Japan’s marriage of the modern lifestyle and traditional culture makes it a go-to destination for many travelers around the globe. However, its high standards of living make it one of the most expensive destinations in the world. But, don’t worry! There’s a way to travel Japan without doling out too much. Just keep in mind these tips and tricks and you will surely maximize your budget for exploring the land of the rising sun!
If you are a first time traveler, the most important thing that you should remember is the currency. The value of a country’s currency changes to whichever place you are. In Japan, the national currency is Yen. When you exchange your currency to Yen, remember that you will not be getting the same value.
After exchanging your money to Japanese Yen, the next thing that you should remember is budgeting your cash. Set aside the money for your food and accommodation so you will not have to worry about them any longer. A huge chunk of your expenses will go to transportation. It is necessary to plan ahead your itinerary so you will not encounter possible problems.
Transportation in Japan is expensive. The bullet train with its superb comfort and lightyear speed is definitely pricey. But it’s the best way for any traveler to get to explore the entire country. To minimize the cost a little bit, get the Japan Rail Trail Pass. You can use this pass to travel to different cities around Japan.
The passes are valid for 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days, depending on your need. You can buy the passes in Japan. But you may also purchase them online with a discount of up to 20%.
An alternative from bullet trains and trains are buses. But, they are definitely slower. A 2-hour bullet train ride from Osaka to Tokyo can be a 10-hour bus ride. Now, it’s up to you which one to prioritize: your travel time or your budget. If you have very limited time in Japan, it is better to take the bullet train. But if you are staying for a longer time, you may opt to use the bus.
Aside from transportation and adventures, you also need to take into consideration your food. There are a lot of food places in Japan that are pocket-friendly. One of these places is the 100-yen stores. They sell food packages and boxes for 100 yen. Not only that can, you can find toiletries, groceries and other necessities in the store.
If you want to indulge yourself to authentic Japanese sushi, then you must check out the sushi trains. At 100-170 yen per plate, you can enjoy authentic and delicious sushi.
You may also eat in convenient stores like 7-11 so that you can save money for other recreations or adventures.
If you are staying in a hostel, you may opt to cook your food. Just get your groceries and whip up something for yourself. Also, avoid buying fruits in Japan. They are really expensive.
These are just some tips to fully maximize your budget for Japan. Just be fearless and adventurous and everything will go well!
