6 Essential Saving Money Tips When Travelling in Japan

We often deemed Japan as an expensive country for tourists to set foot on. Indeed it is true to a certain extent. That is the main deterrence why I did not visit Japan until only recently and wanting so much to uncover the myth of “expensive” tagline that is commonly associated with Japan.

Putting myself to the challenge, I have recorded my expenses below for a trip to Kansai region in Japan. A total of SGD$1,484 was spent for the entire trip (includes my air ticket from Singapore).

And if you are thinking that I had starve myself in order to scrimp and save, then you are absolutely wrong. The food in Japan have always been so inviting to my stomach and I cannot give it a miss having travelled so far. In fact, the most expensive dinner was the Kobe Beef which consists of just 5 slices that costs SGD$60.

Tip #1: Flying into Japan using Low Cost Carrier

The most economical way to fly into Japan is via low cost carrier. As Japan aviation opens up, the low cost airlines have commenced its operations with Peach Airline being one of the leading choices. TigerAir Taiwan also operates many flights between Taipei and Japan major cities. If you are flying on low cost airline, the best option would be to transit in Taipei.

If you are flying in directly from other parts of the world like Singapore, JetStar Asia, TigerAir and Scoot would be good choices. Considering it is more than 7 hours of flight if you are flying from places like Singapore and you prefer extra comfort such as in-flight entertainment, meals on board and free baggage allowance of up to 30kg for Economy passengers, then Malaysia Airlines would be a good choice. Malaysia Airlines arrive into Osaka early in the morning and the short transit time in Kuala Lumpur airport makes it an ideal choice!

Tip #2: Settle your meals at Train Stations

Japan transportation network is so advanced with almost every places having a train station. More often than not, these train stations offers commuters a quick and relatively cheaper meal options. They serve equally delicious food with some as low as 300Yen (around SGD$3.80) for a big bowl of ramen. A typically meal at a restaurant costs around 800 Yen (around SGD$10).

By dinning in such small ramen outlet found at the many train stations, one can also experience the local Japanese  quick eating style where there is only room to stand.

Tip #3: Purchase food after 8pm

One of the best saving tips would be to purchase food after 8pm at the basement of huge departmental stores such as Takashimaya , Daimaru etc.  I would always locate the departmental stores whenever I arrive at the city (E.g. Kobe, Kyoto etc).

Expect discounts between 30%- 70% as they would like to clear the food on their shelves. The Japanese are also snatching for it, so one got to be quick to get the good deal or else the food you are craving for will end up in other people hands.

Tip #4: Take Public Transport

Japan transport infrastructure is that good till at time, it is confusing looking at the subway lines. Some of the tourist attractions in Kyoto, Osaka can be better reach if you take the public bus instead. The bus fare is rather standard in Kyoto where one pay 230 Yen for each ride regardless of distance.

Board from the rear end of the bus and alight at the front. Remember to tap out using the IC Card when disembarking.

However, the train and bus are usually very crowded. The buses time schedule can be found at the bus stop, do note that they arrive punctually and some buses have long waiting interval.

Tip #5: Stay at Hostel / Capsule Hotels

The hostel in Japan are so clean to the extent that I can doze off in the shared bathroom. Sleeping in hostel allows one to save huge amount of money and yet able to make new friends who like you are exploring the city. Many more information on what to eat in the area, tourist spots information are easily available at the hostel reception area.

One should experience staying in Japanese style capsule hotel. It is an eye opening experience where I had truly enjoyed. At the room rate of around SGD$35 per night, I would able to read tonnes of comics, relax in the usage of unlimited sauna between 3pm-9am daily, shower in public bath where everyone gets naked and you just scrub your body slowly. There are even jackpot like machines and caferia area which sells economical food. Toothbrushes, shavers, hairgels, soaps, towels are all provided.

Tip #6: Shop at Tax Free Outlets

With so many shopping outlets all across the various cities, Japan is definitely a shopping heaven. When it comes to shoppping, if you are looking for common facial products, medications, small accessories, I would choose to shop at the tax free outlets and also Daiso stores.

Enjoy travelling in Japan! Remember you are there for a holiday as well, so go ahead to splurge on Japanese food which maybe rather expensive back in your own country.

Categories: Asia Region