Financial Blog

Japan? On a budget? Yes, we were thinking the same thing. While it may seem like a pipe dream to visit Japan without breaking the bank, it is possible with proper planning and a little bit of luck. This is our guide for a fun-packed, practical, and memorable trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

To start you off, below is an example of the things you might spend on during your whole Japan trip. We’ve also outlined areas you can splurge or save on:

Before anything else, decide if you’d like to go on an interregional tour of Japan or to focus on a city/region. Knowing where to go outright will make it easier for you to make an itinerary as well as a budget plan. For example, the Kanto Region–home to the capital city of Tokyo–offers a vastly different feel of Japan than, let’s say, the Kansai Region where the tourist-friendly city of Osaka resides.

Deciding where to go first and where to go last is crucial; these will dictate your ticket purchases. Research on the cuisine, dialect, customs, and culture of each region before going to the next step.

A huge chunk of your travel expense is the plane ride to and from Japan. The two most common flights are MNL to Tokyo and MNL to Osaka. As with all destinations, the best way to save on your plane ticket is to book as early as possible. If you want the lowest rates, book promo flights months or even a year before your departure date. Try Skyscanner to look for the best seat fares.

Of course, you shouldn’t forget to take advantage of promo fares. These deals can slash off a big chunk on an otherwise expensive regular ticket, which will allow you to allot more cash to pocket money. Be on the lookout as airlines usually release these sales just before travel season, usually on February, July, and November. Also, don’t forget to bookmark your credit card company’s promo page as these are filled with screaming deals for airfare and lodging.

Read more: 4 Secrets to Booking Cheaper Flights

There are a ton of options when it comes to lodging and contrary to popular belief, they’re not that expensive. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between comfort and affordability. If hotels are outside your budget, hostels, inns, and airbnb reservations may be your cup of tea. All of these offer standard services such as Wi-Fi, a hot bath, air conditioning, and even futons and tatami mats for that genuine Japanese experience. Don’t forget to read online reviews and recommendations to filter the bad ones from the good.

If you’re feeling more adventurous but also want to save on lodging, couchsurfing is a cheap–albeit a less private–option. Couchsurfing means just that: you sleep at couches for free while getting a chance to meet different people – be it travelers or locals. If you want a futuristic (and a more claustrophobic) experience, you can always opt for capsule hotels (which can be more expensive especially at the airport).

A trip to Japan wouldn’t be complete without treating yourself to some authentic, local, and non bastardized Japanese cuisine. Because there are so many options to tickle your tastebuds, you should pace yourself when it comes to indulging that inner connoisseur. Splurge for memorable meals: Try the Maid Cafes in Akihabara, the traditional set meals in Kyoto, the iconic Ramen in Shibuya, the Takoyaki in Osaka and the fresh seafood in Tsukiji.

To get the most out of your culinary experience, try to save some cash in between expensive meals. Convenience stores are your best friend when it comes to this. And honestly, 7/11 and FamilyMart’s selections aren’t half bad. If you’re starving, look for conveyor belt sushi restaurants for a cheap–but authentic–fill of fish and rice. Sushi can cost as low as P60 per plate! Another pro tip: Steer clear of fruits, they are notoriously expensive.

Going to iconic tourist destinations doesn’t need to be expensive. Kyoto, the old capital known for its stunningly preserved architecture and culture, is a must-visit for those who want to experience old Japan. Exploring Kyoto is like being toured inside a museum. You can stroll along the streets, visit temples, shrines, and gardens with relatively low to no cost at all.

Osaka is a food lover’s paradise. You can literally get lost with the plethora of restaurants available in the bright sprawling streets of Dotonbori. On the other hand, Tokyo is an urban jungle. Here you can experience what the first world is like in Asia–expect high-tech infrastructure, corporate stomping grounds, and a nightlife like no other. Unlike Kyoto and Osaka, Tokyo is not as tailor-made for tourists. Finding english translations can be arduous and people can be too busy walking so fast that it’s hard to ask for directions. Pro tip: Getting a portable Wi-Fi in Tokyo can save you a lot of time. Not only can Internet access help you translate, it can also help navigate the busy streets of the Japanese capital.

For the history enthusiasts, museums of different kinds dot the country, and you’ll surely find one that caters to your liking. The Ghibli museum is a must for Miyazaki fans, while Ueno Park houses a complex of museums such as the Tokyo National museum, the museum of Metropolitan Art, National Science Museum, and more.

If you want to visit as much places as possible, you can cut costs by avoiding tourist traps. For example, Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan are typically included on a tourist’s itinerary but expect to shell out about P3, 000+ for a single-day pass each. Go for a lot of small but genuine experiences rather than grandiose, mainstream attractions. If you really want to (or if your travel buddies insist), balance out pricey tourist destinations with low-cost ones to make sure you get the best of what Japan has to offer.

Japan is well-known for its comprehensive railway system that branches out to different regions of the country. Yes, train tickets may be expensive, but are worth the price if you’re going to transfer regions over the course of your stay. Taxis are notoriously expensive so avoid them if you can. Buses, while cheaper than trains, take much longer. Pro tip: Take a bus for overnight travels so you can double up on sleep while covering the distance you need.

If you’re gonna ride the train frequently, it might be practical to get rail passes. These are exclusively sold to tourists which entitles them to unlimited train rides on authorized lines. Tickets are valid in 7, 14, and 21-day variants. Conversely, don’t buy a Rail Pass if you’re spending less than seven days in Japan, especially if you won’t be travelling much between regions. Instead, opt for IC cards such as Suica and Pasmo – prepaid cards used to pay for transportation fares (including buses, trains, and subways).

100-yen or thrift stores such as Don Quixote, Daiso and Can Do are popular thrift stores to shop in when you’re looking for snacks, knick-knacks, kitchen wares, and even cosmetics. You’ll also find familiar stores like Uniqlo, Zara, and H&M although the prices are generally the same as the ones in here.