Did Japan always seem out of reach? That may be changing. The arrival of Japanese tourists reached its highest ever high in 2025.
“Now, the Japanese yen is weaker than it has been in decades, so if you're smart about it, this country offers incredible value for money,” says Antoinette Turner, general manager of flight centres in South Africa. “We're seeing more families make the leap because it's much more accessible than most people think.”
This change is up 47.1% in 2023 as the Japan National Tourism Agency reported a record 36.9 million international visitors in 2024.
“From flowering cherry blossoms to historic temples and futuristic cities, the country offers an attractive blend of old and new,” adds Turner. “Now is the time to discover a world that is so different to what we know in South Africa.”
So how do you stretch your land as you explore the neon lights of Tokyo and ancient alleys of Kyoto? We'll show you some familiar hacks from the flight center and help you explore Japan without a large price tag.
Visit during shoulder season
The most cost-effective times to visit Japan are during the shoulder season, which occurs twice a year from early April to mid-June, and from mid-September to early December.
“The cherry blossom season, which takes place from late March to early May to early May, is the peak of the tourism period,” explains Turner. “But travelling just before or after this will save you a lot of money on accommodation and flights. Plus, with the right time you can enjoy the pleasant weather, reduced crowds and lower prices.”
For those who want to avoid crowds altogether, and for those who don't mind warm and humid conditions, Turner recommends traveling during the rainy season. This starts around June and continues until mid-July. Winter in Japan (December to early March) brings snowfall to Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps. If you have a little wiggle room on your budget, it's perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
Turner further points out that anime enthusiasts will flock to Tokyo in early December for Tokyo Comic Con. Meanwhile, Golden Week Holiday period (April 29th to May 5th) should be avoided as a surge in domestic travel during this period unless you book in advance.
Stay at a business hotel
When visiting Japan, consider staying at a business hotel to keep costs down. These hotels are clean, cost-friendly, conveniently located and offer excellent alternatives to luxury hotels. A good example is an APA hotel, a chain of hotels that check boxes in both location and pricing. Functional, minimalists keep exactly what you need (like ultra-fast Wi-Fi) without (expensive) bells or whistles. The rooms are small but the hotel is centrally located. This is APA Hotel Chiba Ekima, just minutes from Chiba Station and the Chiba Urban Monorail.
For a more authentic and affordable experience, Turner recommends the family-run Minshuks (bed and breakfast) while exploring small towns and cities. “These accommodations offer an authentic experience at just a small fraction of the cost of a larger hotel.”
Accepting Conbini's life
Visiting local supermarkets around the world can be a truly enjoyable experience. It gives you a glimpse into the local culture, food preferences and everyday life at your new destination. If you're traveling on a budget, it can also help you grow your land!
Japanese convenience stores known as Konbini are proving true hidden gems when it comes to fast and affordable meals. They received high praise from the late Anthony Bourdain!
“Kids love the simple, delicious food available at convenience stores,” Turner says. “Pipulate sushi, ventboxes, onigiri and even hot ramen.
Of course, street food gives a taste of authentic (and affordable) living in Japan. You can sample everything from ramen to alpine, sun, orogeny, yakitori, tonkatsu, croquet, griza, udon. Depending on where you are, Japanese markets and street vendors are attractive invitations to sample fresh fish, vegetables and local produce.
Travel smartly with JR Pass
For those who venture beyond Tokyo, Japanese railway passes are a game changer. “This pass provides unlimited access to Japan's famous newcomer bullet trains and most local lines,” explains Turner. Another perk? Children under the age of 6 can ride for free on most trains, making this option even more affordable and family-friendly.
Future plans can maximize both convenience and savings. She suggests downloading JR Rail timetables and saving time and money to buy a Japanese railway pass before your trip.
Overall, public transport in Japan is efficient, and prepaid IC cards like Suica and Pasmo make city travel easier. “Travel experts can help you get these, which can also be used to purchase at convenience stores,” adds Turner.
Traveling across Tokyo
Overall, destinations like Kanazawa, Takayama and Fukuoka are rich in history and culture, but have fewer crowds and are more valuable.
“These hidden gems provide intimate slices of Japanese life and subtract their sudden Tokyo prices,” explains Turner. “Kyoto, a cultural center in Japan, has iconic landmarks like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha (Golden Pavilion), both offering free or minimal admission.”
Why Japan is a must in 2025
It's not surprising that Japan is prominent on the 2025 travel trend list. It's a country that offers something for everyone. And with the current cost advantages of South Africans, now is the perfect time to start planning your adventure.
“For South Africans, weak circles provide a great opportunity to explore destinations that are very different from traditional fly and flop goats,” adds Turner. “There was never a good time for South Africans to seize this opportunity. It's more accessible than ever,” she concludes.
