How to Save Money While Traveling in Japan

Posted on: January 02, 2025

How to Save on Transportation in Japan

The bullet train in Japan is amazing but expensive. To cut costs, consider getting a Japan Rail Pass. It's indispensable for extensive train travel. For a 7-day pass, it costs 50,000 JPY (70,000 JPY for a Green Pass). Instead of buying metro tickets for individual trips between Kyoto and Tokyo, a pass can be a better choice. City metro tickets usually cost 150–300 JPY per journey, but you can get a day pass for 800-1,100 JPY for unlimited travel in 24 hours. Buses are cheaper but take longer. There are also bus passes starting at 10,200 JPY for three non-consecutive days. Budget carriers like Peach and Jetstar serve Japan, and ANA has a hidden page for foreigners with potentially cheaper flights.

How to Save on Food in Japan

Surprisingly, food in Japan can be affordable. Sushi lunch sets may start at 1,600+ JPY, but there are ways to save. Shop at 100-yen shops for groceries and more. Enjoy sushi from sushi trains at 125-625 JPY per plate. Convenience stores and supermarkets offer pre-set meals under 500 JPY. Hostels and some Airbnbs have kitchens for cooking. After 8pm, supermarkets discount fresh food. Avoid expensive fresh fruits and vegetables, and rely on filling meals like curry bowls and donburi.

How to Save on Accommodation in Japan

Accommodation in Japan can be pricey. Some hostels offer free stays if you clean for a few hours. Hospitality exchanges through Couchsurfing have a small but active community. Use points and miles from hotel cards for free accommodation. Capsule hotels are an option, costing around 3,000-5,500 JPY per night. Airbnb can be budget-friendly for groups, but it's highly regulated. If traveling alone, hostels or budget hotel rooms may be cheaper.

How to Save on Attractions in Japan

Most attractions in Japan are either free or inexpensive. Museum or temple admissions usually don't exceed 500 JPY. In Kyoto, the Kansai Grutto Pass offers free or discounted access to over 50 museums and attractions for 2,500 JPY. Similar passes are available in Osaka and Tokyo. For booking tickets and tours, Get Your Guide is a good choice.

How Much Money Do You Need to Visit Japan?

Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but it doesn't have to be. If you stay in hotels, eat out a lot, and travel extensively, you could spend over 30,000 JPY per day. However, by traveling like a local, buying a rail pass, eating cheap food, and visiting a few attractions, you can budget around 10,000-16,000 JPY per day. Japan may not be as cheap as Southeast Asia, but there are ways to save. Use Skyscanner for flights, Hostelworld for hostels, and Booking.com for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Get travel insurance for protection. Consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for significant savings.