Message from Adam
So...yeah. This list gets a little weird and a little strict. But I tend to go overboard on small details like this. If I don't need a jacket and blanket in my house, then the heater is turned up too high. And I am pretty strict about turning the lights off in rooms that aren't being used (even if I plan on going back into a room in a few minutes). I save every fraction of energy that I can.
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9 Ways to Save Money in Japan
(the strict list)
Admittedly, this list gets a little strange at times and is pretty strict. But every last yen is important, so these are some interesting ways to save your money in Japan.
Save money in Japan idea #1: Stop spending a fortune on ATM fees
It is so very easy to use ATMS multiple times in just one weekend. But every time you use a convenience store ATM, you lose money due to the transaction fee. This is a great way to waste money. By avoiding these fees, you can save money in Japan!
In a cash based society like Japan, it is almost impossible to stop using ATMs entirely, but there are some things that can be done to limit the loss from fees. 
ATMs have working hours just like a bank would and during these hours, most ATMs don’t have transaction fees or the fee is small. Fees will go up outside of the working hours, so if you need to use an ATM, do so during the day. Check your ATM and see what times have the cheapest fee and try to change your habit of getting cash late at night.
Weekends are almost always outside of the ATM hours, so try not to get cash on the weekends. It is astonishing how fast these ATM fees accumulate, so do your best to use them as little as possible and within their working hours.
Save money in Japan idea #2: Use Point Cards
Japan loves point cards and there seems to be a point card for everything. It’s not just for convenience stores either. There are point cards for gas, food chains, supermarkets, department stores and electronic stores. These cards a simple and easy way to save money in Japan.
It’s pretty easy to get a point card and they are easy to use. Points can rack up fast, which leads to discounts on purchases later on. Over time, a lot of money can be saved! There are five major point cards that cover almost everything in Japan. Maybe you don’t need them all, but put a few of these in your wallet and start saving.
Waon is a prepaid, rechargeable card that earns points. You can put money on it and use it just like a credit card (where it is excepted). AEON is the big company behind these cards, but they can be used at a large number of places. Places like shopping malls, convenience stores, drugstores and supermarkets. Full the full list please look here.
Ponta (Japanese site) is the Lawson point card and it can be used at GEO as well. GEO is a movie rental store.
Nanaco (Japanese site) is a prepaid, rechargeable card from Seven and I Holdings. It is mainly used at 7-Eleven stores, Dennys restaurants and at Ito-Yokado merchandise stores.
T-point (Japanese site) is the card from Family Mart. In addition to Family Mart, this card can be used for DVD rental (TSUTAYA), gas (ENEOS), karaoke (Shidax) and at a Chinese restaurant (Bamiyan).
Rakuten/Edy is a prepaid, rechargeable card that can be used in many places. It can be used at convenience stores, shopping centers and restaurants.
d Point (Japanese site) is a prepaid, rechargeable card from Docomo. It can be used in a variety of places and offers very similar benefits as the other prepaid cards. Look on their website for all the places this card is accepted.
Generally, one point equals one yen. So start earning points and start buying things with the points that you save. Points on the cards do expire, so make sure that you use them when you can!
Save money in Japan idea #3: Make Your Own Coffee
For coffee lovers, coffee is more than just a mere drink. It is the very life blood that keeps them moving through the day.
It may be the most important part of each day. However, it is really expensive. At first it may not seem so bad to buy a cup of coffee for around￥500 every day, but that adds up really fast! Saving money on coffee is a wonderful way to save money in Japan.
Therefore, brewing coffee at home saves a lot of money. Each cup of coffee made at home only costs about ￥20. That is a huge difference from buying in a convenience store or cafe! There is a lot of money to be saved here.
Get strict with yourself and take the time each morning to make your own coffee. Buy a big thermos and take the coffee to work and drink coffee all day without spending a fortune.
Save money in Japan idea #4: Drink Water Before Eating
Mistaking thirst for hunger is something that most people do daily. This can lead to overeating and overspending.
This idea is for those who are really trying to penny pinch (yen pinch) and it works as a diet idea as well. It may seem a little extreme, but this a pretty good way to save money in Japan.
If you’re feeling hungry between meals, drink water. This could save you from going to the convenience store to buy onigiri or those delicious meat buns. Snacking is a great way to needlessly spend money. Drink more water and control your hunger and in this way you can save money. Good luck!
Save money in Japan idea #5: Lower the Brightness on Your TV and Computer Screens
Most computers and TVs factory settings are set at the brightest setting. This is to make it look bright even if its displayed in a well light showroom.
This brightness is not only unnecessary; it also consumes a lot of energy. The more energy used, the more money lost. Turning down the brightness won’t make you rich, but it will certainly save money each month. And when used in addition to other methods on this list, there is a chance to save some hard earned money.
Save money in Japan idea #6: Unplug Unused Appliances
This is another way to prevent needless energy loss and it will make your energy bill that much cheaper.
Even if an appliance is turned off, it still pulls in some electricity. These “vampire” appliances can consume a good amount of energy even if you’re not using them. That energy use costs you money. Unplug everything that isn’t being used and save money on your next energy bill.
If unplugging everything is a hassle, then buy a power strip that has an on and off button. It makes it really easy to save energy.
Save money in Japan idea #7: Bubble Wrap Your Windows
One of the biggest expenditures in a month is often used for heat or air conditioners. They take a lot of energy and the energy bills in winter are especially brutal. Though it may be unavoidable to use a heater, there are still some ways to cut the cost down a little.
Putting bubble wrap on your windows is a great way to stop heat loss. Bubble wrap is cheap to buy and can be found at any home center and even at some 100 yen stores.
Buy some painters tape and put the bubble wrap on all the windows in the house and you will notice a difference. Your rooms will stay warmer longer.
Japanese houses are often very drafty, so using bubble wrap is cheap way to save money in Japan.
Also, putting a towel under a door stops the draft and reduces heat loss.
Save money in Japan idea #8: Get a Library Card
Depending on where you live, you are probably living near a library.
Most Japanese libraries have more English books than you may think. So going to the library is cheaper than buying books all the time.
Some of the bigger libraries will also have English magazines and newspapers!
If the library near you doesn’t have the book you want, you can ask them if they can get it for you. It’s not always possible but if the book is in their network they can get it for you.
But borrowing books is not the only reason that libraries can save money for you. Many libraries have movies too! So instead of renting movies, you can just watch a movie at the library! Computers are also available for use there or you can bring your own computer and use the wifi there.
And for the super stingy people (like myself), the longer you stay at the library, the less time you have to spend money in your house using the heater or air conditioner. The less you use these, the more money you can save.
Save money in Japan idea #9: Use Solar Power
Saving on energy costs is something I mention often on this site because energy really does cost a lot. That is one reason why I am a big fan of solar lights!
Especially ones like these SOLAR LIGHTS. These are really cheap to buy and they add a great ambiance. Some of them even come with colored lights!
Solar lights like this can be found in camping stores all over Japan, but buying online is usually a lot cheaper and the quality is the same.
These lights pack down small so they can be taken anywhere. Use them in your car, camping or at your next BBQ.
For more serious energy needs, getting a solar chager is a great option. The TOPDC solar panel charger is awesome! It is foldable, easy to carry and can charge your phone, your laptop among other things. 39W, USB ports and its waterproof!! It is expensive to buy, but if you use it often it will save you money in the long run.
Use this in your home and use free solar energy to charge your phone or other devices. Buy one of these and take it camping or traveling with you and never worry about finding a socket to charge your devices.
You can use solar power for many things and solar power really is wonderful. It will cut down on the energy bill and it’s not harmful to the environment. It’s a win win. Solar power is a great way to save money.
