Is Japan Expensive? How To Do Japan on a Budget

Mention Japan to first-time travellers and the reaction is usually: "But is Japan expensive?"

The short answer? Like any destination, Japan is what you make it.

And, with a little effort, you can certainly keep Japan as cheap as possible. 

Is Japan Expensive? How To Do Japan On A Budget In 2025

I lived in Japan for over a year, bouncing between cities, soaking up the culture and sights, all on a teacher's modest salary.

And let me tell you - Japan doesn’t have to zap your life savings.

With the right prep, a few clever swaps and some budget-friendly tips in your corner, you can have an unforgettable trip without breaking the bank.

This might be your first visit. Or maybe you're heading back for another round of sushi, temples and late-night konbini snacks.

Either way, here's how to see the best of Japan on a budget in 2025.

I'll cover everything from cheap hotels and transport tricks to street food wins and saving money on data with a Japanese eSIM.

1. Embrace the Joy of Daiso

If there's one word of Japanese you should know, it's Daiso. 

Daiso is basically the Japanese pound shop. Only bigger, better, always well-stocked and generally way more more fun.

You’ll find everything from snacks and stationery to umbrellas, toiletries, souvenirs. And of course, that one thing you inevitably forgot to pack. 

All for around prices typically ranging betwen ¥100 and ¥500, aka. 50p to £2.50.

Daiso is the undisputed OG ¥100 yen shop. But similar ones such as Can Do and Seria are worth a look too.

They’re all over the place and come in handy when you realise you’ve lost your adapter. Again.

2. Sleep Smart in Capsule Hotels and Hostels

Capsule hotels have come a long way. Once reserved for knackered salarymen, they’re now sleek, safe and surprisingly stylish.

And when you're looking to keep your sleeps cheap for a few nights or more, they're excellent options over hotels or ryokans.

Expect to pay between ¥3,500 and ¥7,000 a night, with options for men, women or mixed dorms.

Being more enclosed spaces, capsule hotels are, of course, less sociable than hostels.

So if you're looking for some interaction and to meet linkeminded people, Japan's hostels are the perfect choice.

And Japan's hostel scene is booming, which is great news if you're over there as a digital nomad or on a long stay. 

Look out for hostel brands like The Millennials, UNPLANand Book and Bed Tokyo if you want a side of character with your stay. 

3. Rely On Public Transport

When I lived in Japan, the JR Rail Pass used to be the golden ticket for budgeting travellers.

But in October 2023, a price change introduced a substantial hike.

Before this, a 14-day standard-class pass cost ¥47,250 (£238). 

It now comes in at ¥80,000 (£404) - a whopping +69% increase. 

So unless you’re doing a full cross-country sprint, you might not get your money’s worth from a JR Rail pass.

Instead consider the following transport options to get the most bang from your buck. 

• Look into regional passes like the Kansai Wide Pass or JR East Pass if you’re staying in one area. E.g, the Kansai pass is just £60 for five days of travel. 
• Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo. These are available digitally on your phone, allowing you to easily tap in and out of metros and buses. 
• For ultra-budget travel, try night buses like Willer Express or JR Bus. An example price is six hours from Kyoto to Hiroshima for ¥3,500 (£17). Japan's long-distance coaches can be surprisingly comfy and luxurious. Although maybe not ideal if you're over six foot tall.

4. Sleep Outside The Box

Got an early flight? Arriving late? Don't fancy paying for a full hotel night just to nap for three hours?

Japan's got your back with some genuinely clever overnight options that don’t involve sleeping rough or feeling unsafe.

I’ve used most of these myself. They’re cheap, quirky and much more common than you might think.

Internet Cafés, aka. Manga Kissa

It might sound odd to suggest sleeping in a cafe. But Japanese manga kissa are much more than cafés - they're a whole culture in themselves. 

Beyond computers, manga and gaming equipment, they offer private booths, free soft drinks and sometimes even showers.

You can book by the hour or choose an overnight package. Prices typically range between ¥1,500 to ¥2,500 (£7.50 - £12.50).

Some chains include Media Café Popeye and Gran Cyber Café Bagus, which even offer women-only floors or semi-private flat seats.

Karaoke Booths

If you love karaoke and sleeping, good news is on the way. In Japan, you can catch forty winks in a karaoke booth. 

And it's not weird. Karaoke is a much different affair in Japan than it is here in the UK. 

Far from being a single stage with an ever-revolving door of singers, in Japan it's a next-level experience.

Each visitor or group is assigned a private room they rent by the hour. And it's usually lined with a seriously comfortable sofa.

There's a TV, musical instruments and a ridiculously huge book filled with tracks.

And most importantly, a phone on the wall for ordering anything from hot dogs to cocktails.

Chains like Big Echo, Karaoke Kan and Manekineko offer all-night private rooms with sofas.

Look for tabehodai if you're in the mood for drinks.

Or enquire about 'free time' (フリータイム - 'furii taimu') karaoke deals.

These are are late-night or off-peak flat-rate packages that let you sing your heart out as much as you want within a time window.

Night Buses

Previously touched on as a cheap transport option, Japan's coaches are worth shouting out again as overnight options.

And these are no sketchy overnight buses.

Unsurprisingly, they're typically clean, efficient and complete with comforts such as deeply reclining seats, USB ports and blankets.

If you're on a tight itinerary or want to save on a hotel night, falling asleep on Kyushu and waking up on Shikoku will leave you feeling smugly efficient.

Try Willer Express or JR Bus - prices start at just ¥2,500 (£12) if you book early. 

24-Hour Bathhouses (Super Sentō)

24-hour bathhouses are a legit option for spending a night if a hotel isn't in your plans.

Plus, you get the added bonus of visiting a Japanese bath house - something on the bucket lists of travellers the world over.

Most of these types of houses offer a soak, sauna and sleep for somewhere between ¥2,000 and ¥5,000 (£10 and £25).

You can expect facilities such as reclining chairs and communal lounges - great if you're happy with shared space and no-frills rest.

Try the likes of Spa World in Osaka, LaQua Spa in Tokyo or Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku. 

5. How To Eat Cheap in Japan

You don't have to eat in super-formal restaurants to experience the best of Japan's food and drink scene. 

In fact, some of the best and most memorable things I ate there came from cheap, convenient joints.

Train station bakeries, convenience stores, street stalls and basement food courts, to name a few.

Japan is full of delicious, budget-friendly eats that don’t skimp on quality. 

Here are some of the best and tastiest ways to eat well in Japan without overspending.

• Konbini - Convenience stores - or konbini - are a budget travellers' dream come true. 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart all do hot snacks, onigiri, bento boxes and desserts for under 500 yen. Tip: After 8 to 9pm, some items go on discount.
• Kaiten Sushi - Conveyor belt/kaiten sushi might be costly at home, but in Japan, it's still cheap as chips. Check out the likes of Sushiro, Kura Sushi and Hama Sushi for plates starting at ¥100 (50p).
• Gyudon Chains - Gyudon (牛丼) is a popular and affordable dish. Aka. a bowl of rice topped with thinly sliced beef and onions simmered in a savory-sweet sauce. Chains such as Yoshinoya, Sukiya and Matsuya serve gyudon and other similar options at affordable prices and with 24-hour service. 
• Depachika Food Courts - hidden gems in the basements of department stores and train stations.
• Street Food - Think takoyaki (Osaka), okonomiyaki (Hiroshima) and tonkotsu ramen (Fukuoka).
• Gyu-Kaku - This food chain is a kind of DIY BBQ with set menus and free refills - great for budgeting but also experiencing sociable Japanese food culture.
• Standing Yakitori Bars - Yakitori basically means 'meats on sticks'. And standing yakitori bars, or Tachigui Yakitori, are often found in train station alleys, backstreets, or market areas. E.g., Tokyo's Omoide Yokocho or Osaka's Namba back alleys. They’re cheap, fast, and super casual - great for grabbing a few skewers for around ¥100 - ¥200 each (50p - £1) and a beer, then moving on.
• Michi-no-eki stations - Michi-no-eki are everything roadside stops should be. They truly have your back if you're travelling by bus or car. Expect to find fresh, cheap food, free toilets and local snacks you won’t find in big cities.

6. Tabehodai and Nomihodai

Alongside 'Daiso', two words you need in your Japanese vocabulary are 'tabehodai' (all-you-can-eat) and 'nomihodai' (all-you-can-drink). 

These glorious setups see you buying time rather than goods and are common in izakayas, casual restaurants and karaoke bars.

A typical deal might be 90 to 120 minutes of eating or drinking for somewhere between ¥2,500 and ¥4,000 (£12 - £20).

And that often includes beer, highballs, cocktails and endless small plates of grilled meat, sushi, noodles, fried chicken, or even dessert.

Take note though - waste is a huge no-no.

Leftovers can get you an extra charge and a firm dose of side-eye.

Eat what you order, drink what you pour. It’s the respectful - and budget-friendly - Japanese way.

7. Hanami on a Budget

Adobe Free Stock / Rummy & Rummy

Cherry blossom season, which hits in late March and lasts for around two weeks, is one of the biggest celebrations in Japan for both locals and tourists. 

And the good news is, you don’t have to spend big to enjoy it.

Hanami is all about stopping to appreciate the beauty of nature and the world around us.

Something especially welcomed by the hardworking Japanese.

Basically, people head outside at every opportunity to spend time relaxing and socialising under the blooming cherry blossoms.

Although you'll see picnics everywhere, major parks such as Ueno in Tokyo or Ohori Koen in Fukuoka are especially atmospheric.

They come alive with groups of friends, family and work colleagues on tarps enjoying snacks and drinks galore.

Someone might invite you to join their group. If it happens, great - but don't bank on it.

Instead, grab some drinks and snacks from the local konbini, grab a spot and enjoy the view.

8. Admire for Free: Festivals, Shrines, Streets and City Views

Some of Japan's best sights cost nothing to admire. 

And with its jam-paked schedule of national festivals and events, you can see some of the country's unique traditions and character without spending a penny.  

Free Sights in Japan

Tokyo

• Meiji Shrine - Check out this forested shrine, which includes free entry to the grounds.
• Ueno Park - With stunning scenery, lotus-filled ponds, four museums, shrines, a zoo and much more, Ueno Koen has to be one of the hardest-working parks in the world. 
• Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue - Iconic and chaotic. Psych yourself up and jump right into the tangles of crowds and go people-watching or film your own time-lapse.
• Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai - Atmospheric alleys full of neon-lit bars and history. Walkthroughs are free and unforgettable.
• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building - Don't miss this free observation deck with epic views over the city and Mount Fuji on clear days.

Kyoto

• Kyoto International Manga Museum - Offers occasional free-entry days and open-air exhibits. Worth checking before you go.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine - Time it either earlier or later than the crowds and take a walk up the world-famous red torii gate path. Open 24/7 and free.
• Philosopher's Path - A scenic, peaceful walk alongside a canal lined with cherry trees and temples. 

Nara

Adobe Free Stock / Sanga

• Nara Park - Roaming deer, scenic walks and shrine-hopping - all for free.
• Wakakusa Yamayaki Hill - Climb the hill behind Nara Park for panoramic views of the city. It's a top spot to watch the sun set.
• Lose yourself in the Japan of Old - Explore the historic Naramachi district, with its old-world streets and traditional townhouses. Check out the free daily cultural experiences at the NARA Visitor Center and Inn. 

Hiroshima

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/pen_ash-5526837/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3970148">Penny</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3970148">Pixabay</a>

• Miyajima - Ok so the ferry costs ¥400 yen return (£2). But taking the boat to this beautiful island will mean you see the famous 'floating' torii gate, one of the best views in Japan. You can also wander shrine grounds and be nibbled by friendly deer. 
• Peace Memorial Park - The heart of Hiroshima's remembrance includes the flame of peace, monuments, sculptures and the preserved Genbaku Dome.
• Hiroshima Castle Grounds - Hiroshima has a particularly impressive five-story castle. Its tranquil surrounding gardens and moats are free, as is the spactacular view of the building itself.

Osaka

• Wander Den Den Town - Denki no Machi is Osaka's version of Akihabara. Although in my opinion, its even better. Paradise for lovers of arcades, quirky goods, antiques, gadgets and comic culture.
• Osaka Castle Grounds - Skip the ticket and admire the dramatic exterior, moat and parkland for free.
• Shinsekai Neighbourhood - Explore this area for retro Osaka vibes with colourful signs, cheap snacks and street photo gold.

Fukuoka

• Ohori Park - Ohori Koen has a beautiful pond surrounded by meandering peaceful paths, bridges and free-entry Japanese gardens.
• Fukuoka Castle Ruins and Maizuru Park - Wander the ancient stone foundations with sweeping city views. Its especially pretty during hanami.
• Dazaifu - A day trip from Hakata, this shrine is dedicated to the god of learning and is especially popular with students praying for exam success. The grounds are free to explore and include a gorgeous bridge over a lotus-filled pond, plum trees and traditional architecture. 

Free Festivals You Can Enjoy In Japan

Honshu Free Festivals

• Gion Matsuri, Kyoto, July - Watch huge traditional floats parade through the streets. Kyoto at its grandest.
• Sumida River Fireworks, Tokyo, late July - Tokyo's biggest fireworks display, totally free along the river.
• Tenjin Matsuri, Osaka, July - Watch boat processions and fireworks from the riverside.
• Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo, May, odd-numbered years - One of Tokyo’s biggest shrine parades, free to watch in the streets.

Hokkaido Free Festivals

• Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido, February - Massive snow and ice sculptures are skilfully created across the city in one of the world's grandest ice festivals. Well worth visiting Japan for alone.
• Yosakoi Soran Festival, Sapporo, June - High-energy street dancing takes over Sapporo with teams in flashy costumes, naruko clappers and food stalls galore. Odori Park is the epicentre, but performances pop up all over the city.
• Hokkaido University Festival (Hokudai-sai), Sapporo, June  - Sapporo's biggest uni throws a massive multi-day bash with food from around the world, live music, performances and slightly chaotic student energy. Open to everyone.
• Hokkaido Shrine Festival, Sapporo, June - One of Hokkaido's most traditional events. Expect mikoshi aka. portable shrines, yukata-clad locals and classic festival foods. The parade winds through Sapporo's streets from Maruyama Park.
• Otaru Ushio Festival, Otaru, July - This harbour city's summer festival features lantern-lit dances, parades, taiko drumming and fireworks. All with a backdrop of canal views and historical warehouses.
• Shiretoko Summer Festival, Utoro, July - Held in Utoro, the gateway to Shiretoko National Park. Expect community stalls, local food, music and possibly a whale mascot.
• Furano Heso Matsuri aka. Belly-Button Festival, Furano, July - Furano locals paint cartoonish faces on their bellies and dance through the streets. It's as weird and wonderful as it sounds - a must-see if you're in central Hokkaido.
• Kutchan Jagamatsuri, Kutchan, August - A celebration of potatoes with parades, dance contests, fireworks and heaps of local culture in Niseko's neighbouring town. Perfect for families.
• Hokkai Bon Odori, Across Hokkaido, August - Traditional Obon dancing held in towns across Hokkaido. Locals gather in yukata, dance in circles to folk songs and honour the spirits of their ancestors. Find one near wherever you're staying.

Shikoku Free Festivals

• Awa Odori, Tokushima, August - Street-side viewing of energetic traditional dancers in full costume.
• Yosakoi Matsuri, Kōchi, August - A vibrant, high-energy dance festival featuring teams in colourful outfits, live music and street performances. It's totally free to wander through the crowds and soak up the fun.
• Niihama Taiko Festival, Ehime, October - This lively event showcases heavy, elaborately decorated taiko floats parading through the streets. Best enjoyed for free from the sidelines. 
• Saijō Matsuri, Saijō, Ehime, October - Over 40 ornate floats are carried across the Kamo River in a dramatic procession. Atmospheric, local and no entry fee. 

Kyushu Free Festivals

• Hakata Dontaku, Fukuoka, May - One of Kyushu's largest street dance festivals, with parades through Hakata and Tenjin. Free to join in or watch.
• Karatsu Kunchi, Saga, November - A historic shrine festival featuring giant decorated floats hauled across the beach and streets - beautiful, bold and free.
• Arita Sarayama Festival, Saga, late October - Local dancers parade while clattering Arita porcelain dishes. Unusual, under-the-radar and free.
• Nagasaki Lantern Festival, Nagasaki, Chinese New Year - Two weeks of vibrant lantern displays, parades, dragon dances, unbelievable acrobatics and Chinese cultural performances. All free to enjoy across Chinatown and central park areas.

9. Save 10% On Your Shopping With Japan's Tax-Free Tourist Hack

If you're in Japan short-term, i.e. not living there, you're eligible for tax-free shopping at loads of places from electronics stores to budget souvenir chains.

You just need to:

• Spend over ¥5,000 in one transaction.
• Show your passport - not a copy.
• Look for stores marked with a ‘Tax-Free’ logo - e.g., Don Quijote, Bic Camera, Loft.

Some stuff will get sealed in a plastic bag with a do-not-open sticker to prove you're exporting it.

So this works best for gifts, gadgets or skincare rather than snacks you want to eat that night.

A little bonus is that some shops offer an extra 5 to 10% tourist discount on top.

Combine the two and you've basically shaved a fifth off your shopping bill. 

At places like Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, LABI or even Don Quijote, they’ll sometimes offer:

• 10% tax-free.
• An extra 5 - 7% tourist discount - usually via a voucher or QR code shown at the till.

You’ll see signs near the entrance or at the till saying things like 'Extra 5% off for tourists' or 'Show this QR for more savings.' 

It’s usually tied to using your passport and sometimes even paying with an overseas credit card. 

10. Stay Connected with an eSIM

Adobe Free Stock / Ladanifer

Relying on hotel Wi-Fi or patchy free hotspots might seem like a saving.

Until you're wandering Tokyo with 3% battery, no signal and no idea which exit to take from a twenty-exit train station.

Roaming charges from UK and Ireland providers? Brutal.

Pocket Wi-Fi rental? Often more expensive, plus you’ll panic if the battery dies mid-day.

Alternatively, a Japan eSIM gives you instant mobile data from the second you land.

You’ll also know exactly what you're spending and avoid surprise roaming fees. A true budget hack in a country that can get expensive without the right planning.

Choose your ideal Japan eSIM on the Airalo app or website to get sorted before you even board the plane.

How to Lose All Your Money in Japan

You've eaten your ¥100 yakitori, slept in a manga café and saved a few quid.

But beware - Japan is full of exceptionally cool things that may risk further parting you from your yen.

Here's how to blow your Japan spending money in record time. Aka. things to avoid if you want to stay on-budget. 

Wikimedia Commons / Laika

• Buy the full JR Pass without checking if you actually need it - That's £400 gone faster than a shinkansen pulling out of Kyoto.
• Hit the arcades too hard - You will not win the giant Pikachu, but you might spend ¥3,000 trying.
• Take taxis everywhere - Japan has one of the most efficient public transport systems on the planet and taxis are surprisingly expensive. It's best to use them sparingly, if at all.
• Shop for those "kawaii!" goods without restraint - Pastel tutus, fox ears and ironic t-shirts add up quickly. Unless you've budgeted accordingly, it's best to be selective.
• Get addicted to vending machines - "It's just ¥150 for tea" becomes "I need to try every Kit Kat flavour and regional Fanta possible."
• Rely on roaming instead of an eSIM - It pays to plan your data usage before your trip to Japan. Using an eSIM instead of falling back on roaming could help you save big. 
• End up in snack/host/hostess bars - These are venues where you pay not just for drinks, but for the company of a hostess or host. They'll chat, flatter, pour drinks and keep you entertained. You can usually tell these bars by their signage and advertising, but if in doubt it's best to check reviews online. Once you're inside, prices are basically decided by the house, so you can end up paying well over the odds for a beer and a chat. For reasons too numerous to list here, it's best to steer clear of these places altogether.

Final Thoughts - Japan Doesn't Have to Break the Bank

With a bit of planning and a lot of konbini snacks, Japan is 100% doable on a budget.

You'll eat well, sleep soundly and soak up the best of the country without rinsing your savings.

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