How much does it cost to travel to Japan?
You should plan to spend around $125 (¥18,714) per day on your vacation in Japan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $31 (¥4,568) on meals
- $18 (¥2,719) on local transportation
- $119 (¥17,840) on hotels
A one week trip to Japan for two people costs, on average, $1,755 (¥261,998). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Japan expensive to visit?
Japan is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within Asia, Japan is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Taiwan or Macao.
For more details, see Is Japan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Japan?
The average Japan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Japan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation1(Double Occupancy) | ¥17,840($119) |
| Local Transportation1 | ¥2,719($18) |
| Food2 | ¥4,568($31) |
| Entertainment1 | ¥2,909($19) |
| Tips and Handouts1 | ¥252 -757($2 - 5) |
| Alcohol2 | ¥1,169 -3,507($8 - 23) |
Accommodation Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Japan is $60 (¥8,920). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Japan is $119 (¥17,840). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Accommodation1Hotel or hostel for one person
$60
¥8,920
Accommodation1Typical double-occupancy room
$119
¥17,840
Hotel Prices in Japan
Looking for a hotel in Japan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Find the best hotel for your travel style.
Actual Hotel Prices
The average hotel room price in Japan based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $102. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.
Recommended Properties
Local Transportation Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The cost of a taxi ride in Japan is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $18 (¥2,719) per person, per day, on local transportation in Japan.
Local Transportation1Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
¥2,719
Recommended Services
What did other people spend on Local Transportation?
Typical prices for Local Transportation in Japan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Japan, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Subway
¥1,200
Food Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
While meal prices in Japan can vary, the average cost of food in Japan is $31 (¥4,568) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Japan should cost around $12 (¥1,827) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Japan is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
Food2Meals for one day
$31
¥4,568
Recommended
What did other people spend on Food?
Typical prices for Food in Japan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Japan, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Food for Fuji Hike
¥721
Meal at Airport
¥1,043
Conveyor Belt Sushi Snack
¥800
Late Night Noodles
¥800
Entertainment Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Entertainment and activities in Japan typically cost an average of $19 (¥2,909) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment1Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
¥2,909
Recommended Activities
What did other people spend on Entertainment?
Typical prices for Entertainment in Japan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in Japan, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Osaka Aquarium (for 2)
¥4,600
Tips and Handouts Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Japan is $3.38 (¥505) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Japan is Never.
Tips and Handouts1For guides or service providers
$3.38
¥505
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Japan is $2.86 (¥427), as reported by travelers.
Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps1
$2.86
¥427
Alcohol Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
The average person spends about $16 (¥2,338) on alcoholic beverages in Japan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcohol2Drinks for one day
$16
¥2,338
Recommended
What did other people spend on Alcohol?
Typical prices for Alcohol in Japan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Alcohol prices in Japan, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.
Sake
¥600
Water Budget in Japan
Average Daily Costs
Calculated from travelers like you
On average, people spend $4.53 (¥677) on bottled water in Japan per day. The public water in Japan is considered safe to drink.
Water2Bottled water for one day
$4.53
¥677
Last Updated: Dec 2, 2023
Japan On a Budget
Tokyo Fish Market
Japan is a unique country to travel to because of the wonderful mix of culture, diversity, modern technology, old world character, and eastern charm. The modern comforts of home are always available, but its never surprising to find yourself in a confusing social or cultural situation. The colors, sights and sounds of Tokyo keep you filled with adrenaline late into the night, but if you wake up early in the morning you can find the character and charm of a city that is cloaked in history. It's easy to fill many days in Tokyo or elsewhere. Find a place for karaoke, dine on some udon noodles, wander through a park, or shop. The energy of Japan's cities truly keep you up all night. Allow yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Make sure to soak up both this modern, technology driven country, but also get lost in the old alleyways of the old towns. Step into a shop and meet the old man selling teapots. Grab a snack from a street stall or enjoy conveyor belt sushi with businessmen at lunch.
Throughout the country you'll find places where modern technology is right next to old world charm. This is a technology driven economy, but it holds tight to traditional values. It manages to simultaneously embrace western influences, while remaining steadfastly isolated in its culture and customs. It's a unique and eyeopening country that still offers all the comforts of home.
Japan is an expensive country to visit in general, but there are some strategies you can use to save money. This is a great country to try couchsurfing. If you find a host who speaks English and is eager to show you around, you'll gain an insider's perspective on the country and be able to sample food at restaurants you may otherwise have missed.
Dining out can also be expensive, particularly in the larger cities. Lunch is usually the cheaper option, so if you can cook your own dinner and eat lunch out you'll be able to have the best of both worlds. Also remember, tipping is not a custom in Japan. Even if you plan to leave a few dollars, your waiter will likely be confused, or possibly even offended.
At A Glance
- Japan is recognized for its strikingly different culture from the west. If you do some research on this country's interesting customs before your trip, you will find your experience all the more enlightening. You will also better understand how to handle different situations as they arise.
- This is a complex country with a diverse and rich history. A great way to familiarize yourself with the region is to read any number of books on the country, fiction or nonfiction, before you begin your trip. You'll be able to see the people, customs, and cultures through different eyes, and your experience will be even more meaningful and memorable when you can put it in context.
- Japan is a great country for cyclists. If you're comfortable on a bicycle head to the countryside and find a good route. You'll pass through beautiful landscapes, picturesque towns, and meet some friendly people. It's a wonderful and unique way to experience the country. It will also help you cut down on transportation costs which can be quite high throughout Japan.
- Make sure you keep your passport on you at all times. Police can question you and will often fine you if you do not have it on you. Some first time offenders get off with just a warning. In particular, nightclub raids are common, so if you're going out for the evening, don't leave home without your passport.
- Public transportation in Japan is excellent but expensive. There are many different types of transportation passes that offer any number of ticket combinations and various discounts. Make sure you fully research and understand your options before you purchase a ticket. Some passes have stricter limitations than others so make sure you look into this before buying a pass.
Related
Looking for a hostel in Japan? In search of a party in Tokyo? Traveling alone to Osaka or Tokyo?
Top Tourist Attractions
Ginza District: This popular area is an upscale neighborhood in Tokyo that is a great place for shopping or night life. It's one of the flashier neighborhoods in Tokyo and has some high end shops and many excellent restaurants worth trying. It's a great area to enjoy a nice meal out.
Tokyo National Museum: This is one of the best and largest museums in Japan. You'll find it just inside Ueno Park, which is a pleasant place to explore as well. The museum has many items on display, many of which are famous pieces of art or objects from Asian archaeology.
Tokyo Imperial Palace: This is the main residence of the emperor of Japan. It is a fascinating and popular spot in Tokyo that reflects the areas history. It's located in the city's Chiyoda area near the Tokyo Station. It's surrounded by nice gardens and has several buildings including the main palace.
For even more information on this amazing country, see this article on how to plan a trip to Japan.
Transportation
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
Popular Foods
Japanese food combines rich flavors in unique ways. Many restaurants in Japan can vary dramatically from Japanese restaurants found in western countries. Sushi in particular is quite different in Japan. You can expect simpler sushi dishes that focus on quality ingredients instead of complex combinations. It's important to step outside of your comfort zone when you're sampling Japanese food and you'll likely be surprised by what you enjoy.
Tempura: This style of cooking involves battered and deep fried seafood or vegetables which are typically served with rice and a soy based dipping sauce. It's grown in popularity in western cultures as well so you are likely to find it on menus around the world.
Sashimi: Sashimi is thinly sliced raw meat served with a dipping sauce. While it's typically made from seafood and often associated with sushi, that is not always the case.
Gyoza: (recipe)This is a Japanese version of pork or vegetable filled dumplings that are either steamed or fried. They're often served as an appetizer with dinner and are available at most Japanese restaurants throughout the country.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
