Japan on a Budget - Tips to Save Money 🇯🇵

[@seerasan]

Share your budget travel tips down below! 💸 And were any of the ones I shared helpful? - let me know, cause I'm curious!

[@nobishinzaka]

Doing laundry doesn’t get mentioned much for Japan trip tip videos. Thanks for the tip!

[@seerasan]

When I was travelling around Europe this summer, it was something that was commonly an issue… so was fresh in my memory 😂

[@gavofthrones7509]

Plenty of places to do laundry in my opinion. A lot of hotels have laundries in them and there are a few laundrettes around too

[@MSinclairStevens]

17:35 Hotel distance from attractions you want to visit not only adds up in price but costs time. That added travel time eats up your day especially when shops open late and close early. And you exhaust yourself getting to a destination which can cut into your enjoyment of being there.

[@Buggiy]

It depends on the price and so on. And how far away you are. In tokyo or any big city, you can choose a hotel which is a bit outside. But a metro station should be in short walking distance. And the added travel time dont eat up your day. As stores are open from maybe 10am till 9pm. And maybe 60min travel over the whole day still leaves you with enough sleep, time at a bar or whatever. But as always it depends. We booked a flat with a few friends and paid 30€ a night for 3 people together. But we needed 20min to namba. Still big flat, high up. Great view and so on was worth it

[@ashakydd1]

Important tip: remember that time has a $$$ value to you. You have already paid a certain amount to be there so things like taking a slower train or a bus can end up costing you more than you realize. Also, map out your train and JR public transit (the JR Pass also does some public transit in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nagoya) to calculate how much it will cost to do it ala cart. A JR Pass might still be cheaper. Also, on doing your own laundry, avoid places with combo washer/dryer machines (all in one machines instead of separate washers and dryers). The combo machines (which I only experienced in hotels) take an incredibly long time to dry your clothes.

[@Rirenzu]

This was by far one of the most helpful travel videos that I've ever seen. Thanks for being my emotional support channel.

[@MoonbaseCommander]

I feel so validated for choosing my annual Japan trip to be in May haha

[@AmbientWalking]

My de-facto cheapo strategy when I was living in Tokyo was to head to any of the numerous 'Yayoi Ken' restaurants and order the cheapest 'ichiju sansai', a set meal (which is either grilled miso mackerel or deep fried chicken) with unlimited top ups (it's self service, so don't feel shy) of plain, white rice. I would basically fast till as long as I can till about 3-4 pm (there was once I hit a 6 pm record, but it was the summer and I did nothing but hang out at Tower Records listening to records) and head to Yayoiken and eat 6 bowls of rice or something. It's immensely fulfilling for a mere 590 yen. The meal will last you an entire day. Comes with free cold unlimited green tea, pickles and miso soup too. It gets pretty packed during rush hours, but at other times, you can sit there as long as you wish without anyone bothering you, which basically means you can eat as much rice as you like. Some of these branches (like the one in Ginza, several in Shinjuku) are open 24 hours!!!!! That's insanely awesome!!! : )

[@LittleKahu]

Just returned from a great holiday in Kyoto and Tokyo. Walked A LOT which is indeed an excellent way to get around and explore, but make sure you are wearing well-fitted and comfortable shoes! Hired a cycle in Arashiyama which was a fun way to explore plus it saved heaps of time getting from place to place (a good way to see places further out that many people won't go to). @seerasan thanks for all your ideas and recommendations, they came in handy during my trip. Half expected to bump into you on the streets of Tokyo 😁😁

[@IQSim]

Haven't been to Japan yet but when traveling I always bring along my water bottle. That way I don't have to buy any drinks. I also like to get fruit or veggies, cut them up and bring them along as snacks. Kept in a lightweight plastic box they're easy to carry around in a bag. Some prep time at home or your hotel can save you quite a lot of money during the day.

[@Mic_Mike]

If you're "on the road", walking around towns and not that hungry, you can always buy onigiris and drinks at the convenient store or have a quick lunch in a chain restaurant such as Matsuya, Sukiya, Yoshinoya (Gyudon) where it's literally fast food. Quality at a reasonable price and you can have a more diversed/furnished dinner in a more traditional restaurant in the evening... Depending on where I am and how much I am visiting/walking, that is what I usually do. Helps save a few bucks on a long trip.

[@subaruaura]

Been loving the content these, especially since I'm planning to go back to Japan next year! I would love to see a future video from you explaining the process of using the Shinkansen, all the different types of Shinkansen trains, and the different cars. I remember my first time being a confusing experience and would love a clear guide explaining the process.

[@jaybee4288]

This is so helpful. I’m going for 3 weeks at the end of feb and I’m not on a super tight budget or anything but these are good tips to save a bit 😊

[@Chiisanabatta]

Get a super cheap dinner at a regular supermarket, specially after 20/21pm when there are huge discounts and you can literally buy sushi or ready meals for 100/300 yen. Why nobody mentions this in the saving type videos of Japan? 😅 good that u did though !!❤ buying in convenience stores is more expensive than supermarket, way more!!

[@amandariviera]

Great insights. It's all about choosing your costs. Money vs time vs effort. Higher accommodation, but cheaper travel and less time to get to the things you want. More expensive items, but saving time and effort with convenience.

[@rayakojuice]

just got put on to your channel and I'd been binging pretty much all day, and now there's a new video. arigatou, seerasan

[@josephau2910]

I've just returned from a trip to Sapporo and Tokyo, and I totally agree with the supermarket tips. You can save a bit more on snacks and other staple items.

[@chisol3508]

Hi seera! I just want to say I love your videos. They are not only entertaining but also very useful. I'm in Japan right now and you helped me realize that combini food is not that cheap. I now opt for the restos since it's only a small price difference. Some restos are actually cheaper! I also love your consistent uploads. I hope you keep doing what you do 😊

[@seerasan]

I’m glad to hear you agree! Thanks for letting me know ☺️✨

[@a.k9951]

Helpful and sensible. I've watched many other KZbin videos on saving $. Yours is by far the best,

[@laurafaes9014]

By far the BEST Japan travel video I’ve seen!

[@Boomdizzle99]

Definitely sharing this to my travel group! Insane hacks seera! Life saver!!

[@karaokedogs2618]

Good video with plenty of useful content! Two small tips concerning convenience rather than saving money: When going outside, it is best to keep a good-sized plastic bag handy, as a garbage bag. Public garbage bins are scarce; in Japan you are expected to deal with your own garbage. Keep a pack of wet tissues in your bag or pocket, available at all pharmacies and convenience stores. Much of the food sold at street stalls is finger food, and can be messy to clean up.

[@nelsonpereira4951]

As a future first timer in Tokyo i loved the vídeo with this great tips 👏🏼☺️

[@gjet35]

I love the night buses myself but I know they aren't for everyone. I saved so much money using them myself as I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, thankfully.

[@anthonychang2728]

i had sukiya everyday for breakfast. best time of me life

[@corikra1392]

Regarding free/cheap observation decks - many of the high office towers have restaurants on the upper floors. It's free to take the elevator up, even if you don't want to eat there, there is usually a good view when getting off the elevator up there 👍

[@AmbientWalking]

Thanks for all these amazing tips! WONDERFUL that you're sharing them with us!

[@eduardtee]

Great video. Have been watching a lot of yours bc of vacation-preparation. Keep it up!

[@kelsie_o3o516]

I am planning to go to Japan next year in early autumn. This was so informative! Thank you!!!!

[@seerasan]

Happy to hear that! 🥰✨

[@silverian]

Great tips and especially reminder to go supermarket when there is discount time!

[@alexanderschwarm7755]

Your channel is my cosy escape after a strssful day

[@gr8eacher]

You look sincere and friendly person. Thank you sharing what you experience in Japan. Any suggestions for Tokyo short stays are welcome.

[@gavofthrones7509]

Great tips as always. Just finished my trip but will be back for sure

[@Marbeary]

Also those supermarkets at closing also include desserts. Yes the meals at the supermarket are good and if you are staying with a microwave great for breakfast

[@PBandJ25]

Fabulous video full of valuable insider tips!! 😄

[@isbakernation]

you are k*lling it with these uploads and concise factual content!

[@claudetteedwards4115]

You have covered Everything! Awesome video ❤❤

[@byghostlight1]

If only your advice could save me from my lack of willpower when it comes to pop up anime cafes and stores! I can't believe in less than a week, I will finally be there, ready to use these tips. (Which will probably just end up funding those cafes)

[@junpig_]

Cucumer sushi rolls (かっぱ巻き) all day every day 🙌🙌

[@irena.mp4]

ty for the tips ❤ just started recently and your vid popped up on my home page

[@brucemcdonald4060]

Wow, seerasan, this was really helpful. Thanks so much.

[@lilbaiwang2653]

Going to have trip to Japan next month, it is very helpful

[@traveller_andrew]

All sensible tips! Japan is not expensive, unless you make it expensive. Regarding food here is one from my experience. When in Paris instead of eating at a bistro with a view of Eiffel Tower, I went one block back to a French lunch spot and is amongst the most beautiful food I've ever had. And it was very affordable. Same in Rio. Go where the office workers go, they want great food that's not going to bite their wallet every day.

[@MiddleAgedSwedeGoesForAWalk]

Really interesting to see the difference between countries when there's high or low season. In Sweden, the summer months, especially from mid June to early August is the most active time. That's when all the schools have their summer holiday which means a lot of parents use their paid leave at that time as well. Not to mention the fact that a lot of factories completely shut down for a few weeks in or around July, "forcing" people to use their paid leave during those weeks. This means that period is when there's most people out traveling around Sweden, but it also means that it's then that a lot of things interesting for tourists are open. Stuff like museums (especially open air museums) are often shut down outside of the summer months.

[@pamelagordon869]

Just watched this it's a fantastic country I love your videos ❤❤❤❤

[@jmbjpeg]

your videos are helpful for my upcoming trip! will be in Tokyo for 5 days starting Dec9! thank you for all your helpful videos!

[@AUCKata]

I don't know about other countries but Auckland only flies into Narita direct. I said I wanted to fly into Haneda because like you said its closer to the city but I always get nervous if I have to catch a connecting flight. When I was in Japan in January I made sure to catch a domestic flight, a ferry and specifically an overnight bus. Caught the Willer Express from Osaka to Tokyo and slept in this weird alien pod looking bus seat, very cool haha. Also caught an overnight ferry (18 hours if I remember correctly) from Sendai to Tomokomai port in Hokkaido and made my way to Sapporo from there. Also for food I was ADDICTED to Pepper Lunch 😄😋😋 Craving to go back to Japan ASAP ♥♥🗾🎌

[@kurorintala]

September is still silly warm, at least the last few years. Don't think it often dipped below 30 degrees.

[@claudetteedwards4115]

We were there mid October and it was still hot 😂 and we're from Australia. I guess like all of Asia, they get the humidity and it feels hotter

[@ジンジャーエール-f4u]

さすが！セーラさん👍️ ニッポン人の｢庶民｣の生活実感を､とてもよく把握されてます！ 経済的な部分をクローズアップしたビデオは､とても少ないので､こんな内容の動画は､じつは一番大切なのではないか､と痛感します｡

[@xlrteqwefg99]

this was awesome prep for my trip to tokyo in Jan, thanks!

[@Runfromsnek]

So glad u made this vid Needed this thank you

[@stevenfreeman5247]

im going in a few weeks this is awesome!!

[@brandrunway]

What supermarket brands do you recomend? Great video! Thanks!

[@slimscorpio09]

This is an amazing video I went in may but make sure to go after golden week which is the first week of may when everyone in Japan travels. i went the second week of may till June 2nd weather was perfect and it wasn't that many people around especially at tourist spots it was still busy but not what you see on social media. and yes stay away from viral restaurants i did not go to one viral restaurant and never had to wait in line for no more then 15 mintues .Dont spend an whole day of your trip waiting in line for 1-2 hours because overall you will realize you spent 24 hours in total waiting in line for food.

[@aloha_andy]

Thank you for all your videos and tips. It helped me a lot on my trip. (Vielen lieben Dank 😊)

[@meat_loves_wasabi]

Save money visit places other than Tokyo. Yesterday dinner had Oita A5 Wagyu yakiniku in Kyushu and really affordable and great value. 4/5 stars hotels are cheaper too and comes with Onsen facilities for you to end the day

[@RM.TokyoPhotographer]

Zip Air now has direct flight to Vancouver omg.....yesssssssss

[@ww3k]

KODAMA Shinkansen is a underrated tip! I found out about this last time. Also, if you book in advance, or in a family (2 or more), there are discounts too. I paid 19960 JPY for 2 Reserved seats, or 9980 per person. Downside is it is also less frequent service, like once an hour.

[@Habu71]

I live for that Komeda Coffee breakfast deal. That bread..... mmmm my goodness. And the Coolish Ice cream pouches at the convenience store. I can't wait for February to get back. I miss my ice cream and egg salad sandwich snacks when I am out.

[@xm2895]

Uber eats and similar also also good options for food, and Didi and GoTaxi for transportation

[@toniparkes6570]

I always appreciate your videos, they definitely helped me to plan my first trip to Japan! I'm now planning to visit again, but around February time. Can I ask what it's like around then? I don't plan on visiting any ski spots, so I'm hoping it might be less busy, and flights definitely seem a bit cheaper. Thank you so much for the amazing content!

[@seerasan]

February should be a bit cheaper than peak times (hopefully!) The good news is you can still experience sakura in February too if you visit places like Atami or Izu 🌸

[@teruphoto]

11:26 The one caveat to this tip is that flights to Haneda are more expensive that flights to Narita, so you'll want to check if the train savings offset the airfare.

[@coolbrotherf127]

At a lot of the karaoke places, many of them will have an affordable deals for like the first two hours, but charge an arm and a leg to extend the time past that. Definitely watch out for how much things cost to extend any time.

[@sweetpeaperez2052]

Love love love this video!!!

[@phiromthach550]

I got sucked into the Crane games at Taito Station lol. At some point I just decided to save my money and went with the Gacha machines at the stations. Another tip is to avoid Shinjuku station as it's a labyrinth but, if you must go through there it's an amazing place to shop as well. Tower Records! You can get lost just looking at all the CD's and Vinyls and it's free as well.

[@willispate5257]

I’ve stayed at capsule hotels in Switzerland. The pricing in the Japanese capsule hotels//hostels are def cheaper.

[@seerasan]

I actually looked into staying at one on a Friday night recently (the Millennials capsule style hotel) and they were charging 40,000 JPY for 1 night 😭 I was so shocked how pricey it was!! So really depends when you book

[@hayleabean]

This is an excellent video of tips! I’m hoping to make another trip to Japan this coming June. Kyoto has been one of my favorite places! I know it’s one of your favorites too, but if you had a pick a second favorite place to visit in June, where would you recommend?❤

[@kanzaki0001]

The exception to the breakfast rule, is if that hotel has a breakfast buffet like at the Intercontinental. I’m passed the age of staying in hostels. The metro aspect to also to factor in is you need to travel around rush hour or not. If you know you want to stay in the downtown areas, like you mentioned you’re better off just paying the convenience fee to be in the area.

[@wasabigirl2004]

Hey Sarah. Cool, dich endlich mal auf Deutsch mit den "Zweieinhalb Gaijin" sprechen zu hören/sehen.

[@bennykoh]

totally agree with the convenience stores. they are actually more expensive than supermarkets. i avoid convenience stores unless there are no supermarkets at the area.

[@invhndl]

Useful video! I did find the background music a bit distracting though

[@peterzheng1068]

Even without night time discounts, supermarkets here (especially the bigger ones with their own kitchen) are superior to convenience stores in terms of prepared food. Generally much better variety, better quality, fresher, less preservatives, slightly cheaper.

[@DLabroad]

Flying into Narita is always a pain but we always fly Qantas and they only go direct to Narita!

[@VerhoevenSimon]

Thank you for the tips. Out of curiousity, if you're allowed to film in there have you considered doing a new bookoff video?

[@seerasan]

Would love to film a vid there sometime! Long time fan of Bookoff!

[@VoIlmilch]

Hallo Seera, ich habe dich bei 2 1/2 Gaijin gehört. Ich hatte dich schon länger auf KZbin abonniert, wusste aber nicht, dass du so gut deutsch sprechen kannst! 👍

[@seerasan]

Danke sehr ☺️ das freut mich zu hören!

[@krazygermanpicker4207]

ich freue mich schon auf den 25gaijinpodcast am 25.11.bin gespannt

[@seerasan]

Ich freue mich auch! 🥰

[@T0getherAlone]

For Any Canadians out there watching, unless you live in toronto or Vancouver you probably won't be able to fly to Haneda. It will usually make the most sense and save you hundreds of dollars to go to Narita even after the cost of Train tickets.

[@JustMeeee2]

Thank you for the information!!

[@monkeylibrium]

awesome tips, thank you! do you have any info on tattoo-friendly onsen? thanks a lot!

[@ottodoroki]

Paku Paku near donQi in Asakusa is a good choice of price

[@Bruhecc]

Keep in mind that the Yen is quite weak currently, so at this moment in time its a lot more cost efficient to go than it would be in, say, two or three years.

[@janmfalk]

Hach ich war im Frühling auch in Japan und wenn ich deine Videos schaue erinnere ich mich wieder an alles und will zurück ❤

[@BGwControlStop]

One hack in tokyo is the the to use the discount day train passes where you can have unlimited rides within a certain zone

[@zengmarie]

Super helpful! Thanks girl

[@seerasan]

You’re welcome 😌💓

[@lifewithmochi]

As long as it’s cold weather, I can sleep on those buses any time of the day and especially at night 😂

[@CalpolVlogs]

I love this!

[@seerasan]

Thanks! ☺️

[@christoffertan9243]

Great tips

[@CtFshd1812]

imagine a shop selling second hand jack in the boxes the name would be glorious

[@garrett1433]

Im using the tokyo Hokkaido East Pass! Its crazy how going from tokyo and sapporo and back already makes it worth it 😂

[@mrcvillesteve]

Sorry. The saxophone music is amazing. 🎉

[@diamonddoom1538]

I learned after 3 days in Tokyo last year that it worked best to pay with my Foreign transaction fee FREE cc at all 711s/Lawsons and best save my Welcome Suica IC card JUST FOR TRAIN/BUS fare. I would use up alot of money from the IC card and realized it would save me time to have to Top up at the nearest conbini. Plus my CC gave me reward points by the end of the month's cycle.

[@AliceBartz]

Hi, thanks foe youe great video. We are planing a japan trip in autumn. We are a family and love coffee. Which area do you recommend for a stay in tokio. We prefer a local, trendy neighborhood, but not to far to shinjuku/shibuya. Your recommendation is very appreciated. Greatings from Berlin

[@toshiendo8533]

As long as yen stays weak, we as in tourists are in good shape!

[@CB-sx8xh]

My plan for next trip to Japan is to fly into Kansai airport and get a JR west pass.

[@Chiisanabatta]

Is not really worth it. Transport between Kyoto/Osaka/Nara/Kobe and areas around them are not expensive, maybe between 10/20$

[@CB-sx8xh]

@Chiisanabatta I'm interested in staying somewhere like Onomichi and doing day trip from there.

[@D4mnis]

15:30 - we're going in April with 4 people and managed to get 2 rooms in I guess kind of a Ryokan Hostel - common toilet and bathroom but private rooms. Kimi Ryokan, Tokyo, only 36€ per Person per Night in Ikebukuro. Pretty curious how this turns out but we're pretty excited :>

[@yaminogame7805]

one thing I didn't get about LUUP is how do you return it? Do you have to go back to that same place you got it at or are their returns everywhere?

[@43VA89]

when you start up the app you select the place where you are going to pick up the bike, then you select your ‘drop off point’ where you drop off your bike. The app shows a map off all bikes, and scooters and also shows the battery charge on them :)

[@colinmathie2710]

I've heard other folk say you should avoid Golden Week to, is that true?

[@seerasan]

Yes that’s absolutely true! I forgot to mention it in the video, it’s always pricier that week 😭

[@Devilfish4387]

If you're an espresso enthusiast, finding a coffee shop that meets your expectations, as you'd find elsewhere in the world, can be a challenge. Convenience store coffee in japan is essentially just filter coffee. I recommend ensuring that the coffee shop you visit has a proper espresso machine. When ordering, be sure to ask for an actual espresso served in a small cup, as it’s easy to end up with the wrong coffee-often filter coffee-if you're not specific. I suggest avoiding Starbucks, as coffee shops that prepare authentic espressos or double espressos typically use higher-quality coffee grounds.

[@blade1vn]

Are there any store(s) you recommend for stationaries?

[@The_Joyful_Homemaker]

Girl I thought you made this video years ago… because you were naming prices and I was beyond astonished how cheap some of the items you named were. I live in Okinawa, food is nowhere near as cheap as you say it is here 😭 going to Hama sushi or Kura sushi costs the same as any family restaurant here 😭😭😭

[@wasabigirl2004]

Hmmm, you are, obviously, not in this age bracket, but would you happen to know whether foreign Senior Cards are being accepted in Japan, for discount on transport or entry to tourist attractions?

[@yosabo7703]

no senior card is needed (and not sure they will know what you are showing them and how to reed it, as is a foreign document). I traveled to Japan with my dad, he was 68 at the time, they simply saw him and made him pay as a senior. In any case, your passport should be enough as it has your date of birth and you will be already traveling with it. Maybe to travel with more confidence you can learn how to ask in japanese for a ticket for seniors, or have a paper with the phrase to point at it. And I'm not sure if all attractions with discount for seniors apply to foreigners, maybe double check that in the places you want to visit.