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Tips for saving money in Japanese life! Learn how to save money when shopping and traveling!

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Illustration expressing tight purse strings to save money.

Although central areas of Japan are known for their high cost of living, it is possible to live a fulfilling life while saving money, depending on the ingenuity with which you live. In particular, foreigners who have just started living in Japan or those who visit Japan on vacation may often be at a loss as to how to save money.

Therefore, in this article, we will introduce some money-saving tips for different situations that can be useful when living and traveling in Japan. We will explain tips on how to save money in Japan from various angles, including food, shopping, transportation, and travel expenses. Whether you are about to start living in Japan or are planning a short stay, we hope you will find this article useful.

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【 Tips for saving money in 】 Japanese life by situations

The first tip for saving money in Japan is to carefully check the times and months when the store's products and services are cheaper. Different stores set up sales at certain times of the year or periods of the year when their products are cheaper. If you check the sale period carefully and act accordingly, you can save more than the usual price.

Also, in Japan, coupons and loyalty cards are often given out at stores. If you bring the coupon with you the next time you go shopping, you will be able to shop at a lower price than the regular price. Point cards are a great way to get discounts on your next visit if you spend a certain amount of money at that store.

As a basic approach to saving money, we recommend that you keep a monthly record of what products and services you spend and how much you spend. This will give you some idea of what you are spending your money on. Then, think about how much you could save on those products and services if you saved money.

The following are tips for saving money in Japan, broken down by specific situations, such as food, shopping, transportation, and travel.

(1) Tips for saving on food (food costs)

The key to saving money on food is to go to the supermarket between 7 PM and 8 PM. During the evening hours, red and yellow stickers are placed on prepared foods that are nearing their expiration date. A sticker is a sign that a discount is being offered; some items are 20% or 50% off, so look carefully. Be careful, however, if you go to the supermarket at closing time, the discounted prepared foods are often sold out.

Food is also sold in Japanese convenience stores, but keep in mind that prices are generally higher than in supermarkets. Convenience stores are convenient, but a little more expensive, so we recommend that you plan accordingly.

Another way to save money on food costs is to cook for yourself. If you eat out or eat at convenience stores sparingly and cook your own food, you can greatly reduce your food costs. Japanese food is available in a wide variety and relatively inexpensive, so it is a good way to try your hand at cooking for yourself. Japanese food is very tasty, so you will be able to enjoy a highly satisfying diet while saving money.

(2) Tips for saving money when shopping

The key to shopping as inexpensively as possible in Japan is to buy second-hand goods. Second-hand goods are an attractive and inexpensive way to purchase a variety of items, including books, electronics, furniture, and clothing. There are many stores in Japan that specialize in second-hand goods, such as "recycle stores" and "second-hand clothing stores. It is a good idea to look for such stores in your area.

The following article explains more about recycle stores.
▶︎ Good for your wallet and the environment! Introducing "recycle stores" recommended in Japan!

Recently, flea market applications that allow users to easily buy and sell used goods between individuals have been gaining popularity. Among them, "Mercari" is one of the largest flea market applications in Japan with the largest number of users, handling a wide range of used goods. You may be able to buy used goods at even lower prices than in stores, but be sure to buy from sellers you can trust, as this is a private transaction.

Also, make use of 100-yen stores. At Daiso and Celia, you can get a variety of products for 100 yen (excluding tax). (Some products are not 100 yen, so please check the price label.) A wide range of products are available, including stationery, cleaning supplies, kitchenware, and interior goods, so if there is something you are looking for, you may be able to save money by going to a 100 yen store first.

In addition, it is also effective to target times of sale. In particular, many clothing sales are held during the change of seasons. It is also recommended to take advantage of store loyalty cards to receive discounts and gifts for your purchases.

(3) Tips for saving on transportation costs

Many people think of using the Shinkansen when traveling long distances (e.g., from Tokyo to Osaka). The Shinkansen is certainly fast and convenient, but the fare is quite expensive. If you want to save money when traveling long distances, we recommend using an overnight bus.

Traveling by night bus takes longer than the bullet train, but the fare is often less than half the price. If you have time to spare, consider taking an overnight bus. An increasing number of night buses are equipped with restrooms, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.

In addition, bicycle rental services are expanding in urban areas. Bicycles are cheaper than trains and buses, and they are an easy way to get around. In Tokyo, you can rent a bicycle near a station calleddocomo bike shareThere are many "bike ports" and you can use the app to rent a bike. You can also use the "LuupWe also recommend a sharing service that allows people to get in and out of electric micromobility and travel from ports around town with a single smartphone called

For longer stays, consider purchasing a commuter pass; a one-month or three-month pass will save you money in total, rather than paying the fare each time. This is a great way to save money for those who use the train or bus for their daily commute to work or school.

(4) Tips for saving money on travel to Japan

One thing that can be expensive when traveling to Japan is the cost of lodging. To save on lodging costs, it is important to first carefully consider the time of year and day of the week of your trip. Generally speaking, Monday through Thursday tend to be less expensive than Fridays and weekends.

And during the long vacation season in Japan, accommodation prices soar. In particular, note that rates jump during Golden Week (end of April to beginning of May), Obon vacation (August), and year-end and New Year holidays (end of December to beginning of January).

When staying at a hotel, it is recommended to choose a "no meal plan" that does not include dinner and breakfast. By choosing a simple plan without meals, you can save a lot of money.

Recently, private accommodations services such as Airbnb have become popular. Since it is possible to rent a room with a kitchen for a more reasonable price than a hotel, it is a good idea to consider using private accommodations for long-term stays or group trips.

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summary

The following is a summary of the key points about saving money in Japan by situation.

  • Food: Buy discounted prepared foods at supermarkets in the late evening; side dishes are cheaper than at convenience stores.
  • Shopping: Buy used goods at recycle stores and flea market apps, take advantage of 100 yen stores and seasonal sales
  • Transportation: Night buses are economical for long-distance travel, and bike sharing and commuter passes can save money.
  • Travel: stay on weekdays or during off-peak periods, choose a no-frills plan or private accommodations, and check local deals.

Try incorporating these money-saving tips into your life and travels in Japan. By being smart and creative, you will be able to save money and have a fulfilling time. Please refer to them and enjoy your life and travel in Japan to the fullest!

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