Japan, the country that successfully keeps combining tradition with advanced technology, is on every traveler’s wish list. Nevertheless, the notion that Japan is expensive to visit keeps many low-budget adventurers away. But it should be known that there are many exceptional and cheap hotels across this interesting country. So, in this article, we will present 10 cheap places to visit in Japan that one should not miss. From major and minor temples to cities and beautiful nature to cultural discoveries, it shows that budget travel is possible in Japan and one can enjoy its attractions to the maximum.
1. Kanazawa
A mystery, which is the meaning of the term ‘kuro’ as the hidden jewel of Japan. It is one of the cheap holiday destinations in Japan. This interesting city provides a glimpse of the old feudal life in Japan, which is not as costly as other well-known historical places. The absolute gem is Kenroku-en, which is reckoned to be among the three best gardens in Japan—a domain of perfectly trimmed landscapes for a nominal charge.
Preserved samurai and geisha districts in Kanazawa help to make time travel easier, as the city has tight streets with typical wooden houses. Conversely, a visit to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is a different experience in terms of the cost, as the public areas are free. Cheap lodging facilities and moderately priced local food make up for the affordable news for cheap yet quintessential Japanese experiences in Kanazawa.
2. Takayama
Moi Sud: A Mountain Town That Remembers Located in the middle of the Japanese Alps, Takayama is still one of the world’s cheapest cities to visit. This beautiful city is best known for its Shirakawa-go district, which has preserved its architecture from the beginning of the Edo period and traditional crafts.
The commercial streets along the Miyagawa River selling fresh produce and hand-made goods present an opportunity to purchase them at fair prices in the morning markets. Many discount guesthouses are available, and Hida beef can be tasted instead of Kobe beef, making Takayama a great discount mountain resort.
3. Koya-San
Eco Spa and Spiritual Experience on Kii Peninsula of Wakayama Thus, Mount Koya (Koya-san) advises those who would like to visit the best places in Japan and get some cultural experience. This blessed Buddhist shrine allows the pilgrim to stay in a shukubo, or temple stay, at a hundredth of the cost of a conventional hotel. During the Buddhist monks’ daily practices, visitors can taste simple but genuine vegetarian meals and visit the sacred Okunoin Cemetery.
The trip to Koya-san is an expedition; there is also a beautiful cable car journey incorporated into the relatively inexpensive transportation ticket. Admission to many temples and museums in Japan is free or for a small fee, so exploring the spiritual culture is accessible without incurring huge costs.
4. Kamakura
Why spend a day on a trip from Tokyo? Kamakura, very easily accessible from Tokyo, is one of the cheap places to visit in Japan. It provides an amalgamation of history, nature, and beaches. Once a stronghold of political authority, the region is festooned with several temples and shrines, including the giant Great Buddha of Kotoku-in. Some of these sites either charge minimally or do not charge anything at all to allow you access.
There is a collection of beautiful sandy beaches that are very popular campaign sites for the citizens of Kamakura in the summer and are amazingly free to the public. This pass is worth getting for transportation and various discounts: the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass. Kamakura has local street food, and it is reasonably close to Tokyo, making it perfect for a day trip and very cheap if planned for in the evening.
5. Hiroshima
A Special Vision: A City of Peace and Resilience Unfortunately, Hiroshima has many tragic sights, but today, it is a city of peace and one of the cheap places to visit in Japan. Indeed, visiting Hiroshima, including the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, with a minimal admission charge can be life-transforming. The “floating” torii gate of Miyajima Island, one of Japan’s most significant symbols, is only a boat ride away.
A dish local to Hiroshima is okonomiyaki, which is a very tasty and cheap meal. There are also numerous free sights in the city, such as Shukkeien Garden and the Hiroshima Castle premises. Do not be concerned with transportation and hostels, as well as other expenses, since Hiroshima has reasonable and cheap accommodations and a reasonable commute.
6. Fukuoka: Gateway to Kyushu
Kyushu Island holds many remarkable places, and Fukuoka, the island’s biggont city, remains relatively untouuntoucheds, it is one of the cheap places to visit in Japan for lovers of big cities. Famous for its street food, YATAI, Fukuoka has some of the tastiest and cheapest street food in all of Japan, especially Hakata Ramen.
Parks and beaches are free for recreation within the city, and historical information about the city is available for free at Fukuoka Castle and Ohori Koen. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is easily accessible from Miyako Island and a cheap day trip. Fukuoka is considerably cheaper than other large Japanese cities. It is conveniently compact, with most of the main attractions within walking distance, making it an ideal place for cheap travel when planning for Kyushu and the Korean peninsula.
7. Nagano
Situated in the center of Japan, this city hosted the Winter Olympic Games in 1998. It’s among the places to go on a shoestring in the country, with a rich blend of activities, including natural sights and cultural visits. One interesting thing to do is see wild monkeys enjoying themselves in hot springs at Jigokudani Monkey Park, and the entry fee is fairly cheap.
Constructed in the 7th century, the Buddhist temple of Zenko-ji is open to the public, and the temple precinct is completely free for visitors. This location makes them closer to the mountains for summer hikes and affordable skiing during the winter compared to what other well-known places offer. Nagano has several cheap eateries and lodgings and affordable and popular Japanese foods such as soba noodles, making it a perfect destination for those who love nature and cultural sites.
8. Matsuyama: Onsen Town with a Literary Legacy
This city is home to the famous Dogo Onsen hot springs resort, literature, and history and is situated on the Shikoku Island of Japan. It is also home to one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, Dogo Onsen, which allows locals and visitors to take a bath at a slightly higher rate than token charges. Matsuyama is dominated by the hilltop Matsuyama Castle separated by an inexpensive ropeway ride that affords a spectacular view of the city.
Book lovers will also love entering the free Shiki Memorial Museum, named after an esteemed haiku poet, Masaoka Shiki. Since it is a small city, it is convenient to walk, but there is also the opportunity to ride a streetcar, which also looks cute. It’s cheap to stay in guest houses and eat local meals. The city’s soul food is Matsuyama’s specialty, taimeshi, a rice dish garnished with seabream fish.
9. Nikko
Extension of Thoughts: Nature and Spirituality in Balance Located just hours north of Tokyo, the town of Nikko is number 7 on the list of cheap destinations to visit in Japan that offer a beautiful view of the country’s landscape and cultural heritage. Toshogu Shrine is another WOW site with an entrance fee, but it is well worth it with its awesome carvings and golden interiors.
However, Nikko’s greatest promise of budgetary concern is in natural enhancements. Points of interest include waterfalls, lakes, and hiking paths that can be observed for free or for a small fee which are situated in Nikko National Park. More detailed information on various transportation systems and main attractions can be found on the Nikko All Area Pass, which offers good discounts on transportation means and main tourist attractions. Home to cheap accommodation through many small ryokan inns and the opportunity to cook your food, Nikko is an easy-on-the-pocket trip for returning to nature and discovering the spiritual side of Japan.
10. Okinawa
Given the tough competition among sites offering the same service, it is quite important to establish a tropical paradise with a small release fee. People might not consider Japan a beach destination; however, Okinawa is one of the cheapest places to visit in Japan, with an island tropical fee lower than other more popular options. The island of Okinawa has some lovely sandy shores that visitors can enjoy for free; for instance, the Motobu Peninsula, the main island of Okinawa, is rich in cultural wealth, such as the Shuri Castle Park.
If one is tight on budget, then accommodation expenses can be minimized to the barest minimum by using guest houses or, where allowed camping. The local food and drink of the island are tasty and inexpensive, and due to its culture and history, you can eat Okinawa soba and goya champuru. By planning carefully, however, it is possible to enjoy Abel’s subtropical paradise of Japan on a relatively tight budget, especially if one considers visiting the country during the shoulder season.
Conclusion
Here are the ten cheap destinations in Japan, which proves that one could have the best of everything this oriental country offers without breaking the bank. While it’s easy to think of Japan as a mecca for contemporary culture, cutting-edge technology, and more than its fair share of natural disasters, the Land of the Rising Sun has much more to offer. From the sacred mountains of Koya-san to the sunny beaches of Okinawa, from the historical elegance of Kanazawa to the trendy pulse of Fukuoka, Japan has come up with the most appealing and primarily important low.
