Is the JR Pass really worth it for budget travel?

Yes, if you're doing Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka. A single Tokyo-Kyoto shinkansen ticket costs $120, so the 7-day pass ($280) pays for itself with just 3 long-distance trips.

How much cash should I bring?

Bring $300-500 cash. Many places still don't take cards, especially smaller restaurants and some accommodations. 7-Eleven ATMs work with foreign cards if you need more.

Can I really eat well on $15-25 a day?

Absolutely. Convenience store meals are $3-8 and surprisingly good. Add one restaurant meal ($8-15) and you're eating better than most tourists spending twice as much.

How to Travel Japan on a Budget

Japan doesn't have to break the bank. Sleep in hostels or capsule hotels ($25-40/night), eat at convenience stores and local chains ($15-25/day), and use a 7-day JR Pass for unlimited train travel ($280). Budget $80-100 per day total.

Get a JR Pass before you go. Buy a 7-day Japan Rail Pass online for $280 before departure. This covers most trains including shinkansen. Don't buy it in Japan — it costs more.
Book hostels or capsule hotels. Use Booking.com or Hostelworld to find dorm beds ($25-35/night) or capsule hotels ($30-40/night). Book at least 2 weeks ahead, especially for Tokyo and Kyoto.
Eat like locals eat. Hit convenience stores (konbini) for breakfast and lunch — quality is surprisingly good at $3-8 per meal. Try local chains like Yoshinoya or Matsuya for dinner ($6-12).
Walk and use local trains. Many attractions are walkable. For local transport, get day passes: Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass ($8), Kyoto City Bus day pass ($6). Avoid taxis — they're expensive.
Visit free attractions first. Temples, shrines, parks, and markets are mostly free. Senso-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Tokyo's government building observation deck cost nothing.
Time your visit right. Go in shoulder season (May or September-November) for cheaper flights and accommodation. Avoid cherry blossom season (March-April) and Golden Week (late April-early May).

Is the JR Pass really worth it for budget travel?: Yes, if you're doing Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka. A single Tokyo-Kyoto shinkansen ticket costs $120, so the 7-day pass ($280) pays for itself with just 3 long-distance trips.
How much cash should I bring?: Bring $300-500 cash. Many places still don't take cards, especially smaller restaurants and some accommodations. 7-Eleven ATMs work with foreign cards if you need more.
Can I really eat well on $15-25 a day?: Absolutely. Convenience store meals are $3-8 and surprisingly good. Add one restaurant meal ($8-15) and you're eating better than most tourists spending twice as much.