Despite its long-standing reputation as one of Asia’s most costly destinations to visit, Japan can be surprisingly affordable. Of course, the country experienced an economic boom in the 1980s, and living prices rose; nevertheless, in the 30 years thereafter, the cost of everyday life and travel has leveled off. Here are the best budget travel destinations in Japan. You can see the geishas in Kyoto, walk-thru Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, or take the bullet train to Osaka.
Tokyo
You might think it’s strange to start with Tokyo. But, if you plan well and don’t mind crowded places, living in one of the busiest cities in the world can be quite affordable. One great thing about Tokyo is that you can visit many top sights without spending a penny.
There are many beautiful gardens like Yoyogi Park and the Imperial Palace East Gardens that you can visit for free. If you want to see something a bit different, you can visit Shinjuku Gyoen for just 500 yen (about £3.30). Other attractions in the city like Tsukiji Market, the busy Shibuya crossing, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory are also free to visit. So, even on a tight budget, you can enjoy the best of Tokyo.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka, found on the north coast of Kyushu island in Japan, is one of the most budget-friendly cities. It’s not as crowded as Tokyo or Osaka, making Fukuoka a perfect blend of a small, affordable city and a bustling metropolis.
You can get a dorm bed in a hostel for as low as 2,500 yen (around £17) per night. The city is known for its ancient temples and beaches, so you can experience Japanese culture without spending any money. This makes Fukuoka a great place to visit if you’re on a budget.
Kamakura
If you want to learn about Kyoto’s history without spending a lot, consider visiting Kamakura. It’s close to Tokyo, less than an hour away. So, if you’re in Tokyo, you can save money on expensive bullet train tickets.
Long ago, around 1192, Kamakura was Japan’s political center for nearly 100 years. You can still see many buildings and historical sites from that time today. Some people call it the “Kyoto of Eastern Japan”. It’s a popular place to visit and it’s also easy on the wallet. One thing you must see is the Kamakura Daibutsu, the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.
Osaka
Osaka is like a smaller, rougher version of Tokyo, but some say it has better food. Just like in Fukuoka and Tokyo, you can find places to stay that fit any budget. But what makes Osaka a dream for travelers on a budget is the cheap, tasty food.
You can try local dishes like okonomiyaki, a kind of omelette-pancake mix, and takoyaki, which are fried balls of batter. You can buy these on the street for 300 to 700 yen (about £2 to £4.65), depending on how much you want to eat. People in Osaka also enjoy their drinks, so look out for izakayas, or pubs, that offer nomihodai, or all-you-can-drink deals. This makes Osaka a great place to visit if you’re watching your wallet.
Okinawa
If you want to enjoy beautiful beaches and learn about Japanese culture without spending a lot, Okinawa is the place to go. Surfers love the waves here. Others come for the clear blue sea, perfect for snorkeling, and the bright night sky, great for stargazing.
There are many places where you can camp on the beach for free or at a low cost. Just make sure to look for signs that say “no camping”. If you prefer to have a solid roof over your head, you can stay at a guesthouse. Some places might cost as little as 2,000 yen (about £13) per night. This is because houses and land in Okinawa are cheaper than in bigger cities.
Kobe
If you think of Osaka as a cheaper version of Tokyo, then Kobe is a cheaper version of Osaka. Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and one of the top ten cities in Japan. It’s known for its excellent beef, but it has much more to offer.
Kobe has a rich history and diverse culture because it was a port city. It’s only 20 minutes away from Osaka. So, you get two benefits: the low cost of a smaller city and the easy access to Osaka. This makes Kobe a great place to visit if you’re on a budget.
Sapporo
A trip to Sapporo is a must-do if you want to see Japan’s stunning mountains and eat some of the best ramen you’ll ever eat. If you don’t want to break the bank, visit during the summer to avoid the swarms of snow-chasing tourists and ski vacationers. Sapporo’s temperate temps give some major relief if you’re visiting Japan in the summer and wish to avoid the heat.
Many of the city’s attractions, like as Odori, Moerenuma, and Nakajima Parks, are also free. Finding a place to stay during the non-snow season is much easier, so you can get a bed in a hotel or hostel for roughly 2,000 – 3,000 (£13 – £20) per night.
