Home » Japan » How Much Does it Cost to Travel to Japan?
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Japan has been on my travel list for a while now. I often dismissed the idea because I thought the cost of travel in Japan is extremely high. Which, in all fairness, is higher than many other countries. But after much planning (and saving) I managed a 2-week trip to Japan on a comfortable budget. I found there were a lot of ways that I could reduce my cost of travelling to Japan. I talk about many of these tips in the blog ahead. Needless to say, there was a tonne of learnings while in Japan, as to how I can save costs while in Japan.
I’ve tried to answer all the questions that came to my mind, or I heard from travellers who reached out to me to plan their Japan itinerary. I hope this guide on the average cost of travel in Japan helps you set a budget for your Japan trip.
Japan Travel Cost
How expensive is accommodation in Japan?
The cost of accommodation in Japan is diverse! Ranging from traditional ryokans (Japanese inns) to modern hotels, cosy guesthouses, and even unique capsule hotels. Prices can vary depending on the city you’re visiting, the type of accommodation you choose, and the time of year.
Let’s start with the budget-friendly options. If you’re a solo traveller or don’t mind sharing facilities, guesthouses and hostels are your go-to choices. In major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, you;ll find dormitory-style accommodations for around ¥7,000 to ¥9,000 per night.
Now, many travellers love staying in Ryokan on their Japan holiday. These charming inns offer a unique experience with tatami-matted rooms, futon beds, and hot spring baths. Keep in mind that ryokans are more expensive, especially if you opt for one in a popular tourist destination like Kyoto or Hakone. Most of them start at ¥30,000 per night per person and include a meal, these meals may not have vegetarian/vegan options. There’s always an option to opt out of the meal and pay for the stay. There are a few affordable, almost hostel-style ryokans that can cost you ¥ 7,000 – ¥10,000 per night.
For hotels prices start at ¥20,000 per night. Of course, the prices can vary depending on the location and the time of year you visit. For example in Tokyo hotel prices are extremely high in areas like Gion, Shinjuku, and Shibuya but the prices are slightly affordable in Asakusa. So in big cities like Tokyo choose the area of accommodation wisely.
Are there any affordable alternatives for accommodations in Japan?
Capsule hotels are a brilliant alternative for affordable accommodation in Japan. I stayed in one during my time travel in Tokyo, and absolutely vouch for them. If you’re travelling solo or on a tight budget, capsule hotels are worth considering.
The idea of sleeping in a capsule was scary to me at first, but the capsule hotel I stayed in was an absolute delight. Prices for capsule hotels typically range from ¥6,000 to ¥9,000 per night. It had a microwave and hot water dispenser to make a quick meal. Strongly feel that this alternative can help save a lot on your Japan travel costs.
What are the transportation costs within Japan?
Trains
No one can skip Bullet trains or Shinkansen when thinking of travelling to Japan! They are super fast and a brilliant way to travel between cities. As an estimate, a one-way ticket on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka is approximately ¥14,720. Many times you’ll find local trains between cities that would be a tad bit slower but must lighter on the pocket. For example, a shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto takes 15 mins and is ¥2,870. The same on a local train is 23 mins and only ¥580.
Buses
A great way to travel in Japan, and much easier on the pocket. City buses typically charge a flat fare of around ¥200 to ¥400 per ride, depending on the city. For longer city bus journey prices refer to Google Maps for the updated fare. The only drawback I had here was the traffic! Yes, the traffic in Japan can be painful, especially when travelling during peak hours. It took me over 4 hours to complete a trip back to Tokyo which would have ideally taken just 2.5 hours.
Subways
Japan’s major cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, have extensive subway systems. Tourists can use 24-48-72-hour subway passes or rechargeable IC cards (like Suica, Pasmo or ICOCA).
Taxis
If you are on a budget I’d suggest keeping this as the ultimate last option! I landed late at night in Japan and I was super confident about just taking a taxi in case the public transport stops. But the taxi fare was a whooping ¥12,000 from Haneda to Shinjuku! Lucky for me I had enough time to rush to the monorail. Taxi fares include a base fee, distance-based charges, and potential additional fees for late-night or highway tolls. As a rough estimate, a 10-minute taxi ride within a city can cost around ¥1,500 to ¥2,500.
Flights
While airfare prices fluctuate based on factors like the distance and the airline, you can expect to pay around ¥10,000 to ¥30,000 for a one-way domestic flight within Japan. Many times these turn out to be cheaper than taking Shinkansen, especially when you do not have a JR Pass. During my trip, I didn’t have to take a flight.
Rental Cars
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Japan at your own pace, especially in more rural or remote areas. Rental car costs vary depending on the type of car, rental duration, and insurance coverage. As a general guideline, small compact cars can start at around ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 per day, excluding fuel and toll fees.
How much does it cost to eat out in Japan?
Let’s talk about one of the most delightful aspects of travelling in Japan: the incredible Japanese food! Japan is renowned for its culinary delights, from sushi and ramen to tempura and takoyaki. But how much can you expect to spend when dining out? Let’s dig into the costs of eating out in Japan.
Cost of Budget Meals in Japan
If you’re travelling on a budget, find inexpensive eats at casual restaurants, street food stalls, and even convenience stores mixed with cooking some of your meals. A good estimate of ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 per day
Cost of Mid-Range Meals in Japan
By adding a little bit more to your budget you could visit Izakaya, drink Sake and try some sushi restaurants, a mid-ranged meal in Japan will cost you ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 per day.
Cost of Fine Diningin Japan
Japan has loads of Michelin-starred restaurants and award-winning co*cktail bars. A multi-course kaiseki meal or omakase experience can cost upwards of ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 per person.
Disclaimer: It’s important to note that these prices are rough estimates, and they can vary depending on the location, restaurant type, and specific dishes ordered. Additionally, prices may be higher in popular tourist areas or during peak seasons.
One more tip: Keep an eye out for lunch specials and set menus, as they often offer better value for your money compared to dinner prices.
Are there any tips for saving money while travelling in Japan?
While planning my Japan travel I was wondering about ways to save money in Japan. Here’s everything I learned during my trip on how to save on my Japan travel cost.
- Travel during off-peak seasons: Consider visiting Japan during shoulder seasons or less busy months to take advantage of lower prices on accommodations, flights, and attractions. Avoiding major holidays and school breaks to save costs on your Japan holiday.
- Use a rail pass: If you plan to travel extensively within Japan, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) before your trip or other regional passes. But do the math before buying the pass, if you are only taking a handful of trains chances are such passes won’t save you any money!
- Opt for budget accommodations: Look for budget-friendly accommodations such as guesthouses, hostels, or capsule hotels. Another thing you could consider is staying in smaller cities or towns near major tourist destinations.
- Eat at local eateries: Explore local restaurants, small eateries, and street food stalls, as they tend to offer more affordable and authentic dining experiences compared to high-end establishments. Look for lunch specials, set menus, or affordable local dishes like ramen, udon, and bento boxes.
- Utilize convenience stores: Convenience stores in Japan, such as FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson, were my go-to for cheap eat!
- Visit free or low-cost attractions: One thing is for sure Japan has loads of attractions that are either free or have low admission fees, like public parks, gardens, temples, and shrines.
- Take advantage of tax-free shopping: As a tourist, you may be eligible for tax-free shopping at participating stores. Always check the minimum spend and carry your passport to leverage this.
What is the average daily budget for a trip to Japan?
Now to answer the burning question ‘How much would a trip to Japan cost?’
I spent 2 weeks in Japan and my average daily cost was ¥16,000. All my meals were vegetarian and vegan and my accommodation was a mix of capsule hotel and appartements.The average daily Japan travel cost can vary depending on your travel style, preferences, and the cities you plan to visit.
To help you plan your Japan travel expenses I’ve shared approximate daily budgets for Japan trips for different travel ranges.
Budget Travel: ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 per person.
- Accommodation: Budget accommodations like guesthouses, hostels, or capsule hotels can cost around ¥7000 to ¥9,000 per night.
- Meals: Opting for affordable dining options like local eateries, street food, and convenience stores will cost around ¥1,500 to ¥3,000 per day.
- Transportation: Utilizing local transportation passes and budget-friendly options like buses and subways can cost around ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 per day.
- Attractions: Many attractions have affordable admission fees ranging from ¥500 to ¥1,500 per site.
- Miscellaneous: Allocate some budget for small purchases, snacks, and unforeseen expenses, amounting to approximately ¥1,000 per day.
Mid-Range Travel: ¥20,000 to ¥30,000 per person.
- Accommodation: Mid-range hotels, budget Ryokan or Airbnb accommodations can cost around ¥14,000 to ¥20,000 per night.
- Meals: Enjoying a mix of affordable local dining and occasional mid-range restaurants can cost around ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 per day.
- Transportation: Depending on the distances travelled, using a combination of local transportation, occasional taxis, and possibly a regional rail pass can cost around ¥2,000 to ¥4,000 per day.
- Attractions: You can visit multiple paid attractions including museums, temples and a day trip to Mt. Fuji, which can range from ¥1,000 to ¥4,000 per day.
- Miscellaneous: Set aside some budget for shopping, souvenirs, and additional activities, amounting to approximately ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per day.
Luxury Travel: ¥50,000 per person or more.
- Accommodation: Luxury hotels, ryokans (traditional inns), or high-end resorts can cost around ¥35,000 + per night.
- Meals: Dining at upscale restaurants, including fine dining establishments and renowned sushi or kaiseki restaurants, can cost around ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 or more per day.
- Transportation: Opting for more comfortable transportation options like taxis, private cars, or first-class train tickets can cost around ¥4,000 to ¥8,000 per day or more, depending on the distances travelled.
- Attractions: Enjoying exclusive experiences, private tours, and high-end attractions can range from ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 or more per day.
- Miscellaneous: Set aside a budget for luxury shopping, spa treatments, unique experiences, and other indulgences of about ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 or more per day.
I hope my blog helped you plan your average cost of travel in Japan. If you found this useful do share it with others and give me a shout out!
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