Top 5 Ways to Travel on a Budget in Japan
Japan is perhaps one of the leading tourist attraction centers globally because of the rich culture, colorful environment, friendly people and good food especially the street foods. However it also has a reputation for being rather costly for tourists or any traveler in general.
However, this article will prove that it is possible to enjoy the marvels of Japan and have a great vacation without overspending! But good planning accompanied with adequate research will enable you to go for the dream Japanese vacation without so much spending.
Below are the five secrets to traveling on a shoestring in the Land of the Rising Sun : Well then, let me explain to you how you can go and have the most fun in Japan, without having to spend a lot of money.
1. Don’t leave Japan without a Japan Rail Pass
One cannot underestimate the importance of the Japan Rail Pass also known as the JR Pass for any traveler planning to move around Japan while on a strict operating budget. For ¥1,500, you receive unlimited travel on most JR network trains Trains, including bullet trains, on the main islands of Japan for 1, 2 or 3 weeks, depending on which pass you choose.
However, the train tickets are relatively costly and much more so for the Shinkansen bullet train fare when one does not have the pass. If you anticipate that you will need to travel around the country, the JR Pass could potentially save a lot of money on transportation. You have to buy it before you get to Japan. This is one of the changes they made.
2. Hostels or capsule hotels will be another option to consider
In many cases, the greatest expenditure that a traveler incurs is on housing, commonly, in Japan. Nonetheless, one may also cut back on the costs of accommodation significantly in the event that one does not opt to book posh hotels. Backpacker hostels have dorm beds going for as low as USD 25-30 a night, shared of course.
There are also other people that you will have the opportunity to interact with and make friends with on your trip. Capsule hotels that have individual beds within a small capsule measure about USD 30-40 per night. Despite their relatively small size, they are readable, technology-savvy, and provide a quintessential taste of the locale. Another cheap type of accommodation that can be found in Japan in love hotels and it costs from 50 to 60 USD per night.
3. Use Budget Airlines
If you are working or traveling within Japan, make it a habit to compare the low-cost carriers such as Peach, Vanilla, and Jetstar to the others. It is fairly easy to get domestic air tickets which cost less than USD 100 if they are bought from the low cost airlines and if the tickets are bought in advance.
This may lead to significant cost savings for those traveling over long distances on bullet trains if the plan was being implemented. Domestic flights are mostly provided by budget airline companies which connect most of the big cities in Japan. Remember, there are always some limitations regarding the size and weight of the luggage as well as extra costs that you must take into consideration.
4. Eat at Convenience Stores
Eating out thrice a day is not just going to wipe out your travel budget but also put a dent on your Japan trip. But there is a tasty and ultra-cheap equivalent and it has convenient stores!
Many people are familiar with convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson in Japan and may think they are just a place that sells some burgers, fries and drinks but they are wrong as these stores have expanded their menu and now offer fresh and healthy foods.
You can easily find rice balls and sandwiches to salads, noodles, and hot snack meals at less than USD 5 per meal. Accompany it with some green tea or Japanese beer and dinner is served – very economically indeed!
5. Buy Local Tourist SIM Card with Internet
It is important to remain connected in today’s world when traveling but the cost can be through the roof when using a different network. Do not be shocked with your crazy cell phone bills in Japan.
Enjoy your stay by getting a tourist nano/micro SIM card with unlimited domestic data. Some of the leading international providers, such as Japan Travel SIM and Mobile, can get you a SIM card for around USD 25, which includes two weeks of unlimited data use across Japan.
This allows you to be GPS-connected around Japan and you can post pictures and videos, plan trips, find places, and translate. It is inarguably necessary for traveling and it is worth parting with a little cash for this.
Conclusion
We have only gathered some of the most useful and beneficial budget travel tips for Japan in this article in the belief that you can also have fun in this beautiful country without having to spend too much money.
Assuring cost savings are easy when traveling in Japan – Japan Rail Pass (available for purchase for a limited period only), budget accommodations, domestic airlines, eating out from a convenience store and purchasing a local SIM card.
Well, that’s some tips for first time travelers, so pack your bags and get ready for the exciting yet cheap trip to Japan. From Intricate lit metropolises to tranquil Japanese gardens and mouth watering ramen soup all in a package that is affordable.
