You’re in for an incredible adventure if you’re thinking about traveling to Japan alone. The nation is renowned for its distinctive fusion of ancient and modern cultures, breathtaking landscapes, delectable cuisine, and welcoming people. Making a budget is essential because Japan can also be an expensive vacation spot.
This guide will teach you how to budget for your trip and make the most of your solo travel experience in Japan without going overboard on lodging, food and drink, transportation, and activities.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
There are a few things you should take into account to make your trip to Japan more affordable before you book your flight.
Choosing the Right Time to Visit Japan
Japan’s busiest travel months are March through May and September through November when the climate is mild and the cherry blossoms and fall foliage are in bloom.
However, this is also the most expensive time to travel, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider visiting during the low season, from December to February or June to August. The weather may be colder or more humid, but you’ll find cheaper airfares, accommodation rates, and fewer crowds.
Researching Accommodation Options
Japan has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to traditional ryokans, hostels, capsule hotels, and Airbnb apartments. To save money, you should research your options and book in advance, especially during peak season.
Hostels and capsule hotels are the most affordable options, and you can find them in most major cities. Airbnb apartments can also be a good choice if you’re staying for a longer period, as they offer more space and privacy than hostels.
Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns that offer a unique cultural experience, but they can be quite expensive.
Setting a Daily Budget
To avoid overspending, you should set a daily budget for your trip. This should cover your lodging, meals, snacks, transportation, activities, and other incidentals like souvenirs and entrance fees.
The typical daily expenditure for a solo traveler in Japan is between 10,000 and 15,000 yen ($90 and $135), though this can change depending on your travel preferences, the time of year, and the destinations you visit.
Budgeting for Transportation
When traveling long distances in Japan, transportation costs can be quite high. However, there are a number of ways to reduce your transportation costs:
- Instead of using taxis or rideshares, use the local buses and trains.
- If you intend to take trains frequently, buy a Japan Rail Pass. With this pass, you can travel for a set price and a set amount of time on the majority of JR trains and buses.
- For short distances, consider cycling or walking instead of using public transportation.
Saving Money on Accommodation
Accommodation can be one of the biggest expenses of your trip, but there are several ways to save money without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Staying in Hostels
Budget travelers frequently choose hostels because they provide inexpensive shared or private rooms, communal kitchens, and social activities.
Hostels are widely available in Japan’s major cities, and their nightly rates typically range from 2,000 to 4,000 yen ($18 to $36). Khaosan, J-Hoppers, and Hostelworld are a few of the well-known hostel chains in Japan.
Airbnb Options
Using the well-known online marketplace Airbnb, you can book locals’ apartments, rooms, or homes for rent. If you’re traveling for a longer period of time, this may be a good option because you can find affordable lodging with kitchenettes that can help you save money on food.
Saving money on food and drinks
Japan has a reputation for producing high-quality foods and beverages. But paying for meals out can add up quickly, especially for budget-conscious solo travelers.
Here are some tips to help you save money on food and drinks in Japan:
Eating at local restaurants and food stalls
One of the best ways to experience Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank is to eat at local restaurants and food stalls. Look for places that are popular with locals, as these tend to offer better value for money than tourist hotspots.
You can also find affordable lunch sets at many restaurants, which typically include a main dish, rice, and miso soup.
Visiting convenience stores
Convenience stores, or konbini, are ubiquitous in Japan and offer a wide range of affordable snacks, drinks, and meals. You can find everything from onigiri (rice balls) and bento boxes to sandwiches and instant noodles. Many convenience stores also have seating areas where you can eat your food.
Trying Japanese fast-food chains
While Japan is not known for its fast food, there are several chains that offer affordable and tasty meals. One of the most popular is Mos Burger, which serves Japanese-style burgers made with fresh ingredients. Yoshinoya is an additional choice; it specializes in rice dishes and beef bowls (gyudon).
Budgeting for drinks and nightlife
In Japan, drinking can be expensive, particularly in the clubs and bars of the larger cities. Consider purchasing beverages at supermarkets or convenience stores and drinking them where it is permitted to do so in order to save money.
As an alternative, look for happy hour specials at bars and clubs or go to an izakaya (a Japanese-style pub) where you can get cheap drinks and food.
Fun Fact: Japan made $13.93 Billion from Solo Travelers back in 2019.
Getting around on a budget
When visiting multiple cities in Japan, transportation can be a significant travel expense. Here are some recommendations for reducing your transportation costs:
Using public transportation
Trains, buses, and subways are widely available in Japan and are secure, dependable, and reasonably priced. Consider buying a rechargeable IC card that can be used on the majority of public transportation, such as Suica or Pasmo, to save money.
Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass
A Japan Rail Pass can result in significant savings if you intend to take the train a lot. For the duration of the pass, unlimited travel on Japan Rail trains, including the renowned Shinkansen (bullet train), is permitted. The pass is only available to foreign tourists and must be purchased prior to arrival in Japan.
Walking and cycling
Budget-friendly methods of seeing Japan include walking and cycling, especially in urban areas where public transportation can be pricey and congested. Bike rental services are available in many cities, and some hotels and hostels provide free or inexpensive rentals.
Budgeting for taxis and rideshares
Taxis in Japan can be pricey, especially for solo travelers. To save money, consider using rideshare services such as Uber or JapanTaxi, which can be more affordable than traditional taxis.
Another option is to use a taxi-sharing service such as Japan Taxi Share, which allows you to split the cost of a taxi with other passengers going in the same direction.
Budget-Friendly Activities and Experiences
There are many ways to experience Japan’s rich culture and history without breaking the bank.
Visiting Free Attractions and Parks
Japan has many beautiful parks and gardens that are free to the public. Some popular options include the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, and the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
Exploring Neighborhoods on Foot
Walking around local neighborhoods is a great way to experience the daily life of Japanese people and discover hidden gems that may not be found in guidebooks.
Some popular neighborhoods to explore include Harajuku in Tokyo, Nakameguro in Tokyo, and Koenji in Tokyo.
Taking Advantage of Free Museum Days
Many museums in Japan offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. Some popular options include the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo, and the Kyoto National Museum.
Joining Free Walking Tours
Free walking tours are a great way to learn about the local culture and history from knowledgeable guides while also meeting other travelers.
Some popular options include Tokyo Free Walking Tour, Kyoto Free Walking Tour, and Osaka Free Walking Tour.
Conclusion
Solo travel in Japan can be an exciting and enriching experience that doesn’t have to break the bank. By planning ahead, choosing budget-friendly accommodations and activities, and taking advantage of Japan’s excellent public transportation system, you can make the most of your trip while also staying within your budget.
Traveling solo allows for a more intimate and personal experience of Japan, and with a little bit of research and planning, it can be an affordable option for any traveler. So go ahead and take the leap – solo travel in Japan is an adventure that you won’t forget.