Japan Travel Tips
Planning a trip to Japan? Read on for travel tips and money saving essentials for getting to and around Japan on a budget. When to go, flights, trains, food, location and more...
(originally published in 2017 - not updated)
Flights.
- Keep an eye on carriers for sales and offers.
- Shop around for cheaper flights and use flight comparison sites.
- Consider flying via a hub, making a transfer in a different country - we have used Germany and Austria/Netherlands from the UK.
- There are a number of Japanese airports that accept international flights. Look at whether there are cost advantages of flying into an alternative airport to Tokyo, either starting your trip there or alternatively, whether the cost of travelling to your desired destination could amount to less overall than a more direct ticket. Factor the time involved too. If you fly into Narita, it can take 1 - 1.5 hours to access Tokyo but it takes less than that (not taking into account the schedule of flights) using domestic flights or Shinkansen bullet trains from some of the other cities, arriving more centrally in Tokyo itself. If you’re using a JR pass, the cost would be covered and there are special fares for foreign visitors in addition to budget flights available.
- Use accredited and proven flight shops. Often included on the comparison sites, some are definitely better than others - be sure to check their reviews and the services that you will get. Here are some things to consider when looking at these tickets...
- They offer cheaper tickets than if bought direct from the airlines, especially if the ticket includes more than one leg using partner airlines. Rough rule of thumb - the more changes you make, the cheaper it will become.
- Check which airline will operate the flight - often tickets sold this way are ticketed by one airline but the flights will be operated by one or more of their partners. In the past, our flights have been ticketed by ANA (KLM and ANA operating) and Lufthansa (operated by ANA and GermanWings). This means you may get exactly same service but at a lower price but do check - some of the elements of the flight (baggage allowance, food & drinks etc) could differ.
- Consider whether making transfers and having multiple legs is suitable for you - take into consideration whether time between flights is sufficient or too long, the airport transfers involved and extra costs that might be incurred.
- Check in - you may not be able to allocate seats until check in or check in online with these tickets. Check in can sometimes be routed via another partner airline for these flights. A personal example: on the return leg with an ANA ticket operated by KLM, we were unable to check in with either company and it transpired that it needed to be administered by Delta. I’m not sure how we worked it out but it took some untangling.
- Luggage allowances may differ from the airline name on the ticket...it can get complicated whose to follow. Do check first.
- Another thing to consider is that on multi leg routes bought on a special ticket, the terms may not allow you to break that journey or offload baggage without creating severe penalties... A personal example: on our first trip Vienna, Amsterdam, Osaka, Tokyo, we asked if we could skip the Vienna to Amsterdam part and pick our next flight at Schiphol, as scheduled - similarly, we were concerned that we wouldn’t make our transfer in Osaka - the answer was that if any part of the flight was missed (no show/check in) then the remaining flights for both the outward and return ticket would be cancelled automatically. On the return we wondered if we could get our bags at Amsterdam (we didn’t mind if the last flight of the string was cancelled) to give us the opportunity to get the train or budget flight home from there. We could, but it’d cost almost £200 per bag. Obviously not cost effective. Read the whole story here.
Trains.
If you’re hoping to move around by rail, consider using a JR (Japan Rail Pass) which can represent good value for money and big savings in some circumstances. There are regional variations too, which can offer useful extras not included with the full pass.
The JR passes can also be useful in Tokyo if you base yourself near one of the JR lines that run around and through the city - this is a great way of saving on metro fares. Also see accommodation and location below.
Japan also has many privately run lines and each company has special offer passes and visitor tickets. Do evaluate where you will be going and what sort of cover you need to ensure that what you are buying makes economic sense. Read 'JR Pass tips – the impartial advice of a serial JR Pass user' for more detail.
Public Transport.
If you’re doing lots of public transport hopping, I’d recommend that you save your sanity by using an IC card rather than buying separate tickets. These rechargeable cards are accepted on many modes of transport across Japan (except in Shikoku) and, whilst not offering any substantial discount on fares, they make travelling easier in addition to being able to keep better tabs on costs. The transport system in Tokyo is a bit complicated and it makes it so much easier to navigate around without wasting time and energy trying to figure out the detail about which company the line belongs to and whether you need a transfer ticket.
If you will not be using a JR Pass or your subway, tram or bus use is likely to be quite heavy, then there are a plethora of tickets available in each town and city that could save you money rather than paying the full fares in cash or using an IC card - there are so many variations that it becomes almost too complicated to choose but the main transportation websites / tourist offices have lots of info. My recommendation is to do some research before going and check the transport operator websites first - often tickets can be obtained at less expense from their offices directly, whereas those sold by tourist offices and other companies may be as part of a larger, more expensive, tourism-targeted bundle.
A personal example: In Tokyo this year, we did not use a JR Pass until the last three days of six and knew that our metro usage would be heavy on the first three days - we've been a number of times before and most of the places we wanted to get to were a little more out of the way and not on JR lines. Also, with health and mobility issues, it offered the option and flexibility to take unlimited short trips if walking became difficult, whilst capping the potential expense that would have been incurred if we had been using our Suica IC cards.
We were arriving at Haneda airport from Takamatsu and needed to get into Tokyo to our hotel, which was on the Toei Asakusa line. The Keikyu Welcome! Tokyo 72 hour pass (available in 24, 48 or 72 hour denominations) offers a single or return trip to Sengakuji from the international terminal on the Keikyu Airport Rapid Ltd Exp. train and from thereon, unlimited rides on the Tokyo subway system (Toei Subway+Tokyo Metro Subway). This suited us really well because the Keikyu Airport Ltd Express automatically becomes a Toei Asakusa Line train at Senjakuji, so we didn't need to get off and transfer. This journey alone would have cost would have cost 570 yen. The ticket cost 1,900 yen. So, we had 72 hours of unlimited use for 1330 yen - this amounts to making a saving when taking more than 6 trips per day on the subway system, which we easily did. This was a perfect option for us on this particular occasion but there are other options available.
Timing.
Popularity seems to be making Japan increasingly busy throughout the year but the traditional peak seasons are Spring for the cherry blossom and Autumn for the leaf colour. At these times, hotels and sites will be busy and travel costs will be at a premium. In addition, there are some Japanese holidays that are also worth avoiding for this reason. If you don't mind visiting when some areas are very quiet or tourist facilities and shops may be closed (outside main cities), then you may be able to find very reasonable flight and hotel deals.Accommodation.
There are some hostels, capsule hotels, campsites and manga cafe (kissa) that offer cheaper alternatives for accommodation, but if you’re like me and need a decent bed and some privacy then I’d recommend business hotels for cheaper accommodation. There are plenty available and are well used by...well...business people! There’s nothing fancy or opulent about them, so you won't be getting room service and all the trimmings but you will get (more often than not, but standards do vary) a comfortable clean room with good en suite bathroom facilities.
Most will provide amenities that you wouldn’t expect from a cheap hotel elsewhere in the world and will almost always have air conditioning, a humidifier/dehumidifier, heating, a fridge, kettle and sometimes a safe (check what’s included). There will be vending machines for snacks and drinks dotted around the hotel. Coin operated washing facilities (a must in my opinion because it helps when travelling light) and microwave ovens may be provided for use, so you can make use of the amazing bento boxes available from supermarkets.
Often situated conveniently near to stations, some have shuttle buses and some even offer a complimentary breakfast - not a huge affair, but it’s free! I’ve used a few chains and I have to say my all round favourite is Toyoko Inn. Toyoko Inns, which have all the above mentioned services, amenities and free breakfast must be booked on their own website, which has an English version. Booking can be made three months in advance, unless you are a member of their loyalty club, when rooms are available to secure six months in advance. The problem is that you cannot join the club before you arrive, so if it’s your first trip, you will have to hope that suitable rooms are available when they are released. Availability at this point can be sketchy, especially in the larger cities or during popular festivals, so be flexible and have a backup* in place if waiting close to your departure to book.
Having said that, once you arrive and check in, you can join the club and get your membership card. This will reduce the price to the member’s rate immediately and offer other benefits too. Something we take advantage of is their Eco Plan, which reduces the cost again on the basis that the room is made up only every other day; fresh towels are provided and bins are emptied if left outside the door. To be honest, most other hotels we have stayed at in Japan did this anyway but without any reduction in price.
*Hotel comparison sites are good. Rooms may not be widely available before 3 months in advance, when some of the economy business chains release their remaining options to the public, but booking something in advance on a free cancellation basis will allow you to keep checking options as time progresses safe in the knowledge that you have something in hand should there be high demand. Similarly, if the room rates drop, you have the option to cancel and re-book if suitable rooms are still available.
Location.
In Tokyo especially, location is key to reducing costs. Take a look at a transport map and where you will be visiting - choose an area close by or with easy access to both subway on multiple lines and a JR line.
If you're using a JR pass, then being near to the JR circular Yamanote Line or horizontal Chuo/Sobu line in Tokyo will save lots of cash as you can use this to move about at no extra cost. The same rule of thumb applies elsewhere but bear in mind that locating yourself outside a city with a good connection in may bring accommodation prices down and may position you in a more central location for exploring a wider area. However, if you’re using main railway stations, bus or ferry terminals for day trips or journeys to other destinations, check your costs on getting to and from, especially if early in the morning or late at night.
The same goes for airport access (see 'Connections' below) - being near to a station or bus stop that provides airport connections saves time stress and money; if travelling at an unsociable hour when the hotel station shuttle or subway is not available, the cost of a short taxi trip to your station or bus stop with your luggage will not be too substantial.
Connections.
Connections to and from airports vary. Smaller city airports may only have one access option but larger cities will have numerous choices and types. The costs vary considerably, so check what falls in your budget and is suitable for your arrival/departure to locate yourself accordingly. Limousine bus services are useful but fares can be high. There are some low cost ones though, so do some research and find convenient stops.
In Tokyo, multiple airport bus services are on offer in addition to a number of private train services and Japan Rail routes. It can be quite complicated to assess, especially when a dizzying number of special visitor tickets and time restrictions are factored in. The fantastic Japan-guide.com website has a good overview.
Food & Drink Meals.
From very inexpensive (around £3 for a set) to high end are available everywhere - it’s not hard to find budget options wherever you may be. As in most places, try to avoid the most touristy, built up areas if you’re looking for better value. Remember that service is included and no tipping is expected in Japan, so you do not need to factor this into your budget.
If you’re on a really tight budget, look for supermarkets as opposed to convenience stores for snacks, bento boxes and drinks at a more competitive price. We visit a supermarket and fill our fridge with cold drinks to take during the day and some beer for when we get back - we’re not big social animals and don’t go out drinking in the evenings (I know, boring!)...that saves quite a bit of cash though, as drinks costs can mount up in bars and izakayas, where you may also need to pay a table cover charge. There's some great information about this on the Tokyo Cheapo website.
Coffee.
Japan has a big coffee culture and you will find all the usual chains in addition to lots of lovely independent coffee shops and cafes. The prices can be eye-watering and really eat into the budget. If, like me, you need more than an occasional caffeine fix to help you through those days of jet lag, then this can mount up quickly! Find good, cheap coffee and snacks at convenience stores (some have seating) and fast food chains to keep you topped up. We tend to buy a small jar of coffee or a packet of drip coffee* to keep in our room (easy enough to pack in luggage when moving from place to place) as although drink making facilities will be found in your room, budget business hotels will likely only provide green tea.
* Drip coffee - a little flat-packed, disposable, cardboard stand filled with filter coffee that sits on top of a cup to pour boiling water through. Available from convenience stores and supermarkets in multi-packs.
Souvenirs
You’ll be spoilt for choice. 100 yen stores offer a great range of products with most being great quality. Supermarkets have a greater range and cheaper prices on snacks and confectionery, including KitKat, rice crackers and mochi (watch the sell by date though) etc.
Larger temples and shrines often sell lovely items (including but not limited to omamori charms) at incredible prices compared to similar found in souvenir shops…I've bought green tea, wall hangings, fans and stationary in the past.
Look for local shops in shotengai for traditional clothing, footwear and accessories rather than the made-for-tourist versions near the main sightseeing areas.
Drug stores can be found everywhere and are fantastic for finding unusual and excellent Japanese cosmetics and beauty products.
Currency
Japan is a cash society - only some ATMs allow the use of foreign credit/debit cards, mainly these are at the post offices and 7-11 convenience stores, which are both widespread and easy to locate. Be aware of your card fees though. ATMs generally do not charge fees and offer free withdrawals, but your bank/card provider may charge a transaction rate in addition to setting the exchange rate, which may vary widely. Currency exchange facilities are available at airports and some major stations - shop around.
Generally, it's very safe to carry cash, so if you can get a good deal before you travel, don't be concerned at taking it with you (but take the usual security precautions).
Top Tip: Unlock your card - most banks have fraud prevention measures that would flag and block use in an unusual place. Contact your bank or card provider before going - if you bank online, the facility to do this can sometimes be found when logged into your account.
Resources to help you plan - click for a list of links to useful websites.
