Ever wanted to explore Japan with friends, but want to spend wisely?
Here are some tips and tricks on what you can do to save some of that hard-earned money, while enjoying as much as you can!
Step 1: Book a flight to Japan
Flights to Asia are definitely not the cheapest from Europe, but taking a connecting flight will save you loads! What's even better, is that you get to explore the culture of another country (even though you are just in the airport, you can visit souvenir and duty free shops!)
Bookings can range from €400-600 which is pretty decent for a 19 hour flight! This will take you from Dublin to Tokyo Narita Airport, through London, Doha or Spain and more! It is easy to find the best deals on Skyscanner.ie. Of course there are flights to other cities (like Osaka, Kyoto and more) you can consider landing in as well!
Source: Writer's own, taken in Dotonburi, Osaka, Japan
Step 2: Book accommodation in Japan
You may think capsule hotels in Japan are the most affordable. However you can find private rooms for 2-4 or more on websites like Hotel.com and Hostel World that are better priced than these capsules! Having a personal room is great as well - it provides you with plenty of space and time to do your laundry if you need to! Hand-washing your clothes and undergarments is a good solution as you can save €1 and time from travelling to the laundromat. Having a room compared to a capsule also provides you with more storage space.
FOCUS KURAMAE, €29-32 per night
Source: https://www.agoda.com/en-gb/focus-kuramae/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?cid=-218
However if you would like to experience living in a capsule hotel, Shinjuku Kuyakusho-mae Capsule Hotel is a good place to go! Prices are affordable for males and females, around €20-30 per night and this hotel is also right in the city centre of Tokyo, Shinjuku.
Source: https://www.agoda.com/en-gb/shinjuku-kuyakusho-mae-capsule-hotel/hotel/tokyo-jp.html?cid=-218
Do note that some capsule hotels are only for males, so you would have to do your research before going there - especially if you are female!
Step 3: Transportation & exploration in Japan
Transportation is another factor to take note of. Taking the subway (Tokyo Metro) is definitely one of the most affordable and quickest options.Fares range from 170 to 320 yen (€1.70 to €3.20) depending on where you want to go and the distance between each stop. A one day pass for unlimited use of Tokyo Metro is available for 600 yen (€5). Worry less as the city is very well connected and you can easily get to where you want to! Here is a photo of the subway map and its 179 stations.
Source: https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/subwaymap/
City-hopping: Between Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka and more
The best way to travel from city to city is by train. To experience the full Japanese culture, you can spend a little more on the Shinkansen (Bullet Train), which could set you back about €100+ for a two hour and 30 minutes ride to Osaka.
Source: https://www.kyotostation.com/the-tokaido-shinkansen/
Tokyo and Osaka are definitely the two main cities to visit in Central Japan if it is your first time there. A Japan Rail Pass is what many student travellers would get, due to cost-savings and convenience. It may send you back on some cash and you can only travel on JR Lines, but if you are planning to travel to more than 3 cities in a week, it is definitely worth it. Check out this post for more.
Free and affordable places of interest around Japan
With the JR Pass, not only can you travel to different cities but access 5 main Tokyo railway lines, which would take you to most places of interest. You can also take a photo with the Tokyo Tower, walk through the colourful Harajuku street and observe the famous Shibuya Crossing for free.
To get a view of the entire Tokyo city, you can go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Decks. Japan trains are highly efficient and affordable so you can get to any place your want to at a reasonable price.
Source: Writer's own, Kiyomizu-dera, 400yen / €3 entry fee
In Osaka and Kyoto, the JR Pass is also valid for use along most lines. You can proceed to Osaka Castle and walk around the parks outside, where you can get a nice photo with the castle for free. Admission to the castle is around 600 yen or €5, which is very affordable. There are many free and beautiful places to visit in Osaka like:
- Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
- Dotonburi & Namba, a must-go tourist attraction with its famous neon signs
- Kemasakuranomiya Park, a beautiful park with cherry blossom trees
- Osaka Station City, a major railway station and shipping destination
- Kuromon Market, a street food market with fresh produce and even souvenirs
Attractions in Kyoto are also free or priced very reasonably. The "Instagram famous" Fushimi Inari shrines are a must-visit when you go there. What is even better is that you go in for free! Do remember to respect the cultures of Japanese and people who are praying there, as it is a place of worship after all. More places which are free or affordable to visit in Kyoto are:
- Gion, a Geisha district (if you are lucky, you can catch a glimpse of a Geisha at work)
- Nishiki Market, one of the oldest fish markets
- Arashiyama, the famous bamboo forest - 500yen / €4 entry fee
- Kiyomizu-dera, a beautiful place of worship and world heritage site - 400yen / €3 entry fee
Japan is a beautiful and clean country after all, so you will not be disappointed anywhere you go!
Step 4: Food in Japan
There are many places where you can find food in Japan, even on the streets.
Ramen stores, sushi stops and convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) are all places where you can find highly affordable and delicious food worth your money. There are whole meals from salads, cooked rice, sushi and desserts sold in 7-Eleven.
Source: Writer's own, 600 yen ramen (€5) at a ramen shop, 金伝丸 in Tokyo, Shibuya
You can also visit Japanese supermarkets for fresh and affordable sushi, meals and even desserts! Large discount chain store Don Quijote also sells food and snacks at a reasonable price.
Source: Writer's own, drinks at a discount chain store in Osaka
Step 5: Get Student Travel Insurance
Lastly, always remember to get your travel insurance! There are companies (like GetCover.ie) that have student travel insurances which are much more reasonable and affordable. Do always remember to read the terms and conditions before purchasing!
Japan is a relatively safe country so you do not have to worry about losing your belongings. But it is still best to stay alert all the time! Getting insurance ensures that you are covered medically as well, or in case there are flight delays.
That's all for now! Enjoy your time in Japan! 😁
