Budget Tours to Japan
Imagine walking around Shinjuku at night, taking pictures of Tokyo Tower from the peaceful gardens of Zojoji Temple. Take a boat ride on Kawaguchiko Lake, where the perfect cone of Mt. Fuji reflects in the still waters. Visit the interesting Toyota Museum in Nagoya, and walk through Kyoto's mystical bamboo forest, where light and nature collide. Japan doesn’t have to cost the earth.
10 best Budget Japan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffJapan travel expert at TourRadar
- Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- 10 Days Classic Japan Tour from Tokyo, 3&4 Stars Hotels (Max 6 People)
- 8 Day Japan on a Budget Small Group Tour Package
- Essential Japan Explorer - 13 Days
- Spirit of Japan
- Osaka Hiroshima Snapshot 6 Day - One Life Adventures
- Japan Essentials 13 Day - One Life Adventures
- Japan: Castles & Cuisine
- Japan In Depth - Footsteps of the Shogun
- 10 Days Japan Mini Group Tour with Family, Max 6 People and 3&4 Stars Hotels
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This was a wonderful way to get a whirlwind taste of Japan! The accommodation was brilliant, and a nice balance of tour and free time.”
Emily, traveled in January
For approx. $200 per day, this tour includes 10 nights accommodation, 9 meals, and transport costs. Highlights feature private sushi-making classes and Kendo training, plus free time in Tokyo's Akihabara and Kyoto's historic districts.
Duration 11 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano Age Range Ages 18-59 Price Per Day $252 Operator One Life Adventures From
- US$2,775
10 Days Classic Japan Tour from Tokyo, 3&4 Stars Hotels (Max 6 People)
12 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Japan is amazing. We will definitely come back and would use your service again.”
Morgan, traveled in March
Priced at around $560 per day, this tour uses 3-star hotels like Keio Presso Inn Kayabacho in Tokyo and Hotel Torifito Kanazawa, and includes all bullet train tickets between cities plus entrance fees to major sights. Groups max out at 6 travelers, keeping costs down.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Shirakawa Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $443 Operator Agate Travel From
- US$4,429
Priced at approx. $120 per day, this tour includes visits to Tokyo's Senso-ji Temple and Mount Fuji's 5th Station. Transportation via bullet train and centrally located hotels are included, with optional airport transfers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Nara Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $181 Operator Tourist Journey From
- US$1,446
Essential Japan Explorer - 13 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It is an active tour and really gives you a chance to see everything in southern Japan. Lots of free time and definitely worth the price!”
Kathleen, traveled in March
Costing approx. $270 per day, this tour provides Japanese hostels and guesthouses. Highlights include sushi-making classes in Tokyo, meditation sessions in Kyoto temples, and public transport between cities. Karaoke and other optional activities allow flexible spending.
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Arashiyama, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $334 Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$4,345
Spirit of Japan
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“An excellent time filled with fun and emersive opportunities. I learned much about this country.”
Alexander, traveled in January
At around $150 per day, you'll stay in mixed dorm rooms at hostels in Tokyo and Kyoto while seeing Japan's top sights. The trip includes a bullet train ride, cable car to Hakone, and a pirate ship cruise—meals aren't covered so you can budget for street food in Omoide Yokocho.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Odawara, Hakone, Arashiyama, Fushimi, Kyoto Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $228 Operator TruTravels From
- US$1,595
Osaka Hiroshima Snapshot 6 Day - One Life Adventures
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Nice balance of activities and freetime.”
Karoline, traveled in July
For approx. $180 per day, this tour offers bullet train travel, 5 breakfasts, and 2 dinners. Highlights include a Koyasan temple stay with monk-prepared meals, plus guided tours of Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Osaka's Dotonbori district.
Duration 6 days Destinations Osaka, Wakayama, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island Age Range Ages 18-59 Price Per Day $233 Operator One Life Adventures From
- US$1,395
Japan Essentials 13 Day - One Life Adventures
19 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“I had an amazing time in Japan, we got to see all of the must visit spots as well as a few hidden gems.”
Emily, traveled in November
This Japanese adventure costs approx. $140 per day, covering hostel stays, bullet train transport, and 9 meals. Visitors explore Tokyo's Harajuku district, Kyoto's temples, and Osaka's street food scene, with optional kimono rentals available.
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $179 Operator One Life Adventures From $2,745
15% Off- US$2,333You save $412
Japan: Castles & Cuisine
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Love the way that G do their trips.”
Jadon, traveled in October
At approx. $250 per day, this affordable Japanese tour includes bullet train travel and hostel stays. The itinerary features Osaka Castle Park visits and Miyajima Island exploration, with optional visits to Hiroshima Peace Memorial (200 JPY) and Mt. Misen hikes.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Osaka Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $200 Operator G Adventures From $1,499
20% Off- US$1,199You save $300
Japan In Depth - Footsteps of the Shogun
37 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Wonderful tour of Japan, surpassing my expectations. This is a must for anyone thinking of visiting Japan.”
Michelle, traveled in September
At approx. $520 per day, this package includes 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners of local cuisine. Accommodations alternate between 8 standard hotels and 3 traditional ryokans, with walking tours of Nagasaki's historic districts and airport transfers from Haneda or Narita.
Duration 12 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Hirado, Fukuoka Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $490 Operator Explore! From $6,290
7% Off- US$5,880You save $410
With 3-star hotels like Keio Presso Inn Kayabacho in Tokyo and Hotel Keihan Kyoto Hachijoguchi, this tour includes daily breakfast, entrance fees, and public transport by bullet train and metro. You'll walk through Tsukiji Outer Market and Dotonbori Street in Osaka for street food.
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $443 Operator Travel China Guide From
7% Off- US$4,429
What people love about Budget Tours in Japan
This was a wonderful way to get a whirlwind taste of Japan! Could honestly spend an extra 2 weeks exploring, but this allowed us to understand what areas we loved and see Japan in a more authentic way! The accommodation was brilliant, and a nice balance of tour and free time.
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- 10 Days Classic Japan Tour from Tokyo, 3&4 Stars Hotels (Max 6 People)
The booking process was smooth and professional. The operator answered all my questions with patience and care. They also offered me many useful information, which reliefed me a lot. I had a fab trip and everything was great. The tour guide was lovely. Truely enjoyed the absolutely beautiful view of Mt Fuji. Thank you for the great experience and the excellent service. I will continue to book through this travel agency whenever I travel to Japan and will definitely recommend to others.
- 8 Day Japan on a Budget Small Group Tour Package
The tour, although short, covered a lot in Tokyo and Kyoto. The guides were excellent and very personable, even taking us to some local spots for sushi. The downside to the tour was meeting them. The Tokyo subway station is huge and it is very difficult to locate the meeting points. One guide called us and that is how we found him (we were not the only ones late). Overall the tour was a good mix of free time and guided tours.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to Japan
When is the most affordable time to visit Japan on a budget tour?
Late autumn (November) and winter (December-February) offer the best value for money in Japan except during New Year celebrations. You'll find lower rates at hotels in key areas like Tokyo's Shinjuku and Kyoto's Gion. Prices tend to spike during cherry blossom season in spring and summer festival periods. A TourRadar traveler noted "Visiting in November allowed us to see the beautiful autumn colors at places like Arashiyama Bamboo Forest while enjoying lower prices on accommodations and fewer crowds."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a budget tour in Japan?
Budget tours typically combine shared hostels basic hotels and traditional ryokans. In Tokyo you might find yourself at places like Sakura Hotel Nippori with dormitory-style rooms. Kyoto offers traditional stays such as Matsubaya Ryokan where you'll sleep on futons laid on tatami floors. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The accommodation was basic but clean and well-located and the traditional ryokan stays were a highlight of experiencing real Japanese culture."
How much should I budget for meals not included in the tour?
Set aside 25-40 USD per day for meals outside your tour package. You can eat well at conveyor-belt sushi spots in Tokyo's Shibuya for 8-15 USD or grab filling ramen in Osaka's Dotonbori district for 7-12 USD. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "We found great value at local ramen shops and convenience stores which helped keep our daily food costs around 30 USD while still enjoying authentic Japanese cuisine."
Are entrance fees to attractions included in budget Japan tours?
Standard tours cover entry to main sites like Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Extra activities such as the Robot Restaurant (80 USD) or teamLab Borderless (30 USD) usually cost extra. According to a TourRadar traveler: "While main temple entrances were covered I spent about USD 100 extra on optional activities like the Ghibli Museum and samurai experience throughout the 10-day tour."
What are the best budget-friendly areas to stay in major Japanese cities?
Look for accommodations in Tokyo's Asakusa Ueno or parts of Shinjuku for better rates while staying connected to main attractions. The APA Hotel in Asakusa offers good value. Kyoto Station area and Southern Higashiyama provide affordable options. Osaka's Namba district features budget-friendly stays near popular spots. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Staying in Asakusa saved us money and gave us a more local experience compared to expensive areas like Ginza."
What's the best way to save money on transportation during free time in Japan?
While most tours include a Japan Rail Pass for longer trips local travel becomes cheaper with a prepaid IC card like Pasmo or Suica (20-30 USD initial charge). These cards work on metros and buses throughout major cities. As one TourRadar traveler advised: "Getting a Pasmo card saved both money and time plus our guide showed us how to use the efficient subway system in Tokyo which helped cut costs on taxis."
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