Japan Is the Destination on Everyone’s List, Here’s How To Do It on a Budget in 2025

Forgo the bullet train and travel on the open road

There’s so much hype around the Shinkansen – Japan’s famed bullet train network – you’d be remiss not to experience at least one journey on the lightning-speed transport. However, if you’re looking to travel between multiple cities, the cost of a Shinkansen ticket can start to add up. With ticket prices coming to around 13,000 Yen ($85) one way, you might be wondering if there’s a cheaper alternative to move around the country.

Hai (yes)!

“​​To get to these places (rural towns and prefectures), instead of the Shinkansen, which is quite pricey, look at highway buses instead,” says Gemma. “They're spotless, stop for snacks along the way, have toilets on board and cost a lot less.”

You can grab a kōsoku bus pass for 15,000 Yen ($100) that will give you unlimited travel for five days and experience the stunning countryside from the comfort of a spacious chair at a fraction of the price of rail travel.

Dine like kings and queens on a dime

Ramen, sushi, onigiri, soba, yakitori. The mouth-watering list of delicacies at your fingertips in Japan goes on and on. But as we know, life on holidays can get pretty expensive when you’re dining out for every meal. Thankfully the great exchange rate and a world of options, means eating in Japan can be incredibly affordable.

If you’ve ever scrolled social media you’ve no doubt watched in awe as locals and travelers alike head to convenience stores to uncover delicious food in the aisles. Dried octopus – yes please! Gemma says you can get this same culinary experience for even less by heading to local supermarkets.

“While the konbini (convenience store) is fun (and the onigiri there is a cheap and delicious snack at any hour), supermarkets sell the same food for even less,” she says. “Ramen is always a fail-safe cheap meal at around 1000 Yen ($7), and many restaurants have a machine you can order on if you're nervous about your lack of Japanese (give the attendant your ticket after you've paid, and they'll serve you up a bowl).”

Explore the beautiful natural surroundings

Robots, high-speed trains and futuristic efficiency are all things that make Japan such a fascinating country to explore. But equally as impressive is the country’s stunning natural landscape that is brimming with wonders for travelers to immerse themselves in. While a visit to a Hedgehog cafe might cost you a pretty penny – these natural experiences are largely free!

“In summer, there are gorgeous beaches (Shirahama on the Izu Peninsula is one of my favorites – stay in Shimoda, which is an adorable town where you can find cheap accommodation, and jump on a bus), and some alpine towns lower the ski lifts when it's warm so that when you ascend a mountain to go hiking, your feet will skim through wildflowers on your way up,” says Gemma.

In winter, walking around (and between) sleepy and quaint old towns along the Nakasendo Trail is one of my favourite things to do, and again you can find tatami-style accommodation for cheap. Bathing in a sento (a public bath – different to an onsen) is always affordable and a special cultural experience, and they usually don't care about tattoos. Just make sure you learn the etiquette of how to use these baths before as many people use them for their daily wash and you want to be respectful and clean!”

If you weren’t already thinking about it before – Japan will no doubt be firmly on your travel wish list. You (and your wallet) will thank us later!