The Best Budget-Friendly Guide When Traveling To Japan

Japan is a country that effortlessly blends rich traditions with modernity, making it a dream destination for travelers worldwide. However, it’s no secret that Japan can be a bit heavy on the wallet. You have to prepare everything ahead of time, from budget-friendly accommodations to affordable guided tours. If you are going to travel to Japan on a tight budget, don’t worry, we got you covered! With some savvy planning and budget-friendly travel tips, you can explore the Land of the Rising Sun without breaking the bank. Listed below is a comprehensive guide on how to make the most of your Japanese adventure on a budget.

Take Advantage of a Promotional Fare

Promo Fares are discounts offered by various airline companies to the general public. There are multiple online booking sites that allow you to book flights months ahead of your intended schedule. Not only it eliminates the hassle of booking but it also saves you time and money. Promo fares will offer great discounts, allowing you to book flights at an incredibly low rate compared to regular airfare prices. If you are a frequent flyer and a credit card holder, you might want to take advantage of some of their travel features and reward systems where you can get discounts, or better yet free airfare.

Look for a Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Japan offers a variety of affordable accommodation options. While luxury hotels can be expensive, you can opt for guesthouses, hostels, and capsule hotels, which provide comfortable and cost-effective places to stay. For a unique experience that’s light on the wallet, consider staying in a capsule hotel. These compact sleeping pods are a popular choice among budget travelers. They provide all the necessary amenities for a comfortable night’s sleep and often come with communal spaces for socializing.

Capsule Hotel is truly a great option for someone who is on a tight budget. They provide cheap accommodation with a small bed, spacious enough to let you rest and relax, making it a practical option for everyone. Capsule Inn Osaka (established in 1979) was the first-ever capsule hotel in the world. Budget-wise, these hotels can cost you ¥2000-4000 a night (or $18-36/night).

Go on a DIY Tour or Look for Cheap Guided Tours

If you are traveling with someone who has already been to Japan then you might consider having a Do-It-Yourself tour. The Internet, after all, is a powerful tool and you can easily get a comprehensive itinerary online. Jot down all the best attractions nearby and maximize all the time you have. Invest in a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) if you plan to travel between cities. These passes offer significant savings on Shinkansen (bullet train) and JR line fares. Additionally, consider using regional rail passes for exploring specific areas like the Kansai Thru Pass for Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

Japan is also brimming with attractions that won’t cost you a penny. Explore beautiful parks like Ueno Park in Tokyo or Maruyama Park in Kyoto, stroll through picturesque neighborhoods like Gion in Kyoto or Yanaka in Tokyo, and visit temples and shrines, many of which are free to enter. If you are a first-timer and still have no idea where to start, you can take advantage of some Free Guided Tours. The paid guided tours in Japan will cost you around ¥4,000 to ¥10,000 and it tends to be much more expensive for special tours like Geisha.

Shop Wisely and Practically

Whether you are aiming to taste Japanese cuisine or simply in need of some snacks, you should take advantage of Japan’s 100 Yen Shops. These are like the US Dollar Stores where you can find a wide range of products at low prices. As the name suggests, all products displayed on the shelves of these stores are sold at a fixed price of 100 yen. There are more than 5,000 100 Yen Shops all over Japan, most of which are open 24 hours a day! These shops offer food, snacks, drinks, and everyday items. To top it all off, you can find great Japanese souvenirs too.

Surprisingly 7-11 Convenience Stores in Japan are way better. They are known for their fresh food offerings like warm Onigiri, sandwiches, bento boxes, sushi, and ramen! Best of all, they are incredibly inexpensive and will go well with your tight budget.

Connect Smarter with eSim

This is what most travelers tend to overlook. Communication should always be a top priority when traveling abroad but since each country has different mobile carriers, a traveler must switch one SIM card to another. This means you have to find a store that sells SIM cards and replace your original SIM manually on your phone. Not only that it give such a hassle but the chances of losing your important SIM are quite high. This is where the use of eSim comes into play.

One of the best ways to stay connected and to get a good Internet connection when traveling, especially in countries like Japan, is to use an eSim. Generally, eSim allows for remote provisioning of mobile network profiles. This means you can switch carriers or activate a new plan without the need for a physical SIM card. This convenience is especially valuable for travelers or for people who frequently switch carriers or plans.

For Japan, roaming charges for your original SIM can go up to $10 or more per day which will really hurt your budget, especially when you are planning to stay for a week or two. Getting, an eSim, however, will not just save your time but save huge money as well, making it ideal for someone who is traveling on a budget. The first thing you must consider though is to find a reliable eSim provider. In this case, I personally recommend Gohub which has been one of the most reputable International Travel SIM and eSim providers since 2018.

To help you understand better, Gohub eSim generally runs as your phone’s sim. It replaces your original SIM card without the need to physically remove it from your device. The best part about this is that both registration and installation are done surprisingly easily and quickly. Simply visit esimgohub.com to register. Enter your chosen destination and the number of days you will be staying, and they will provide you with the most suitable package for you. The best of all, you can get the activation code in no time.

However, it is also important to know if your device is actually supported. You should know if your device supports eSim or if your device is part of Gohub’s eSim Device list. The company supports a wide range of models from brands like Apple, Samsung, Google, Huawei, Oppo, and more. Aside from their affordable and budget-friendly rates, you can also take advantage of Gohub’s 24/7 Customer service support to ensure you have the best experience while traveling anywhere around the world.

For more updates, you can always visit their Facebook and Instagram page, or better yet visit their official Gohub page and if you are fast enough, you can also input my Discount code “Bluedreamer” and be one of the first ten people to grab 25% discount when buying eSim Gohub! Cheers!

Exploring Japan on a budget is not only possible but can also enhance your travel experience by immersing you in the local culture and lifestyle. By following these budget-friendly travel tips, you can make the most of your Japanese adventure without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags, set a budget, and get ready to discover the beauty and charm of Japan without the hefty price tag.