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Lists by Lukiih 🍀
Practical travel guides with less fluff
Japan, a country famous for its cherry blossoms and temples, can be visited with a budget of $60 to $120 a day.
My two-week trip to Japan cost a total of $2,829 . In this post, I share:
Planning a trip? Here’s what to know about Japan .
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Japan ranks as one of the most expensive destinations in Asia. While it can be visited with a lower budget, Japan has pricey accommodations in major cities, the Japan Rail Pass is not cheap, and fees for attractions can add up.
Along with Singapore and Hong Kong, Japan is often considered a luxury destination in Asia.
However, with advanced planning and the willingness to forego certain experiences, Japan can be visited on a small budget .
For comparison, I visited these countries in Asia within a year of visiting Japan, and here’s how much I spent per day at each one:
*My Cambodia daily budget is high because I splurged on accommodation.
See all my daily budgets .
This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below.
Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $60 per day or $840 for two weeks of travel in Japan, excluding flights.
Here’s what a budget traveler’s cost breakdown can look like:
To travel on a budget to Japan, below are some things you’ll need to do.
See what traveling to Japan is like in December .
Japan’s public transportation, a complex and vast network of trains, makes traveling convenient and cheap.
The JR Pass is expensive , so you should know your rough Japan itinerary before purchasing it. That way, you can evaluate whether it’s worth it.
You can eat cheaply in Japan and find meals for $5, even in big tourist cities.
If you buy a refrigerated meal, like gyudon, ramen, or pasta, they will warm it up for you and provide utensils .
While many of Japan’s main attractions require an entrance fee, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the country without spending much money . Some of my best days in Japan didn’t require me to pay for any attractions.
A mid-range budget traveler like myself can expect to spend approximately $120 per day or $1,680 for two weeks of travel in Japan, excluding flights. I break down my trip expenses by travel category below.
To give context to the expenses below, here’s what you need to know about my trip:
See the upsides and downsides of visiting Japan in September .
The exchange rate was $1 USD = 142 JPY at the time of writing.
My two-week trip to Japan cost a total of $2,829 , including flights.
See the highlights of my trip in this Japan itinerary .
Here’s a quick overview of my expenses by travel category:
My Japan trip cost $145 per day , excluding my round-trip flights from and to the United States.
A mid-range budget traveler can expect to spend $120 per day in Japan. This generally means staying at accommodations that cost about $70 per night, eating a mix of food from convenience stores and restaurants, and visiting several of Japan’s big cities.
My round-trip flight from the West Coast of the United States to Haneda Airport in Tokyo was $796 .
A round-trip flight between the US and Japan that costs under $700 is considered cheap; international flights typically cost over $900.
My average cost of accommodation in Japan was $58 per day . I was able to split accommodations with one other person at all times.
Here are the accommodations I stayed at and how much I paid for each:
Here are my budgeting tips and things to note regarding accommodations in Japan:
Ryokans are usually attached to onsens and serve kaiseki, a multi-course Japanese meal, for breakfast, dinner, or both. Despite their higher costs, they’re considered a unique experience that’s worth a one- or two-night stay.
My average cost of food in Japan was $35 per day .
Food costs in Japan vary widely ; you can eat on a budget or extravagantly. For either budget, try eating at local spots for the best authentic eats.
Here’s a hack for finding local eats in Japan .
Here are the most affordable meals I ate during my trip:
If you’re on a budget, you can eat Japanese food for $3 to $10 at convenience stores (Family Mart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson), street food markets, and fast food restaurants where you sometimes order at a machine resembling a vending machine.
Here are the most expensive meals I ate during my trip:
You’ll notice that fresh fruits in Japan can be very expensive (e.g., over $15 for a handful of grapes) because fruits hold more significance in Japanese culture. But if you go to local supermarkets, you can buy them for reasonable prices.
My average cost of transportation in Japan was $26 per day .
Here are the transportation methods I took and how much I paid for each:
When figuring out transportation, know that many of Japan’s train stations have coin-operated luggage storage that is cheap and convenient. It typically costs less than $5 for 24-hour storage . As the name implies, they are sometimes cash-only and need exact change. Train station attendants can give you change for larger bills.
The best way to travel around Japan is by train. Here are my budgeting tips and things to note regarding trains there:
My average cost of entertainment in Japan was $11 per day . My entertainment costs are on the lower end because I did many free things and took advantage of the country’s beautiful nature, which is usually low-cost.
A typical mid-range traveler in Japan will likely spend closer to at least $30 a day on entertainment.
Here are all the activities and attractions I paid for and how much each cost:
Japan is a beautiful country where many people like to take photos. Before snapping a photo of a local, ask them for permission , as doing so without consent is considered disrespectful. Learn more about proper Japanese etiquette .
Japan is known for its natural beauty, so there are many free outdoor activities and attractions available.
Here are the attractions and activities I did in Japan that were free:
Below are my trip expense breakdowns for Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka . These three major cities are often featured in first-timers’ travel itineraries.
I also spent time in the following places:
During my six-day trip to Tokyo, I averaged $99 in daily travel expenses.
In Tokyo, I stayed at two hotels in the Shinjuku and Nihonbashi areas to be close to major train stations. I paid to visit the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden , watch an Olympics Qualifiers volleyball game at Yoyogi Stadium, and sing karaoke with some locals.
Tokyo is the most expensive city in Japan to live in, but it’s not the most expensive city to visit . With a plethora of restaurants and sights to see, you can explore Tokyo on your own for free or hire a local guide to optimize your time there.
During my two-day trip to Kyoto, I averaged $308 in daily travel expenses.
Kyoto is where I splurged more on accommodation as I stayed at a ryokan and a nicer hotel near the Kyoto train station. I also spent more on dining, as my two most expensive Japanese meals were here.
Kyoto is known for its well-preserved historical sites. It boasts over 1,600 temples, and all the major or popular ones have a small entrance fee (usually around $5). The city also has many free temples , like the ones found on the Philosopher’s Path or in the Arashiyama district.
I did a day trip to Osaka from Kyoto. During my short trip, I visited the Kuromon Ichiba Market , walked around the popular and bustling Dotonbori area, and visited the Osaka Aquarium , which I found to be unique and well-designed.
Osaka is called “Japan’s Kitchen” and a foodie’s paradise. It’s well-known for its street food, nightlife, and numerous Michelin-starred places, so expect to spend a bit on dining . If you like some guidance, plenty of English-speaking guides offer street food tours .
Although Japan has a good credit card infrastructure, a significant part of its economy is based on cash transactions . This is especially true once you wander outside its major cities, so make sure to bring some cash.
Below are tips on bringing and using cash in Japan.
Japan’s currency is the Japanese yen (JPY), and the US dollar is not widely accepted.
ATMs are readily available in many central areas of Japan, but you might have trouble finding them elsewhere. For example, during my ryokan stay, I had trouble finding an ATM on the outskirts of Japan.
On a typical day, a mid-range budget traveler in Japan will need at least $40 in cash to cover food, transportation, and attractions. A daily cash expense breakdown can look like this:
Japan’s trains have a fixed price based on the distance traveled, so you must calculate the price every time you ride and buy a disposable ticket. However, you can buy a PASMO card to avoid calculating the price every time and minimize the amount of cash you need to carry.
On my Japan trip, I spent a total of roughly $200 (about $15 per day) in cash. Here’s a breakdown of how I used my cash:
I keep my cash in my crossbody bag , but if you want extra protection against pickpocketing , carry it in a hidden money belt instead.
While credit cards are commonly used in Japan, I still had to use cash more than 30 times during my two-week trip. Here are some of the places that were cash-only in Japan:
Japan does not have a tipping culture, and you’ll find that locals will refuse tips even if you offer or insist. This is because they feel you’re already sufficiently paying for their service.
I offered a tip out of habit twice while in Japan, and my tips were refused both times.
See other essential travel tips for Japan before visiting.
To make your travel preparation easier, download the trip planner below. It has destination-specific travel information, itinerary, map, and packing list.
My trip planners are built on Notion, which I use for all my travel planning. I genuinely love this tool and creating an account is free .
Thoughts? Questions? Leave a comment below .
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Japan is a great first destination for American tourists looking to travel to Asia. It offers a unique taste of East Asian culture, in a highly-developed, Western-influenced setting. If Japan is on your bucket list but you are wondering “how much does it cost to go to Japan?”, that answer can sometimes be a lot. The Japan trip cost is the main reason it took us so long to finally take a family trip to Japan.
The bottom line is that the Japan trip cost for a two-week trip for a family of four, staying in four-star level accommodations with a few paid activities will cost about $13,420 or $280 per person, per day.
However, while Japan is an expensive country, there are options for budget travel in Japan. The trip to Japan cost depends on your travel style, but it need not be as expensive as you thought. This Japan trip budget breakdown will show you how and where to save on your visit. I will cover the cost of airfare, intra-country transportation, accommodations, food, and activities .
Japan has so much to offer, but for a first trip, splitting your time between Tokyo , Kyoto , and maybe Osaka over two weeks in Japan is best. I’ve created a 14-day Japan itinerary and you can also see my friend Vaness’a suggestions for two weeks in Japan .
Your first experience with Japan is a total assault on the senses, so you really should slow down and stick to just a couple of destinations. If you return, you can then follow this longer 3-week Japan with kids itinerary or visit places like Hokkaido, the western coast of Honshu and Kanazawa, Shikoku, and Okinawa. Be sure to also read my Japan travel tips .
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
I based this budget on my personal experience of what it costs to travel to Japan and broke it down by airfare, accommodations, transportation, activities, and food. This breakdown assumes you are visiting Japan with kids for the following:
The first big expense for a trip to Japan is, of course, airfare. Economy class flights to Japan from New York during shoulder and high seasons will likely start at around $1,300 per person and easily go up to $2000. We paid about $3,200 per person to fly Delta from Boston to Tokyo through Detroit (but we used points for one flight at least!)
Air Canada and Delta with layovers in Toronto and Detroit, respectively, are common offerings at a price point like this. If you are looking to fly nonstop to Japan on United or one of the more upscale Asian carriers like Japan Airlines will probably cost around $2,000 from the East Coast.
West Coasters might find slightly cheaper fares, but whichever coast you start from, it is a good trip to use your frequent flier miles and points as that will really help with your Japan trip budget. It is best to book airfare at least six months in advance, or as early as possible.
I also highly recommend signing up for a membership in Going , to get alerts for flight deals to your dream destinations.
If you want to find the best way to accumulate points and miles through credit card spending and sign up bonuses, I’d suggest downloading the Travel Freely app to track your credit cards and learn how to earn points.
Total airfare cost: $1,300+ each x 4 travelers= $5,200
The good news is that airfare is definitely the most prohibitive cost for a trip to Japan. The accommodation are pricey when staying in big cities, but there are plenty of budget options (including those tiny capsule hotels). A night in a 4-star hotel in Tokyo will range anywhere from $250-$450 per room, with an average of $350 per night for a room large enough to sleep four. Just keep in mind that if you stay in a Japanese-brand hotel, the rooms are going to be quite small, be sure to check square footage.
We enjoyed our stay at the Hilton Tokyo , because it was a great location for using public transportation and the rooms were spacious and the full-service hotels had good amenities like free breakfast for Club level rooms.
Find a Hotel in Tokyo :
Hotel prices in Kyoto are wider-ranging, perhaps because there are far fewer options than in Tokyo. The overall average comes out to about $350 per room, per night for a 4-star property that will fit a family of four.
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Kyoto , which was accessible to public transportation and walkable to many of the main attractions. For cheaper accommodations, look at brands like the Mimaru .
Find a Hotel in Kyoto:
Osaka is a huge city with plenty of hotel options. It makes sense to stay near one of the main train stations or metro hubs to make it easy to get around. We loved our stay at the Intercontinental Osaka , where we splurged on a two-bedroom, two-bath residence with a full kitchen, living room, and amazing view (they have regular hotel rooms too). If you can book through American Express Fine Hotels with your Platinum card or a Virtuoso travel agent, you can also get perks like free breakfast and the breakfast is amazing!
A typical three to four-star hotel that can accommodate a family in one room is about $300 per night, but could go up to $600+.
Find a hotel in Osaka:
If you are traveling as a family, you will probably want more space than what you find in a typical Japanese hotel room (even beyond the capsule hotels). If you want to save money and get more space, I would recommend renting an apartment through vrbo or Airbnb.
You can get a nice, family vacation rental for about $130 per night (and a really nice one for about $180 a night). The best part is that you’ll have a kitchen and a dining room where you can bring prepared food home to eat or even try cooking yourself, which is helpful for budgeting since eating out in Japan can be pricey.
Rental options in Kyoto are much more limited and more expensive, but it is possible to find something affordable and really cool. A lot of the rentals in Kyoto are in older houses built in traditional Japanese styles.
Total accommodations cost if you stay in hotels: $350 x 12 = $4,200
Total accommodation costs if you stay in apartments: $200 x 12 = $2,400 (but it can be cheaper)
Transportation is another pricey part of traveling in Japan. I don’t recommend traveling by taxi very often in Japan, since they are quite expensive, but there will be times when it is the best choice, especially in the heat of summer. Taxis in Japan work similarly to taxis in the U.S., charging a higher starting fee for the first couple kilometers of travel with additional costs added on for any further distance.
For example, you will be charged about ¥500 for the flat fare and an additional ¥200 for each additional kilometer. (Japan Guide gives a detailed explanation of how taxi fares work in Japan.)
Japan’s public transportation networks in metropolitan areas are feats of modern urban planning. Trains arrive and depart at the precisely scheduled second . They are perfectly clean, they run smoothly, and they take you to wherever you need to go.
It can be a bit daunting if you have no knowledge of Japanese to make sense of the transit system maps, but you will eventually get the hang of it. Buying a train ticket isn’t too complicated either, as there is usually an English-language option on the self-service booth screens.
In Tokyo, one-day tickets for the metro are ¥600 (about $4.00) for adults and half that for children. In Kyoto, the metro is a little more expensive, with one-way fares costing about the same as the one-day tickets in Tokyo do.
For traveling longer distances in Japan, suburban trains and the Shinkansen (bullet train) are the way to go. If you are planning on taking several railway trips, then it may make sense to get a rail pass, but those rates recently went up so you really need to do the math to see how much you will use it. Rail passes are sold by duration (i.e., each week costs an extra amount of money), class of service, and region vs. national, and they are not cheap.
A regular fare for the JR 7-day rail pass is about $200, and a 14-day pass is $315 (children’s passes are less.) This does not include shipping and handling and any other processing fees. Make sure to book rail passes far in advance.
You cannot buy them in Japan— they have to be purchased within the United States with a valid passport several weeks before traveling to Japan. There are several websites where you can buy passes including JR Pass . When you arrive, you need to stop by the JR Train office and exchange your vouchers for actual passes.
The rail pass comes with added perks, which include not having to reserve a seat on long-distance trains, the ability to use the pass on suburban JR trains, as well as free access to the Narita Express between downtown Tokyo and Narita International Airport.
Rail pass costs: $315 per full price JR pass x 2 +$158 per children’s price JR pass x 2 = $946, plus (always double check for current rates)
Metro ticket costs: [2 x $4.00 metro tickets x 2+ 2 $2.00 children’s price metro ticket x 2] x 12 days = $144, plus
Taxi fare: $20 per occasional taxi ride x 4 = $80
Total transportation costs: $1,170
One of the best parts about budgeting for Japan is that it is easy to sightsee on your own without a guide and many of Tokyo and Kyoto’s most famous attractions are free.
Temples and museums charge small entrance fees, usually ¥600 (about $4.50) per adult, half price for children. This includes things to do in Tokyo like Senso-ji temple, and the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park.
Most of Kyoto’s attractions and temples typically charge similar small entrance fees, like Ginkaku-ji temple, Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, and the Iwatayama Monkey Park near Arashiyama.
There are a couple of major attractions that will cost, most notably the Tokyo Sky Tree, which charges about $15 per adult ticket (not including Fast Track), with a reduced fare for children.
Tokyo Dome charges about $30 per ticket with reduced fares for children, but that ticket covers all of the amusement park– the individual museums there (like the Japanese Baseball Museum) are about the same price as most temples would be. The Mori Art Museum also charges higher than usual ticket prices, but the ticket includes access to multiple galleries, as well as Tokyo City View.
Of course, many families are also going to want to go to Tokyo DisneySea or Universal Studios Japan in Osaka.
Japan’s fascinating history has produced a rich and complex culture. Tourists looking for traditional Japanese experiences have plenty of options when it comes to cultural activities. They come with a price tag though.
Watching Sumo wrestlers hone and practice their martial art is a stunningly beautiful cultural experience. Tournaments are only held seasonally, and tickets need to be booked in advance. Not to fear if you won’t be in Japan for a tournament though, Sumo practices are held in Sumo-beya (Sumo Stables) throughout the rest of the year.
General admission tickets for Sumo Matches are only about $2, but if you want better seats, a cheap seat will go for about $35, with a lower-end family box going for about $110. Expect to pay several times as much for a better ticket or box.
Kabuki is a type of traditional Japanese theater. The costumes and masks are beautiful, and the performances are fascinating, even if you can’t really understand what is going on. The typical places to watch Kabuki are the Kabuki-za Theatre in Tokyo and the Minami-za Theatre in Kyoto.
Tickets can cost anywhere from $27-$220, based on the seat quality. There are tablet rental services for ¥500 available for tourists who don’t speak Japanese that attach to your seat during the performance so you can get a better sense of what is going on.
Other options for cultural activities include tea ceremonies , sushi making workshops , origami classes, calligraphy classes, and kimono sampling classes . A rough estimate of the price for each of these activities is probably somewhere between $50-$100 per person.
If you’re in Japan for a little under two weeks, I would recommend picking 1-3 cultural activities, depending on your budget. I’d also suggest taking a food tour in Osaka or Tokyo. Another thing that older teens would love would be dressing up in costumes and go karting through the streets of Tokyo.
Total sightseeing and attractions costs: $1,100
If you aren’t going to Japan at least partially for the food, then you’re doing it wrong! Eating Japanese food is a really special experience, no matter your price point. With such a unique cuisine, it is impossible to get bored of eating on a visit to Japan— that is, if you are an adventurous eater.
Eating out in Japan can be expensive. Moderate-range restaurants and Izakaya (restaurants with bars) will cost about $15-$20 per person for lunch, and $25-$35 for dinner. The good news is that it is possible to experience great Japanese food without eating in these types of venues all the time.
Specialized restaurants, like ramen bars, are Japanese staples that serve up specific types of food and are perfect for those doing Japan on a budget. It is possible to find amazing ramen bars (including some Michelin-starred ones) that charge between $5-$15 for a large bowl. These types of venues exist for many other types of Japanese foods, like gyudon, tonkatsu, udon, okonomiyaki, curry houses. The only downside is that these venues are typically quite small and don’t take reservations so you need to be prepared to wait in line.
There are also shokudo and teishoku, which are smaller restaurants that serve meals that are less fancy, but often equally as tasty as Izakaya. Prices are about the same as what you would find at ramen bars— sometimes more, sometimes less. Some of these restaurants are chains where you order set meals, either from a paper menu or on these chunky, vending machine-looking devices that spit out tickets.
Another option for eating out is picking up bento boxes from the prepared foods sections of department stores, like Daimaru, Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi, and Isetan. The food is actually very high quality and is painstakingly prepared, as is often the case with anything in Japan. You can find almost anything at the department stores, including sushi, karaage, tonkatsu, yakisoba, zaru soba, eel, gyoza (dumplings), yakitori.
Good-sized meals at higher-quality department stores will probably cost around $15 per person. They are easily transportable and a great option to eat great quality Japanese food at a lower price point. Konbini (Japanese convenience stores) offer similar options, albeit in smaller quantities and of lower quality.
Street food is also great in Japan. Since Japan is a highly developed country, eating street food is pretty safe, unlike other countries in Asia where Americans need to be more cautious. Japanese treats like taiyaki, takoyaki, yakitori, and other fan favorites can be purchased, usually for cheaper than the food you will find even at ramen bars. Japan also has a proliferation of high-quality vending machines almost everywhere that spit out great Japanese snacks and drinks for cheap. And don’t underestimate the wonders of a 7-11 sandwich or rice ball!
Breakfast in Japan is a smaller meal that consists of various fish and rice dishes, as well as soup. A decent quality breakfast shouldn’t cost more than $10. It is also easy to make a DIY breakfast, especially if you’re staying in a flat if you pick up prepared and easy-to-prepare foods from konbini.
Just a warning though, if you do want to experience a Michelin-star sushi restaurant or a traditional Keiseki meal, it is going to cost about $250-500 per person!
Total food costs in Japan: $75 per adult, $50 per child, per day x 14 days = $1,750
This cost is subject to vary greatly, depending on whether or not you’re staying in a hotel or in a rental, how fancy a restaurant you prefer, whether or not you’re willing to shop for your own food in the department stores, whether or not you want to splurge for special meals, etc.
If you don’t overdo it on food or activities, your family of four can spend 12 nights in Japan for $13,420 or a little about $1,118 per day. Of course, this assumes average-priced flight tickets during the high season, staying in three or four-star hotels, and eating at lower-to-mid price range restaurants.
If you want an English-speaking guide to attractions, or if you take a lot of tours, your activities costs will go up significantly. But if you stay in vacation rentals, your costs can be lower.
Clearly, this number can be higher or lower based on how you choose to travel.
The bottom line is that for a family of four, with two young children, staying in one room or a rental apartment, a 12-night trip to Japan with 5 nights in Tokyo, 5 nights in Kyoto, and 2 nights in Osaka will cost approximately $13,420 including flights. This assumes you are using public transportation, eating at casual restaurants or picking up takeaway food, and limiting the number of activities. This comes to approximately $280 per person, per day.
Keep in mind that this cost will go up significantly if you want to take private tours, private transportation, or enjoy more cultural activities or fine dining.
If Japan sounds too expensive, you can also check out our trip budgets for:
Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.
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Publish Date: November 23, 2023
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City Travel , Japan
So, you have a couple of weeks off and want to go to the land of sushi and anime but have no clue as to how much spending money for Japan (2 weeks) you need.
As a fellow budget-conscious, spreadsheet fanatic I am pleased to be of assistance.
This post (and video above) is going to break down all the costs associated with traveling Japan for 2 weeks, the budget I used, plus a free travel planner available for download.
Having spent two weeks myself traveling through Japan (Tokyo, Kobe, and Osaka) I know what a realistic budget is to have a good time.
So how much spending money for Japan 2 weeks do you need? Keep on reading.
DISCLAIMER: This post goes over my exact costs for traveling to Tokyo, Kobe, and Osaka. Not everyone is going to the same cities, so your budget could vary more or less depending on where you go and how frequently you move. Keep that in mind as you form your travel itinerary.
Read all the way to the end because I share a few tips that will help you save money during your travels around Japan, no matter the city.
Psst. . . Looking for more guides around Japan? Check out my other posts.
Top things to do in kobe: japan’s most underrated city, tokyo disneysea vs disneyland .
Your long-haul flight is one of the biggest expenses you will face. If you book without doing any kind of research, you might be missing out on far better deals. Cheaper ones.
Keep an eye out for special offers . Subscribe to airline email notifications, tour companies, etc. They often run flash sales.
B e flexible with your travel dates . This is always a tough one if you’re working a 9-5. At least it was for me when I worked a desk job. I had PTO that needed to be approved ahead of time, which meant I couldn’t be ask flexible as I hoped. And in some cases, making sure my schedule aligned with my travel partner.
If you find yourself in this situation, be upfront with your boss, or whoever approves your time off. Let them know that you are looking around these dates but might jump at whatever date is the cheapest. I’m sure they will have no problem with it. Glass half full ya’ know?
Follow Scotts Cheap Flights. This one, in particular, is great. You get daily emails with super cheap flights to destinations all around the world. I can’t say for sure a Japan destination will be on every email, but surely one. Keep an eye out.
If you enjoy playing travel roulette and will go wherever you can get some seriously cheap flights.
Travel Hack with travel rewards credit cards. Ahh, the points game. I will say I’m not a super pro when it comes to travel hacking, but I’m getting better year-after-year. I have earned many free flights from my efforts.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Where Should I Stay in Singapore? Best Hotels for Tourists
The best way to explain this part is to show you exactly what I spent during my 2 weeks in Japan.
I am a budget-conscious traveler with a few intentional splurges here and there, so if you’re like me then this is exactly what you can expect to spend. I would triple for luxury.
A huge chunk of this spend was a Kobe beef dinner costing $270. Even in Kobe, the beef was not cheap.
We were only in Osaka for one night. We were catching an early flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand from Osaka’s airport.
That said, we didn’t explore Osaka. We pretty much got dinner at a nearby restaurant (a Hawaiian burger bar of all places) and relaxed in our hotel room.
TOTAL SPENDING MONEY FOR TWO WEEKS IN JAPAN: $2,881 for two people.
Flight, lodging, and transportation aside, you should expect to spend around $42-45 per day in Japan. That’s for all your meals and activities per person.
Now if you’re like me and need to know your total per day cost including everything but long-haul flight, then you should plan to spend an average of $102 per day in Japan per person.
At this point, you saved money for your trip and are ready to explore Japan. When you’re in awe you are likely to get distracted by the cost of things. “When in Rome” “Who cares I’m on Vacation”.
Those are fun and all until you look at your bank account.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure costs stay low during your two weeks in Japan.
Dine at markets and/or pick up groceries from a local supermarket and cook at your Airbnb or hostel.
Skip booze or buy purchase at supermarkets . Booze is a huge expense, especially when you’re getting a couple of drinks a day. If you can’t avoid it (guilty) then go to bars during happy hours. Always be on the lookout for deals advertised outside of bars.
Pay attention to plate designs at conveyor belt sushi restaurants.
Save money on accommodation by staying in a hostel, capsule hotel, or outside the city . You can easily find hostels in the $20-30 range. I love using hostelworld.com.
Purchase the Japan rail pass if you plan to move around. Bundling transportation costs will save you money in the long run.
First things first, you need to save yo’ money. While this is going to be the trip a lifetime, I never recommend getting into debt. For that, one must whip out the piggy bank and tuck some Benjamin’s away.
Here’s how I save for all my trips which is applicable to saving for Japan. Same method. Different city.
Ask yourself when you want to go then what you absolutely want to see. If you’re not sure what the best things to do in Japan are you can start with my guide to Tokyo or Kobe.
How much are flights for the dates you want to go and are you flexible? If you’re flexible on dates then set some price alerts for a few airlines or Skyscanner and when the price gets to your threshold, book! One of the biggest money savers when it comes to travel is cheap airfare.
Calculate a rough estimate of your trip costs. For example, let’s say two weeks in Japan will cost you $6k and you want to leave 6 months from now.
That means you need to save $1k per month. If that is not achievable then you need to leave at a later date or lower your budget or spend less time in Japan.
To start tucking money away you can temporarily divide a portion of your paycheck to deposit money into your savings account on payday. Out of sight out of mind.
Cut out unnecessary expenses. You don’t need to go out to bars and restaurants every weekend with your friends. Instead host game nights, cocktail mixers and cook at home. I love playing host at my house.
Pick up a second job. I love working side hustles to help me save for travel quickly. You can find all kinds of jobs from teaching English online to work liquor demos at your local liquor stores. I’ve made as much as $40 per hour sampling spirits at Total Wines & More.
I’ve also done freelance photography and videography jobs that have earned me as much as $500 a day. Get creative and brainstorm what services you can monetize in your spare time.
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I’m Allison, a born and raised Vegas girl on the endless pursuit of epic adventures. I created Seeking Neverland as a way to help grown-ups see the world and live a fun and fulfilled life! Read my full story here
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When considering a trip to Japan, you probably want to know how much it would cost. Is Japan expensive? Well, travel costs in Japan are cheaper than in most Western countries with similar service standards and living costs, but they are about twice as expensive as other Asian countries.
Different experiences, modes of transportation, and classes of hotel meals in Japan can make a big difference in costs. In this article, we'll explore the travel costs for Japan and share how to make the most of your money.
In general, a private Japan tour costs US$350–500 per person per day (with 2–4 people), including private car, private guides, local 4-star hotels, tickets for attractions, and full-day itineraries. Thus, the total cost is around US$2,500–3,500 for a week and around US$5,000–7,000 for 2 weeks.
Riding a private car offers a more comfortable and efficient experience with less physical exertion. In contrast, public transportation, while cheaper, often entails walking around 20,000 steps per day. This can be challenging for older individuals or those with limited mobility.
Opting for private car, which typically cost around US$150–200 per day, allows you to save time and conserve energy, enabling you to dedicate more time to exploring sights rather than waiting for connections or navigating unfamiliar routes.
Having a private guide provides an opportunity to experience excellent service, receive outstanding explanations, and gain a deeper insight into Japan's culture. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you can learn fascinating details and anecdotes about the places you visit, ensuring a deeper understanding and appreciation of Japan's unique traditions and customs.
March to May (cherry blossom season) and October to November (red maple season) are peak seasons in Japan. We suggest that you book a Japan tour at least 3 months in advance to reserve the perfect hotels and professional guides for these times.
The cheapest period to buy flight tickets is mid-January to February, costing about US$900–1,500 from the U.S. The most expensive month to buy flight tickets is April, when the cost from the U.S. is around US$1,600–1,800. From June to July the airfare is US$1,000–1,500, and in December the cost is US$1,000–1,600.
The cost of flights from the U.S. to Japan varies depending on when you fly and the airline you choose. For example, round-trip economy tickets from New York or Los Angeles to Tokyo cost anything from around $800 to $1,800 on average for 2024.
Direct flights from Europe to Japan are fewer and most require at least one stopover . A round trip from London to Tokyo is in the range US$1,500–2,000 on average for 2024.
To buy the cheapest flights to Japan, we recommend you book at least 3–6 months in advance, especially if you are going to Japan during the busiest times, such as cherry blossom season from March to May, the red maple season from October to November, and around New Year.
Suggested reading: 2-Week Japan Itineraries >>>
Japan hotel prices vary widely between low season and high season. A standard room in a 4-star hotel costs from US$200–280, and a 4-star ryokan (traditional inn) costs around US$300–450 per room per night for most of the year. However, the price may double or even triple in March and April when the cherry blossom blooms.
Staying at a ryokan allows you to experience the most authentic Japanese accommodation. You can sleep on a tatami, try on yukata (traditional Japanese robes), and even relax in onsens (hot spring baths) at some ryokans. If you are traveling with kids, some ryokans can provide enough tatamis for your family to stay together in one room.
Tip for saving money: Early reservations to ensure your preferred hotel choices (at least 3-6 months in advance) are suggested and to minimize hotel changes.
Public transportation is very convenient in Japan, especially the subway. Taking Tokyo as an example, regular Tokyo subway fares are US$1–3, depending on the distance. Taxis are the most expensive option, as the starting fare is from US$5 for the first two kilometers. Most destinations in Japan are connected by trains, and their prices are not affected by the peak travel seasons. Shinkansen (bullet train) is the fastest and most popular way to travel between cities: a ride from Tokyo to Kyoto costs about US$100.
We recommend utilizing a private car service for airport pick-ups and drop-offs in Japan. The transport routes in Japan can be complex, and navigating the right tram or train can consume a significant amount of time. By opting for a private car, you can avoid this issue and be transported directly to your hotel or the airport without any hassles or confusion.
Tip for saving money: Consider utilizing public transportation for some city tours like Hakone or Hiroshima, where you can enjoy the sights at your pace and experience the efficiency of Japan's impeccable transportation system.
Japanese cuisine is one of the main attractions for travelers who visit Japan, and it is often not expensive, such as sushi, ramen, rice balls, etc. A meal at a sushi restaurant usually costs US$15–50, and a bottle of Japanese wine costs US$3–7. A bowl of ramen costs just US$5–7. On average, a day eating at mid-range restaurants costs US$30–45 per person.
Luxury meals such as wagyu beef or kaiseki can cost around US$70–110 per person or more. These exquisite and delicious cuisines showcase the meticulous and delicious nature of Japanese culinary traditions. Indulging in these high-end Japanese dishes would not only treat your eyes but also amaze your taste buds with their exquisite flavors.
Tickets for most attractions in Japan range from US$3–7. World Heritage sites like Kinkaku Temple and Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto cost just US$3. There are also many shrines, temples, and parks in Japan that are free of charge, like Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple in Tokyo and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
Theme-park tickets, such as for Disneyland in Tokyo and Universal Studios in Osaka, are significantly higher in cost at about US$60–70 per person.
Authentic Japanese activities like watch geisha's performance, traditional tea ceremonies, or ninja experiences can cost more compared to simply visiting attractions. The prices for these experiences vary depending on the specific activity but usually involve the service costs of an expert in a field. However, these immersive experiences are well worth it, allowing you to deeply immerse yourself in the local culture and gain insights into Japanese traditions, making your trip more enriching and complete.
Tip for saving money: Consider a mix of having a private guide for certain locations and exploring "self-explanatory" attractions on your own. Having a private guide can enhance your experience and enrich your knowledge, particularly when visiting historic places in Tokyo and Kyoto. On the other hand, cities with natural beauty like Lake Kawaguchi or Hakone can be explored independently, allowing you the freedom to appreciate the sights at your own pace.
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Japan is an increasingly popular destination for tourists, and the number of travelers visiting this incredible country continues to rise each year. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes and exciting cities, it’s no wonder that so many people want to explore Japan’s many wonders! But how much will a two-week trip to Japan cost? The answer depends on your budget and what type of vacation you are looking for. If you are planning a luxurious holiday in Tokyo with five-star accommodation, fine dining experiences and daily guided tours – then expect the cost to be significantly higher than if you opt for cheaper hostels or Airbnb rentals. Additionally, travel costs such as flights from your home country can vary depending on the time of year and airline company chosen. However, typically speaking, most travellers feel that a two week trip to Japan could cost between $2 000-$4 500 USD per person (including airfare). This estimate would also include food expenses during your stay as well as any activities or attractions visited throughout your travels.
Are you considering a trip to Japan for two weeks? If so, you’ve probably already asked yourself the question: How much is a trip to Japan for two weeks going to cost me? It’s hard to give an exact answer since there are several factors that can affect the overall cost. For example, airfare will vary depending on when and where you fly from/to. Additionally, accommodations can range from hostels or budget hotels all the way up to luxury resorts. And of course, how much money you plan on spending during your stay in Japan—eating out at restaurants, shopping for souvenirs, etc. —will also have a big impact on your total costs. That said, most people planning a two-week vacation in Japan should expect to pay somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000 per person (including roundtrip flights). This figure includes accommodation costs as well as estimated expenses related to meals and sightseeing activities while in Japan. Of course it could be more or less than this amount depending on which city(ies) you visit and what type of lodging/food options you choose. If saving money is important then there are some things you can do prior to departure that might help cut down on costs such as looking for discounted airline tickets online or booking an Airbnb instead of staying at a hotel.
Planning a trip to Japan can be an exciting adventure, but it’s important to make sure you budget your expenses properly. That’s why using a Japan Trip Cost Calculator is such a great tool for travelers. A cost calculator helps to ensure that you don’t overspend on your vacation and allows you to plan out exactly how much money you will need for each aspect of the trip. The first step in using the Japan Trip Cost Calculator is determining what type of transportation will be used during your travels. This includes choosing between airfare or taking the train, as well as which class of service (first-class, standard) and airline/rail company if applicable. Once that decision has been made, inputting this information into the calculator will give an accurate estimate of how much those costs should run. Accommodation is another big expense when traveling abroad – luckily there are many different options available depending on your needs and budget requirements! With the cost calculator, travelers can easily compare hotel rates across cities in Japan as well as calculate estimated nightly costs based on their desired location(s). Additionally, hostels are also listed in order to provide budget-friendly accommodation prices for those looking for more affordable lodging choices throughout their journey. Food expenses can add up quickly while traveling around so it’s important to factor them into any travel plans!
If you are looking to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan, the cost can vary depending on where and how long you want to stay. A trip for one week will likely be more expensive than a shorter duration but it’s possible to find ways of reducing your costs. First off, think about when you plan on traveling. You should try and avoid going during peak season as prices tend to increase significantly during this time – Christmas/New Year’s and Golden Week (end of April/early May) being two examples. On the other hand if you’re able travel outside these periods, there are usually great discounts available so this could help reduce your overall expenditure. Next up is accommodation which is probably one of the largest expenses associated with any holiday abroad; fortunately Japan has an abundance of choices ranging from budget hostels all the way through 5* luxury hotels costing thousands per night! To save money opt for mid-range establishments or cheap guesthouses instead; they provide plenty of amenities at an affordable price point too! If you prefer something more traditional why not consider staying in a ryokan – Japanese style inns found across most cities – or even Airbnb rentals which often offer competitive rates compared with hotel accommodation options.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, then two weeks in Japan should be at the top of your bucket list. From its stunning natural beauty to its ancient temples and vibrant cities, this country has something for everyone. But how much does a trip like this cost from the UK? The good news is that two weeks in Japan won’t break the bank. Depending on where you stay and what activities you do, it could easily cost under £3,000 per person (not including flights). Here’s a breakdown of what costs you can expect when planning your trip: Flights: Flights from London to Tokyo will typically cost around £500-£600 return. If you choose to fly with budget airlines such as Scoot or Jetstar Pacific Airways, then prices might be slightly lower (around £400 return). Accommodation: Accommodation varies greatly depending on location and type of room but generally speaking, hostels start from around £20 per night while hotels range between £50-£150 per night depending on star rating. AirBnbs are also popular in Japan and there are many options available – prices vary but generally they start from around £25 per night or less if booked far enough in advance.
Are you planning a month-long trip to Japan? If so, then you’re in for a treat. Japan is an amazing country with endless possibilities for exploration. From the ancient temples of Kyoto to the bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, there’s something for everyone! But before you pack your bags, it’s important to know how much your month-long trip will cost. Accommodation: Depending on where you stay and what type of accommodation you choose, housing can range from as little as $30 per night up to $200+ per night. For example, if you decide to stay in a budget hostel or capsule hotel (both common in Japan), expect prices around $30-$60/night. On the other hand, if luxury is more your style and comfort level then staying at a 5 star hotel could set you back anywhere from $150-$250/night depending on location and seasonality. Transportation: Getting around Japan is relatively easy with its extensive rail system covering nearly every corner of the country; however transportation costs can add up quickly depending on how far off the beaten path one decides to go during their journey. A basic 7 day JR Rail pass cost around ¥29000 (~$270) which grants access between most major cities across multiple rail lines throughout the country; this may be ideal if traveling long distances within short time frames such as 1 month trips are concerned.
Are you planning a trip to Japan and wondering how much Yen you’ll need for two weeks? You’re in luck – this blog post has all the information you need! When budgeting for a trip to Japan, it’s important to factor in your accommodation, transportation costs, food expenses, and entertainment. Depending on where you stay and what activities you do during your visit, the amount of money needed can vary greatly. However, a general estimate for spending two weeks in Japan is between ¥80-100k ($700-900 USD). Accommodation tends to be one of the biggest expenses when traveling abroad. If you’re looking for more affordable options, there are plenty of hostels or budget hotels that offer decent quality rooms at competitive prices. Prices range from around $40-60 per night depending on location and amenities offered. For those seeking higher end accommodations such as four or five star hotels with luxurious facilities may expect prices above $200/night. It is also possible to rent an Airbnb apartment or house if desired which could potentially reduce overall costs significantly compared to staying at a hotel – just be sure to read reviews before choosing any rental property! Transportation is another major expense while visiting Japan; however there are ways to minimize these costs by taking advantage of available discounts like JR Passes (which provide access across multiple train networks) or prepaid IC cards (for bus rides & other services).
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If you plan to travel to Japan for two weeks, the cost will depend on your activities and what type of accommodation you choose. Generally speaking, a budget of at least $2,000 USD is recommended for a two-week trip in Japan. Accommodation: Accommodations in Japan can vary greatly depending on your exact needs and preferences. For example, if you are looking for higher end options such as four or five star hotels with upscale amenities like pools and spas, then expect to pay around $100-$200 per night. On the other hand, if you prefer more affordable lodging options such as hostels or Airbnb apartments that come equipped with basic amenities like kitchenettes and laundry facilities (but no pool), then you could get away with spending anywhere from $25-$50 per night. In total this would add up to around $700-$1,400 over 14 nights depending on how much money you want to spend each night. Food: Food costs also tend to vary significantly based on personal choices so it’s hard to give an exact number here but generally speaking most people should budget about ¥3-5K ($30 – 50 USD) per day for food in Japan which adds up to roughly between ¥42K – 70K ($420 – 700 USD) over the course of two weeks.
If you’re wondering if two weeks in Japan is too long, it all depends on what kind of traveler you are and how much time you have to explore. There is truly something for everyone here, from bustling cities like Tokyo to serene mountain villages and everything in between. Whether your interests lie in culture, nature or shopping, there is plenty of opportunity to make the most out of your two week trip. For those looking to experience as much of Japan as possible during their stay, two weeks may not be enough. With its wide range of attractions ranging from ancient shrines and temples to modern art galleries and neon-lit nightlife districts – plus an abundance of delicious cuisine – trying to fit it all into a fortnight can be quite tricky. However, if your plan is simply take it easy while exploring the main sights around one region at a leisurely pace then two weeks should provide more than enough time for a worthwhile holiday experience. Popular destinations such as Kyoto offer so many incredible things that even just taking them all in within this timeframe will leave lasting memories for years afterwards. Finally, if you want to really make the most out of your visit but don’t feel comfortable cramming lots into a single trip then why not split up your stay?
Are you planning a 15 day trip to Japan? If so, you’re likely wondering how much it is going to cost. While the exact answer depends on your budget and preferences, there are some general guidelines that can help give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to pricing. The most important thing to consider when budgeting for a trip to Japan is accommodation. Prices will vary depending on location and type of lodging, but generally speaking, the average price range for hotels in Tokyo ranges from $100-200 per night depending on the quality and amenities offered. For those looking for more affordable options, hostels or capsule hotels usually run between $30-50 per night with shared rooms being cheaper than private ones. Food is also an essential factor in determining overall cost since meals can quickly add up over time. Eating out at restaurants runs around ¥2,000 – 3,500 ($20-$35) per person while street food such as ramen or sushi typically costs about ¥500-1,000 ($5-$10). Grocery shopping and cooking your own meals can save money if you have access to kitchen facilities during your stay as well as saving food waste disposal costs which come with packaged instant foods like cup noodles etc.. In terms of transportation expenses within Japan itself , train fares tend be relatively inexpensive compared other countries .
Planning a trip to Japan can be an exciting yet intimidating experience. After all, the country is known for its high cost of living and expensive attractions. But don’t let that deter you from embarking on your dream trip! With careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to have a wonderful time in Japan without breaking the bank. This article will provide you with an overview of how much it costs to visit Japan. We’ll cover everything from airfare and lodging expenses to entertainment and food costs so that you can plan your perfect Japanese getaway within your means. Airfare: The average price of round-trip flights from the US to Tokyo ranges anywhere between $800-$1500 depending on when you choose to travel (it’s usually cheaper if booked well in advance). You may also want to consider purchasing a rail pass if traveling around Japan during the duration of your stay since trains are often faster than buses or planes over short distances. Prices for these passes vary but tend to range between $200-$500 per person, depending on where exactly you intend on visiting within Japan’s extensive railway network. Lodging: Accommodation prices in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka tend to be relatively pricey compared other parts of Asia; however there are still plenty of affordable options available such as capsule hotels or hostels which offer beds at very reasonable rates ($20 -$50/night).
Planning a two-week trip to Japan? You’re in for an exciting adventure! But how much will it cost you? Well, the amount of money you’ll need depends on your preferences and travel style. Generally speaking, it’s possible to have a great time in Japan without breaking the bank. Accommodation is likely going to be one of your biggest expenses. You can find reasonably priced hotels but if you want more luxury, expect to pay higher rates. Alternatively, Airbnb rentals are also available at competitive prices and offer a unique experience that’s closer to what locals do. Transportation costs vary depending on where you plan on visiting within Japan; however, there are options like rail passes that can help save money if you plan on taking multiple trips during your visit. Food is another expense and varies greatly from fast food chains (which tend to be quite affordable) up through high-end Japanese restaurants with multi-course meals that could set you back several hundred dollars per person for just one meal! Finally, don’t forget about souvenirs – these range from small knickknacks all the way up through expensive antiques or art pieces – so budget accordingly!
Izumi Kenta
Hi, I’m Izumi Kenta from Japan. By profession, I worked as a tourist guide and interpreter in Japan. Besides this profession, I’m a hobbyist blogger. I love to talk about different things about Japan and share them with a wider audience who wants to know about my country. To share my thoughts, I’ve created this site Visitjapan and brought some Japanese travel enthusiasts and tourists worldwide to share their experiences.
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Are you planning to visit Japan for two weeks? This efficient and easy-to-follow two week Japan itinerary shows you how to make the most of your first visit to the land of the rising sun.
As you can probably tell from my travel blog, Japan is my all-time favourite destination. Ever since I was 13 years old, it was my dream to visit it. When I was finally able to visit it, 10 years later, it turned out to be even better than expected.
After my first trip to Japan, it was only a matter of time before I returned. And again. And again. Planning that first trip, however, was a little stressful. I wanted to make the most out of it because I had no idea if (or when) I would get this chance again.
Are you in the same boat? Do not worry, I’ve got you covered! I crafted this two-week Japan itinerary for those who are visiting Japan for the first time and want to make the most of their time there.
Let’s dive in.
What to do in kyoto, what to do in himeji, miyajima (day 14).
Spending two weeks in Japan is the perfect amount of time when you’re visiting for the first time . It’s exactly how long I spent in Japan during my very first trip. After having returned to Japan multiple times since then, I’ve perfected this itinerary to help you avoid any mistakes I’ve made.
This itinerary loosely follows the famous Golden Route , along with some personal alterations I think are 100% worth it. If you follow this guide, it will take you to Tokyo (3 days), Mount Fuji (1 day), Hakone, Nikko or Kamakura (2 days), Kyoto (3 days), Osaka (1 day), Nara (1 day), Himeji (1 day), Hiroshima (1 day) and Miyajima (1 day).
While there are quite a few places included in this itinerary, you don’t have to drag your luggage around every day. In the next section, I recommend the cities you should book your hotels in (including some of my favourite hotels and areas). Since you can visit most of the locations on a day trip, you only have to change hotels a couple of times .
Two weeks give you a great first impression of this beautiful country without having to rush. Below, you can find a map of the points of interest in this itinerary – if you download Google Maps , you can even use the interactive map during your trip to not miss out on anything mentioned in this guide.
Along with all the highlights mentioned in this itinerary, the Google Maps below includes some of my favourite photo spots , coffee shops , restaurants and stores to check out during your trip.
To avoid having to drag your luggage around every single day during your two weeks in Japan, it’s best to book a few “home” bases and take day trips from there. Public transport in Japan is very reliable and easy to use, so let’s make the most of it.
On top of that, the locations in this itinerary are very well connected – I’ll highlight any discount passes for public transport you can buy to make your day trips even easier to navigate.
To make the most of your holiday to Japan, I recommend booking accommodation in the following places for the set days:
If you want some more ideas for your itinerary, check out the following guides:
Stay connected to the internet during your trip to Japan (essential for using Google Maps & Translate!) with a Pocket WiFi. Use code THENAVIGATIO15 for 15% off Ninja WiFi Pocket WiFi .
Here is my two week Japan itinerary – feel free to copy it completely or make any changes to match your travel style:
We start our Japan itinerary in the capital city: Tokyo . Most international travellers arrive at one of Tokyo’s two airports – Haneda or Narita . This makes it a great place to start your Japan trip.
From both airports, you can take public transport, hire an airport transfer or get a taxi. Even though it may seem a bit intimidating, using public transport is probably your best bet. It’s much cheaper and really not that difficult!
It’s a good idea to pick up a Suica or Pasmo card at the airport train station (or add it to your iPhone as it’s one of the best Japan travel apps out there). These passes are pre-paid e-money cards that let you use public transport all across Japan. They’re essential for travelling around in the big cities.
Since the first six days of this trip are in and around Tokyo, it’s best to book your hotel in Tokyo for the first six days . To avoid having to carry suitcases around, it’s much easier to stay in the same hotel – you can then bring a backpack on any day trips you plan to take.
As Tokyo is one of the largest and busiest cities in the world, it may be a little overwhelming to choose where to stay. For first-time visitors, Minato, Asakusa or Roppongi are good choices.
Our guide on where to stay in Tokyo includes an even more in-depth breakdown for different types of travellers, but here are my recommendations for first-time visitors:
Tokyo is such a big city, you could easily spend a month here and not get bored. But since we want to make the most of our two weeks in Japan, I planned the following three days in Tokyo for you.
The start of this itinerary gives you a great first impression of Tokyo, allowing you to explore most of the main highlights of this beautiful city! Here is what I recommend you to do on the first day in Tokyo:
On our second day in Tokyo, we visit Asakusa, Ueno and Akihabara. It’s quite a contrast going from one of the most traditional parts of Tokyo (Asakusa) to a part that literally goes by the nickname “ Electric Town “, but it gives you a chance to see quite a few of Tokyo’s main sights:
As we arrive at our last day in Japan’s capital city, we tick off a few more highlights before we start venturing outside of Tokyo. Here is what I recommend you to check out on your third day in Japan:
If there’s one thing Japan is famous for , it’s the majestic Mount Fuji. And no trip to Japan is complete without paying a visit to this sacred volcano.
It’s possible to climb Mount Fuji during hiking season (July to September), but beware that this can take up to 10 hours to complete. For a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, it’s much better to enjoy the surrounding areas of Mount Fuji and take in the views.
The best way to see Mount Fuji is by taking a bus or train to Lake Kawaguchiko. From there, you can explore the area further. I’ve added some of the best photo spots to capture Mount Fuji to the Google Maps for this itinerary.
Alternatively, you can book a fully guided day tour from Tokyo . While it’s cheaper to DIY a trip to Mount Fuji, with a guided tour, you’ll be sure to see all the main points of interest.
Mount Fuji tends to hide in the clouds quite often! Since it’s tricky to plan a clear day ahead of schedule, you may want to keep an eye on the weather when you’re IN Japan and swap some of the days around when staying in Tokyo.
During the next two days in this Japan itinerary, you have some choices. There is a lot to explore near Tokyo, so I wanted to give you the opportunity to pick two day trip destinations that match your interests best.
Some of the best day trips from Tokyo include Kamakura , Hakone and Nikko . Below, I’ve broken down the best things to do when taking a day trip to all three of them. Have a read-through and see which ones stick out to you best so you can add them to your own itinerary.
Hakone is a personal favourite of mine. Not only is it home to incredible views of Mount Fuji, some of the best onsens in Japan and beautiful shrines, but I also got engaged here to the love of my life!
From Tokyo, it takes around 1–1.5 hours to get to Hakone. This makes it a great day trip from the busy metropolitan city – and a chance to see a different side of Japan.
When taking a day trip from Tokyo, you should look into getting the Hakone Free Pass . This discount pass includes a return journey from Shinjuku to Hakone, free public transport in the Hakone area (including the pirate ship and ropeway) and multiple discounts. It’s a money AND time saver, win-win!
When taking a day trip to Hakone , here are some of the best things to do:
For a more detailed breakdown and travel route, check my one day Hakone itinerary .
Hakone is also a great place to stay overnight, as it’s home to many Japanese hot spring hotels. Our guide on where to stay in Hakone has some of the best ones (including hotels with Mount Fuji views!).
Nikko is a little bit further from Tokyo compared to Hakone ( around 2–3 hours ), but it remains one of the best trips to take from the capital. This mountain town is filled with history and is surrounded by beautiful nature.
If you’re planning to visit Nikko for the day, it’s worth getting the Nikko World Heritage Area Pass . Similarly to the Hakone Free Pass, this pass includes a return ticket from Tokyo to Nikko and free public transport inside the Nikko area. Since the pass itself is cheaper than a return train ticket, you’ll be saving money.
For your Nikko day trip, you want to check out the following sights:
Check our one day Nikko itinerary for a more detailed breakdown of how to spend the day here.
Since it does take a while to get to Nikko, you may want to spend two days here instead of going on another day trip from Tokyo. If you do, check out the best ryokans in Nikko for an unforgettable stay.
Kamakura and Enoshima are two seaside towns near each other, around one hour from Tokyo. They make for a very popular day trip destination – allowing visitors to enjoy the many temples, beaches and hydrangea flowers.
Like Hakone and Nikko, Kamakura and Enoshima have a Freepass that you can use to save money. The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass includes a return ticket from Shinjuku, unlimited train rides in the area and discounts for participating facilities.
If you’re choosing Kamakura and Enoshima for your day trip, check out the following sights:
Our full Kamakura and Enoshima day trip itinerary includes even more information on what route we suggest you follow.
After spending six wonderful days in and around Tokyo, it’s time to head towards Kyoto. Kyoto is known to be the cultural capital of Japan, filled with shrines, temples and old Geisha districts.
For accommodation, you have two options :
The accommodation choices won’t impact the places you’ll visit when following this itinerary. However, staying in Osaka has a completely different atmosphere compared to Kyoto (and it’s often a bit cheaper too), so you may want the best of both worlds. I have a full Kyoto and Osaka comparison so you can decide what’s best for your trip.
Either way, you’ll have to stay in Kyoto for a few nights. We have a full guide on where to stay in Kyoto , but here are my favourite recommendations for first-time visitors:
The easiest and fastest way to get from Tokyo to Kyoto is by riding the Shinkansen, or bullet train. This takes about two hours and 15 minutes .
You can use the JR Pass on this ride. But since the price increase of the Japan Rail Pass in October 2023, it’s not the most cost-effective pass to buy if you’re following this two week Japan itinerary.
It’s cheaper to buy individual tickets for the Shinkansen. You can do so at the train station on the day of your trip. It’s also possible to buy them online in advance if you prefer to have all your tickets pre-booked.
On Day 7 of this itinerary, you can take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. This should take just over two hours, but since the first week of this trip has been pretty full, you may want to take it easy today.
Make sure you get to Kyoto safely and check into your hotel. You can then spend the rest of the day going for a little wander around. I’ve marked a few extra sights on the map that you can check out if you have spare time.
Doing this will still give you two full days to explore Kyoto, which is more than enough time to see some of the city’s best highlights. I have a more detailed 2-day Kyoto itinerary if you want a complete breakdown of the days (including a walking route through the geisha districts). Here is a quick overview of the best things to do in Kyoto:
On Day 10, we take a day trip to Osaka. Osaka is known as the kitchen of the nation – with some of the best street food in the whole country. While some people choose to skip Osaka, it’s one of my favourite cities in Japan. The people are so friendly and there are some fantastic sights to see.
From Kyoto, you can get to Osaka within 15 minutes by Shinkansen, or around 30–40 minutes by train. Once you get there, here are some must-see sights:
I have a more detailed one day Osaka itinerary that includes a full breakdown and walking route.
Osaka isn’t far from Kyoto, but because it has a completely different atmosphere you may want to choose to stay here for a couple of nights too. If you’re big on nightlife, for example, Osaka has way more to offer than Kyoto.
My in-depth guide on where to stay in Osaka includes all my favourite areas and hotels in the city, but here’s a quick overview of my top three:
We have a full guide comparing Kyoto and Osaka as bases, so have a read to make sure you know your options.
If you’re planning on visiting Universal Studios Japan (which is located in Osaka), you can choose to replace one of the days in Kyoto, Osaka or Nara as they’re all near each other.
Day 11 is a day trip to Nara. Nara used to be the capital of Japan in the 8th century and its history still shines through today – there are some beautiful shrines and temples.
From Kyoto, you can get to Nara via the JR Nara Line or the Kintetsu Line. It takes between 35–70 minutes. If you’re using the JR Pass , it’s best to look out for the Rapid service, as it’s nearly 25 minutes faster. Without the JR Pass, the Kintetsu Line is a cheaper and faster choice.
From Osaka, you can use the JR Yamatoji Line and the Kintetsu Nara Line to get to Nara. This takes between 35–50 minutes.
When spending a day in Nara, make sure to check out the following sights:
My one day Nara itinerary includes a full walking route you can follow, along with some more information on how to get to Nara from both Osaka and Kyoto.
With the end of our two weeks in Japan coming closer, it’s time to pack up your suitcase again and move towards the last hotel. It’s best to book a hotel in Hiroshima for the remainder of your stay in Japan (or one last night in Osaka or Tokyo, depending on when and where your return flight departs from).
On the way towards Hiroshima, make a stop at Himeji . Known for its beautiful castle, Himeji is the perfect place to add to your two week Japan itinerary as it’s conveniently located on the way to Hiroshima.
You can store your luggage in one of the lockers at the station in Himeji. That way, you won’t have to carry them around all day.
For your day in Himeji, here are some sights to check out:
Our guide on how to spend one day in Himeji has some more information on what to see, how to get there and what route to follow to make the most of your time here.
After some time in Himeji, pick up your suitcases and continue your train journey to Hiroshima. This is where you’ll stay for the next few nights.
As Hiroshima is your base for your last few days in Japan, today we’re taking some time to explore it. Hiroshima, of course, is mostly known by people through the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. Luckily, it has rebuilt itself to be a bustling city – one that welcomes hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
When spending the day here, this is what I recommend you to check out:
Our guide on how to spend a day in Hiroshima has more information to make the most of your time here.
On our last day in Japan, we take a day trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima. From Hiroshima Station, it only takes about 30 minutes to get to Miyajimaguchi Station on the JR Sanyo Line.
Check out our full guide on how to spend one day in Miyajima for more in-depth information.
As this is the last stop on our Japan itinerary, you can make your way back to the airport for your return flight.
If you have the option to fly back home from Osaka , that will save you a long journey back to Tokyo (and since the Shinkansen isn’t exactly cheap, you’ll probably save quite a bit of money too). From Hiroshima, it’s about 1.5 hours to Osaka on the Shinkansen, compared to nearly 5 hours to Tokyo.
Two weeks is enough time to see some of Japan’s main highlights. In this two week Japan itinerary, you’ll visit Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima and Miyajima – it’s the perfect amount of time when you’re visiting Japan for the first time.
If you’d like to spend more time in Japan, please check out my 3 week Japan itinerary . However, if you only have two weeks, it’s still more than enough to get a perfect first impression of Japan. Don’t be alarmed if you’ll be looking at flights back to Japan as soon as you return home though!
No, for this two week Japan itinerary, you don’t need a JR Pass . It’s cheaper to buy individual tickets for the Shinkansen and use a Suica/Pasmo card for travel inside the cities.
Up until October 2023, the JR Pass was a great way to save money on a trip like the one in this guide. However, the prices of the pass have increased by nearly 70% in October 2023, making it hard to keep recommending them.
Since this itinerary is spread over two weeks, and you won’t be using the Shinkansen too often, buying individual tickets is a cheaper option.
You can buy tickets for the Shinkansen at the station on the day of your trip. Just use the ticket machine or head to the JR office to get help from a member of staff. If you’re travelling with suitcases, make sure to let someone know so they can seat you somewhere with storage.
If you prefer pre-booking your tickets, you can do so on Klook .
You can make your trip to Japan as cheap or as expensive as you’d like. To give you a bit of guidance, we spent around £2,100 per person for this two week trip. This includes flights, hotels, food, souvenirs, all activities and any extras. I have a full breakdown of the cost of going to Japan on my blog too.
However, since flights and the JR Pass have increased significantly in price, it’s better to budget around £2,500 per person for a two week mid-range Japan trip .
And that concludes my recommended two-week Japan itinerary. While there is so much more to see and do in Japan, this itinerary gives you a great first impression of what Japan is all about. Don’t be surprised if you’re leaving after two weeks wanting more – that’s how I started my own Japan obsession!
If you have a little more time to visit Japan (or want some other ideas of what to include in your itinerary), my 3 week Japan itinerary includes some more places to explore. Alternatively, you can continue travelling to Fukuoka from Hiroshima and add a week in Kyushu to your Japan travel plans.
But for now – happy travel planning and I hope you have the most amazing time in Japan!
Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .
This is really helpful! Now I’m more than excited to go to Japan! 💕
Very enjoyable read and lovely photography for a fabulous itinerary. We’ve hit Japan a few times on flying visits (most recently Kagoshima and Okinawa a few months back) but have never hit any of the places you got to see; not even Tokyo yet. A longer stay with the sort of things you got up is certainly on our travel list, although it’s a very long list and keeps getting things added to it.
This is my dream trip! You’re so lucky and it looks absolutely incredible! I will get there one day ❤️
Now I want to go to Japan! This looks amazing. Pictures are perfect! Well done.
Beautiful photos!
Girl. This post was such a DELIGHT! Wow! Beautifully organised and put together and guess what – I bookmarked it immediately because Japan IS on my travel wish list and I know I will definitely find this blog post of yours super handy one day. I really enjoyed it. I am lost for words when it comes to commenting on something particular – there’s just SO MUCH! 😀 Amazing travel diary blog post! xox Nadia
What an incredible trip! Japan is at the top of my Travel bucket list, we are hoping to go for our honeymoon next year so this has given me so much inspiration. love you photos xx
Violethollow.com
This is such a great informative post! Your pictures are fabulous too, really bringing the place to life. I like how you gave a mix of shopping in the city and visiting the various temples. Japan is a place I would love to experience, and I feel like I have been there from reading your post! What was your favourite part of the trip? You really packed a lot in! There is so much to comment on…the crepes look amazing, how cool that you are able to rent a kimono too!
Thanks for sharing this great post!
Aimsy xoxo https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
The layout of this post is EPIC. I’m in awe of your talent when it comes to content creation. The photos are beautiful too. Gosh I would love to go to Japan one day, I will be referring back to this post for sure 🙂
Rach | https://rachaelhope.co.uk/
Oh wow! What an epic post! Japan is definitely on my bucket list and it’s amazing how much you managed to fit in. Beautiful photos as well!
Francesca Andrews
I don’t even know where to start, this trip sounds like an absolute dream. All of the photos are incredible and can only imagine how much better it was in person. Such amazing experiences!! x
I am so incredibly jealous. Japan is on my bucket list for years and reading through your post makes me wanna go even more. The Osaka castle is ao beautiful. And I am very impressed with the pocket wifi 😅
Woahhh! Lol just wow 😲 your trip was jam packed with fun! Like I’m trying to wrap my head around how you got to go so many places lol, talk about great planning. Omg I was reading completely spazzed when I realized you got to go to the Pokémon center and Disney Sea! 😱😱😱 Also Nara looks super beautiful…All your pics are stunning and look like they truly capture the beauty of Japan! Great post hun 💕💕✈️
I have always wanted to go to Japan and it’s firmly on my to-travel list! This post is fantastic and should I book a trip to Japan any time soon, I will be bearing it in mind!
Melanie || melaniewithanie
Wow, what an incredible trip! You managed to fit so much in too, you must have done a tonne of planning! I haven’t made it to Japan yet but I definitely hope to one day xx
Wow!! So dope!! Seems like an elaborate and fun and organized trip! I cannot wait to explore japan in the guture❤️❤️😍😍
Yessss all these spots you went to are great! I hope to one day get the kimono experience as well, it’s ridiculous I’ve been to Kyoto twice now and never had the time for it despite of it.
When I was younger Japan wasn’t really on my bucket list but after a mixture of reading your post, being wow’d by the imagery and following a old school friends journey back-packing Japan.. I really am being to get the tingles to want to go! This post was honestly amazing and the images you’ve captured are fantastic!
Omg this is an amazing post!! This sounds like my perfect holiday, it has made me extra excited to go to Japan and I will come back and check this post when planning my itinerary.
Thank you so much for this Nele! I was anxious about planning our own itinerary to Japan next year but this seems totally doable. I’m going to use this as a template!
One question, I was nervous that you can’t book train travel in advance – did you have any issues at all?
So glad you like the post! We booked the JR passes in advance, but there’s no need to book any of the trains in advance 🙂 You can reserve a seat at the train station before getting on the next train, which is super super easy! Transport in Japan is top notch, we had no problems with it whatsoever and we don’t speak much Japanese 🙂
Hi! Did you get the 7 day pass and just use for the week you were away from Tokyo or did you get the full 14 day pass for the JR? I am debating which to get for this same type of itinerary 🙂 Thank you!! Love the post!
Hi Kim! So glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 We got it for only 7 days, so it fitted perfectly for the days we travelled to Kyoto, Osaka and Nara – and we just paid for little trips in Tokyo and it saved us so much money! Would 100% recommend doing that if you’re looking on saving some money 🙂
This is such a great itinirary! I only got to spend 10 days in Japan but to be honest it was more than enough. Honestly Japan is one of the best countries I’ve visited! I definitely want to go back haha xx
10 days in Japan sound amazing – what cities did you visit? I totally agree, Japan is so far my favourite country – really hope to go back soon!
I felt like I was on the trip with you! Thank you for the info and awesome pictures!
So glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment ^_^
I absolutely LOVE this list. It’s a mega list of things everyone should do their first time in Japan on a two-week stay. Simply amazing with beautiful photos to boot!
In Asian Spaces | https://inasianspaces.com/
Gundam looks cool!
Japan always looks amazing! I would really really love to visit some day x
This is such an amazing and in-depth post! it sounds like you managed to fit in a lot of amazing things during your time there. Absolutely love the photos! x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
Japan is so high on my list! Such a fantastic and detailed itinerary. The crepe looks super yummy! And what an amazing view of Mt. Fuji! I will definitely use this itinerary when I plan the Japan trip. 🙂
Japan is on my bucket list, one day, one day i will go there, the photos are stunning
Argh I’m dying to visit Japan, and have done for years! It’s such an amazing country and I can’t wait to explore all the quirky spots one day 😀
Shannon x http://www.shanylou.co.uk uk based travel + lifestyle blogger
Me and my husband are going to Japan in June! And I’m using this blog as my guide as I make plans for our trip, and I actually copied the exact itinerary since it has everything we wanna see in Japan. Such a life saver, and also we will be using all the links in this blog to get what we need. Thank you so much Nele!
Hey Alexis! It makes me so happy to hear that the itinerary is helpful ^_^ I hope you and your husband have the most amazing time in Japan next June – if you need any more help planning or if you have any questions, please feel free to send me a message! <3 And thank you so much for using the links in this post, that helps me massively! Much love, Nele
Japan is on my to visit list and honestly this is so gorgeous! It looks like you have had the best time!
Love, Amie ❤ The Curvaceous Vegan
This is really helpful! This is pretty much the exact itinerary we’ve got planned, except we are planning a day to Hiroshima too. How long did you spend in Nara?
If we visit Hakone and see mt Fuji from there, does another day trip to mt Fuji is worth it ?
I think so! Hakone is pretty good for seeing Mount Fuji, but the best views can be found around the Five Lakes for sure!
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About The Navigatio Work With Us
Our trip to Japan was like a dream come true. We waited for it for a long time, we were worried about the plane tickets, we planned everything carefully and we made mistakes. It’s the way things work for us. But planning the budget for the trip was never a problem, as you will see in this complete budget guide for a 2-week trip to Japan.
Yes, it’s true guys, there might be affiliate links in this awesome, free post. This means that if you decide to buy something that you find here, and you use one of my links to do so, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I plan to use the money to buy ice cream and to travel more so I can write these useful guides for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Yes, it’s true guys, there might be affiliate links in this awesome, free post. This means that if you decide to buy something that you find here, and you use one of my links to do so, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I plan to use this money on ice cream, chocolate, and to travel more so I can write these useful guides for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Not because we have won the lottery (as if…). And even though everyone thinks that living and working in Switzerland automatically links you to a full bank account, we still travel the same as before: budget to mid-level. What does this mean?
It means we’re usually spending around 50$ per hotel night, and we never go to hostels. I did too much of that in college, don’t want to go back. It also means we usually go to local restaurants, and half of our meals are to-go. Still, from time to time, we’ll splurge and invest in a night at a special hotel, or a nicer island in the Maldives , or even a room above average in Indonesia .
And lots of times we hear this question when we come back from a trip: “How much did you spend, overall?”. We usually know roughly how much we spent, but we rarely focus on the details. But, since I’m trying to become a better blogger (or WTH am I doing here anyway), I started keeping a better track of our costs for the trip to Japan.
What you need to know.
First of all, I have to tell you that these numbers are all approximate. Japan is still a cash-based country, so we had to withdraw money from an ATM and spend it like this. And spending cash makes it pretty hard to track what you spent on. I have a rough idea, but please take this information with a grain of salt.
Second, we didn’t visit everything that we wanted, due to lack of time (and sometimes bad planning, because why not?). But we researched a lot before going, and at the end of this post you’ll find a printable sheet with entry fees to all the cool places to visit in Japan, plus our comments and helpful tips.
Third, we were always on the run, so half of our meals were things we bought from grocery stores, not proper restaurant meals. Breakfast was almost always taken either in the room or on a train on the way to the next adventure. I also only had one cup of coffee to go, since I felt guilty about producing so much waste. Since then, I have bought a to-go coffee cup so that I can enjoy my guilty pleasure without the actual guilt.
Forth: even if you’re on a budget, never ever travel without travel insurance. It used to be fairly OK, but during the last few years, we have learned that it’s not OK anymore. You can get a quote in the widget below.
And the last one: the prices are displayed in Yen, for two persons. We used 2 Revolut cards and one TransferWise to withdraw money (50.000 Yen in total), and we paid everything we could in Yen since this is the best option, so here’s a pro tip for you: while traveling, always, ALWAYS pay in the currency of the country you’re in.
Are you ready to find out how much is a trip to Japan for 2 weeks going to cost you? Good. Let’s start!
How much to budget for the flights to japan.
Of course, it depends on where you’re coming from, the season when you’re traveling, if you could find a crappy combination that takes you there cheaper or have miles that take you there free. In our case, we used my benefits, so the price we paid is irrelevant.
But, since this will be a large chunk of your budget, I looked into it a bit. I used Skyscanner for this, filtered for round trips from Tokyo, in November (using the whole month feature), and verified the prices from the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Of course, you can use the same features to search for the flights by yourself, but I’ll attach my findings just to provide an idea.
As you can see, the prices are somewhere in the area of 1000-1.200$ for a round trip for 2 people. It’s not as bad as I thought. We paid 1800 euro (about 2000$) for the crappiest flight we ever had, so my standards are not that high.
So, how much does it cost to fly to Japan? About 1200$, I would say. This means 131.527 Yen .
This is a tricky one. Of course, it can cost anything from 30$ to 1.000$ a night. And Japan is known to have one of the most expensive accommodation offers in the world. And we’re saying this while we know the prices for accommodation in Switzerland (in short, we need to start crapping money before we take a 2-week vacation in Switzerland).
I’ll give you two views about this. The first one is the options that you have so that you know your options for any budget. The second one will be our exact costs for accommodation, with detailed information about the places, nights and everything you may need.
As a reminder, these are the prices for 2 people per night. Multiply this with the number of nights you’re planning to stay, and you’ll have a good overview. Also, I have to specify that I found these prices using Agoda . This is my favorite toy to use for finding accommodation, and the prices are often better than other competitors, especially in Asia.
What was the cost of accommodation in japan for us.
OK, now you have an overview. The next prices are the ones that we have paid. Our target budget was to fit, on average, below 100$ per night. And, in my opinion, we nailed it. The prices were good, the places were great, and everything worked out smoothly.
We stayed for a total of 12 nights. The first one was in Hamamatsu, the next 5 in Kyoto, the next in Gero, and the last 5 in Tokyo. For these 12 nights, we paid a total of 116.961 Yen .
Boy, am I on a roll here or what? So, for transportation, you have two main topics: the JR Pass and the rest. Luckily, I covered this subject in a detailed guide to transportation in Japan , so I am already informed about the subject.
Well, first of all, you have to analyze if you need it. There are lots of ways to do this, and I’ll cover them separately, but a good rule of thumb is that if you’re going to do the Tokyo-Kyoto return trip at least once and a day trip somewhere outside Tokyo or Kyoto, you already need the pass.
The JR pass is quite expensive. We paid 96.417 Yen for the one valid for 14 days. This is around 800$. It hurt, it really did. But, and this is a big one, but it would have been even worse if we wouldn’t have had it. We used it intensively, and I think it paid for itself in the first half of the trip.
And this price is valid if you buy it outside Japan. In the last years, they have enabled an option to buy the JR Pass inside Japan as well, but this will cost you even more than that, about 105.920 Yen. The difference doesn’t seem that much, it’s about 50$, but you can invest this in a better hotel room, a nice souvenir, or a gallon of ice cream. No one’s judging.
If you’re buying any JR Pass product with my affiliate link, whether it is a train pass , a portable Wi-Fi , or the Meet & Greet package, send me a copy of your receipt at [email protected] and you’ll get my Japan Map Collection entirely for free!
And now it’s the challenge. The other transportation has to be paid cash. No matter if you use Suica/Icoca/Pasmo or any other card, you will fill it up with cash. There’s no way to do it by card, and, believe me, we have tried. That’s why it’s challenging.
Out of everything that we paid from the cash amount we took from the ATM (50.000 Yen), my estimations tell me we have spent around 20.000 Yen on transportation. This includes:
These expenses are the bigger ones. The rest of them were around 200-250 Yen each, and we also walked a great deal. My Fitbit was so proud of me those two weeks…
So, the total amount spent on transportation in Japan is…( drumrolls )… 116.417 Yen . A big chunk, I know.
How to use a bus, tram or metro in japan – a simple and helpful guide, how to use the public transportation in japan – everything you need to know, how much does food in japan cost.
So, we got to my favorite part. I mean food. Japanese food, on the other hand, is a story for another time. How much did we spend on food? Well, again, it boils down to your spending behavior.
We ate a maximum of one meal per day at a restaurant (main dish, drink and sometimes dessert), and the other meals were gracefully provided by all sorts of grocery stores, pastry shops, random street food isles, and quite a few ice cream stands.
In 12 days, we spent around 33.952 Yen on food in restaurants. We paid by card in most of them, and tipping is not a thing in Japan, so there are no extra charges in this field. One complete meal for two was usually around 35 to 40$, no matter where we ate.
We didn’t eat in fancy restaurants, we tried to find places where we could eat like the locals. No worries, the food is good everywhere and it’s worth it to order based only on pictures. I honestly have no idea what I have eaten in there, but I seem to still be alive so, can’t be that bad, right?
In grocery stores, we spent around 16.495 Yen , out of which my estimation is that only 15.000 Yen was food and water. Because, unfortunately, while tap water IS drinkable in Japan, it tastes too much like chlorine to be actually drinkable.
Some of the grocery shopping visits were influenced by us buying large amounts of fruit, which we missed there, and some others by us randomly taking things just to see what they were. There were some isolated occasions when we paid for food in cash, but it’s an amount not worth mentioning.
So, in total, we spent about 55.952 Yen on keeping our weight as it is. Maybe we added a little bit though…
Well, now you’ve caught me. I lied before, the food is not my favorite part (although you won’t say that based on my figure…). Visiting the stuff is my favorite part. I even create Trello boards for this part of every journey. Kind of explains why people don’t come with us on trips. Anymore.
Because we spent more time moving from one place to the other compared to what we thought we will, and also due to my lack of skills for basic functions like counting days, we missed some of the places we wanted to visit. Also, some of them were free of charge, and no one loves a bargain more than I do.
In the end, we spent about 32.000 Yen on entry fees. This included expensive stuff like the Digital Art Museum in Tokyo (it’s totally worth the 6.400 Yen we spent on it) or a geiko and maiko show in Kyoto , but also some things that didn’t impress us that much (some rebuilt castles, for example), and some totally useless things like the audio guide in Hiroshima.
For each one of us, this price will vary deeply. I didn’t see the point in paying to walk on a bridge in Nikko, for example, when I could see it very well from the bridge next to it. Others will feel templed out after 2-3 temples and shrines, and will invest this money in other things, or will just not spend it altogether.
To help you with this decision, I have prepared a printable PDF with prices for the most important places to see in Japan. I have also added some personal comments to it, which I think will be of great help when it comes to the decision of what to visit in Japan. And yes, I also did the currency exchange for you, you’re welcome.
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Of course, not everything comes down to these categories mentioned above. What other things we spent our money on include, but are not limited to:
All of this got to a whopping amount of 15.340 Yen . This is money we don’t have anymore and we’re not exactly sure why. #responsible_adults right? I promise, we didn’t do anything illegal or immoral, we’re too old for this sort of thing.
Want to have a helpful resource to make your planning efforts not only easier but also more enjoyable? Check out my Japan Travel Guide from the shop!
Phew, that was a big one. Was it as hard for you to read as it was for me to write it? I hope not, I’m trying to be helpful here. So, how much does a trip to Japan cost for 2 weeks, you ask?
In case you’re more of a visual person, I have created a chart for the budget needed for a two week trip to Japan. Because who doesn’t like charts? Right? Right? * awkward silence *
As you can see, the total budget for this trip went up to 468.197 Yen , which means around 4.300$ . It’s not cheap, I know. I feel your pain.
It’s similar to what we paid for the trip to the Maldives . But the Maldives is known as a luxury destination (not how we did it though), and Japan offers so much more than beaches and sunshine.
But, with proper planning , you can do this without feeling it is such a burden. If you split the big money suckers across a whole year, it may feel less stressful.
In any case, now you know everything about how much it costs to travel to Japan.
Wait, there’s more! You almost forgot your printable PDF with the entry fees for all the important things to visit in Japan.
Wow, about $300 USD a day for 2 people is pretty expensive! Going to Japan is definitely on my bucket list and I love your approach to food and fun but those hotel costs are what always dissuade me from heading to that country! Don’t get me wrong, I have no issue even at 44 years old with staying in a Private Room in a hostel with my wife since we don’t plan on staying in the room beyond sleeping and storage! But dang that is ridiculous with pricing!
I know, right? Again, this is pretty similar to what we paid in The Maldives if you catch my drift. But there are two things to keep in mind: 1. I included the airfare in the price. This can vary widely depending on so many factors and can be quite helpful if you can score a better deal here. 2. We decided we’re too old for hostels, and my husband didn’t want a capsule hotel experience (you can see which of us is older this way :)) )
If you can go lower with airfare and accommodation, you can probably score this to about 200 $ per day, which is still not cheap, but might make you decide to go already 🙂
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Trip to Japan cost is generally considered moderately expensive, but there are ways to save money and travel on a budget. The major costs of a trip to Japan are flights , hotels, eSIM , JR Pass , transportation, food, and activities.
Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day in Japan, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $150 to $250 per day. It's important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you.
Cost of a trip to japan for 1 week.
For a one-week trip to Japan, budgeting accurately is key to enjoying a variety of experiences without overspending. Here, you'll find specific costs for a single traveler to Japan.
Extending your visit to two weeks means considering how daily expenses add up over a longer period, especially for accommodation and meals.
The cost of flights to Japan can vary depending on various factors, such as the departure location, time of year, airline, and availability. Generally speaking, the cost of a round-trip economy class ticket from major cities in North America to Tokyo, Japan can range from approximately $600 to $1,500 or more , depending on the factors mentioned above.
Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.
The cost of hotels in Japan varies depending on several factors such as the location, season, and the type of accommodation you are looking for. As a general rule, hotels in major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka tend to be more expensive than hotels in smaller cities or rural areas.
Of course, prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and availability. It's always a good idea to compare prices on multiple travel booking websites and to book your accommodation well in advance to get the best deals.
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Osaka Dotonbori
In addition to restaurants, there are also many affordable options for food in Japan, such as convenience stores and supermarkets, which offer a variety of tasty and healthy food at reasonable prices. It's worth noting that tipping is not customary in Japan, so the prices listed above are typically the final price you will pay. Also, keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the location and the time of year.
Blue Bottle Coffee
It's worth noting that many souvenir shops in tourist areas have fixed prices, but there may be room for negotiation in other types of stores, such as flea markets or antique shops. Additionally, keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the time of year, and it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices before making a purchase.
Osaka Nankai Line Airport Express
It's also worth noting that Japan has several transportation passes and discount tickets available for visitors, such as the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on most JR trains for a fixed period, and the Tokyo Subway Ticket, which provides unlimited travel on Tokyo subways for a fixed period. These passes can be a good value if you plan to do a lot of traveling in a short period.
Universal Studios Japan
It's also worth noting that there are many free or low-cost sightseeing options in Japan, such as walking tours, parks, and public gardens, which can provide a great experience without breaking the bank. Additionally, some attractions offer discounts or free admission for foreign visitors, so be sure to check before you go
Japan eSIM Day Pass
It's also worth noting that some hotels and accommodations offer free Wi-Fi for guests, so be sure to check before booking. Additionally, some smartphone apps, such as Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi, provide access to free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Japan. Overall, the cost of Wi-Fi in Japan can vary depending on the method of access and the data plan. However, there are many options available for travelers to stay connected while in Japan.
How much does a trip to japan cost for passport.
It's important to note that passport fees can vary depending on the country of citizenship and the type of application. Additionally, some countries may require additional fees for visa applications or other travel documents. It's always a good idea to check with your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information on passport and visa requirements and fees.
It's important to shop around and compare travel insurance policies from different providers to find the coverage that best meets your needs and budget. Be sure to read the policy details carefully and understand what is and isn't covered, as well as any deductibles or exclusions. Additionally, some credit cards and travel booking sites offer travel insurance as a benefit or add-on, so be sure to check those options as well.
TeamLab Planets TOKYO
Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $200 to $400 for a 2-night, 3-day trip to Japan . It's important to note that these are rough estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on your travel style, activities, and other expenses.
Tokyo DisneySea
Overall, the cost of traveling to Japan can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per person, depending on the factors mentioned above. A family, couple, or single traveler can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 USD or more for a trip to Japan, depending on the travel style and preferences.
Japan can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do and see. Spring (March to May) is the popular cherry blossom season, while autumn (September to November) is the season for fall foliage. Winter (December to February) is good for skiing and winter sports, while summer (June to August) can be hot and humid but great for outdoor activities.
The currency used in Japan is the Japanese yen (¥). It's important to carry cash with you as many small businesses, especially in rural areas, may not accept credit cards.
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, UK, and most European countries, can enter Japan for tourism without a visa for up to 90 days. Check with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for more information.
Yes, Japan is considered a very safe country for travelers. Crime rates are low, and the country is well-organized and efficient. However, as with any travel, it's important to take precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and take care of your valuables.
Japan has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including trains, subways, and buses. It's easy to get around, especially in larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka, using public transportation. Consider purchasing a prepaid transportation card like Suica or Pasmo for convenience. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive, especially for longer distances.
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Hailed one of the most beautiful countries in the world by Rough Guides’ readers, Japan offers travelers a richness of unique, unforgettable experiences. Thinking of visiting but not sure where or when to go? Keep reading for a run-down of how to plan a trip to Japan to help you maxisimize your chance of experiencing the best things to do in Japan .
Step 1: figure out the best time to visit japan, step 2: decide how long you need for a trip to japan, step 3: get first-hand tips, step 4: where to visit on a first trip, step 5: get familiar with japanese culture, step 6: how to get to japan, step 7: how to get around japan, step 8: book accommodation and attractions, step 9: how much does a japan trip cost, travel ideas for japan, created by local experts.
Small Group Tour: Splendours of Japan
Discover the allure of Japan on our small group tour (max 16 guests). Unveil Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Okayama through guided explorations. Immerse in tea ceremonies and relish in the captivating beauty of these iconic destinations. Regular departures ensure an unforgettable journey.
Small Group Tour: Secrets of Japan
Embark on an exceptional small-group tour, available monthly, unveiling Tokyo, Hakone, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond. Uncover Japan's hidden gems, from serene shrines to bustling cities, and immerse in enchanting forests.
Small Group Tour: Highlights of Japan
Exciting small-group tour with monthly departures. Immerse in Japanese culture, challenge a pro in a sumo suit, wander Arashiyama's bamboo groves in Kyoto, and relish a kaiseki feast with Maiko entertainment - all included in this fascinating small group tour.
Japan highlights: Tokyo to Osaka
From Tokyo to Osaka, this Japan trip features fantastic experiences. View a sumo session, visit ancient temples, and climb the Tokyo Skytree tower. Explore the resort town of Hakone in Mt Fuji’s shadow, savor a tea ceremony in Kyoto, and see cherry blossoms, in season, to complete a wonderful trip.
Self-Guided Adventure Tour in Japan
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty, history, enchanting culture and warmhearted people of Japan, with our self-guided tour of Japan. Walk-through a bamboo forest, see how sake is made, join Samurai lesson, go bar-hopping in Tokyo and Osaka and extend your journey to Hiroshima
Culinary tour across Japan
This trip takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto, where you will experience authentic Japanese foods, visit morning markets in the local cities, learn how to make Japanese food and enjoy a unique stay at a monastery. A once in a lifetime experience.
Whether you’re planning a vacation that includes uncovering Japan’s cultural heart in Kyoto , an itinerary that includes incredible hikes and opportunities to get off the beaten track , following our tips for visiting Japan will set you for up for an unforgettable trip of a lifetime.
Alongside helping you decide when’s the best time to visit, and how to get around, we also share detailed itineraries for spending 7, 10 and 14 days in Japan.
If that wasn't enough, you'll also gain intel on the best cities, regions and islands to visit on a first trip to this uniquely captivating country.
Editor’s tip: when it comes to pre-trip planning, our Japan travel tips will come in handy, as will our customisable Japan itineraries .
Step one in how to plan a trip to Japan — decide the best time for YOU to visit © Shutterstock
First up in our tips for how to plan a trip to Japan, you’ll need to figure out the best time to visit . This depends entirely on what you most want to see and do during your vacation.
In general terms, thanks to pleasant weather and natural phenomena like cherry blossoms and fall foliage, spring and fall are the most popular times to visit.
Meanwhile, though hot and humid, summer offers stacks of festivals, while winter (unsurprisingly) is the best time for visit for snow sports and snow-themed festivals.
For more detail, read on for an overview of what to expect of Japan around the year, with info on weather conditions, and notable events across various regions in different seasons.
Spring cherry blossom around Osaka castle, Osaka, Japan © Shutterstock
Expect mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the following key events:
Summer is Mount Fuji climbing season © Shutterstock
Summer in Japan is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It’s also rainy season, particularly in June and early July, though Hokkaido remains drier. Here are key summer events to have on your radar:
Shirakami Sanchi Park, Japan © Shutterstock
Fall in Japan is cool and comfortable, with a temperature range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Here are some of the best things to see and do in Japan in Fall.
Japanese macaques, aka snow monkeys © Shutterstock
Winter in Japan is cold, especially in northern regions and mountainous areas, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F).
Also note that snowfall is common in northern Japan and the Japanese Alps, which means there are plenty of snow-themed events and activities to keep you entertained.
Editor’s tip: want a wonder-filled winter vacation? Check out our customisable Japan Winter Tour .
Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
After deciding when to go, you might be wondering how long you need for a trip for Japan, and whether, for example, spending a week or two in the country is long enough.
The key is to plot out an itinerary that covers what you most want to see and do, while also allowing time to discover lesser-visited treasures of the destinations you choose to visit.
To help you figure that out, here’s how you could spend 7 days, 10 days and two weeks in Japan. Spoiler alert: it’s perfectly possible to enjoy an immersive vacation in any of these time frames.
Osaka Castle, Japan © Shutterstock
Taking you from Tokyo to Osaka, our customisable 7-day Highlights of Japan itinerary will have you experiencing exactly that.
Given that this suggested trip plan also includes Kyoto, you won’t need to decide whether to visit Tokyo or Kyoto — you’ll get to see the best of both.
After arriving in Tokyo, kick-off your first full-day in the city with a sumo wrestling session followed by a traditional lunch and tour of Tokyo’s Asakusa district.
Here you can visit city’s oldest temple — Senso-ji — and the towering Tokyo Skytree before enjoying a dinner cruise to see the city at night.
On day three, transfer to Hakone (we suggest taking the electric Tokyo to Hakone train ) — a mountain resort town that sits in the shadow of Mount Fuji.
Come the afternoon, take a scenic cable car ride to see Lake Ashi, the historic Hakone Shrine and the geyser-rich Owakudani Valley.
On day four, take the bullet train to Kyoto to see its remarkable shrines, temples and palaces, rounding off the day with a tea ceremony in the Gion Geisha district.
Next, devote day five to visiting more amazing temples, along with exploring Kyoto’s glorious bamboo groves.
Day six will see you travel to Nara to see the ancient Tōdai-ji Temple and visit the surrounding Nara Deer Park en route to Osaka.
In Osaka itself, spend the remainder of your 7-day trip visiting the castle and experiencing the city’s lively nightlife before bedding down in one of its best areas to stay .
Editor’s tip: if you can extend your week in Japan by a day or two, take inspiration from our Japan Essentials itinerary.
Shirakawa, Japan © Shutterstock
Expanding on the above 7-day itinerary, this suggested small group tour of Japan’s highlights will have you experiencing Tokyo, Hakone, Takayama and Kyoto in ten days.
On arrival, do a deep into Tokyo through visiting the Imperial Palace before boarding a train to the vibrant Asakusa district — an area that’s rightly renowned for its food.
Come the afternoon, enjoy a sumo wrestling experience ahead of taking an early train to Hakone on day three.
Spend the afternoon cruising Lake Ashi before heading to a ryokan for dinner, allowing time to relax in a rejuvenating onsen.
Day four will see you travel to Takayama on a scenic train journey, with day five devoted to exploring this history-rich town that’s known for its merchant houses, museums, tranquil temples and shrines.
Next, spend day five either exploring more of Takayama, or else take a day trip to Shirakawago. This UNESCO-designated village along the Three Star Road is esteemed for its unique architecture.
On day six, take a train to Kyoto, which will be your home for the rest of this 10-day vacation.
Editor’s tip: if you’re into food, consider booking our customisable 10-day culinary tour across Japan .
Into adventure? You’ll love our 10-day Self-guided Adventure Tour in Japan .
Miyajima, Japan © Shutterstock
If you have two weeks in Japan, you might like this Secret of Japan itinerary that covers everything in the suggested 10-day trip, plus a few nights in Osaka and Hiroshima .
Spend your first three days in Tokyo before taking a few days to explore Hakone and Takayama.
On day seven, transfer to Osaka by train and take a walking tour of the Dontonbori district to sample its street food and soak up the neon lights.
On day 8, visit Osaka’s Sky Garden and Kuromon Ichiba market ahead of traveling to Hiroshima by train on day 9. On arrival, be sure to tour the Peace Memorial Museum and visit the cenotaph at the Peace Memorial Park.
Next, devote day 10 to taking a day trip to Miyajima Island where the Itsukushima Shrine and Mount Misen awaits.
On day 11, transfer to Kyoto to spend the rest of your vacation discovering its unique ancient attractions and traditions.
Editor’s tip: prefer to walk on the wilder side? Check-out our customisable itinerary focussed on hiking the Japanese alps .
Traveling with kids? Our Family Adventures in Japan itinerary is designed to keep all ages happy.
Kyoto geisha Shutterstock
Alongside deciding when to go and what itinerary to take, while planning your trip to Japan be sure to get first-hand advice from travelers who’ve been there and done that in the country.
Read on for a summary of current tips that are coming from folks who’ve recently visited.
Want a vacation that gives you support and advice throughout your trip? Talk to our local Japan experts .
Great Buddha, Tamakura, Tokyo © Shutterstock
Still not sure how your itinerary should be shaped? Read on to find out the best cities and regions to visit during a first-time trip to Japan.
Capital city Tokyo is a dynamic metropolis in which ancient tradition meets modernity. Here are a few highlights:
Editor’s tip: ahead of booking your trip, read up on where to stay in Tokyo , and get The Rough Guide to Tokyo .
Gion, Kyoto © Shutterstock
The cultural heart of Japan , Kyoto is celebrated for its well-preserved temples, traditional tea houses, and historic districts. Here are a few Kyoto must-sees.
Editor’s tip: read up on the best areas to stay in Kyoto .
Osaka Castle © Shutterstock
Offering a more laid-back vibe than Tokyo, and known for its food and nightlife, Osaka is another city that should definitely be on your radar . Read on for highlights.
Editor’s tip: discover the best areas to stay in Osaka .
Hiroshima monument
A city with a poignant history, Hiroshima is also a symbol of peace and recovery. Here's what you won't want to miss:
Located near Kyoto, Nara is famous for its ancient temples and sacred deer that roam freely in the park. Be sure to make time to see the following:
Todaiji Temple in Nara, Japan © Shutterstock
Kansai .
Home to cultural hubs like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, the Kansai region offers a deep dive into Japan’s history, culture, and culinary delights.
The Kanto region includes Tokyo, Nikko — a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning temples and natural scenery.
Hakone — famed for its hot springs, Mount Fuji views, and the scenic Hakone Ropeway — also lies within Kanto's borders.
Known for its stunning natural landscapes, Hokkaido — Japan’s northernmost island — is especially beautiful in summer and winter. For example, visit Sapporo in winter for its snow festival, and head to Furuno and Biei to be wowed by lavender fields in summer and ski in winter.
Meanwhile, Shiretoko National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site — is rewarding around the year
The Chubu region in Honshu offers a mix of mountains (including Mount Fuji), and traditional villages and towns like Takayamaand Kanazawa
Located in the western part of Honshu, this region includes countless historic and spiritual sites, from Hiroshima and Okayama, which is known for Korakuen Garden, to the castle town of Matsue.
Tokashiki island, Kerama Islands group, Okinawa, Japan © mapman/Shutterstock
While planning your itinerary, look to include at least one of Japan’s lesser-visited, best islands in your trip plan.
This will give you a more fulsome flavor of the country, whether you’re looking to find secluded secret beaches, coral reefs and quaint little villages, or want to immerse yourself in ancient history.
On the subject of history and hidden secrets, you could head to Okinawa-Hontō. Formerly the centre of the Ryukyu kingdom, Okinawa-Hontō — AKA Okinawa Main Island — is arguably Japan's best-kept secret .
In the market for unspoilt beaches and excellent diving? Head to the Keramas , while hikers will want to check out the UNESCO World Heritage-listed island of Yakushima.
Okinawa diving © Shutterstock
Familiarizing yourself with Japanese culture ahead of your trip is likely to make it all the more rewarding. The same is true of enjoying hands-on experiences while on-the-road.
So, here are a few ways to do exactly that.
Knowing how to say “hello” (konnichiwa), “thank you” (arigatou gozaimasu), and “excuse me” (sumimasen) can go a long way in making connections. All the better if you learn more. Otherwise, use an app.
A couple of key pointers on the subject of etiquette. First, bowing is a significant part of Japanese etiquette, used to greet, thank, apologize and show respect.
Second, be mindful of the fact that it’s customary to remove shoes before entering many homes, traditional inns (ran) and temples.
While many Japanese dishes are known globally, nothing beats enjoying the likes of sushi sashimi, ramen, tempura and soba in local restaurants, or on an expert-guided, food-themed tour.
We also suggest booking a Japanese tea ceremony experience.
From taking classes in ikebana — the art of flower arranging — and shodo (calligraphy), to watching traditional Japanese theater forms like kabuki and noh , try to enjoy a few cultural experiences during your vacation.
In addition, be sure to include historic attractions in your itinerary, from temples and shrines — like Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji and Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine — to castles like Himeji and Matsumoto.
Japanese culture values patience, harmony and respect for others. Being mindful of these values while traveling will enhance your experience.
Editor’s tip: read more on Japanese culture and etiquette , and find out unbelievable facts about Japan .
Japanese tea ceremony © Shutterstock
Traveling from the United States to Japan is pretty simple, with plenty of direct options to choose from, as summarised below.
Departure cities in the US: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Dallas (DFW) have direct flights to Japan.
Arrival cities in Japan: Tokyo (Narita Airport, NRT or Haneda Airport, HND) and Osaka (Kansai International Airport, KIX) are the primary international gateways. Other options include Nagoya (Chubu Centrair International Airport, NGO) and Fukuoka (Fukuoka Airport, FUK).
If you’re looking for cheaper options, you might consider a flight with a layover. Common layover cities include Honolulu, Seoul, Taipei, and Vancouver.
Inuyama Castle, Nagoya, Japan © aandreev/Shutterstock
Thanks to its extensive, reliable transpor network, getting around Japan is convenient and efficient. Here’s an overview of options to help you navigate the country.
Renting a car is useful if you plan to explore rural areas, remote attractions, or islands where public transportation is limited.
International car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget operate in Japan. Local companies like Nippon Rent-A-Car, Toyota Rent a Car, and Times Car Rental are also popular and reliable.
You can book a car online through the rental company’s website, a travel booking site, or on arrival at the airport or major train stations.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.
A few things to note — International Driving Permits (IDP) are required for foreigners renting a car, and you drive on the left.
Speed limits are lower than in the US (typically 40-60 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on highways).
Many expressways in Japan are toll roads. You can pay tolls in cash or use an Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) card, which can be rented with the car.
Mount Asahidake, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido, Japan © Shutterstock
Here’s a run-down of public transport options in Japan.
Planning a longer stay in the capital? Here's how to get around Tokyo .
Shinkansen train, Japan
The Japan Rail Pass (JR pass), is a discounted rail ticket that gives you unlimited access to Japan Rail National trains, bus services, ferry services, and airport transfers. Just note that the pass isn’t valid on the Nozomi Shinkansen trains — the fastest class of bullet train.
To be eligible to buy one, you must be traveling on a “temporary visit” visa that’s valid for stays of up to 90 days.
There are two classes of pass to choose from. Standard Passes are cheaper and more flexible. Green Passes are more expensive and less flexible, but come with more space and comfort.
Editor’s tip: read up on which Japan Rail Pass is right for you .
Japanese bullet train © Shutterstock
Booking accommodation and entry to attractions in advance offers several advantages..
Firstly, accommodation is often cheaper when booked in advance — hotels typically offer special early bird discounts and promotions.
Booking early also gives you access to a wider selection of room types — especially important if you have special requests.
At the same time, having your travel arrangements sorted well in advance cuts down last-minute stress and fosters a more relaxed planning process.
Conversely, booking early gives you time to make adjustments if your plans need to change.
When it comes to booking tickets to attractions and tours in advance, you’ll have access to more dates and time slots. You could also secure time-saving skip-the-line tickets.
Ryokan room, Japan © Shutterstock
While it goes without saying that the cost of a trip to Japan will vary widely depending on your travel style, length of stay, and activities, here's a ballpark overview of estimated costs for budget, mid-price and luxury travel.
Expect to pay $20-$60 per night to stay in hostels, capsule hotels, budget business hotels, and Airbnbs, and $10-$30 a day for street food and inexpensive ramen or sushi restaurants.
If you’re on a budget, you could use public transport for around $10-$20 per day, and allow the same for activities.
Bear in mind, you’ll need to research free and low-cost attractions like parks, temples, and shrines to stick to this.
On a budget? Discover great things to do in Tokyo for free .
Ryokan accommodation with onsen, Japan © Shutterstock
Mid-range hotels, boutique hotels, traditional inns (ryokan) with breakfast will cost $80-$150 per night, and you could eat well for $30-$60 a day.
Look to budget around $20-$40 per day to get around, and $20-$50 a day for activities, including entry fees for museums, guided tours and cultural experiences like tea ceremonies.
Luxury hotels, high-end ryokan with kaiseki (multi-course) meals, and premium resorts will set you back $250-$600+ a night, while dining in the likes of Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end sushi bars will cost $100-$300 a day.
When it comes to getting around, first-class (Green Car) Shinkansen seats and private car services will cost $40-$100+ per day, while the likes of private guided tours and exclusive cultural experiences will cost $50-$200+ a day.
Ready to start planning your own trip to Japan? Get The Rough Guide to Japan to support every step of your journey.
Or, if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of planning, book one of our customisable Japan itineraries .
Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.
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Key Point Summary :
10,000 JPY = 95 USD Estimated exchange rate as of 2020
The short answer is: It depends . Japan can be as expensive or affordable as you make it. If you’ve spent any amount of time in a major city like Los Angeles, New York, or London, then you’ll find Japan as a whole cheaper in most ways.
The cost will LARGELY depend on your hotel class, your itinerary complexities, attractions you want to visit, and Japanese cultural activities you want to experience. There are also ways to travel Japan for less such as using points for flight tickets, taking package tours , and limiting your extra spending.
This is why knowing the prices of things in Japan before you travel can be such a powerful money-saving strategy as it gives you a clearer picture of how much you can plan on spending, allowing you to budget accordingly.
So I hope this article helps you better plan your trip to this amazing country!
This is based on a tourist who doesn’t mind spending on Japanese experiences, theme parks, and food during their trip.
This can be cheaper as the Japan Rail Pass is optional or can be higher depending on the airfare and hotel prices.
We’re a family, and we LOVE food and Japanese and cultural experiences. If you’re like us, your budget would like the above-mentioned.
Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty details!
Flights to Japan are getting cheaper and cheaper. However, it’s still almost guaranteed to be the biggest expense you’re likely to encounter during your trip. As with most airfare, the prices vary greatly depending on your point of origin and the season visit.
TIP: When flying to Tokyo, we recommend flying into Haneda Airport (HND). It is much closer to Tokyo and transfer is cheaper.
1. Round trip flights to Japan from January to March cost about US$700-US$800+ .
Winter is one of our favorite times to travel in Japan, and flight costs are quite low this time of year.
2. Round trip flights to Japan from April to June cost about US$900-US$1,200+ .
The most popular times of the year to travel to Japan! This is due to the cherry blossoms (late-March) and June is the start of the Mt. Fuji climbing season , so the fares reflect that.
3. Round trip flights to Japan from July to September cost about US$1,200-US$1,500+ .
Summer is normally the worst time of year to visit Japan because of the oppressive humidity of the summer heat, rain, and high chances of a typhoon.
4. Round trip flights to Japan from October to December cost about US$900-US$1,200+ .
Just like the cherry blossom season, October to December is far and away expensive times to fly to Japan due to koyo or red leaves season .
When booking accommodations in Japan I wouldn’t worry too much about the star-rating (unless you’re into that).
Not only are many of the best hotels we’ve stayed at in Japan 1 to 3-star hotels, but you’re not going to be spending enough time in the hotel for it to matter. All that really matters in this regard is cleanliness, and everything else is extra.
We recommend booking your hotel at our favorite hotel site Booking.com . We used to love Agoda, but we find that Booking always has better availability of hotels in Japan.
1. Luxury hotels in Japan cost about US$400+ per night.
These hotels are the 4 and 5-star hotels many dream of being able to stay in while traveling. These include names like Hyatt, Four Seasons, and Ritz-Carlton, but have many Japanese counterparts as well.
Most of these hotels have one thing in common; they’re western-styled hotels, although many luxury Japanese style hotels exist in the form or ryokan (we’ll get to that later).
2. Mid-range hotels in Japan cost about US$70-US$120+ per person per night.
Also called as Business Hotels in Japan. These are our hotels of choice while traveling. Don’t get caught up on the word business , these hotels represent the mid-range hotels you’d find traveling anywhere else, with FAR higher quality than you’d find in most American cities .
Many of these hotels offer minimalist rooms but with good amenities, such as breakfast, fitness centers, free internet, and even onsens. Our hotel of choice here is the Dormy Inn chain , as they have onsen and free ramen and beer!
3. Economy hotels and hostels in Japan cost about US$30-US$100+ per person per night.
Hostels have gotten a bad reputation over the years (I blame the movie). But a Japanese hostel couldn’t be any further from what you may be picturing.
They offer mixed and gender-specific dorms at a very low cost, but many also offer private rooms for couples or families for less than a business hotel. Expect to have a shared toilet and bath, however.
4. Capsule hotels in Japan cost about US$50-US$100 per person per night.
Sort of like a luxury hostel, a “capsule” in these hotels is a bunk that is fully or semi-enclosed and offers more privacy for the individual traveler. Many of these hotels are combined with onsens, which explains the higher cost and may also be gender-specific (the onsens are always specific).
The downside here is that most of these capsules are designed for Japanese people, and aren’t long enough to fit most foreigners. And, while it should go without saying, if you’re claustrophobic then these are also a no-go.
5. Airbnb apartments in Japan cost US$50-US$150+ per person (or per night)
After a shaky start due to legal battles , Airbnb has begun to find its legs in Japan and has become a popular option for families. Many don’t offer refunds even in the event of a natural disaster, so be aware of that.
AIRBNB BONUS CREDIT: If you’re new to Airbnb, you can sign-up using my link to get $45 Airbnb credits which you can instantly use for your first stay.
6. Ryokans cost about US$80-US$1,000 + per person (or per night).
This type of accommodation has the greatest range in price. Usually found in the US$80-US$200 range and luxury versions soaring from $800-$1,000 per person.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn typically a single room with tatami flooring and a single table. The bed is a futon which you layout in the evening and put away each morning. A yukata (a cotton kimono) is also provided which is meant to be worn when going to the bath.
We recommend that you stay at least a night or two at a traditional ryokan to truly immerse yourself in the omotenashi (art of Japanese hospitality) culture. The highlights are being served a kaiseki (Japanese multi-course meal) in your room and relaxing in open-air hot spring baths.
7. Minshukus cost US$50-US$150 per person
Japanese style bed-and-breakfast , a minshuku is very similar to a ryokan except that these are family-operated and are generally a room within the family’s home.
Another difference is that the cost is usually per person rather than per night, as many of these establishments also include meals. With the advent of sites like Airbnb, minshuku has been becoming more popular, although finding a traditional experience isn’t guaranteed.
We recommend budgeting at least US$50 per person per day for food and drink when traveling in Japan.
When it comes to food and drink in Japan, you could either spend a lot and have incredible food, or spend considerably less and STILL have incredible food. So you can’t really go wrong with either strategy.
Restaurants may be a bit pricier than you’re accustomed to because you don’t tip your waiter here. So in many cases, you’re actually saving money. ( Learn more about tipping and Japanese etiquette here )
NOTE: Most restaurants really don’t like to split checks here, so if you’re traveling as a group, be prepared to pool your cash. If you still want to try separating the check, just say betsu-betsu, onegaishimasu while separating your index fingers. They’ll get the idea.
Japanese Food & Restaurants
1. Izakayas: US$20-US$30 per person
Izakayas are traditional Japanese bars known for small finger foods and jovial patrons. Many of these places offer cheap drinks and moderately priced food, usually of the grilled or deep-fried variety.
For some food and a couple of drinks, you’re looking at between US$20-US$30 per person, so the price can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
2. Yakitori: US$1-US$5 per stick
Yakitori is also a form of Japanese barbeque but is also more of a bar option than a proper dinner. While it translates into “grilled chicken” it isn’t limited to it. It consists of pieces of grilled meat on a stick costing between US$1-US$5 per stick.
3. Yakiniku: US$20-US$40 per person
Yakiniku is a Japanese barbeque where you are given raw meat and vegetables to cook on a grill in the middle of the table. This is one of our family’s favorites when we’re looking for a nice dinner out, and you (usually) have 2 options: pay as you go or a flat-rate buffet .
The pay as you go can be a cheaper option, but the price can really add up fast, and it’s not uncommon for the bill for a group of 4 to go over US$100.
The flat-rate is usually what we choose, and you can expect prices to range between US$20-US$40 per person for dinner, or as low as US$15 per person at lunch.
4. Family restaurants chains: US$8-US$15 per person
Family restaurants are sort of Japan’s version of Denny’s and Friendly’s. The difference here is that the most popular chains of these restaurants offer basically the same meals; steak, hamburger steak, chicken, or fish served with fries or spaghetti.
So not the greatest variety, but the restaurants offer quality over quantity. Popular family restaurant chains in Japan are Jonathan’s, Saizeriya, and Cafe Gusto.
5. Kaiten Sushi: US$1-2 per plate
Kaiten Sushi also called sushi-go-round or conveyor belt sushi are a great option for families or anyone else looking to save a bit of money. It’s not easy to find a “bad” sushi place in Japan, so while sushi go-rounds is certainly the “budget sushi” of Japan, it’s still likely better than anything you’ve had to this point.
You can either take the sushi you like from the belt as you see it, or order the sushi you want directly from the (usually digital) menu. Either way, the price is the same, with most sushi costing US$1-US$2 per plate (2 pieces of sushi). Depending on how much sushi you can manage to eat, expect to spend about US$10 per person.
6. Convenience stores: US$5-US$8 per person
Convenience stores are AMAZING in Japan and offer legitimately good food at low prices. Without exaggeration, convenience stores are probably 80% of our dinners when we don’t feel like cooking.
You’ll find sandwiches, bentos (boxed meals), ramen, yakitori, soups, snacks, and pretty much anything else you want, and I’d be amazed if you weren’t satisfied with your choice.
Of all the choices, the most popular are the bento boxes which consist of some form of rice and meat combination, and costs between US$5-US$8 each. So expect a full meal with drinks for a family of four to cost between US$26-US$30.
7. Ramen bowl: US$6-US$15 per person
Ramen is my favorite food in Japan, and whatever you believe “good ramen” is from your experiences in your country, forget it, it doesn’t hold a candle to ramen in Japan.
Thankfully, ramen is also a pretty cheap meal option as well, although the price can vary a bit depending on the shop. As a general rule, expect to pay somewhere between US$6-US$15 per person. The higher price usually applies to those asking for “oomori” servings (extra large) and/or extra toppings or sides like gyoza.
1. Bottled water: US$1-US$1.20
Bottled water can be found in basically every vending machine and store. We recommend bringing your own water bottle during your sightseeing. Tap water in Japan is safe to drink and it saves a lot of money!
2. Tea: US$1.50 per bottle
Bottled tea is a very popular drink in Japan and comes in many more varieties than just green tea.
3. Coffee: US$1.50-US$2.50 or US$3-6 from a coffee shop
Coffee has gained a lot of popularity recently in Japan, to the point that it’s in their vending machines (offering both hot and cold coffee). Expect to find a bottle or a can of tasty coffee in stores or vending machines for about US$1.50-US$2.50 per bottle/can.
4. Beer and alcohol: US$2-US$12
Beer, sake, and alcohol, in general, are an important part of Japanese culture. It can be found anywhere, including fast-food chains like McDonald’s. A can of beer at a convenience store can cost around US$2, but the price in restaurants and bars can vary wildly depending on where you are.
In major entertainment districts like Roppongi or Shinjuku, expect a pint of beer or mixed drink to cost around US$10-US$12, whereas in smaller cities it can be around US$5.
Sake, on the other hand, is actually not as popular among the Japanese as you might think, and can be found at the lower end of that scale pretty consistently.
5. Soda: US$1.50-US$2.50
Soda isn’t as popular as the other drinks on this list, but costs about the same, at around US$1.50-US$2.50 per bottle. The flavors here are different than you’ll find in the U.S., with even favorites like ginger ale, coke, and mountain dew tasting less sweet than what you may be accustomed to.
6. Other drinks: US$1.50-US$2.50
Other drinks include things like my personal favorite milk tea (Kirin Milk Tea to be precise), sports drinks, and other drinks found only in Japan. Things like Monster or Redbull can be a bit more expensive than you’re used to, considering they’re in smaller cans.
Where you plan on going, how often you need to travel, and where you’ll be staying all impact the overall cost of travel in Japan.
1. Japan Rail Pass starts from US$271
Prices subject to change without further notice. Ages 6-11 get 50% off. Children 5 years and under are free of charge.
Get a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) if you are looking to travel Japan EXTENSIVELY during your stay. Read here whether JR Pass is worth it or not for your travel .
→ Click to book your JR Pass here
2. IC Cards starts from US$5 per card, then pay as you go
IC Cards are like prepaid cards. Suica and PASMO are the two options you have in Tokyo when purchasing an IC Card. Only get one as both works essentially the same. You “charge” the cards at train stations or busses via a 1-for-1 cash transaction.
In other words, there is no transaction fee, 1000 yen charges your card with 1000 yen worth of credit. This allows you to simply tap your card on an IC reader at your point of origin, and again at the train station of your destination.
These cards can also be used in many convenience stores and vending machines as well.
3. Tokyo 1-Day Ticket is US$15 (ages 6-11 is US$8 )
If you don’t have the JR Pass and would like to explore Tokyo as much as you can, we recommend getting a day pass called the Tokyo 1-Day Ticket. You can buy this from a JR Ticket Office or JR EAST Travel Service Center, or some stations of Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
This ticket covers unlimited rides on all JR East trains, Tokyo Metro trains, and Toei Subway trains for ¥1,600. This ticket is also known as the Tokyo Combination Ticket.
Now, this ticket is only worth it if you plan on sightseeing in Tokyo with a packed itinerary. For example, if you will sightsee in Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, Tsukiji, Roppongi, or any area within the greater Tokyo all in one day. So if this is your plan, be sure to get this pass as it will save you a great deal of money compared to Suica or PASMO.
NOTE: The Tokyo 1-Day Ticket is not valid on the train that goes to Odaiba. Save Odaiba for another day and just buy a ticket or use the Suica or PASMO card instead.
4. Kyoto Subway & Bus One-Day Pass is US$9 Adults (ages 6-11 is US$4.50 )
Just like the Tokyo Metro Pass, the Kyoto Pass gives you unlimited rides on the Kyoto Subway system. But, unlike the Tokyo Pass, this one also includes the bus system. The passes come in either One-day or Two-day variants and can be purchased at any subway or bus station.
We’re going to cover some of the most popular attractions and things to do in Japan.
Themed amusement parks in Japan
→ Click here to join a day tour to Mount Fuji
Japanese temples, shrines, and gardens
Kyoto is probably best known for its temples and more traditional Japanese feel. It should be noted, however, that many temples and shrines in Kyoto have small fees to visit. Tokyo, on the other hand, generally doesn’t charge to enter the temples.
In this section, I’ll only be covering the most popular temples that have fees:
Other attractions and events in Japan
RELATED READ (to save more money on attractions):
NEED MORE HELP ON PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO JAPAN?
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The cost of traveling to Japan varies depending on the activities, food, lodging, and season. They can range from $1,500 to $3,000 per person weekly.
Leoneska Ruiz
June 26, 2024
In this article
Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees
For many, visiting Japan is the dream of a lifetime, and to make it a reality, you must plan and budget accordingly. That’s why we’ve prepared this in-depth guide to help you understand the cost of traveling to Japan.
It is important to mention that these costs are related to many factors, such as the time of the year, the number of people traveling, the type of accommodation we will have, or even how we will eat once we are in Japan.
This article will include everything you need to know , from flights to accommodation and entertainment. This way, you will be better prepared for your adventure and able to plan the related expenses. We’ll even suggest how to stay connected in Japan so you don’t miss out on the fun!
As mentioned above, giving an exact price for some of the services in Japan is not realistic. The truth is that airfare, lodging, and food costs vary . Factors such as the time of year, quality of service, and so on will make these prices go up or down.
So, we will explain the average price you can consider for your plan in each case and indicate some alternatives to save money on your trip. A general advice is that whenever you buy any services in advance for your trip, ask if there is an offer or package for it.
We all know that airline tickets are the first thing we look to book for our trip. After all, no planning is useful if we don’t get to our destination. The main advice is always to book or buy our tickets in advance to avoid finding that they are already sold out for the dates we want to travel.
In this sense, if you are on a tight budget, the best alternative is to travel economy class or book during Shoulder seasons. On the other hand, if you want all the comforts and you are not worried about your travel budget, opting for first class goes from being a luxury to being a necessity. Your decision will depend on your travel style.
We will briefly review some of the popular departures to Japan among travelers and offer tips on how to save money.
We also leave you with these general considerations that may affect the average prices of flights from the destinations we mentioned.
Once we have our plane ticket, the next step is to look for a place to stay during our time in Japan. Locally, we can use a wide variety of accommodations and hotel room. You can even classify the options as economic, mid-range, and luxurious stays. Again, the decision of which one to use will depend on how you want to spend your visit to Japan.
Again, visit Japan and choosing which type of accommodations to stay in depends solely on the style of travel you want and your budget. We will explain each alternative and give you an average price range for each option.
Budget-friendly stays
Mid-range stays
Luxury stays
In Japan, food and entertainment can be one of the biggest budgets on your travel itinerary, and overall traveling costs differ depending on your choices. Plan carefully and do your due diligence on where you’ll eat and where you’ll go. For food and entertainment, consider your length of stay and budget:
Conservative traveler (very tight budget): This price range approximates, considering that we would have to cook our food, buy groceries at convenience stores, and eventually eat at street food stalls and budget ramen shops.
For entertainment, we would depend on outdoor activities that do not include fees, such as hiking and park visits.
Moderate traveler (Balanced experience): This range includes more casual dining, small purchases in local markets, and more commercial tourist activities. We could even afford special activities such as visits to the Tokyo National Museum or Theaters and have the freedom to take cabs instead of public transportation.
Luxury traveler (High-end indulgence): If we travel in style, we could run into an expensive country. Some of the attractions and fine dining in Japan can be a luxury in both experience and cost. These estimates even consider dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end shopping.
As in many other destinations, Japan has an excellent public transportation system , so we can use it to move between cities. Of course, we also have more expensive options, like rental cars or using only private transportation, like taxis or similar.
We will try to divide all options into travelers who want to economize budgets and travelers who prefer comfort over saving money.
Public transportation (Budget-friendly)
If we use only these two options for transportation, we could spend between $10 and $30 per day , depending on how much we move around or if we leave several cities in one day.
Taxis & private transportation (Expensive option):
This range could be wider as we are considering whether you travel long distances or not, however, we can estimate between $60 and $250 per day when moving with private transportation.
Now that you know what you can do and how much it costs to go to the exciting country of Japan, let’s provide you with a summary of overall expenses. Remember that these are just estimations of travel costs to Japan, and real prices depend on the season and your preferences.
Each season has its pros and cons, so keep this in mind while you’re planning your trip to find the best time to travel to Japan . Whether it’s a romantic trip or solo travel , you’ll find that there are some things you’ll get and others you might not.
Peak season :
Shoulder season :
With so many things to do in Japan , you’ll have to go back for more! With its rich culture and history, Japan has plenty to offer. These tours generally include a guide, entrance fees and transportation. Let’s take a look at a few options to consider:
We also want to complement your planning with a few recommendations so that you’ll have an experience of a lifetime and at the same time save on your Japan trip cost.
It’s vital to get a data plan while in Japan, not only for security and to let loved ones back home know you’re safe, but also to share your adventures.
SIM cards, roaming, and even pocket WiFi can be inconvenient, but the new Japan eSIM prepaid is the perfect option where providers like Holafly offer unlimited internet and data sharing, 24/7 customer service, and connect as soon as you land. All this and more makes them one of the best eSIMs for Japan that you can have as a tourist.
The average cost is $100 to $200 per day, totaling $700 to $1,400 for a one-week trip, excluding airfare.
A 7-day trip can range from $1,000 to $2,500, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.
Yes, $5,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable trip, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and activities.
Many think traveling to Japan is expensive, but costs vary. Affordable options for where to stay, eating out, and transportation adjust to different budgets. Careful planning can make the trip cost-effective.
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I t’s Friday night and I’m sat in the corner of a dive bar in Hiroshima sipping a local plum wine and cheering on a group of three Japanese businessmen, dressed in full suit-and-briefcase attire, battling it out playing Pac-Man on an old arcade machine next to me.
I can’t help but wonder, has my Japan trip peaked?
Travelling across five main locations, the aim of my two-and-a-half-week trip is to immerse myself in Japanese culture, cuisine and history – and learn more about what this fascinating country has to offer .
It seems my idea isn’t the most original either – what with Japan now ranking as one of the highest trending destinations for 2024 , as well as recently being named the top spot for solo travellers.
For those considering a trip there soon, know that you can cram a lot into just a couple of weeks – mainly thanks to the country’s high-speed bullet trains, which whiz you from one location to the next.
For example, my 16-day holiday covered Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima – taking between 1-3 hours to jump from one location to the next. It’s also worth pointing out that now Japan Rail Pass prices have risen by 70%, it actually might be cheaper for you to pay for single journeys, depending on your route.
If the country’s bountiful offering is enough to make you feel overwhelmed, here’s a two-and-a-half-week itinerary mapped out for you…
Our trip started in Tokyo , and for Japan first timers the sheer size of the city is likely to be your main takeaway – it was the first thing that blew me away when we touched down in Haneda airport. It’s the largest city by metropolitan area in the world, with a population of 37.3 million.
The best way to soak this up is by visiting one of the city’s many viewpoints and Shibuya Sky should be top of your list for the 360-degree open-air factor. Just be sure to book in advance and sunset is widely considered one of the best times to go, so you can witness the city skyline by day and night.
While visiting Shibuya be sure to tick off the Meiji Jingu shrine and the Shibuya Crossing, which is often dubbed as ‘the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world.’
One of our Tokyo highlights was the vibrant neighbourhood of Shinjuku, including the tranquil national garden (with the concrete jungle skyscrapers as the backdrop) as well as the tastiest, no-fuss (but delicious) ramen you’ll ever have at Tatsunoya, where the tonkotsu broth (pork bones and water) is simmered for 15 plus hours. Our two ramen bowls, plus a beer and two cokes, cost us just £15.
Food in Tokyo comes in two extremes, from authentic street food – like the sensational yakitori (grilled meat skewers) at Omoide Yokocho – to Michelin-starred dining , including the likes of Narisawa (which is the ultimate luxurious dining experience). Both showing the city’s offering through completely different culinary lenses.
Michelin-starred restaurant Est, located in Four Seasons Otemachi , was an absolute standout though – with wagyu, Hokkaido scallops and miso monkfish on the menu. This was my first time trying Japanese wine too – let alone a Japanese Chardonnay – and it was an unexpected delight.
You don’t see much Japanese wine in the UK, or even in other parts of the world for that matter. That’s because, as our sommelier tells us, the country’s produce is so good, winemakers prefer to share it with the population rather than export it en masse.
On the topic of drinks, while you’re at the Four Seasons a visit to award-winning VIRTÙ – headed up by the talented Keith Motsi – is a must. Keith’s passion for giving Japanese bars the attention they deserve shines through and his cocktail wizardry and outstanding drinks knowledge, as well as the doting bar staff, makes leaving this opulent Art Deco watering hole pretty impossible.
For a boozy night, bar-hop around Golden Gai, a network of six narrow alleys with little bars peppered throughout.
It may be a slight detour from bullet train routes, but spending a portion of your trip in Japan’s natural beauty is a must. After all, what trip to the country would be complete without seeing the majestic Mount Fuji in all its glory? Among the Fuji Five Lakes – which are designated as a World Cultural Heritage – Lake Kawaguchiko is the easiest to access (a two-hour bus from Tokyo).
Once you’re there, Villa Hanz Glamping is the perfect base for the rural part of your itinerary, particularly with the 3,776-metre high stratovolcano as the backdrop to this resort.
This luxury glamping site (think bougie pods with heaters and mini fridges) will make you feel right at home, while the resort’s activity offering of hiking, kayaking and stargazing will ensure you make the most of rural retreat.
My first impression of Kyoto was how it was the perfect example of old meets new, but the thing that stood out the most was simply how stunning it was – a respite from Tokyo’s concrete jungle.
The former Japanese capital has historic temples and sublime gardens nestled alongside bustling new food markets and shopping districts. It’s a city with a lot of natural beauty that also somehow spotlights the area’s rich history, from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to the ‘Golden Pavilion’.
If you tick off one attraction in Kyoto, let it be the famous Fushimi Inari-Taisha . The red shrine gates follow a pathway that wanders 4km up the mountain – which, after a whole day of sightseeing, was pretty knackering. Nevertheless, was worth it for the view at the top – even in the dark.
Kyoto is also an excellent spot to sample some of the country’s vast cuisine. Comfort food doesn’t get much better than the curry udon at Mimikou – where a Kyoto-style curry soup marries thick wheat noodles in a curry powder-thickened Japanese soup stock called ‘dashi’.
You also can’t visit Japan without trying traditional okonomiyaki (a Japanese teppanyaki, savory pancake dish made with cabbage, meat and cheese) and Kyo Chabana is the spot to sample it in Kyoto.
It might seem slightly out of the way, geographically, for a two-week Japan trip but believe me when I say this stop should definitely be on your itinerary. Plus, it’s only a tour-hour train on the trusty (literally, it’s never late) bullet train.
As someone who has always been interested in WW2 history, visiting Hiroshima felt more than just an itinerary pit spot, it felt like a necessity – and it was a sobering reminder of what took place at 8.15am on the morning of August 6 1945, and its aftermath.
The bomb obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius – now the city’s re-built legacy urges one crucial message: never again.
The A-Bomb Dome, still in its original bombed-out condition with pieces of 1945 rubble on the ground, remains in tact – but really that’s it. Everything else has been rebuilt. Now there’s a well-manicured Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and a Museum – which houses belongings and artefacts, and tells the stories of the victims.
But what caught me off-guard the most was the city’s incredible underground nightlife scene – dive bars like Mac Bar and Stevie Wonderland, in particular, where you can while away the hours listening to vinyls while sipping on local beers and traditional plum wine.
An hour-and-a-half away from Hiroshima and on the way back to Tokyo, neon playground Osaka is the ideal spot for your trip’s finale.
What can only be described as Japan’s equivalent to Time Square, the Dōtonbori district comes alive at nighttime with eye-catching signage and riverside shops and restaurants.
A day trip to Nara Park will also see you get up close and personal with TikTok’s famous ‘polite’ deer, which bow to you in return for crackers.
Top tip, try to feed a solo deer, otherwise you might be subjected to a herd showdown, with multiple chasing you for your crumbs (trust me, I speak from experience here).
My main takeaway from my two-week trip, however, is simply how everything is better in Japan: from self-flushing toilets and exceptional hospitality, to the highest standard of foods – beyond anything I’ve ever tasted.
It’s a country that’s stolen a piece of my heart – and has left me dreaming of those efficient bullet trains while I’m waiting 10 minutes for the dreaded Circle Line back home.
From glass lifts, to hot spring baths and a swim over Tokyo, here are six hotels that made my two-week holiday to Japan …
Bellustar Tokyo
Located in the heart of Shinjuku, this lavish skyscraper hotel is an excellent base point for a Tokyo first-timer or a seasoned visitor. The 97-room hotel is spread out across three floors, which also houses the five deluxe penthouses (some of which are double-storey)
panpacific.com
Hotel Groove
While Bellustar occupies the upper half of Tokyo’s 48-storey Kabukicho tower, Hotel Groove lies in the lower one – and it’s the quirky and playful younger sibling of the two – with smaller rooms, bar and dining space, JAM17 and a roof terrace.
panpacific.coml
Four Seasons Otemachi
For a hotel that ticks all the boxes, look no further than the Four Seasons Otematchi. From a Michelin-star restaurant to an award-winning bar, not to mention sensational views of Tokyo.
fourseasons.com/otemachi
Villa Hanz Glamping
Villa Hanz offers rural respite from city chaos. With both glamping and villa options available, you can stay with views of the 3,776-metre high stratovolcano. The site’s Pao pods offers a camping experience with a luxury twist.
gv-hanz.com/en/
Roku Kyoto, LXR Hotels & Resorts
This spot is nestled in rolling foothills of the ancient capital’s north western mountain range, offering a natural sanctuary. Guests have five different room types to choose from. A firm favourite, however, is the Garden Deluxe rooms, which come with their own small Japanese-style garden, plus a roomy bath inside supplied with hot spring onsen water.
hilton.com/en/hotels/itmolol-roku-kyoto
Hilton Hiroshima and Hilton Osaka
For creatures of habit when they’re abroad, Hilton has a number of hotels across Japan, each offering something a little different.
Hilton Hiroshima for example, is one of the newest additions. The hotel is also situated in the centre of Hiroshima City, so is the ideal base point for exploring what this destination has to offer.
Hilton Osaka is another great choice, nestled amongst the city’s vibrant Umeda district and train station – so is particularly convenient if you’re planning on heading to Nara for the day.
Flights to Japan start from £460 return on Skyscanner with one stopover.
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With the weak yen and the high cost of international trips, many people living in Japan can only travel within the country. Domestic tourism is being promoted and encouraged to Japanese natives and foreign residents alike. This article will explore some of Japan’s best budget travel destinations and cost-effective tips so you can travel to Japan affordably.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, these tips will help you navigate Japan’s transportation system conveniently and affordably. They will allow you to explore the country’s diverse regions without breaking the bank.
Buy Discount Travel Passes
JR Pass for Residents
Foreign travelers living in Japan can now take advantage of JR passes , which were previously only available to overseas visitors. Some regional passes are also available to foreign residents. These passes cover bullet train rides and buses, providing a cost-effective way to travel around Japan. Bring your passport when purchasing these passes.
Regional Passes
Regional passes make traveling through Japan’s different regions easy and affordable. These passes offer unlimited travel by rail, bus and ferry. They provide flexible transportation options, exclusive benefits and cost-effective access to attractions, making sightseeing convenient and memorable.
Around Tokyo
Here are passes for traveling in and around Tokyo and Kanto.
The Nikko Pass offers two options: round-trip travel from Tokyo and unlimited transportation within designated areas. It is available at the Tobu Tourist Information Center in Asakusa or online.
Click here to read more.
Join the leaders of English Education for Children in Japan!
Just in case anyone is interested the JR Wide Pass can also be used by foreign residents, just need to present your passport.
Whenever we take our friends visiting the country to Sushiro, Hamazushi, Kurazushi they just go crazy.
Others deeply regret paying over ¥15.000 the night before for a few maguro and salmon treats in a dark, quiet restaurant thinking that was the only kind of place you could eat sushi in Japan.
I agree w/ finally rich that 100 yen conveyer belt sushi is the ticket. Then to a karaoke box for some action that many never have done w/ drinks and junk food.
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Alert triggered panic in archipelago of 125 million people with many cancelling holidays, stocking up on essentials.
Japan has lifted it warning for a higher than usual risk of a major earthquake one week after a strong tremor on the edge of the Nankai Trough seabed zone caused the government to issue its first “megaquake” advisory.
Citizens can now return to normal life after no abnormalities were observed in seismic activity in the past week at the Nankai Trough, located along Japan’s Pacific coast, Yoshifumi Matsumura, the state minister for disaster management, said on Thursday.
Japan’s stock market plunges over us economy fears, in japan’s ageing countryside, some villages face extinction, japan’s prime minister fumio kishida says he will step down in september.
On August 8, the Japan Meteorological Agency released an advisory that there was a “relatively higher chance” of a Nankai Trough “megaquake” as powerful as magnitude 9 after a magnitude 7.1 quake hit the country’s southwest.
While the advisory was not a definitive prediction, the government asked residents of western and central regions to review evacuation procedures in case of a severe earthquake and tsunami.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cancelled a visit to Central Asia and Mongolia over the weekend to prioritise disaster management.
The alert that such a catastrophe might hit the archipelago of 125 million people prompted thousands of Japanese to cancel holidays and stock up on essentials, emptying shelves in some stores.
Matsumura cautioned that lifting the warning didn’t mean the risk of a major earthquake has been eliminated.
Last week’s magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, injuring 15 people and triggering a tsunami warning.
The government has previously said the next “megaquake” has a roughly 70 percent probability of striking within the next 30 years.
The Nankai Trough is an 800km (500-mile) undersea trench between two tectonic plates in the Pacific Ocean. It runs parallel to Japan’s Pacific coast, including the Tokyo region, home to about 40 million people.
Sitting on top of four major tectonic plates, Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries, seeing about 1,500 quakes every year, most of them minor.
In 1707, all segments of the Nankai Trough ruptured at once, unleashing an earthquake that remains the nation’s second most powerful on record. That quake, which also triggered the last eruption of Mount Fuji, was followed by two powerful Nankai megathrusts in 1854 and one each in 1944 and 1946.
More than 15,000 people were killed in a magnitude 9 quake in 2011 and the tsunami it triggered. The waves also caused triple reactor meltdowns at a nuclear power plant in northeast Japan.
The summary.
After a 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook southern islands in Japan on Thursday, the country’s meteorological agency sent out an ominous warning: Another, larger earthquake could be coming, and the risk will be especially high over the next week. In the first “megaquake advisory” it has ever issued, the agency said that the risk of strong shaking and a tsunami are greater than usual on the Nankai Trough, a subduction zone with the potential to produce magnitude 8 or 9 temblors. Area residents, it said, should prepare.
The message was not a prediction, but a forecast of enhanced risk — and it shows how far seismologists have come in understanding the dynamics of subduction zone earthquakes.
Here’s what to know about the situation.
The Nankai Trough is an underwater subduction zone where the Eurasian Plate collides with the Philippine Sea Plate, forcing the latter under the former and into the Earth’s mantle.
Subduction zone faults build stress, and a so-called megathrust earthquake takes place when a locked fault slips and releases that stress. “Megaquake” is a shortened version of the name. These zones have produced the most powerful earthquakes in Earth’s history.
The Pacific “Ring of Fire” is a collection of subduction zones. In the U.S., the Cascadia subduction zone off the West Coast runs from Vancouver Island, Canada, to Cape Mendocino, California.
The Nankai Trough fault has several segments, but if the entire margin of the fault were to slip at once, Japanese scientists believe the trough is capable of producing an earthquake of up to magnitude 9.1 .
If a megaquake were to happen near Japan, the Philippine Sea Plate would lurch, perhaps as much as 30 to 100 feet, near the country’s southeast coast, producing intense shaking. The vertical displacement of the seafloor would cause a tsunami and push waves toward the coast of Japan. Those waves could reach nearly 100 feet in height, according to estimates from Japanese scientists published in 2020 .
The Nankai Trough has produced large earthquakes roughly every 100 to 150 years, a study indicated last year . Japan’s Earthquake Research Committee said in January 2022 said there was a 70% to 80% chance of a megathrust earthquake in the subsequent 30 years.
Large Nankai Trough earthquakes tend to come in pairs, with the second often rupturing in the subsequent two years. The most recent examples were “twin” earthquakes on the Nankai Trough in 1944 and 1946.
The phenomenon is due to the segmented nature of the fault; when one segment slips, it can stress another.
Thursday’s magnitude-7.1 earthquake took place on or near the subduction zone , according to the United States Geological Survey.
Harold Tobin, a University of Washington professor who has studied the Nankai Trough, said the magnitude-7.1 quake took place in a segment that shakes more frequently than others. Regular earthquakes can relieve stress, so the possibility that the segment itself produces a big earthquake is less of a concern. The worry is the earthquake’s proximity to a segment that’s been building stress since the 1940s. “It’s adjacent to the western Nankai region and that’s clearly locked up. That’s the reason for alert and concern,” Tobin said.
Scientists can’t predict earthquakes, but they are developing the ability to forecast times of heightened risk, particularly in areas with frequent shaking and good monitoring equipment, like Japan.
Japanese authorities are asking residents to prepare, review evacuation routes and pay attention to potential future warnings . While the risk of a large quake is higher than usual, that doesn’t mean it will happen anytime soon. Japanese government warning guidelines suggest that the chance a large earthquake follows a magnitude-7 within a week is roughly “once per a few hundred times,” according to the study last year.
The most likely outcome is that the recent shaking won’t trigger anything, even though the probability of a large earthquake is higher.
“We might wait decades before Nankai has another earthquake,” Tobin said.
In 2011, an area of the seafloor roughly the size of Connecticut lurched all at once, producing a magnitude-9.1 earthquake — the third biggest recorded worldwide since 1900. That megathrust earthquake caused a tsunami off Japan’s eastern coast. More than 18,000 people died in the tsunami and earthquake, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The following year, the Japanese government revised its natural disaster scenarios and found that some 323,000 people could die in a worst-case scenario earthquake on the Nankai Trough, mostly from tsunami effects.
The Cascadia Subduction Zone poses a similar risk for the U.S. West Coast, though megathrust earthquakes are expected there less often — every 300 to 500 years. This fault has the capability of producing a magnitude-9.1 earthquake and tsunami waves 80 feet in height. Researchers recently mapped the fault in detail and found it was divided into four segments.
Evan Bush is a science reporter for NBC News.
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2 Weeks in Japan Trip Costs. The estimated total cost for 2 weeks in Japan is $5,530, £4,400 for 2 people. This works out to around $200, £157 per person per day, and it includes flights, accommodation, transportation, food, activities, souvenirs, and other small expenses. This is a for a medium-budget holiday with some luxury dinners, top ...
A two week trip to Japan on average costs around $1,704 (¥261,998) for one person and $3,409 (¥523,997) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the ...
Flights - £468.57. £468.57 per person: return flights. If you're looking to save money on flights, you'll need to do a little research. Flights to Japan tend to get pretty expensive, but they don't have to cost you thousands of pounds. We managed to get a return flight to Tokyo for as little as £468.57.
Budget Couple's Trip. The lowest cost for a couple to visit Japan for a week is $1,781-$4,306 ($254-$615 per day) Food, Travel, and Sightseeing: $48 to $96 per day for two people's daily expenses. Flights: $1,127 to $2,788 for economy. Lodging: $53 to $62 per night for one 1-star hotel room. or $110 to $141 per night for a 1-bed vacation ...
This 2 weeks in Japan itinerary will cover: How to explore Japan in 2 weeks on your own with confidence; Complete 2 Weeks in Japan itinerary, day-by day guide including costs, things to do, where to stay, where to eat & getting around for:. DAYS 1-5: Tokyo (including day trip to Mt Fuji) DAYS 6-10: Kyoto DAYS 10-12: Hiroshima (including day trip to Miyajima)
Costs of Traveling in Japan. Travel on a budget in Japan, from $200 − $570 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1150 − $2200 USD, and high-end from $2060 − $3100 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here.
How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost for 2 Weeks. Whilst we spent a month in Japan, most travellers will spend around 2 weeks in Japan. For this length of trip, I would budget $4 - 5k for a couple of mid-range travellers looking to spend 2 weeks in Japan (excluding flights and travel insurance). Here's the average cost of a trip to Japan for ...
Asia / Japan /. For a trip to Japan, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $48 to $311. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $96 to $621. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $122 (¥18,714) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors.
This section covers estimated trip costs depending on your travel style. I share my actual travel expenses further below. 🎒 Budget Traveler - Japan Trip Cost. Budget travelers can expect to spend approximately $60 per day or $840 for two weeks of travel in Japan, excluding flights. Here's what a budget traveler's cost breakdown can ...
My 16-Day Japan Itinerary. Here's a brief rundown of where I visited over my 16 days in the country — I think I managed to put together the perfect itinerary for first-time travellers to Japan.. Tokyo: 4 nights Hakone: 1 night Yudanaka: 1 night Kanazawa: 2 nights Takayama: 1 night Kyoto: 3 nights Hiroshima: 1 night Osaka: 3 nights What's Included in this Post
The Japan trip cost is the main reason it took us so long to finally take a family trip to Japan. The bottom line is that the Japan trip cost for a two-week trip for a family of four, staying in four-star level accommodations with a few paid activities will cost about $13,420 or $280 per person, per day. However, while Japan is an expensive ...
One of the biggest money savers when it comes to travel is cheap airfare. Calculate a rough estimate of your trip costs. For example, let's say two weeks in Japan will cost you $6k and you want to leave 6 months from now. That means you need to save $1k per month.
Transport costs in Japan. We spent £334.45 per person across the two weeks. If you're visiting Japan for two weeks, you'll likely be heading beyond the reaches of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Most travellers also want to experience the bullet trains (shinkansen) that Japan is famous for.
In general, a private Japan tour costs US$350-500 per person per day (with 2-4 people), including private car, private guides, local 4-star hotels, tickets for attractions, and full-day itineraries. Thus, the total cost is around US$2,500-3,500 for a week and around US$5,000-7,000 for 2 weeks. Riding a private car offers a more ...
TOTAL (Estimate by Budget) $4600-6500. Below is a further explanation of the budget seen above in the chart to understand how prices can vary depending on your specific plans and overall Japan cost. It is a good idea to purchase a sim card to ensure your phone will operate on Japanese networks.
Additionally, travel costs such as flights from your home country can vary depending on the time of year and airline company chosen. However, typically speaking, most travellers feel that a two week trip to Japan could cost between $2 000-$4 500 USD per person (including airfare). This estimate would also include food expenses during your stay ...
This includes flights, hotels, food, souvenirs, all activities and any extras. I have a full breakdown of the cost of going to Japan on my blog too. However, since flights and the JR Pass have increased significantly in price, it's better to budget around £2,500 per person for a two week mid-range Japan trip. Conclusion - Two Weeks in ...
Tokyo to Sapporo flight (one-way): $35 - $85. Tokyo to Osaka flight (one-way): $32 - $97. Tokyo to Okinawa flight (one-way): $75 - $190. Good to know: When comparing flights to trains, be sure to account for the cost of transportation getting to and from the airport, as this can add quite a bit.
Gero (ryokan) - Yukai Resort Geroonsen - 19.110 Yen. Tokyo - Hotel Keikyu Ex Inn - 9.700 Yen. We stayed for a total of 12 nights. The first one was in Hamamatsu, the next 5 in Kyoto, the next in Gero, and the last 5 in Tokyo. For these 12 nights, we paid a total of 116.961 Yen.
Total Cost for 2 Weeks. $3000 - $6000. Overall, a budget traveler can expect to spend around $50 to $100 per day in Japan, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around $150 to $250 per day. It's important to plan ahead and research activities and costs to create a budget that works for you. 🎁Trip.com Special Deals for Japan Travel.
The estimated total cost for 2 weeks in Japan is ¥790,000 ($5450) for 2 people. This is a for a mid-range couple who wants to enjoy experiences and splurge on some items. ... How much does 2 weeks in Japan cost? For a two-week trip to Japan, the estimated total cost is ¥790,000 ($5450)* for two people. This comes down to ¥28,300 ($195) per ...
How to spend 14 days in Japan. If you have two weeks in Japan, you might like this Secret of Japan itinerary that covers everything in the suggested 10-day trip, plus a few nights in Osaka and Hiroshima. Spend your first three days in Tokyo before taking a few days to explore Hakone and Takayama.
Plan to spend around US$350-US$1,500 per person per day on your trip to Japan.; A 2-week vacation to Japan costs around US$5,000 per person.; A 10-day vacation to Japan costs around US$3,500 per person.; A 1-week vacation costs around US$2,450 per person.; A round trip flight ticket from the U.S. to Japan costs US$700 to US$1,500 per person.; Expect airfare and hotel prices in Tokyo to ...
Two week trip: $4,200+ Monthly: $8,400+ Try the delicious Japanese cuisine. Source: Unsplash. Transportation costs in Japan. As in many other destinations, Japan has an excellent public transportation system, so we can use it to move between cities. Of course, we also have more expensive options, like rental cars or using only private ...
Our trip started in Tokyo, and for Japan first timers the sheer size of the city is likely to be your main takeaway - it was the first thing that blew me away when we touched down in Haneda ...
With the weak yen and the high cost of international trips, many people living in Japan can only travel within the country. Domestic tourism is being promoted and encouraged to Japanese natives and foreign residents alike. This article will explore some of Japan's best budget travel destinations and cost-effective tips so you can travel…
Where to stay: Out of the top 10 most budget-friendly cities in Japan, Chiba boasts the cheapest hotel and rail travel prices. The average cost of booking a hotel room for two adults is 11000 Yen, while a rail pass costs 315 Yen. The best hotels in Chiba include The Manhattan Hotel, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay Hotel, and Hotel New Otani Makuhari.
Last week's magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Kyushu, injuring 15 people and triggering a tsunami warning. The government has previously said the next "megaquake" has a roughly 70 percent ...
Japan issued a "megaquake advisory" following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake off its coast. That raised the risk of a larger quake on the Nankai Trough, an underwater subduction zone.
Answer 1 of 3: Hello. Anyone from the UK could you tell me what would you consider a good deal for 2 weeks in this hotel for 2 people. Either in November or start of May? I am getting just over £1700 per person in November in the cheapest room.