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A lot of people don’t really consider visiting Japan because the country has a reputation for being expensive. Allow me to be the one to tell you that this reputation is a false one. While a holiday in Japan can be expensive, it can also be very budget-friendly if you want it to.

In fact, a trip to Japan can be both magical and economical. You just have to know when to save and when to splurge to have an amazing time travelling across the country. Here are the best tips and tricks to keep in mind if you want to save money while travelling in Japan.

Time Your Visit

Japan is best explored during the off seasons. The early autumn period is usually the best time to explore the country, not only because things are usually quieter, but also because you’ll see some spectacular scenery thanks to the autumn colours found across the country.

Try to avoid the peak season (around April and May), the middle of August, and of course around New Year. During these times, hotels usually charge more due to the higher occupancy. On the other hand, you can also time your visit around June and July – during the rainy season in Japan – to make the trip even more affordable.

Go Beyond Mainstream

We’re used to looking into the mainstream airlines when looking for flights to Japan. In reality, however, almost every airline flies to the country. Instead of accepting the high fares of certain airlines, you can actually save by opting for an alternative route and finding deals on flights to Japan.

FinnAir is a good example of a major airline that offers affordable and accessible flights to Japan. You can access the latest deals and special offers on the airline’s website, FinnAir.com. Not only will you be able to save, you can also compare fares at different times of the year to get the best price for your trip.

Book Early

There are two things you can do to get better hotel deals. You can either book early, or find last-minute deals. When planning a trip to Japan, booking early is always the way to go. Book as early as two months before the actual trip and you will find amazing deals easily.

Luxury hotels in Tokyo, which normally charge around 15,000 yen per night, can be as affordable as 5,000 yen a night when you book early. That’s £35 or around $50 per night for a luxury hotel in downtown Tokyo, from a standard rate of £110/$135. Imagine how much you can save for the entire trip!

There are, of course, other ways to make a vacation in Japan more affordable. You can find holiday rentals with a kitchen and cook your own meals. You can also use public transport for getting around; Japan’s immensely reliable train system will take you to the best spots across the country. With these tips in mind, you won’t have to worry about a trip to Japan being too expensive for your budget; it will be a trip of a lifetime for sure.