Kyoto and Osaka are renowned tourist destinations in Japan, attracting visitors from both within the country and abroad. For students and new professionals who aim to enjoy the sights and cuisine of Osaka and Kyoto while keeping travel expenses to a minimum, planning becomes crucial.
If you wish to cut down on travel expenses, it is advisable to target periods with fewer tourists. In this article, we introduce optimal times to visit and methods to reduce travel costs, offering valuable insights for planning an economical trip to Kyoto and Osaka.
Feel free to use this guide when organizing your travel itinerary for Kyoto and Osaka.
Introducing the Affordable Seasons for Kyoto and Osaka Travel
To save on expenses during a trip to Kyoto and Osaka, it is crucial to travel during cost-effective periods. Here, we will explain the four best seasons to keep costs down for Kyoto and Osaka travel:
- Mid-January to February
- Early to mid-April
- Post-Golden Week to June
- Late September to October
Let’s explore each affordable season for Kyoto and Osaka travel.
The Affordable Seasons for Kyoto and Osaka Travel①：Mid-January to February
Until early January, Japan experiences a peak in domestic travel due to the year-end and New Year holidays, known as the homecoming rush. According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Report on Airport Management Conditions for the 4th year of Reiwa, February is the month with the fewest domestic flight passengers. Therefore, if you choose to travel by plane from mid-January to February after the holiday rush, you can avoid the crowds.
Furthermore, with many people returning to work or school during this cold season, there is a decrease in the number of travelers, resulting in lower transportation costs for flights and trains, as well as reduced accommodation expenses for hotels and ryokans.
For individuals with longer holidays, such as university students or those with flexible schedules, it is recommended to take advantage of this opportunity for a trip. If possible, making reservations in late November or December is advisable.
The Affordable Seasons for Kyoto and Osaka Travel②：Early to mid-April
In March, there is an increase in travelers embarking on graduation trips, particularly among university students. However, post-March, taking vacations becomes challenging in Japan due to the commencement of new academic terms, resulting in a decline in the number of people going on trips. Additionally, with the Golden Week (GW) approaching in early May, it is anticipated that fewer people will plan trips in early to mid-April.
According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Tourism Agency (in the 4th year of Reiwa), the total number of domestic overnight stays in May was 36.8 million, compared to 32.76 million in April.
Therefore, traveling during this period allows for relatively less crowded conditions, providing an opportunity for a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.
In March, airlines and travel agencies often enter their financial reporting periods, and to boost revenue, they may offer sales and discounted tickets or travel packages in late February to March, before the spring break. It’s advisable to check for any available services or deals for early to mid-April.
The Affordable Seasons for Kyoto and Osaka Travel③：Post-Golden Week to June
After Golden Week until June, many regions in Japan enter the rainy season, leading to a decrease in the number of people traveling. Additionally, the diminishing demand for travel after the peak Golden Week period contributes to a reduction in the overall number of tourists.
As a result, travel agencies and hotels often release plans, campaigns, and perks that become more cost-effective based on the number of reservations and accommodations.
This season is ideal for indoor activities such as visiting museums or historical buildings, as they are not affected by weather conditions.
If you want to travel affordably during this time, it may be advantageous to choose destinations less affected by the rainy season.
The Affordable Seasons for Kyoto and Osaka Travel④：Late September to October
The travel demand tends to surge during extended holidays such as the Obon vacation in August and the summer break, as well as the consecutive holidays of Silver Week in September. Therefore, the latter half of September to October, after Silver Week, is a favorable period for avoiding crowds and planning a leisurely trip.
As the overall number of travelers decreases during this time, there is a possibility of purchasing reasonably priced air tickets and accommodation plans from travel agencies.
According to a survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Tourism Agency (in the 4th year of Reiwa), the number of foreign overnight stays in Japan was 2.09 million in October, compared to 830,000 in September. Since September attracts fewer international tourists, it is a recommended period for sightseeing.
With pleasant weather during this time, it is an excellent opportunity to explore attractions like Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, indulge in the delicious street food in Osaka, such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, and fully enjoy outdoor travel experiences.
3 Points to Economize on the Cost of Kyoto and Osaka Travel
We’ve learned that traveling during the off-peak seasons is crucial to reducing the expenses of a Kyoto and Osaka trip. Now, let’s delve into three additional points to further cut down on the costs of your journey to Kyoto and Osaka.
- Book Flights and Hotels in Advance
- Opt for Budget Airlines (LCC) during Sales
- Choose Weekday Departure and Return Plans
Let’s take a closer look at each of these points.
Points to Economize on the Cost of Travel①：Book Flights and Hotels in Advance
Airlines such as JAL and ANA offer ‘Early Purchase Discounts,’ a service where booking air tickets in advance comes with higher discount rates. Comparing reservations made just three days before the flight and those made 75 days or more in advance, the fare difference can be significant, sometimes up to 1.5 times depending on the season. Therefore, by planning early and purchasing air tickets as soon as possible, you can secure reasonably priced flights.
Additionally, travel booking websites may offer similar plans called ‘Early Bird’ or ‘Early Booking Discounts.’
The conditions vary depending on the hotel or booking site, but making reservations early can lead to more affordable rates compared to standard plans.
While Early Bird plans offer advantageous rates, it’s essential to be cautious as some may have a 100% cancellation fee if you decide to cancel after booking.
Points to Economize on the Cost of Travel②：Opt for Budget Airlines (LCC) during Sales
Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), such as peach and Jetstar, offer affordable airfares with features like no drink services and narrower seats. Despite these drawbacks, LCCs ensure operational safety and are characterized by lower ticket prices compared to traditional airlines. Taking advantage of sales held during specific periods can further enhance the affordability of LCC tickets.LCCs often conduct limited-time sales, such as 24-hour flash sales, so it’s essential to follow their social media accounts or regularly check their official websites for updates.
The following LCCs operate flights to Kansai International Airport:
・Peach: A budget airline connecting major cities in Japan and Asia.
・Jetstar: An international low-cost carrier originating from Australia, offering an extensive network of international and domestic flights.
Furthermore, registering for LCC apps or newsletters can make it easier to access relevant information.
When using LCCs, be aware that additional fees may apply for checked baggage, so it’s crucial to check the weight and size restrictions for carry-on luggage in advance.
Notably, there are numerous international LCCs operating flights from South Korea and Taiwan to Kyoto and Osaka, making it relatively easy to plan travel itineraries using LCCs.
Points to Economize on the Cost of Travel③：Choose Weekday Departure and Return Plans
Opting for travel plans with departures and returns on weekdays can sometimes lead to more affordable airfares compared to weekends or holidays.
For instance, when examining the airfare (minimum price) for flights from Taiwan to Osaka on Saturdays and Mondays, it’s observed that the Saturday flight costs 24,000 yen, while the Monday flight is priced at 19,000 yen, indicating that airfares tend to be lower on weekdays.
If you have flexibility with your departure and return dates, it is recommended to travel on weekdays, although it’s worth noting that Fridays may have higher fares as some people extend their weekends.
Additionally, tickets for flights departing in the afternoon to early evening are often more economical compared to morning flights. Adjusting your travel time could potentially lead to cost savings on airfares.
Considering factors such as landing times and necessary travel durations, keep in mind that choosing weekday departures and returns may affect the arrival time at your destination. Therefore, plan accordingly when booking weekday travel plans.
Summary
In this guide, we have divided the affordable travel periods for Kyoto and Osaka into four categories. If your vacation aligns with any of the mentioned periods, consider visiting Kyoto and Osaka during these times for a budget-friendly experience.
For even more cost-effective travel, try strategies such as booking flights and hotels in advance, taking advantage of sales on Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs), and exploring other ways to reduce travel expenses.
If you’re working within a limited budget, use the information provided here as a reference to fully enjoy your trip to Kyoto and Osaka.
