Any tourist in Tokyo would know how difficult it is to have a cheap trip in the country. Most things cost a leg and a half in Japan. Yet, there are many ways you can still save money and have a great holiday.

The tips below will provide some ideas on how you can save on a trip to Tokyo. While it is always sensible to only pay what you can afford, do not shortchange yourself either. Enjoy a nice holiday without spending too much but spoil yourself sometimes when necessary.

Hotels – There is a scarcity of budget hotels in Tokyo for tourists. Many of them cost an arm and a leg. But there are alternative options such as business hotels and hostels that offer cheaper accommodation at an average of 6,000 to 9,000 yen per night. Booking them is tricky though, since the demand exceeds supply.

Ryokan – There is another form of accommodation that tourists can opt for in Tokyo and they are known as ryokans. You will be staying in a Japanese-styled traditional home which means sleeping on futon beds. They are very comfortable and meals are often provided as part of the cost.

Japan Rail Pass – Traveling in Tokyo using their rail network is the cheapest form of transport available. With the Japan Rail Pass, you can achieve even greater savings. As they allow you to travel between other cities in Japan, making a trip to and from Tokyo to Kyoto would already cost almost the full cost of a 7 day rail pass. The amount of money you can save from using it makes it worth spending on.

Vending machines – You can get just about everything from vending machines in Japan. Fancy a bottle of boiled ramen or some fresh underwear at a touch of a button? These, and many more, can be bought from vending machines at lower prices than if you had purchased them from restaurants or department stores.

Ramen shops – Some of you might have heard stories of food being expensive in Japan. That cannot be further from the truth with ramen shops. You can have a satisfying meal of noodles at only 300 yen. For 900 yen you can also have a choice of tasty ramen with thick slabs of meat included.

Onsen – If you are really short of cash and do not mind a threadbare place to stay, why not consider the hot spring establishments? At a cost of 2,000 yen per night, you can also enjoy a hot dip in natural spring water and a peaceful night’s sleep. Ideal for those who are traveling from city to city in Japan.