While Tokyo was recently ranked as one of the most affordable travel destinations worldwide, several other cities in Japan are apparently – and somewhat surprisingly – even more budget-friendly than the capital. After analysing travel costs in 18 cities across Japan, experts at UK-based but Japan-focused travel agency JR Pass revealed Nara as the most cost-effective city for travellers.
This ranking was based on factors like average prices for restaurants, hotels, rail travel passes and attractions, with data taken from July 2024. In the study, Nara received a cost efficiency score of 9.1 out of ten. While the temple-filled city has higher attraction costs, it is also one of the cheapest places to dine, with average dinner prices around ¥2,878 and hotel stays averaging at ¥11,600 per night.
Other cities and areas near the top of the ranking include Chiba (No 2), which had the cheapest hotel and travel prices overall; Kumamoto (No 3), which offered the lowest rail travel costs; Okinawa (No 4), known for its stunning marine life; and Hiroshima (No 5), renowned for its plentiful heritage sites.
Here’s a breakdown of the top ten most cost-effective cities/areas and their overall cost efficiency score:
- Nara (9.1/10)
- Chiba (8.9/10)
- Kumamoto (8.3/10)
- Okinawa (8/10)
- Hiroshima (7.9/10)
- Yokohama (7.9/10)
- Kawasaki (7.7/10)
- Nagoya (7.6/10)
- Kochi (7.3/10)
- Kitakyushu (7.3/10)
While Tokyo didn’t make the list this time around, nearby locales like Chiba and Yokohama offer more budget-friendly options just a short trip away. This ranking might even inspire you to explore some of Japan’s underrated destinations, where you can experience more of the country without the crowds.
For more details on this year’s ranking, visit the JR Pass website.
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