Traveling in Japan on budget is possible: here my travel plan for 8-days trip from Europe!

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After launching my fresh new blog in the first article, let’s dive together in this second post talking about the amazing trip I did in October 2023: my first time in Japan! I will write a lot about this incredible place, telling you about every shape of this amazing culture and architecture. But the first topic I want to share with you regarding Japan is about time, money and travel organization. Actually people thinks you need a lot of time and money to travel in Japan, especially from Europe. That’s not true. At least not always. Traveling in Japan on budget is possible: here my travel plan for 8-days trip from Europe!

Read the article till the end and you will discover exactly how much I spent: I will show you my budget sheet whit all costs and in which categories!

Travel in Japan on budget is possible: discover how step by step

Japan, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, is a dream destination for many. However, the misconception that traveling in Japan can be expensive often deters budget-conscious travelers. Fear not! This article is here to show you that experiencing the beauty of Japan can be both affordable and unforgettable. Traveling in Japan on budget is possible: here my travel plan for 8-days trip from Europe!

Let’s dive into the key aspects of budget travel in Japan.

In the following paragraphs I will focus on how much time you need to visit Japan, best period to go to save money, budget, travel organization and tips. If you want a complete travel guide for your next trip to Japan, I suggest you to read my free guide: you will find everything you need to have an amazing travel experience!

1. Time: finding the sweet spot for budget travel

Off-Peak Seasons

Japan experiences distinct seasons, and traveling during the off-peak periods can significantly cut costs. Consider visiting during the spring or fall, avoiding the busy cherry blossom season, or opting for late autumn when the weather is still pleasant.

I went in Japan in the second half of October and the temperatures were perfect! Sunny warm long days and fresh evenings. I missed the foliage that started at the end of October so I highly recommend, if you can, to organize your travel at the end of October. Believe me, you will see an amazing landscape and you will save a lot of money.

I don’t recommend July and August because of humidity and heat.

How long to stay

In a world where time is often a luxury, the idea of exploring a country as diverse and culturally rich as Japan in just eight days might seem like a daunting task. However, my recent adventure proved that you don’t always need three vacation weeks to immerse yourself in the beauty of this enchanting land. With only eight days of holiday, I carefully curated my itinerary to focus on two captivating cities: Kyoto and Osaka. By strategically selecting my destinations, I was able to delve deep into the unique charm of each city, from the serene temples and gardens of Kyoto to the bustling street markets and vibrant nightlife of Osaka. While it may seem ambitious, this condensed travel experience allowed me to savor the essence of Japan, proving that sometimes, a well-planned short trip can be just as fulfilling as an extended one.

Here below how I organized the stay:

Join me on a journey from Europe to Japan, through the highlights of Kyoto and Osaka, and discover how an eight-day escape on budget is possible and can be a rewarding and unforgettable Japanese adventure.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Accommodation prices tend to spike on weekends, so plan your stay to include weekdays when rates are generally more budget-friendly. Additionally, attractions and popular spots may be less crowded during weekdays, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

2. Money: maximizing your Yen

Accomodation

Accomodation budget depends on how you want to travel and how you are used to travel. In my case, I chose to book hotels with private room and private bathroom, in functional position because I wanted to stay all day long around the city to visit as much as I can, and then have comfort during the night to relax and sleep as much as I can. I found really good and cheap solution by using Booking app. I have a Genius second level account and I chose medium prices hotels with more than 8-points rate.

To give you an idea here below how much I spent:

If you want to save more money, look beyond traditional hotels and explore budget-friendly options such as hostels, guesthouses, and capsule hotels. Websites like Hostelworld and Airbnb often have affordable alternatives that provide a unique cultural experience.

Transportation

Invest in a Japan Rail Pass only if you plan on exploring multiple cities. This pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains for a set period, providing substantial savings. If you are not traveling all around Japan, but instead you choose to visit few cities (as in my case), I really recommend you to not buy Japan Rail Pass.

For example, I traveled in the cities of Osaka and Kyoto. My suggestion for this trip is to move from the airport to the two cities by train, and then move on foot or by metro within these cities. Since Kyoto and Osaka are very close, I suggest taking normal trains, not high-speed trains (Shinkansen).

In cities, utilize efficient and cost-effective public transportation, such as buses and subways.

In my Japan Travel Guide, you can find all the useful detailed informations about Japanese Transports system.

Dining on a Dime

Indulge in the delicious world of street food. From savory takoyaki to mouth-watering ramen, street vendors offer authentic Japanese flavors at a fraction of the cost of sit-down restaurants. Visit local markets for fresh produce and affordable snacks.

I suggest you to choose street food market at lunch and restaurants at dinner, especially typical family-run restaurants, where you can find the flavors of the tradition at really cheap prices. Also Izakaya are a really good choice to spend an evening out on budget!

Free and low-cost activities

Japan offers a myriad of free and low-cost activities. Explore beautiful parks, visit temples and shrines, and take advantage of complimentary cultural experiences provided by some tourist centers.

Many tourist attractions are free, for example the Imperial Palace in Kyoto or the beautiful Fujimi Inari Taisha just outside the centre of Kyoto, that is one of the most visited and photographed places in Japan.

3. Travel Organization: Planning for Efficiency and Savings

Itinerary Planning

Craft a well-thought-out itinerary that minimizes unnecessary travel. Grouping attractions geographically can save both time and transportation expenses. Planning the itinerary is one of the most important thing, especially if you have not so much time: check always in advance the closing days and time and make a schedule of which places and attractions to visit day by day before the beginning of your trip. Believe me, this will help you optimize your time during the travel and decrease your stress.

Analyze every feature of the itinerary: which places to visit, how to arrive, how to move from one place to another, how long to stay in every place, etc.

For example, here below you can find here my travel plan for my 8-days trip from Europe to Japan on budget day by day, and then the itinerary of one specific day:

Advance Booking

Secure accommodations and transportation in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts. Additionally, booking popular attractions online can sometimes result in reduced entry fees.

My suggestion is to book accomodations immediately after you book the flights and choose the option of free cancellation and last minute payment. One important tip: you can monitor the currency-yen exchange rate and charge the hotel cost when the exchange rate is very favorable.

As written before, I suggest you Booking or Airbnb app for accomodation, and Skyscanner app for the flights. I always use Skyscanner to monitor the flights and best prices and then buy the flights always on the official website of the Airline Company.

About the flights: I bought the tickets in April to fly in October and here below you can find the incredible price I found:

As you can see, I’m showing you step by step that traveling in Japan on budget is possible: my travel plan for 8-days trip from Europe to Japan on budget is effectively working!

Last tips

Local Sim Cards and Wi-Fi: Stay connected without breaking the bank by investing in a local SIM card or renting a pocket Wi-Fi device. Having internet access on the go will help you navigate efficiently and stay updated on local deals.

Language Assistance: Learning a few basic Japanese phrases can go a long way. While many signs are in English, locals appreciate the effort, and it can enhance your overall experience, potentially leading to unexpected connections and insights.

So after all these precious informations, I will share with you the budget sheet with all the costs divided in categories about the money I spent for my trip. As you can see, traveling in Japan on budget is possible.

Embark on your Japanese adventure with confidence, armed with the knowledge that budget travel in this captivating country is not only possible but also immensely rewarding. By strategically managing your time, money, and travel organization, you can savor the magic of Japan without burning a hole in your pocket.

So in conclusion: traveling in Japan on budget is possible. My travel plan for 8-days trip from Europe to Japan on budget worked so well! If you need more infos, let me know!

Happy travels in Japan!