Japan Travel

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Japan Travel

Japan Budget Travel Tips

How to Travel Cheap in Japan

By Shizuko Mishima, About.com

Many travelers to Japan might be looking for Japan budget travel tips. Traveling to Japan seems costly, considering high prices in food, accommodations, and so on. (Cost Living in Tokyo) There are ways to save some money on traveling cost. Here are some tips.

Transportations:

  • Cheap Flights to Japan - Contact a Japanese travel agency or Japanese airline company near you.
  • Japan Airpass - discount domestic flights are available.
  • Long Distance Bus- Taking a long distance bus can be cheaper than taking a bullet train.
    JR Bus Website
  • Japan Rail Pass - If you are planning to travel throughout Japan, using this pass is a good idea. 7-day, 14-day, 21-day passes are available. You need to purchase an exchange order before entering Japan.
    How to Get a Japan Rail Pass
  • Day Pass - Different kinds of day passes for public transportations are available in many cities.
    Tokyo: Tokyo Free Ticket - 1 Day / 1,580 yen (JR line, Eidan Subway, Toei Subway)

Accommodations:

  • Business Hotels - Simple and functional hotels are called business hotels in Japan and are mainly used by people who travel for business purpose. Rooms aren't big or fancy, but they are usually nice and clean.
    Cheap Hotels in Tokyo / Cheap Hotels in Osaka
  • Youth Hostels - If you don't mind sharing a room with other travelers, it's the cheapest accommodation.
    Japan Youth Hostel Inc.
  • Minshuku - Minshuku is Japanese-style B&B. If you can't afford to stay in a Japanese inn, try a minshuku.
    Minshuku List (Japanese Version)
  • Capsule Hotels - Each guest sleeps in a small capsule which is about 3 feet by 4 feet by 6 feet. The average cost is about US$25-30 per night.
    Capsule Hotels in Tokyo / Capsule Hotels in Osaka
  • Guest Houses - If you are staying in Japan for a long time, consider renting a room in a guest house. It's a great place to meet people from around the world as well.
  • Camping in Japan - Camping can be cheaper than staying in hotels. There are campgrounds throughout Japan.

Sightseeing:

Shopping:

  • Flea market - Check out flea markets near your destinations.
    Flea Market in Japan
  • 100 yen Shop - There are lots of 100 yen shops (hyakuen-shop) around Japan. Daiso is a famous 100 shop chain. You might be able to find fun souvenirs.

Food:

  • Kaiten-zushi Restaurants - Kaiten-zushi is a casual sushi restaurant where sushi plates go around on a conveyor belt. A plate of sushi costs about 100 yen.
  • Izakaya- Izakaya is a casual Japanese-style bar, and various dishes are served in reasonable prices.
  • Yoshinoya - Japan's famous beef bowl chain restaurant. A beef bowl costs about US$ 4-5.
  • Convenience Stores - You can find convenience stores, such as Seven Eleven, Lawson, Family Mart, and Circle K Sunkus almost everywhere in Japan. If you buy food here, it can be cheaper than eating at restaurants.

More Articles about Japan / Japan Photo Gallery

Explore Japan Travel

About.com Special Features

Best Moves in a Bad Economy

Stay on top in this tough economy with our smart, easy-to-follow financial tips. More >

Annual San Francisco Events

Discover San Francisco's biggest, most exciting 2009 events. More >

Japan Travel

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Japan Travel

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.