I get it. Japan seems like a luxury destination. Sushi trains, bullet trains, neon- lit cities… it’s easy to assume your wallet will cry. But I’ve backpacked through Japan twice. Once on £40 a day. Another time splurging a bit more. Both trips? Unforgettable. Here’s how you can do it without selling a kidney.
Budgeting Like a Pro: Where to Start
First, let’s tackle the big fear: costs. Japan isn’t cheap, but it’s not impossible.
- Flights: Book 3-4 months early. Use Skyscanner’s “whole month” view. I snagged a return from London to Tokyo for £420 by avoiding peak dates.
- Accommodation: Capsule hotels. Hostels. Even budget business hotels. Stayed in Osaka for £25/night with free ramen. Yes, free ramen.
- Transport: Get a JR Pass before you land. A 7-day pass is £200. Sounds steep, but a Tokyo-Kyoto round trip alone costs nearly the same.
Pro tip: Use buses for short routes. Overnight buses save a night’s accommodation. Win-win.
The Visa Hurdle: Don’t Screw This Up
Visas stress everyone. Japan’s requirements vary by nationality. For most, you’ll need:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of funds (bank statements work).
- Flight itinerary : Book refundable tickets or use a dummy booking service. Embassies just want proof you’re leaving.
- Cover letter for visa : Explain why you’re visiting, where you’ll stay, and that you won’t overstay. Keep it short. Example:
“I’m visiting Japan for 14 days to explore cultural sites like Kyoto’s temples and Hiroshima’s Peace Park. I’ve booked hotels in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, and my return flight is on [date]. Attached are my bank statements showing sufficient funds.”
No essays. No fluff. Straight facts.
Itinerary Secrets: Skip the Crowds, Keep the Magic
Most hit Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka. All great. But add these:
- Nara: Feed bowing deer. Free to enter the park.
- Hakone: Ryokans with mountain views. Splurge one night here.
- Hiroshima: The Peace Museum costs £1.50. Powerful and humbling. Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May). Everything’s packed, prices triple.
Food: Eat Like a Local, Spend Like a Student
Think Japan = expensive sushi? Swap dinner for lunch.
- Conveyor belt sushi: Lunch sets from £6. Same fish, half price.
- 7-Eleven: Seriously. Their onigiri (rice balls) are £1.50. Life-savers for train rides.
- Ramen shops: Look for vending machine ordering. Bowls start at £6.
Had my best meal in a tiny Tokyo alley. No menu, just point at what the salaryman next to me ate. Cost? £8.
Cultural Faux Pas: Don’t Be That Tourist
Respect goes a long way.
- Shoes off: In temples, ryokans, some restaurants. Watch for shoe racks or straw mats.
- Chopsticks: Don’t stick them upright in rice. It’s a funeral thing.
- Quiet trains: No calls. Minimal chatting.
Once saw a tourist yelled at for loud talking on a Shinkansen. Don’t be them.
Money: Cash is Still King
Cards work in cities, but rural spots? Cash-only.
- Withdraw yen from 7-Eleven ATMs. Low fees, English menus.
- Coin purse: You’ll get so many coins.
When Things Go Wrong: Plan B
Missed a train? Rain ruined your Fuji day?
- Convenience stores: Buy cheap umbrellas.
- Capsule hotels: Walk in, pay £30, crash. No booking needed.
- Google Translate: Download Japanese offline. Lifesaver for menus.
Final Thought: Just Go
Japan feels like another planet. Safe, clean, wild. Yes, planning’s work. Visas, itineraries, budgets… but once you’re there? Worth every step.
Book that flight. Write that visa letter. And eat all the ramen. You’ll thank me later.
