Accommodations and Food : The 20-Something’s Ultimate Guide to Having a Blast on a Budget in Japan

Okay, so you are in your 20s and dreaming of cherry blossoms, sushi feasts, ancient temples, and the cool innovative scenes in Japan, yet wondering if it is even possible to travel to such an expensive country on a tight budget, and still have a good time.

Guess what? Yes, it is ! I’ve got you covered. It is totally doable. Hold onto your sushi rolls and let me show you some awesome tips for a journey that’s not only lit but also wallet-friendly. You’ll be so glad you did.

Budget Accommodations : Sleep Smart, Party Hard

So, you’ve touched down in the land of the rising sun, and now you need a place to crash that won’t crash your bank account. Budget accommodations are your BFFs in Japan.

Hostels : Where the Cool Kids Hang

Want to meet fellow travelers and score affordable digs? Hostels are your jam. They’re like mini-communities of adventure seekers.

In Japan, hostels are especially affordable (ranging from anywhere from 25 to 70 USD per night), clean, efficiently run, and provide all the basic amenities you need.

Some info about hostels that are helpful :

• Variety of Options : You’ll find traditional hostels with dormitory-style rooms (each room housing 6 to 10 guests), as well as modern hostels with private rooms, making it easy to find one that fits your style.

• Social Atmosphere : Hostels are known for organizing frequent events like barbecues, pub crawls, and cultural activities to help guests mingle and make friends. It’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and share experiences. You might just find your next travel buddy over a game of Jenga.

• Affordable Prices : Compared to hotels and even some guesthouses, hostels are budget-friendly. Price ranges from 25 to 70 USD per night. Dormitory-style rooms are the most economical, but private rooms in hostels are often more affordable than traditional hotel rooms.

• Amenities : Essential amenities are provided, such as free Wi-Fi, communal kitchens, laundry facilities, and comfortable common areas. Some even have rooftop terraces or on-site cafes where you can relax and plan your next adventures.

• Location : Hostels are typically strategically located in popular tourist areas, making it easy to explore the city and access public transportation. This can save you both time and money on commuting.

• Safety and Security : Japanese hostels are known for their cleanliness and safety standards. They usually have secure keycard access, lockers to store your valuables, and staff available around the clock for assistance.

• Cultural Exchange : Staying in hostels often offers opportunities for cultural exchange. You can learn about Japan from both locals and fellow travelers, gaining insights you might not find in guidebooks.

Before booking a hostel, make sure you read reviews and check ratings on trusted websites like Google and TripAdvisor. This will give you insights into the experiences of other travelers and help you choose the right hostel for your needs.

Capsule Hotels : A Quirky Experience

Ah, the mighty capsule hotel, Japan’s gift to the budget-conscious traveler seeking adventure with a side of quirkiness. So, what’s the deal with these futuristic sleep pods?

Beside the capsule pod, the overall experience at capsule hotels is similar to what you would have found in hostels. Remember, if you’re claustrophobic, this might not be your cup of matcha.

Some info to consider if you are interested in this sleeping arrangement :

• Fun place to sleep : Capsule hotels are like living in your very own cocoon, among hundreds of cocoons. You’ll feel like you’re a futuristic space explorer ready to embark on a journey to the stars.

• Size Matters, Sort Of : Capsule hotel pods are cozy sleeping nooks that perfectly accommodate you, your backpack, and your dreams. Claustrophobia enthusiasts need not apply.

• Japanese Efficiency : The Japanese are known for their efficiency, and capsule hotels are no exception. Everything you need is neatly packed into your little space : nice soft beddings, a blanket, a TV to catch up on your favorite anime, headphones, a couple of clothes hangers, power outlets and USB ports for your laptop and phone, a night light, and even earplugs. If only your closet at home were this organized!

• Capsule Etiquette : Capsule hotels come with their own set of rules. Shoes must be put away in shore storage area upon entrance. Only inside slippers (provided to each guest at check-in time) are allowed inside the facilities. And in the pod area, quietness or whispering is encouraged, and conversations are required to be had in the common area instead.

• Shared bathing and Shower Area : Most capsule hotels have communal bath and shower facilities. Spotlessly clean and supplied with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

• Noises : While capsules provide more privacy than open dorms, they’re not soundproof. Earplugs might become your new best friends if you’re rooming with enthusiastic shoppers-and-luggage re-organizers, midnight snorers, or late-night talk show hosts.

Delicious and Affordable Food on a Budget

Who said you need to drop big bucks for food that’ll make your taste buds sing? Let’s dive into the world of affordable, mouthwatering Japanese cuisine.

Just like with everything else, Japanese people have such high standards when it comes to food, that it will be hard to find places where the food is not good tasting.

This is awesome news for you. Because you can experience delicious food everywhere without your wallet hurting.

As a matter of fact, I can’t remember a time where I randomly tried something in Japan and didn’t like it.

Places that offer great value and tasty food are incredibly easy to find too, such as :

Local Eateries in Train Stations

Imagine strolling along a train station platform, and suddenly, the aroma of sizzling yakitori or savory ramen wafts through the air.

Small eateries tucked away in train stations are Japan’s best-kept culinary secrets and your ticket to a spontaneous and mouthwatering meal.

Lunch is cheaper than dinner, in case you want to try something but don’t want to pay for dinner pricing.

The best part? These local eateries are usually very budget-friendly. You can indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank, leaving you with more yen in your pocket for your next adventure.

How do you tell which is good? Check the queue of people waiting in front of the place. That is almost always a great indicator of a quality find.

Conveyor Belt Sushi : Sushi Heaven

Craving sushi? Hit up a conveyor belt sushi joint. Plates of deliciousness whizz by, and you grab what looks good to you. It’s like a sushi buffet, but you pay per plate. Budget-friendly and oh-so-yummy.

Conveyor belt sushi joints offer a staggering variety of sushi, from classics like nigiri and sashimi to creative rolls and even desserts.

In addition to the cold options rolling by, some conveyor belt sushi places offer hot dishes like tempura, miso soup, and more.

What is super cool is that you don’t even need to flag down a waiter. Simply grab the plates that catch your eye as they pass by. Each plate is color-coded, with prices corresponding to the colors.

If you can’t find your favorite sushi on the belt, don’t worry. Many places have a menu or iPad where you can order custom sushi (in English or another language), and it’s made fresh just for you. It’s like having a personal sushi chef on standby.

One of the best things about conveyor belt sushi is that it’s budget-friendly. Since you pay per plate, you can control your spending while enjoying a sushi feast. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your wallet.

Street Food : Ramen, Takoyaki, and More!

Japan’s street food game is on point. From slurping down ramen at a bustling street stall to nibbling on octopus-filled takoyaki balls, or savoring delicious grilled meat or seafood skewers, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Street food can be found anywhere, in popular shopping arcades, at festivals, in busy touristy areas, or on along crowded shopping streets and so many alleys.

And guess what? It won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Prices range from 300 yen to 1,000 yen (around 2 to 6.70 USD), you just can’t beat that.

Unless you go to a convenience store or supermarket, of course (see below).

Convenience Stores : Hidden Gems

Believe it or not, Japan’s 24/7 convenience stores serve up some seriously tasty treats. The variety is overwhelming that you won’t be able to sample them all during your trip, even if you visit a store daily.

Onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, ramen, bento boxes, desserts, drinks, and other goodies are readily available and restocked multiple times per day to ensure freshness.

Convenience stores are perfect for a quick breakfast or late night meal. You can even grab a meal deal and picnic in a park – it’s the savvy traveler’s way!

Tips : If you have ever looked down on a simple egg salad sandwich in your life, try one at any Japanese convenience store, and I bet you’ll have your whole perspective changed. These fluffy soft sandwiches with unbelievably decadent and creamy egg fillings are wildly popular, loved by tourists and locals alike, sold out like hot cakes, and will blow your mind.

So there you have it. Now, armed with these tips and tricks, go forth, plan your trip and have an absolute blast! And remember that the best souvenirs don’t come from gift shops, but are the memories you create and the people you meet along the way.

This is Part 1 of a 2-part blog post. Part 1 (this article) discusses budget accommodations as well as foods and drinks, while Part 2 (next article) discusses inexpensive, convenient and cost-saving transportations, as well as free/affordable activities. See you in the next post!

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels in Japan!

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