Japan on the Cheap: It’s Possible
The first thing you need to do if you plan to visit Japan for an extended period (more than a week) and have little by way of extra funds is to purchase a Japan Rail Pass. You can get a 7, 14 or 21 days ticket, available on ordinary or first class.
Japan having one of the most extensive railway systems means that you can virtually go anywhere and live on the train if you must! Actually, since single tickets can be quite costly if you are travelling long distances, you might want to consider buying the rail pass even if you're only going to be in Japan for 3-4 days.
Gero Onsen, Japan
It doesn't look anywhere near like what the Confucian poet Hayashi Razan saw when he declared the hot springs of Gero as one of the three best Onsen in Japan. But don't let the urbanized outlook or the presence of tourists fool you. The place still has its charms and the water is still as sweet.