2025 Japan Travel Guide: 16 Money-Saving Strategies for in-depth Travel to Japan

STEP 1 Stay in a business hotel
Affordable business hotels in Japan offer the best rates for private rooms with bathroom amenities. Prices can be as low as 8,000 yen (387 yuan) for a double room and 6,000 yen (290 yuan) for a single room. Prices can be more expensive in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Some business hotels also offer a free breakfast buffet, which is large enough to last you a few hours.
2. Book directly at the hotel or hostel
There are very nice guesthouses and hostels all over Japan. Not only are they generally clean and well-maintained, but the friendly English-speaking staff usually provide near-concierge-level service at all times. Double or single rooms are comparable to business hotels (usually with shared facilities). Dormitory beds cost around 3,000 yen (145 RMB). There is an extra charge for towel rentals in some places, so you can save a few yen by bringing your own towel. Please note that if you book directly instead of through a booking website, the price will usually be cheaper.
3. Sleeping City Capsule Hotel
Capsule hotels are also an affordable option. Capsule hotels offer small rooms just enough to fit a bed, providing an affordable place to spend the night. Capsule beds cost slightly more than hostel dorm beds, which cost around 5,000 yen (242 yuan) per night, but offer more privacy. You may not want to stay in capsules every night, but they can help save money in cities where hotel prices are higher.

Step 4 Go camping in summer
If you really want to get to Japan at a cheaper price, you can go camping at well-maintained campsites in rural or resort areas, with prices ranging from 500 yen to 1,000 yen per person or tent. Note that many campsites are only open in summer.
5. If you don’t want to stay at the hotel for one night, you can change to an overnight bus
Long-distance buses, such as the Wheeler Express, are the cheapest way to get around, and longer routes have night buses that can save on a night’s accommodation. There are also bus passes, which can make it a cheaper option.
6. The Japan Rail Pass is a special travel ticket
If you are planning to travel by Shinkansen, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a cost-effective option. Like the famous European rail “Eurail Pass”, it is also a global value travel special and is the best way to see Japan on a budget. It allows unlimited rides on Japan’s national (or regional) rail system, including the Shinkansen high-speed rail. In addition, there are cheaper region-specific train passes, so plan your itinerary carefully before deciding to travel to Japan and buy the rail pass that suits you online or from a travel agent.

7. Buy and use the Japan Railway “Youth 18 Pass” (Youth 18), which is a season-limited national pass jointly launched by 6 companies of the Japan JR Group. The “Youth 18” ticket is used on local trains at a lower price. JR offers great discounts, for example, JR Higashiyamaguchi 30,000 yen for five days, and it is recommended to travel to Aomori, Akita, Sendai and other places in the Tohoku region.
“Youth 18” is a great value offer. You can get five one-day tickets for only 12,050 yen, which can be used on any Japan Railway regular train (except Shinkansen or high-speed express trains) for a limited period of several weeks. “Youth 18” tickets are only available at certain times of the year, during school holidays (tickets are designed for students, but there is no age limit), and can only be purchased at JR ticket windows in Japan. If the timing is right and you like to travel at a slow pace, then this is a unique and super cheap way to get around in Japan.
8. Take domestic flights with low-cost airlines
There are several budget domestic airlines in Japan, such as Peach, Jetstar, and AirSeat, that offer bus-like rates on some routes. But be sure to consider whether the time and cost to and from the airport is right for you.
9. Shrines and temples in Japan can be visited for free
Admission to the vast majority of shrines in Japan is not expensive. Likewise, many temple grounds are free to visit (usually, you only pay to enter the hall or walled garden).

10. Meet locals and eat cheap food during traditional festivals
Many of Japan’s year-round festivals are held at shrines and temples, as well as on city streets. They are free and open, providing a great opportunity to see traditional Japanese culture, and cheap food vendors are popular.
11. Hiking
Hiking tours are free and may be the most rewarding part of your trip: Explore a budding local city, view Japan’s rural neighborhoods, walk ancient pilgrimage routes or climb mountains, and visit Japan’s national parks. Japanese cities, especially Tokyo, have some fantastic buildings designed by many well-known figures in the Japanese architectural world. Ask the tourist information center or your accommodation for suggestions and you can plan your own architectural tour.
12. Spend time relaxing in a city park
City parks are usually free to enter and are popular with locals on weekends. Bring a picnic, settle in, and spend the afternoon observing the crowds that come and go. If your visit is timed right, you can relax and watch the cherry blossoms in a quiet setting.
13. Buy cheaper goods at the local market
Many seaside towns have fish markets, some rural attractions have morning markets, and some cities still have old-fashioned souks. Visiting here is a great way to get in touch with the local culture and is often a source of cheap fresh food. In Japan, noodles are always a good choice.
14. Choosing the right dishes in the right place can save money
You can get a hearty meal at a street-side food stall or small izakaya in Japan called “Greasy Spoon” for less than 1,000 yen. A bowl of steaming, delicious ramen noodles can be bought at many places for as little as 600 yen. Soba and udon (coarse white wheat noodles) are sold at a lower price by Likui (stand-up counter) starting at as little as 350 yen per bowl. Many upscale Japanese restaurants also offer smaller set menus at lunchtime for much less than what they charge for dinner. If buying a large meal at a cheaper price, water and sometimes tea are free and no tip is required.

15. Bento is an economical alternative to eating out
These “bento box lunches” contain a variety of dishes and can be purchased at supermarkets for less than 1,000 yen. General merchandise company food courts sell gourmet foods at higher prices; visit before closing to buy them at reduced prices.
16. Purchase the food and supplies you need at convenience stores
Convenience stores are the best place for all budget-conscious travelers. They stock sandwiches, rice balls, hot dishes and beer, all of which can be combined into a very affordable meal. The accommodation always has a kettle, so a glass of instant noodles is also a good choice.