Has Japan always seemed out of reach? That might be changing. Japan’s tourist arrivals have hit an all-time high in 2025 as a weaker yen draws visitors from around the world – South Africa included.
“With the Japanese yen currently weaker than it’s been in decades, the country offers incredible value for money if you’re smart about it,” says Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa. “We’re seeing more families take the leap because flights and experiences are far more accessible than most people think.”
This shift is evident as the Japan National Tourism Organization reports a record-breaking 36.9 million international visitors in 2024. A 47.1% increase on 2023.
“From cherry blossoms in bloom to historic temples and futuristic cities, the country offers a captivating blend of old and new,” Turner adds. “Now is the time to go and discover a world that’s vastly different from what we know here in South Africa.”
So, how do you stretch your rands while exploring Tokyo’s neon lights and Kyoto’s ancient alleys? Here are some savvy hacks from Flight Centre to help you explore Japan without the hefty price tag.
Visit during the shoulder season
The most cost-effective times to visit Japan are during the shoulder seasons, occurring twice a year from early April to mid-June, and again from mid-September to early December.
“Cherry blossom season, which runs from late March to early May, is a peak tourism period,” Turner explains. “However, travelling just before or after this can help you save significantly on accommodation and flights. Plus, you can still enjoy pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices if you time it just right.”
For those looking to avoid the crowds entirely and who don’t mind warmer, humid conditions, Turner recommends travelling during the rainy season. This begins around June and lasts until mid-July. Wintertime in Japan (December and early March) brings snowfall to Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps – great for skiing and snowboarding, if you have slightly more wiggle room in your budget.
Turner further notes that anime enthusiasts flock to Tokyo in early December for Tokyo Comic Con. Meanwhile, the Golden Week holiday period (April 29 to May 5) is one to avoid unless you book well in advance, as domestic travel surges during this time.
Stay in business hotels
When visiting Japan, consider staying in business hotels to keep cost low. These hotels are clean, well-priced, and conveniently located, providing an excellent alternative to luxury hotels. A good example is APA Hotels, a chain of hotels which tick the box in terms of both position and pricing. Think functional, minimalist stays with exactly what you need (like super-fast Wi-Fi) without any (expensive) bells and whistles. The rooms are small, but the hotels are centrally located, like APA Hotel Chiba Ekimae which is just minutes from Chiba station and the Chiba Urban Monorail. For a more authentic and affordable experience, Turner recommends family-run minshukus (bed and breakfasts) while exploring smaller towns and cities. “These accommodations provide an authentic experience at a fraction of the cost of larger hotels.”
Embrace konbini life
Visiting local supermarkets around the world can be a really enjoyable experience. It offers a glimpse into local culture, food preferences, and daily life in a new destination. If you’re travelling on a budget, it can also help stretch your rands!
Japanese convenience stores, known as konbini, prove a true hidden gem when it comes to quick, affordable meals. They even earned high praise from the late Anthony Bourdain!
“Kids love the simple and tasty meals available at konbinis,” says Turner. “Think sushi, bento boxes, onigiri, and even piping hot ramen, all for under ¥500 (about R65).”
Of course, street food also gives you an authentic (and affordable) taste of life in Japan, and you’ll be able to sample everything from ramen and takoyaki to taiyaki, okonomiyaki, yakitori, tonkatsu, croquettes, gyoza, and udon. Depending on where you are, Japan’s markets and street vendors are a tempting invitation to sample the freshest fish, veg and local produce – an absolute feast for the senses!
Travel smart with a JR Pass
For those venturing beyond Tokyo, the Japan Rail Pass is a game-changer. “The pass offers unlimited access to Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet trains and most local lines,” Turner explains. Another perk? Children under six years old can ride for free on most trains, making this option even more affordable and family-friendly.
Planning ahead can maximise both convenience and savings. She suggests downloading JR Rail timetables and purchasing a Japan Rail Pass before your trip to save time and money.
Overall, Japan’s public transportation is efficient, and prepaid IC cards like Suica or PASMO make city travel effortless. “A travel expert can help you get your hands on these, which can even be used for purchases at convenience stores,” Turner adds.
Travel beyond Tokyo
Overall, destinations like Kanazawa, Takayama, and Fukuoka are rich in history and culture, but with fewer crowds and better value.
“These hidden gems offer an intimate slice of Japanese life minus those steep Tokyo prices,” Turner explains. “Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, is home to iconic landmarks like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha (the Golden Pavilion), both of which offer free or minimal admission.”
Why Japan is a must in 2025
Japan’s prominence on the 2025 travel trend lists comes as no surprise. It’s a country that offers something for everyone. And with the current cost advantages for South Africans, now is the perfect time to start planning your adventure.
“For South Africans, the weak yen presents a prime opportunity to explore a destination that’s vastly different to those traditional fly-and-flop go-tos,” Turner adds. “There’s never been a better time for South Africans to seize this opportunity. It’s more accessible than ever before,” she concludes.
