Is tap water safe to drink in Japan?

Yes, tap water throughout Japan is high-quality and safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it at your accommodation to save $2-3 per day.

Do I need a SIM card?

Yes. Use an eSIM service like Airalo or Ubigi; it costs about $10-$15 for 10GB, which is much cheaper than roaming with your home carrier.

How to backpack Japan on a budget

Backpacking Japan on a budget requires skipping the JR Pass in favor of regional bus passes or local trains, eating at convenience stores and gyudon chains, and staying in business hotels or hostels. You can comfortably explore the country for about $70–$90 USD per day if you avoid shinkansen travel and stick to city-based exploration.

Skip the JR Pass. Since the 2023 price hike, the national JR Pass is rarely worth it for budget travelers. Instead, use the 'Japan Transit Planner' app to compare costs. Often, regional bus passes like the Willer Express bus pass or simply booking point-to-point regional trains will save you 30-50%.
Master the 'Convenience Store' Meal. FamilyMart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven offer high-quality prepared meals. A nutritious breakfast (onigiri and yogurt) costs about $3. A full lunch (bento box) costs about $5-6. This saves you $20 a day compared to restaurant dining.
Use Local Transportation Cards. Purchase a Welcome Suica or Pasmo card upon arrival at the airport. This avoids buying individual paper tickets for every subway ride and works seamlessly across almost all major city transport networks.
Choose Business Hotels or Hostels. Look for 'Business Hotels' (like APA or Toyoko Inn) if you are traveling with a partner—they are small but cheaper than many hotels. For solo travelers, stay in 'capsule hotels' or hostels that offer lockers, which typically cost $25-$40 per night.

Is tap water safe to drink in Japan?: Yes, tap water throughout Japan is high-quality and safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it at your accommodation to save $2-3 per day.
Do I need a SIM card?: Yes. Use an eSIM service like Airalo or Ubigi; it costs about $10-$15 for 10GB, which is much cheaper than roaming with your home carrier.