Spoiler alert: It’s not during cherry blossom season.
However, costs can still rack up quickly, with flight tickets being among the top expenses.
Flights from the West Coast are even less.
Temple in Kyoto, Japan.Credit:Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights
First, travel the opposite way of the crowd.
Around major events or holidays, timing your flight can help you secure the best deals, says Lindsay.
Need to travel during a holiday?
Tori gates in Kyoto, Japan.Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure
Consider where everyone else is going, and then go somewhere else.
Activate price alerts.
You know where you want to go and when.
Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo, Japan.Manorath Naphaphone/Travel + Leisure
The next step is turning onprice alerts.
Explore alternative destinations.
For example, explore Fukuoka or Sapporo in Japan instead of Tokyo, says Lindsay.
Plus, the countrys excellent transit system makes it easy to move between cities once youve arrived.
Be flexible with travel dates.
When your travel schedule isnt set in stone, its much easier to find cheaper flights.
Theresso much to see in Japan, but people often stick to the Golden Route of Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka.
Youll find hotel prices reflect that disparity of visitors, which is only good news for your wallet.
Considerrail passesif youre considering moving around a lot.
Many cities also offer transitday passesif you expect to ride several times.
Beware of major holidays and festivals.
Some areas get booked out months in advance, and prices on the few remaining rooms surge.
Food, in general, is of high quality, and many everyday joints are downright affordable.
