Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip to Japan
Japan is a dream destination for many tourists. Unfortunately, Japan is also known as a fairly expensive place to visit. Holiday costs in this country often swell, especially if we travel during peak season. But don't despair! There are ways to enjoy the beauty of the Land of the Rising Sun without emptying your wallet, one of which is to travel during the low season.
There are several low seasons in Japan, which are periods outside of school holidays, year-end holidays, or the cherry blossom season. Generally, low season runs from January to early March, and mid-September to November. During these periods, the prices for flights, accommodation, and tourist attractions tend to be lower than during peak season. Additionally, you can enjoy a calmer and more comfortable atmosphere, with fewer visitors at popular destinations.
Here are 10 tips to enjoy a more affordable holiday in Japan:
1. Book Flights Far in Advance
Booking flights well before departure is one of the most effective ways to save on your Japan trip costs. Typically, plane tickets are cheaper if booked several months before the travel date. Be sure to frequently look for ticket promotions usually held by airlines or travel agents to get tickets at a more affordable price.
2. Choose Cheap and Comfortable Accommodation
One key to a budget holiday is choosing affordable accommodation. There are several alternatives you can consider, such as business hotels, capsule hotels, hostels, or sleeper buses.
In Japan, capsule hotels are famous for their low prices and strategic locations in the city center. You can also look for simpler but still comfortable traditional inns. Don't worry about cleanliness, as Japan is known as a country that is highly conscious of hygiene.
Some places do not provide towels or charge extra for towel rental. By bringing your own towel, you can save a few yen. Alternatively, you can also spend the night on an overnight long-distance bus when traveling between cities. Usually, the bus departs at night and arrives at the destination city in the morning, so you don't need to spend money on accommodation.
3. Use the JR Pass for Transportation
For those planning to travel inter-city in Japan, use the JR Pass for more savings. With the JR Pass, you can use the Shinkansen and other JR trains unlimitedly for a specific period. Buy the JR Pass through travel agents before your departure to get a lower price. By having a JR Pass, you can explore various cities in Japan without worrying about expensive transportation costs.
4. Take Advantage of Vouchers and Promotions
Don't be lazy about looking for vouchers or promotions. With vouchers or promos, you can save money during your holiday. Several travel agents often offer various attractive vouchers and promotions for accommodation, attraction entrance tickets, and even restaurants.
5. Buy Food and Essentials at Convenience Stores
There are various convenience stores spread throughout Japan, such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. They offer a variety of ready-to-eat meals at affordable prices. From onigiri, bento, to desserts, you can get everything cheaply yet deliciously. This is an efficient way to enjoy typical Japanese food without spending a lot of money. You can also buy other necessities here.
6. Utilize Discount Cards
In several large cities like Tokyo and Osaka, special discount cards are available for tourists. These cards can be used to get price cuts at various tourist attractions, on transportation, and at restaurants. Cards like the Tokyo Subway Ticket or the Osaka Amazing Pass can be purchased cheaply and provide unlimited access to public transport and discounts at many tourist spots. With these cards, you can enjoy more attractions at a lower price.
7. Visit Free Tourist Attractions
There are quite a few interesting tourist spots in Japan that can be visited without an entrance fee. For example, beautiful temples like Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, or Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Not only that, but you can also enjoy stunning natural scenery, such as Ueno Park in Tokyo or just walking along Gion in Kyoto, also free of charge. Utilizing these free tourist spots can significantly reduce your holiday expenses.
8. Avoid Shopping at Tourist Sites
Just like in Indonesia, the price of goods at tourist spots is usually more expensive than at regular shops. If you want to buy souvenirs or typical Japanese items, it's better to go to a traditional market or local shopping center, where the prices offered are usually more reasonable. One place you can visit is Nakamise Street in Asakusa, where you can buy typical Japanese souvenirs at a more affordable price.
9. Avoid Traveling During Peak Season
During peak season, almost all tourist destinations will be crowded with visitors. Therefore, going on holiday to Japan during the low season will give you the opportunity to enjoy tourist destinations more comfortably, and of course, more cost-effectively.
Places like Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka are usually less crowded with tourists during the low season, allowing you to enjoy the sights without annoying crowds. In addition, some tourist attractions may offer discounts or special packages during the low season.
10. Plan Your Itinerary Carefully
After all the items above, it is very important to plan your itinerary well. Make sure you utilize the transportation included in the JR Pass or tourist discount cards to maximize your journey.
Avoid unnecessary back-and-forth travel; focus on visiting nearby areas to save time and transportation costs. With careful planning, you can enjoy more places at a more affordable cost.
