Japan On A Budget: Top Money Hacks For Travelers (Under $100/Day)

With the yen currently on a decline, traveling to Japan has become more affordable than in previous years. However, Japan still remains one of the most expensive Asian countries to visit. This blog will serve as the ultimate guide to saving money in Japan across various categories, ensuring you don’t break the bank! It is most definitely possible to spend under 100 AUD a day in Japan (excluding flights and bullet trains between large cities).

Planning Your Japan Trip

• Travel during off-peak season: Accommodations and flights are much cheaper from mid-January to March. Avoid peak seasons like Sakura (cherry blossom season), New Year, and Golden Week, when prices soar and crowds are at their peak.
• Book in advance: Overtourism is a growing issue in Japan, so it’s crucial to book your accommodations and flights at least six months in advance. Compare flight prices at SkyScanner (where you can find the cheapest flights!) You can also look at flights with a layover which will save you money rather than a direct flight. I managed to snag a flight from Sydney to Tokyo for 500 AUD with a short 3 hour layover in Hanoi.
• Arrive in Japan before 10 pm: Trains stop running at midnight, and you don’t want to pay the hefty taxi fare to your hotel. You can take the train or a limousine bus into the city. 

Get a Travel Card

Get a travel card with good conversion rates: Choose a travel card that offers favorable conversion rates and low or no ATM fees. This allows you to lock in a good exchange rate and purchase yen before your trip. I highly recommend Wise due to their amazing exchange rates and low withdrawal fees (they offer 3 free ATM withdrawals a month).

Accomodation

• Stay in hostels, capsule hotels, or business hotel: These options are generally cheaper because you’ll be sharing bathrooms. However, hygiene standards in Japan are very high, nevertheless it is important to read reviews before making your decision.
• Choose locations near train station: You don’t need to stay in popular areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku in Tokyo. The public transport system is highly efficient, so staying near a train station is sufficient. For example, Ikebukuro in Tokyo is on the Yamanote Line and only a 9-minute train ride from Shinjuku.
• Stay at a Ryokan with breakfast and dinner included: While ryokan stays can be pricey, many include both breakfast and dinner in the price, giving you a taste of traditional Japanese meals without the need for eating out.

Transportation

• Avoid buying the JR pass: Unless you plan to use the shinkansen (bullet train) daily, the JR pass may not be worth it. Use the JR Fare Calculator to determine if it suits your travel plans.
• Utilise public transport: Taxis in Japan are very expensive. Public transport is efficient and reliable. To get from the airport to the city, consider options like the limousine bus, which is convenient for managing luggage. You can book the limousine bus via Klook for transfers from: Haneda Airport, Narita Airport, Itami Airport, Kansai Airport, and more.
• Buy regional unlimited train passes:
  • Tokyo Subway Ticket
  • Osaka Metro Pass
  • Kansai Railway Pass
  • I was spending up to 1500 YEN a day on my Suica which is around 15 AUD when I could have bought a 72 hour Tokyo Subway Ticket for the same price...
• Consider overnight buses between cities: Traveling between Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto by bullet train can be expensive (up to 15,000 YEN) and by plane can be too much of a hassle as the airport is quite far from the city center. An overnight bus costs around 6,000 YEN, saving you money and a night of accommodation – you can book them at Willer Travel.

Food & Drinks

• Buy sushi/bento boxes/sashimi at supermarkets past 7 pm: You can get discounts of up to 50%, and the freshness is comparable to that of restaurants.
• Ask for the Japanese menu: Some restaurants up-price the English menu for foreigners. Just use google lens or Papago for the Japanese menus!
• Buy frozen fruits/smoothies: Fresh fruit is expensive in Japan. Buy frozen fruits and smoothies from convenience stores like 7-11.
• Pre-game at convenience stores: Drinking in public is legal in Japan. Purchase your drinks at convenience stores like 7-11 or Family Mart, where a can of Strong Zero (9% alcohol) costs around 320 YEN and chug it outside (yes, not very ladylike of me, sorry dad!). Drinks at clubs can cost up to 800 YEN per shot.
• Eat at chain restaurants: Avoid viral places like Ichiran, which are often more expensive and have long lines. Chain restaurants like Sukiya, Yoshinoya, and Matsuya offer delicious Japanese meals like gyudon (beef bowls) and curry for under 500 YEN (~7 AUD).

Attractions

• Look for free attractions:
  • The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tokyo): offers a great view of Tokyo for free, saving you the cost of visiting places like Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree.
  • Sensoji Temple (Tokyo): Tokyo’s oldest temple, this iconic site features a stunning red gate and vibrant shopping streets, making it a must-visit for history and culture lovers.
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine (Tokyo): A tranquil escape in the heart of Tokyo, this Shinto shrine is surrounded by lush forest, offering a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle.
  • Ueno Park (Tokyo): A lively park filled with museums, a zoo, and beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring, making it perfect for a day of cultural exploration and relaxation.
  • Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto – was my favourite activity out of my whole Japan trip!!): Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates, this shrine offers an unforgettable hiking experience up the sacred Mount Inari.
  • Arashiyama (Kyoto): Known for its scenic bamboo grove and historic temples, this picturesque area is a great spot for nature lovers and those looking to escape the city.
  • Gion District (Kyoto): The heart of Kyoto’s geisha culture, Gion’s traditional wooden machiya houses and tea houses offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage.
  • Dotonbori District (Osaka): A lively entertainment area famous for its neon lights, street food, and iconic Glico running man sign, offering a taste of Osaka’s vibrant nightlife.
  • Nara Park (Nara): Home to hundreds of free-roaming deer, this park offers a unique and memorable experience along with historic temples like Todai-ji nearby.
• Use attraction regional passes:
  • The Tokyo Pass: Grants access to up to 40 sightseeing spots and unlimited rides on 13 Tokyo subways. Prices vary based on the package.
  • Hakone Kamakura 3-Day Pass: Offers unlimited travel on boats, ropeways, buses, and trains for 76 AUD.
  • Osaka e-Pass: Provides entry to up to 40 sightseeing spots and unlimited bus and train rides for 32-46 AUD (1-2 day passes).
  • Kobe Travel Smart passport: Offers visits to up to 45 tourist facilities in Kobe for 25-74 AUD depending on if you get the basic or premium 1-2 day option.

Shopping

• Bring your passport: As a foreigner, you can get a 10% tax-free discount on purchases over 5,500 yen at most places. Remember, you can’t use the product until you leave Japan – they will put your items in a sealable bag.
• Shop smart: Don Quijote is convenient but often more expensive. Buy snacks at Niki no Kashi and beauty products at drugstores like Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Daikoku Drug.
• Shop at 100 YEN shops: Shops like Daiso and Seria offer a wide range of goods, from snacks to souvenirs and daily necessities all for just 100 YEN (~1.50 AUD), a great way to grab essentials and small gifts.

Under 100 AUD/Day Budget Breakdown Example

• Accomodation: You can get a hostel for up to ~30 AUD or a capsule hotel for up to ~50 AUD.
• Transportation: By purchasing an regional rail pass, you’re spending up to 5-7 AUD a day on transportation.
• Food: Onigiris in convenience store cost up to 2 AUD if you’re seriously on a budget, otherwise there are cheap meal options from chain restaurants that sell beef bowls and curry for 7-12 AUD.
• Activities: Certain attractions can be expensive, however there are many free activities to do in Japan such as visiting shrines and temples, or just walking around and admiring the aesthetic streets of Japan.

Example: A day in Tokyo – Japan’s most expensive city.

• Accomodation: Hotel Owl Tokyo Nippori (27 AUD/night) – closest train station is only a 6 minute walk.
• Transportation: Tokyo Subway Ticket (5 AUD/day).
• Food:
  • Breakfast: 2x onigiri + a drink from convenience store (~6 AUD)
  • Lunch: Gyudon from Sukiyaki (~5 AUD)
  • Dinner: Curry rice from Go Go Curry (~12 AUD)
  • Dessert: Ice cream and snacks from convenience store (~3-10 AUD)
  • Activities: Shibuya Sky (25 AUD)
• This brings the total to: 27+5+6+5+12+10+25 = 90 AUD, which is under the budget! It is very much possible to travel Japan on a low budget, however this may take away your experience as it is worth while to splurge on certain activities or premium meals here and there.

By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip to Japan without overspending. Enjoy your trip! P.S. don’t get too carried away with those claw machines and gacha games!