Koriyama Castle, Nara, Japan | Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Japan — where cherry blossoms paint the spring pink, winters welcome world-famous snow festivals, and summers are reserved for lavender fields — is an easy call for most tourists. According to Statista, the Asian country welcomed over 25 million tourists in 2023 alone. And while ‘pocket-friendly’ is not the first word that comes to mind when someone says ‘Japan’, we round up the top five most popular (and budget-friendly!) cities in Japan based on inputs from the experts at JR Pass, the country’s popular rail pass. From Nara to Okinawa, pick your favourites or hop, scotch, and savour them all when in Japan.
Also, find out how Japan is handling massive crowds and tackling over-tourism.
For more insights into the number of international visitor arrivals to Japan from 2005 to 2023 on Statista, click here.
Most popular and budget-friendly: Five cities to bookmark for your next Japan holiday
In the study undertaken by JR Pass, 18 Japanese cities were analysed for cost-effectiveness. Factors like hotel and restaurant prices, travel rail passes, and average ratings were used to firm up the list.
Nara: Nara Prefecture
Nara, Japan | Image Credit: LMspencer/Shutterstock
Dotted with temples and artwork dating back to the 8th century, Nara is the most budget-friendly city in Japan, leading the list with a cost-efficiency score of 9.1 out of 10. Back in 710 AD, Nara was home to Japan’s first permanent capital, Heijo (now Nara City). With hallmarks of Japanese civilisation, widely popular cherry blossom spots, huge Shinto shrines, and palaces, Nara ranks third in attraction ratings.
Key attractions:
Todaiji Temple
Nara Park
Heijo Palace
National Museum
The famous Shinto shrine of Kasuga Taisha
Isuien Garden
Wakakusa Yamayaki
Toshodaiji Temple
Where to stay: JW Marriott Hotel Nara, Shisui – A Luxury Collection Hotel Nara, and Hotel Nikko Nara.
Where to eat: An average meal in most restaurants in Nara, Japan, costs 2,878 Yen (INR 1,595). Some of the best eateries to grab a bite include Tawaramoto Maruto Shoyu, Kitsune, Yakiniku Kappo Bimi, Sen no mame, and Senzu Bizin.
How to reach: Osaka International (Itami) Airport is the nearest, 45.5 km away. You can also consider Kansai International Airport, approximately 78.7 km away.
Book your stay at JW Marriott Hotel Nara via Booking.com
Book your stay at JW Marriott Hotel Nara via Agoda.com
Chiba: Chiba Prefecture
Chiba Castle, Chiba, Japan | Image Credit: Keisuke_N/Shutterstock
With a cost-efficiency score of 8.9 out of 10, Chiba also ranks among the most popular yet budget-friendly cities in Japan. From large-scale malls for retail therapy to two Disney parks, Chiba promises to delight travellers across age groups. It is also home to Japan’s longest sandy coastline, ideal for beachcombing and getting that holiday tan! Also, explore our 10-day Japan itinerary to plan your perfect Asian holiday.
Key attractions:
Tokyo Disneyland
Inase Seaside Park
Chiba City Zoo
Makuhari Seaside Park
Chiba City Museum of Art
National Museum of Japanese History
Inohana Castle Ruins
Kasori Shell Mounds
Where to stay: Out of the top 10 most budget-friendly cities in Japan, Chiba boasts the cheapest hotel and rail travel prices. The average cost of booking a hotel room for two adults is 11,000 Yen (INR 6,295), while a rail pass costs 315 Yen (INR 180). The best hotels in Chiba include The Manhattan Hotel, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel, and Hotel New Otani Makuhari.
Where to eat: Takaoka, Wordsworth Sawara, Kura 6330, Gyoza Kingdom, and Bistro Monchouchou.
How to reach: Tokyo Haneda (HND) Airport is the nearest, 49.9 km away.
Book your stay at Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel via Agoda.com
Kumamoto: Kumamoto Prefecture
Nabegataki, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, | Image Credit: oku20161225/Shutterstock
Located on the charming island of Kyushu, Kumamoto boasts a cost-efficiency rating of 8.3 out of 10. With Mount Aso (one of the world’s largest active volcanoes on its periphery that lends the prefecture its title of ‘The Land of Fire’), 17th-century castle grounds, and traditional onsens, Kumamoto promises a well-rounded getaway in Japan.
With a rail travel day pass costing 500 Yen (INR 285) , Kumamoto offers budget-friendly means to navigate the city!
Key attractions:
Kumamoto Castle
Ezu Lake
Reigando cave
Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto
Statue of Kato Kiyomasa
Kikuchi Shrine
Site of Kikuchi Castle
Where to stay: Hotel Nikko Kumamoto, ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky, and Ref Kumamoto by Vessel Hotels.
Where to eat: Hakataya, Fujiwara Steak House, Sushi Taito, Unagi No Tokunaga Hokubu, Nihonshu Bar Ryu, and La Luche.
How to reach: Kumamoto Airport, also known as Aso Kumamoto Airport, is 17.8 km away.
Book your stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky via Booking.com
Book your stay at ANA Crowne Plaza Kumamoto New Sky via Agoda.com
Okinawa: Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa, Japan | Image Credit: juan hung-yen/Shutterstock
Home to over 150 islands, Okinawa is blessed with a tropical climate, gorgeous coral reefs, and World War II Sites. Visit the prefecture’s largest island, Okinawa, to discover unique topography, memorial sites, and a massive aquarium housing whale sharks and manta rays. Okinawa scored 9.0 out of 10 on the cost efficiency scale.
Key attractions:
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Shuri Castle
Cape Manzamo
Katsuren Castle Ruins
Peace Memorial Park
Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
Okinawa Zoo & Museum
Kokusai-dori
Where to stay: Renaissance Okinawa Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa, Hotel Monterey Okinawa Spa & Resort, and Sheraton Okinawa Sunmarina Resort.
Where to eat: Penguin Shokudo, Sumibi Yakitori BOND, Shunsengyo to Sumibiyaki Yukari, Steak Hikaru, and Heaven’s Truck.
How to reach: Naha Airport is 30.6 km away.
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa via Booking.com
Book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa via Agoda.com
Hiroshima: Hiroshima Prefecture
Hiroshima, Japan | Image Credit: f11photo/Shutterstock
The last entry among the top five most popular and budget-friendly cities in Japan is Hiroshima with a cost efficiency score of 7.9 out of 10. Nestled on Honshu Island, the historic city of Hiroshima was majorly destroyed by an atomic bomb attack during World War II. The grim 1945 event is commemorated by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Additionally, the city houses well-manicured Japanese gardens, fortresses, and castles. A great deal of Hiroshima’s tourist attractions have either free entry or low entry fees.
Key attractions:
The Buddhist temple of Mitaki-dera
Asa Zoo
Hiroshima Castle
Iwakuni Castle
Shukkien Garden
Atom Bomb Dome
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Hiroshima Museum of Art
Numaji Transportation Museum
Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)
Where to stay: Hilton Hiroshima, Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, ANA Crowne Plaza Hiroshima, RIHGA Royal Hotel Hiroshima, and Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel.
Where to eat: Nakashima Ryori, Momijitei, Miyajimazushi Maimon, Torikororo, Hiroshima Neighborly Brewing, and Kissui.
How to reach: Hiroshima Airport is 51.3 km away.
Book your stay at Hilton Hiroshima via Booking.com
Book your stay at Hilton Hiroshima via Agoda.com
Other Japanese cities that ranked high on the cost efficiency scale include Yokohama (7.9 out of 10), Kawasaki (7.7 out of 10), Nagoya (7.6 out of 10), Kochi (7.3 out of 10), and Kitakyushu (7.3 out of 10).
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(Feature Image Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock)
Related: Save Yourself The Embarrassment – 20 Things You Should Not Do In Japan
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the most affordable cities to live in Japan?
The most affordable cities to live in Japan include Fukuoka, Okinawa, Osaka, Sapporo (Hokkaido), and Kochi.
What are the most budget friendly things to do in Japan?
Some budget-friendly activities in Japan include taking free walking tours of the
Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center in Tokyo, exploring the free art galleries of Ginza, and partake in free walking tours of the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
What are the most unique experiences to have in budget in Japan?
We recommend visiting attending Japan’s traditional festivals, visiting the national parks and hiking trails which are free to enter, as we as checking into a capsule hotel to enjoy Japan on a budget. We also recommend exploring our guide on the most budget–friendly cities in Japan.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has ..Read Morepreviously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends. Read Less
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