1. Avoid peak seasons
It is strongly recommended that you avoid “super peak” period associated with Japan’s domestic holiday seasons, as travel expenses rise and you may get stuck in heavy traffic or long queues.
Super Peak
End of April – Early May : Golden Week
Mid-Augst : Obon Holidays
Late September : Silver Week
Year End – 1st week of January : Year End/New Year Holidays
Other holiday seasons include school holidays (late march – early April, late July – Aug, year end – new year ) and long weekend. Make sure you book your transport and accommodation well in advance.
2. Check open-jaw flight
Tokyo is not the only gateway city in Japan. If you are making long distance travel in Japan, check open jaw flight ticket if it matches the route you are planning. For example, fly into Tokyo —> (land transfer) —> fly out from Osaka for saving your time and cost. Most of Asian airlines (e.g. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Korean Air, China Airlines) and some of US/European airlines fly to multiple destinations in Japan.
Major international airports : Tokyo (Narita, Haneda : TYO), Osaka (Kansai: KIX), Nagoya (Chubu: NGO), Sapporo (Chitose: CTS), Fukuoka (Fukuoka: FUK)
3. Take Coach or Ordinary Trains
Coach is a great option for saving cost though it is slower than rail travel. Most vehicles are equipped with comfortable seats, toilet, WiFi (depends), with rest stops en-route. Sleeper coaches are available for long distance routes e.g. Tokyo ↔Kyoto/Osaka/Hiroshima and many more popular destinations.
Another option is to travel only by ordinary trains with basic fare ticket, so that you don’t need to pay surcharge imposed on Shinkansen or limited express trains.
Tokyo – Osaka Fare Comparison:
Shinkansen (2.5hrs) : 14,720 yen
Ordinary train (9-10hrs) : 8,910 yen
Coach (8hrs) : 4,000 – 8,000 yen
4. Buy rail pass that matches your itinerary
There are variety of rail passes offered by different rail operators e.g. Japan Rail Pass ( JR Pass ). If you want to visit many destinations across the country within short term, JR pass is worth it, while regional rail/bus passes would be more efficient and less expensive if staying specific region only.
Example of Rail Pass
- JR Pass (all JR network nationwide) : 33,610 yen (7days) / 52,960yen (14days)
- JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass ( covering Kyoto/Osaka/Himeji/Hiroshima ) : 15,000 yen (5days)
- JR Hokuriku Arch Pass (covering Tokyo/Kanazawa/Kyoto/Osaka via Hokuriku Shinkansen) : 25,000 (7days)
>> See list of JR Passes
5. Check LCC flights
There are several domestic low-cost airlines in Japan, with Narita (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka) as main hubs. Air fare between Narita (Tokyo) – Kansai (Osaka) could be as low as 4,000yen/one way, or even cheaper, during promo period. Subscribe their E-newsletter or social media to make sure you don’t miss great deals.
Note: Both Narita and Kansai airport are located on the outskirt of city centre that you’ll need additional time and cost to travel there. Alternatively, check Skymark airlines as it’s the only budget airline that operates to/from Haneda.
Peach Aviation : Largest LCC in Japan operating 30+ domestic routes.
Jetstar Japan : Operates 15+ domestic routes.
Spring Japan : Operates inter-regional routes for Narita, Sapporo, Hiroshima and Saga.
Skymark : Budget airline that operates 20 routes including Haneda airport.
6. Look for Free attractions and activities
Popular museums, Japanese gardens or temples/shrines generally charge an admission fee ( ranging 500 – 1,500yen), but there are also many others worth visiting for free. View more >>
Free (or budget) walking tours are conducted by volunteer guides in major cities, among those include free Imperial Palace tours! View more >>
8. Buy takeaway food
To maximize your food budget, buy takeaway food from convenience stores or supermarkets. Bento (boxed meal) costs you around 400 to 600 yen, Onigiri (rice ball) : 120 – 200 yen, Sandwiches: 250 – 300 yen etc.
For coffee lovers, get freshly brewed coffee only at 100 yen from convenience stores! You can order at cashier, then help yourself with coffee making machine. Or, buy drip coffee bag (around 300yen for 10pcs) and sip your coffee in your room.
Food delivery is available with Uber Eats and Demae-kan in major cities, but they charge delivery fee (free – 550yen) + handling charge (10%)+ other surcharge (if applicable).
9. Bring along reusable bottle and shopping bag
Bring your bottle as tapped water is safe to drink in Japan. Free drinking water can also be found in parks/gardens, selected rail stations or commercial buildings etc.
Plastic bags are charged at retail outlets ( 3 – 5 yen/pc ) that you should bring your own.
*Small transparent plastic bags at packing station (after checkout) are free to take.
10. Domestic Free&Easy package may be cheaper
You may find it cheaper to buy Free & Easy package than booking transport and accommodation separately. Likewise, check out optional tours when visiting remote area.