of Mt. Fuji from more high points around the country. Just be sure to avoid the winter holidays themselves, when there are significant closures—many shops, restaurants, and other places of interest close for several days or longer around this time of year.

However, as with most destinations anywhere in the world, there are good reasons to go to Japan, regardless of season . When you should go depends on what you’re looking for. In the spring, you of course have cherry blossom season—a gorgeous, yet crowded and expensive time of year. Fall is similar; the autumn foliage draws travelers, making Japan’s most popular cities just as crowded as in the spring. Summers in Japan are hot and humid, so they’re not for everyone, but Zuleta says the countless matsuri , or festivals, and can be a lively time of year to be in Japan; domestic Japanese tourists will be more abundant at this time, Tadehara says, so be prepared for crowds if you join the locals to celebrate.

Be mindful that, as ever, overtourism is a concern in a perennial tourist favorite like Japan: If peak seasons are the best times for your visit, travel specialists like InsideJapan Tours and Boutique Japan can help organize itineraries to less crowded but just-as-beautiful places in the country.

When is the cheapest time to go to Japan?

The cheapest time to visit Japan is in January and February, according to Wiggins and Tadehara—after the peak holiday season and before the rush of cherry blossom chasers. “Hotels, flights, and experiences will all be cheaper than prices during the rest of the year, despite still providing world-class service to guests,” they say.

Japan doesn’t tend to have low seasons when prices drop significantly, as it’s a year-round destination, Zuleta says. That said, the yen continues to be at a very favorable exchange rate to the dollar: “It’s worth keeping in mind that prices on the ground in Japan tend to be surprisingly reasonable.”

As for the facts and figures for flights: September is statistically the cheapest month to fly to Japan, according to Laura Lindsay, the destination and travel trends expert at Skyscanner . At this time, in 2023, roundtrip fares in economy class were about $800, traveling between Japan and the United States. The most expensive time to go is summer time, when most families in the US take their vacations; roundtrip flights to Japan in economy class averaged $1400.

When is peak travel season in Japan?

Springtime in Japan is undoubtedly the peak travel season because of cherry blossom season, say Wiggins and Tadehara. “Overcrowding of famous sites in Kyoto and Tokyo has resulted in tourists having to wait in excessively long lines. As a result, they plan spring trips years ahead of time to secure their spot.”

To mitigate the effects of overtourism, Wiggins and Tadehara suggest the lesser-known regions of Japan that still have breathtaking cherry blossom vistas, even if they’re not as well-known as Kyoto: “In western and central Japan, mountain towns like Fukui, Tonami, and Toyama have developed their tourism industries to support travelers seeking a less hectic but equally meaningful visit to Japan to see the cherry blossoms.”

I’m visiting Japan for the first time. Which cities should I visit?

For first-timers to Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto are the must-visit cities, and for good reason. Tokyo has so much to offer that one can’t truly see everything in just one trip—and that’s the beauty of it, Zuleta says: “It's an incredibly layered city with quiet, charming neighborhoods as well as bustling neon-filled districts. It can be easy to have a touristy experience in Tokyo that barely scratches the surface without proper preparation. But with some research or the help of a travel specialist, you can get under the surface of this eclectic, ultra-walkable city, which abounds with adorable backstreets, cozy cafés and restaurants, amazing shops and art, and more.”

While Kyoto is best known as a haven for astoundingly rich Japanese culture and history, Zuleta says that the city is also home to a thriving contemporary culture, with inspiring design, cuisine, and arts. “Like Tokyo, it's sadly too easy to fall into tourist traps and Instagram black holes, but with proper research or guidance, Kyoto is simply magnificent and a worthwhile destination.”

To complement the cities, first-timers should spend at least a night or two at the rural traditional inns, called ryokan , somewhere in the countryside. There are beautiful ryokan all over the country, so the options for this are virtually endless. Zuleta suggests going to the lush Izu Peninsula ; and the hot springs of Kaga Onsen , near the historic city of Kanazawa.

For first-timers to Japan, Tokyo and Kyoto are the must-visit cities, and for good reason.

How many days would I need to spend in Japan

As a first timer.

To get the most of a first-time trip to the country, all our travel experts recommend a trip of 10 to 14 days. This is an ample amount of time to explore both Tokyo and Kyoto, as well as some of the more rural towns in between, or even to see other nearby cities where there’s plenty to do, like Osaka, best known as Japan’s kitchen for its exemplary food scene; and Kobe, named one of our Best Places to Go in 2024 for its ascendant design circuit.

Still, Zuleta emphasizes that any time you can spend in Japan is time well spent: “On the one hand, the more time you have the better. On the other hand, even with a week in Japan you can experience a lot, without too much rushing around. My advice would be to take any opportunity you have to visit, even if it's not necessarily as long as you wish you had.”

What else should I know before visiting Japan?

If it’s your first time to Japan, the etiquette and cultural expectations can seem complicated and overwhelming. “The good news is that most Japanese people don't expect visitors to know all the ins and outs of Japanese etiquette,” says Zuleta of Boutique Japan. Still, it’s important to always be respectful of the locals and follow their lead. For example, if all the people around you on the shinkansen (bullet train) are relaxing quietly, it would be considered very disrespectful to ruin the vibe by chatting loudly with your fellow travelers.

That said, Zuleta emphasizes one particular cultural guideline in Japan: non-essential dietary requests and preferences . If you have an allergy or a religious dietary requirement, it’s important to give the restaurant, hotel, or ryokan significant advance notice , preferably when you book multiple days ahead of time. The staff can then say they will be able to help you, or kindly inform you that they cannot accommodate your need. “But otherwise, catering to individuals’ dietary preferences is not a common practice in Japanese culture,” Zuleta says. “Requests to modify menus—especially at the last minute—can be seen as highly disrespectful.” Again, part of being a good traveler is to respect the local culture, wherever you go, so adaptability and advance planning is key.

Wiggins and Tadehara of InsideJapan Tours also suggest packing light : “Most people coming back from Japan always tell us that they wish they had packed less because Japan’s accommodation spaces and transportation systems are traditionally smaller than western counterparts. Bulky suitcases can become quite a hassle when navigating public transport and or carrying luggage up stairs—many traditional ryokan properties do not have elevators.”

Finally, whether it’s your first or tenth visit to Japan, get comfortable with the fact that you cannot see everything Japan has to offer in one trip —let alone one lifetime. Instead of stressing about packing as much in as possible into your itinerary, try to relax and take in the cities and sub-regions of Japan on slower-paced journeys for a better overall experience. You’ll have all the more reason to return as soon as you can.

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• Travel Tips
• Climate & Seasons

When Is the Best and Cheapest Time to Visit Japan in 2024?

From skiing in Hokkaido to sunbathing in Okinawa, there's so much to enjoy in Japan over the year. For the best experience, we recommend researching the seasons to find a time that suits your plans. However, accidentally picking a popular period can result in increased costs, so finding out the cheapest time to go to Japan is also vital! To help you pinpoint the best and cheapest times to visit Japan, we’ve compiled all of Japan’s holidays, festivals, seasonal weather trends, and more into this guide!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Understanding the Climate and Seasons of Japan

While Japan is not the largest country by area, it has an extremely varied climate. Its northern areas such as Hokkaido  see long, snowy winters, while its southern Okinawa  islands (shown as the "Ryukyu Islands" in the above photo) have sunny, subtropical climates. Popular tourist destinations like Tokyo , Osaka , and the Mt. Fuji area are located on the Pacific Ocean side of the country. These areas see four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cold winters.

For visitors, this means it’s best to consider not just the season but the climate of the specific areas you plan to visit. A winter trip to snowy Hokkaido will be entirely different to a visit to the Okinawa islands. Your destination will also impact when you can see seasonal highlights like cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.

If you like to think ahead, we've prepared month-by-month guides to the climate and seasonal highlights for major tourist destinations in Japan. Check them out for info about exactly what to expect, what clothes to pack, and what to do to make the most of the season!

• Guide to Hokkaido's Weather & Climate
• Guide to Tokyo's Weather & Climate
• Guide to Yokohama's Weather and Climate
• G uide to Kyoto's Weather and Climate
• G uide to Osaka's Weather and Climate
• Guide to Fukuoka's Weather & Climate
• Guide to Okinawa's Weather and Climate  

What Are the Best Times to Visit Japan?

Cherry blossom season: march - april.

Spring in Japan is synonymous with cherry blossoms, which bloom all over the country around April each year. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times to visit Japan, and the sight of Japan’s cities and parks tinted in shades of pink draws visitors from all over the world.

Cherry trees only bloom for around two weeks, with the much-anticipated full bloom period lasting as little as a few days. However, because of Japan's varied climate, the trees bloom in a wave through the country over the course of around a month. To ensure you’re timing your trip just right to see the trees in full bloom, it’s best to check our cherry blossom forecast  (yes, Japan forecasts the cherry blossoms!). Also be aware that popular tourist areas like Tokyo and Kyoto can get very busy during this period, so book your accommodation and other tickets well ahead if you can. To avoid the worst of the crowds, you can also check out our roundups of little-known cherry blossom spots in Tokyo and Kyoto .

If you can’t catch the cherry blossoms, spring in Japan has plenty of other flowers and scenery to offer. Plum blossoms are in bloom around February and March, while wisterias , tulips, roses, and nemophila bloom around April and May. While these flowers aren’t quite as prevalent as cherry blossoms, we're confident there will be more than enough  beautiful flower fields , gardens, and parks to satisfy you!

Our Top Tips

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Explore Japan in the most convenient and economical way with a Japan Rail Pass! It is valid for the majority of railways and local buses operated by JR. 

Festival Season: June - August

If you’re interested in Japan’s matsuri (festival) culture, summer is the best time to visit. Japan’s “big three” festivals are the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto (July), Kanda Festival in Tokyo (May), and Tenjin Festival in Osaka (July), but festivals are held throughout the country in the summer months. Japanese matsuri are important religious and cultural events, often with public performances like parades and dances to enjoy. The festive atmosphere, chance to dress up in summer robes called "yukata", and festival food and games are another highlight, particularly if you’re visiting with kids. To learn more about Japan's matsuri culture and when the dates fall, read our comprehensive  guide to festivals in all 47 of Japan's prefectures !

Summer is also an amazing time for fireworks! Many of Japan's top firework shows usually happen during the summer months, drawing in spectators from all over Japan and even abroad. Some are so popular that you need to reserve the best viewing spots well in advance! Food stalls will often be set up near popular spectating spots, so even if you choose not to attend a festival, you can always have your fill of Japanese festival food at a firework show.

Of course, since Japan is an island country, summer is also a great time to visit its many coastal resorts and islands. Visitors flock to Okinawa in the south and the Seto Inland Sea area in the summer to soak up some sun and scenery. In Japan, many beaches are closed for swimming and surfing outside the summer months, so if you’re dreaming of a beach getaway, check these dates in advance. For beach holiday inspiration, we've covered TripAdvisor's top 10 best beaches in Japan here !

Fall Color Season: October and November

For many people in Japan, the fall color season is just as an exciting time of year as the cherry blossom season. The change of the trees signals the end of a long, humid summer, and in October and November (and sometimes even December), people in Japan flock to parks and gardens to see stunning red maples and brilliant yellow ginko trees. Many shrines and temples hold special evening viewings on their grounds, and "otsukimi", or moon viewing festivals, are also a popular activity at this time of year.

An autumn trip to Japan has many benefits: while popular autumn color hotspots may be busy, the scenery is stunning, and the weather can be more comfortable than the winter and summer months, too. This milder weather makes it easier to enjoy all kinds of foods, including local autumn delicacies such as persimmons, grilled Pacific saury, and roasted sweet potatoes.

For more about fall foliage spots and dates for different parts of Japan, we highly recommend checking out our nationwide fall foliage forecast . Keep in mind that the Okinawa islands have a subtropical climate, so you won't find any fall foliage spots there.

Ski Season: December - April

Japan’s mountainous geography is paradise for fans of winter sports. The ski season in Japan falls around December to April, with major resorts clustered around the Nagano area in the Japanese Alps and the northern island of Hokkaido, which is particularly prized among ski fanatics for its high-quality powder snow. There are around 500 ski resorts big and small throughout the country, including world-class resorts like Niseko in Hokkaido and Hakuba in Nagano. For more information on these, we've put together a guide to some of the best resorts for powder snow in Japan .

One highlight of a ski trip to Japan is the abundance of natural hot springs, delicious food, and great sightseeing to round out your trip. Here are some fantastic open air hot springs in Hokkaido to get you inspired!

Do be aware that the winter season coincides with New Year's, which in Japan means a peak in domestic travel and scheduled holidays for many shops and attractions. Keep that in mind as you plan any activities from around December 29th to January 5th.

What Times Should You Avoid When Visiting Japan?

Public holidays: domestic travel peaks.

Just like Thanksgiving or Christmas in other countries, Japan has certain times of the year where domestic travel peaks as people travel home to celebrate the holidays with family. Japan’s work culture also means that many people plan their travel around certain clusters of public holidays, particularly Golden Week, where some 20 million people travel in Japan. If you’re planning a trip to Japan, it’s worth considering avoiding these four domestic travel peaks: 

• Golden Week: April 29 - May 5
• Bon Festival (Obon):  August 13 - 15
• Silver Week: September 19 - 23 (Note: This occurs every couple of years when two public holidays in September align to form a five-day holiday)
• New Year's:  December 29 - January 3 (Note: Japan doesn't have any official Christmas holidays, so this is actually like Christmas and New Year's combined)

*Please note that the exact dates of these holidays will vary from year to year.

If you do travel during these times, be prepared for very busy planes and bullet trains, traffic jams on highways, and peak pricing for accommodation (particularly true for Golden Week).

If you know your trip is going to coincide with these dates, book ahead where possible. If you can, staying within major cities and avoiding inter-city travel around the beginning and end of these periods will help minimize the hassle. When you're planning, refer to our up-to-date Japan Holiday Calendar for all the public holiday info you need to know.

Rainy Season

Japan’s rainy season, called "tsuyu" or "baiyu", typically falls between June to mid-July. While you may picture heavy monsoonal rain, Japan’s rainy period doesn’t mean you’ll be battling non-stop downpours every day. However, if you’re planning a lot of outdoor sightseeing, the rain and accompanying early-summer humidity can get in your way. Here are the average dates for the rainy season in Japan at popular spots, but keep in mind you can also expect some extra rainfall as the weather cools in September and October, too.

Okinawa: May 9th - June 23rd Fukuoka: June 5th - July 19th Kyoto/Osaka: June 7th - July 21st Tokyo: June 8th - July 21st Nagoya: June 8th - July 21st Sendai: June 12th - July 25th Hokkaido: Doesn't have a rainy season

For everything else you need to know about tsuyu before your trip, including sights in Japan that are actually best seen during this time, check out our  guide to Japan's rainy season !

Climatic Extremes: Mid-Summer, Mid-Winter

Another factor to keep in mind is climate. While internationally speaking, the Japanese climate does not typically go into extremes of heat or cold, spending your day sweating or shivering can impact how much fun you’re having. In the peak of summer, temperatures in cities like Tokyo and Osaka will reach the high 30s (80s in Fahrenheit), often with intense humidity that can make the days feel hotter. In winter, on the other hand, it can dip below zero (32°F).

Your tolerance for this will depend on the environment you were raised in. If you’re coming from a warm part of the world, Japan's winters can be tough to handle. You might have to factor in the cost of buying cold weather clothes that you don't need at home. On the other hand, even people from warm countries can find the hot and humid summers in Japan intense, so if you're from a cooler climate, you might find a spring or autumn visit a safer bet.

Typhoon Season

Typhoon season, which peaks in August and September, can also present issues for travelers. Japan's building codes and infrastructure are built to handle these types of storms, so there is no need to reconsider a summer trip simply because of them. However, if you are in Japan from May to October, be aware that public transport, shops, and attractions may temporarily close if a typhoon is predicted. In severe cases, power outages and other disruptions are possible. So that you're not caught out, we recommend installing the Safety Tips app  from the Japan Tourism Agency. This app gives early warning alerts in multiple languages for typhoons, earthquakes, tsunami, and other adverse weather events.

Japan Shinkansen, Narita Express (N'EX) & Express Train Tickets

Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.

Lunar New Year

One element some overlook when planning a trip to Japan is the timing of other international holidays. For example, in 2019, a little over 50% of visitors to Japan came from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, all of whom celebrate Lunar New Year in late January or early February. While Japan doesn't celebrate the Lunar New Year, the holiday period means that sightseeing areas can be a bit more crowded with sightseers and tour groups taking advantage of the holiday.

Cheapest Times to Visit Japan: Tips for Off-Peak Visits

Some of the most beautiful times in Japan, like the cherry blossom season, can mean dealing with crowds and paying a premium for flights and accommodation. On the flipside, while some people may consider a rainy day a vacation disaster, others don't mind the rainy season if it means seeing the hydrangea-dotted temples and brilliant green foliage without the crowds.

If you’re budget-conscious, paying attention to the high and low seasons in different parts of Japan can be a profitable exercise. For example, the ski season in the Japanese Alps is justifiably busy with winter sports fans, but a trip in the low season offers breathtaking scenery, hot springs, and stays at luxurious resorts at lower prices. In recent years, more and more ski resorts are offering activities like glamping or adventure sports to attract summer visitors, too.

Winter in Okinawa can also be a great escape if you need a break from the cold, and flights and accommodation will be cheaper to boot. While it might be a little chilly for swimming, you can indulge in fresh seafood, explore the fascinating Ryukyu Kingdom (the former name for Okinawa) culture, and enjoy your run of gorgeous ocean scenery, including Japan's earliest cherry blossoms! Check out our guide to 50 things to do in Okinawa  for more ideas.

Low seasons are the cheapest time of year to fly to Japan, so think outside the box to free up some extra funds for souvenirs!

Travel Smart and Enjoy Your Time in Japan!

Japan's culture and geography really does mean that there's something to enjoy whatever time of year you visit. When thinking about when to come, it's good to consider practical matters like your tolerance for heat or cold, and also what excites you about Japan. If it's gorgeous scenery, consider the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. If you're interested in Japan's unique culture, a trip full of the music, dance, and local traditions of Japan's summer festivals might be the right pick for you. On the other hand, if you'd like a relaxed trip without crowds, maybe you'd prefer to visit Japan during an off-peak season instead.

Now that you have a sense of when the best time of year to visit Japan for you is, it's time to think about where to go! If you're still deciding, check out our comprehensive guides to some of Japan's most popular locations for inspiration:

• The Ultimate Kyoto Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Osaka Travel Guide
• The Ultimate Mt. Fuji Travel Guide

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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11 Cheapest Places to Live in Japan

In Japan , the standard of living is on par with that of all first-world nations, including the US.

Americans who work with Japanese companies or attend Japanese language courses may want to make the move to live in Japan.

However, finding an affordable place to live is on your agenda.

Here are two wards, eight cities, and two general regions for you to consider when moving to Japan’s cheapest locales as an American.

Use this list of information to help you decide where you want to visit and live when in Japan.

1. Kyushu Is the Cheapest Japanese Island

2. rural japan at large is the most affordable, 4. hiroshima, 5. kita ward, 8. tsushima city, 9. yokohama, 10. sapporo, japan safety overview, what is the us dollar worth in japanese yen, what is the cost of rent in japan compared to the us, what is the cost of living in japan.

Thousands of tiny islands make up the nation of Japan along a narrow strip connected to five main islands.

Together there are Hokkaido, Honshu–home of Tokyo , Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa islands.

For the most sought-after living, Kyushu as an island is reported to be the most ideal for rural communities.

However, living in a rural environment may be counter-productive to someone who is trying to go to college or get a job.

The rural areas tend to lack public transportation and experiences that are afforded by the big city lights of Tokyo and other major Japanese metropolitan areas.

By far, the cheapest way to live in Japan, whether you are Japanese or a foreigner, is to move to the countryside.

A rural dwelling via the akiya system will be more affordable and easier to obtain and maintain compared to city living, which is mostly weekly rentals and tiny apartments.

This system is set up to provide a way for locals and new residents to take care of ancient structures and aging buildings.

Instead of building a new house from the ground up, residents can be approved by the akiya system for home ownership.

Save money and reduce living expenses by choosing the akiya system and renting a home in some parts of rural Japan.

Become a part of the local Asian heritage and learn more about architecture than you ever imagined.

Some of the houses available come with ancient relics like Samurai swords according to the latest reviews.

Renters in rural Japan pay about 40,000 yen or $300 US, compared to 71,000 yen in city complexes in the most expensive capital city of Tokyo.

There are also more options for investing in property and building one’s own home in rural areas.

At the same time, there are fewer business opportunities and things to do in rural Japan as compared to the big cities of Sapporo and Tokyo.

Therefore, most recommend moving to a cheap city in Japan for the optimal living experience.

In Osaka, Japan, the cost of living is more affordable compared to the big city living expenses associated with Tokyo.

In March 2024, the cost of living for a single person in Osaka was slightly more than 119,000 yen, which is $770 US.

Also called the Manchester of Japan, Osaka is well-known for creating textiles for the fabric and textile industry.

This is a labor pool that provides lower-income employment for Osaka residents.

Slightly higher in cost of living compared to Osaka, but still relatively low, is Hiroshima.

The cost of rent for a single-person unit per month in Hiroshima is $1,087 in the US currency, as of April 2024.

A take-out dinner for one at WcDonald’s costs about 775 yen for comparison.

Life in Hiroshima can be less costly because of the college presence of Hiroshima University in the prefecture.

However, there could be a combative presence for Americans moving to Hiroshima due to the atomic bombings of World War II, which decimated the city.

In Kita Ward, a studio apartment is only 32,000 yen or $206 US a month.

This is one of the more affordable living opportunities in Japan.

The reason why Kita Ward is such a cheap place to live in this Hokkaido Prefecture is its location.

Also known as the Northern Ward, Kita is a metropolis of Tokyo.

Commute to the big city for work and appreciate the slower, more affordable lifestyle of the City of Kita.

Moving to a ward like Kita can make transitioning to Japanese culture more fluid and less combative with the locals as well.

Living expenses for a single person in Kyoto, Japan range from 150,000 to 200,000 yen a month.

This amount is between $900 and $1,200 in US currency for comparison.

Meanwhile, Kyoto is a more popular Japanese city that attracts plenty of tourists and business opportunities.

Still more affordable than Tokyo, Kyoto does experience the occasional earthquake .

As a result, the cost of living is not as high as in more stable cities like Tokyo, Japan.

Fukuoka, the largest and most populated city on Kyushu Island, has a cost of living that is the same as Japan at large.

Again, Kyushu Island is noted for having cheaper places to stay in all of Japan.

The average rent is 67,500 yen a month for a single-bedroom city center apartment in Fukuoka.

This is $435 in US currency, which is far lower than the $1,149 rent that Americans pay on average for the same size of living space in the US.

Residents can save money on housing and living expenses while having a less fast-paced lifestyle as compared to those Japanese residents in Tokyo.

In Tsushima City, Japan residents appreciate one of the least expensive cities and villages in the island nation.

The average cost of rent is $895 a month for one person in US currency, which is far cheaper than most of the places otherwise on this list.

Consider a move to Tsushima City to learn to be a sushi chef or at least to enjoy plenty of cheap fish.

Save money while living in Tsushima City, which can be used for traveling around the thousands of smaller islands of Japan while you are living there.

Yokohama has a cost of living that is 22 percent lower than Tokyo, including rental expenses.

For someone moving to Japan, the rent prices are 35 percent lower in Yokohama as well.

You will also save money at restaurants when dining out in Yokohama, where the costs of meals are nearly 15 percent less than that of Tokyo.

This is a good city for experiencing unique foods and Asian cuisines that are more affordable compared to the metropolitan areas.

In Sapporo, one of the most popular and well-known cities in Japan outside of Tokyo, there is surprisingly a low cost of living.

When side by side, Tokyo costs 25 percent more for housing and food per month compared to Sapporo.

Move to Sapporo and experience the rich cultural history of Japan while saving money.

You can even afford the Sapporo beer, which is indigenous to this area and a popular brew throughout the world.

Sapporo Premium Beer made in this city of Japan exclusively is about $4 US for a wine bottle size of 750 milliliters.

Another well-known city in Japan, mainly for its beef, is called Kobe.

Not to be confused with the American basketball player, now deceased, Kobe Bryant, the city of Kobe in Japan is even more affordable than Sapporo.

Residents look to spend more than 30 percent less of their income on housing and utilities in Kobe as compared to Tokyo.

Savor the flavors of Kobe cattle with beef that is naturally sourced from Kobe, Japan.

However, you will save so much money in comparison to buying Kobe beef in the US.

Kobe and Wagyu cattle make for some of the most flavorful and well-marbled beef in the world.

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Frequently Asked Questions

In Japan, the price of a meal is 1,000 yen, which is the equivalent of about $7 in the US.

Therefore, the strength of the US dollar is stronger than the Japanese yen and will carry you farther if you move there.

This allows Americans to spend less of their currency when considering the overall rate of exchange.

However, as an American, it can be jarring to read 750 yen for the price of a Happy Meal at the fictional WcDonald’s, which is only six dollars in the US at McDonald’s.

Expect to spend less of your value in American currency when you live and purchase items in Japan.

This can help you save even more money on living expenses when you travel abroad for your long-distance move.

However, once you begin working in Japan and are earning yen yourself, you will realize the true value of the Japanese yen.

Most affordable wards and cities in Japan are cost-efficient for renters of apartments or other forms of housing.

Numbeo reports that Americans pay 66.9 percent less for rent when living in a Japanese city in comparison to US cities.

Therefore, new residents coming to Japan may want to consider renting from a ward rather than a city when moving to the island nation.

The reports show the cost of living for one person in Japan is approximately $1,100 compared to $2,400 in the US.

A four-person household in Japan spends 451,887.3 yen a month, which is $2,921.50 US.

The cost of living in Japan is more than 50 percent cheaper than in the US based on the LivingCost.org data.

As a result, American adults can spend less per US dollar on living abroad in Japan.

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The Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Japan

W ith its unique blend of traditional culture and dazzling modernity, Japan offers an incredible tapestry of experiences that captivate the senses and ignite the spirit of adventure. Yet, with so much to explore, planning a trip can feel overwhelming. Fear not, we're here to help! Travel journalist Kevin Erickson has curated a list of the must-visit places in Japan that promise a truly unforgettable journey.

• Uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto
• Experience Tokyo's electrifying cityscape
• Discover the cultural heartbeat of Osaka
• Immerse yourself in Hiroshima's poignant history
• Explore the stunning wilderness of Yakushima

The Timeless Beauty of Kyoto

The ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto, is a living testament to Japan's rich history and tradition. With over 1,600 temples, serene Zen gardens, and the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gate pathway, Kyoto transports you back to Japan's imperial past. A visit during the cherry blossom or fall foliage season will make your journey especially magical.

Tokyo: The City That Never Sleeps

Japan's vibrant capital, Tokyo, presents an electrifying mix of neon skyscrapers, pop culture, high-tech innovations, and bustling street markets. From the fashion hub of Shibuya to the historic Asakusa district and the otaku paradise of Akihabara, Tokyo is a city of delightful contrasts that never fails to impress.

Osaka: The Nation's Kitchen

Known as the "nation's kitchen," Osaka is a haven for food lovers. From street-side takoyaki and okonomiyaki to high-end kaiseki cuisine, Osaka offers a culinary journey like no other. Don't miss the lively Dotonbori area and Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city's historical heritage.

Hiroshima: History and Resilience

Hiroshima, though known for its tragic past, showcases remarkable resilience and peace. The Peace Memorial Park and Museum provide profound insights into the catastrophic impact of the atomic bomb, while the scenic Miyajima Island, just a short ferry ride away, offers a tranquil escape.

Yakushima: Island of Ancient Forests

A trip off the beaten path leads to Yakushima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its ancient cedar forests, which inspired the animated film "Princess Mononoke," Yakushima is an enchanting realm of nature where you might even encounter the endangered Japanese macaque.

Nara: The Birthplace of Japanese Culture

Nestled in the Kansai region, Nara is often overshadowed by its more popular neighbors, Kyoto and Osaka. Yet, as the first permanent capital of Japan, Nara is brimming with historical treasures. It's home to Todai-ji, the world's largest wooden structure housing a towering Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha, a beautiful Shinto shrine surrounded by thousands of stone lanterns. But Nara's charm doesn't stop at its temples. The city's park is famous for its hundreds of free-roaming deer, considered sacred and protected as national treasures.

Hokkaido: Nature's Paradise

If you crave pristine wilderness, set your sights on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. Here, you'll find stunning landscapes, from volcanic hot springs in Noboribetsu to lavender fields in Furano. Daisetsuzan National Park offers incredible hiking trails, while the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts wildlife such as brown bears and sea eagles. In winter, the snow festival in Sapporo, the region's capital, showcases spectacular ice and snow sculptures.

Nagasaki: A Tale of Triumph

Nagasaki's past is imbued with foreign influences and a tragic history, making it a poignant visit. The Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum narrate the tale of its WWII devastation, while Glover Garden and Oura Church highlight the city's close ties with the West during Japan's period of national isolation. For a tranquil getaway, the nearby Gunkanjima (Battleship Island), an abandoned coal mining facility and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan's industrial past.

From ancient traditions to futuristic cityscapes, Japan offers a unique travel experience that transcends the ordinary. As Chris Rowthorn, a Lonely Planet writer and Japan travel expert, aptly puts it, "Japan is a world apart - a cultural Galápagos where a unique civilization blossomed, and today thrives in delicious contrasts of traditional and modern." So why wait? Begin your Japanese adventure today!

When is the best time to visit Japan?

The best time to visit Japan is in spring (March to May) for cherry blossoms, and fall (September to November) for autumn colors. However, Japan has something to offer in every season.

What should I eat in Japan?

Japan boasts a rich culinary tradition. Must-try dishes include sushi, ramen, tempura, yakitori, and regional specialties such as Kyoto's kaiseki and Osaka's takoyaki.

How can I travel sustainably in Japan?

Embrace the Japanese concept of 'mottainai' (waste not, want not). Utilize public transportation, avoid disposable items, respect local customs, and consider staying in eco-friendly accommodations.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

While Japan can be pricier than other Asian countries, it offers a range of options for different budgets. Prepaid transportation cards, affordable eateries, and a variety of accommodations can make your trip economical without compromising the experience.

• Japan National Tourism Organization
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre
• Lonely Planet

Cheap Things In Japan (11 Things That Might Surprise You)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

As a budget traveler, my priority on a trip is to stay housed and fed for the lowest possible cost.

Most of the time, my spending goes as far as memory making and photos! So finding cheap, cheap, cheap things in Japan that I can actually buy is like a dream come true. 

Thankfully I’ve found that Japan has my back on cheap items that make great food, souvenirs, or housewares.

To keep your Japan trip costs down, I’m sharing my go-to list of cheap things in Japan; 11 that might surprise you, but all of them are super cheap!

Table of Contents

1. An Izakaya meal and drinks Cost: $14

Japan is the land of amazing cuisine, but many of its finest foods, like Fugu, or prime Wagyu beef, can cost hundreds of dollars.

A budget trip to Japan doesn’t mean you have to subsist on cup noodles though, you just have to ensure that you eat meals at the right places.

Izakaya, Japanese pubs, or taverns are usually the best choice for eating out cheaply . My friend Kirk taught English in Japan for years and never ate out anywhere else!

This is because the priority of these taverns is selling shochu, beers, sake, with food on the side.

A meal consisting of yakitori, karaage, and a drink should cost about JPY 2000 ($14). This is equivalent to the cost of an entree back in the States. 

2. Chopsticks Cost: $1+

If you’re looking for a cheap souvenir from Japan for family and friends, chopsticks (ohashi) are a great budget buy that can cost as little as JPY 150 ($1).

Of course, I’m not suggesting that you fill up on the free disposable chopsticks that you get in restaurants.

There are many specialty chopstick stores and brands where you can pick up something special.

Look out for classic ohashi from the town of Obama in Japan which makes over 80% of the country’s chopsticks.  

3. Pocket Tissues Cost: FREE!!!

Hygiene is a big thing in Japan, so it’s no surprise that you will find cute packs of pocket tissues being handed out for free by businesses as promotional items.

Generally, the quality of these tissues is good, and they come in a variety of cute designs.

If you’re savvy or short on cash, save some of these as an ultra-cheap souvenir!

4. A tenugui (手拭い)  Cost: up to $10

A tenugui, a thin cotton hand towel, is a cheap and unusual gift that will have you wishing you purchased more when you were back in Japan.

The word tenugui means ‘hand wiper’ and that is what these long towels are traditionally used for. The thin, woven natural fabric is sustainable and a great alternative to kitchen towels. 

People also pick up tenugui in Japan because they come in a wide range of designs.

Prices are as low as a dollar. They have loads of uses including, home decor, or use as an impromptu sweatband! 

Take a quick look – 10 Cool Tenugui Towels with Bold Japanese designs

5. Dango (団子) Cost: $0.50 to $1

If you are looking for a sweet treat on your Japanese travels, dango won’t break the bank!

This popular street food is a sweet traditional Japanese rice dumpling, served on a stick.

The closest thing to dango is probably mochi , but the globular glutinous rice is prepared a different way and covered in a sweet sauce rather than being filled. 

Delicious dango can be enjoyed for cents in the dollar. If you want something chewy, soft, and satisfying this tasty dessert hits the mark!

6. Socks Cost: $1 

If you want a hassle-free souvenir that will work for everyone back home, Japanese socks have got your back!

Socks are everywhere in Japan and you can find cute pairs for under a dollar.

 In fact, if you want to keep your packing down, the socks are so cheap you can simply buy them out in Japan. 

Japanese socks come in a range of designs including popular toe socks and split-toe sock designs that will look great with flip-flops.

Japanese sock manufacturer Tabio even makes tiny socks that are just for the big toe!

7. Something from GU Cost: $10+

One of my top tips for travel is packing ultra-light and using your regular clothing budget to buy new and unique clothing for everyday wear while you’re overseas.

Japan is one of the best places to do this because most Japanese brands are going to be way cheaper in Japan.

A great store for basics is the Japanese discount clothing retailer GU , which also owns UNIQLO!

If you want clothes head there first to buy classic clothing that has that distinctive Japanese cut and aesthetic for around $10 per item.

Right now, GU’s only international store is in NYC, so you’ll definitely be ahead of trends when you head home. 

8. Canned coffee/tea Cost: $1

If you’re the type of person that looks for Starbucks when you travel internationally, your cash won’t last very long.

Travel money hacks are all about stripping your spending down to the essentials so you can spend on the things that matter. Case in point: coffee.

I love spending hours and $$$ in coffee shops with friends, but in Japan, that could bankrupt me.

If I really need a caffeine fix, you’ll find me hitting a convenience store or vending machine and downing canned coffee or tea for JPY 100.

Read later – Japanese Vending Machines Guide

It’s no pumpkin latte, but it is under a dollar!

9. Onigiri Cost: $1.50

Don’t call home! Give mom and dad a break and stretch those last few dollars in your account by subsisting on onigiri.

It will keep you alive. You’ll find these delicious rice balls, wrapped in seaweed everywhere and they come in more flavors than Baskin Robbins.

Onigiri are also incredibly cheap, usually costing no more than JPY 200. 

10. Calendars Cost: FREE!!!

You can get a cheaper Japanese souvenir than a free one!

Like pocket tissues, calendars are a complimentary or promotional gift that businesses hand out.

They come in some amazing designs and are often of good enough quality to survive your journey home. 

11. DAISO 100 YEN stores Cost: $0.75

DAISO is the home of cheap things in Japan.

This popular store is the equivalent of a dollar store, with absolutely everything costing JPY 100 or less.

With over 100,000 product lines, you’re bound to find something you like! 

If you’re broke in Japan you can browse the isles of DAISO with confidence and find some surprisingly cute and cool finds as this funny video shows:

Rounding Up

There are so many interesting and cheap items you can find in Japan.

Japanese people appreciate quality at any price, so you will find that even the cheapest items are well-made and will last a long time. Remember the cheap food hacks for Japan and save cash for your souvenirs.

安全な旅行 (safe travels)

About the author

Renee Christian

Renée Christian is a writer and long-standing travel enthusiast who enjoys learning about other countries, cultures, and foods! When she’s not perfecting a ramen bowl or tempura recipe in the kitchen, you’ll find her in her permaculture garden or trekking the nearest coastal path!

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9 Best Hotels in Nagoya, Japan for Every Budget

Best Cheap Hotels in Nagoya

Mid-range hotels in nagoya for budget-conscious travelers, luxury hotels in nagoya for a premium experience, wrap-up: finding the best place to stay in nagoya.

Nagoya is a great city to visit, with its mix of old temples, modern skyscrapers, and lively streets. Whether you’re here for business or just exploring, finding the right hotel that fits your budget can make your trip even better. Luckily, Nagoya has plenty of options, from affordable spots with all the basics to luxurious hotels with amazing views and top-notch service.

In this guide, we’ll highlight the 9 best hotels in Nagoya , organized by budget, to help you find the perfect fit for your stay, including those in the city center.

1. Richmond Hotel Nagoya Shinkansen-guchi

Richmond Hotel Nagoya Shinkansen-guchi is a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers who want comfort and convenience. Opened in 2016, this hotel is just a 5-minute walk from JR Nagoya Station, making it a prime spot for both tourists and business visitors. The hotel offers free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and a simple but modern decor that creates a relaxed atmosphere. Each room comes with essential amenities like a flat-screen TV, a work desk, and toiletries.

What makes this hotel a standout is its proximity to major landmarks like Nagoya Castle and the shopping district. Guests also appreciate the coin-operated laundry facilities, making it ideal for longer stays.

Average Price : ¥6,000 - ¥9,000 per night

Location : Kamejima 2-12-3, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : 5-minute walk from JR Nagoya Station

Nearby Attractions : Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine

Embark on a private full-day Nagoya City Tour and experience the sights, sounds and energy of this vibrant destination!

2. Sotetsu Fresa Inn Nagoya-Shinkansenguchi

Sotetsu Fresa Inn is a well-known name in budget accommodations, and the Nagoya-Shinkansenguchi branch upholds that reputation with clean, modern rooms at affordable rates. Situated just 7 minutes on foot from Nagoya Station, this hotel is perfect for those looking to explore Nagoya without spending too much on lodging. The hotel offers a buffet breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour front desk service.

While the rooms are compact, they are designed for comfort, with features like air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a refrigerator. The hotel’s location allows easy access to Oasis 21, a shopping and dining complex, and Nagoya Castle, providing an affordable yet convenient option for travelers.

Average Price : ¥5,500 - ¥8,500 per night

Location : Tsubakicho 19-16, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : 7-minute walk from Nagoya Station

Nearby Attractions : Oasis 21, Nagoya Castle

3. Comfort Inn Nagoya Sakae

For those who want to be right in the city center without breaking the bank, Comfort Inn Nagoya Sakae is a great choice. Located just 400 meters from Oasis 21, the hotel offers easy access to shopping and dining areas in Sakae. The rooms are simple yet functional, with air conditioning, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Guests enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage.

Discover Nagoya's best foods in a 3-hour guided tour, sampling local favorites in vibrant Sakae and hidden Fushimi Mall.

Although this hotel doesn’t have an in-house restaurant, its proximity to the Sakae district means plenty of dining options are just a short walk away. It’s an ideal pick for those looking for a budget-friendly base to explore Nagoya’s top attractions.

Average Price : ¥5,000 - ¥7,000 per night

Location : Nishiki 3-16-30, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : 10-minute walk from Sakae Station

Nearby Attractions : Nagoya Castle, Sakae shopping district

4. Hotel JAL City Nagoya Nishiki

Located in the Naka Ward, Hotel JAL City Nagoya Nishiki offers a comfortable stay with a touch of modern luxury. The hotel features spacious, air-conditioned rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and an electric kettle. Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant, which serves a range of local and international dishes.

What sets Hotel JAL City apart is its strategic location. Just a short distance from Nagoya Station and major attractions like Nagoya Castle, the hotel is a great choice for both tourists and business travelers. With a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage, your stay here is bound to be hassle-free.

Average Price : ¥9,000 - ¥12,000 per night

Location : Nishiki 1-16-36, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : 5-minute walk from Fushimi Station

Nearby Attractions : Nagoya Castle, Oasis 21

5. Richmond Hotel Nagoya Nayabashi

Richmond Hotel Nagoya Nayabashi offers great mid-range accommodation with a reputation for excellent service. It is located just a 15-minute walk from JR Nagoya Station, making it convenient for those arriving by train. The rooms are comfortable and equipped with everything you might need for a pleasant stay, including a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and a private bathroom with a bathtub.

The hotel is also well-situated for exploring Nagoya’s attractions. Nagoya Castle and the Nagoya City Science Museum are within walking distance, making it a great option for tourists. Business travelers will appreciate the hotel’s laundry facilities and luggage storage services. Staying in the city center provides easy access to major attractions, shopping, and dining options, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Average Price : ¥10,000 - ¥14,000 per night

Location : Sakae 1-2-7, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : 15-minute walk from JR Nagoya Station

Nearby Attractions : Nagoya City Science Museum, Nagoya Castle

Experience a unique and unparalleled cultural experience with Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour!

6. Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel

For travelers seeking a luxurious stay, the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel offers unmatched comfort and convenience. Directly connected to JR Nagoya Station, this hotel provides easy access to the city’s top attractions while offering first-class service. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms with city views, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a variety of dining options.

The hotel is famous for its dining experience, with several restaurants offering French, Japanese, and international cuisine. Whether you’re relaxing after a long day of sightseeing or attending a business conference, Nagoya Marriott Associa delivers an exceptional stay.

Average Price : ¥25,000 - ¥35,000 per night

Location : 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : Directly above JR Nagoya Station

Nearby Attractions : Toyota Commemorative Museum, Nagoya Castle

7. Hilton Nagoya

Located in the city center of Nagoya, Hilton Nagoya offers a high-end experience for travelers who want to enjoy luxury amenities and spacious rooms. The hotel features a range of facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and a fitness center. Rooms are elegantly decorated and offer panoramic views of the city. Dining options include Japanese, Cantonese, and international cuisine, providing something for every palate.

Hilton Nagoya is a short walk from Fushimi Subway Station, allowing guests easy access to local attractions. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, Hilton Nagoya provides a relaxing and luxurious environment.

Average Price : ¥22,000 - ¥32,000 per night

Location : Sakae 1-3-3, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

Nearby Attractions : Aichi Arts Center, Osu Kannon Temple

8. Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

Nagoya Tokyu Hotel stands out for its blend of European elegance and Japanese hospitality. Located in the vibrant Sakae district, the hotel is close to many shopping and dining options. The spacious rooms come with luxurious furnishings, including a flat-screen TV, minibar, and seating area. The hotel also offers a fitness center, sauna, and indoor pool, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Guests can enjoy a selection of cuisines at the on-site restaurants, which serve French, Japanese, and Chinese dishes. Its location and high-end facilities make it an excellent choice for those seeking a luxury stay in the heart of Nagoya.

Average Price : ¥20,000 - ¥28,000 per night

Location : Sakae 4-6-8, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : 5-minute walk from Sakae Station

Nearby Attractions : Nagoya TV Tower, Sakae shopping district

9. JR Gate Tower Hotel

Conveniently located above JR Nagoya Station, JR Gate Tower Hotel offers a luxurious stay with easy access to both transportation and local attractions. The hotel features modern rooms with stunning views of the city, along with amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and a fitness center. Guests can also enjoy breakfast at the on-site restaurant, which offers local and international dishes made from fresh ingredients.

The hotel’s proximity to Nagoya Station makes it perfect for travelers who want quick access to transportation while still enjoying a luxurious environment. JR Gate Tower Hotel is ideal for business travelers and tourists alike.

Average Price : ¥18,000 - ¥28,000 per night

Location : Meieki 1-1-3, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture

How to Get There : Directly connected to JR Nagoya Station

Nearby Attractions : Osu Kannon Temple, Nagoya Dome

Choosing the right hotel in Nagoya can make your visit smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you prefer the bustling energy near Nagoya Station, the vibrant atmosphere of Sakae, or the peaceful surroundings near Nagoya Castle, there’s an option that fits your travel style and budget. By selecting the right place to stay, you’ll set yourself up for a comfortable and convenient experience in this dynamic city.

Experience the best of Ise-Shima with a private tour from Nagoya, featuring visits to the mesmerizing Toba Aquarium and the sacred Ise Grand Shrine.

What is special about Nagoya, Japan?

Nagoya is known for its rich history and culture, being home to Nagoya Castle , one of Japan’s most famous castles. The city is also a center for industry, especially in automotive manufacturing, with Toyota headquartered nearby. Visitors can explore a range of attractions, from the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology to Atsuta Shrine , one of Japan’s most significant Shinto shrines.

What is the best time to visit Nagoya, Japan?

The best time to visit Nagoya is spring (March to May)  and  autumn (September to November) . In spring, you can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in places like Tsuruma Park, while autumn offers cooler weather and vibrant fall foliage. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are relatively mild but less popular among tourists.

Is Nagoya, Japan a good place to live?

Nagoya is considered a great place for both locals and expatriates to live. It offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger cities like Tokyo or Osaka while still providing modern amenities, a strong job market, and good public transport. The city’s location in central Japan makes it convenient for travel to other major cities, and it has a lower cost of living than Tokyo.

How expensive is it to live in Nagoya, Japan?

Living in Nagoya is generally more affordable than in larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Rent and housing costs are significantly lower, and everyday expenses, such as groceries and dining out, are also more manageable. While not the cheapest city in Japan, Nagoya offers a good balance between quality of life and cost of living.

Is Nagoya cheaper than Tokyo?

Yes, Nagoya is generally cheaper than Tokyo. Rent, dining, and transportation costs are lower, making Nagoya a more affordable city to live in or visit. While Tokyo is known for its higher prices, Nagoya provides many of the same conveniences and attractions at a lower cost, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more budget-friendly experience.

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Airlines unveil early bird sales for travel throughout 2025

By Jemima Skelley | 14 hours ago

Sometimes the biggest motivator for booking a holiday is jealousy.

So if you've spent the last few months seeing your friends and family jet off to places like Japan and Europe , it's high time you plan a trip for yourself.

Booking flights and accommodation well in advance of your holiday can save you a lot of money, if you know where to look.

READ MORE: Countries where tipping is offensive - and where you should be doing it

Cheap flights from Melbourne

Leading online travel agency Webjet has joined forces with Melbourne Airport to offer Earlybird access to a range of bucket list destinations for travel in 2025.

Available on flights departing from Melbourne Airport only to international destinations across Europe, North America and Asia, the sale begins today and will run until 23 September 2024 (or until sold out).

Examples of flights in the sale include:

• To Los Angeles from $922
• To Bali from $624
• To Bangkok from $704
• To Paris from $1229
• To Tokyo from $729

READ MORE: Five budget Aussie holiday spots you can visit and avoid the crowds

Singapore Airlines' early bird fares

Singapore Airlines is giving you a a head start on 2025 holiday planning with an Early Bird sale offering reduced prices across their whole network including Europe, Asia, and the USA.

Keen for a Euro summer? Snap up their discounted Melbourne to London return flights from just $1588.

If you're travelling with kids, the airline is offering fares to Singapore starting from $3164 for a family of four.

READ MORE: Travel expert Sami Lukis reveals how to take the best photos on holidays

The Early Bird deals include a 30 per cent bonus on KrisFlyer miles earned, too.

Other return Economy Class flights departing Australia include:

• Beijing from $719
• Seoul from $801
• Penang from $820
• Istanbul from $1559
• Paris from $1664

How to get cheap flights

Though we're facing a cost of living crisis, holidays are one thing that Aussies don't want to give up. Thankfully, there are ways that you can nab low-cost airfares, leaving you with more cash to spend at your destination.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Be flexible with dates and even locations
• Use a flight search site to compare airlines
• Avoid flying on weekends and during peak season
• Set an airfare alert to get notified when prices drop for your preferred route
• Be open to taking a route with stopovers

How to score a deal on your next holiday

If a trip to Europe or Japan are on your hit list then you're in luck, as travel tour company Inspiring Vacations is currently offering 9Travel readers $100 off some of their most popular experiences (Use code NINETRAVEL100/Valid 26 Aug 2024 - 25 Oct 2024).

This 15 Day Inspiring Japan tour ticks off all the major highlights from Mount Fuji to charming Kyoto and the buzz of Tokyo, and includes a ride on a bullet train, and visits to exquisite gardens and sacred shrines, sites and temples.

If Europe is where you wish to go, then this 22 Day Great European tour is perfect. You'll enjoy incredible sightseeing including guided tours through Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Rome, Florence, Venice.

Nine may receive a commission from some of the links on our site.

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Flight prices to Japan hit new low with fares from $319

Young Aussies opting for destination weddings to save cash

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Porchfest, Chelsea Handler, ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and more to do this weekend

Plus, two options for takeout chicken wings to pair with Sunday's Patriots game.

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Chelsea Handler at the 29th Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California on Jan. 14, 2024. Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com

Can you even handle how much is going on this weekend?

For one, there’s the Chelsea Handler show at Merrill Auditorium on Friday. There’s also the HenryFest music festival in North Yarmouth on Sunday,  the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival in Wells on Saturday and Sunday and the Portland Maine Comedy Festival all weekend long.

What? That’s not enough? Then head to see Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at Thompson’s Point on Sunday. We’ve got the skinny on all of these things , so hop to it.

Chelsea Handler, HenryFest, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and more comedy

Musician Jon King who performs and records under the name King Kyote.

There’s a ton of other live music options to choose from this weekend .

The final show at Sun Tiki Studios in Portland is on Friday, featuring Vapors of Morphine with local opener Sparxsea.

Then there’s a pair of pretty epic festivals to choose from. Advertisement

On Saturday, WMPG presents McGoldROCKS Music Festival with Plague Dad, Vices Inc., Euphemia, Bondeko and Spose. The music happens on the University of Southern Maine campus in Portland.

Also on Saturday is the Big Falls Music & Cider Fest in New Gloucester, featuring Hayley Jane, King Kyote and Love By Numb3rs, among other acts.

Sun Tiki Studios holds its last show, plus 2 festivals happening Saturday

Drumstick with fire sauce from Leonardo’s in Portland. Photo by Leslie Bridgers

Fans of the New England Patriots, rejoice! The first game of the season is Sunday at 1 p.m. against the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the best parts of watching a Pats game at home is the ability to eat whatever you want, including the qunitessential football snack: chicken wings. Two tasty choices of wings are available at Smoked and Leonardo’s, both on Forest Avenue in Portland, and both open well before kick-off to make your takeout dreams come true.

For football season, 2 choices for takeout chicken wings on Forest Avenue

Bob Carroll hosts a band or two in his driveway on Bedell Street during Deering Center’s annual Porchfest. Photo courtesy of Bob Carroll

Porchfest is an annual event in Portland’s Deering Center neighborhood that features several residences hosting local music performances on porches and in driveways and yards. The music starts at 12:15 p.m. Sunday. Check out our interview with Bob Carroll, one of the Porchfest hosts.

What to expect at Porchfest, from a longtime host of the Deering Center event

Latrice Royale plays the man-eating plant in “Little Shop of Horrors” at Ogunquit Playhouse, through Sept. 21. Photo by Jeremy Daniel

It might technically still be summer, but fall theater season is upon us, and we’ve got the lowdown on several upcoming productions, including Portland Players’ “Legally Blonde: The Musical.” For instant theater gratification, see “Little Shop of Horrors” now through Sept. 21 at Ogunquit Playhouse.

Two different takes on ‘Dracula’ and a dozen other plays you can see this fall

This story was updated today to remove an event that has passed.

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