If you are planning a trip to Japan, you are probably thinking how to save money on accommodation. I’ve been there too. However, finding cheap accommodation in Japan can be easier than you think, even for beginners. With the right tips, you can save a significant amount without compromising on comfort.
To save money on accommodation, it’s better to book early for the best rates, explore budget-friendly options like capsule hotels or guesthouses, and stay outside tourist hotspots for cheaper prices.
In this article, I’ll point you in the right direction to ease your worries about finding affordable places to stay in Japan.
Choose budget-friendly accommodation types
Japan offers a variety of accommodation ideas that can help you save money:
- Capsule hotels: Compact, affordable, and functional, these hotels are budget-friendly. They offer essentials like a bed, personal space, and shared amenities such as showers and lounges, making them ideal for solo travelers.
- Business hotels: Chains like Toyoko Inn are budget-friendly because they provide small, functional rooms at a lower cost compared to luxury hotels. Their locations near train stations or city centers save on transportation, making them a practical and affordable choice for travelers.
- Guesthouses and hostels: Perfect for meeting other travelers while saving money. They are budget-friendly because they offer dormitory-style rooms, shared facilities like kitchens and bathrooms, and lower nightly rates compared to hotels.
- Ryokan for beginners: Traditional stays can be surprisingly cheap outside major cities.
- Minpaku (private homes): Platforms like Airbnb often have cheaper options.
Book early for the best deals
Accommodation prices in Japan can increase dramatically as your travel dates approach, especially in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Booking early—ideally three to six months in advance—can save you up to 30% compared to last-minute reservations. This strategy is particularly vital during high-demand periods like cherry blossom season (March-April), Golden Week (late April to early May), and New Year holidays. Prices during these times can double or even triple as availability decreases.
Where to book: Use platforms like Trip, which often lists discounts and promotions. Choose accommodations with free cancellation policies. This lets you lock in a lower price early and adjust later if a better deal appears.
Stay outside tourist hotspots
If you’re looking to save some cash on your accommodation, you might want to stay away from Shinjuku in Tokyo or Gion in Kyoto. They’re major tourist areas, so they tend to be pricier, but you can still find some great deals if you’re willing to stay a bit farther out.
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In Tokyo, areas like Ikebukuro or Nippori are great because they’re easy to get to from public transport, and they’re cheaper than the more popular areas like Shibuya or Ginza.
And in Kyoto, you can save big by moving away from Gion. I like to stay somewhere between Karasuma and Omiya stations because there are usually lots of places to choose from. You’ll still be close to everything, but you’ll spend way less on a place to stay.
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This is a great strategy for travelers who want to try somewhere new and explore Japan beyond the usual spots. By staying away from the usual tourist spots, you can save money and experience a different, often more tranquil side of Japan.
Pro tip: Use the train lines to your advantage. Even a 20-minute ride can mean rooms are $20-$30 cheaper per night. A little extra travel can save you big money, and you’ll get to explore less touristy areas too.
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Use online tools to compare prices
Comparing accommodation prices online is one of the easiest ways to save money. Platforms like Trip, Booking, and Agoda allow you to view multiple options side-by-side, filtering by price, location, and amenities to find the best deals. Many of these tools also offer discounts for first-time users, loyalty programs, or limited-time promotions that can reduce costs significantly.
For me, Trip provides an advantage with its cheaper prices. I didn’t know about Trip until recently, and I was used to Booking (like most people). But then I compared the same hotels in Trip and Booking, and saw some important differences in price. So, for my latest trip to Japan, all my hotels were booked using Trip.com.
Checking multiple platforms is always useful to find the best budget hotels. Remember to check if taxes or service fees are included in the displayed prices, as some platforms show the base rate only, which can lead to surprises at checkout. By leveraging these tools, you can often find hidden gems at budget-friendly rates while ensuring you get the best value for your money.
| Platform | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Trip.com | Free cancellation on many options. Competitive prices (often cheaper than booking directly). | Not as widely recognized as older platforms. |
| Booking.com | Wide range of accommodations. Free cancellation on many options. | Prices can fluctuate frequently. |
| Agoda | AgodaCash reward system for future discounts. Regular flash sales. | Website interface can feel cluttered. Some options lack clear cancellation policies. |
| Airbnb | Great for families or groups. Option to book long-term stays. | Service fees can add up. Availability in smaller towns may be limited. |
Consider alternative accommodations
When traveling in Japan, you can save a lot of money and have a unique experience by staying in traditional or alternative accommodations. There are two main options to consider: temple lodgings (shukubo) and internet cafés.
Temple lodgings are often in scenic areas like Mount Koya or other Buddhist regions. They’re not only affordable, but they also give guests a chance to participate in temple rituals and meditation sessions and enjoy vegetarian meals prepared in traditional Buddhist styles. Prices are usually between ¥5,000 and ¥10,000 per night, depending on the temple and location, making them a great option for those looking for an alternative to conventional hotels.
Internet cafés are a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to save on accommodation. These 24-hour cafes have private booths with comfortable seating, free internet access, gaming consoles, snacks, and drinks. You can find them in major cities, so they’re great for a night’s rest, especially if you’re traveling alone or on the go. Prices range from ¥1,000 to ¥2,500 per night, depending on the location and the amenities offered.
Share costs when traveling with others
When traveling with others, one of the easiest ways to save on accommodation is to book larger rooms in budget hotels or rent an apartment.
Budget hotels in Japan often offer family rooms or rooms with multiple beds at a lower rate than booking separate rooms. For example, a family room at a budget hotel in Tokyo may cost around ¥15,000–¥20,000 per night for 4–6 people, meaning that each person only pays around ¥3,750–¥5,000 per night. It’s a great way to save money without giving up on comfort or location.
And if you’re planning to stay a while, renting an entire apartment could be a budget-friendly option. Apartments usually have more space, privacy, and amenities like a kitchen, which can save you money on dining. And if you’re sharing the cost with your travel buddies, you can often get a better deal than staying in a couple of hotel rooms. Also, the longer you stay, the better the deal — so it’s a great choice if you’re traveling on a budget.
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Travel during the off-season
One of the best ways to save on accommodation in Japan is to travel during the off-season, when demand for hotels and rentals is lower. During peak seasons, accommodation prices can get really high, with hotel rates doubling or even tripling in some locations. However, by avoiding these busy times, you can score better deals.
Traveling off-season benefits:
- Lower Prices: Hotel rates drop significantly outside peak seasons, sometimes by as much as 30-50%. This is especially true for popular tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.
- More Availability: With fewer tourists, you’ll have more options to choose from, meaning you’re more likely to get the hotel or rental you want.
- Less Crowded Areas: Not only will you save on accommodations, but you’ll also have a more relaxed trip in general.
Off-Season Travel Periods:
- September to November: After the summer heat and before the autumn foliage peak.
- January to early March: After the New Year holiday rush and before the cherry blossom season.
- Mid-May to early June: Between the Golden Week holidays and the summer vacation period.
Use overnight buses or trains
Overnight buses and trains are a great way to save money on a place to stay while traveling long distances in Japan. Instead of spending money on a hotel room for one night, you can travel overnight to your next destination, combining transportation and accommodation into one budget-friendly option. This is especially useful for longer trips because you can maximize your time and minimize accommodation costs.
Overnight buses are usually cheaper than trains and flights, making them a great choice for budget travelers. You can save around ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 per night, depending on the route and class.
On the other hand, trains tend to have more room for movement, especially in sleeper cars. You can choose between private rooms and shared spaces, depending on your budget.
Final thoughts
You can definitely save some cash on accommodations in Japan if you plan ahead and are a bit flexible. By following these tips, you can cut down on your accommodation costs while still enjoying a comfortable stay:
- Book Early: Secure better rates by booking your accommodation well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like cherry blossom or autumn foliage.
- Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodation Types: Look for capsule hotels, guesthouses, or business hotels that offer lower rates without compromising comfort.
- Stay Outside Tourist Hotspots: Consider staying in neighborhoods a bit farther from major tourist areas, where prices are more affordable and you’ll experience a more local side of Japan.
- Use Online Tools to Compare Prices: Platforms like Trip.com can help you compare prices across multiple booking sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Consider Alternative Accommodations: Don’t overlook options like temple lodgings or internet cafes, which can provide unique, cost-effective stays.
- Share Costs When Traveling with Others: Split the cost of larger rooms or rent an apartment to save money when traveling with friends or family.
- Travel During the Off-Season: Avoid peak travel periods and enjoy lower rates for both accommodations and flights.
- Use Overnight Buses or Trains: Save on accommodation by traveling overnight, allowing you to reach your next destination without the added expense of a hotel room.
By incorporating these strategies into your travel plans, you can stretch your budget and make the most of your time in Japan without spending too much.
