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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.
June 26, 2024
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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!
In this article
Japan travel cost guide
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.
Flight prices
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.
| From | Economy class price | First-class price | Advice |
| USA | $800 to $2,000 | $11,000 to $20,000 | Due to proximity, major West Coast cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco might have slightly better deals. |
| UK | £1,000 to £2,500 | $9,000 to $18,000 | Weekends are generally more expensive, so flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays might be cheaper |
| Australia | $1,100 to $2,200 | 15,000 to $22,000 | Some airlines offer special promotions around public holidays |
We also leave you with these general considerations that may affect the average prices of flights from the destinations we mentioned.
- Departure city: Major cities in the USA, UK, and Australia often offer cheaper flights than smaller regional airports.
- Airline: Direct flights tend to be more expensive than those with layovers. Budget airlines can offer significant savings, but consider baggage fees and travel time.
- Time of year: Peak tourist seasons (spring cherry blossoms, fall foliage) and Japanese holidays generally have higher airfare. Shoulder seasons (spring and fall) often offer the best balance between price and weather.
- Advance booking: Booking flights well in advance (3-6 months) can lead to better deals than last-minute purchases.
Lodging and hotels in Japan
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
- Capsule Hotels ($20-$40 per night): These offer tiny, pod-like sleeping quarters, ideal for solo travelers seeking a clean and convenient place to crash.
- Hostels ($30-$50 per night): Provide dorm beds in shared or private rooms at a slightly higher price. Hostels are a great option for social interaction and meeting fellow travelers.
- Guesthouses ($40-$80 per night): These family-run establishments offer a more traditional Japanese experience with tatami mat flooring and futon beds.
Mid-range stays
- Business Hotel Rooms: ($80-$200 per night): These compact, no-frills hotels are popular with business travelers and offer clean, comfortable rooms with basic amenities in convenient locations near train stations.
Luxury stays
- Western Luxury Hotels ($300+ per night): International chains like Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons offer high-end accommodations, impeccable service, and luxurious amenities.
- Ryokans (Starting from $200+ per night): this is a traditional Japanese inn that provides a unique cultural experience. Ryokans feature tatami mat rooms, futon beds, communal baths (onsen), and exquisite meals served in your room (kaiseki).
Japanese food and entertainment costs
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.
- Daily expenses: $50-$75
- Weekly: $350-$525
- Monthly: $1,500-$2,100
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.
- Daily expenses: $100-$150
- Weekly: $700-$1,050
- Monthly: $3,000-$4,200
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.
- Daily: $300+
- Two week trip: $4,200+
- Monthly: $8,400+
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 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)
- Trains: They are one option for moving long distances within the country. In fact, for travelers, it is advisable to buy the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which can save a good amount of money. For in-city options we have local trains with costs of $2-$3 per ride for short distances.
- Buses: Buses are more frequent, so we must wait less than at a train stop. Of course, moving in Japan’s traffic may be a bit slower. On average, we would spend $1-2 per ride.
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):
- Taxis: The flag-down rate varies by city but is generally around $3-$4, with a meter fare of $2-$3 per kilometer (0.6 miles).
- Private cars: Renting a car can be expensive due to tolls, parking fees, and potentially needing an international driver’s permit. It might be more suitable for exploring rural areas with limited public transport access, but factor in gas costs as well.
- Shinkansen (bullet train): $50-$200+ for train tickets. This is the Fastest option for intercity travel, but it is also the most expensive. If you are not traveling extensively, consider regional JR Pass options for specific areas.
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.
Cost of a trip to Japan for 2 Weeks
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.
| Expense Category | Conservative Traveler | Moderate Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
| Flight (Round Trip) | $800 – $2,500 | $3,000 – $10,000 | $11,000 – $22,000 |
| Accommodation (Per Night) | $20-$80 per night | $80-$200 per night | $300+ per night |
| Food and Entertainment | $50 – $75 per day | $100 – $150 per day | $300+ per day |
| Transportation | $10 – $30 per day | $30 – $60 per day | $60 – $250 per day |
| Total Cost for 2 Weeks | $1,920 – $5,090 | $5,940 – $15,740 | $20,240 – $32,400+ |
Peak Season vs. Shoulder Season
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.
Advantages ✅
Peak season:
- Cherry blossom season and festivals
- Vibrant atmosphere
- Mild Temperature
Shoulder season:
- Fewer crowds
- Lower prices
- Better customer service
- More availability in terms of accommodation
Disadvantages ⚠️
Peak season:
- Higher costs
- Crowded attractions
- Accommodation availability may be low
- Customer service may generally be less than the best
Shoulder season:
- Unpredictable weather
- Some attractions may not be available
Activities & Tours: Packages for All Budgets ⛩
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:
1. Tokyo City Explorer Package
- Dive into the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo with a comprehensive package. Explore iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Tower, and visit cultural sites like the Imperial Palace or the Meiji Shrine.
- Cost: Starting from $120 per person.
2. Kyoto Cultural Immersion Tour
- Get to know the real Kyoto, learning about its history and customs. Visiting hotspots like Kinkakuji, a Zen temple, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. There’s also the romantic Sagano Train ride, where you and your partner can have time to connect with each other.
- Cost: Rates and prices start at approximately $400 per person.
3. Nature Adventure in Hakone
- Get to know the natural side of Japan in Hakone. Relax in the hot springs or admire the imposing Chisuji Falls. Don’t forget to visit the Great Boiling Valley and take incredible pictures of Mount Fuji. Remember to stay connect to share your adventures! These types of tours will help you escape the routine and hit the restart button.
- Cost: Starting from $225 per person.
4. Osaka Street Food Safari
- Devour Japans culinary delights with a food tour in Osaka. You’ll try every different taste and delight. You’ll try tasty foods like takoyaki, Nikudofu and the original yakitori skewered chicken. Make sure you report any food allergies!
- Cost: Including this activity on your vacations to Japan starts at around $90 per person.
5. Sumo Wrestling Experience in Ryogoku
- Witnessing the traditional sumo wrestling in Ryogoku is one of the best things to do in Japan. Attend a sumo practice session, learn about the history of the sport and understand a sumo wrestlers’ diet and routine. The package includes an expert guide and the entrance fee.
- Cost: Starting from $100 per person.
Essential Tips to Save
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.
- Travel during the low season
- Buy entry tickets ahead of time
- Use travel insurance
- Tour reservations can help you save big
- Stay hydrated and stay safe
- Pack comfortable clothing and shoes for the season
- Be respectful and know what not to do
- Stay connected with a digital SIM
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.
FAQ about Costs of Traveling to Japan
What is the average cost of traveling to Japan?
The average cost is $100 to $200 per day, totaling $700 to $1,400 for a one-week trip, excluding airfare.
How much does a 7-day trip to Japan cost?
A 7-day trip can range from $1,000 to $2,500, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities.
Is $5,000 enough to travel to Japan?
Yes, $5,000 is generally sufficient for a comfortable trip, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and activities.
Is Japan very expensive to travel?
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.
