Japan is often seen as an expensive destination, but that's a misconception. In reality, there are plenty of ways to explore this vibrant country without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll cover four travel hacks to help you save money on accommodation, transportation, food, and connectivity—trust us, not many people know about these! Let’s dive in.
Japan Travel Hacks
Don’t get us wrong, there’s a lot of affluence in Japan. We won’t hold you back if you’re aiming for a 5-star luxury traveling experience, but today we’re uncovering the diamonds in the rough for budget-conscious travelers. So if you want to find Japan’s hidden gems without breaking the bank, these hacks will set you on the right path.
Travel hack 1: Seasons
Before saving costs in the country, you must first get there affordably. The most obvious tip here is to travel during off-seasons. In general, the peak season in Japan is March-May. It’s springtime and everyone wants to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom. This heightened demand also means that flight tickets can get crazy expensive.So, it makes sense to travel during less popular but still enjoyable seasons like Autumn (September-November) and late winter (mid-January through February) if you can stand a bit of cold. Plus, don’t be shy about taking advantage of those flier miles!
Travel hack 2: Transportation
One of the things you get to appreciate the most once you’ve actually arrived in Japan is efficient, quick, and convenient transportation. Its wide range gives travelers various options to cut costs within Japan.Taxis can be pretty expensive in Japan, especially for longer distances. For instance, you can spend around 15,000 yen ($97) to 25,000 yen ($162) going from central Tokyo to Narita Airport. Opt for public transportation to save more.
Consider purchasing an IC card which gives you access to trains and buses. Some of the most popular ones are Suica, Pasmo, and Icoca. They’re different in their issuing regions and operators, although function almost identically. The initial cost for these cards typically includes a refundable deposit of 500 yen (approximately $3.25), plus a starting balance. For example, a Suica card usually costs 2,000 yen ($13), which comprises a 500 yen ($3.25) deposit and 1,500 yen ($9.75) available for use. If your units run out, simply recharge at any available ticket machine. You can find them at train stations or convenience stores and even use some ATMs.
The Seishun Juhachi Kippu is a seasonal railway ticket that gives you five days of unlimited nationwide travel on local and bullet JR trains. It costs 12,050 yen ($78) for 5 days and can be used by anybody of any age. However, it is only available three times a year.
The Japan Rail Pass (JRP) offers unlimited JR train rides for a set duration, but recent price hikes—now starting at 70,000 yen ($454) for a 7-day pass—make regional passes a more budget-friendly choice if your travels are limited to specific areas. For instance, regional passes like the Hokkaido 7-day pass cost around 26,000 yen ($174), offering significant savings for localized travel.
Japan also offers long-distance buses that ride day and night. To give you a rough idea of bus prices, a one-way trip from Tokyo to Osaka can cost 3,000 yen ($20) to 8,000 yen ($51) depending on the transport company and conditions.
Travel hack 3: Connectivity
Japan's internet service providers have some of the most competitive data plan rates globally. Local monthly unlimited data plans cost anywhere from $45 to $60. However, with the language barriers and high roaming costs, it’s difficult for foreigners to enjoy this privilege. Data roaming can cost up to $10 per day, especially with limited free public WiFi in Japan.So how can tourists easily stay connected while hopping trains across the country? Here are some common options for internet access for two weeks:
1. Purchase or rent a mobile Wi-Fi router (pocket Wi-Fi): The cost of renting a mobile Wi-Fi router typically ranges from 4,000 yen ($25) to 8,000 yen ($51) for two weeks, depending on the plan and data volume.
2. SIM cards for tourists: Unlimited SIM cards for 2 weeks can cost anywhere from 3,000 ($19) to 6,000 yen ($38), depending on the provider and data speed.
3. eSIM: On average, the price for two weeks of unlimited data in Japan is around $50. However, there’s an amazing offer that not many people know about—let’s talk about Yesim’s eSIM.
Unlike pocket Wi-Fi or other bulky devices, eSIMs are completely digital, easy to set up, and usually have impressive roaming rates. The Yesim eSIM particularly offers around the same amount as local providers in Japan, with high-speed internet and unlimited data plans starting as low as $2.04 a day. On the other hand, the average starting rate for unlimited plans with other eSIM providers is $3–5.
Yesim unlimited plans for Japan:
- 7-day: $15.40
- 10-day: $20.30
- 15-day: $34.10
The limitless data plans offered by Yesim are ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Their eSIMs are global and easy to install with a seamless activation process. They support over 800 network operators worldwide.
Travel hack 4: Food and Dining
Japan has some of the most diverse cuisines, so it’s easy to get caught up and want to try every restaurant on every street. To eat well without breaking the bank, head to places where the locals dine. Skip the fancy places that serve $30 pasta and head for the cozy noodle shop by the corner that offers a full meal and a shot of shochu for $12.Convenience stores (Konbini)
At stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, you can buy ready-made meals for 100-500 yen (approximately $0.70-$3.50).
Vending machines with food
These machines offer hot meals like ramen or udon for about 300-600 yen (approximately $2-$4).
Lunch specials at restaurants
Lunch sets usually cost between 800 and 1,500 yen (approximately $5.50-$10).
Cafeterias and restaurants outside tourist areas
Prices are lower, and you can have a meal for 500-1,000 yen (approximately $3.50-$7).
Cooking your own meals
Buying ingredients at local supermarkets and cooking at home can help you save significantly.
Travel hack 5: Accommodation
Another thing that can take a chunk of your budget in Japan is accommodation, especially if you have your eyes on Western-style hotels or Japanese inns (ryokans) that may cost anywhere from $100-$150 up to $1000+. However, as with most things above, there are a few ways to beat this cost and save hundreds of dollars if you’re willing to sacrifice some convenience.Budget hotels with single rooms are a more affordable option for travelers still looking for the “hotel experience”. They can cost as low as $25 a night. Guesthouses also cost around the same amount.
Business and capsule hotels are also some interesting hospitality options for travelers in Japan. They are an upgraded version of a single room, offering breakfast options and situated in convenient locations. Nightly rates typically start at $40.
One of the cheapest accommodation options in Japan is hostels. They are all over Japan and are impressively hygienic and well-kept. Hostels start at $20 a night and are more popular in urban destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto.
Use local booking sites to find accommodations; don’t solely rely on international sites. More localized options like JAPANiCAN and Rakuten Travel have lower rates and better offers.
Experience Japan Like a Local
So, eager traveler, if you’re going to Japan soon and looking for a budget-friendly memorable experience, we hope these tips will be handy.For affordable travel, rely on public transportation. Get an IC Card or regional rail pass to explore Japan’s efficient train and bus network.
Eat local. Don’t go all the way to Japan only to eat at Western-styled restaurants. Keep it local, accessible, and affordable, and remember, if they’re transparent with their price, it’s probably the best you’ll find.
There are a lot of options to save costs on accommodation. Guesthouses, capsule hotels, and hostels are just the start.
Travel with ease all over Japan and stay connected with eSIMs. Yesim particularly has affordable unlimited plans that compete with local pricing.
If you want to stay connected on your trip, download Yesim for an affordable, seamless way to be online while exploring Japan. Enjoy your travels!
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