Japan is often perceived as an expensive destination. Although there’s some truth to that, it is entirely possible to travel to Japan without breaking the bank. Here are some arguments to support the notion that Japan travel doesn’t have to be expensive:
Affordable Accommodations
While there are certainly high-end hotels in Japan, there are also plenty of affordable options. Capsule hotels, hostels, and guesthouses are all great options for budget travelers. Many of these accommodations offer clean, comfortable rooms and even include amenities like free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
Reliable Public Transportation
Japan has an excellent public transportation system that is both efficient and affordable. The subway and train systems in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka are well-connected, making it easy to get around without having to rely on taxis or ride-hailing services. Japan also has a variety of discount transportation passes that can save you money if you plan on traveling extensively.
Street Food
Japan is famous for its street food, and it’s an affordable way to try a variety of Japanese cuisine. From sushi and tempura to ramen and takoyaki, there are plenty of affordable options that will give you a taste of Japan’s culinary scene without breaking the bank.
Free Attractions
Japan has plenty of free attractions that you can enjoy without spending a penny. Many of the country’s parks and gardens, such as Ueno Park in Tokyo or the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, are free to enter. There are also plenty of temples and shrines that you can visit without having to pay an entrance fee.
Seasonal Deals and Discounts
Japan’s tourism industry is competitive, and you can find seasonal deals and discounts on travel and accommodations if you plan ahead. For example, many hotels offer discounts during the off-season, and many airlines offer deals on flights to Japan during certain times of the year.
Weak Yen
At the moment, Japan yen is very cheap relative a basket of Western currencies. For example, for a number of years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese yen had been fluctuating between 108 and 113 for a US dollar. Today, one US dollar would buy you 135 yen. At its bottom during the pandemic, the yen went as low as 150 for a dollar!
Then, why Japan package tours are so expensive then, relative to similar packages to, say, China or Southeast Asia?
First of all, group tours generally use premium hotels and have to guarantee that the meals included are of decent quality.
Secondly, they’ll give you a tour leader, and sometimes, in addition to local Japanese guides. Japan being a very developed economy, its cost of skilled labour (tour guides included) is as expensive as in any Western country, if not more. You can’t hire a good guide in Japan for a day without coughing up several hundred dollars.
Finally, organized tours have quality guarantee built into the product and the tour company’s expertise, which saves you much time and hassle, are worth much money.
However, if you don’t need a guide and you stay at budget hotels, move around by public transit and stick to street food/fast food, you definitely can experience Japan without breaking the bank.
