Follow these easy tips to save yourself a fortune when visiting Japan

Tori gate in Japan — **kitzcorner / Shutterstock**

Visiting Japan can be one of the most thrilling, life-affirming travel experiences on the planet, but it’s no secret that costs can add up quickly. Many first-timers hear stories of pricy sushi omakase dinners, $200 taxi rides from Narita Airport into downtown Tokyo, and premium pricing during cherry blossom season. It’s enough to make some travelers pause.

Yet, for the savvy sightseer with a bit of research and patience, there are plenty of ways to visit Japan without torpedoing your travel budget. Here are 11 in-depth strategies to help you stretch your yen (or dollars, euros, pounds—whatever your currency might be) so that you can focus on enjoying everything from slurping mouthwatering ramen to soaking in a serene onsen, rather than worrying about your wallet.

1. Don’t Visit During Cherry Blossom Season

Cherry blossom by a river in Japan — Cherry blossom season may look amazing, but prices for pretty much everything tend to skyrocket | **Yu Kato / Unsplash**

Yes, the images of soft pink petals drifting from cherry trees look dreamy on Instagram, but those fleeting weeks of sakura season—typically late March to early April in central Japan—correspond to some of the highest travel and accommodation prices you’ll encounter all year. It’s not only international tourists pouring in; Japanese nationals also plan domestic trips around the short bloom, meaning hotels, ryokan, and flights get booked out months in advance. Prices often spike by 20–30% in popular cities like Tokyo and Kyoto during the peak bloom period. If you absolutely must visit during this iconic time, you’ll pay a premium not just for your bed, but for experiences like nighttime sakura illuminations (which can sell out quickly) and special seasonal transport packages.

For a similar wow factor, consider visiting Japan in late October or early November, when autumn foliage sets the country ablaze in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. These koyo (fall-color) displays are equally stunning, and while some hotspots — like Kyoto’s famous Kinkaku-ji —still get busy, overall airfare and accommodation prices tend to remain lower than during cherry blossom season. Winter is another underrated time to go, especially for onsen experiences in places like Hokkaido, where you can sink into a steaming hot spring while snow quietly falls around you. The point is, if you avoid that late-March to early-April cherry blossom rush, you’ll free up hundreds of dollars to spend on the experiences that matter most to you, rather than shelling out a premium for a simple hotel room.

2. Book Your Flights Well in Advance

JAL planes on the apron — Booking in advance can save serious cash on long haul flights to Japan | **EQRoy / Shutterstock**

Flights to Japan can get steep, particularly from North America and Europe, but locking in your seats six to nine months ahead of time can often save you anywhere from 10–40% off last-minute fares. Keep an eye on airline sales: carriers such as ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines) occasionally unveil discounts during low-season months (like late winter or early summer), when tourism numbers typically dip.

Utilizing flight comparison sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak can help you track price fluctuations and jump on deals. Another strategy is to consider flying into airports outside Tokyo, like Kansai International Airport in Osaka, or Chubu Centrair International Airport near Nagoya, if that’s convenient for your itinerary.

These airports sometimes have cheaper routes from certain airlines, especially low-cost carriers such as AirAsia X or Scoot when coming from Southeast Asia, or ZIPAIR from select U.S. gateways. If you’re flexible on dates, check out mid-week departures—Wednesdays and Thursdays often see lower fares than weekends. Being vigilant and booking as soon as you see a manageable price can save you hundreds of dollars, money you can funnel into day trips or special meals once you arrive.

3. Stay in a Budget Hotel or Hostel

A capsule hotel in Japan — Capsule hotels can be a cheaper option in Japan’s cities | **Mr. James Kelley / Shutterstock**

One of Japan’s hidden truths is that “budget” does not necessarily mean “run-down and dingy.” In fact, Japanese budget accommodations are often well-maintained, exceptionally clean, and cleverly designed to maximize small urban spaces. You might look at chains like APA Hotel, which has numerous properties across the country that offer single rooms with private bathrooms at prices that can be surprisingly low, especially if you book in advance.

Business hotels—like Dormy Inn, Super Hotel, or Richmond Hotel—often run specials around 5,000–8,000 yen (roughly US$35–US$60) per night, depending on the season and location. While rooms can be snug, they’re modern, air-conditioned, and almost always come with free Wi-Fi.

For an even friendlier price tag, you can explore hostels or guesthouses. K’s House and Sakura Hostel chains in Tokyo, Kyoto, and other major cities have made a name for themselves by offering clean dorm beds and private rooms at wallet-friendly rates.

Guest House Shinagawa-shuku in Tokyo’s Shinagawa area, for example, sits near a major train station with excellent airport access and has dorm beds around 2,500–3,500 yen (US$18–US$25) per night. There are also lesser-known guesthouses in smaller towns where you’ll pay even less. And for those who aren’t shy about communal spaces, “capsule hotels” can be a futuristic twist on budget travel, providing pod-like sleeping capsules starting at 2,000 yen (about US$15) a night in some cases.

4. Avoid Taxis

A taxi on a street in Tokyo — Taxis, although clean, safe and reliable, come at a premium | **KenSoftTH / Shutterstock**

Taxis in Japan are meticulously clean, often driven by professionals who sometimes wear white gloves, but they’re also notoriously expensive. A basic flag fall in Tokyo starts around 420 yen (just under US$3) for the first kilometer or so, and prices climb quickly once you’re moving. The numbers become dizzying if you make the mistake of taking a taxi from Narita Airport into central Tokyo—fares can shoot up to 25,000 yen (close to US$185). Even shorter hops within major city centers will wipe out your daily transportation budget in a hurry.

Instead, rely on Japan’s superb train and bus networks to move around. The Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines are especially handy, covering even out-of-the-way neighborhoods at a fraction of what a taxi ride would cost. Many trains run until around midnight, so if you’re planning a late night out, you might want to check the last train times in advance or consider a budget hotel near the nightlife area rather than be forced into an expensive taxi. For the last mile, if you’re comfortable with the idea, you can explore short-term bicycle rentals or even walk—Japanese cities are extremely pedestrian-friendly, and strolling the neon-lit streets of Shibuya or the temple-lined lanes of Kyoto can feel like part of the adventure.

5. Buy the JR Pass

Train in a station — Japan’s trains are part of the whole experience, so save money by paying for a JR Pass | **Rikku Sama / Unsplash**

Japan’s bullet trains, or Shinkansen, are a marvel: sleek, punctual, and lightning-fast. They’re also pricey if you buy individual tickets, especially for cross-country journeys like Tokyo–Kyoto or Tokyo–Hiroshima. That’s where the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) comes in. Available exclusively to foreign tourists (though now also open to some long-term visa holders under specific conditions), the JR Pass can be a game-changer if you plan to travel to multiple regions. The standard 7-day pass used to cost 29,650 yen (around US$215), but a price increase took effect in October 2023, bumping that to roughly 50,000 yen (about US$335). While the hike was steep, the pass can still be worth it if you’re planning at least two or three long-distance shinkansen trips within that timeframe. Round-trip bullet train fares between Tokyo and Osaka alone approach 28,000 yen, so factor in an additional side trip to Hiroshima or Sendai, and you’re already saving.

The key is to map out your itinerary in advance. If you’re only sticking to one region—say, Kyoto and the surrounding Kansai area—you might not need the nationwide JR Pass. Instead, look into regional passes such as the JR Kansai Area Pass or the JR East Pass, which sometimes cost significantly less and still allow unlimited travel on local trains and bullet trains in their designated zones. Make sure you purchase the pass before arriving in Japan or through the official JR Pass site or authorized retailers; while you can now buy it in Japan at some stations, it’s typically cheaper to buy it online in advance.

6. Use SUICA / PASMO

A digital currency card — EC cards make tracking your spending on things like train tickets and vending machine purchases easier | **Terence Toh Chin Eng / Unsplash**

For shorter city journeys, you’ll want to get your hands on a rechargeable transportation card like SUICA (issued by JR East) or PASMO (issued by a Tokyo-area railway consortium). These IC cards work like magic: just tap them on the turnstile, and the correct fare for the distance traveled is automatically deducted. They’re valid on trains, subways, buses, and even some taxis, plus you can use them at vending machines, convenience stores (like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart), and coin lockers across Japan.

By using SUICA or PASMO, you avoid the hassle of constantly buying single tickets and risk overpaying if you get lost in a labyrinthine station and choose the wrong fare. You usually pay a 500 yen deposit for the card, which you can reclaim when you return it at the end of your trip. And since everything in Japan is about efficiency, some travelers find that the daily time saved by not queuing at ticket machines is worth it by itself.

7. Get a Japan eSIM with WiFi

Woman using smartphone — You can save serious money on calls and data. by buying a Japan-specific SIM or sSIM | **Paul Hanaoka / Unsplash**

In our hyper-connected world, having reliable internet on the go is practically a necessity rather than a luxury. While you could rent a physical pocket WiFi device at airports like Narita or Haneda, an increasingly popular option is an eSIM—particularly convenient if you have a newer smartphone model that supports eSIM technology. Providers such as Ubigi, Airalo, or Holafly offer Japan-specific eSIM packages with data bundles that often work out cheaper than renting a pocket WiFi for the duration of a week or more, especially if you’re traveling solo.

You can typically purchase these eSIMs online, then scan a QR code that’s sent to your email, instantly activating your data plan once you land in Japan. One advantage of eSIMs is that you don’t have to worry about losing any extra hardware like a pocket WiFi router or having to carry around another device. Plus, they let you connect multiple phones if you use your device as a hotspot. Since daily data usage can ramp up quickly with navigation apps, train schedules, and translation tools, getting an eSIM plan that’s both reasonably priced and easy to top up is a savvy move.

8. Book Tickets and Experiences in Advance

Women wearing kimonos in Kyoto — Hiring a kimono is just one must-do Japan experience | **Sorasak / Unsplash**

Museums, galleries, and cultural attractions in Japan often have strictly timed entry systems or limited availability, and you can wind up paying a premium if you wait until the last minute. Famous spots such as the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, or teamLab Planets in Toyosu (the immersive digital art exhibit that’s made waves on social media), sell out fast. Booking online in advance not only guarantees your spot but can also save you a few hundred yen off the door price. For Ghibli Museum, tickets usually go on sale a month in advance and are known to vanish in minutes on the official website or authorized retailer sites. If you’re forced to buy through a tour company at the last minute, you’ll likely pay extra service fees that can inflate the final cost by 50% or more.

For travelers eyeing cultural performances, like a kabuki show at Tokyo’s Kabukiza Theatre or a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto, the same principle applies. Some kabuki shows have day-of tickets, but those can still be pricey and subject to availability. Online pre-booking can get you better seats at a lower cost, plus it cuts down on the stress of lining up in the morning hoping to snag a last-minute seat. Another example: high-speed ferry tickets to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima or advance passes to theme parks like Tokyo Disney Resort or Universal Studios Japan (USJ) are cheaper online. In these cases, planning not only keeps your wallet happy but also saves you time in potentially long lines.

9. Buy Experiences, Not Things

A tea ceremony in Japan — A tea ceremony doesn’t cost much but provides great photo ops and a talking point | **Roméo A. / Unsplash**

Japan is a shopper’s paradise, and it’s all too easy to burn through your budget snapping up anime figurines in Akihabara, handcrafted ceramics in Kyoto, or the latest streetwear in Harajuku. Before you know it, you’ll have stuffed your suitcase—and drained your funds. While the temptation is real, consider prioritizing experiences over material souvenirs. Not only will these experiences likely remain in your memory far longer, but you’ll also dodge those inflated prices for impulse buys.

If you do want to bring home something tangible, aim for practical items you’ll use regularly. For instance, pick up a tenugui (traditional Japanese cotton towel) or a reusable bento box from a local market. These can cost just a few hundred yen, serve as unique mementos, and also come in handy during your trip. Beyond that, put your budget toward things like a calligraphy lesson in Tokyo, a sushi-making workshop in Osaka, or a tea ceremony in Kyoto. These immersive experiences often cost anywhere from 2,000–6,000 yen (US$15–US$45), yet they provide a more intimate understanding of Japanese culture than any mass-produced trinket. And bonus: You don’t need to figure out how to cram them into your luggage.

10. Check Out Free Things to Do in Japan

Gates in Kyoto — The famous orange gates in Kyoto are free to visit | **Johanna Persson / Unsplash**

Japan is incredibly generous when it comes to free cultural experiences, from meticulously maintained parks to historic shrines and temples that won’t charge you a single yen. In Tokyo, there’s the Imperial Palace East Gardens, a massive green space offering walking trails, stone walls, and moats right in the heart of the city. Admission is free, and you’ll be treated to striking views of skyscrapers in the distance, highlighting Tokyo’s blend of ancient tradition and futuristic modernity. Another cost-free highlight is Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, known for its imposing Kaminarimon gate and bustling Nakamise-dori shopping street. You can soak up the atmosphere without paying a dime, unless you decide to indulge in street food snacks along the way.

In Kyoto, head to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its seemingly endless corridor of vermilion torii gates leading up into a forested mountain. Admission is free, though you’ll want sturdy footwear if you plan to venture beyond the main shrine area.

If you love contemporary architecture, take a stroll around Omotesando in Tokyo, admiring avant-garde storefronts by world-class architects. Or pop into some of the free observation decks around the country, like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku, which offers a panoramic view of the city skyline (and even Mount Fuji on clear days) without the cover charge you’ll find at the more famous Tokyo Skytree. Savvy travelers can line up dozens of these free activities, saving money while still experiencing the deeply layered culture Japan has to offer.

11. Eat Cheap (It’s Really Easy)

Small restaurant in Japan — Cheap yet delicious food can be found pretty much anywhere in Japan | **Redd Francisco / Unsplash**

It might come as a surprise, but eating on a budget in Japan can be straightforward, thanks in large part to the abundance of affordable, high-quality cuisine. Walk into any convenience store—“konbini” such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart—and you’ll find shelves stocked with fresh onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, salads, and hot foods that are surprisingly tasty and rarely cost more than a few hundred yen. The onigiri, which might set you back just 150 yen (about US$1), can make for a quick, filling breakfast or mid-day snack. Bento boxes are another staple, offering protein, rice, and veggies for roughly 500–700 yen (US$3.50–US$5.00), a fraction of what you’d pay in a typical Western city for lunch.

If you’re craving a sit-down meal, seek out Japan’s many budget-friendly chain restaurants. Yoshinoya, Matsuya, and Sukiya specialize in gyudon (beef bowls), where you can get a hot, satisfying bowl of thinly sliced beef over rice for as low as 400 yen (under US$3). Ramen shops, especially local neighborhood joints, often charge between 600–900 yen (US$4–US$6) for a generous bowl of noodles, broth, and toppings. Kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) chains like Kura Sushi or Sushiro let you feast on nigiri and rolls that cost as low as 110 yen per plate, and seasonal promotions keep the menu interesting. If you’re in Osaka, hunt down small takoyaki or okonomiyaki stands where you can watch your meal prepared in front of you—an experience that’s not only delicious but also highly entertaining, usually for a few hundred yen per serving.

Dining cheaply doesn’t mean compromising on taste or authenticity; in many ways, it provides a more “local” perspective, letting you eat what everyday Japanese folks enjoy for lunch or dinner. It’s often said that you could survive on konbini food alone during your entire trip and still not sample every seasonal specialty they roll out. When you mix in the occasional splurge—like fresh sushi at Toyosu Market or Michelin-starred ramen at Ginza—you’ll appreciate those higher-end meals more, having saved in other areas.