Japan, and particularly Tokyo, has a reputation for being an extremely expensive city—and sometimes it can be. You can spend hundreds of dollars on a meal and even more on accommodation, but you’d pay similar prices at luxury hotels and restaurants worldwide. However, for the average visitor from Europe, the USA, or Australia, you may find prices fairly comparable to home, and in many cases, even cheaper. It’s relatively easy to experience Japan on a budget while still having a fantastic holiday.
Food is one of the best ways to save money, and there are plenty of tasty and affordable options. Visit a vending machine café—where the food is fast, delicious, and only costs a few coins. There are also ramen (noodle) houses and plenty of budget-friendly curry cafés like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya, where you can get a curry with rice, soup, and salad for about $5 USD. Many small cafés and restaurants located off the main strips offer sensational food at much lower prices than the big restaurants on the main streets. These smaller cafés also have a terrific atmosphere and provide a truly authentic Japanese experience. A good rule of thumb is to look for places that display prices or even food models with prices outside the establishment—this way, you can easily gauge the value.
For those wanting a drink after a long day, there are plenty of bars and clubs. Some offer meal and beer deals, and there are even fixed-price bars like the 300 or 400 yen bars, where both food and drinks are a set price. Convenience stores, supermarkets, and even some vending machines sell alcohol, often at a lower cost than bars. If you enjoy beer, try Happoshu beer—it’s brewed with less malt to bypass a tax law, making it taste like regular beer but at a much lower price.
Another great way to save money is by shopping at 100-yen shops. These stores stock thousands of products, from food and toys to household essentials, all for just 100 yen (under $1 USD). They offer an incredible selection and make for a great place to pick up quirky gifts to take home.
Japan also has countless free attractions, from galleries, museums, and temples to massive product exhibitions from some of Japan’s leading companies. With proper planning, you might not have to spend anything on daily activities.
When it comes to travel, a little preparation can go a long way. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the city—you never know what marvellous sights you’ll stumble upon. Subway stations are often close together, so if you’re only heading to the next station, it may be quicker to walk. If you’re travelling between cities and have the time, consider taking a slower train instead of paying premium fees for an express Shinkansen bullet train—you can save a significant amount. Another great option is purchasing a Japan Rail Pass before your trip, but be sure to do your research, as not all railway systems or services accept it.
There are also several discount and welcome cards available, and you’ll often find vouchers in tourist magazines offering discounted admission or buy-one-get-one-free deals. These can save you quite a bit of money. Local tourist authorities and some attractions sell welcome cards, and some places offer joint tickets for multiple attractions in the same area.
With a bit of research, you can find remarkably cheap accommodation. It doesn’t have to be a tiny capsule hotel or a room with shared facilities—venture slightly away from major tourist areas, and prices drop considerably. As long as you’re close to public transport (which is everywhere), a short walk or quick train ride will get you to the heart of the action in no time.
Markets are another excellent place to pick up a bargain, whether you’re looking for clothing, food, gifts, or something unique. Some markets open daily, while others operate only on weekends.
With careful planning and a little research, you can experience Japan on a budget without missing out on all the incredible things the country has to offer.
