Budget travel to Japan is possible if you are willing to make a few sacrifices and do a little research before you set off for the land of sake, geisha and cherry blossoms. Japan is probably one of the most expensive countries to visit, from flights to hotels to dining out. This has unfortunately led many people having to daydream about a holiday to Japan.
However, if Japan is the ideal holiday destination for you, this article will help you plan a budget trip to Japan, making it easier for your dreams to come true.
Flights:
You will probably find that your flights to Japan will cut a big chunk out of your travel budget. Before you book the first flight you come across, it is a good idea to shop around to find the very best deal you can find. Holiday comparison websites such as www.travelsupermarket.com and www.travelocity.com are good places to start searching. STA Travel is a place where students, those under 26 years old and other people can find discounted deals on flights, hotels, hostels and trips worldwide.
Charter flights are a good alternative. Not every airline will be a cheaper option (charter flights from the United Kingdom are particularly cheap) and there are some websites where you can book a charter flight in advance.
The best way to get the best deal if you don’t want to hassle with a charter flight is to simply book well in advance and during off-season.
Accommodation:
Just with flights, hotels will also make a big impact on your travel budget. However, you can cut down your costs in several ways. When it comes to accommodation, you will find steep prices in Japan, particularly in major cities such as Japan. Look at places such as STA Travel (www.statravel.co.uk) for good deals on hotels. Hostels are a much cheaper option but you may find them lacking in space and privacy.
Another good way of managing your hotel costs is by visiting during the off-season. At this time, hotels can offer up to 50% off what they would normally charge. When you arrive, you may even be able to upgrade your room for free when there are not as many guests at the time.
Travelling within the country:
Hiring a car or motorbike for the duration of your stay in Japan can run up the costs very quickly. If you want to save costs then you should use the free way of travelling … your feet. All you need is a good pair of comfortable shows you can walk in and you’ve got yourself a reliable and free mode of transportation.
However, there are times when our feet can’t take us everywhere. There are some good affordable ways of travelling the country. Visit the STA Travel website as they offer discounted travel passes that you can use for Japan’s railways. Generally it’s about 50% cheaper than what you normally would pay if you turned up on the day.
Japan is an extremely interesting and fascinating place to visit, but the high expense can put off a lot of people from travelling there. However, budget travel to Japan is possible if you do a little bit of research and preparation.
