How to Survive Japan As a Backpacker!
Japan is famous for being an expensive country to travel in. It can put a lot of people off ‚¬backpacking' across the country because of the prices but this doesn't have to be the case. Japan travel can be done on the cheap. Whether you are taking a week to explore or 6 months to study Japanese in Japan you can survive on a limited budget and still experience the best that Japan has to offer.
One of the best ways to save cash for the duration of your stay is to find cheap accommodation. Depending on where you are in Japan this can really vary. For example if you want to visit Okinawa there are numerous wonderful campsites dotted around the islands that are only ‚300 per person or ‚1000 if you want to hire all your camping equipment. If you are in Tokyo, camping is obviously not an option. Instead try Couch Surfing. This is a great way to meet people and have somewhere to stay for free. You may even get a host who will show you the city and cook you traditional Japanese food!
Travel costs can be high in Japan due to the distances involved and people choosing the faster Shinkansen routes. The bullet train is a great way to travel and will save you time but the last thing it will save you is money. Instead try travelling by bus. Overnight buses across the country are very reasonable and comfortable. The ferry services are also a budget option for covering large distances. If you book a tatami room, shared with other people you will find you are more than comfortable and will save a nights' accommodation cost as well. Ferries are equipped with onsen for bathing and a restaurant to buy food in (although the vending machines are significantly cheaper). If you do decide to travel by train, a rail pass is the best way to go. It may seem like you are paying a lot outright but it will save you so much in the long run.
Japan has numerous sights that have free entry. Some of the best in Tokyo include: Tsukiji Market, the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and the Meiji Shrine. You can also just enjoy wandering around the city's many exciting districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Asakusa. Outside of the capital you will find most cities have a number of free sights. Temples are often free and many castles do not charge entry. Ask around at the tourist information or invest in a good Japan travel guide for even more tips of discounted and free attractions. There are also a number of good Japan tours that will save you money with group discounts and all inclusive prices.
Eating in Japan can be really cheap. You don't need to stop eating out to save money either. Ramen is one of the most reasonable, filling and tasty dishes you can have for around ‚300. A good rule of thumb when choosing your establishment is ‚¬the worse it smells, the better it tastes'. Japan has plenty of its own chain restaurants which are very reasonable and anywhere packed out with salary men during the lunchtime rush is a good bet too.
One of the best ways to save cash for the duration of your stay is to find cheap accommodation. Depending on where you are in Japan this can really vary. For example if you want to visit Okinawa there are numerous wonderful campsites dotted around the islands that are only ‚300 per person or ‚1000 if you want to hire all your camping equipment. If you are in Tokyo, camping is obviously not an option. Instead try Couch Surfing. This is a great way to meet people and have somewhere to stay for free. You may even get a host who will show you the city and cook you traditional Japanese food!
Travel costs can be high in Japan due to the distances involved and people choosing the faster Shinkansen routes. The bullet train is a great way to travel and will save you time but the last thing it will save you is money. Instead try travelling by bus. Overnight buses across the country are very reasonable and comfortable. The ferry services are also a budget option for covering large distances. If you book a tatami room, shared with other people you will find you are more than comfortable and will save a nights' accommodation cost as well. Ferries are equipped with onsen for bathing and a restaurant to buy food in (although the vending machines are significantly cheaper). If you do decide to travel by train, a rail pass is the best way to go. It may seem like you are paying a lot outright but it will save you so much in the long run.
Japan has numerous sights that have free entry. Some of the best in Tokyo include: Tsukiji Market, the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and the Meiji Shrine. You can also just enjoy wandering around the city's many exciting districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Asakusa. Outside of the capital you will find most cities have a number of free sights. Temples are often free and many castles do not charge entry. Ask around at the tourist information or invest in a good Japan travel guide for even more tips of discounted and free attractions. There are also a number of good Japan tours that will save you money with group discounts and all inclusive prices.
Eating in Japan can be really cheap. You don't need to stop eating out to save money either. Ramen is one of the most reasonable, filling and tasty dishes you can have for around ‚300. A good rule of thumb when choosing your establishment is ‚¬the worse it smells, the better it tastes'. Japan has plenty of its own chain restaurants which are very reasonable and anywhere packed out with salary men during the lunchtime rush is a good bet too.
