Budget Travel Tips: Japan for Young First-Time Travelers
Welcome back to In Reverie! I want to share the country that stole my heart during my May 2024 visit. Japan is stunning, filled with beautiful landscapes, neon-lit cityscapes, and vibrant culture. As a first-time visitor, I want to share my experiences with you, the good, the bad, and the not-so-ugly. Here are my (hopefully helpful) tips that I wish I knew beforehand.
Why japan?
Japan feels like a whole new world, the blend of traditional and modern is incredible. Whatever you’re excited about, you will probably find. Studio Ghibli films originally inspired me to visit Japan, and I’m so happy to say that there are places that do feel like that. The food is incredible, the people are warm and welcoming, and the sights are breathtaking. Whether you're a foodie, an adventurer, or a culture enthusiast, Japan has something for everyone.
quick tips:
If you’re short on time, here is a list of my best tips!
Just Book It: Browse SkyScanner & Google Flights, find the cheapest flights, and book it.
Don’t Overpack: Take advantage of laundromats or book accommodations with a washing machine. Walking around busy cities with too much luggage is a pain – take it from me!
If you plan to drive: Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is also required if you decide to zoom around the streets in karts.
Get a Welcome Suica Card: Perfect for easy train payments. You can only get these from Haneda Airport, otherwise, Apple users can add them to Apple Wallet.
Get an ESIM or Pocket WiFi: This will make navigation so much easier.
Learn Basic Japanese Phrases: Not only does this help tremendously, but the locals really appreciate the effort and they never hesitate to help.
Be Respectful: Put your rubbish in the bins, be respectful and quiet on public transport, and try to avoid eating while walking. Also, use the money trays when paying with cash.
Take Advantage of Conbini: An amazing tip for budget travelers. They are everywhere and filled with endless delicious food and drink options. They are also the best place for withdrawing cash, and you can book tickets for events such as baseball games here.
Trains Terminate at Midnight: If you plan on enjoying the nightlife of Japan, keep in mind trains will terminate around midnight and resume around 5am.
Travel With Enough Cash: Although most places take card payments, not all do. It is worth keeping cash with you.
Bring a Portable Charger Everywhere: Without a doubt, you will walk 15,000 steps plus each day, you need your phone for navigating trains and streets, as well as taking hundreds of photos (if you’re anything like me).
Download Apps: Google Translate and Google Maps
Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Try not to stand in the middle of the path where thousands of people are walking, step off to the side.
Where to Start?
I often browse flights and dream about locations, hoping that cheap flights will pop up but rarely end up booking things. In August 2023, I was bored and found flights to Japan for around 300 AUD from Sydney to Tokyo with AirAsia. Despite a long layover in Kuala Lumpur, I have no regrets. Over my three weeks in Japan, I explored Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka.
tokyo: the city that never sleeps
From the neon-lit streets of Shibuya to the tranquil gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo is full of contrasts and beauty. I struggled to put my camera down, honestly. We visited iconic temples, indulged in delicious food, and were fortunate enough to experience the Sanja Matsuri festival. Be aware, the streets of Tokyo are busy and filled with millions of people. But everything just flows; the Japanese are used to this lifestyle so the sooner you adapt the better!
There are endless things to do in Tokyo, including Tsukiji Fish Markets, art galleries, digital art museums, baseball games, and so much more. I will write an in-depth blog for each city we visited, going over our recommendations and places to avoid. I feel I was misled a lot by some of the articles I read, so I want you to avoid those mistakes and spend your hard-earned money on experiences that are worth it.
kyoto: the city full of charm
Although it was not the cheapest option, we decided to take the bullet train to Kyoto. Traveling at 300 km/h with a view of Mt. Fuji and a beer in hand is a pretty cool experience. Kyoto was the highlight of our trip, I felt like I was in a dream the whole time. The city’s traditional tea houses, beautiful temples surrounded by luscious green mountains, and nearby town Arashiyama made the experience so special. Kyoto’s blend of incredible food, coffee, and sights made it an unforgettable destination.
osaka: japan’s kitchen
Only 1 hour from Kyoto is Osaka, which is known as Japan’s kitchen for a reason. The city’s street food scene, from takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), is incredible. We honestly spent our time wandering around the streets of Osaka getting lost, eating food, and admiring our surroundings. Again, there is so much to do in Osaka, you won’t be bored. We explored Osaka Castle and visited the stunning jellyfish and active dolphins at the Osaka Aquarium. A train ride around 1 hour from Osaka is Nara Deer Park, filled with gorgeous bowing deer, beautiful rainforests, and old temples. You can also visit Nara Deer Park from Kyoto.
accommodation adventures
We kept costs low by splitting expenses between three people (my boyfriend and my sister) and booking through Airbnb and Booking.com. While most accommodations were great, some were hilariously small. One memorable mishap was a futon in Osaka that flipped over when my boyfriend lay on it—definitely a laughable moment in hindsight.
Tips for Finding Accommodation
Start Booking Early: I will repeat this throughout all of my blogs. Book as early as you can, you have far more options that stay within a smaller budget.
Stay Near a Train Station: This makes travel more convenient and can save on transportation costs.
Research Thoroughly: Check reviews and photos to avoid surprises. Sometimes it’s worth spending a bit more for comfort and location.
Expect Small: These cities are small in comparison to the population, most accommodation is on the smaller side so be prepared.
navigating japan
Trains are the main mode of transportation and are punctual and efficient. Google Maps makes navigating the train system easy. While trains are cheaper than taxis, costs can add up quickly. Buses are also a convenient and affordable option. To travel in between cities options include regular trains, bullet trains, hiring a car, and flights.
Use a Suica or Pasmo Card: You can only get these from the Haneda Airport - this may have changed since we went but keep this in mind. Perfect for easy train payments and can be added to your Apple Wallet.
Bullet Trains (JR Pass): Prices increased drastically in October 2023, so for some, this may not be worth it. You can only buy this online from JR prior to your arrival in Japan. I would only recommend this if you plan to ride a lot of JR trains during your trip. You can easily buy Shinkansen and regular JR tickets after arriving in Japan at any JR train station - you do not need to do this ahead of time.
Flights: Another option for traveling between cities is simply to book regional flights - I just booked mine through SkyScanner. If you plan ahead of time, you will most likely find cheaper flights.
Regular Trains: You can also travel via regular train between cities, but from Tokyo to Kyoto is 8 hours, so keep that in mind when booking. It is far cheaper than the bullet train but similar to flights.
Hire a Car: Lastly, if you are happy to drive. Hire a car, and explore some of the beautiful surrounding towns and landscapes along the way. Keep in mind, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
conclusion: why i love japan
Japan felt like a dream. I was constantly happy, exploring, eating amazing food, and seeing beautiful sights. I kept a journal throughout my trip and would love to share more about my experiences, from amusement parks to convenience stores and many more.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Until next time, keep exploring and capturing the world around you—in all its imperfect, beautiful glory.
P.S. I have so many photos from Japan—the film is being developed as we speak. I can’t wait to share them with you.
hi, i’m h!
Sharing my stories, tips & tricks so you can spend your time enjoying other things in life rather than scouring the internet for hours.
