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 Adventure 13 Day
- Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- Japan In Depth - Footsteps of the Shogun
- 8 Day Japan on a Budget Small Group Tour Package
- 8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with 3&4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
- 10 Days Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People and 3&4 Stars Hotels
- Japan: Castles & Cuisine
- 7 Day Japan on a Budget Small Group Tour Package
- Essential Japan Explorer - 13 Days
- Japan Adventure 17 Day
Japan Adventure 13 Day
399 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was packed with fun activities that would have taken me weeks of planning if I had done the trip by myself.”
Dan, traveled in October
This comprehensive tour costs approx. $220 per day, covering accommodations, 11 breakfasts, bullet train travel, and cultural activities like sushi-making and samurai training. Nights are spent in traditional ryokans and temples.
Duration 13 days Destinations Tokyo, Nagano, Hakone, Fuji, Osaka, Koya-san, Kyoto Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $419 Operator INTRO Travel From
- NZ$5,449
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
32 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This organised tour allowed us to experience so many activities I never would have considered.”
Natalie, 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 $416 Operator One Life Adventures From
- NZ$4,579
Japan In Depth - Footsteps of the Shogun
37 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Every day was a new highlight.”
David, traveled in October
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 $833 Operator Explore! From
- NZ$10,000
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 $317 Operator Tourist Journey From
- NZ$2,538
8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with 3&4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
13 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The hotels were all very well-equipped. The time allowed for each stop was reasonable and our schedule was rather flexible.”
Luca, traveled in May
Duration 8 days Destinations Tokyo, Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $746 Operator Agate Travel From $7,456
20% Off- NZ$5,965You save $1,491
10 Days Japan Mini Group Tour with Max 6 People and 3&4 Stars Hotels
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Excellent customer service. I can't wait to plan the next adventure with you.”
Holly, traveled in January
Duration 10 days Destinations Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Shirakawa Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $765 Operator Agate Travel From $9,562
20% Off- NZ$7,649You save $1,912
Japan: Castles & Cuisine
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very immersive and worthwhile experience.”
Rahul, traveled in December
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 $265 Operator G Adventures From $2,119
25% Off- NZ$1,589You save $530
7 Day Japan on a Budget Small Group Tour Package
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was super Great. Thank you would tour again.”
Pascal, traveled in December
This tour costs approx. $120 per day with accommodations near Tokyo Station and Kyoto's Gion district. Visits to Mount Fuji's 5th Station and Kinkaku-ji Temple are included, along with English-speaking guides and bullet train travel.
Duration 7 days Destinations Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Nara, Kyoto Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $345 Operator Tourist Journey From
25% Off- NZ$2,416
Essential Japan Explorer - 13 Days
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had a great time seeing a lot of different places in Japan and got to eat some fantastic food along the way.”
Patrick, traveled in April
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 $582 Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- NZ$7,570
Japan Adventure 17 Day
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The entire experience was incredible, you get to visit all different cities across Japan as well as some smaller cute towns.”
Jo, traveled in May
At approx. $220 per day, this comprehensive Japanese tour includes accommodation, 15 breakfasts, and major transport. The itinerary features traditional ryokans, Senso-ji Temple visits, and bullet train rides, with quad-share hostels in Tokyo and twin rooms in Osaka.
Duration 17 days Destinations Tokyo, Nagano, Hakone, Fuji, Osaka, Koya-san, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima Age Range Ages 18-49 Price Per Day $394 Operator INTRO Travel From
25% Off- NZ$6,699
What people love about Budget Tours in Japan
- Japan Adventure 13 Day
This tour was everything I could have wanted, and more! From the jaw-dropping Mount Fuji to the futuristic lights of Tokyo, this tour blew my mind. The range of activities - including an overnight monastery stay, a Samurai class and Karaoke in the heart of Osaka - immersed me into the fascinating culture of this amazing country From the second I arrived in Tokyo, my guides made sure I was comfortable, happy and informed in a country where English isn't widely spoken. Thank you INTRO travel for so many amazing memories that will last a lifetime!
As a first-time traveller to Japan, this was an incredible experience and one I highly recommended to other like-minded explorers. Over 11 days, our group travelled from Tokyo to Nagano, experiencing everything from temples and shrines, to an authentic kendo experience, and even viewing the snow monkeys! The itinerary was never bare, but it also allowed plenty of time to explore at your own pace. A winter trip and strategic planning ensured minimal crowds when visiting the major tourist hotspots (such as Fushimi Inari Taisha), and when we did encounter the crushing bustle of people (usually on the train!) it seemed like an addition to the experience rather than a constant nightmare. We definitely couldn’t have had the experience we did though if it wasn’t for our tour guide, Jordan. Always cool, calm, and collected, Jordan’s knowledge of the country and his impeccable organisation ensured that we were always where we needed to be, and that we were experiencing the best of Japan without worrying about if we were going to miss crucial transport or activities. When we did run into a road block (the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building was closed), Jordan smoothly pivoted and we had an equally awesome time at the Skytree instead. We also all appreciated Jordan’s food and activity recommendations during free time, and learned way more about the regions we were visiting than if we’d explored on our own. Overall, I had an amazing trip and I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone considering travelling to Japan (and while I can’t speak for all the members of the group, I’m sure they’d agree!). Thank you Jordan, and thank you One Life Adventures!
Japan Winter Classic 11 Day - One Life Adventures
- 8 Days Top Japan Mini Group Tour with 3&4 Stars Hotels, Max 6 People
Well done on communication. Emily was great and prompt when our flight got cancelled and had to adjust. Guides were fun and we enjoyed the experience.
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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