You don’t need to spend a fortune to experience the idiosyncratic trademarks of one of the world’s wealthiest countries. There are a few key things to consider when you’re planning your trip which will help keep your holiday costs down without in any way impacting your enjoyment of this amazing country.
When to travel Choosing the time of year you visit Japan is one of the simplest ways of getting value for money. I’m often asked if it’s best to visit Japan for cherry blossom or autumn leaves. Both are indeed head-turning sights, but there’s far more to Japan than its foliage — which is the biggest driver of the cost of a trip, as accommodation and flight prices soar at these times of year. Cherry blossom is the most expensive time of year to visit, with Autumn coming in a close second. If you haven’t got your heart set on a specific season, look to Japan’s winter months (December to the beginning of March). It’s an excellent-value time to travel, but you’ll also benefit from far fewer visitors. In a country where tourism has increased five-fold over the last few years this can enhance your experience. Head south to the island of Kyushu for walking trails and scenic ryokan stays and warmer temperatures. Or consider travelling in May – the weather will be fine and this is a good time to enjoy the lesser-known Wisteria Festivals around the country.
Getting around cost-effectively in Japan Watching the countryside flash past from the comfortable seat of a bullet train is, for me, one of Japan’s standout experiences. Another benefit of visiting during a quieter season is that you can use the Japan Rail Pass. Much of the rail network, including bullet train routes, is run by the Japan Railways Group. Using its Japan Rail Pass, available for 7, 14 or 21 days, can be a very economical way to explore the country. The pass also includes unlimited access to the Japan Rail Network, providing you with chances to visit the surrounding towns and villages that aren’t on the bullet train route. Mind you, the cost of the Rail Pass has increased quite substantially recently so, depending on your itinerary, it could be more cost effective to buy single tickets instead – and this means you won’t have to book all your seats for your journeys (which can be challenging).
How to limit your daily spend in Japan While the up-front costs of a trip to Japan can add up, you don’t need to budget as much as you might think for your daily expenditure (unless you’re hopping between the country’s Michelin-starred restaurants). Firstly, tipping is a cultural no-no — if you try, you’ll be refused. Secondly, entrance fees are relatively low compared to, say, a museum in New York or a London gallery.
The cost of privately guided tours can add up, but you don’t necessarily need one every day. Instead, invest in a private orientation tour of Tokyo with an experienced guide when you arrive. Moving around the city on the underground and by bus, your guide will give you a how-to lesson on the workings of the transport system, making it easy for you to explore independently during the rest of your stay. And, if you can tackle Tokyo, you can easily handle the smaller cities and towns. Opt for a mix of small-group experiences with private tours, which can be very expensive. For example, a private tea ceremony is a custom revered by Japanese businesses and wealthy families, so it can cost a small fortune to attend one. But if you’re happy to share, it becomes an affordable option.
Eating out in Japan doesn’t have to cost a fortune. On my last trip in November, we found that the budget we’d allocated for food was far more than we actually spent! Some of the most satisfying dishes are to be found in places local people head to for lunch or dinner. Pick up lunch in a convenience store or from the amazing food halls in department stores which are great for an on-the-go lunch, sometimes offering better quality food than restaurants, and a reliable source of good coffee. Dine on conveyor-belt sushi - Kaiten, or conveyor-belt, sushi restaurants are an economical way to experience sushi — you determine how much you eat and how much you pay. Dishes are colour coded, depending on the grade of fish, and you simply stack up your plates and pay at the end. Tea and miso soup are usually poured on a free refill basis. You’ll find them in most cities and towns.
Finding good-value accommodation in Japan You don’t have to compromise on location to stay in a moderately priced Tokyo hotel as most are in the middle of the city. The rooms may be small — to be expected in a city this full — but the quality is consistently high. You should also stay in at least one ryokan during your stay. These are family-run inns that feel like a guesthouse. You’ll stay in room with tatami-mat flooring and a comfortable futon. Many traditional ryokan are hundreds of years old and come with a feeling of character that Western-style hotels can’t match. In the simpler ryokans, you’ll be sharing bathroom facilities.
I hope that's been useful. Do get in touch if you're ready to start planning a Bucket List holiday to Japan.
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