![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Budget-friendly-Japan.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhen introducing yourself to a different culture, food is always a great place to start. The good news: food in Japan can be really inexpensive! Sure you can hunt down the fancy and shockingly expensive restaurants, but that’s true anywhere. In general, Japan caters to the penny-pincher in all of us. Japan specializes in deliciously cheap noodle restaurants and mouth-watering sushi trains. You can also pocket some extra yen when dining out because tipping in Japan is considered rude!<\/p>\n
Here are a few affordable food options in Japan:<\/p>\n
Eat at Convenience Stores<\/strong><\/h3>\nConvenience stores in Japan are unlike their equivalents in other countries because the food here is both healthy and tasty. Here you\u2019ll find a great selection of pre-cooked dishes such as bento boxes, and different options of rice balls with meat or fish filling, which are all very affordable.<\/p>\n
Board the Sushi Trains<\/strong><\/h3>\nThis one is hardly a tip because eating sushi while you\u2019re in Japan is a bit of a no-brainer! So it\u2019s a bonus that the sushi trains here are unbeatable for value. Sushi trains feature irresistible sushi and nori roll portions rolling past diners on conveyers belts. If you can resist the understandable urge to grab everything that passes by, you can usually get a very reasonably priced meal, with individual dished for as $2 a plate!<\/p>\n
Take Advantage of Baikingu<\/strong><\/h3>\nBaikingu, or \u201cvikings<\/a>,” are all-you-can-eat buffets that locals enjoy on a daily basis. If you can find a good value viking — some can be expensive — then you\u2019ve found the best dinner option out there! Expect to stuff yourself on as little as $20.<\/p>\nAvoid Fresh Fruit<\/strong><\/h3>\nFruit in Japan is considered a luxury product and is therefore priced accordingly. Don\u2019t worry though, just make sure to get plenty of vegetables at your next sushi train visit.<\/p>\n
Check Out Noodle Bars<\/strong><\/h3>\nNoodle houses are possibly the best way to get a cheap and filling meal in Japan. Noodle houses offer big bowls of ramen, udon, or soba, and they can be found on almost every street corner. They also serve tea — hot or cold — for free! Be sure to slurp loudly<\/a> as well — it\u2019s a sign that you\u2019re enjoying your meal.<\/p>\nFor more tips on mastering Japanese manners, read this<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nAccommodation<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Budget-Friendly-Japan-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWith lots of people, limited space, and high housing prices, Japan can be pretty expensive in the accommodation department. And even though shelter will be one of your major expenses, it doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ll have to pay dearly for it. In fact, you\u2019ll find a whole host of housing options that are ingenious, cheap, and uniquely Japanese — like a library hostel or a 24-hour internet caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n
Here’s how to sleep cheap in Japan:<\/p>\n
Recharge at a Capsule Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\nNot quite a hostel, and not quite a dorm, capsule hotels are perfect for savvy travelers who\u2019re looking to cut costs. They are basically the most economical hotel ever, where guests sleep in tiny capsules and share facilities like bathrooms and common areas. Each capsule is quite cozy and comes with a reading light, outlets, and sometimes a small TV. You can expect to pay around $35 per night. (Really.)<\/p>\n
Crash at a Hostel<\/strong><\/h3>\nMost people are already aware that hostels are a universally accepted means for cheaper accommodation. And if you don\u2019t mind sleeping in dorms, then you can find hostels in Japan for as low as $20 a night. An extra incentive is that it\u2019s not uncommon for hostels in Japan to let you stay for free if you clean for a few hours a day!<\/p>\n
Rest Easy at a Business Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you’re a little…mature…to go the hostel route and prefer your own room, then stop by a business hotel. These hotels are frequented by business travelers that choose to spend a night at a hotel rather than go home after a late night at work. And while they\u2019re nothing flashy, they are perfect for scrimping while also enjoying some level of comfort. Each room is clean, has a private bathroom and all the other traditional hotel amenities. You\u2019ll have more price competition in the bigger cities, and you can pop by these hotels without reservation. A room can go for about $70 per night, but keep in mind that they don\u2019t offer breakfast. (Microwavable noodles are a great way around that.)<\/p>\n
Transportation<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/coawp-admin.fareportal.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Shutterstock_778207054-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Renowned for punctuality, cleanliness, and reliability, the Japanese public transport system is one of the best in the world — and, unfortunately, one of the most expensive. Greatness surely comes at a price, but that doesn\u2019t mean there aren’t any shortcuts around the hefty price tag. With buses taking a lot of time and taxis completely out of the question, trains are by far your best option for getting about the country. They are fast, clean, easy to use, and, when you’re taking advantage of a rail pass, cheap!<\/p>\nGet a Japan Rail <\/strong>(JR) <\/strong>Pass…\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you plan on traveling around Japan, a JR pass is a must! A Japan Rail pass is a prepaid ticket that gives you almost unlimited use of the country\u2019s extensive railway system. This pass is only available for foreign tourists, lasts for periods of 7, 14, or 21 days, and, although the starting price is high at $425, buying individual tickets is much more pricey. The JR pass is comparatively the easiest and least expensive way to see Japan. For example, the seven-day pass is roughly the same price as a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo! Plus, the JR trains also serve local city areas so you can hop on and off whenever and wherever you please. So, do yourself a favor and buy a JR pass online<\/a> before you leave.<\/p>\n…or a Seishun Juhachi Kippu Pass<\/strong><\/h3>\nOnly available three times a year during school holidays, the \u201cSeishun ju-hachi kippu\u201d pass<\/a> allows for rail travel at about half the cost of the Japan Rail Pass! Available for purchase at most JR stations for $108, the ticket gives you five days of unlimited, nationwide travel. The five days don\u2019t have to be consecutive, and the pass is transferable, so it can be used either by one person for five days or be shared among five different people! Keep in mind that the pass doesn\u2019t cover the Shinkansen (bullet) trains, so be sure to factor in slower travel time when planning your day.<\/p>\nCheck out<\/a> these amazing Japanese castles you probably didn\u2019t know about.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nSightseeing<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.cheapoair.com\/miles-away\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/Tourist-sight-seeing-in-Japan.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nNo trip to Japan<\/a> is complete without checking out some of its glorious temples, shrines, castles, gardens, and museums. And even though there is an abundance of cool things to do in Japan that don\u2019t cost a single yen — such as walking through bustling public markets and city centers, and admiring contemporary architecture — the majority of temples and museums will have an entrance fee. This fee isn\u2019t usually expensive — usually around $10 — but if you are after a complete Japanese cultural immersion, then those fees could add up. That said, there are ways to see it all while maintaining a budget-friendly travel itinerary.<\/p>\nTime Your Visit to Occur During\u00a0Bunka no Hi
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nBook your cheap round trip flights<\/a> to Japan so that you make there in time to celebrate Bunka no Hi, or “Culture Day.” On the 3rd of November, the entire nation commemorates this glorious national holiday which features free exhibitions, discounted or free entrance fees, and huge parades! So, if you happen to be in Japan on this day, take advantage and visit as many museums, concerts, and artisan workshops as humanly possible.<\/p>\nSome of great ideas for specific places to visit during Bunka no Hi include:<\/p>\n
\n- Edo-Tokyo Museum<\/strong> – The Edo-Tokyo Museum<\/a> is solely focused on the history of Tokyo and is located in the Sumida City area<\/li>\n
- Hakone <\/strong>– Every year for Bunka no Hi, the town of Hakone<\/a> in Kanagawa Prefecture hosts a reenactment of the feudal lord march, known as the “Daimyo Gyoretsu<\/a>,” with over 150 actors in traditional costume and dress.<\/li>\n
- Studio Ghibli Museum – <\/strong>The Studio Ghibli Museum<\/a> in Tokyo Inokashira Park is dedicated to everything pertaining to the famed animation studio. All tickets for the museum<\/a> need to be purchased in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Take Advantage of Free Guiding Services
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
This one is hardly a tip because eating sushi while you\u2019re in Japan is a bit of a no-brainer! So it\u2019s a bonus that the sushi trains here are unbeatable for value. Sushi trains feature irresistible sushi and nori roll portions rolling past diners on conveyers belts. If you can resist the understandable urge to grab everything that passes by, you can usually get a very reasonably priced meal, with individual dished for as $2 a plate!<\/p>\n
Take Advantage of Baikingu<\/strong><\/h3>\nBaikingu, or \u201cvikings<\/a>,” are all-you-can-eat buffets that locals enjoy on a daily basis. If you can find a good value viking — some can be expensive — then you\u2019ve found the best dinner option out there! Expect to stuff yourself on as little as $20.<\/p>\nAvoid Fresh Fruit<\/strong><\/h3>\nFruit in Japan is considered a luxury product and is therefore priced accordingly. Don\u2019t worry though, just make sure to get plenty of vegetables at your next sushi train visit.<\/p>\n
Check Out Noodle Bars<\/strong><\/h3>\nNoodle houses are possibly the best way to get a cheap and filling meal in Japan. Noodle houses offer big bowls of ramen, udon, or soba, and they can be found on almost every street corner. They also serve tea — hot or cold — for free! Be sure to slurp loudly<\/a> as well — it\u2019s a sign that you\u2019re enjoying your meal.<\/p>\nFor more tips on mastering Japanese manners, read this<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nAccommodation<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWith lots of people, limited space, and high housing prices, Japan can be pretty expensive in the accommodation department. And even though shelter will be one of your major expenses, it doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ll have to pay dearly for it. In fact, you\u2019ll find a whole host of housing options that are ingenious, cheap, and uniquely Japanese — like a library hostel or a 24-hour internet caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n
Here’s how to sleep cheap in Japan:<\/p>\n
Recharge at a Capsule Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\nNot quite a hostel, and not quite a dorm, capsule hotels are perfect for savvy travelers who\u2019re looking to cut costs. They are basically the most economical hotel ever, where guests sleep in tiny capsules and share facilities like bathrooms and common areas. Each capsule is quite cozy and comes with a reading light, outlets, and sometimes a small TV. You can expect to pay around $35 per night. (Really.)<\/p>\n
Crash at a Hostel<\/strong><\/h3>\nMost people are already aware that hostels are a universally accepted means for cheaper accommodation. And if you don\u2019t mind sleeping in dorms, then you can find hostels in Japan for as low as $20 a night. An extra incentive is that it\u2019s not uncommon for hostels in Japan to let you stay for free if you clean for a few hours a day!<\/p>\n
Rest Easy at a Business Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you’re a little…mature…to go the hostel route and prefer your own room, then stop by a business hotel. These hotels are frequented by business travelers that choose to spend a night at a hotel rather than go home after a late night at work. And while they\u2019re nothing flashy, they are perfect for scrimping while also enjoying some level of comfort. Each room is clean, has a private bathroom and all the other traditional hotel amenities. You\u2019ll have more price competition in the bigger cities, and you can pop by these hotels without reservation. A room can go for about $70 per night, but keep in mind that they don\u2019t offer breakfast. (Microwavable noodles are a great way around that.)<\/p>\n
Transportation<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Renowned for punctuality, cleanliness, and reliability, the Japanese public transport system is one of the best in the world — and, unfortunately, one of the most expensive. Greatness surely comes at a price, but that doesn\u2019t mean there aren’t any shortcuts around the hefty price tag. With buses taking a lot of time and taxis completely out of the question, trains are by far your best option for getting about the country. They are fast, clean, easy to use, and, when you’re taking advantage of a rail pass, cheap!<\/p>\nGet a Japan Rail <\/strong>(JR) <\/strong>Pass…\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you plan on traveling around Japan, a JR pass is a must! A Japan Rail pass is a prepaid ticket that gives you almost unlimited use of the country\u2019s extensive railway system. This pass is only available for foreign tourists, lasts for periods of 7, 14, or 21 days, and, although the starting price is high at $425, buying individual tickets is much more pricey. The JR pass is comparatively the easiest and least expensive way to see Japan. For example, the seven-day pass is roughly the same price as a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo! Plus, the JR trains also serve local city areas so you can hop on and off whenever and wherever you please. So, do yourself a favor and buy a JR pass online<\/a> before you leave.<\/p>\n…or a Seishun Juhachi Kippu Pass<\/strong><\/h3>\nOnly available three times a year during school holidays, the \u201cSeishun ju-hachi kippu\u201d pass<\/a> allows for rail travel at about half the cost of the Japan Rail Pass! Available for purchase at most JR stations for $108, the ticket gives you five days of unlimited, nationwide travel. The five days don\u2019t have to be consecutive, and the pass is transferable, so it can be used either by one person for five days or be shared among five different people! Keep in mind that the pass doesn\u2019t cover the Shinkansen (bullet) trains, so be sure to factor in slower travel time when planning your day.<\/p>\nCheck out<\/a> these amazing Japanese castles you probably didn\u2019t know about.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nSightseeing<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nNo trip to Japan<\/a> is complete without checking out some of its glorious temples, shrines, castles, gardens, and museums. And even though there is an abundance of cool things to do in Japan that don\u2019t cost a single yen — such as walking through bustling public markets and city centers, and admiring contemporary architecture — the majority of temples and museums will have an entrance fee. This fee isn\u2019t usually expensive — usually around $10 — but if you are after a complete Japanese cultural immersion, then those fees could add up. That said, there are ways to see it all while maintaining a budget-friendly travel itinerary.<\/p>\nTime Your Visit to Occur During\u00a0Bunka no Hi
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nBook your cheap round trip flights<\/a> to Japan so that you make there in time to celebrate Bunka no Hi, or “Culture Day.” On the 3rd of November, the entire nation commemorates this glorious national holiday which features free exhibitions, discounted or free entrance fees, and huge parades! So, if you happen to be in Japan on this day, take advantage and visit as many museums, concerts, and artisan workshops as humanly possible.<\/p>\nSome of great ideas for specific places to visit during Bunka no Hi include:<\/p>\n
\n- Edo-Tokyo Museum<\/strong> – The Edo-Tokyo Museum<\/a> is solely focused on the history of Tokyo and is located in the Sumida City area<\/li>\n
- Hakone <\/strong>– Every year for Bunka no Hi, the town of Hakone<\/a> in Kanagawa Prefecture hosts a reenactment of the feudal lord march, known as the “Daimyo Gyoretsu<\/a>,” with over 150 actors in traditional costume and dress.<\/li>\n
- Studio Ghibli Museum – <\/strong>The Studio Ghibli Museum<\/a> in Tokyo Inokashira Park is dedicated to everything pertaining to the famed animation studio. All tickets for the museum<\/a> need to be purchased in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Take Advantage of Free Guiding Services
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Avoid Fresh Fruit<\/strong><\/h3>\nFruit in Japan is considered a luxury product and is therefore priced accordingly. Don\u2019t worry though, just make sure to get plenty of vegetables at your next sushi train visit.<\/p>\n
Check Out Noodle Bars<\/strong><\/h3>\nNoodle houses are possibly the best way to get a cheap and filling meal in Japan. Noodle houses offer big bowls of ramen, udon, or soba, and they can be found on almost every street corner. They also serve tea — hot or cold — for free! Be sure to slurp loudly<\/a> as well — it\u2019s a sign that you\u2019re enjoying your meal.<\/p>\nFor more tips on mastering Japanese manners, read this<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\nAccommodation<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWith lots of people, limited space, and high housing prices, Japan can be pretty expensive in the accommodation department. And even though shelter will be one of your major expenses, it doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ll have to pay dearly for it. In fact, you\u2019ll find a whole host of housing options that are ingenious, cheap, and uniquely Japanese — like a library hostel or a 24-hour internet caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n
Here’s how to sleep cheap in Japan:<\/p>\n
Recharge at a Capsule Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\nNot quite a hostel, and not quite a dorm, capsule hotels are perfect for savvy travelers who\u2019re looking to cut costs. They are basically the most economical hotel ever, where guests sleep in tiny capsules and share facilities like bathrooms and common areas. Each capsule is quite cozy and comes with a reading light, outlets, and sometimes a small TV. You can expect to pay around $35 per night. (Really.)<\/p>\n
Crash at a Hostel<\/strong><\/h3>\nMost people are already aware that hostels are a universally accepted means for cheaper accommodation. And if you don\u2019t mind sleeping in dorms, then you can find hostels in Japan for as low as $20 a night. An extra incentive is that it\u2019s not uncommon for hostels in Japan to let you stay for free if you clean for a few hours a day!<\/p>\n
Rest Easy at a Business Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you’re a little…mature…to go the hostel route and prefer your own room, then stop by a business hotel. These hotels are frequented by business travelers that choose to spend a night at a hotel rather than go home after a late night at work. And while they\u2019re nothing flashy, they are perfect for scrimping while also enjoying some level of comfort. Each room is clean, has a private bathroom and all the other traditional hotel amenities. You\u2019ll have more price competition in the bigger cities, and you can pop by these hotels without reservation. A room can go for about $70 per night, but keep in mind that they don\u2019t offer breakfast. (Microwavable noodles are a great way around that.)<\/p>\n
Transportation<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Renowned for punctuality, cleanliness, and reliability, the Japanese public transport system is one of the best in the world — and, unfortunately, one of the most expensive. Greatness surely comes at a price, but that doesn\u2019t mean there aren’t any shortcuts around the hefty price tag. With buses taking a lot of time and taxis completely out of the question, trains are by far your best option for getting about the country. They are fast, clean, easy to use, and, when you’re taking advantage of a rail pass, cheap!<\/p>\nGet a Japan Rail <\/strong>(JR) <\/strong>Pass…\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf you plan on traveling around Japan, a JR pass is a must! A Japan Rail pass is a prepaid ticket that gives you almost unlimited use of the country\u2019s extensive railway system. This pass is only available for foreign tourists, lasts for periods of 7, 14, or 21 days, and, although the starting price is high at $425, buying individual tickets is much more pricey. The JR pass is comparatively the easiest and least expensive way to see Japan. For example, the seven-day pass is roughly the same price as a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo! Plus, the JR trains also serve local city areas so you can hop on and off whenever and wherever you please. So, do yourself a favor and buy a JR pass online<\/a> before you leave.<\/p>\n…or a Seishun Juhachi Kippu Pass<\/strong><\/h3>\nOnly available three times a year during school holidays, the \u201cSeishun ju-hachi kippu\u201d pass<\/a> allows for rail travel at about half the cost of the Japan Rail Pass! Available for purchase at most JR stations for $108, the ticket gives you five days of unlimited, nationwide travel. The five days don\u2019t have to be consecutive, and the pass is transferable, so it can be used either by one person for five days or be shared among five different people! Keep in mind that the pass doesn\u2019t cover the Shinkansen (bullet) trains, so be sure to factor in slower travel time when planning your day.<\/p>\nCheck out<\/a> these amazing Japanese castles you probably didn\u2019t know about.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\nSightseeing<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nNo trip to Japan<\/a> is complete without checking out some of its glorious temples, shrines, castles, gardens, and museums. And even though there is an abundance of cool things to do in Japan that don\u2019t cost a single yen — such as walking through bustling public markets and city centers, and admiring contemporary architecture — the majority of temples and museums will have an entrance fee. This fee isn\u2019t usually expensive — usually around $10 — but if you are after a complete Japanese cultural immersion, then those fees could add up. That said, there are ways to see it all while maintaining a budget-friendly travel itinerary.<\/p>\nTime Your Visit to Occur During\u00a0Bunka no Hi
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nBook your cheap round trip flights<\/a> to Japan so that you make there in time to celebrate Bunka no Hi, or “Culture Day.” On the 3rd of November, the entire nation commemorates this glorious national holiday which features free exhibitions, discounted or free entrance fees, and huge parades! So, if you happen to be in Japan on this day, take advantage and visit as many museums, concerts, and artisan workshops as humanly possible.<\/p>\nSome of great ideas for specific places to visit during Bunka no Hi include:<\/p>\n
\n- Edo-Tokyo Museum<\/strong> – The Edo-Tokyo Museum<\/a> is solely focused on the history of Tokyo and is located in the Sumida City area<\/li>\n
- Hakone <\/strong>– Every year for Bunka no Hi, the town of Hakone<\/a> in Kanagawa Prefecture hosts a reenactment of the feudal lord march, known as the “Daimyo Gyoretsu<\/a>,” with over 150 actors in traditional costume and dress.<\/li>\n
- Studio Ghibli Museum – <\/strong>The Studio Ghibli Museum<\/a> in Tokyo Inokashira Park is dedicated to everything pertaining to the famed animation studio. All tickets for the museum<\/a> need to be purchased in advance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Take Advantage of Free Guiding Services
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Noodle houses are possibly the best way to get a cheap and filling meal in Japan. Noodle houses offer big bowls of ramen, udon, or soba, and they can be found on almost every street corner. They also serve tea — hot or cold — for free! Be sure to slurp loudly<\/a> as well — it\u2019s a sign that you\u2019re enjoying your meal.<\/p>\n For more tips on mastering Japanese manners, read this<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n With lots of people, limited space, and high housing prices, Japan can be pretty expensive in the accommodation department. And even though shelter will be one of your major expenses, it doesn\u2019t mean that you\u2019ll have to pay dearly for it. In fact, you\u2019ll find a whole host of housing options that are ingenious, cheap, and uniquely Japanese — like a library hostel or a 24-hour internet caf\u00e9.<\/p>\n Here’s how to sleep cheap in Japan:<\/p>\n Not quite a hostel, and not quite a dorm, capsule hotels are perfect for savvy travelers who\u2019re looking to cut costs. They are basically the most economical hotel ever, where guests sleep in tiny capsules and share facilities like bathrooms and common areas. Each capsule is quite cozy and comes with a reading light, outlets, and sometimes a small TV. You can expect to pay around $35 per night. (Really.)<\/p>\n Most people are already aware that hostels are a universally accepted means for cheaper accommodation. And if you don\u2019t mind sleeping in dorms, then you can find hostels in Japan for as low as $20 a night. An extra incentive is that it\u2019s not uncommon for hostels in Japan to let you stay for free if you clean for a few hours a day!<\/p>\n If you’re a little…mature…to go the hostel route and prefer your own room, then stop by a business hotel. These hotels are frequented by business travelers that choose to spend a night at a hotel rather than go home after a late night at work. And while they\u2019re nothing flashy, they are perfect for scrimping while also enjoying some level of comfort. Each room is clean, has a private bathroom and all the other traditional hotel amenities. You\u2019ll have more price competition in the bigger cities, and you can pop by these hotels without reservation. A room can go for about $70 per night, but keep in mind that they don\u2019t offer breakfast. (Microwavable noodles are a great way around that.)<\/p>\n If you plan on traveling around Japan, a JR pass is a must! A Japan Rail pass is a prepaid ticket that gives you almost unlimited use of the country\u2019s extensive railway system. This pass is only available for foreign tourists, lasts for periods of 7, 14, or 21 days, and, although the starting price is high at $425, buying individual tickets is much more pricey. The JR pass is comparatively the easiest and least expensive way to see Japan. For example, the seven-day pass is roughly the same price as a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo! Plus, the JR trains also serve local city areas so you can hop on and off whenever and wherever you please. So, do yourself a favor and buy a JR pass online<\/a> before you leave.<\/p>\n Only available three times a year during school holidays, the \u201cSeishun ju-hachi kippu\u201d pass<\/a> allows for rail travel at about half the cost of the Japan Rail Pass! Available for purchase at most JR stations for $108, the ticket gives you five days of unlimited, nationwide travel. The five days don\u2019t have to be consecutive, and the pass is transferable, so it can be used either by one person for five days or be shared among five different people! Keep in mind that the pass doesn\u2019t cover the Shinkansen (bullet) trains, so be sure to factor in slower travel time when planning your day.<\/p>\n Check out<\/a> these amazing Japanese castles you probably didn\u2019t know about.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n No trip to Japan<\/a> is complete without checking out some of its glorious temples, shrines, castles, gardens, and museums. And even though there is an abundance of cool things to do in Japan that don\u2019t cost a single yen — such as walking through bustling public markets and city centers, and admiring contemporary architecture — the majority of temples and museums will have an entrance fee. This fee isn\u2019t usually expensive — usually around $10 — but if you are after a complete Japanese cultural immersion, then those fees could add up. That said, there are ways to see it all while maintaining a budget-friendly travel itinerary.<\/p>\n Book your cheap round trip flights<\/a> to Japan so that you make there in time to celebrate Bunka no Hi, or “Culture Day.” On the 3rd of November, the entire nation commemorates this glorious national holiday which features free exhibitions, discounted or free entrance fees, and huge parades! So, if you happen to be in Japan on this day, take advantage and visit as many museums, concerts, and artisan workshops as humanly possible.<\/p>\n Some of great ideas for specific places to visit during Bunka no Hi include:<\/p>\nAccommodation<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nRecharge at a Capsule Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Crash at a Hostel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Rest Easy at a Business Hotel<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Transportation<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Renowned for punctuality, cleanliness, and reliability, the Japanese public transport system is one of the best in the world — and, unfortunately, one of the most expensive. Greatness surely comes at a price, but that doesn\u2019t mean there aren’t any shortcuts around the hefty price tag. With buses taking a lot of time and taxis completely out of the question, trains are by far your best option for getting about the country. They are fast, clean, easy to use, and, when you’re taking advantage of a rail pass, cheap!<\/p>\nGet a Japan Rail <\/strong>(JR) <\/strong>Pass…\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
…or a Seishun Juhachi Kippu Pass<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Sightseeing<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nTime Your Visit to Occur During\u00a0Bunka no Hi
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Take Advantage of Free Guiding Services
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n