So, you’re going to Japan. Prepare to have an absolutely amazing time! Because Japan is by far one of my favorite travel destinations.
And as fun as mapping out different cities to see and planning the best things to do is, you’re probably wondering how much this trip is going to cost you. So I put together this guide based on my own experiences and research.
This is how much to budget for a Japan trip.
But to start, let’s first clear the air about Japan being an expensive country to visit (because the truth is, it isn’t).
This is How Much to Budget for Your Japan Trip
Is Japan Expensive?
In my experience, Japan is not that expensive. Of course, this also depends on your spending habits, plans and travel style.
But rest assured, you can definitely go to Japan for pretty cheap.
I think places like Tokyo still have a reputation for being expensive. But with the weak yen and the variety of budget-friendly restaurants and accommodations available, it’s honestly pretty easy to keep your costs low.
So let’s break things down some more.
How Much to Budget for Your Japan Trip
A realistic budget for traveling to Japan is anywhere from $1,500 to $10K (or more).
On the low end, if you’re a savvy budget traveler, you could spend a week in Japan for around $1,500. But on the high end, you could easily spend $10K+.
So let’s break these numbers down.
Keep in mind that all estimates are in USD and only include the basics (so be sure to add more to your budget things like travel insurance or souvenirs you want to buy).
I’ve also slightly inflated each number (because hey, budgeting more is always smarter).
1 Week In Japan As A Solo Budget Traveler: $1,500-2K (USD)
- Flights – $600. This depends where you’re flying out of and when. But currently, I’m finding round trips out of Sydney for just $550.
- Accommodations – $150-200. If you’re a solo budget traveler staying in hostels or cheap Airbnbs, you can find rooms for as low as $20/night.
- Food – $250. If you’re eating at cheaper restaurants and not spending extra on fancy coffees or snacks, you could get by on just $30/day.
- Activities – $0+. Technically, you don’t need to spend anything on activities. There are tons of free things to do in Japan.
- Transportation – $2-300. If you’re a budget traveler, you’re mostly taking trains, buses and walking. This estimate is assuming you’re spending half your time in Tokyo and taking a cheap overnight bus to spend the other half in Osaka.
1 Week In Japan As A Mid-Range Solo Traveler: $3-5K (USD)
- Flights – $600. Again, this also depends where you’re flying from and when. But if you’re heading out of Australia (like me), then you can find round trips out of Sydney as low as $550.
- Accommodations – $700. You can find plenty of mid-range hotels in Tokyo for around $100 (or less).
- Food – $700. Budgeting $100/day for food alone is more than enough – especially if you’re smart and continuing to avoid tourist traps or boujee places. This also leaves you plenty for snacks, drinks and coffee stops.
- Activities – $350. This price is assuming you end up doing something (paid) every single day. So budgeting around $50/day should be plenty for most of the basic tourist attractions (like Sky Tree or teamLab Planets). For more niche attractions (like Go-Karting), you can expect to pay more.
- Transportation – $500. This price is assuming you plan on using the bullet train more. By the way, if you do want to travel around Japan more, be sure to grab a Japan Rail Pass!
How to Budget Your Japan Trip: 6 Essential Tips
1. Consider When You Go
If you visit Japan during peak seasons, you’ll probably end up spending more money. So you may want to budget a little extra if that’s the case.
Alternatively, if you go to Japan during its shoulder season (usually during the hot summers and winters), you’ll get less crowds and often, cheaper prices.
Just double check that any popular attractions you want to see are still open during these slower seasons.
If you’re hoping to catch popular events like cherry blossoms (sakura season) or leaf peeping (koyo season) though, then you’ll probably end up travelling during Japan’s popular seasons.
This is usually unavoidable.
So be sure to check prices for things during your exact travel dates so you get an accurate estimate.
2. Plan Ahead With An Itinerary
I’m all for spontaneity and impulse exploring, but a clear itinerary definitely helps you stay on budget and plan better.
For example, if you have no plan, it’s super easy to fall into spur-of-the-moment activities, which can add up and destroy your funds if you’re not paying attention.
While Japan can be really affordable, things can also get pricey and add up quickly.
So having at least a loose itinerary will help keep you (and your budget) on track.
By the way, if you’re looking to save a little extra, consider staying in one area (like Tokyo) for your whole trip. That way, you won’t need to spend as much on bullet trains or extra accommodations.
And let’s be honest, Tokyo alone could probably keep us busy for at least one lifetime.
3. Using the Bullet Train A Lot? Get the Japan Rail Pass
I already mentioned this above briefly, but it’s worth highlighting again.
If you plan on hopping around Japan to see many different cities (using the bullet train), it may be worth it to get the Japan Rail Pass.
For 7 days, an adult JR Pass is 70,000 yen. But this gets you unlimited rides (including on local JR lines).
A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Osaka is around 14,000 yen. So you’ll need to do the math to see if the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for you.
When it comes to budgeting a Japan trip, train fare is definitely something to factor in (because you’ll be taking the train a lot).
Recommended: How To Get Around Japan By Train
4. Always Carry Some Cash With You
This is less of a budget tip and more of a general money/Japan travel tip. In Japan, there’s still a strong cash culture presence.
You’ll mostly run into cash-only situations at train ticket machines, older/smaller restaurants and shops (especially outside busy areas) and when going to local shows.
But there are plenty of international ATMs across Japan (at most 711s, for example), so don’t worry too much about running out of cash – it’s pretty simple to take out more.
I usually like to carry at least 10,000 yen with me when I go out, just in case.
5. Know Your Travel Personality
What type of traveler are you? Do you love shopping or do you tend to make lots of impulse purchases while abroad?
Or are you more thrifty, and skilled at finding free activities?
Travel self awareness is key to making a good (and realistic) travel budget.
So think about your habits and your personality – and be completely honest with yourself.
Personality plays a big role in travel budgeting.
6. Factor In Extra Fees
Small fees can add up fast. When traveling abroad, there’s a good chance you may get hit with extra charges if you’re using your regular bank debit card.
And even if you have a good travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, you still may need to take out extra cash at an ATM (which incurs a fee).
While occasional transactions aren’t likely to destroy your travel budget, it’s something to keep in mind as you explore (just so you don’t overdo it).
Tip: When given the option, decline the option to pay in your home currency and choose yen. This means the merchant will handle the conversion on their end, often charging more than if your bank handles it.
7. Save Money By Doing Free or Cheaper Things In Japan
Japan has tons of free (but still fun) things to do. Technically, you could explore Japan and spend literally nothing on activities.
If you spend your time going on walking tours, seeing the parks, going to street festivals and opting for free stuff over paid attractions (like seeing the Tokyo Metropolitan Building’s observation deck rather than Shibuya Sky or Skytree), then you can save a lot of money.
But I would also say that budgeting for some paid stuff is totally worth it.
For example, teamLab Planets is amazing and Laka Kawaguchiko is incredible to see!
But either way, Japan is an amazing country. And whether you have $1,500 or $10K, there’s plenty to see and do.
