With careful planning a little know-how, you will definitely save some yen on your next trip. Here are a few simple tips for your budget travel in Japan.
Transportation
Transportation expenses will be a considerable part of your travel budget. They consist of the cost for your international flight, urban and long-distance transportation inside Japan. If you wish to visit multiple regions of Japan, the following transportation pass and other deals can save you some money:
International and Dosmestic Flights
With the increasing number of budget airlines, you can fly to many Japan airports for much lower prices. Search for cheap tickets during the non-peak season on these Japanese low-cost airlines: Peach Aviation, Skymark Airlines, Jetstar Airways etc.
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
The Japan Rail Pass is a collaboration with six companies comprising the JR Group, which allows foreigners to ride unlimitedly on almost on trains including most Shinkansen. There are two types of Passes: Pass for Green Cars and Pass for Standard Cars. Each type can be purchased for 7,14 or 21 days.
Japan Bus Pass
The Japan Bus Pass is available as a 3-day, 5-day and 7-day version, which allows you to travel overnight on a bus for a long distance at an unbelievably low cost. Its route covers all across Japan (except Okinawa and Hokkaido), and you can reach some famous yet remote tourist spots like Shirakawago easily.
Seishun 18
The Seishun 18 is a limited time offer which allows unlimited rides on local and rapid JR trains throughout Japan. It is a great way to enjoy travel at a more leisurely pace, as it is available three times per year and cost only 11,850 yen. The ticket package can be enjoyed by one person for five days, or it can be split for use by up to five people. You can also experience the JR Miyajima Ferry from the mainland to Miyajima Island.
Furthermore, you shall research ferries, rental cars, the regional train passes, package tours or even hitchhiking to find the best low-cost travelling means for yourself.
Accommodation
Despite the high hotel rate in the city centre, it is still possible to find a wide range of cheap chained business hotels, themed capsule hotels, small boutique hotels in Japan. The place slightly less spacious than those major hotels, yet enough for a warm stay overnight. If you would like to engage in the local daily life, meeting new friends and do not mind sharing a bathroom with other travellers, you may stay at hostels as well.
If you are looking for a traditional ryokan, avoid peak season like cherry blossom and fall leaves period. Research if there is any restaurant opening until night and prepare some cash with you as international ATM or credit card payment may not be available in the suburban area.
Food and Drinks
Start your good morning a nice Japanese or Western breakfast at a local cafe. A full set breakfast with either rice or toast and a coffee usually costs about 500 to 1000 yen. You can find cheap lunch set offer in most restaurants, which the same dish is averagely cheaper than the offer during dinner time. The other popular options are all-you-can-eat or all-you-can-eat deals. Japanese barbecue, izakaya, hotpot restaurants always have crazy packages that meet your greedy needs.
If you are looking for cheap restaurants that open until midnight or 24 hours, find a family restaurant, fast-food shop or beef rice restaurant nearby. Don’t miss out the unbelievably delicious budget bento, hot snacks and desserts takeaway form the convenience stores as well.
For those who stay at a hostel or hotel with a kitchen, shop at a local supermarket for ingredients after 7 pm to enjoy the daily sale. Pick the locally grown produce as it is usually cheaper.
Shopping
Foreigners can save the consumption tax on a wide range of products by tax-free shopping. Remember to carry your passport with you and look for tax-free shopping stickers and refund counters. You can easily find it at outlets, airport gift shops, electronic stores and drug stores. If you are looking for daily supplies such as stationery, DIY kits, kitchen utensils, snacks or decorations, dig into the treasure box of 100 yen or 300 yen shops. The streets of Japan’s famous well-conditioned vintage and second-hand brand goods shall be the candy box for fashion-lovers.
Cultural Experiences
There is a lot of tourist spots which require no entrance fee. Visit a local shrine, temple, park to learn about the history and natural beauty of Japan. Walk into any fireworks festival or summer Obon Festival and embrace the strong connection within the local community.
