Nara, Japan | Image Credit: Worachat Sodsri/Unsplash
You can now travel across Japan’s diverse tapestry without stretching your budget. A recent survey by Japan Rail (JR) Pass revealed the country’s most cost-effective cities, and the list includes classic tourist draws like Nara, Okinawa, and Nagoya! Teeming with Hokkaido’s snowy landscapes, Kyoto’s cultural treasures, and Uji City’s matcha revolution, the island nation promises to captivate all your senses.
Also, explore our guide to the most stunning day trip destinations near Osaka.
Plan your travel: Top budget-friendly cities to visit in Japan
Chiba, Japan | Image Credit: wanderplans.com/Unsplash
Take a look at Japan’s most budget-friendly cities, according to the recent survey by JR Pass.
Rank
City
Average restaurant price (JYN)
Hotel Price (JYN)
Rail day travel pass (JYN)
Attractions rating/10
Cost efficiency score/10
1
Nara
2878 (INR 1729)
11600 (INR 6969)
500 (INR 300)
8.52
9.1
2
Chiba
2882 (INR 1731)
11000 (INR 6609)
315 (INR 189)
7.63
8.9
3
Kumamoto
3006 (INR 1806)
12400 (INR 7450)
500 (INR 300)
6.65
8.3
4
Okinawa
2890 (1736)
17200 (INR 10334)
800 (INR 481)
8.73
8
5
Hiroshima
2960 (INR 1778)
12600 (INR 7570)
1000 (INR 601)
8.67
7.9
6
Yokohama
2913 (1750)
13200 (INR 7930)
530 (INR 318)
8.01
7.9
7
Kawasaki
2719 (INR 1634)
13900 (INR 8351)
550 (INR 330)
5.22
7.7
8
Nagoya
3095 (INR 1859)
11800 (INR 7089)
870 (INR 523)
7.41
7.6
9
Kochi
3054 (INR 1835)
13200 (INR 7930)
1000 (INR 601)
6.16
7.3
10
Kitakyushu
3113 (INR 1870)
9600 (INR 5768)
3667 (INR 2203)
5.74
7.3
More details about these top budget-friendly cities of Japan:
Nara: As Japan’s leading budget city, Nara offers free-roaming deer, ancient temples, and artwork dating back to the 8th century.
Chiba: This city, home to two Disney parks and Japan’s longest sandy coastline, has the cheapest hotel and travel prices.
Kumamoto: One of the most budget-friendly cities in Japan for rail travel, Kumamoto is home to Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes.
Okinawa: Seeking a tropical escape? Okinawa’s crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs won’t disappoint.
Hiroshima: Dotted with World War II memorial sites, cultural heritage hotspots, and signature diners, Hiroshima ought to be on your Japan itinerary.
Yokohama: Once a small fishing village, Yokohama now boasts luxe shopping malls, parks, and a Chinatown.
Kawasaki: Just 18 km from Tokyo, Kawasaki has charming museums and temples.
Nagoya: When in Nagoya, visit the Nagoya Castle, one of Japan’s largest castle tower keeps.
Kochi: From paddleboarding and hiking to embarking on a temple trail, Kochi is a must-visit tourist attraction in Japan.
Kitakyushu: Known for its spring cherry blossoms, museums, and dramatic samurai history, Kitakyushu promises charming tourist sites while being a key budget travel destination in Japan.
Also read | Navigating Japan’s Shinkansen Network: Your Ultimate Bullet Train Guide
Japan visa for Indians
Nara, Japan | Image credit: Jo Sorgenfri/Unsplash
Japan doesn’t offer the visa-on-arrival option for Indian travellers. You can apply for the eVisa/tourist visa by heading to the VFS Global Japan eVisa website, downloading and printing the application, and submitting it along with the required documents at the VFS Japan Visa Centre. Make the process simple with our Japan visa guide for Indians.
(Feature image credit: Worachat Sodsri/Unsplash)
Related | Affordable, Accessible, And Fun: Navigating The World Of Gachapon In Japan!
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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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