Japan is often viewed as a destination with a reputation for being expensive. From luxurious hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) to its world-renowned dining scene, this perception as a pricey travel spot has been ingrained in the minds of many travelers. However, there are a wealth of opportunities for budget-conscious explorers, and this is especially so at the moment with the weak yen offering favorable exchange rates and allowing travelers to stretch their money further.
This was highlighted in a recent publication from the U.K.'s Post Office Holiday Money Report for 2024, which is now in its 18th year. The report saw Tokyo take out fourth spot as one of the year's most economical travel spots, beaten out only by Hoi An in Vietnam, Cape Town in South Africa, and Mombasa in Kenya. It was noted that an average of £59.05 a day (approximately $74.43 USD at the time of writing) is needed for essential tourist purchases, with specific costs mentioned like a glass of wine averaging only $4.56 and a bottle of water averaging 77 cents.
Outside of what the report covers, it's worth noting that there are a plethora of free or cheap activities to enjoy in the Tokyo metropolitan area. From temples and shrines to parks and gardens, and even free observation decks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.
For the savvy-saver travelers out there, be sure to explore the following budget-friendly articles on our site:
- Free Options and Facilities (a general guide to some things in Japan you can do on the cheap)
- Top 4 Free Things to See in Tokyo
- MyMizu Free Water Refill App (this is a great resource for both your overall travel expenses and the environment!)
