How to Travel to Japan on a Cheap Budget 2025
Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo
Is Japan expensive? How to travel to Japan on a cheap budget? Think again! Japan was surprisingly affordable for me from the Philippines but it is quite expensive coming from the United States and Europe. This guide breaks down everything you need to know — from budget flights to cheap eats and discount passes — so you can enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun without breaking the bank.
Do you Need a Tourist Visa
For Filipinoss we need a tourist visa. In March 2015, I started gathering all my requirements to submit for my Japan visa application. I spent PHP 60 on the ID and PHP 150 on getting a bank certificate from a certain bank. I also paid PHP 1,200 for the visa application at Friendship Tours.
I spent PHP 60 for the ID and PHP 150 for getting a bank certificate from a certain bank. Paid PHP 1,200 for visa application at Friendship Tours.
Check out my blog post on:
Getting A Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines without Income Tax Return
You can check out this article now: How to Get a Japan Visa Multiple Entry Without Income Tax Return?
Set Your Travel Budget and Timeline
Start by deciding how much you can realistically spend. A one-week trip to Japan can range from $500 to $1000 if you travel on a tight budget. Consider off-peak months (January, May, and November) for cheaper flights and accommodations.
14 Days in Japan
Check my blog post about Japan Travel Itinerary 14 Days for First Timers
9 Days Tokyo Itinerary
Check my blog post about 9 Days Tokyo Itinerary Autumn Experience Japan on a Budget.
Japan Trip Itineraries You Can Follow
Check my blog post about Japan Trip Itineraries You Can Follow.
Find Budget-Friendly Flights
- Use price comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper.
- Be flexible with your arrival city — Osaka or Fukuoka can be cheaper than Tokyo.
- Book flights 2–3 months in advance and travel mid-week for the best deals.
If you’re from the United States or Europe, you can fly to Osaka and then travel to Tokyo. I’ve met a lot of travelers who started it this way, as it was cheaper.
Since my family and I are in France, we have to leave from Paris, and we can choose Tokyo Haneda airport for our arrival for less than US $1000.
But from the Philippines to Japan, example Cebu to Tokyo, it would be about less than US $300.
My Cheap Airfare Ticket from Cebu to Tokyo
After my Hong Kong and Macau trip in October 2014, I could not find a flight to Japan in December 2014 just because my application for a Canada visa was denied. I opted for Plan B, which is to go to Japan. I was really excited and looking forward to 2015. Got my ticket for less than PHP 9,000 round trip during the May-June 2015 trip and less than PHP 4,000 during the November-December 2015 trip. The cheaper, the better. As we had discussed, I told my cousin in Osaka that I could visit her and the family for a few days. So, I had 5 months to grow my travel fund for the Japan trip.
I got my ticket for less than PHP 9,000 round trip during the May-June 2015 trip and less than PHP 4,000 during the November-December 2015 trip. The cheaper, the better.
Stay in Budget Accommodations
Japan has plenty of affordable options. Since I’ve stayed in three places in Tokyo, my daily accommodation budget should not exceed 2,000 JPY. I can stay in a hostel with a shared dorm room if I only want to sleep at night and get out all day. As long as it’s clean, has hot and cold showers, is in a safe area, and has access to food shops, train stations, and places, I am fine.
Capsule Hotels, Hostels and Guesthouses
As a budget traveler, I prefer to stay in hostels and guesthouses. I always book and search for Hostelworld Tokyo.
Recommended Tokyo hostels to stay:
- Ace Inn Shinjuku – I personally stayed here twice during my first and second time in Tokyo. It was near Akenobashi station just a 30 seconds walk. I can easily go to Shinjuku station, the busiest in Tokyo. It was easy to meet fellow travelers and go out for dinner, night life, and day tours.
- Sakura Hostel Asakusa – I love staying in Asakusa as I find it easy for me to go back to Narita airport from Asakusa station. The hostel offers various activities every week.
- Little Japan – It’s another hostel near Asakusa and easy access to Haneda and Narita airport. The hostel has a cafe and bar on the ground floor to meet travelers and local Japanese people to socialize.
- Tomariya Ueno – Ueno is a good place to stay and highly recommended as it is near to Ueno station and other touristy places. So many places to visit and also near Asakusa.
- Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa Station – Another hostel in Asakusa, they have a shared kitchen and lounge space to socialize with other travelers. it’s also near to visit main attractions in Asakusa.
Business Hotels
Klook offers unbeatable Japan hotel deals and it’s good place to stay as a family with kids.
Recommended Tokyo hotels to stay with kids:
- Hotel Gracey Asakusa – A hotel in Asakusa with a great location that is near to Asakusa station, Sensoji Temple, and Tokyo Skytree.
- Hotel Sardonyx Tokyo – The hotel is located in Tokyo (Chuo) with 5-minute drive to Tokyo Imperial Palace and Urban Dock Lalaport Toyusu. Kids of 0 to 5 years old are free to stay with no additional cost.
Long stays using VRBO and Airbnb
I personally stayed at an Airbnb place in Tokyo shared with other travelers. As a family with kids, it’s good to book VRBO and Airbnb for longer stays.
Couchsurfing
If you have a Couchsurfing account, you can use it to meet locals or find a free place to stay. However, I haven’t used the app in Japan, although it’s a nice idea to use it if there’s an event about language exchange. I stayed with a Japanese family in Osaka.
Related Article: First Couchsurfing Experience in Penang, Malaysia
Save on Transportation with Passes Getting Around Japan
As mentioned, the all-day pass to get around Tokyo using the Tokyo Metro and subway is JPY 1000. So, at least prepare a thousand yen for getting around Tokyo, and if you want to get out of Tokyo, visit nearby prefectures.
Transportation is one of Japan’s biggest expenses, but here’s how to cut it down:
Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway Line – All-Day Train Pass
The All Day Train Pass costs 1000 yen, which is also helpful in getting around Tokyo using the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway Line as it’s cheaper using the JR Line. I was able to use this during my 6 days in Tokyo. As a solo traveler getting around Tokyo, there were chances I missed the stop just because I was lost so I just had to get back to the previous station. The All Day Train Pass will expire at 12MN. I suggest getting out of bed in the early morning to visit places around Tokyo, getting back to your hostel in between if you’re tired, getting out at night for dinner, and returning to your hostel before midnight.
Source: Tokyo Metro
IC Cards with Suica or Pasmo
Easy, reloadable cards for city transport. I got my Suica card during my second trip to Japan, which is very convenient because all you have to do is top up the card. The sale price starts at 1000 yen and includes a deposit of 500 yen. You can use the Suica Card for JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area, subways, buses, and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo. I have also used the card for purchasing items at 7-11 and food vending machines.
Source: JR East Suica
JR Pass
Great for intercity travel if you plan to visit multiple regions.
Regional Rail Passes
Cheaper than the full JR Pass if staying in one area (e.g., Kansai, Kanto).
Night buses like Willer Bus Express
Use night buses instead of trains to save on transport and accommodation. Read my Willer Bus Experience from Tokyo to Osaka.
Kyoto City Bus & Kyoto Bus One-Day Pass
I stayed with my cousin and her family in Osaka; they had a car to get around Japan. For a day, we went sightseeing in Kyoto, visiting some famous tourist spots. The funny thing is that we saw this card in Kyoto, so we could save 500 yen for one person.
Source: Kyoto City Web
Eat Deliciously on a Budget
You don’t need fancy restaurants to enjoy Japanese cuisine:
- Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson): Bento meals for as low as ¥300.
- Supermarkets (discounts on sushi in the evening).
- Gyudon chains (Sukiya, Yoshinoya): Hearty meals under $5.
- Ramen, udon, and curry shops: Quick, filling, and cheap.
My food cost in Japan is JPY 1500, which is good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes, I go for brunch (breakfast + lunch). I usually buy food between 7 and 11. There are many street foods and night markets, and you can buy them cheaply.
Visit Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Japan is full of cultural experiences that cost little to nothing:
Things to Do in Tokyo 2025
Read the blog post –> Things to Do in Tokyo 2025
- Shrines and temples (e.g., Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji)
- Public parks and gardens
- Free observation decks (like Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building)
- Street festivals and neighborhood walks
Stay Connected on the Cheap
Free Wi-Fi at 143 Subway Stations in Tokyo
It was my second time in Japan, and I could use Free Wi-Fi, especially when I lost my bag containing my passport and money. The funny thing was I had my DSLR camera and my iPad mini (with the Suica card inside) on hand, which allowed me to send messages to my friends and update my Facebook that I had lost my bag. It was a crazy experience. I am glad that Japanese people are sincere. This should be in a separate blog post about this experience.
- Rent a pocket WiFi and split the cost with friends.
- Or buy a data SIM card from local providers like Sakura Mobile or Mobal.
Extra Savings Tips on how to plan a trip to Japan on a budget
- Bring a refillable water bottle — tap water is safe.
- Buy souvenirs at 100-yen shops like Daiso.
- Avoid taxis; Japan’s public transit is super reliable.
- Take advantage of free walking tours in major cities.
- Buy baggage fees in advance.
- Do not buy baggage unless you are shopping.
- The terminal fee is PhP750 from the Philippines
- With my Philippine Peso, it is best to exchange it for Japanese Yen at Narita airport because it has a bigger value compared to the one I exchanged money for in Shibuya. It was a big loss.
- Get a Suica card the moment you arrive at the airport, loaded with at least JPY 1000 + JPY 500 deposit fee.
- Book Willer Bus ahead of time because it’s cheaper.
- Book accommodation in advance for cheaper deals.
- If stranded in Tokyo, find a 24-hour McDonald’s to stay for a night.
- Spend lesser on food buying from 7-11 but splurging on Japanese food is not really a problem.
- Download Tokyo Subway on your smartphone
- Get a Tokyo Guidemap, it’s a must and it will save you ass and time.
- Be friendly with the locals, who knows they can give you a free tour.
- Rent a bike in Japan if you got the chance, I find it least expensive than using a train. I haven’t tried it yet but I will do it on my next trip, especially in Kyoto.
Learn the Basic Japanese Language
I am not proficient with the Japanese language, but because of watching anime, I learn some basic Japanese language. Only simple words and phrases such as:
- Hello – Konnichiwa.
- for ‘Good morning’ – Ohayō gozaimasu.
- Good evening – Konbanwa.
- for ‘Good night’ – Oyasuminasai.
- Goodbye – Sayōnara.
- Thank You – Arigatō gozaimasu.
- You’re welcome – Dōitashimashite.
- Excuse me- Sumimasen.
- Yes – Hai.
- (Before eating) – Itadakimasu.
- (After eating) – Gochisōsamadeshita.
Source: Basic Japanese Course
Know the Weather in Japan
Japan has 4 seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. I went to Japan twice in different seasons. The first time was in May- June 2015, which was after spring and summer, so I brought light clothes with me like shirts, sleeveless jeans, skirts, pairs of stockings, and socks. The second time was in November-December 2015, during the autumn season, when I was going to winter, although I couldn’t experience snow then. Indeed, it was freaking cold for 12 degrees or less. I brought a jacket, many cardigans to layer, pairs of stockings, long socks, a leg warmer, a scarf, hand gloves and much more. I should create another blog post for this.
Related Article: Photos – Autumn in Japan 2015
Download the app Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists
Twice in Japan, but I haven’t used this app because I relied too much on the old-school Tokyo Subway Navigation map, which I could say was a good thing. The advantage is I was able to study the map and got familiar with using the Tokyo Metro. On a solo trip to Ginza for a day, my sense of direction was taken in a test, and I had to be specific on which Exit to get out. I got meticulous using the old school map and I got confident about getting around Tokyo. I just downloaded the app as of this writing. XD
Source: Tokyo Subway Navigation for Tourists
Cities I Visited in Japan
I will create a separate blog post about my experiences in Japan and will update this periodically with links to individual posts.
Tokyo
I stayed in Japan for most of the time twice: 6 days (May-June 2015) and 9 days (November-December 2015). To be honest, there are still many things I haven’t visited and done in Tokyo. I created a separate blog post about what I’ve done during the first and second times.
Kyoto
This was our first time in Japan, and we visited some famous tourist spots. Someday, I want to revisit Japan and stay for several days. This is a separate blog post.
Osaka
My cousin and her family live there. We visited a lot of places, including The Universal Studios.
Kuwana
We just went to Nagashima Spa Land because I got addicted to the roller coaster ride at Universal Studios. There are more roller coaster rides here.
Nara
The highlight was to see the deer at Nara Park. Check out my blog post about Deer Feeding in Nara, Japan.
Yokohama
After my five-day stay in Osaka, I had to return to Tokyo, and the guy I met in Roppongi invited me to explore Yokohama. 😀 check out my blog post about An Unexpected Yokohama Day Tour in Japan.
Saitama
My second time in Japan was during a November-December 2015 trip, so I decided to have a day tour of Saitama for Little Edo.
How to Prepare for Your First Solo Trip in Japan
Traveling solo is terrific, and I learned a lot of things. It’s fun because I have to get out of my comfort zone and reach out to people or the locals in a certain place to talk in their language, at least the basic, asking questions about getting around. It’s more impressive when you meet the locals, and they will show you around their place.
I met people in person whom I had just met online and befriended on Facebook. We got to hang around, take pictures, eat a lot, talk about different things, and exchange travel tips.
The hostel is a good place to stay as a solo traveler as you will also meet other travelers from different countries. I hope you will learn from my blog, How to Prepare for Your First Solo Trip in Japan.
Note: This article will be updated with photos and links to an individual blog post.
Check out my: Japan Travel Series!
Final Thoughts on How to Plan to a Trip to Japan on a Budget
Japan doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right planning, you can enjoy sushi, temples, trains, and cherry blossoms on a tight budget. All it takes is smart choices, local hacks, and a willingness to explore off the beaten path. I hope you will learn something from me on how to plan to a trip to Japan on a budget.
More from my site
Sample Japan Trip Itineraries You Can Follow
Japan Travel Itinerary 14 Days for First Timers: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Yokohama
My Travel Summary in 2015
9 Days Tokyo Itinerary Autumn Experience
One Day Trip to Yokohama from Tokyo Travel Guide
Getting Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines without Income Tax Return
Hi! I just wanted to ask what are the sample questions you got from immigration officer? Im kinda scared of this one since i heard they are strict and usually offload solo first time female travelers 🙁
The officer never asked me a lot of things. She was just inspecting my passport, yon lang.
hello Rox,
it was such fun reading all your articles of your travel specially japan .i was wondering that i already have the requirements for japan visa . but no one has to help me to fill up the itinerary or what to put there because i never been in japan . can you please give us some example of what to put in the itinerary paper.
thanks God Bless
Hi Che,
May nasulat po ako Dyan sa blog “Sample Itineraries You Can Follow In Japan” hoping helpful sayo yon. 😊
Hi rox ask ko lang po?mayron po ako sponsor yong aunt ko..kaso wala po siyang itr..kasi wala po sya busnes wala din sya work….pero mayron silang ariarian…yong ang ikina bubuhay nila..pwede po ba land title ang e present sa agency?..gusto ko po kasi..punta japan as tourist..
Yes Pwede naman po asset Nila yon.