Learn how Japan has become one of the top budget-friendly destinations

May 28, 2024 / 3 MINUTE READ

eDataSIM Team

The decline of the yen is attracting many tourists looking for affordable fine dining, inexpensive rail travel, and discounted clothing.

When we hear “weak yen,” it often conjures up images of economic woes for Japan, from soaring import costs to household spending cuts due to inflation. But there’s a surprising silver lining to Japan’s ever-sliding currency: it’s becoming a budget traveller’s paradise.

In the post-pandemic world, Japan is shedding its reputation as one of the world’s most expensive destinations, a legacy of its champagne-flowing, chandelier-swinging, pre-crash 1980s. Today, thanks to the yen’s decline, Japan offers refreshingly low prices across the board, from food to fashion.

Tourists are flocking to Japan in record numbers. While this has sparked concerns about over-tourism in popular hubs like Kyoto’s Gion district and Mount Fuji viewing spots, it’s also driving high spending levels among visitors. The figures are telling: inbound foreign tourist numbers topped 3 million in March for the first time, a surge of 11.6 percent compared to March five years ago, before Covid hit. Total spending per person soared by 52 per cent between January and February this year compared to the same period in 2019.

“Japan often surprises people that it wasn’t as expensive as they thought it would be,” says James Mundy of InsideJapan Tours. “It has a reputation for being pricey, dating back to the ‘bubble jidai (era)’ in the 80s. But with the weaker yen, Japan offers even greater value. You can enjoy a lunch set at a café or a bowl of ramen for around 1000 yen (£5) or ‘kaiten’ conveyor sushi plates for 150 yen (less than a pound). The food quality is excellent, and the service is top-notch. Main temples and gardens are often free or cost just a couple of pounds. Subway journeys in Tokyo are usually less than a pound, and everything runs on time.”

For many visitors, shopping is a highlight, with Australians, Britons, and Spaniards among the biggest spenders per capita. Katia Lelievre, a tourist from France, explains: “I bought three pairs of shoes—Converse, Nike, and Adidas—which I wouldn’t normally do, but the strong exchange rate made it worth it.”

Japan’s renowned cuisine is also increasingly accessible, even on a budget. Dominique Stabile, 31, from Italy, says, “The food is really cheap. I tried everything I wanted. I had a budget and didn’t exceed it, so I’m happy.”

Local businesses are welcoming the influx of tourists. Saori Iida, who works in a store selling traditional secondhand Japanese clothing, recalls a customer who bought 15 kimonos in one visit. “Many people do the math and see the value in their country’s currency and decide to buy more.”

The weak yen also encourages tourists to spend more time in Japan and explore beyond the typical tourist spots. Carolyn Addison, head of product at the luxury tour operator Black Tomato, notes, “Our clients appreciate the great value of travelling to Japan now. With the weak yen, they’re benefiting from favourable exchange rates, staying longer, and venturing to multiple destinations beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, like Osaka, which is gaining popularity for its street food scene. We’re highlighting Japan’s better value to encourage travellers to explore lesser-known parts of the country.”

So, if you’re considering a trip to Japan, there’s never been a better time. Whether you’re indulging in high-end sushi or finding hidden gems in local markets, your yen will go further than ever before. To make your travels even smoother, consider one of eDataSIM's reasonably priced Japan eSIM plans. Our eSIMs offer seamless connectivity, so you can share your incredible Japanese adventures without missing a beat. Visit eDataSIM today and start planning your budget-friendly trip to Japan!

Stay connected in budget-friendly Japan with eDataSIM!