Is Japan Expensive to Visit? Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Trip

Try to find out whether Japan is an expensive country to visit, and you’ll quickly find yourself in a rabbit hole without a definitive answer. There is a lot of conflicting information online about the travel costs in Japan; some swear it’s the priciest country they’ve been to, while others are raving about fantastic $5 meals.

So, is Japan really as expensive as some people say? It’s both a yes and a no. Some things in the country, like transportation, are very expensive, and others are not. The balance is there, and a trip to Japan is possible on any budget.

We have visited Japan several times and have based this article on our experiences. Here’s what you need to know when budgeting for a trip to Japan!

Is It Expensive To Visit Japan?

Yes, Japan is often thought of as an expensive destination; however, that’s more nuanced. Some expenses, especially transportation and flights, can be on the hefty side. Yet, once you’re in Japan, you’ll discover that accommodation and food come at various price points that can cater to most budgets.

Accommodation is available in every price range, and you can spend as little as $16 for a bed in a hostel or splurge $650 for a night in a five-star hotel. Eating out in Japan can be super cheap or wildly expensive, depending on whether you’re munching ramen on the go or splurging for Kobe beef. The country caters to everyone, ensuring that no matter your travel style or personal preferences, you can have a enjoyable stay.

The exchange rate is approximately 152 Yen to $1, so don’t be surprised to see many zeros on price tags in Japan.

Cost of Accommodation

Accommodation in Japan is surprisingly affordable, offering options for all budgets. You can find beds starting at $16 per night in budget hostels, up to $4,000 for luxury hotels, with numerous alternatives in between.

Budget travelers will find numerous options in Japan, notably capsule hotels, which provide a unique and cost-effective experience. These are a Japanese innovation, serving as an excellent alternative to traditional dormitory-style hostels. For a delightful stay, Nine Hours Hamamatsucho in Tokyo is worth considering.

Travelers with a mid-range budget will be spoiled for choice, from three-star and four-star hotels in vibrant cities to quaint ryokans in smaller towns. A great example is the Ryokan Inakatei in Kyoto. Most mid-range hotels typically include breakfast in their nightly rates and offer private rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

Luxury accommodations in Japan are abundant, ranging from high-end chain hotels, such as the Ritz Carlton in Osaka, to exquisite luxury ryokans featuring private onsens. Those looking for opulent experiences should find ample choices across the country.

Moreover, better value for money can often be found by staying outside central areas. A small hotel in Tokyo’s Shibuya can be comparable in price to a mid-range hotel located in Itabashi, thus highlighting the benefits of seeking accommodations further from tourist hotspots.

Budget:

Hostels and capsule hotels are prevalent, especially in major cities. The typical nightly rate ranges from $16 to $50 per person for dorm-like rooms. For private double rooms, expect to pay between $50 to $100. Thus, this translates to a budget of $100-300 for a week (6 nights), usually including breakfast.

Mid-Range:

Mid-range accommodations generally cost between $50-100 per night per person. You can find double rooms in four-star hotels at the heart of Tokyo for $120-200 per night. In Kyoto, a five-star hotel double room averages $150-200, with more economical options available outside bustling tourist areas. Therefore, a budget of $300-600 for a week stay is realistic, often trending towards the lower end.

Luxury:

Luxury hotel rates start roughly around $150 per person per night in smaller cities but climb steeply in Tokyo, where five-star accommodations begin at $350 per night. It’s advisable to budget accordingly, as many luxury hotels can charge over $1,000 for mere one-night stays.

Cost of Transportation

Japan is a delightful country that merits exploration beyond just one city. It is advantageous to visit multiple cities, as each offers its own charm and cultural experiences.

Trains are the primary mode of transportation in Japan, and the renowned high-speed bullet trains, capable of reaching speeds over 300 km/h, provide swift connectivity between cities, though at a notable cost.

Interestingly, while inner-city trains and buses tend to be cost-effective, high-speed trains can often lead to expenditure exceeding accommodation costs, which presents an important consideration in budgeting. However, the experience of traveling across this beautiful country makes it worthwhile.

Acquiring a Japan Rail Pass can significantly cut down expenses. The basic costs for adults are:

• 7 days for $341
• 14 days for $554
• 21 days for $692

While alternative passes exist, including a children’s rate, remember that the JR Pass covers local trains, express services, and some bus routes. This investment in convenience can offset other transportation expenses, especially as you explore further into Japan.

Cost of Food

Eating out in Japan typically remains quite affordable, enabling travelers to enjoy meals with a mere budget of $25 per day, even with frequent dining at restaurants. Street food stalls and local eateries can deliver delightful meals as cheap as $5, a genuine treat for anyone exploring Japanese cuisine.

On the contrary, fine dining options abound as well; you can relish premium sushi or indulge in world-renowned Kobe beef. Regardless of whether your daily food budget is $15 or $150, you’ll find it easy to satiate your hunger during your stay.

However, it’s essential to note that grocery shopping and meal preparation generally prove pricier in Japan. Unique ingredients often common in Japanese cooking can lead to higher grocery bills than eating out. It’s somewhat counterintuitive, but it may be preferable to dine at local restaurants rather than managing a self-catered meal.

You can comfortably eat out three times daily in Japan for a weekly budget of $150. It’s convenient to locate affordable yet tasty restaurants, particularly in larger cities like Tokyo, which offer a richer variety of dining options.

Mid-Range Dining:

For those with mid-range dining budgets, expect to spend around $20 per meal, excluding breakfast. Anticipating $50 per day leads to a total of about $350 for the week, though you’ll most likely spend less than $20 for your meals on average.

High-End Dining:

Dining at high-end establishments in Japan is also relatively reasonable compared to similar options in the US, with exceptional dishes available for under $100. A hearty meal at a top-rated Tokyo restaurant could cost as little as $10, while Kobe beef stands out as the priciest option, compelling you to allocate a budget of around $500 for a week of fine dining.

Cost of Activities

Japan offers a wealth of enjoyable activities, many of which are surprisingly affordable. Exploring urban landscapes, such as leisurely walks through city streets, is free and remains a captivating experience. Guided tours, such as a guided tour of Tokyo, range from $60-120, but it’s just as easy to delve into the city on your own, taking in sights like the Shibuya crossing or numerous shrines, which require no financial commitment.

Wandering around the labyrinthine train stations is an adventure in itself. Not only are they expansive, but they harbor a multitude of shops and eateries, resembling mini-cities within the larger metropolis.

For adventure seekers, activities like climbing Mount Fuji cost under $15, while a day at Disneyland Tokyo or Universal Studios in Osaka costs around $65. Visiting cultural sites like Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum remains affordable; admission is just approximately 200 Yen or $1.3.

For budget-conscious travelers, allocating around $20-40 per day for activities could suffice, excluding shopping. With many free and low-cost options, you can manage to enjoy a fulfilling itinerary without breaking the bank.

Allocating $40-80 daily enables considerable flexibility for sightseeing and shopping while permitting participation in a range of activities. Spending over $80 per day provides ample funds for comprehensive sightseeing adventures and tours.

A Budget for 1 Week in Japan

A general budget for one week in Japan is about $2,000, averaging around $285 per day to cover flights, accommodation, transportation, and activities. The breakdown unfolds as follows, calibrated for a mid-range budget for one individual. Always factor in expenses may be less if sharing accommodation with another traveler.

• $700-1000 for round-trip flights
• $300-600 for mid-range hotels (six nights with breakfast)
• $250 for food ($35 per day)
• $341 for the JR Pass

On the lower end, the total sits just under $1,600, leaving $400 for weekly adventures in Japan. With a daily budget of about $60, you could explore various attractions, enjoying a mix of affordable activities and pricier highlights.

On the higher spectrum, $2,200 without activities could equate to approximately $2,500 for a week-long trip, especially if indulging in fine dining and selecting comfortable accommodations in central Tokyo.

To experience Japan for about $1,500 within a week, consider securing a budget hostel for approximately $150, allocating $150 for meals, and using another $150 for activities. This would provide sufficient funds for essential explorations, albeit possibly limiting visits to premium attractions.

Additionally, finding competitive flight bargains or traveling during the off-peak season may yield considerable savings, exemplified by observing return fares from London or San Francisco hovering around $600, ultimately influenced by your city of origin.

A Budget for 2 Weeks in Japan

Two weeks in Japan often appears to be an ideal luxury, achievable for about $3,000, translating to approximately $200 per day inclusive of flights, transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and some light shopping!

A Detailed Breakdown:

• $554 for the train pass
• Around $450 for budget hotels in larger cities and mid-range options in smaller towns (consider this three-star Tokyo hotel for its affordability)
• Approximately $750 for round-trip flights from Rome to Tokyo
• $350 allocated for meals, estimating a budget of $25 daily (with breakfast included in hotel costs)

This allocation leaves $900 for shopping and sightseeing activities, permitting about $65 daily. This budget is suitable for enjoying all the must-see attractions and unique experiences Japan has to showcase. Whether indulging in Disneyland Tokyo or exploring local museums, the funds allow for both leisure and cultural immersion.

In summary, if diligent regarding expenditures, two weeks in Japan could even be maintained for roughly $2,500 by finding bargain accommodations and halving the entertainment budget. While a budget of $3,000 to $5,000 caters to a mid-range experience, a luxurious two-week trip can also exceed $5,000 if indulging in $1,000 per night hotels.

Is Japan Expensive? FAQs

Is Japan An Expensive Country To Visit?

Japan bears a reputation for being a costly travel destination. However, the concise truth is that while flights and local transportation can be pricey, the majority of other necessities, such as food and accommodation, are relatively affordable.

How Much Would A Meal Cost In Japan?

The typical cost for a meal in Japan can range from $10-15. For budget-conscious individuals, cheap street food options are available for as low as $5, contrasting with premium dining fares that may exceed $200.

Is Japan Expensive To Americans?

Given the significantly lower cost of living in Japan compared to the United States, it generally presents a budget-friendly experience for Americans, particularly concerning dining and entertainment expenses.

Is Food Cheaper in Japan Than the USA?

In a broad sense, food is indeed more affordable in Japan than in the USA, with many dining options available at lower prices, notwithstanding a few exceptions.