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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site
Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer
Last Updated: February 18, 2024
It was a lifelong dream to visit and, when I finally did, it lived up to all my expectations. Since that first visit, I’ve been there over five times. Japan is a country that blows everyone away. From the food to the people to the architecture and everything in between, I’ve never met someone who didn’t go to Japan and fall in love with it.
A lot of people delay visiting Japan because they think it’s super expensive. And, while some aspects of traveling there are expensive, there are plenty of ways to make it affordable. I was actually shocked how easy it was to see Japan on a budget .
This Japan travel guide can help you plan an affordable trip so you can see more, eat more, and spend less.
Top 5 things to see and do in japan.
Tokyo is one of the best cities in the world. Here you will find shrines, palaces, temples, hip clubs, fancy cocktail bars, weird fashion, and, of course, incredible people. Tokyo is a fast-paced, futuristic city. Be sure to also hit some of the quirky-themed cafés, wander the Harajuku district, walk across the iconic Shibuya crossing, and admire the Imperial Palace. Visit my detailed guide for more information .
Boasting beautiful temples and Japanese gardens, Kyoto is one of the most popular destinations in Japan. This place definitely lives up to the hype because it retains much of the traditional lifestyle and is a good juxtaposition to fast-paced and high-tech Tokyo. See as many temples as possible , wander the enchanting bamboo forest of Arashiyama, (just get there early to beat the crowds), and do some hiking here. It’s a city not to be missed.
In 1945, the first atomic bomb to be used in combat was detonated in Hiroshima . Around 80,000 people were killed instantly and tens of thousands more died afterward due to radiation exposure. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome), which was the only building left standing after the bomb was dropped on August 6, and learn about one of the most controversial events in human history. I found the museum’s photos and artifacts sobering and eye-opening, and yet a must-see if you want to understand modern Japan. You can also take a cycling tour around the city to learn more about the bombing and its aftermath.
This 3,776-meter (12,389-foot) mountain is located near Tokyo. As Japan’s tallest mountain, it is often covered by fog and clouds during the day, so ascents tend to happen early in the morning or overnight. In fact, some 400,000 people take part during the short climbing season that is only from early July to mid-September. If you’re visiting outside of the climbing season or just don’t want to hike the mountain, there are many tour providers that offer day trips from Tokyo from around 12,000 JPY.
The gateway to Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, this city is famous for its surrounding mountains, thermal baths, ski resorts, and lengthy beer brewing history. Hosting the 1972 Olympic Winter Games put the city on the international map, and it remains hugely popular for its cold-weather sports. It’s also home to the hugely popular Sapporo Snow Festival, where you can see world-class ice and snow sculptures each February (over two million people attend!). Although Sapporo is very much a ski haven, I also loved going in Spring because of the lush greenery and in particular, the thousands of Japanese cherry blossoms in Moerenuma Park. Don’t miss the Beer Museum and be sure to take the train to the coastal town of Otaru for uni (which is harvested there).
1. visit the tsukiji and toyosu fish markets.
Tokyo’s fish markets start bright and early at 4am. Here you can see the frenzied buying and selling of the world’s largest tuna market. Tsukiji was the original market but, as of 2018, the inner fish market moved to Toyosu and is now known as the Toyosu Fish Market. However, the outer market (where you can find food and shops) is still at Tsukiji. You can take a guided tour to learn about its history, how it works, and even learn how to roll sushi in a workshop at the end. Shops start opening around 6am so it’s a perfect place to go when you have jetlag.
Otherwise known as the Geisha District, this neighborhood is filled with fascinating historic architecture and is a good area for window shopping. Geishas (traditional professional entertainers) have worked here for centuries, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to spot one going to or from a social engagement at one of the establishments. (Just note that photographs are forbidden on the narrow alleys to prevent harassment of the geishas.) You can also take a nighttime walking tour .
Located just one hour from Kyoto , Nara is famous for its 1,300 “wild” deer that freely roam Nara Park. The Japanese consider deer to be messengers of the gods, so they are free to roam the city (their horns are cut short, so they can’t hurt people). There are vendors selling crackers all around the park, so you can feed them by hand. While here, be sure to take in the world’s largest wooden building, Todai-ji, which dates to the eighth century and was reconstructed in the 1700s. Most travelers visit Nara as a day trip from Kyoto, but I suggest staying at least a night to really see everything.
Osaka is the third-largest city in Japan and its financial heart. It’s also a big foodie hub. Mouthwatering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef, Japanese barbecue, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. There are also popular specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (skewered kebabs). You can take a food tour for around 12,000 JPY or just wander and eat.
Beyond the food, don’t miss Osaka Castle. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.
Established in 1873, Tokyo’s Ueno Park is a great place to spend the day. It’s the perfect spot to see the cherry blossom trees (April is the best time of year if you hope to catch them in full bloom). Year round, you will find events on the weekend, people hanging out here on a beautiful day, and plenty of museums to visit. The park is home to the Tokyo National Museum, a couple art museums, and a zoo. You can also take a three-hour architecture tour around the park .
The Imperial Palace is home to the emperor of Japan (whose lineage stretches back over a thousand years). It was built on the site of the former Edo Castle, which was originally constructed in the 15th century. Though you can’t go inside the palace itself, the surrounding grounds and park are beautiful, and you can watch the changing of the guard. You can visit select parts of the grounds on a 75-minute guided tour at 10am and 1:30pm Tuesday-Saturday. The Imperial East Gardens are free and open daily except Mondays, Fridays, and holidays. There’s also a lot of free walking tours that take you around and give you a history of the palace.
Miyajima is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about an hour outside of Hiroshima, known as “Shrine Island” because of its temple and iconic floating torii gate. Itsukushima Shrine, the main one here, dates back to the 12th century. There’s also a five-story pagoda that dates back to the 15th century, and the tranquil Momijidani Park, one of the most beautiful maple valleys in the country. And, like Nara, there are plenty of deer here too. A trip to the island can easily be made into a full day if you hit the walking trails nearby. And be sure to hike up Mount Misen — it’s a great workout, and the views are stunning! There is also a cable car to the peak you can take for 2,000 JPY round-trip.
At 430 meters (14,100 feet), not only is this Japan’s highest castle but it’s also its only remaining original one (most were destroyed in fires or during World War II). The castle was originally built on a nearby mountain in 1240 by Akiba Shigenobu. In 1929, restoration work began, and it is now a popular tourist site. Admission is 500 JPY for just the castle or 1,000 JPY for the castle, temple, and nearby samurai houses. If you’d like to patronize the Takahashi Folk Museum and Yamada Hokoku Museum, the entire combined ticket costs 1,500 JPY.
The 88 Temple Pilgrimage (also known as “Shikoku Henro”) is an ancient route that circles the island of Shikoku, one of Japan’s four main islands. Under consideration for UNESCO status, the route stretches 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) and can take between 30 and 60 days. Pilgrims typically wear special white robes and carry a walking stick so they stand out (locals take pride in helping and welcoming pilgrims so standing out is a good thing). It’s one of the only circular pilgrimages in the world, with roots dating back over a thousand years. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people do the hike each year. In addition to the 88 official temples, there are also 20 additional sites you can visit as well. Most pilgrims hike between March-May or October-November since the summer is too warm. If mobility is an issue, you can also explore the route via car or bus, which takes around 10 days.
Located two hours north of Tokyo in the mountains, Nikko has welcomed worshippers of both Buddhist and Shinto traditions for centuries, so there are many temples and shrines in the woods to visit. Nikko is also the home of the imperial summer palace (the only imperial residence opened as a museum) and the resting spot of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868). You’ll also find lots of waterfalls in the area and a beautiful lake to go boating on. The trails at nearby Nikko National Park offer excellent hiking. Don’t miss Nikko Toshogu, Kegon Falls, Ryuzu Falls, Shinkyo Bridge, Lake Ch?zenji, Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and the Imperial Palace! Only a few hours from Tokyo, Nikko is a really nice destination for two or three nights.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast, usually found in the more scenic regions. They date back over 1,200 years and are known for their traditional tatami floors, communal baths, sliding doors, and cozy interiors. Ryokan s make for an intimate and unique Japanese experience, featuring included meals and traditional Japanese robes (called yukata ). Beds are traditional futons, and there is usually a common area where you can make tea and chat with the owner.
Natural hot springs are widespread throughout the country, and can be found both indoors and outdoors. They are a great way to “soak in” some traditional Japanese culture. Each has a different mineral composition. Expect to pay around 1,000 JPY for a budget bathhouse. (Just note that many do not allow people with tattoos or require tattoos to be covered. They are also separated by gender.) Hakone is the most popular onsen destination as it’s just 90 minutes away from Tokyo and is nestled into the mountains. Other popular choices include Beppu, Yufuincho, Noboribetsu, and Ibusuki.
If you make it all the way up to Hokkaido (the northern prefecture of Japan and second-largest island), be sure to spend some time exploring Daisetsuzan (“Great Snowy Mountains”) National Park. Located around two hours from Sapporo, the park offers numerous trails, and some of the most rugged and beautiful landscapes in the country. It’s also one of the last remaining places in Japan to see brown bears. The most popular hike here is Mount Asahidake, a challenging volcano that takes 3-4 hours. The park is a far cry from the tourist trail and usually just sees Japanese visitors, so you’ll get to enjoy a spot locals favor.
If you need a break from the fast pace of Japan, hop on down to Okinawa Prefecture, considered “the Hawaii of Japan.” Life proceeds at a much slower pace here, and the climate is subtropical. Even Naha, the biggest city in the region, is laid-back. Okinawa is famous for its diving opportunities as well as World War II sites and memorials. From Okinawa Honto (the main island), you can hop to other smaller islands by ferry, including some that are very remote and rarely see visitors (such as Iriomote or Kume). Camping, whale watching, and hitting the beach are some of the most popular activities here.
Located on the west coast, Kanazawa is known for its incredibly well-preserved Edo-era (1603–1868) districts (the final period of traditional Japan). Home to under 500,000 people, the city is called “Little Kyoto” — but without the oppressive crowds. I think this is a really nice, off-the-beaten-path destination. Make sure to see Tsuzumi-mon Gate, admire Kanazawa Castle, and explore the geisha districts and samurai district (Nagamachi), where numerous preserved houses remain. Head to the Omicho Fish Market for fresh fish and seafood (there are dozens and dozens of stalls here). And if you want to learn more about Buddhism, visit the DT Suzuki Museum (Suzuki was a Zen Buddhist academic and philosopher who helped introduce Zen Buddhism to the West).
Japan may be a small country but it’s preserved a lot of its natural landscapes. There are 34 national parks, each offering respite from the hectic and dense cities that Japan is known for. Nikko (mentioned above) is best for seeing fall colors; Daisetsuzan (also mentioned above) has lots of remote onsen and challenging trails; Keramashoto, located in Okinawa, has some of the best islands and beaches, as well as over 250 types of coral; and Yoshino-Kumano is famous for its cherry blossoms. There are a lot of parks to choose from! Try to see at least one!
Home to just 50,000 people, Takashima is just a short drive from Kyoto on the coast of Lake Biwa (the largest freshwater lake in Japan). The city boasts castle ruins, plenty of old shrines and Buddha statues, and a picturesque floating torii gate (similar to the one in Miyajima) at the Shirahige Shrine. There’s also a four-kilometer (2.5-mile) walking route lined with cherry trees. Moreover, this town is famous for its Hida beef, which I think is the best beef in all of Japan. For a fun day trip, head to Chikubushima, a small island on Lake Biwa where you can visit centuries-old temples as you hike around the island.
For information on specific cities in Japan, check out these city guides:
Accommodation – Expect to spend 2,500-4,500 JPY per night for a dorm room in a hostel (prices are on the higher end in larger cities like Tokyo or popular tourist destinations like Kyoto). Free Wi-Fi, private lockers, and self-catering facilities are standard in most hostels. But it’s uncommon for them to provide breakfast here. For a private room with a twin or double bed, expect to pay 6,500-15,000 JPY per night. Prices are generally the same year-round.
Capsule hotels cost 3,000-5,500 JPY for a tiny coffin-like pod that’s essentially just a bed, often with a small TV, light, and outlet to charge your devices. There are shared bathrooms and sometimes a small common room as well. It’s not fancy, but it’s a unique (and very Japanese) experience.
For (non-capsule) budget hotels, expect to spend 6,000-10,000 JPY per night for a double room. For Western hotel chains, expect to spend around 20,000 JPY or more per night. Note: For accommodation in Tokyo, add 50% to all these prices.
Airbnb is heavily regulated in Japan and, as such, there aren’t too many options. What rooms are listed are mostly hotels and guesthouses. Private homes/apartments usually start around 15,000-20,000 JPY per night, while private rooms (i.e., hotel rooms) run 8,000-10,000 JPY per night and up.
If you are looking for a more unique experience, consider staying at a ryokan , a traditional Japanese bed-and-breakfast. While they are more expensive than a standard hotel, it’s a unique and memorable experience, as you’ll get to sleep on traditional futons and tatami mats.
Food – Japanese cuisine is world-renowned and has even earned a spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage List. While each region has its own specialties, rice, noodles, seafood, and seasonal produce all feature heavily no matter where you are. Plus, there’s izakaya (small plates), yakitori (grilled food), curry bowls, BBQ, and so much more. One of the best things about visiting Japan is the food.
Food in Japan is relatively inexpensive so long as it’s not imported (fresh fruit will blow your budget!). The most common cheap eats are using curry, donburi (bowls of meat and rice), or ramen. Curry and donburi bowls cost 500-700 JPY while ramen or soba noodles are usually around 1,200 JPY. Okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake with noodles or rice) is between 1,000 and 1,300 Yen.
Fast food (think McDonald’s) is around 800 JPY for a set menu. You can also find plenty of cheap meals and prepackaged items at 7-Eleven (locals actually get a ton of food here as it’s delicious and quick). Noodles, rice balls, tofu, and prepackaged sushi are all available for only 250-500 JPY per item. (Trust me, it’s good!)
Most sit-down restaurant meals are going to cost you 2,000-3,000 JPY. Sushi conveyor belt restaurants (which are super fun) will run you 125-600 JPY per piece. Quicker lunch spots are going to be around 1,500 Yen.
Fine dining is a tradition rooted in Japanese culture, and kaiseki ryori is a style of high-end, multi-course Japanese dining that originated in Kyoto. It costs about 8,000-10,000 JPY for a set menu of seven courses, covering everything from chicken to Wagyu steak to sushi.
High-end omakase sushi restaurants (where dishes are selected by the chef) will set you back at least 10,000 JPY, though more likely closer to 20,000 JPY. (In Tokyo, the best ones are 30,000 JPY.)
Domestic beer is around 450-550 JPY, and sake is about 800-900 JPY per glass. A cocktail will set you back about 1,200 JPY, though at the famous cocktail bars in Tokyo, expect to pay closer to 1,600 Yen per drink. A latte or cappuccino is 500-600 JPY, and a bottle of water is 100-130 JPY. Soda is around 200 Yen.
Expect prices to be higher in the bigger cities and cheaper in the countryside.
Buying groceries costs around 5,000-6,000 JPY per week for basic staples like rice, vegetables, and fish. However, given the availability of such cheap food, it’s doubtful you’ll go grocery shopping to prepare your own meals.
If you’re backpacking Japan, plan to budget 7,000 JPY per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking some of your meals, eating at the cheap restaurants and takeaways, visiting free museums and temples, and using public transportation to get around.
On a more midrange budget of 16,000 JPY per day, you can stay in nicer accommodations, eat out more liberally, indulge in more drinks, visit more attractions, and, overall, just have some more breathing room in your travels! On this budget, you’ll be able to do most things.
On an upscale budget of 28,000 JPY per day or more, you can stay in traditional Japanese accommodations or two-star hotels, eat at nicer restaurants each day, splurge on some meals, enjoy drinks as often as you want, take tours, and, overall, just afford whatever you want!
You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind that these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). I just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in JPY.
I think Japan’s reputation as an expensive country is overstated. Outside of accommodation and transportation, it’s actually really affordable. Is it super cheap? No. Is it super expensive? Not at all. There are plenty of ways to lower your costs and all non-imported food is really inexpensive. Here are some ways to save money when you visit:
There’s a lot of affordable accommodation in Japan, especially if you avoid Western style hotels and chains. To help you save money on accommodation, here’s my list of the best hostels and budget hotels in Japan:
Public transportation – Metro or bus tickets cost 150–300 JPY for a single journey. (The price varies by distance and may often be higher.) Fares are usually around 220 JPY to travel across Tokyo but less for shorter distances. In most major cities, you can buy a day pass, which gives you unlimited travel for 24 hours for around 800-1,100 JPY.
Train – Train travel is the quickest way to get around Japan. The bullet train is awesome, comfortable, and super-fast — but it’s not cheap. Individual tickets can cost hundreds of dollars. In order to reduce your train costs, get a Japan Rail Pass , which is indispensable for travel here.
Even if you just get the seven-day pass, it’s the same price as a round-trip train ticket from Osaka to Tokyo. Moreover, the JR trains also serve urban areas and so can be used within cities. I used my pass to get around Kyoto and Tokyo instead of buying metro tickets.
So, even if you aren’t going to do much traveling around Japan, buying a pass is better than buying individual tickets. While the high price of the pass can cause sticker shock, the alternative is worse.
Additionally, be sure to download the Navitime app . It has offline maps, train and public transit routes, and info on train stations. It’s a lifesaver when trying to figure out how to get around the country.
Bus – Buses are a less expensive alternative to the bullet train system in Japan, but they take more time. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a ten-hour bus ride. The price for that seat is 4,500-8,000 JPY, but at some point, you need to think about how much your time is worth.
There are also bus passes that offer unlimited travel and begin at 10,200 JPY for three nonconsecutive days of travel. You can use these two websites to book your bus journeys:
If you have more time than money, take the bus. Otherwise, I’d say splurge and take the train, because they really are much faster and much, much more comfortable.
Flying – Generally, flight prices are on par with bullet train tickets. ANA, one of the country’s two main carriers, offers special last-minute fares via a hidden page on its website , usually for around 14,000 JPY for a seat. It’s only available to foreigners and can sometimes be cheaper than the flights you find on booking platforms, especially for longer routes around the country.
Flights from Tokyo to Okinawa are around 23,000 JPY (round-trip) while those from Tokyo to Sapporo are around 16,000 JPY (round-trip).
Car rental – With efficient public transportation and nationwide bullet trains, renting a car here really isn’t necessary. However, if you do need one, multi-day rentals start at 6,000 JPY per day. Just remember that people drive on the left here! For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .
Temperature and weather vary drastically across Japan, meaning it’s always a good time to visit some part of the country. While most of Japan does have four seasons (including snowy, freezing winters in the north), Okinawa and the islands in the south are warm year-round. It gets cold in Tokyo, but it generally doesn’t snow.
Expect warm, humid weather from June through August, with temperatures hovering around 32°C (89°F). Japan also gets a lot of rain, mostly in the summer months, from mid-June to mid-July. It gets a little drier in August, before the precipitation picks up again in September. Typhoon season occurs from May to October. Japan is well-equipped to handle all types of typhoons, but be sure to purchase travel insurance in advance !
Overall, there’s no real bad time to visit. Winter is awesome for skiers or snowboarders, spring is famous for its cherry blossoms, summer is full of festivals, and fall has brilliant autumn colors and nice temperatures. I personally prefer spring and fall, as the summer heat and humidity is pretty oppressive.
Japan is a very safe country. There’s virtually zero chance you’re going to get robbed, scammed, or hurt here. Your biggest issues will most likely come from other foreigners who get drunk and are causing trouble.
Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, but the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Japan does have a problem with groping, especially on packed trains. Most train companies now have “women-only” cars during rush hour (you’ll see pink signs indicating where women should board).
Scams in Japan are nonexistent. No one is going to rip you off. The listed price is the listed price and the same for everyone. There are no tourist prices here.
Your main risk here is from Mother Nature. Earthquakes and typhoons aren’t uncommon, so make note of exits when you arrive at your accommodation. Download offline maps to your phone, as well, in the event you may need to navigate the city during an emergency.
If you do experience an emergency, dial 110 or call the nonemergency Japan Helpline at 0570-000-911.
The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.
These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.
Want more tips? Here are all the articles I’ve written on Japan travel to continue planning your visit:
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by Bex Band | Last modified on Mar 3, 2024 | Japan
I put together this comprehensive itinerary for 2 weeks in Japan based on my first time visiting the country (with a few tweaks based on my subsequent visits). I’ve shared what were the highlights and what you should leave out….specifically for someone visiting Japan for the first time. To make the planning as easy as possible for you, I’ve also included a budget breakdown and top tips for travelling in the country.
From cat cafes to cherry blossom picnics and robot shows to bowing deer….Japan is like nowhere else on the planet. It’s one of my favourite countries!
2 weeks isn’t a lot of time to explore Japan. Thankfully though, the efficient transport system makes it possible to fit in a lot during that time. Most visitors will have a budget to stick to as it is a pricey destination. So you’ll want to do a fair bit of planning to ensure make the most of your perfect Japan itinerary.
I’d describe my itinerary as energetic and diverse. I wanted to fit in as much of Japan as possible (while ensuring it wasn’t so fast you couldn’t get a feel for the places) with a good mix of city and towns, old and new.
I was travelling on a low-medium budget….with a splash of luxury. It’s really worth stretching the budget for a couple of top-end nights in Japan! If you are 2 people (as I was – travelling with my husband) often the price of a double in a simple hotel works out the same as 2 people in a hostel room.
A lot of the Ryokans (traditional Japanese Inns) also include meals so while they might initially seem expensive, once you’ve factored in the food, and the experience, they are actually quite reasonable.
If you are new to this blog, I’m Bex Band – a full-time UK adventurer and founder of the women’s adventure community, Love Her Wild . I’m on a mission to make the travelling and going on adventures as easy as possible. You can read more about me here .
If you have any questions, please do use the comments box below. And for ongoing tips and inspiration, make sure you follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
This is the exact itinerary of my 2 week Japan visit (note the changes I’d make below). Prices below from my Japan 2 week itinerary are all per night for 2 people sharing a double room (updated 2022). I made all the bookings online in advance.
What did we do: I used these 2 days to see the highlights of the city going to Shibuya park (and the crossing), taking a boat ride, seeing the markets of Asakusa and catching a show at the Robot Restaurant.
Where did we stay: Kiba Capsules Hotel – $45 A capsules hotel offering couples and single capsules. Such a great Japanese experience!!! Only worth staying here if you are a couple and looking to share as there are nicer capsule hotels available for singles. If you are looking for the best single room capsule you’ll want to check out Nine Hours .
If staying in a capsule hotel isn’t your thing I’d recommend the Knot Hotel Shinjuku ($75) which is in a great location and is a really nice hotel at a good price.
What did we do: The first day I saw a sumo wrestling match and spent the evening in Dotonbori, a packed district full of restaurants, shops and lights. The second day I spent at Universal Studios.
Where did we stay: Drop Inn Osaka – $60 Basic private Ryokan rooms at an affordable price. It is a very modern hotel with a great location (walking distance from the station, which is handy) and helpful staff. I would definitely stay here again.
What did we do: This was my favourite place of the trip, don’t hesitate to visit. The journey initially seems complicated but was very easy and didn’t take long.
While there we saw the Okunoin Cemetery both in the day and at night (completely different experiences) and spent the rest of the time enjoying our temple lodgings with its traditional monk cuisine.
Where did we stay: Shukubo Fudoin – $240 (dinner & breakfast included) Incredible Temple lodgings with beautiful grounds, delicious vegan cuisine, a modern onsen and friendly monks. I loved staying here, it was a highlight of the trip. You can even join the monks in the morning to observe the morning prayer.
All the temples in the area are expensive but it is well worth the money. They also include an impressive breakfast and dinner experience.
What did we do: We arrived on the island by early afternoon to get the cable car to the top of Mt Misen before watching the sunset behind the Torii gate.
Where did we stay: Coral Hotel – $65 (breakfast included) A simple western hotel right by the Miyajima ferry port, offering good views of the island. Basic but comfortable and cheap. We saved a lot of money by not staying on the island. The ferry is easy to catch and runs until quite late so I don’t think it’s worth spending the extra to be on Miyajima Island unless you really want to.
Another option would be to use Hiroshima as your base as you need to pass through here to get to Miyajima Island. You are then conveniently located for visiting the Atomic Bomb museum with more restaurant and nightlife options for the evenings. I’d suggest staying at Hatchobori Hiroshima ($120 breakfast included) for its convenient location.
What did we do: On the way to Kyoto, we broke up the journey and stopped at Hiroshima to see the A-Bomb memorial and museum (taking about 3 hours total….it was enough time as it’s not an easy museum to take in).
We also stopped at Himeji to visit the castle (we had 3 hours in the castle). For both, you can use railway lockers at the train stations to store suitcases.
For our 3 nights in Kyoto, we hired an electric bike (about $15 a day) which provided a great way to see the never-ending temples and the palaces.
Seeing a Geisha dance was particularly memorable (only available during cherry blossom season. Tickets are hard to come by, but we used this website and asked them to organise the tickets for us). On our final morning in Kyoto, we visited NARA to see the giant Buddha and the bowing dear.
Where did we stay: Kyoto Tower Hotel – $110 A great value hotel for Kyoto which is an expensive city. The location near the station makes it a perfect base for exploring.
On a later trip to Kyoto, we stayed at Hotel tou nishinotoin kyoto ($70), a relatively new hotel that propped up in 2023. Its beautiful, comfy rooms and a beautiful hot bath.
If you want somewhere more budget then Piece Hostel ($50) is the place for you! There are also some really good Airbnb options in the area, which have the advantage of a kitchen, so you can save a lot of money on food as well.
What did we do: We arrived late in Hakuba, so we spent the evening enjoying the mountainous views and having numerous hot spring baths. The following day, I went to see the Olympic jump before having my first ever skiing lesson.
Where did we stay: Hakuba Onsen Ryokan Shiroumaso – $190 (breakfast and dinner) Just amazing! A really fantastic family-run Ryokan – don’t hesitate to stay here. This felt like traditional Japan with a lot of luxury. The food here was also great. I loved my stay here; definitely worth the price for a bit of luxury.
What did we do: We spent a night in Yudanaka, which is the closest town to see the famous Snow Monkeys. Check my review below, though, to hear my thoughts on the snow monkeys….you’ll probably want to skip this!
Where did we stay: Yudanaka Seifuso – $110 A very traditional family-run ryokan. The family don’t speak a word of English but are sweet and welcoming. The rooms were just ok. Being around the family was what made this stay nice.
What did we do: Returning to Tokyo, we spent the first day in Uneo Park, experiencing the cherry blossom in full bloom and all the festivities. The final day was spent at DisneySea – a lot of fun!
Where did we stay: Tokyo Hilton Odaiba – $220 Top, luxurious hotel – we like to finish our holidays in style. A comfortable location for the bay, close to Disney, offering a free shuttle. Well worth splashing out on. With a rooftop infinity pool (AMAZING), phenomenal service and the biggest breakfast layout I’ve seen.
We managed to fit in a lot more than I thought was possible because trains are just so quick and easy. They are also very comfortable and clean so I didn’t feel tired from the long journeys.
The train station lockers are great for fitting in quick stops to see sights along the way without needing to stay overnight.
This 2 week Japan itinerary was busy but I felt like it was a good pace. The hot onsen most evenings meant that I felt like I got lots of relaxation time even though most days we were on the move and seeing lots.
Koya San, although a bit tricky to get to, really is a definite. Miyajima makes a great day out, but I wouldn’t spend any more than a day there.
Hakuba also turned out to be really fun, and I loved skiing, seeing the mountains and also experiencing a different side to Japan. If you weren’t keen on skiing, though, I would skip Hakuba in favour of Kanazawa.
The biggest disappointment was Yudanaka . It was expensive to get to (it wasn’t covered by the JR Pass) and took a long time. The monkeys themselves are in a grotty area, and there really is nothing else to do in the area. They throw rice into the pools to make the monkeys go in them as it wasn’t that cold when I was there. Don’t go – it’s not worth it!
If I dropped Yudanaka and Hakuba from the 2 week Japan Itinerary, I would have spent the extra days in Kanazawa visiting the famous garden and art museum with an overnight visit to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama on the way back to Toyko (see my suggested alternative Japan 2 week itinerary below).
Some people suggest spending more time in Tokyo and Kyoto. For me, 3 days exploring both was enough time. Although there was more I wanted to see in Kyoto, it is also very touristy, so I was happy to have a change after a few days.
With all that in mind – if you weren’t desperate to see the snow monkeys or try your hand skiing, then this could be an alternative itinerary:
On my most recent journey, my luggage was misplaced during the connecting flight to Tokyo, resulting in me spending the first five days of my trip without my checked bag. Fortunately, the airport located my bag and sent it to my hotel. This experience underscores the crucial importance of travel insurance. It’s advisable to purchase it as soon as you book your flights.
It’s important that you have travel insurance for your travels. World Nomads are a travel insurer that I’ve used multiple times before for my adventures. World Nomads covers more than 150 adventure sports and activities and worldwide coverage.
I’m part of World Nomads’ affiliate program (which means I get a small recommenders fee if you choose to use them, at no extra cost to you). Get a quote here .
The most obvious answer is Spring to see the cherry blossom. Although it was busy, it was mostly with Japanese tourists who were quiet and considerate, so the crowds didn’t feel too much.
It is well worth going for the blossom as it makes the whole country look so pretty and there is a real sense of excitement and celebration. It will also give you an opportunity to see the Geisha Spring Dance. Weatherwise it was sunny and pleasant but still a bit cold. Most days I was wearing my coat. It didn’t rain once while we were there.
Japan has very defined seasons. Summer can get very hot and uncomfortable and winter can be bitterly cold, even snowing. For this reason, Autumn is a more comfortable time to travel if you don’t want to go in spring. The Autumn colours across the country are also very pretty!
The trains in Japan are very expensive. But if you are a visiting tourist, you are eligible for a Japan Rail Pass. Getting this card is a no-brainer. It will give you unlimited travel across most of Japan’s rail network, allowing you free access to visit all the major places – Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Osaka, etc, etc.
The cost for the pass is:
7 Days – $279 14 Days – $445 21 Days – $570
To get a railcard, just follow this link and purchase the length of time that you want. Do this in advance of your holiday. When you arrive in Japan, head to the JRP help desk (you’ll find them in airports and train stations) and swap your receipt for your bass booklet. There can sometimes be a bit of a queue so factor this in.
I’d suggest reading this helpful guide to using the pass, which says where you can exchange your pass, where it is valid and how to reserve your seats. It is helpful to reserve seats if you can (it’s easy to do) as some of the journeys we took were busy, and we would have been standing otherwise.
The budget below is based per person for the entire 2 week Japan Itinerary laid out above.
The accommodation, which was double rooms shared between 2, has been split in half.
Our accommodation was a mix of budget stays with a few nights of luxury. We didn’t hold back on tickets or events…they’re just too good to miss. Food-wise I was more on the lower end budget (especially as I am a vegetarian) – eating from bakeries, supermarkets, and street food to save costs – with a few exceptions on expensive set menu meals.
I was really surprised by how cheap the holiday worked out to be. The Japan Rail Pass meant that we were able to travel a huge amount at a set price (we definitely got our money’s worth!) and most of the attractions we visited (like temples and museums) only cost a couple of pounds to go in or were free.
It’s not what you would call a cheap destination but it also wasn’t crazy expensive. I found it cheaper than London prices.
Flights (from London to Tokyo return, via Warsaw on using Lot airlines)- $830 Accommodation – $870 Transport (14-day Japan Rail pass) – $360 Food (Daily cost averaged $30, which in most cases was street food lunch/snacks and a low-average priced dinner) – $420 Sumo Wrestling tickets – $80 Geisha Dance Tickets – $60 Universal Studio Tickets (with express 7 pass) – $80 DisneySea Ticket – $60 Skiing (equipment hire, lift pass and a private 2-hour lesson) – $150 Daily costs (averaging $20 a day for entry to temples, drinks, and small souvenirs) – $280
TOTAL – $3190 (roughly £2,553)
…….Buying the tickets in advance is essential as everything sells out – but problematic because the sites are all in Japanese. We used Buy Sumo Tickets who were brilliant. Not only did they get us sumo tickets but they also brought our Geisha show and Universal Studio tickets for just a small fee.
………I struggled with the food, especially as I am a vegetarian and wish I had brought some snack bars with me to save me the hassle of finding something for the journeys. The supermarkets are bizarre and I often had no idea what I was buying!
……….vegetarian? It’s not an easy country to be veggie in. Check out my Guide to being a vegetarian in Japan for some top tips.
…….If you eat fish, bento boxes are great. These are packed lunches that you can buy for journeys or picnics. You can get them from stall holders and shops in rail stations and shopping malls.
……Tipping is not the done thing in Japan and is even considered rude.
…..Ryokan’s are traditional Japanese inns. You should try to stay in at least one for the experience. They are often cheaper than in Western hotels. I can also recommend checking out Airbnb, especially for longer stays, if you are trying to save money.
……If you stay in a ryokan, you will need to take your shoes off before entering either the building or the room. There will be slippers available for you to use and somewhere to store your shoes.
……I was surprised that barely anyone spoke English. People are incredibly kind and helpful, though, so I never got stuck. If there is something you need to communicate (like eating preferences), get someone with good English to write it down in Japanese on a piece of paper that you can show people.
……Unless you are happy being naked in front of other people, you will need to book hotels with private onsen which are considerably more expensive. The Japanese are incredibly polite and discrete so public bathing isn’t daunting. Learn the etiquette before you go through it.
…….There are lots of new customs to get used to in Japan but don’t worry about offending people. The Japanese are very forgiving and understanding!
……..I’d recommend reading these books before heading to Japan:
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Good luck with your Japan travels……please use the comments below to ask questions or to let me know how you get on 🙂
Great post!
Thanks Explore 🙂
Really useful post, thank you. Your travelling style is very much like ours, a mix of local and luxury.
Thank you Carole…I’m glad it was helpful! I think a mix of local and luxury makes for the perfect hol. Enjoy Japan!! 🙂
I really liked the info here thanks. I am thinking of visiting Japan next year alone but I’m a fit 72 and wondered if you, as an experienced traveller to Japan, could advise if would be okay with the travelling and also the hostel accommodation. I would appreciate any comments you may have thanks Tess
Thank you Tess. Absolutely….I can’t see any reason why you can’t travel Japan and use the hostel accommodation. Japan is very clean and comfortable no matter what budget level you use! Most of the travellers I met there were a little older. Good luck with your trip. Japan is a brilliant country! 🙂
Thanks Bex. I love traveling alone as I find I meet more people that way and get a better insight into the culture and people. When I go I’ll let you know how I get on thanks again
I think so too! Do let me know how you get on 🙂
Hello Bex, as I am planning a trip to Japan, I made a search and your site popped up. Not only did I find this post particularly useful, but I found your whole site very enjoyable. You have a very nice writing style, keep it up! Cheers Ged
Thank you so much Ged!! Your kind words made my day 🙂
Good blog thanks, very useful tips. Had a couple of gripes about grammar but hey I am the grammar police! Thanks for the insights. Not sure about if it’s worth buying a JR pass if you don’t want to run from one place to another, still weighing that up. Hoping to go to Japan in the fall.
I’m dyslexic so there’s not much I can do about that I’m afraid! It’s probably worth calculating the cost of individual journeys you may take and then comparing it to the railcard. Usually the railcard works out cheaper even if only for a couple of day trips.
Hey, thanks for this post! Maybe I missed it but I wasn’t sure what currency your budget was? Is it USD?
Budget is in USD 🙂
Very informative! Thanks!
Thank you Joanne. Really happy it was of help! 🙂
Hi. We’re planning a trip to Japan for my birthday. This is really helpful. Thank you. Quick question though… is the $2300 per person or for both of you already? Thanks in advance for your reply. ^^
Glad it is helpful! It was $2300 for each of us….so $4600 in total for 2 🙂
Great post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.
Thank you Brian!
I’ve been looking around at a bunch of different websites and they say around $4,000 per person, but you say about $2,300 per person. Would it be a better trip if a saved more than what you had?
It’s hard to say as traveling is always very personal. We did a mix of cheap places and then splashed out in some luxury places. So it would depend on your spending habits. I didn’t feel like I needed to spend any more money though.
I’m planning my first trip to Japan in November, and I think I will follow a similar itinerary to the one you propose (skipping the monkeys!) so I was delighted to find your very informative post 🙂 I have one question: did you go straight from Koy San to Miyajima, or did you stop in Osaka or Hiroshima in between? Many thanks!
We stopped in Hiroshima to see the museum then stayed at a hotel by the ferry port to Miyajima. You can get from Koya San to the island in a day but accomodation on Miyajima is very expensive so it’s cheaper to stay in Hiroshima.
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Being a vegan or vegetarian in Japan is definitely not easy at times. I knew that fish featured highly in Japanese cusine, but it amazed me just how...
Catch up with the final travel Journal from our 2 weeks trip to Japan (for a full breakdown of our itinerary and budget, check out Japan itinerary 2...
This is my second journal from my 2-week visit to Japan. For a full breakdown of our itinerary and budget, check out Japan itinerary 2 weeks. We had...
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Is is possible to travel to Japan on a budget? Definitely! Japan is one of the most fun and amazing travel destinations in the world. However, many travelers are reluctant to plan a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun because of the cost.
Known for being an expensive place to visit, many Japan lovers give up when they hear how much it costs to travel to Japan. In doing so, they miss out on the trip of a lifetime. It’s true that Japan has tons of luxury hotels, world-class restaurants, and first class transportation options that cost more money than most people’s mortgages.
However, Japan also has lots of cheap lodging, amazing food, and transportation options that are very easy on the wallet. In fact, Japan can be one of the CHEAPEST destinations to travel on a budget. If you want to visit Japan on a budget, this article will provide you with all of the tips, tricks, and advice to save you as much money as possible.
While it is possible to visit Japan by boat (namely from Australia, China, Taiwan, and Korea) the vast majority of visitors choose to go by air.
If you live in one of these nearby countries and have LOTS of time, check out your local boat companies for deals. Sometimes they sell last minute tickets at a fraction of the cost.
However, it’s almost always more efficient to travel by air.
So here are 5 tips to getting the cheapest airline tickets to Japan.
1. book as early as possible.
When searching for a flight to Japan, booking as far in advance as you can is best. Waiting until the last minute to grab reduced price tickets can certainly pay off, but it’s a big gamble if the tickets sell out (which happens more often than not).
You’re better off by being prepared, planning in advance and choosing to visit Japan at a cheaper time of year.
I usually buy my tickets at least a month before my travel date. I found that this is the latest I can wait before tickets sell out or really get expensive.
Not only does the cost of airfare increase during peak times of travel in Japan, but hotels, attractions, and even restaurants raise their prices as well (usually buffets or nice restaurants that offer things like “special” holiday menus). If possible, try to avoid these peak travel times in Japan if you are on a tight budget:
Here are the dates that generally have the cheapest flights to Japan
While the winter season might not be the best time to visit Japan in terms of weather, you’ll usually save money on plane tickets. Winter foods in Japan are absolutely delicious as well. Delicious hot pot dishes, fresh crab, and other seafood are especially delicious in winter.
If you want all of the details and insiders tips on when to visit Japan, check out our best time to visit Japan guide.
Or course you could get cheap airlines tickets by choosing non-direct flights with long, inconvenient waits in between. But who wants to do that? Sure, you can save some money, but you’ll be giving up a lot of time and comfort by doing this.
Before going this route, spend an hour or two searching the Internet for the best deals. You can decide if a reduction in price with a 12-hour wait in some random airport is worth the inconvenience.
Here are the steps I use to find the best deals to Japan:
Of course, if you are willing to fly with any airlines, you’ll have the best chances of finding a cheap flight. However, I highly recommend you only use reputable carriers. There are lots of airlines with cheap flights to Japan, but they usually have very long layovers or delays, poor service, and safety issues.
Sometimes, it’s just not worth the risk. So to minimize your chances of having a bad flight, go with a reputable airline company. Airlines that fly to Japan differ depending on where you live, but I like Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Korean Airlines.
I always check the Hawaiian, JAL, and ANA Airlines website first. Most of the time, I find the best deals directly on their website.
Booking directly with the airline carrier is usually safer and more secure than booking with a third-party company. Be sure to check the prices often, as they can change frequently.
If the prices are high, proceed to step 3.
Other websites such as Skyscanner, Expedia, Jetstar, Kayak, Lastminute, and Farecompare are also good places to analyze ticket costs. Remember that flight costs will depend on where you’re flying from. Heading out from a major “hub” airport rather than a local one will certainly cut costs.
These websites search hundreds of travel sites and find the cheapest tickets out of all of them. Filter the searches by the airline carrier and how many layovers you are willing to have on your trip. Be sure to check the prices for different dates. Sometimes traveling just 1 day later can drop the prices significantly.
NOTE: I just do this to see what the average prices are for that dates of travel. I DO NOT purchase my tickets through Kayak unless there is an amazingly good deal though a REPUTABLE company. While there are usually cheap tickets that show up in the results, most of these are either a) flights with LONG layovers or b) flights listed by bad, untrustworthy third party companies.
In my experience, many of the companies that are listed on their website aren’t very trustworthy. Many of them have very bad reviews, with some even having complaints filed against them. Stick with the bigger companies like Expedia. Just use it to check the prices of the airlines you want to fly on.
Choose the best 3 or 4 itineraries you found on Kayak/Expedia/Priceline/etc. I usually have the best results with Expedia.
At the bottom of the Expedia website, there’s a section called “Global Sites” with pictures of flags of different cultures. Choose a different country and search for the same flight. The ticket prices might be lower if you book it through another country with Expedia.
If all of the flights to your desired airport in Japan are crazy expensive, consider flying to a different airport and then using the JR Rail Pass to take the train the rest of the way. If you don’t mind having a longer trip, the JR Rail Pass is a good way to cut costs.
You can fly into another major airport in Japan and then cash in your rail pass at the nearest participating station. Then you can take the bullet train to your desired location. While this does take more time, it can save you money and is much more fun that riding an airplane.
The seats on the bullet train are much more spacious than a plane and are much easier to travel. The only downside is that the bullet train doesn’t have space for big pieces of luggage.
Finding a cheap way into the country is only half the problem. Domestic travel within Japan is also expensive. Of course, you could explore only one or two cities, which can cut costs dramatically by only paying local fares, especially if there are city passes available.
What makes Japanese so awesome is traveling to different areas to eat local foods and to experience the culture throughout Japan. If you want to explore many places in Japan, purchasing a travel pass will be your best bet. These passes can save you both time and money if you plan to travel a lot in Japan.
The Japan Rail Pass is essential if you want to experience all that Japan has to offer. This pass allows you unlimited rides on most JR trains, including the bullet trains, as well as some JR buses and the JR ferry to Miyajima.
This pass opens up the whole Japan to you. You’re free to travel wherever, and whenever you want. I highly, highly recommend getting this pass.
This pass also makes traveling much easier. You don’t need to research ticket prices or deal with buying or keeping track of your tickets for each trip. Just walk on through the gates on the side and show your pass to the attendant.
Also, if you don’t mind sitting in the unreserved area, you can walk straight onto the train too – although reserving specific seats ahead of time is certainly recommended for busy times/seasons/routes.
IMPORTANT: You can’t buy a Japan Rail Pass while in Japan. You must purchase your pass before you arrive in Japan. The pass is only for those on a tourist visa.
Also, keep in mind that the JR pass cannot be used on every type of transport. For example, you cannot ride the NOZOMI or MIZUHO type bullet trains using a Japan Rail Pass. This isn’t usually a problem, though.
The NOZOMI trains travel the exact same route as other types of bullet trains but only stops at major stations. A full list of what you can and can’t use the pass for can be found on the rail pass website .
There are two types of pass you can buy. A “green pass” allows you to sit in the first-class section of the train. However, not every train has a green car (first class section). The “ordinary” JR Rail Pass is the more economical option. Both of these passes can be used to make seat reservations for the bullet train.
Passes are available for periods of 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days. The countdown will start on the day you activate your pass. You do not have to activate it as soon as you arrive in the country. You can redeem it anytime during your trip.
Just take your rail pass voucher to a JR Station that can redeem it. A list of places should be included on a sheet with your voucher. However, most big, urban JR stations can activate your rail pass.
Prices for adult “original” passes:
Prices for child passes (age 6 to 11):
The passes may seem expensive but can save you an incredible amount of money if you travel a lot during your trip. A round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto would already cost 28900 yen, nearly the full price of a one week pass.
A typical 7-day trip for tourists would look like this:
This itinerary would cost you 41,640 yen, not including all of the local trains you’ll ride within these cities. If you were to return to Tokyo from Hiroshima, the total cost would be 60,200 yen, which is more expensive than a 21-day pass.
If you plan to visit more than one city by bullet train on your trip to Japan, a rail pass is an absolute must.
There are a few different agents you can use to order your Japan Rail Pass. Be sure to check the details. Some airlines sell rail passes, but you must book your airlines ticket with them as well.
Here are some of the main agents through whom you can purchase the pass: Tobu Top Tours, JTB Corp., KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL, Japan Airlines, Nippon Travel Agency, ANA Sales Americas (Los Angeles), and JALPAK. Check the website for details on how to purchase a rail pass.
As well as the Japan Rail Pass, there are other special tickets and passes you can buy to cut costs on your trip to Japan. Some tickets are regional, but others can be used all over the country.
This is another offer from the JR (Japan Rail) company. This ticket is similar to the Japan Rail Pass, but it is more limited. However, the reduced cost makes this pass a great option if you’re trying to travel on a budget (and have lots of time).
The Seishun 18 ticket is a seasonal offer only. You can use the ticket for a 5 day period during the spring (early March to early April), summer (mid-July to early September), or in the winter (early December to early January). The exact dates are released when the tickets become available.
You can use this pass for unlimited travel on all local and rapid JR trains. You cannot use it on Shinkansen rides (bullet train) or on limited express travel.
The Seishun 18 is a 5-day ticket, costing 2,370 yen per day – a total of 11,850 yen.
A fraction of the price of the Japan Rail Pass, this is a great option if you want to do lots of little trips or one or two big journeys during the 5 day period. Interestingly, the ticket can also be shared between up to 5 people. You could have use of it for one day each and your friends could use it the other days.
You can buy the Seishun 18 ticket in the JR East station travel centers, or at JR Ticket Offices. Advance booking is available. Dates for when the passes go on sale are listed on the website along with the details, which usually becomes available from 1 to 3 weeks before the pass becomes available.
Hakone is an amazing place to visit. It is filled with stunning natural beauty, especially when the autumn leaves change and the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. Whatever the season, Hakone is a wonderful place to visit. Amazing hot springs, outdoor walks, mountain hikes, surrounded by peace and quiet. It’s pure bliss.
The Hakone Free Pass is a must for people heading out that way. It gives you free travel on eight different types of transport in the Hakone area for a 2 or 3 day period, as well as discounted entry to dozens of attractions, including hot springs, museums, galleries, historical sites, parks, restaurants, shops and more. A full list is available on their website .
The Hakone Free Pass has different prices depending on where you depart from.
While you can get passes that are valid from Machida and Odawara, most travelers start their journey at Shinjuku. However, if you are heading off from one of the other two locations, be sure to check out the details as those tickets are a little cheaper.
From Shinjuku:
2-day adult pass: 5,140 yen
3-day adult pass: 5,640 yen
For children:
2-day pass: 1,500 yen
3-day ticket: 1,750 yen
Hakone Free Passes can be purchased at any Odakyu line station, including Odakyu line ticket machines.
If your trip to Japan will be focused in and around Tokyo (there is so much to do there that you could easily spend your whole holiday there) then you should consider buying the Tokyo Wide Pass.
This 3-day ticket offers unlimited travel in Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto area. Including both the Narita and Haneda airports, you can pick up your pass on arrival, and it will cover the cost down into central Tokyo, and everything else for the rest of the period of validity.
Like the Japan Rail Pass, this ticket is only available to people with a tourist visa. As it is only valid for 3 days, you could easily get yourself one of these passes to use for a few days in Tokyo, then after that head off around the rest of the country using a Japan Rail Pass.
The 3-day pass is 10,000 yen for adults and 5,000 yen for children aged 6 to 11.
You can buy a Tokyo Wide Pass at the JR Ticket Offices and JR Travel Agents located in the Haneda International Airport and in the Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2, and 3.
The passes are also available at JR travel centers and general travel service centers at various locations, including Shinjuku, Tokyo, Ueno, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Yokohama, and Mito. Check the website for details.
Train passes are good for people who want to travel a lot, but what if you only want to explore one or two areas? While the rail passes are, on the whole, cheaper than buying individual tickets, they are still quite costly if you aren’t going to be getting a lot of use out of them. So if this applies to you, take a look at budget local airlines for domestic travel.
Several airlines in Japan offer flights to various locations, and often at a fraction of the price of the same journey by train. Of course, you need to factor in all costs to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Keep in mind that getting to the airport might involve time-consuming/costly trips on the subway or train.
However, this depends on the city. For example, in Fukuoka, the airport is only a 5-minute subway ride away from the central train station.
Two of the most well-known budget airlines in Japan are Peach and Jetstar.
Both of these airlines fly to a variety of locations, including Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Kagoshima, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki.
Other popular domestic airlines include JAL (Japan Airlines) , ANA (All Nippon Airways) , Skymark Airlines , Vanilla Air , Spring Airlines and Solaseed Air .
Taking a plane instead of a train, even for a short journey, can make a huge difference in price.
For example, reserving a seat on the train from Kumamoto to Tokyo will cost a total of around 27,000 yen (and take about six hours!) whereas the same journey by plane (using Jetstar airlines) will cost less than 7,000 yen.
Taking the train from Kagoshima to Osaka will set you back around 22,000 yen, vs. a flight on Peach Airlines can cost you less than 6,000 yen. That’s a huge discount!
If you prefer to take Japan Airlines or ANA Airlines, here are a couple of special discounts you can use.
JAL: Special Japan Explorer Pass – 10,800 yen flights to over 30 different cities in Japan.
Restrictions: Only for short-term visitors. Must have a ticket leaving Japan to be eligible for this special pass. You also need to purchase these flights directly through the JAL website.
ANA: Experience Japan Special Fares : 5,500 yen flights to cities within Hokkaido, or 7,700 – 11,000 yen flights for any other destinations.
Restrictions: You need to reside outside of Japan, have a passport from a country other than Japan, and have an international ticket leaving Japan.
Probably the cheapest way to travel long distances in Japan is by bus. Taking a highway bus is not the most popular option, but can be a great way to save money on both short and long trips.
A popular bus provider is Willer Express. You’ll be surprised to know that you can make online reservations in English when booking through Willer Express. Most other bus companies don’t have online or English reservations.
Other companies to look into are Japan Bus Online, Hankyu Bus, and JR Bus branches (split into eight regional companies).
Most bus companies offer different types of seating for overnight buses. These range from the cheapest 2-seater style seats (think of an American school bus) to super comfortable individual seats.
The price difference is significant, but if you’re taking a long bus (over 8+ hours) I highly recommend that you purchase a better seat. The buses with 3 seats per row are very comfortable. The seats are not connected, which makes it feel like you have your own personal space.
I took an overnight bus from Kobe to Tokyo on Willer Express with the cheapest seats (which was only 2,500 yen or so). While the bus looked new and the ride was smooth, it was the one of most cramped, cold (it was during winter), and uncomfortable experiences of my life. The better seats were 2 to 3 times more expensive, but I would definitely purchase those seats next time. These upgraded seats would still be much cheaper than taking a bullet train.
Taking the bus can also save you on money on hotels. You can sleep on overnight buses that run late into the night.
If you plan on traveling all around Japan, consider the Japan Bus Pass.
This pass can be used on all daytime and overnight buses provided by Willer Express. There are 3-day, 5-day, and *7-day passes, with 2 different prices depending on if you’ll be using it from Monday to Thursday or over a weekend period. A 3-day Monday to Thursday pass costs just 10,200 yen.
*NOTE: The 7-day pass is only valid during Monday – Thursday, but you don’t need to use the 7 days consecutively.
There are a few rules. The pass can be used for up to 3 rides per day, but you can’t use it on premium buses. However, on the plus side, this is one of the “only for foreign visitors” passes which can also be used by foreign residents. That means that JET teachers and other ex-pats who usually miss out on the great travel deals can use the Japan Bus Pass.
For more information: Willer Bus Pass Page
Finding a place to stay is one of the major concerns for people wanting to travel Japan on a budget. There are tons of luxury hotels that cost a fortune, but there are also lots of budget hotels as well. A discerning eye can track down cheap accommodation all over Japan. The key is knowing what kind of lodging to look for, and where to find it.
With price comparison websites and dedicated travel companies providing endless lists, this is the best place to start your search. However, bear in mind that these websites have more listings in big cities. Small towns in the countryside will probably yield very few search results. If you’re hoping to visit somewhere off the beaten track, you may need to find other ways to find lodging there.
One of the best websites to use is Booking.com . This website is easy to use and often has great deals. It is also a reputable company that most people trust. I recommend Booking.com because it offers a whole range of different sorts of accommodations. From fancy hotels to local ryokans, you can find something in your budget.
However, there are some popular hotels that are not listed on Booking.com. Agoda.com comes to the rescue in most cases.
Most of the lodging options that aren’t listed with Booking.com can be found on Agoda. I always check both of these websites anyway, to compare prices for the same hotels.
Other good websites are Rakuten, Hostelworld, Japanican and Jalan.
Booking.com : Best choice to reserve most types of accommodations (hotels, Japanese inns, hostels, capsule hotels, etc.)
Agoda.com : Not as easy to use as Booking.com, but has some hotels that are not listed on Booking.com
If you’re having trouble finding something, or the hotel you want is fully booked, check out the Japanese version of the site.
Particularly on Jalan and Rakuten, it might appear that something is fully booked, but when you check the local website, there is still availability! Also, the Japanese website sometimes lists a cheaper price.
The only downside to this is you need to be able to read Japanese.
However, if you are just booking a room (no meals or other services) you can probably book a reservation in Japanese by using “rikaichan” which is an add-on to the Mozilla Firefox browser (for Google Chrome, the extension is called “rikaikun.” When you turn it on and hover your mouse over Japanese characters, it will show you the reading and the definition of the word.
Google Chrome: Rikaikun Mozilla Firefox: Rikaichan
One of the most affordable types of accommodation in Japan, business hotels are certainly “no frills, ” and you get what you pay for.
They are hugely popular, as the name suggests, with Japanese business people (mainly men) who travel a lot for work.
Business hotels are a good choice if you plan to explore Japan all day and just want a bed to sleep in at night. You find them all over Japan, with many big chains all over the country, with their rooms looking the same whether you’re staying in a big city or out in the countryside.
Major companies to look out for include Toyoko Inn, Daiwa Roynet Hotel, Dormy Inn, Chisun Hotels and Route Inn.
Rooms are functional with minimal decorations. Some rooms can be very small (the bed and drawers take up most of the space). Beds are very standard but usually pretty comfortable. There’s usually a TV, small refrigerator, a hot water pot, and internet access (either by ethernet cable or wi-fi).
The bathrooms are usually very tiny but they do the job unless you are very tall or big. Most business hotel bathrooms are stocked with basic amenities (toothbrush, soap, shaving razor, etc.).
A single room in a business hotel will cost you between 4,000 Yen to 10,000 yen a night, whereas a twin or double room will be the cheaper option if split between 2 people. For a twin, prices are around 7,000 yen to 12,000 yen per night.
One of the most famous types of Japanese lodging, staying in a capsule hotel is definitely an experience. The first ever capsule hotel opened in Osaka, Japan, and now you can stay in similar lodgings all around the world.
They may look like fun, but capsule hotels aren’t always all that they’re hyped up to be. It is small, but not as small as most people think. Most capsules are big enough for you to sit up inside without hitting your head.
However, it’s somewhere to sleep and nothing else. Also, many capsule hotels are for men only. They’re geared at businessmen and often don’t have capsules for women. Some capsule hotels have a “female only” floor, though. You’ll find them in big cities, but smaller towns throughout Japan are unlikely to have mixed gender capsule hotels if they have one at all.
For the first day or so, capsule hotels are decently comfortable. However, it doesn’t take an expert traveler to know that these are not good for long term stays. There is only so many nights in a row that sleeping in what is basically a well-lit coffin can be counted as a fun novelty rather than an annoyance.
Depending on your fellow travelers, capsule hotels can easily be noisy, crowded places, and while many hotels offer lockers or other places to store your belongings, theft, while not rampant, is more common in these lodgings than in other types of accommodation.
Capsule hotels are far from the most luxurious hotel, but they do come cheap! Spending a night in a capsule hotel can cost as little as 2,000 yen. However, is it worth it? Some travelers thrive on this sort of “simple” accommodation, but if it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, move on to another type of hotel.
At best, make your stays in capsule hotels a one-night-at-a-time affair when you are just stopping over or arriving somewhere too late to make use of a regular hotel room. In these instances, the low cost is worth the inconveniences.
This is probably the type of lodging with the widest variation between properties. Some hotels in Japan are little better than business hotels. The rooms have basic furnishings, no decorations or excessive comfort, and is just somewhere to spend the night.
At the other end of the scale, you have fancy hotels which are amazingly luxurious. Fully furnished rooms, spacious bathrooms, communal areas with massage chairs, gym facilities and even swimming pools.
There is great variety between different hotels in Japan. The number of choices can be overwhelming. The good thing is that many hotels are conveniently located near to train stations or bus stops.
This really depends on what kind of deal you’re looking for. A cheap hotel will, naturally, not be very comfortable, but it will cost a mere fraction of the cost when you compare it to mega hotel chains like MyStays, APA or Nikko. In general, bigger hotels in Japan are comfortable and are good for both sleeping and relaxing in.
Cheaper hotels are usually around 8,000 yen per night, with luxury hotels priced 30,000 yen to 60,000 yen or more per night. While many hotels might look out of your budget, it’s worth keeping an eye out for special deals. For example, the MyStays chain is a delightful place to stay, but with the rooms usually priced at 20,000 yen per night, it’s not exactly a budget choice.
However, on websites like Booking.com you can regularly see special deals when booking in advance, which see those rooms listed at half price, or less!
Why pay 8,000 yen to stay in a terrible business hotel when you can splash out a little and stay in a palace for 10,000 yen?
Even budget travelers need to relax once in a while, so if you need a night of luxury, this is a great option to check out.
These are types of traditional Japanese accommodation, which are just as popular with foreign visitors as they are with locals. Cheap hotels are all well and good, but if you want to experience local hospitality and step back in time, you can’t beat spending the night in a ryokan or minshuku.
They are pretty similar, it’s just that minshuku tend to be smaller, located in older buildings and usually run as a family business. Ryokans are often run like this too, but sometimes they are located in newer, bigger buildings and have more staff with more services.
Staying in traditional Japanese accommodation isn’t for everyone.
For starters, you’ll be sleeping on the floor on a traditional futon, and the flooring will probably have tatami mats rather than carpet.
Sometimes ryokans and minshukus have showers, but often they only have traditional communal bathing facilities – and these will likely be down-to-earth and not luxurious unless you’re staying in an “onsen ryokan” which is specifically designed for spa relaxation.
However, if you like experiencing different cultures in local style, these can be very comfortable places indeed. They vary a lot – some have fun, bubbly atmospheres like youth hostels, with a variety of characters lounging in the common areas, and are quieter than an emply library. Check reviews to see what other travelers think before you make a booking.
These can vary quite a lot, particularly between little minshuku out in the countryside, and fancy onsen ryokan in a swanky location. However, lodging like this is seen less and less in big cities – it’s more frequent to see ryokan and minshuku out in the countryside and on the outskirts of small towns.
The cheapest minshuku can be seen at around 4,000 yen per night, up to about 9,000 yen per night. Ryokan can be as cheap as 5,000 yen or less per night, up to 60,000 yen per person for luxury inns. Be sure to check whether prices are per person or per room.
If you told a Japanese person that you were planning on spending the night in an internet cafe or private karaoke room instead of booking into a hotel, they’d probably think you were a bit weird. That isn’t because you can’t stay overnight in these places – it’s certainly a popular option.
It’s just that few people plan to use this kind of accommodation. The usual overnight clients at these types of establishments are salarymen who stayed out too late drinking and don’t want to go home and face the wrath of their wives, or young party animals who missed the last bus home and need somewhere to stay.
You can choose a public or private space, and choose between a normal chair, reclining chair, floor space or whatever other options they provide.
Generally not comfortable in at all. These rooms are not designed for sleeping in, they’re designed for surfing the internet or playing online games. You probably will not get a good nights sleep in a place like this.
They can be noisy, uncomfortable and full of people who are doing anything but sleeping. However, they are super cheap, and often there are shower facilities which you can use for a small charge, and machines which provide free soft drinks, ice-cream, etc.
If you want to try and get a good night’s rest in an internet cafe, be sure to choose the “floor” type of room. This is the only type of room that has enough space to lie down. The other types, come with reclining chairs, or small couches, which makes sleeping difficult.
This depends on how long you stay. Some places charge by the hour, and others have deals where you can stay up to a certain number of hours for a fixed price. You may have to pay in advance. Generally, one night in an internet cafe or similar place will cost 2,000 yen or less.
You can’t book in advance – just turn up, and be wary of busy times. There is usually a crowd around the time just after the last trains/buses have left, so be sure to arrive before then.
Eating out in Japan can cost a lot of money if you don’t know where to go. When you arrive in Tokyo, everything looks so delicious it can be difficult to hold back, even when you know you’re on a budget. But there are several ways to make savings in Japan without sacrificing all the delicious culinary experiences that are waiting for you.
Knowing a few tricks can save you a bundle – which you can use to treat yourself to a really extravagant meal. Use these tips to eat well while saving you some cash.
Just because you’re cutting down on costs doesn’t mean you need to miss out on eating at restaurants during your trip. There are plenty of budget restaurants in Japan where you can get a tasty meal for a reasonable price. Following these few hints will ensure you get the best value for money without sacrificing your dining experience.
If you want to find deals for food in Japan, lunchtime is king. Many restaurants have special menus at lunchtime where you can get the same food available in the evening, but at a lower price. The portions are usually a little smaller, but still worth it.
There are some hearty lunch sets that will leave you stuffed until dinnertime though. Even fancy restaurants offer lunchtime sets for 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen.
Cheaper restaurants sometimes offer a “one coin” lunch which will set you back just 500 yen (1 coin). This is especially a good deal for expensive foods like Kobe beef. Eating Kobe beef for lunch can save you a lot of money.
Gyudon (beef bowl) is one of the more popular cheap eats in Japan, and it soon becomes a favorite of foreigners traveling Japan on the cheap. “Don” means a bowl (with rice), and “Gyu” refers to the beef topping. Plenty of different “don” are available throughout Japan.
Thin strips of beef and slices of onion are simmered in a sweet sauce consisting of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine) and dashi (Japanese broth). Gyudon sets are often accompanied by a raw egg (for dipping the beef in), miso soup, salad, pickles, and tofu. You can get extra toppings like kimchi, cheese, green onion and grated yam.
Popular chain restaurants where you can purchase these dishes, and other cheap options, are Sukiya, Matsuya, and Yoshinoya. You can find these restaurants all over Japan, serving gyudon in portions of different sizes depending on how hungry you are.
A simple bowl of gyudon will cost you about 350 Yen (bargain!). For a set, you’re looking at between about 500 yen and 750 yen. An awesome deal for a quick and delicious meal for the hungry traveler.
As eating out is a popular weekend treat for families in Japan, there is a special type of restaurant which cater to this demographic – famiresu ファミレス , which stands for “family restaurant.”
With a mix of Japanese and Western style food at low prices, these places are also a great choice for budget travelers as it allows you have a filling meal in a comfortable environment for a relatively cheap cost. They also tend to have cheap alcohol so are good of you need a treat!
There are many different chains of famiresu in Japan, some of which have specialty dishes or styles, but they are all pretty much the same.
Here are some of the big names which you’ll see around: Gusto, Royal Host, Jolly Pasta, Denny’s, Joyful, and my personal favorite, Saizeriya. Meals cost as little as 500 yen, but taste great.
Teishoku restaurants serve meals that follow this basic principle: one main dish, soup, and one side dish. You order whichever main meal you’d like, and it comes with a little plate of pickles, perhaps some tofu or a salad, and a bowl of miso soup.
These vary from place to place, but the combinations are the same. Main meals vary, serving seasonal products throughout the year but also traditional Japanese favorites: udon, katsu don, gyudon, karaage fried chicken, etc.
Some restaurants have a vending machine at the front where you purchase a ticket for your meal. You then hand the ticket to the server once you’ve taken your seat. Food is cheap, ranging from about 500 yen to 1,000 yen for a meal. Teishoku meals give you a taste of popular Japanese foods that can be found all over Japan.
You may not think of visiting a supermarket for food during your trip to Japan, but it’s actually a great place with lots of choices. Supermarkets in Japan, whether they are small or large, have a great selection of ‘prepared food,” and they usually have a microwave where you can heat it up too.
Larger supermarkets will often have a seating area with tables where you can sit and eat. Bento boxes are a popular choice, with rice, meat, vegetables all packaged up neatly together. You can get all sorts of food in the supermarket – tempura, sushi, tendon, udon, salads, sandwiches, onigiri (rice balls), fried rice, Chinese steamed buns…the list goes on and on.
Price wise, a small bento at the supermarket could be 300 yen or less, while bigger bento with lots of different dishes cost around 400 yen to 600 yen.
The best thing about supermarket dining is the price discounts at the end of the day. From the early evening up until closing time, supermarkets reduce the price of their prepared food, making it even cheaper. At about 6:00 pm you can see savings of 10% or 20%, and then by 9:00 pm the reductions are as low as 50% off, or more.
However, by this time it’s slim pickings and the other customers around at that time as just as eager to grab a bargain, so you have to be decisive and time your visit wisely. If you go too early the savings are small, but go too late, and all of the food is gone.
This is a great option if you’re staying somewhere with a fridge. You can buy your meal late at night and then keep it for lunch the next day. If you really want to save money, you could easily get by on spending around 1,000 yen per day on food.
If you aren’t fussy about how you spend your leisure time in Japan, it doesn’t need to drain your bank account to see and do amazing things. There are plenty of attractions which you can see cheaply, or even for free.
Parks and temples are often free to visit, and while some specialist museums can be costly, many others have very cheap admission fees.
Hiking and city walks don’t cost a thing, and attending local festivals are some of the best attractions you can see for free in Japan.
For attractions you need to pay for, you can often get combination tickets or discounts. Some small towns offer a combination ticket to encourage visitors to see more of their attractions. Big cities offer pricier combination tickets where you can get entry to dozens of attractions with just one ticket.
The best place to find out information about free and cheap attractions is at a local tourist center. Many centers have brochures with coupons for discount tickets, and the staff there can advise you on how to make the most of your trip for the cheapest cost.
Free local guides are a popular way to see Japan on the cheap. Often run by volunteers who want to practice their English, taking a free tour can be done in a group or even on a one-to-one basis. Research free guides for the area you’re visiting to see what’s available.
The cost of shopping in Japan varies greatly depending on where you are and what you want to buy, but the best tip I can offer you is to visit a 100 yen store.
These shops sell everything under the sun, including stuff that tourists want to buy (like Japanese fans, hand towels, chopsticks, fake lacquer bowls).
Almost everything in the store costs 100 yen (+ 8% tax) and if things cost more then they are clearly marked.
Popular 100 yen store shops are Daiso, CanDo and Seria.
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What will exactly cost my trip to Japan? Every prospective tourist for the archipelago wondered about the amount necessary to plan a travel in their dream country.
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Home » Topics » Budget Travel » 1 Month Japan Cost – How to travel Japan on a Budget for under $ 1,200
Anyone who has ever been to Japan knows that traveling in Japan is anything but cheap. So often, I have heard from people that they’d love to visit Japan but just don’t think it’s affordable for them to go. Those who book a standard travel tour in an agency easily pay € 2,000 – € 3,000 for two weeks in the country.
I have often heard from traveling friends and acquaintances something along the lines of “ Japan is my absolute dream, but I just can’t afford a trip to Japan “. But how much does a trip to Japan really cost ?
The truth is, traveling to Japan on a Budget is actually not that difficult if you keep a few simple things in mind. In order to show you how easy it is, we want to share our 1 month Japan cost with you in this article. (Yes, we kept a precise account!)
Honestly, we really didn’t miss out on anything during our trip to Japan. We went to restaurants, had a beer in the evening, and admired all kinds of attractions. Here, I want to show you how you can do the same without breaking the bank.
What to find out in this post
Travel cost calculator for japan.
The average traveler in Japan spends about € 130 ($ 138) per day . If you are a backpacker or on a small budget, you usually spend € 60 ($ 64) per day . Those traveling in more luxury will pay around € 320 ($ 340) per day .
We even managed to stay under 40 € ($ 47) per day on our trip. Later in this article, I will tell you step by step how we did it.
Total: 995.22 €/ $ 1.103.37 per Person
Author’s note: Of course, all listed expenses were made in the local currency (yen). The Japan prices are listed in Euros and USD only for better understanding. Any discrepancies are caused by rounding.
All costs are per person.
Our daily japan budget per day per city, japan prices – what costs what.
Ugh. That was a lot of numbers. Now you surely want to know how we managed to spend so little money. Here is a small summary.
In Japan, you pay with the so-called Yen (¥). One Dollar is currently equivalent to about 150 Yen. Depending on where you exchange your money, you will get a similar or worse exchange rate. It is usually advisable to exchange only a small amount at first and to change your money on-site (e.g., at the airport). Be sure to check the exchange rate.
It may be worthwhile to compare the exchange rate locally before deciding on a place to exchange. First of all, only exchange as much money as you actually spend. This way, you will avoid losing too much money by exchanging currencies.
Also, when choosing a credit card, make sure that there are no or very low withdrawal fees when you withdraw money from abroad. You may also be charged exchange fees if you pay with your credit card in a foreign currency. Before you leave, get advice on which credit card is best for your trip.
Transport costs make up about 42 % of our whole costs in Japan. Quite a lot, right? It can be very difficult to keep your transportation costs as low as possible because they are just incredibly expensive in Japan. Here are a few tips on how you can still save a few Bucks transportation costs.
In general, you should expect the average cost of your Japan flight to be around $ 800 for a round-trip flight to Japan from the US and $ 700 from (Central) Europe.
For our flight to Japan, we paid just under € 250 per person (outbound only). Since travel is usually a big part of your travel costs, it is especially important to hope for a good price when booking. Although there is always a little bit of luck involved in finding a good flight, there are also some tricks that can help you save money.
Since I specialized in airline management in my studies, I know a few tricks of the airlines and can always find the best flight. In my low-cost flight guide, I pass on some of the most important tips to you. If you don’t feel like reading the whole guide, here is a short version:
Most travelers in Japan choose the JR Pass to get from A to B in Japan. With this pass, you can use all means of transportation from JR free of charge for the selected days.
Make sure to check beforehand which routes are covered by JR. In Tokyo, in particular, many routes are covered by other companies and therefore have to be paid for additionally. The best is to plan your Japan itinerary ahead of time to see whether the JR pass is worth it or not .
More information on the JR Pass can be found here .
Within big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto, it is worth buying a day or metro pass. Especially if you want to see a lot in a short time and travel a lot by public transport, buying a Metropass usually pays off.
Examples are the Icoca Card (for Osaka and Kyoto) or the Tokyo Metro Pass .
Even if you have a JR Pass, public transportation within the cities is not always included. Especially in Tokyo, many routes are covered by other companies, and therefore you have to pay extra. Here, a Suica-Card is a good idea, with which you can pay for all train companies. Simply load money at the machine in each metro station, and off you go. This saves a lot of time because you don’t have to buy a new ticket every time. You can purchase the Suica card at Tokyo Station.
Buses in Japan are often the cheaper alternative to expensive train rides. Many routes are covered by buses, and the buses are mostly of very good quality. Almost all buses have a toilet on board, and there are stops at service stations every 2 hours.
In addition to the JR Pass for trains, foreigners can also buy a Willer Bus Pass before arriving. The principle is similar. You can choose a certain number of days on which you can use the Willer buses. Here the days are calculated based on the trips you take. That means days do not have to be contiguous.
Although we first decided on the Willer Bus Pass, we canceled it on-site because we had to cancel a planned day tour due to the bad weather and found that a route we wanted to take was not covered by our pass. Therefore, it was ultimately cheaper for us to book our buses separately. But it all depends on your chosen route.
Another option to save real money is hitchhiking. Japan is considered one of the safest countries in the world, and the people of Japan are incredibly friendly. If you have enough time, you should definitely try it.
We hitchhiked almost 400 km during our trip to Japan, and it was a great experience. If we had had more time, we would definitely have hitchhiked further distances.
It actually sounds quite obvious, doesn’t it? The more you walk by yourself, the fewer transport costs you have to pay. You can save a lot of money, especially in cities. During our time in Tokyo and Osaka, we walked around 20 km every day. If the next destination is only 3 metro stations away, it can be very worthwhile to simply choose to walk.
First of all, eating in Japan is not nearly as expensive as many blogs say. We were pleasantly surprised, as we had set our budget for around € 5 per meal per person. There are many ways to save a lot of money on food while traveling in Japan.
It’s hard to walk around Japan’s cities without passing by a 7/11 and Co. (and this can be taken literally). Many affordable dishes are offered here.
For breakfast, there are different types of pastries and sandwiches. You can even find fruit (Unfortunately, fruit in Japan seems to be priceless. Only bananas fit in our budget. and watermelons for € 20 apiece are not uncommon)
For lunch and dinner, you can find all kinds of dishes here. Simply slide it into the microwave when paying, and you’re done. – Backpacker Heaven.
If you’ve had enough of convenience stores and microwaves, you can also eat at one of the many affordable restaurant chains. You can usually find the prices displayed outside. Many restaurants display plastic dishes in the shop windows so that you know what you are ordering. But many also have English menu cards.
You can find dishes starting at about $ 6/5 €. There are usually a lot of people in suits looking for a quick lunch during their lunch break. The quality and freshness of the dishes differ from restaurant to restaurant but generally correspond to our Western standards.
I love fruits and fresh vegetables. However, I recommend you give them a wide berth in Japan. Except for a banana or an occasional apple, we did not dare to eat the fruit in Japan. Unfortunately, the prejudice that fruit is hardly affordable in Japan is true. Watermelons for 20 € are not uncommon here. And other fruits and vegetables can also tear a big hole in your budget.
If you have booked accommodation with access to a kitchen, it may be worth making use of it. Don’t worry, you don’t have to miss out on the delicious Japanese food . But if you already replace just one meal in a restaurant with a homemade meal, you can really save money.
Of course, you can use local ingredients and be inspired by the selection of Japanese supermarkets. If you choose Couchsurfing as we did, your host will be happy to have a delicious meal cooked by you.
Staying hydrated while traveling is important. Saving money for water in Japan is very easy, though. The magic word is tap water. The tap water throughout the country is very clean and has drinking water quality. So just fill up the bottle before leaving the house, and you’re done. Since drinking water in Japan is not exactly cheap, tap water is a real alternative that saves you a lot of money.
Saving money is probably the most difficult thing when it comes to admission costs. Many attractions offer student or group discounts. In the Edo Museum, we even received a couple-discount. Otherwise, you can only check blogs you trust (maybe this one? *blink blink*) to see if the attraction is really worth the entrance fee. (Because a few times it was clearly not). Another option is to check the attractions you might want to see on Tripadvisor and see what other travelers are saying.
There is another way to save on entrance fees and activities in some places in Japan: tourist passes. With the purchase of such a tourist pass, you get free access to the attractions included in the pass. This way, you can save a lot of money compared to buying individual tickets.
Such passes are, therefore, especially worthwhile in places where you want to see several sights, such as the Osaka Amazing Pass .
Booking in advance.
We Germans are known for planning everything in advance and being super organized. My way of traveling is usually completely different. I like to travel spontaneously and decide on the spot where to go, where to sleep, and how long I stay.
In Japan, it was a bit different. Already two months before departure, we set up a (worst case) budget (approx. 1,200 €) and collected information about all the places we wanted to visit during our trip to Japan. We compared prices for various types of transport, accommodation, and activities and summarized everything in an Excel table.
Before we started, we had a detailed plan with all our routes, accommodations, and prices. So we weren’t as flexible anymore, but we were able to save a lot of money. And somehow, it is nice to travel and to know exactly what to expect in the next place.
We almost exclusively use Booking.com to book accommodation. It is super easy to use, and thanks to the many reviews, you usually know what to expect. You can find accommodation for all types of Budgets.
Check accommodation in Japan on Booking.com
It doesn’t always have to be such “extreme” possibilities as Couchsurfing (see next point). In Japan, you can save money by choosing a classic dormitory in a hostel instead of a private (single) room. Since you share your room with other travelers, you usually pay only a fraction of what you would pay for a private room.
Such a bed in a dormitory also gives you the great opportunity to get in touch with other travelers from all over the world. Especially for solo travelers, this is usually a great advantage.
Another option – and a real experience in Japan – is the so-called capsule hotels. Maybe you’ve seen such a capsule on TV or social media. As the name suggests, instead of renting a whole room, you rent a small capsule to sleep in. The concept is similar to that of a dorm room. However, the capsule usually offers you a bit more privacy than a conventional single bed. This is because you are shielded from the other guests by walls.
It’s time to Couchsurf. Couchsurfing is not quite as popular here as it is at home in Europe. But you can find Couchsurfers in many cities. Whereas in Europe, there are more younger people using the platform, in Japan, there are also older Couchsurfers or even whole families.
We had a little bit of everything. We slept in student apartments on the floor or with families in our own room, lived for four days in the unique Couchsurfing house in Kyoto (an entire house just for Couchsurfers – such a fun experience), and even had an entire flat for us in Hiroshima.
So if you look at the average price of our accommodations per night and consider that we spent 21 nights with Couchsurfers and friends, you can calculate that we might have saved about € 706.02 for accommodations.
But please don’t see Couchsurfing just as a way of saving money. Every day, I get requests from people who are only just looking for free accommodation and don’t even take the time to read my profile.
Couchsurfing offers much more than the opportunity to meet new people from other cultures, exchange ideas with them, and learn from them. Couchsurfing gave us the opportunity to get a much deeper insight into Japanese culture and to get to know different areas. (Student life, family life, life as an expat living in Japan, etc.) It was an incredible experience that you cannot book in any travel agency. And I can only recommend this to everyone.
Update: Unfortunately, Couchsurfing in the post-pandemic world is not as easy to use as it used to be. In the meantime, the site has evolved into a platform that you have to pay to use. Accordingly, there are far fewer people Couchsurfing. It may still be worthwhile to see if there are still interested hosts in Japan.
Alcohol in Japan is much more expensive than we know in Europe. So if you want to go out for a drink, expect to spend a little more.
It becomes cheaper if you buy a bottle of sake or beer in the supermarket and have a drink with your hosts or in the park. But if you follow all the tips and tricks to save money during your trip to Japan, you can treat yourself to a drink or two with a clear conscience. 😉 (Sake and Japanese plum wine (mixed with mineral water) should definitely be tried)
Anyone who is traveling naturally wants to stay mobile. But it is already clear at the airport that a SIM card and mobile internet are not for free. Of course, it is practically always available, no matter where you are. But is it really necessary to buy a sim card in Japan?
Our tip: In our experience, a Japanese SIM card is not necessary. Almost every convenience store offers free wifi for up to two hours a day. You can also find wifi in most accommodations, in many metro stations, and in enough restaurants and cafes. So there is always a way to google something, check WhatsApp or similar in about five minutes. The easiest way to connect to free wifi is the Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi app .
If you want to have a GPS map to get your bearings, just try maps.me. This app works similarly to Google Maps but is completely offline. Super practical. And on this trip, this app saved us several times from getting lost.
We didn’t buy a SIM card and didn’t miss it. But if you don’t want to rely on public wifi, I recommend using pocket wifi during your trip to Japan (e.g., this one ).
Your travel time
Like most tourist places, there is a high and low season in Japan. If you travel in the high season, you have to expect higher prices. Especially during the cherry blossom season ( Sakura ) in spring, you will pay a lot more for accommodation and activities than in other seasons.
The same is true for a visit during the Christmas season as well as the ski holiday season. Since it gets very hot in Japan in the summer, surprisingly, the months of July and August are considered more affordable.
If you really want to save money, you should plan a good bit before your trip. Accommodations and flights are usually cheaper if you book them in advance. The Japan Rail Pass is also cheaper if you book it before you arrive in the country.
In addition, you have more time in advance to compare the prices of different providers and generally the different offers in the country.
Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.
Oh this is super useful! Japan is a definite bucket list destination for me and if I can do it on a budget, even better!
Japan is just wonderful. The people are so kind there. I’m sure you will love it.
I love these kind of posts!! Budget travel is something I need to work on and this post was so helpful thanks!! 🙂 Saving it for when I go to Japan!
I’m always happy if I can help people saving money for traveling 🙂
I am dreaming about Japan butt pff way too much expensive!! It worths the effort though ?
It doesn’t have to be that expensive as you can see 😉
I’ve always wanted to visit Japan but have always been put off by the cost – this had been really helpful in opening my eyes, it certainly looks achievable with a bit of planning! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I hope you can go. It’s such an amazing country
I love your post, I love how you have broken the expenses down, by destination as well. Really helpful for a budget traveller like me. My theory is the more you budget the longer you can travel. Thanks for sharing
I totally agree. If I wasn’t on a tight budget all the time I would be back home already. 🙂
This is so funny that I’m reading this because I just told someone yesterday that I don’t want to visit Japan because it’s too expensive ?. These are awesome tips and I’m definitely saving this post for if/when I go. So good to know about the buses because I know trains are insanely expensive there! Thanks for all of the info!
Awesome post… Definitely helpful.
I’m looking to spend 4 days in Akihabara Tokyo this year, And I was wandering if it’s possible for me to go for $1200 counting the flight?? $1500 is the max that I can spend.
I live in Houston Texas USA
I just checked and yes, it is totally possible to go for $1200. For example, if you’d go from the 16th April to the 20th April, there are flights for $722 round trip from Houston to Tokyo. To find it, just scroll up to the section on this posts and click on the Momondo-Link under the Text. (or I guess this link will work as well: http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=309328&mid=7198&awinaffid=450159&linkid=627845&clickref= ) The average spendings from us per day (with breakfast at 7-11, and cheap lunch & dinner) are $33,64 per day, which is $134,56 for 4 days. The accommodation, in general, is $40,06 per night (thus $160,42 for 4 days), but you might be able to find something even cheaper or maybe a little more expensive here: http://www.booking.com/searchresults.en.html?district=2040&aid=1341044&no_rooms=1&group_adults=1
In Total that would be $1016,08.
So, you even have some money left for different things to do or souvenirs. 😉 I hope this helps you! Please let me know!
Hey Vicki! Did you apply for Couchsurfing in advance also? Im travelling Japan for 1 month, 20 days on Okinawa and 10 days from kagoshima -> Tokyo. We booked all of our stay in Okinawa, and Tokyo, but nothing else.. Love your post, It’s very helpfull! Best regards, Sofie
thank you so much for your comment! Yes, we applied around 1 month beforehand, because Japanese are usually pretty organized and like to know whether someone is coming in advance. 🙂 We didn’t have time to see Okinawa during our stay in Japan, but I’ve heard it’s super beautiful. Enjoy!
Hi! Thank you for this post, it was very useful, we are now in Cambodia and then in a few weeks going to Japan so I’m a bit afraid of the expenses since here is so cheap! My name is also Vicky, my husband is german and we meet also through couchsurfing in Barcelona six years ago haha what are the odds?!? 🙂
That’s truly crazy how much we have in common! Would love to meet you guys one day 😀 We did it exactly the other way around. We went to Japan first and afterwards to Cambodia, so we didn’t get used to cheap prices before going to Japan haha
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Japan is widely known as the most expensive destination in Asia. I’m not going to contest that fact, but I am going to show you how to save LOTS of money on your next trip. Because Japan is one of those places that everyone wants to visit. A bucketlist destination if you will. While it wasn’t cheap, it was also not nearly as expensive as we had originally thought. And with these tips for visiting Japan on a budget, it can even be a rather affordable destination open to exploration by all kinds of travelers.
This list isn’t going to include any Workaway or long-term travel tips for those staying months in the country. Instead, it’s going to focus on actionable easy budget-saving tips that people on a short trip can use to save bigtime in Japan.
Transportation is by far the most expensive cost for travelers in Japan. We’re gonna start with ways that you can save while hopping from destination to destination in the country.
I actually wrote an entire post detailing my decision NOT to buy the Japan Rail Pass for $370 per person. The low-down is that we saved about $100 each by purchasing bullet train tickets on our own. We didn’t have to do an immense amount of research either. We just turned up and bought tickets.
Check out my full post to see everywhere we went so you can compare your itinerary and make sure that buying the Japan Rail Pass isn’t right for you.
When you’re purchasing your Shinkansen (Bullet Train) tickets be sure to specify that you want unreserved seats. This means you’ll be sitting somewhere in cars 1-6 and left to choose your own spot. These are much cheaper. If you’re traveling as a duo you’ll most likely still be able to find seats next to one another.
Buses are cheaper than trains & astronomically cheaper than bullet trains. If time isn’t a constraint for you (or if you can plan for these travel days) choose at least a few buses to save hundreds of dollars.
I probably don’t need to tell you that Japan has impressively clean, well-connected metro and train lines in each major city so you’ll never need to use a taxi. You can reach every single destination by metro, bus, or walking. I promise. In slightly smaller cities biking is a great way to get around and is very popular among Japanese people.
Keep in mind that most metro stations (and all buses) require cash to purchase tickets.
Everyone told us you need a SIM card to travel in Japan. But honestly, we found Japan super easy to travel without one. There’s free wifi everywhere (buses, trains, some towns) and maps.me has accurate metro info for offline use. All kiosks for restaurants and metro use had English language options and for the few menus that didn’t— use can download Google translate offline.
Budget-friendly places fill up first. Unfortunately, Japan is one of those countries where planning ahead is going to save you lots of money. Our guesthouses and hostels were all booked on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com for anywhere from $7.50-$23 per person. Hakone and the areas around Mt Fuji are the most expensive regions while Osaka had a $15 private room (not a great one but hey, what can you expect).
You’ll probably need to book at least a month ahead for the high season.
Tokyo is huge. Sprawling. But luckily there are lots of interconnected metros including one circular JR line that rings the best part of the city. We stayed in Nippori. This is in the far northeastern part of the city. Most of the places we wanted to see were located in the West and Southwest. This meant lots of metro trips, most 40 minutes or more.
If you plan to stay less than 4-5 days in Tokyo, instead of simply choosing the cheapest place to stay, look for a conveniently located neighborhood. Otherwise, you’ll spend a lot of time and money on the metro.
Consider the 24-hour Tokyo Pass (cost: 800 yen) on days you’ll do LOTS of sightseeing in various neighborhoods. You can purchase it at all the major metro stations.
Obviously, you have to do something on a weekend. Make sure it’s Tokyo, Osaka, or another major city. Tourist cities like Hiroshima, Kyoto, Magome, Hakone, and more are absolutely flooded with local tourists. I mean A LOT of tourists. It’s kind of insane. You’ll have to wait in incredible lines. Plan accordingly.
To keep Kyoto budget-friendly you can’t see everything. Many Buddhist temples in the city charge an $8-$15 entrance fee. This is probably to combat overtourism in an area that sees an incredible amount of visitors. We found that the free shrines were often the best because they saw fewer people and it wasn’t just massive crowds jostling for a photo op. Shoren-in Temple even has a tea ceremony that’s authentic for half the price of typical touristy tea ceremonies. I wrote about how to attend it here.
I recommend making a list of a few attractions and sticking to those rather than trying to see everything. These are our favorite things in Kyoto.
If you’re looking to splurge on food in Kyoto, and it’s got some excellent options, definitely pay Teppan Tavern and La Bac a Sable a visit. Teppan Tavern serves Wagyu A5, traditional Kyoto bites, and homemade Umeshu (plum wine) that’s better than anywhere else for dinner. Seriously, this is the highlight of Japanese hospitality and it won’t break the bank. We spent $40 on a full meal with a few drinks. The French bakery is the perfect lunch pick-me-up.
These are convenience stores scattered all over Japan. They have the cheapest beer and chu-hi, the cheapest coffee, and a wide array of Japanese snacks and desserts. But the best part is the bento boxes and hot food. You might be put off by the sushi, pizza or curry stuffed bao, habanero chicken strips, and tonkatsu meals but they are actually excellent and good quality! It’s a very popular stop for commuting Japanese residents. Keep in mind that hot food is usually restocked just before popular meal times.
In my professional opinion, the best food goes to Family Mart— but the best coffee goes to Lawsons.
Most restaurants don’t open until 10-11 AM and few hostels offer breakfast which leaves you out of luck. But these stores are a great cheap option for breakfast. Or late night meal. Or lunch.
These places are the best. And they happen to be the most budget-friendly restaurants for great traditional Japanese sushi. You can typically get 10 plates between $8-15 depending on the items you select. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with sushi menus and sample new things too without having to commit to a whole set.
Unlike South Korea , a country we visited just before Japan, it’s very easy to order one dish and share. In Korea, you often pay by the person for popular meals like Korean BBQ. A major pain in the wallet for budget travelers looking to sample a lot of different items. Japan, fortunately, does not follow this rule and it’s quite easy to share several small plates for cheap.
I wrote an entire post detailing everything you need to know about hiking from Magome to Tsumago. I highly recommend this trip but since all restaurants close by 5 PM and I found most to be overpriced in the area— be sure to buy your own food from a Family Mart before you head to the mountains. Don’t forget trail snacks!
Skip the beer and instead opt for Japanese Whisky highballs, Plum Wine, Shochu, and sake for cheaper drinking options.
If you are looking for Tokyo drinking hot spots and nightlife, Omoide Yokocho is cheaper and more authentic than the late-night Golden Gai district. In Golden Gai, the drinks aren’t as strong and you’ll often have to pay a cover to even sit at the bar. It was still worth wandering through the alleys of each but I much preferred Omoide for dinner and a night of drinking.
Let’s look at a quick budget breakdown of what we spent while visiting the country. Keep in mind, we only took trains and bullet trains because we had a short amount of time. We also didn’t know many of the above tips beforehand and would have booked our Magome accommodation much further in advance. So basically, I think you could save hundreds by following our tips above.
How much we spent in total for 19 days for two people: $2,687.55
How much we spent per day per person: $70.72 per day per person!!!
I hope this information helps you feel more confident to visit Japan on a budget and save lots of money while you do so! This was our most expensive trip BY FAR and with these tips, we could have easily cut costs by hundreds of dollars. Let me know in the comments if you think you have any Japan budget travel tips to add to my list.
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Beyond_the_bucketlist.
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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The japan vacation budget calculator.
I love researching the best places to go when I go on holiday, especially when it’s in Japan. I love planning, and I love knowing I’ve got the money to do it all. But I can absolutely see that for some people, calculating all of the potential costs associated with a vacation to Japan seems like their worst nightmare.
Well, now you don’t have to! I’ve built a Japan vacation budget calculator to do all the hard work for you. Either compare your holiday’s actual spending to your initial budget or plan everything out beforehand and find out how much money you’ll have left to spend on fun things!
Halfway down this page, you’ll find that calculator and I hope it’ll change the way you plan your trips to Japan!
Table of Contents
Before you use the Japan trip cost calculator, let’s run through a few reasons why you actually need a budget in Japan (Even if that yen is burning a hole in your pocket!) and why I made it in the first place.
If you’re dreaming of savoring sushi in Tokyo, meditating in serene temples, or getting lost in the vibrant streets of Kyoto, then Japan is calling your name. As a seasoned adventurer and as someone who lives here, I can vouch for the incredible experiences that await you in the Land of the Rising Sun .
However, there’s one essential tool that’ll make your Japan trip even more unforgettable and stress-free: a budget! Actually sitting down and making a budget sounds a bit boring to me, so instead I made something that does it all for you!
Here are just a few reasons why having a budget will make your trip to Japan just that little bit better.
Let’s face it – Japan isn’t the cheapest destination on the map. While it offers an array of experiences that are worth every penny, you want to make sure your hard-earned money goes where it matters most – creating memories, not going down the drain.
By having a budget, you’re putting yourself in the driver’s seat of your spending. You’ll know exactly how much you can allocate to flights, accommodations, food, activities, and shopping. This way, you can focus on the things you’re truly passionate about, whether it’s riding Japan’s last sleeper train or skiing on Mount Fuji , without worrying about overspending.
So you’ve had this incredible time in Japan and have all these fantastic memories, and then you return from your magical Japan adventure, only to be greeted by an alarming credit card bill. Ouch!
That’s the last thing you want after having such an awesome trip.
Budgeting in advance helps you avoid those post-trip regrets and the unpleasant surprise of a depleted bank account. By planning your expenses, you’ll have a clear idea of your financial boundaries throughout the trip, ensuring you don’t overspend and end up with a mountain of debt when you return home.
Here’s a little secret – budgets aren’t about killing spontaneity; they’re about empowering it! Once you’ve used the Japan trip cost calculator and you know how much you can spend on various aspects of your vacation, you can embrace your adventurous spirit fully (and buy all the Pokemon cards in Tokyo that you want ;)).
Imagine being able to say “yes” to that thrilling helicopter ride over Hiroshima or indulging in a Michelin-starred dining experience without guilt. With a budget as your trusty guide, you’ll feel liberated to explore Japan in all its glory, knowing you’ve got your finances under control.
One of the most incredible aspects of traveling is uncovering hidden gems and immersing yourself in local culture. Japan has this in bucketloads!
The beauty of budgeting is that it encourages you to seek out these authentic experiences that often cost little to no money at all.
From strolling through quaint alleyways to stumbling upon a traditional festival, Japan has a plethora of magical moments waiting for you. The latter of which has happened to me in Kyoto before!
A budget helps you prioritize these local adventures, making your trip more meaningful and unforgettable.
Last but not least, budgeting isn’t just a travel skill; it’s a life skill that you’ll carry with you long after your Japan journey. Maybe it’s not entirely relevant to your trip, but learning how to manage your money effectively, set financial goals, and stay accountable are invaluable habits for your future endeavors, whether they involve travel or not.
With a budget in hand, we’ll make the most of every yen, embrace our adventurous spirits, and craft memories that’ll last a lifetime.
How can you set a budget for Japan as easily as possible? By using the Japan trip cost calculator underneath!
So! It’s time to get to the fun part, the Japan Travel Cost Calculator – your ultimate tool for planning an unforgettable trip to Japan!
Follow these simple steps to gain valuable insights into your travel expenses. And no need to worry if you’ve already been, you can use it as a retrospective calculator to see how your initial budget matches your actual spend.
If you haven’t been yet, it’s a great way to get your head around some of the finances. A lot goes into planning a holiday, especially somewhere like Japan.
It’s all too easy to spend way more than you thought!
This calculator will show you how close you stuck (or will stick) to your initial budget, and let you know the actual cost of your holiday to Japan vs your original budget.
Let’s talk a little bit about those insights and how to understand what they mean.
Upon entering your travel expenses and clicking the “Calculate” button, the Japan trip cost calculator instantly provides you with a comprehensive overview of your estimated total trip cost. The magic happens as the calculator considers essential elements like flight expenses, hotel costs, daily transportation, food, travel insurance, and miscellaneous expenses.
The total trip cost is displayed in your selected currency, such as USD, GBP, or EUR, and simultaneously converted to the Japanese Yen (JPY) for your convenience. This yen conversion allows you to have a clear understanding of the local currency, enabling seamless financial planning while in Japan.
In the case where the total cost exceeds your initial budget, the calculator promptly notifies you, prompting an opportunity for reevaluation and adjustments to align your expenses with your planned budget effectively.
Conversely, if the total cost falls within your budget, you’ll be reassured that your financial planning is on point. This reassurance provides peace of mind and empowers you to embark on your Japan vacation confidently.
The Japan Vacation Budget Calculator goes beyond presenting the total trip cost. It provides a detailed cost breakdown, categorizing expenses to unveil a more comprehensive view of your budget. The breakdown includes individual expenses for flights, hotel accommodation, daily transportation, food, travel insurance, and miscellaneous costs.
For each category, the expenses are presented both in your chosen currency and its equivalent in Japanese Yen (JPY). This dual presentation ensures that you have a crystal-clear understanding of how your expenses translate into the local currency, making your financial decisions in Japan hassle-free.
The cost breakdown also reveals the cost per person, which allows you to analyze expenses on a per-traveler basis. This insight is incredibly beneficial for group trips, ensuring transparency and equal distribution of costs among all travelers.
One of the most exciting aspects of using the Japan Vacation Budget Calculator is discovering how much budget you have left after considering all your expenses. If the calculator determines that you have a remaining budget, it will provide this information in your chosen currency, as well as its corresponding value in Japanese Yen (JPY).
Having a budget left over allows you the flexibility to explore additional activities and indulge in unique experiences during your trip. This extra budget, expressed in daily amounts and per person, provides a practical guideline for your daily spending while ensuring you have a safety net for unexpected opportunities or expenses.
With this knowledge, you can confidently immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture, savor local delicacies, and engage in memorable adventures, knowing that you have budgeted wisely for an unforgettable experience.
Anyway, that’s enough talking from me. It’s time to have a go for yourself!
Japan vacation budget calculator.
Has the calculator shown you a bigger number than you first thought? No problem, here are 5 ways to save money on your trip to Japan
Traveling to Japan doesn’t have to be a drain on your bank account, even if it can sometimes feel like it might be. With a little savvy planning and some insider tips, you can experience the best of this fascinating country without breaking the bank.
Here are five practical ways to save money on your Japan trip:
1. Scoring Cheaper Flights
Let’s start with the big expense – flights. Booking early is your ticket to snagging those sweet deals.
Keep an eye on airlines’ sales and sign up with Going to catch the best prices (literally like 90% off your flights…). Also, consider being flexible with your travel dates – flying mid-week or during shoulder seasons often comes with lower fares.
Another nifty trick is to check nearby airports and alternative routes. Sometimes, flying to a different city in Japan and taking a domestic flight can save you a bundle. Not always the case, and not always ideal, but it can sometimes work out well.
2. Making Extra Income Along the Way
Now, this might sound a bit unconventional, but hear me out – you can actually make some extra yen while traveling in Japan! How? Well, put your skills to good use! If you’re a talented photographer, consider offering photography services to fellow travelers. Love writing? Start a travel blog and share your Japan adventures.
I’ve written a massive article about how to earn money in Japan , and while the majority of those suggestions are for people considering living in Japan, it could absolutely work for you as well
Alternatively, and depending on your visa, you can teach English online during your downtime or offer language exchange sessions with locals. This gives you a chance to earn a little extra income and enriches your travel experience by connecting with people on a deeper level.
3. Traveling Off-Peak
Want to experience the beauty of Japan without the crowds and the hefty price tags? Travel during the off-peak seasons. Spring and autumn are popular, but consider visiting during the shoulder months when the weather is still lovely, and prices are more budget-friendly.
Not only will you save on flights to Japan and accommodations, but you’ll also enjoy a more authentic experience, mingling with locals rather than fellow tourists. Plus, attractions and activities are less crowded, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in Japan’s culture and beauty.
4. Embracing Free Things
Ah, the beauty of freebies – they’re the traveler’s best friend! Japan offers a wealth of free or low-cost activities that are as enriching as they are enjoyable.
Explore the serene gardens, parks, and temples scattered throughout the country – many of them are open to the public at no charge. Enjoy the city lights by taking a leisurely stroll through bustling neighborhoods.
Don’t forget to research free events, festivals, and cultural activities happening during your visit – they’re fantastic opportunities to experience Japan’s traditions without spending a yen.
5. Eating Smart and Savvy
Let’s talk about everyone’s favorite topic – food! Japanese cuisine is undeniably delicious, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. While treating yourself to something special during your trip is a must, balance it out with more budget-friendly options as well.
Seek out local eateries, “izakayas” (Japanese pubs), and “tachinomiya” (standing bars) are perfect for affordable and tasty meals. Convenience stores are your best friend for quick and cheap bites, and they’re also so damn delicious!
Additionally, some restaurants offer lunchtime specials or “set meals” that give you great value for your money.
Congratulations! You have now mastered the art of budgeting for your dream vacation to Japan with the help of our Japanese Travel Budget Calculator. Armed with valuable insights into your trip costs, including the yen conversion, you can confidently plan your itinerary, book accommodations, and explore the wonders of Japan without worrying about exceeding your budget.
So, you’ve sorted out the budget, but you’re still a little sure about where to go? Take this Japan travel quiz I’ve made specifically for you. It’ll tell you where your next great adventure lies in Japan!
My Top Japan Travel Resources:
What’s the best way to get cheap flights to Japan?
Going is BY FAR the best way to secure dirt-cheap flights to Japan. We’re talking as much as 90% off!
Should I live in Japan?
Maybe – I’ve made this quiz specifically for you! Who knows, perhaps you’re closer to those bowls of ramen than you think 😉
Where should I visit next in Japan?
It depends – To help you figure it out, I’ve made this quiz just for you!
Can I get online in Japan?
You can! – The eSIM is the one I’d recommend using, plus it’s perfect if you’re planning to travel somewhere else afterward.
Can you help me plan my trip to Japan?
Yes – I’ve got a Japan bucket list just for you! Simply download the PDF, print it out, and tick off some of the things you’d like to see, do, and eat.
Can I get money out in Japan without getting charged?
Yep – The Zero-fee card I use to get money in Japan hasn’t steered me wrong yet. Highly recommended to any traveler!
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Jonny is the founder of A Day of Zen and has an unhealthy obsession with Japan. In 2022 he moved to Japan on a mission to give his audience the best possible information. He's helped over 300,000 plan their trip so far, and is eager to make that number much bigger!
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Shibuya, Japon
© Jezael Melgoza / Unsplash
Japan has long been one of the expensive destinations, departing from the old continent. Geographical remoteness and the lack of competition in the airline industry had a lot to do with it. Today, Japan is more open to tourism than it was before, and traveling to Japan is becoming much more affordable, provided you modulate your choices according to your travel budget and priorities!
Let's see together what the budget for a trip to Japan can be.
Photo by Tango Tsuttie on Unsplash
Increasingly attractive rates.
The price of a France - Japan flight varies greatly depending on whether you opt for a direct flight or a flight with a stopover. Before booking your plane ticket to Japan, some useful points of reference:
Price of a direct flight France - Japan: Allow 11 to 12 hours of direct flight, with one or two meals on board. The average price of a direct flight is 1000 EUR / pers. in the regular season.
Price of a flight with stopover France - Japan : Count from 14 to 18 hours of flight with transit and waiting time in the main airport of the airline. The average price of a flight with a stopover is around 800 EUR / pers. in the regular season.
Photo de Lucas Calloch sur Unsplash
For all tastes and all budgets.
The range of options for accommodation in Japan is important, and allows you to find the type of accommodation best suited to your budget:
This is the formula offering the best value for money, especially if you are traveling as a family to Japan. Renting a house in Japan allows you to be independent and to live in the Japanese way during a trip.
Standard class, business class, luxury hotels... the hotel offer is very important in Tokyo and Osaka, but falls drastically in the provinces. Looking for a hotel in Japan costs an average of ¥8,000 for a standard hotel room, ¥15,000-30,000 for superior hotels, and ¥60,000 and more for luxury addresses.
The traditional Japanese inns, with tatami, futon and onsen bath are one of the essentials of a trip to Japan. Count on average 20,000 - 30,000 ¥ / pers. with meals and breakfast included.
Home cooking and direct contact with the locals, the minshuku are the equivalent of our guest rooms. The average price per person is ¥6,500-8,500, for half board and home cooking.
Japanese youth hostels offer different types of sleeping accommodation: dormitories with bunk beds, Japanese rooms with tatami, private rooms... For an average price of ¥3,500 per night, this is the preferred solution for young people and children. budgets!
For fans of exotic experiences, a night in a capsule hotel gives you a taste of the daily life of a Japanese salary-man. Spa, massage, gym, video games... Many additional services are also available on site. From ¥2,000/night.
Read also :
Rent a house in tokyo.
Experience an authentic stay in the city and rent a house in Tokyo. Our comfortable accommodations in Tokyo are all centrally located in the Ikebukuro district, close to Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower.
Rent a house in Kyoto and experience the city, by living like a local. We have many houses and apartments in Kyoto in great locations throughout the city.
Discover the wonders of Ishikawa Prefecture and rent a house in Kanazawa. Our traditional and cozy accommodations in Kanazawa are located in different areas of the city, which are steeped in tradition.
Our rental homes in Takayama offer an ideal home base in the Japanese Alps . These Takayama accommodations allow you to explore the city and Gifu Prefecture in peace.
Photo de bantersnaps sur Unsplash
Eat well and inexpensively.
Contrary to popular belief, the price of a meal in Japan is often half that of a similar meal in a major European city. In fact, eating at low prices in Japan is a reality that allows you to adjust your budget as well as possible:
Many fast food chains allow food for the equivalent of ¥300-500. The Sukiya, Yoshinoya and Matsuya chains offer you to taste Japanese curry, gyûdon (preparation made from rice and beef), katsudon (hot rice with a slice of breaded pork) with a miso soup! Another option is kaiten-zushi, plates of sushi served on a conveyor belt that start at ¥100.
For heartier meals, restaurants of the teishoku (meal tray) type allow you to taste Japanese home cooking for a price between 500 and 1,000 ¥. These restaurants are easily identifiable by their storefronts displaying meal trays with resin food. Ootoya and Yayoi are two emblematic chains.
A sort of Japanese-style brasserie, the izakaya are a great place to observe the Japanese in their daily lives. Ideal for tasting the variety of Japanese cuisine, but be careful, the quantities are small and the note quickly becomes salty. Count on average 3,000 - 5,000 ¥ / pers. Many izakayas now have English menus, like the iconic Izakaya Gompachi in Roppongi , Tokyo.
Travel far and explore japan.
If you want to explore Japan far and wide, you will have to think about your transport budget.
To travel between major Japanese cities, the easiest and fastest way is to take the Shinkansen, the Japanese high-speed train. If the price of a single ticket is quite expensive (about ¥14,000 or €117 for the trip from Tokyo to Kyoto), the most economical solution if you plan to take the train several times during your stay is to buy a Japan Rail Pass which allows you to take unlimited JR rail lines for 7 (approximately €246), 14 (approximately €393) and 21 days (approximately €503).
The major Japanese cities are all equipped with a very efficient public transport network (bus or metro) which will allow you to visit the city up and down with ease. Beware though, prices are slightly higher than in France and different private rail companies will have different prices.
The ideal solution if you want to travel all over Japan in freedom and go to more remote places is to rent a car. For example, it is possible to rent a 5-passenger car from €42 per day or an 8-passenger minivan for €91 per day.
Discover all rail passes in japan.
Best quality/price ratio for unlimited travel and, the Japan Rail Pass is the ideal travel solution, and the best way to discover Japan by train!
The Suica Card and Pasmo Card are a pre-paid top up card that allows you to use most public transport (metro, trains and buses) in Japan.
Make your journeys between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and their respective airports easier by choosing our airport transfer services!
Group tours in japan.
Our tours have been created in response to a high level of demand for a tour which gives a unique view and interaction with Japan.
Enjoy tours created by our specialists in Japan. We organize your logistics: accomodation, airport transfers, Japan Rail Pass and Pasmo card.
Are you considering visiting Japan, but you're not sure where to begin? If touring with a group isn't your style or you can't find what you're looking for on our catalog of self-guided tours, designing a custom tour might be the perfect option for you.
A trip that's entirely flexible and unique: multiple types of transportation options (trains, cars, boats...), different accommodation options, original activities, personalized itineraries... Organize your dream trip with our experts! Booking a tailor-made tour allows you to travel with 4 key advantages:
100% Customized
With our tailor-made tours, you are the architect of your itineraries in Japan.
Plan your trip with our local experts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for Japan.
Unique Lodging
We have a privileged network of local partners working with our onsite team.
This means we can offer you a diverse and unique choice of accommodations.
Amazing Activities
This vast network of partners also offers you a wide choice of activities.
Don't just see Japan, experience its deeply interesting culture, arts & folklore with activities!
Best Transportation
By train, by car, by boat... With our tailor-made tours, we'll get you the best transportation options.
You'll get to experience Japan travel through all means of transportation, and get everywhere you need!
Japan Experience has been organizing top-notch trips to Japan for more than 40 years .
All of our travel planners have either lived in Japan or visited it more than once, and have extensive knowledge of Japan , making sure that you visit and experience the best that Japan has to offer.
Regardless of your interests, our travel planners are local experts who know all the best places to dine, stay, and explore, including both well-known attractions and undiscovered hidden gems . We'll customize your trip to Japan to fit your individual interests and needs, and we'll make sure you have the most amazing experiences.
Our promise is to provide extraordinary experiences for all our customers. Find more about our travel planners by clicking here .
Build your customized itinerary
Our Travel Planners are here to craft the trip of your dreams with you. They'll be able to use their invaluable Japan experience to help you make your dream itinerary realistic.
Because they have already traveled Japan through and through, they'll be able to optimize your itinerary and materialize your ideas into an actually feasible and interesting route.
Give you local insight into Japan
Just as they'll be able to craft your tour's itinerary thanks to their extensive knowledge, our Travel Planners will give you their best tips & tricks.
Thanks to real-life experience, you'll skip the unnecessary sights and be given hidden gems recommendations. Secret spots to eat, to visit or even just to see the sunset... Follow the guide!
Craft a travel guidebook for you
Along with your tailor-made tour, you will receive a personalized digital travel guidebook (that can be printed, of course). In it, you'll find everything you need for your trip.
Carefully created by our team, this travel guidebook will also be a valuable asset to help you: see it as a condensed version of all our Japan knowledge!
Here at Japan Experience, our tours are imagined, built, crafted and carried out by the same team. A team that's been driven by the same passion: turning your dream trip to Japan into a reality. This makes us your perfect partner for your trip to Japan, for 3 reasons:
Personalized Consultation
Share with us the main points of your itinerary, along with the dates, preferences you prefer during your visit and budget.
Customized Itinerary
Your dream journey takes shape here.
We design a personalized itinerary with the cities, lodgings, and activities of your choice, based on our experience and your goals.
Booking and Confirmation
Once your ideal itinerary is set, we handle the rest.
Pay your deposit and step into a world where all your travel arrangements are meticulously taken care of.
Pre-Trip Support
Our dedicated team remains at your service for any last-minute queries, before and during your trip, ensuring you embark on your journey with confidence and excitement.
What are the advantages of choosing a custom trip to Japan?
Opting for a tailor-made trip to Japan allows you to customize your itinerary according to your desires and interests. Whether you want to discover the temples of Kyoto, the excitement of Tokyo, the cultural richness of Osaka or travel off the beaten path, our Japanese travel experts will work with you to create an itinerary that suits your wishes. You will be able to fully enjoy the discovery of Japan at your own pace and according to your preferences.
How much does a custom tour in Japan cost? What is included in the price?
The cost of customized tours in Japan depends on many factors such as the duration of the trip, the cities visited, the accommodations chosen (hotels, ryokans, etc.), transportation, guided tours and activities. We work with you to create a customized itinerary that fits your budget. The price of your customized trip will generally include accommodations, transportation (international flights not included), some tours and activities, and the assistance of our Japan specialist consultants.
How to plan a cultural tour of temples, mountains and cities in Japan?
With custom tours, our Japan travel experts will help you plan a cultural itinerary to discover the country's riches. For example, you can visit iconic temples such as Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto, explore the Japanese mountains such as Mount Fuji or the Japanese Alps, and discover cultural cities such as Kanazawa, Hakone or Hiroshima. We will adapt to your wishes and advise you on the sites you should not miss.
What is the ideal duration of a trip to Japan?
The ideal duration for a trip to Japan depends on your interests and the time you have available. For a first trip, we recommend a stay of at least 10 to 14 nights to discover the main cities and sites of the country, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima. To explore Japan in more depth and discover the beauty of its islands, countryside and mountains, it is best to stay for 3 to 4 weeks.
If you haven't found the answer you're looking for, please check our FAQ page for more information about our Tailor-made Tours.
The various tours we provide can be compared, allowing you to choose the one that best meets your needs. Simply click here: All our Tours in Japan
Japan isn't just Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka; there are incredible activities to do all over the country , in places like Nara, Okayama, Nikko, Hiroshima, Kobe, or even places off the beaten track. Japan Experience offers a wide range of activities to discover the best of Japan!
If you're not sure where to start for your dive into Japanese culture, take a look at and book one of our most popular activities for the best way to enjoy your visit!
For thrill-seekers looking to experience a day of fun and leisure, Universal Studio Japan in Osaka is a must. In Tokyo, immerse yourself and tour the future at TeamLab Planets , one of the best art experiences in Japan or indulge in the timeless magic of Tokyo Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland. For an authentic Japanese experience, Kyoto offers a picturesque evening tour in Gion, a soothing tea ceremony that encapsulates the spirit of Japan, or the delicate art of making your own chopsticks. A dinner at a Yakatabune in Tokyo along with other food tour options are the best option to delight gourmets. Each of these bestseller activities offers a medley of unique experiences, ensuring that there's something for everyone to enjoy for your next visit to Japan, either in a private setting or with other ambitious travelers looking for adventure that day.
Gion Night Walk Activities in Kyoto
Make your own chopsticks Activities in Kyoto
Universal Studio Japan Activities in Osaka
teamLab Borderless Activities in Tokyo
Tokyo Disney Sea Activities in Tokyo
Tokyo Disneyland Activities in Tokyo
Tea Ceremony in Kyoto Activities in Kyoto
Yakatabune Diner Activities in Tokyo
We've carefully selected a range of activities to help you best discover the many facets of Japan and the local culture. Let yourself be immersed in an evening tour through Shinjuku in Tokyo and see where the local people go, or embark on a day of discovery along the tea route in Kyoto. Treat yourself to an enriching exploration of Hakone or a full day of travel in Kamakura. Become a sushi chef during a workshop in Shinjuku City or learn the art of Bento in Kyoto , activities guaranteed to be great experiences for any lover of Japanese food. Or perhaps you'd prefer a complete discovery of Kyoto from top to bottom? There are even special activities for younger travelers with our "Tokyo for Kids" experience. This is the best way to enjoy a visit with family and introduce the richness of Japanese culture. Whatever your preference, we have a unique experience waiting for you.
The Cranes of Japan Kushiro
Bento cooking workshop Activities in Kyoto
On the Tea Road Activities in Kyoto
Night stroll in Shinjuku Activities in Tokyo
Kamakura Discovery, full day Kamakura
Sushi Workshop Activities in Tokyo
Tokyo for Kids Activities in Tokyo
Kyoto Discovery, full day Activities in Kyoto
How do I book activities ?
Booking activities is a straightforward process. Simply go to the activity page of the desired experience, follow the steps to book and pay for the activity online.
After booking, you will receive instructions about the meeting place, the time and the tickets via email. Depending on the activity, you may receive your tickets via email or through the post office. Be sure to check the instructions carefully to ensure that you have all the necessary information before your activity.
If you have any questions or concerns about booking activities, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance.
Are activities suitable for all ages?
Yes, our activities are designed to be enjoyed by all age groups. However, some may require a certain level of fitness or may not be suitable for very young children. We always encourage our customers to check the details of each activity to ensure that it is suitable for all participants. Our team is also available to help you select the best experiences to suit your needs.
What languages are available for guided tours?
The guided tours we offer are all available in English and French, as a minimum. However, guide availability may vary according to activity and date. In addition, some tours may also be available in other languages. We recommend that you consult the page dedicated to each activity for more information on the language options available.
What are the must-sees on a visit to Japan?
Japan offers a multitude of unforgettable experiences and major attractions worth exploring. Here are a few must-sees:
Tokyo : Japan's capital is a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition. Don't miss the electronic district of Akihabara, the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, the bustling crossroads of Shibuya and Tokyo Tower. For pop culture fans, the Harajuku district and Studio Ghibli are a must.
Kyoto : Known as the cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is home to numerous ancient temples, Zen gardens and Shinto shrines. Be sure to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Kiyomizu-dera temple and the Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vermilion torii. A stroll through Gion's geisha district is also recommended.
Mount Fuji : Japan's highest peak, Mount Fuji is an iconic sight. For outdoor enthusiasts, climbing Mount Fuji in summer is a memorable experience. Alternatively, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park offers magnificent views of the mountain.
Hiroshima : Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park to understand the city's history and its message of peace. Then take a short ferry to the island of Miyajima and its large floating torii at Itsukushima Shrine.
Nara : The city of Nara is famous for its huge park, home to free-roaming fallow deer. The park is also home to Todai-ji temple, which houses the world's largest bronze Buddha statue.
Osaka : Don't miss Osaka Castle and the Kaiyukan aquarium, one of the largest in the world. Enjoy takoyaki and okonomiyaki, two emblematic Osaka dishes, in the Dotonbori district.
Kobe : This port city is famous for its Kobe beef, but don't miss the picturesque Kitano district with its historic Western houses and panoramic views from Mount Rokko.
Ultimately, it is quite possible to quickly lower the price of a trip to Japan by playing on your different budgets (catering, accommodation, transport), without sacrificing the quality of your stay!
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Japan has such an incredible array of offerings for travelers that it can be overwhelming trying to see everything in one trip.
Some careful planning is your best chance at successfully making your way through some of the major sites to see in the country for your first trip.
With how much there is to see and do in Japan, it’s a country that people will often come back to more than once.
Not only does it allow them to see and do more, but even experiencing Japan in different seasons is worth coming back for. This guide will help you plan your own trip of a lifetime.
One of the many fantastic traits of Japan compared to other countries is the way it’s been able to retain a lot of tradition and remnants of culture from centuries ago while also embracing modern technology and Western influences.
You can move from a big city to a small town in a short train ride, almost as if you’re being transported from one time period in Japan to another.
Japan is also a very safe country comparatively, both for locals and tourists. Tourists who are respectful of Japanese culture are embraced and treated with kindness and hospitality wherever they go. Many people in Japan love to share their traditions, food, and their ways of life with those willing to learn.
It’s completely unnecessary to rent a car when traveling through Japan, though it is something you can do should you need one.
The public transportation system in Japan is one of the best systems in the world and is clearly the best way to venture from city to city or within a city itself.
While it takes some time, planning out the specific routes for where you want to go in Japan is crucial, so you know how to budget for your transportation costs. It also helps you understand what your options are in terms of getting from one place to another.
It can be overwhelming traveling through a foreign country when you don’t speak the language fluently .
It’s highly recommended that you purchase a pocket wifi device so you can pull up translation apps and maps with ease, as well as communicate with your loved ones back home.
It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to find these devices; you can book one in advance and pick it up at the airport you fly into.
To have access to pocket wifi for a two-week trip, you’re looking at around $50 USD or so. It’s worth adding that to your budget to stay connected and look up directions when needed.
One of the most economical ways to utilize public transportation when making your way through Japan is to purchase a Japan Rail pass . A JR Pass gives you the ability to ride many of the local trains and even some bullet trains, or shinkansen, simply by presenting your pass at any train station.
You’ll save a lot of money using a pass, even if some of the routes you plan on taking don’t accept the pass. The 14-day pass is an excellent bargain if you want to see as much of Japan as possible. If you’re mainly spending your trip in Tokyo , it’s not worth buying a pass.
The cost of the Japan Rail Pass will likely vary depending on which pass you choose, as well as whether or not you want to buy an upgraded pass to get luxury seating on select trains .
While it’s quite a cool experience to have a green pass, especially if you plan on riding a bullet train, it’s not a necessary expense.
It’s important to note that while the JR Pass is extremely convenient and cost-effective for traveling through Japan, there are some limitations to where you can use the pass.
You’re only going to be able to use it when traveling on a Japan Rail-owned public transportation medium. Take note that there is some extra cost when using limited express or shinkansen routes.
If you find that you’ll have to ride some subways or public transportation owned by other transportation companies in Japan, it’s worth looking into an IC Card . IC Cards are available for major transportation companies such as Pasmo and Suica.
These cards let you board these trains and subway cars, as the Japan Rail pass doesn’t work on them.
The IC Card doesn’t get you any special deals when you use them, but they help you limit the number of yen you have to carry on you.
Furthermore, you can use these cards at some vending machines and convenience stores around Japan , so it’s worth setting it up and having some extra yen on it just in case.
Since there are numerous companies that offer IC Cards, your research is going to have to be thorough once you decide where you’re going, so you choose the right card.
You can purchase and load an IC Card at a train or subway station; Tokyo Station will likely be your best bet since you’ll likely make your way there on your trip.
When you’re planning out your routes for getting around Japan, planning around where the JR Pass and IC Cards can get you is the most effective way to get around.
It’s not only convenient but helps you keep your travel costs down as much as you can.
What most seasoned travelers and locals do is use their JR Pass to get as close to their intended destination as possible, as JR routes tend to go pretty far through Japan.
Then, they will use their IC Cards for the more direct route to get to their intended destination.
You can take your luggage on public transportation with you, but you’ll want to be cognizant of how much you pack when you know you’ll be using public transportation.
Some trains will have limits on what you can bring on board with you in an effort to make sure you don’t take up too much space.
You’ll want to prepare yourself with a good portion of yen based on what you decide to do on your trip. A lot of places in Japan either only accept cash or prefer cash.
Be sure you have a small and secure spot for storing your cash when you have it on you. Japan is safe, but you can never be too careful.
Japan has centuries of history that may be overwhelming to some, but taking the time to learn basic manners and important aspects of the culture can help you navigate the country much more seamlessly. Some light online reading about manners and a translation app on your phone will do wonders for you.
So long as you’re sure to be polite, say please and thank you, and avoid being too loud or rowdy, you’re likely going to fit in very well in the country.
Japan is not a country to visit for only a couple of days, or even a week. Two weeks will give you the opportunity to see a sufficient portion of the country.
One of the best ways you can pack in as much adventure and sightseeing as you can hope for is to organize your trip by the cities you want to stay in.
If you plan to spend two or three days in each city, you’ll have the opportunity to not only explore the city itself but explore nearby towns. Pretty much all of Japan is accessible by train or bus, so you have the ability to make day trips to nearby cities or towns a part of your trip.
Japan is a fairly big country, and narrowing down where to go can be tough. If you have two weeks, planning to see a couple of cities at minimum is not only doable but recommended, especially if you have a JR Pass. While Tokyo is a grand city and is worth spending a couple of days in, it’s not the only big city worth seeing.
You also don’t want to overlook smaller villages and cities where the amount of learning you can do is tremendous. So many of these smaller cities and towns have remnants of traditional Japanese culture and ways of living that you have the opportunity to witness.
When visiting Japan for the first time, you’re likely going to want to hit some of the popular spots that bring people to the country every year.
You’ll eventually want to come back again to explore some of the hidden gems of the country and the smaller neighborhoods where unique culture abounds.
To make your two-week trip as comprehensive and adventure-packed as possible – without spending too much time traveling and overwhelming yourself – your best bet is as follows:
Below are some of the top destinations for each of these cities, as well as some other ways to enjoy your time in between seeing the big sights.
It’s important to note that there are so many other places in Japan that are just as beautiful and full of places to see, but you’d need much more than two weeks to see them all.
There are lots to see and do in the large city of Tokyo, and you have access to so many other places in Japan through a bus or train ride. For instance, making your way to Mount Fuji from Tokyo to spend a day or two there is very easy. You could easily spend your whole two weeks in Tokyo, but you don’t want to limit yourself.
Tokyo is made up of several different districts and neighborhoods and is divided by Central, North, South, East, and West Tokyo.
No matter which part of Tokyo you decide to stay in, you have the opportunity to visit special districts dedicated to certain aspects of Japanese culture while also being able to shop, see shrines , and enjoy various activities and delicious foods.
In Central Tokyo, you’ll find Tokyo Station, the Akihabara District, which is perfect for anime, manga, and tech lovers, as well as Ginza , home to the best shopping you’ll do in Tokyo. You’ll also find the Tokyo Dome and the nearby Koishikawa Korakuen garden, as well as the Yasukuni Shrine.
North Tokyo features the infamous Tokyo Skytree and the Tokyo National Museum, in addition to Ryogoku, known as the sumo wrestling epicenter . You’ll also want to see the Sensoji Temple or the landscapes of the Botanical Garden or Ueno Park .
South Tokyo is home to some temples and shrines , such as Sengakuji, and the man-made island of Odaiba . You can also enjoy a ride on the Tokyo Water Bus, or do some shopping and exploring in Roppongi or Shiodome districts .
Finally, West Tokyo is home to the fantastic Shibuya , Harajuku, and Shinjuku districts, full of shopping, fun activities, and various subcultures. Yebisu Garden Palace is a great place to enjoy some Japanese beer, and the Meiji Shrine is a gorgeous place to see.
Tokyo can be a confusing city to traverse, so google maps are highly recommended to aid you in your exploration.
You’re likely going to make your way through Tokyo Station a few times in your travels through Japan. Don’t just let the station pass you by, though; in and around Tokyo Station, you’ll find a wealth of things to see and do.
Tokyo Station is also where you’re able to catch the shinkansen , or bullet train, which is likely to get you to many of your intended destinations.
When you venture outside of Tokyo Station, which is in Central Tokyo, you’re surrounded by the Marunouchi business district , a vast array of shopping, and the Imperial Palace and accompanying garden. There’s also a lot of green space to sit down, relax, and enjoy some fresh air.
Mount Fuji brings floods of tourists to Japan every year. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a crucial element of Japanese culture and spirituality and is a very important symbol for Japan.
The beauty of Mount Fuji cannot be understated, and it’s worth the trek to the area. There’s a lot more to do around the Mount Fuji area than some might realize.
The Fuji Five Lakes area surrounds Mount Fuji, and you’ll find various ryokans to stay at, as well as shrines, hot spring baths , and even an amusement park.
While it can be hard to pick where to stay since there are so many enticing spots in Fuji Five Lakes, you’ll want to stay at least one night to get to explore as much as possible.
You’ll be surrounded by some of Japan’s main attractions in this one region. Mt. Fuji is the symbol of Japan itself. There is a cable car in the area, but it does not offer a trip to the summit of Fuji. If you have a few extra days to spend in the area, you’ll be rewarded with incredible mountain views at sunset and sunrise .
Kyoto is a place in Japan that is so full of history, a lot of which can be learned about from various museums and temples in the city . Many of these historically significant sights in the city have been standing for a very long time, despite the amount of devastation the city has seen over centuries of strife.
Like Tokyo, Kyoto is split up into Central, Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern Kyoto, so you’ll want to spend a couple of days in the city at least. Central Kyoto is home to palaces and temples galore, such as Sento Palace and the Kyoto Manga Museum.
In Eastern kyoto, you’ll find numerous temples and shrines, as well as Maruyama Park and Gion, the famous geisha district.
Northern Kyoto houses a wealth of stunning locations of both historical and spiritual importance, including the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion , the Enryakuji Temple, and the Kamo Shrines.
In Western Kyoto, you can sip some Japanese whiskey in the Yamazaki District, or take a boat ride through the Hozugawa River. Southern Kyoto has the Fushimi Sake District and the Daigoji Temple among other sites. Don’t forget to visit Nishiki market in downtown area. Kyoto itself is one of the best cities to see cherry blossoms in the spring.
Of All Japanese cities kyoto is one you should not miss if you want to see the real Japan.
Hiroshima is the city known for falling victim to the atomic bomb, but the resilient city is so much more than that. The picturesque city is full of natural and created beauty, and there’s a lot to be learned from the major sites there.
The Peace Memorial Park is the place to remember the lives lost from the atomic bomb, and the Hiroshima Castle is truly a marvel in construction.
When you make your way to Hiroshima to stay for a couple of days, you’ll want to split up your trip to venture to nearby Miyajima.
Miyajima is a stunning island that’s not too far from Hiroshima, and you can take a short boat ride to spend the day there before heading back to Hiroshima.
Miyajima is also where you’ll find the very famous red torii gates of Itsukushima.
Nature lovers will enjoy seeing the very large Mount Misen, and making their way along the various walking trails around the island. A truly beautiful city you will want to see if you’re visiting Hiroshima.
Finally, you’ll absolutely want to make your way to Osaka to spend the final days of your trip there. Osaka is full of bright lights, bustling city life, and many things to see and do. For instance, you can do some shopping and exploring in Shinsekai, a district that looks a lot like old Japan.
Minoo Park and Mozu Tombs are great places to get some sun and see some nature, and the Tenma District is the place to go for arcade games. Kuromon Market is a great place to go for some food-based souvenirs or some snacks to take home for yourself.
Osaka is the perfect place for hardcore foodies. The good news is that so many restaurants ensure you have enough time to sample Osaka’s various dishes.
If your visiting Osaka for more than a couple of days, a short train ride will take you to Himeji Castle Japan’s most visited castle.
When you’re finalizing your two-week itinerary, there are some things to keep in mind before you make your final decisions.
These travel tips can not only help you keep to your intended budget, but they can also help you make the most of your trip.
Exploring Japan doesn’t have to be expensive. There is a lot to see and do that doesn’t require any money, other than what you might need to spend traveling to and from the spot as well as any sustenance you might need.
That said, with your JR Pass or IC Card and some snacks bought at a convenience store beforehand, you can easily spend at least half a day exploring Japan for free.
For instance, parks in Japan offer green space, plenty of seating, and even some amenities and trails to walk around.
Even if you don’t practice religion, visiting some of the thousands of Buddhist temples, Shinto temples, and accompanying shrines is not only inexpensive but will be an especially memorable experience.
Many of these spots have guides you can learn from, picturesque gardens to walk through, and works of art in their architecture.
An onsen is a hot spring bath, usually sourced from natural spring water in the area of the bath. One can find these baths indoors and outdoors, and onsen towns have been created by many sources of hot spring water throughout Japan.
These small and inviting towns are some of the best places to stay in Japan if you’re looking for a reprieve from the stresses of life.
Hot spring baths and bathing culture are big in Japan. Before homes had accessible baths, the only option in Japan was to enjoy a public bath or Sento .
Outside of the social aspect of bathing culture, hot spring baths have been utilized in Japan for centuries for various ailments and health concerns.
If you plan on spending any time near Mount Fuji, you’ll definitely be able to enjoy your fill of hot spring baths. That said, there are plenty of onsens all around Japan so no matter where your travels take you, you’re likely to find at least one.
The specific accommodations you book for your travels are going to be dictated by where you want to go.
The fantastic aspect of accommodations in Japan is that many of them is an experience in and of themselves rather than simply a place to sleep. Your options are quite extensive, from hostels to capsule hotels to traditional Japanese inns, also known as ryokans, that have a traditional Japanese private rooms.
The language barrier is not as big a problem as you might imagine, as most accommodations will have at least one persons who understand basic English.
A hostel is most often the cheapest option, especially if you’re not picky about your accommodations.
What’s important is to research hostels to ensure that where you’re staying is suitable to your needs and comfort level.
Best Hostels In Japan Via Tripadvisor
That said, Japanese hostels have a fantastic reputation for being clean, full of friendly and hospitable people, and very affordable.
A Japanese capsule hotel is a unique experience where you sleep inside a pod. Most of these capsule hotels are fairly affordable, though, of course, a hostel or a hotel may end up being more affordable.
If you have the room in your budget, it’s worth checking out a capsule hotel for a night. If you’re looking for a cheap hotel, this is your best option.
Staying at a regular hotel in Japan can easily become expensive, depending on what kind of hotel you choose to stay at. As expected, hotels range from mid-range to luxury in terms of price, amenities, and location. You can find a lot of recognizable hotel chains in Japan, as well as a mixture of local and smaller hotels.
Hotels cost more if you stay right in the heart of major cities . Given how great public transportation is in Japan, there’s no need to stay in a hotel right in the city.
Instead, you can save a few bucks if you stay in a hotel just outside of the city and take the train in when you’re planning on sightseeing.
A ryokan is a preferred accommodation option if you’re looking to immerse yourself into Japanese culture as much as possible.
These traditional inns can offer a range of different experiences and amenities depending on where you’re staying. Typically, you’ll have a small, clean room to yourself, though bathrooms are often shared between guests. Most ryokan has hot springs on site.
Some of their hotel rooms even have a private onsen (hot spring bath) located within the room. One of the most important things to remember if your using a shared onsen with other guests is that nudity is part of the onsen experience.
Going out and experiencing authentic Japanese food is well worth making a part of your travel budget. While it’s not economical to indulge at five star restaurants every night, you don’t want to miss out on local delicacies and unique dining experiences based on where you’re staying.
There is so much more to Japanese food than sushi, though sushi in Japan is better than anywhere else.
Comparatively, it’s not expensive to feed yourself when traveling through Japan. Your best plan of action to ensure you get to indulge in some memorable meals is to seek out the local delicacy in each place you stay in as you make your way through your itinerary.
You can either chat up the locals or do some research beforehand, depending on what you’re comfortable with.
Seeking out an izakaya is also highly recommended at least a few times when you’re in Japan. These are Japanese bars that serve small bites and snacks often using locally sourced ingredients crafted in unique ways.
You have a ton of options to get your fill of delicious Japanese food without blowing your food budget too quickly. You won’t miss out on good eating even when you opt for budget friendly options.
There are ways to find authentic, yummy Japanese fares without having to go to a restaurant for every meal.
Street food is pretty bountiful in Japan, from vendors on the street to various stalls at a market. You can even find vending machines that offer inexpensive yet delicious snacks.
You can also grab some quick meals at convenience stores that are high quality, made with fresh local ingredients, and are also very budget-friendly.
Japan is an epicenter of some very unforgettable shopping, as it’s one of the biggest fashion trend-setting countries in the world.
Outside of fashion, there is so much shopping to be done in Japan that it’s very easy to spend a lot of money doing so.
Having a strict budget for yourself can help you avoid spending all your money on other parts of your trip buying things. Tokyo department stores often have multiple levels of goods and services. The best thing is the onsite restaurants that have incredible dining experiences.
Japan is known as a cash-based society, so its a great idea to have Japanese yen in case credit cards are not an option. Many small mom-and-pop coffee shops are cash-only.
Budgeting is a major priority as soon as you know you’ll be planning a trip anywhere. The time of year you opt to travel to Japan can have some influence on cost. For instance, Japan is a popular place during cherry blossom season , which starts in April, so you can end up paying premiums for travel and accommodations.
Despite popular belief, traveling within the country of Japan isn’t as expensive as one might assume. Some careful planning and having an itinerary mapped out beforehand can help you get a better sense of how much money you’ll need.
Having a safety net such as a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees can give you some peace of mind, even if you don’t end up using it.
You can use a credit card at many places in Japan you’ll likely frequent, though it’s good to note that many places, especially tourist destinations, prefer cash when possible.
The biggest expenses you’re likely to see will be your flights and your accommodations. Your flight costs will vary depending on where you’re flying from, what season you’re choosing to fly in, and whether you pick a direct or indirect route, with added advice on the best time to fly.
Keeping your eye out for deals or seeing if you can cash in some reward points towards your flight can potentially save you a lot of money flying such a potentially long way.
There’s no exact answer for how much money you’ll need for a trip to Japan, no matter if you’re looking for a trip on a budget or not. All things considered, you could travel to Japan and stay for two weeks with between $3000 to $6000 USD based on what your final itinerary looks like and how well you manage your money in the country.
The following list features estimates based on a two week stay in Japan, considering some of your major and minor expenses. It’s important to note that estimates are just estimates and cannot be considered exact due to the numerous variances in costs associated with travel.
Furthermore, this chart and the estimated costs are based on traveling from the United States and are based on American currency USD.
Estimates may also be a little bit higher than what you could actually spend based on a number of factors. It’s always better to budget extra and have extra wiggle room than underestimate how much your trip will cost.
Estimated Costs (USD)
Airfare (international flights)
$1000-$2500
Transportation
Accommodations
Attractions and Experiences
Miscellaneous Expenses
TOTAL (Estimate by Budget)
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. The following is a more detailed look at cost of your Japan itinerary:
You’re likely looking at anywhere between $1300 to $1800 USD for your flights to and from Japan if you’re traveling from the United States.
If you have the option to, fly into the Haneda Airport . It’s the most convenient airport to fly into as it’s close to Tokyo, which you’re likely going to travel in or through as you make your way through Japan.
Depending on your origin city, there are many direct flights to Tokyo and Haneda and Narita are the easiest way to begin a journey in Japan.
Conveniently, you can purchase a JR Pass for a 14 day trip for unlimited travel on most of Japans train system. The cost for a 14 day Japan Rail pass is about $400 USD.
If you decide you want the upgraded pass, you’re looking at around $600. With how clean, safe, and accommodating transportation is in Japan, it’s really not needed for you to upgrade to a green pass to get luxury seating. If your traveling with a small group JR Pass will save you a lot on public transport.
If you also plan on getting an IC card, you’ll have to account for the deposit and the minimum amount needed on the card. This only accounts to about $15 USD altogether.
If you put $50 USD on your card, you’ll be able to use it for local transportation fares and likely not have to reload it, though doing that is pretty simple.
You can also choose to add a little more since you can also use the card at vending machines and select convenience stores. It’s good to have a little extra cash on you for transportation in the very off-chance you can’t use either of your passes.
Accommodations can make up a moderate to big portion of your budget depending on what kinds of places you choose to stay in.
Generally speaking, accounting for between $100 and $125 dollars per night you’re in Japan is a good place to start.
You’ll find quite a few accommodation options that are going to fall under this amount, though whether or not you choose to stay in those options is based on your comfort level.
You could easily feed yourself well on a budget in Japan without missing out. If you consider a food budget of about $30-$50 USD a day, you’ll have a lot of freedom in terms of being able to mix in some indulgences with some more budget-friendly options.
For two weeks, you’re looking at anywhere between $400 to $700 USD, though it’s very easy to be flexible with your food budget at many great restaurants .
This is likely to be one of the trickiest parts of your budget to plan. Traversing through Japan can be affordable or very expensive depending on how you plan and what it is you’d like to do.
The good thing is that you have a range of affordable places to see and things to do in Japan, many of which are highly desirable tourist spots.
When possible, it’s worth seeing if you can purchase admission or tickets for your planned excursions in advance.
This won’t usually save you money, but in some cases, it might; it’ll definitely save you a lot of time you could waste waiting in long lines to get admissions. It can also help you reserve your spot should you indulge in something where participants are limited.
Your shopping budget will also have a lot of flexibility depending on your shopping habits. You always want to keep in mind what you have the capacity to bring back with you.
You want to be somewhat generous with your shopping budget no matter your habits, as letting yourself experience all the incredible districts with unique shopping opportunities is a must.
It’s important that you don’t over-promise people regarding what kinds of souvenirs you’ll bring back for them, as you don’t want to blow your spending budget on souvenirs for other people.
There are many places where you can find inexpensive souvenirs for people, however, and not just cheap, boring souvenirs, either.
You’ll want to have some room in your budget for things like incidentals or extras that you may not necessarily need but can make your trip more convenient. This can include things like a pocket wifi device so you can look up maps and connect to the internet safely when needed.
If you can budget for some wiggle room or have a backup plan should you run out of money, it can be a safety net of sorts if you find a few things you just can’t do without.
This is where a credit card with no foreign fees can be handy, though not if you’re the type of person who will be tempted to continuously swipe their card.
There are some costs associated with traveling to Japan that can’t be avoided, such as your plane ticket and your accommodations. The further in advance you can plan your trip, the better off you’ll be in terms of being able to shop for deals on tickets to sites, plane tickets, and even hotels or ryokans .
Don’t just stick to fancy restaurants when eating out either; some of the best food you’ll find will be in the streets or in little hole-in-the-wall restaurants that you’ll only discover once a local tells you about it.
Depending on what your travel goals are, Tokyo is the best place to begin your exploration. Even if you are planning on spending your time in another city, it’s best to plan at least one full day there.
It’s a great way to see ultra-modern Japan and experience good food, luxury hotels, and the many Buddhist temple sites.
japan is known as an expensive country to visit and so having credit cards for an unplanned emergency is a great idea.
The Japanese people are incredibly well-mannered and kind. First-time visitors will be surprised, even in crowded Tokyo, by how willing they are to assist you if you find you need help.
The price range for visiting Japan can vary greatly depending on your personal budget, and travel guides are a popular option for your first day in Japan.
It is one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit there is still room for a good deal for savvy travelers. Some single-room business hotels can have lower average prices over larger chains, and many of Japan’s big cities have business hotels.
Finally, if your planning to travel long distances, then train travel is your best option, and comfort and speed is a good reason to opt for the shinkansen if only for a single trip between cities.
Flights can vary greatly depending on your home country, so remember to use sites that can search for great deals on flights, such as Kayak or Flight Hacker, which will charge a small commission to save more.
This page is meant to give you a rough idea of the cost of individual travel in Japan by introducing some sample budgets. Note that accommodation rates can increase during peak seasons in popular destinations which is not reflected by the numbers below. View also our pages about budget travel , package tours and suggested itineraries to see the sample budgets applied to specific itineraries.
The numbers below do not include the cost for transportation and heightened accommodation rates during peak seasons. Click here for the current yen exchange rates.
Below are typical rates for accommodation outside the peak seasons . Rates can increase considerably during the peak seasons! Check our accommodation page for more information on different accommodation types and corresponding price ranges.
Low budget: 3,000 - 5,000 yen per night and person Dormitories and hostels , found in most cities of Japan, typically charge below 5000 yen per night and person. Furthermore, booking services like Hostelworld offer great deals.
Medium budget: 6,000 - 12,000 yen per single room and night 8,000 - 15,000 yen per double room and night At this level, you will find rooms in business hotels , minshuku and inexpensive, no-frills ryokan . Some tour packages (for individual travelers) include accommodation at quality Western-style hotels at this price level.
High budget: over 12,000 yen per single room and night over 15,000 yen per double room and night Starting around 12,000 yen per person, you can get rooms in better business hotels and inexpensive Western-style hotels. A stay at a ryokan with two meals included typically costs between 15,000 and 30,000 yen per person and night. For a room in a 4 or 5 star Western-style hotel, you typically pay from 25,000 to 50,000 yen per room and night.
Low budget: 500 yen per day At this level, you will have to live from convenience store food (bread, rice balls, etc.) and fast food restaurants like McDonald's or Mister Donut which offer inexpensive breakfasts.
Medium budget: 500 - 1000 yen per day Many coffee shops and some restaurants in shopping areas and around train stations offer breakfast sets for around 500 to 1000 yen.
High budget: above 1000 yen per day Hotel breakfasts and breakfast buffets will usually cost you more than 1000 yen. Breakfast buffets in first-class hotels typically cost at least 3000 yen.
Low budget: 500 - 800 yen per day Inexpensive lunch boxes are available in convenience stores and stands in railway stations and business districts. Various fast food restaurants , specializing in noodles, curry, domburi or hamburger, also offer relatively filling meals for 800 yen or less.
Medium budget: 800 - 1500 yen per day At this level you will have an even larger range of inexpensive restaurants such as the above mentioned fast food places, plus restaurants which offer lunch set specials for around 1000 yen.
High budget: above 1500 yen per day A lunch at better restaurants costs typically between 1500 and 3000 yen.
Low budget: 500 - 1000 yen per day Convenience stores sell various, inexpensive ready-to-eat meals. Other options are again cheap fast food restaurants .
Medium budget: 1000 - 2500 yen per day Conventional restaurants are generally more expensive in the evening than during lunch time, as there are no lunch specials. At this level, you will be able to enjoy a nice dinner at a wide range of fast food and conventional restaurants, including the restaurants found in department stores where meals typically cost between 1000 and 2500 yen, not including alcoholic drinks.
High budget: above 2500 yen per day With 3000 yen per person you will be able to have a good dinner at a wide range of restaurants . Calculate 5000 yen upwards per person for a dinner at upper class restaurants specializing in sushi , French cuisine, sukiyaki, kaiseki ryori, steaks, etc.
Low budget: 0 - 500 yen per day Japan offers many free attractions. Most shrines and some temples do not charge admission fees. A few museums charge no admission on one day of the week or month.
Medium budget: 500 - 2000 yen per day Admission to famous temples costs between 300 and 1000 yen. Most museums and castles charge about 500-1500 yen per person.
High budget: above 2000 yen per day Some museums and attractions (usually outstanding ones or tourist traps) charge between 1,500 and 3,000 yen per person. Admission to large theme parks typically cost around 5,000-10,000 yen per day.
Low budget: Highway buses , the Japan Bus Pass and the Seishun 18 Kippu (only available during certain times of the year) are among the cheapest ways of traveling in Japan.
All budgets: Travelers of all budgets should consider purchasing a rail pass . Over long distances, domestic flights are often more economical, if you take advantage of the various discount offers .
Questions? Ask in our forum .
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Faqs - booking japan flights, if i am traveling with children to japan, are there any child seat laws i should know about when renting a car in this country.
There is a national child restraint law in this country that states that any child up to four years old needs to travel in a forward-facing car seat and that kids up to six years old need to travel in a booster seat or on a booster cushion.
Most travelers flying to Tokyo will choose the Haneda Airport (HND) because it offers a location that is closer to the center of Tokyo. That said, some of the cheapest flights available from the west coast of the United States to Tokyo travel to Narita International Airport (NRT). Another one of the advantages of this airport is that it offers abundant rail service to get travelers not really into the center of Tokyo but to a number of other destinations that surround this large city.
When flying to the New Chitose Airport (CTS) that serves Sapporo from cities on the west coast of the United States, some of the quickest options are the one-stop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) aboard ANA Airlines.
The Tokyo Monorail travels from the airport to the downtown area in around 23 minutes, with trains departing the airport every 10 minutes or so. There is also a bus service provided by Airport Limousine that can make the trip in around 40 minutes, with buses departing roughly every hour from the airport.
Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan, lying just below the center of Honshu island and south of Tokyo. If you intend to visit the area you can fly to Tokyo Haneda Airport and get a connecting flight to Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport, about 50 mi away from the peak.
Of the two international airports serving the Tokyo metropolitan area, Tokyo Haneda Airport is the closer to the city center which is a little less than 9 mi away. Tokyo Narita Airport lies about 37 mi from the center of the city, so plan your travel itinerary carefully when booking your flight from the US to Japan.
Most international travelers tend to buy local currency once they arrive at their destination and all the major Japanese airports have currency exchange offices where you can buy yen to pay for your taxi, rental car or to use public transportation.
Yes, they do. All the international airports serving US flights provide facilities for parents traveling with children. These services include Baby Rooms equipped with changing tables and microwaves, nursing rooms for mothers with infants and Children’s Play Areas where the young ones can tire themselves out before the long flight home.
An average nonstop flight from the United States to Japan takes 14h 21m, covering a distance of 6087 miles. The most popular route is Los Angeles - Tokyo with an average flight time of 11h 15m.
The cheapest ticket to Japan from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $249 one-way, and $402 round-trip. The most popular route is Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $724.
ANA, United Airlines & Japan Airlines fly the most frequently from the United States to Japan.
The next most popular destinations are Osaka (7%) and Okinawa (1%). Searches for flights to Fukuoka (0.4%), to Sapporo (0.4%) and to Hiroshima (0.1%) are also popular.
KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.
First I will say this was really NOT an ANA flight. ANA used a UNITED jet to perform this flight. I specifically booked with ANA because I did NOT WANT TO FLY UNITED FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS. So to spend $1800.00 and then discover after booking that it was going to be handled by United was very disappointing. I will be more careful next time when I book. The interior was very cramped in economy class; the dinner meal was terrible and also had extremely small portions for an international flight - the bread roll was ice cold and stale - that salad was very wilted; I’ve never had a “snack” that was so salty that it was difficult to eat; the breakfast “waffle” was practically unrecognizable. Really horrible meals for a very expensive international flight. Bathroom floor was also pretty dirty. I’m hoping my return flight is a real ANA airplane that is cleaned and serviced by ANA personnel with ANA meals. I will never book with ANA again if they continue to use UNITED airline jets. Yuck!!!🤢
Ticket was purchased as a United Airlines flight (operated by All Nippon) like what does that even mean? Makes for a VERY confusing flight experience. For instance, what do I look for a United drop off signage and ticket counter or ANA? No explanation anywhere to be found. I also felt a little bit scammed by the obsurdely restrictive seat selection provided. Only middle seats available!! Are you kidding me!! On 6hr + 10hr flights you're forcing me into the middle seat without telling me before I purchased the ticket?? This should be illegal. And to top it off, on the Tokyo LA leg there were quite a few empty seats including window seats! I must also say, the food was a dissappointing as well for my taste, fish with rice ( mostly plain white rice) or a vegetable medly for the breakfast meal? Should be at least 4 choices and at least 1 with eggs. Outside of these issues flight was otherwise ok.
Ground and flight crew were all courteous, extremely helpful and professional. Overall, process is really organized, from boarding to disembarkation.
This is a very long flight and the first time I have flown on a Japanese airline. I was very impressed with the staff. They worked hard and offered food and drink regularly. Plane was very well cared for. The let room was good . Food was ok but better than other airlines.
It was very nice. I was a bit disappointed by the few meal services. There were probably more drink services that I missed while sleeping, but I would have liked the crew to bring more than one drink service before landing and to bring more than one drink service and coffee service after take off
The space and bed was very comfortable , flight attendants very nice. The food was not tasty at all. I ordered the rib eye and it was so tough I couldn’t cut it.
I wish the serve should leach and drink. Maybe because only 2hr
Seat was roomy enough . The Asian selection for a meal was good . The tortellini was not very good. Service was excellent. O
It was very good. Lots of room with superior food and service. I will not hesitate to fly ANA in the future!
I love everything about this airline but it could be better if the waiting time for boarding is on time.
-Bathrooms were regularly checked/maintained. -Food was okay, but the miso soup was good. -Top of my foot got bitten by a bug when I took off my shoes and was only wearing my socks. It was swollen and very itchy for several days.
Truly impressive service in the air. After the main meal, they have a delicious a la carte menu that you can order anytime until 1.5 hrs prior to landing. Flight crew were so pleasant and very efficient. Wish I could fly JAL more often!
Attentive crew, great service with regular rounds of drinks and trash collecting. Only complaint is the food, which was mediocre.
Japan airlines is excellent. I had a great flight with them, and they are the consummate professionals. I booked my flight through Kayak and they sent it on to Underpricer. That felt really scammy. My Oneworld number would not attach to the reservation and I could not choose a seat. I called Japan Airlines and got one but it was in the back. Later I drove to the airport and worked with the excellent agents there to find a better one. Later that day, I got a phone call from Underpricer trying to upsell me the option of choosing a seat. It felt like a Spirit Airlines level crappy move. The flight itself was exactly as nice as you would expect from JAL. The meal was good and the flight crew was awesome.
Liked the food. Needs improvement: 1) the flat bed was very hard and the set up was not at all passenger friendly 2) the announcement were impossible to understand even in English. 3) the flight information on the monitor was terrible it showed a airplane with no information like altitude, airspeed, heading. You could not zoom in or out to orient the aircraft to where you were in the flight. 4) movies were old and very limited as was the music selection.
This flight was operated by American Airlines. AA was completely unprepared for the crowds at DFW for Spring Break and were ridiculously understaffed. They had only three operating kiosks for self check-in, and ONE agent to handle hundreds (thousands?) of dropped off bags. She also had to do double duty to assist passengers at the kiosks. In comparison, flying on United Airlines at Christmastime was a much smoother experience.
Need new movies, a lots of them are 20-10 years old or older. It us a very long flight we need good entertainment. Please load more new movies!
Good and movies are so old. Needs to have more up-to-date movies.
It was an outstanding flight and service. The only thing is the seat cushion for economy could be a little more comfortable. More cushion.
Although delayed leaving the crew were lovely, comfort of the seats was excellent. Cabin was a little too warm but overall the best economy flight we have taken
Too many fees (but that seems to apply to all airlines nowadays)
Packed in like sardines, very uncomfortable. Sitting the aisle my shoulder was rammed into numerous times by rushing flight attendants. Also flight was very cold.
Your app is impossible to use. I couldn't load it. Then i couldn't open it. When i finally got both those things done -with much help -then i couldn't open the app to install a credit card. The upshot was 4 flights without access to food or drink. When i first tried to download united app some company called starlier opened instead and i would up signing up for some 49 dollar a month music service which i still have not been able to cancel.
Delayed a day due to snow storm. Was upgraded. That kind of made up for significant delays from FLL to COS with no compensation or acknowledgement.
It was delayed several hours which delayed our connection in Denver. Not happy.
Ok, but comfort was lacking as the seats were way to small
The Polaris experience is top notch. From departure lounge to arrival lounge. Everything was top notch. One of the best first class experience
The plane was delayed 2 hours. The wifi did not work. The seat in first class was not comfortable because the bottom felt like it lost all of its padding. And I did not like when the flight attendant made me wait at my seat to use the bathroom and didn't tell me why. If there were too many people using the 1st Class bathroom, she should have told me to go in the back, coach bathrooms. I guess I have to feel fortunate that they found 2 local pilots to still fly the plane tonight after the original pilots ended up at an airport 60 miles away due to high winds.
EWR terminal C United Club is great. Flight and everything else mediocre
Flight delayed for 2 hours due to a part. The plane sat waiting for boarding for a long time and during final preflight inspection the issue was found. Why not do the preflight inspection sooner if you know the plane is being used?
internet didn't work. No offer of drinks or snacks.
Flight was seamless. Free wifi helped pass the time. Food was okay, just make sure you pre order or pick something up from the airport
Internet connection very poor, means you can not even order items through their own shop.
Paid for business class lay flat seat. Significantly less comfortable than other carriers. No built in entertainment or WiFi. I barely saw flight attendants at all and they wanted to charge me for a bottle of water if i wanted more than what came with the meal (that i also paid extra for). Essentially you’re just paying for a slightly more comfortable seat than the rest of the plane and nothing else
Een prijsvechter, dus dat moet je ook verwachten. Voor alles moet je betalen. We hebben vooraf een maaltijd en een amenitiesset besteld. Die kregen we netjes uitgereikt aan boord. Het is BYOD voor het amusement tijdens de vlucht en dit werkte uitstekend. Geen trage wifi, helemaal niet. Alles kost geld, zelfs een flesje water. Misschien op langere vluchten wel gratis water, thee, koffie. Maar daarentegen mag je na de security je lege drinkflessen gewoon vullen en mee aan boord nemen
Wifi could have been better. Arrived 55 mins earlier than scheduled :)
Best part are two crying babies throughout the whole 11 hour trip
Clean and comfortable cabin. Friendly on board service. No vegetarian food options and movie options were very limited. Internet was very slow
I didn’t eat the food but there wasn’t an option. Seat was a little too small for me but everything else was great
Never again on Zipair. People please spend a little extra to fly on better airlines. After all, it’s your vacation! No screen TV, internet sucks. You can’t change or modify anything after purchasing your tickets, Our friends tried to change from paying for carryon to checking in bags. No no no, you’d have to pay for whatever the check in bags cost. Myself, change my mind and continue to travel to other destinations after Japan. The only refund they were going to paying me back was $67.00 tax? So I’ve decided to just let my family use the extra seats and take my carry on back with them. At Narita airport, they’re not allowed my husband to my carry on back with them although I’ve already paid for. He end up have to paid $50.00 to check in that bag? You tell me, do you want to travel with Zipair? Hell no!
Short flight, crew members were very nice, so much so I'll take the return flight next weekend
The trip was fine and uneventful. The seat in business class was very uncomfortable which was disappointing given the extra cost. It was spacious but it felt like I was sitting on metal bars. The food in business class wasn't very good. The flight was ahead of time, the staff was professional and courteous and our luggage arrived safely.
Food could be better, lie flat seats could be a little more cushioned. The business class dinner before the flight is excellent at Toronto airport
Food could be better, lie flat seats could be a little more cushioned
Again we were late leaving Austin , there was no tv screen for the 3.5 hr flight, the pizza I bought was kinda bland
It was fine. The seating was tight. My husband is 6' 2", so we were glad to get seats with no one in front of him. I was glad that the plane wasn't packed so I could spread out.
I love flying with AC. I love that they have power outlet and free messaging wifi for aeroplan members.
Both flights to and from Phoenix were delayed 2 hours each direction. Unacceptable. Disappointed with Air Canada I was given a food voucher fror trip to Phoenix but nothing on return. Both baggage claims took 2 hours to collect baggage
I liked Seattle but nothing air Canada did there was any good at all neither was kayak as when I purchased my flights the price I purchased at was not what kayak charged to my card and there has been no responses to my emails ....
I didn't understand what "limited wifi" mean. Everything is money money money. I didn't have any other choice other than Air Canada since I couldn't find any other direct flight.
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Bengaluru, udon thani, narita – embark on an affordable adventure this summer through asia's most budget-friendly destinations for 2024..
By: Priyaja Bakshi Published: Apr 06, 2024 04:00 PM UTC
Summer is approaching swiftly, bringing along the excitement of planning a memorable vacation in 2024! Before you begin your selection process, delve into the budget-friendly destinations of Asia for summer 2024, where you can travel without exceeding your limit.
Agoda, the popular online travel agency, surveyed to determine the most budget-friendly destination in Asia for 2024 by comparing the average room rates across top destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. This exclusive list features Udon Thani from Thailand as the top-ranked destination, followed by Surabaya in Indonesia, Hue in Vietnam, and Kuching in Malaysia. These cities offer affordability and unique experiences within their respective countries, with Bangalore standing out as India’s most budget-friendly destination.
Udon thani, thailand – (usd 27).
Ranked first in Asia, Udon Thani offers affordability without compromising on cultural and natural richness. Explore archaeological wonders such as Kham Chanot, the Red Lotus Sea, and Phu Phra Bat Historical Park.
Located on Java island in Indonesia , Surabaya blends the traditional and the modern along the coast. Discover the myth of Sura and Baya as you navigate the bustling streets of the port city through its Javanese, Chinese, and Arab influences. Explore the nightlife, local cuisine and culture at Pasar Atum and Townsquare Surabaya.
Former home of the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue is steeped in history, making it a fascinating destination in Vietnam. Explore the UNSECO-enlisted Hue Citadel and the tombs of past emperors. Also famous for its cuisine, the Dong Ba Market is the centre for relishing world-class Vietnamese dishes like Banh Khoai and Banh Beo.
Kuching, malaysia – usd 48.
The capital of Sarawak, Kuching offers breathtaking nature on Borneo island and showcases Malaysia’s diverse culture. Witness the lush greenery, stunning landscapes and pristine waters of Bako National Park, Kubah National Park, Kuching Waterfront and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre.
Designated as UNESCO’s first “Creative City of Gastronomy” in the Philippines, Iloilo offers a blend of history, culture, delicious cuisine, and nature in one destination.
Dubbed the “ Silicon Valley of India “, Bangalore is also the most affordable destination in the country. You can witness India’s past, present, and future through its monuments, bustling streets, and innovative spaces like Bengaluru Palace, Cubbon Park, Commercial Street, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, and Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum.
Explore India’s most budget-friendly destination with our ultimate Bangalore travel guide.
Beyond being a gateway to Tokyo, thanks to the Narita International Airport, Narita offers cultural gems like Naritasan Temple, Katori Shrine, Sawara Town and Boso no Mura, providing a glimpse into Japanese heritage.
The port city on the tip of Taiwan , Kaohsiung is a major trading centre and metropolis. Catch a glimpse of Taiwanese city life through Liouhe Tourist Night Market, Ruifeng Night Market, The Pier-2 Art Center, Kaohsiung Music Center and Great Harbor Bridge.
(Feature image credit: saiko3p/Shutterstock)
Related: These Are The Most Affordable Places To Retire Abroad Without Sacrificing Quality Of Life
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. .. Read More As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less
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FinanceBuzz
Posted: October 2, 2023 | Last updated: October 3, 2023
You don’t have to break the bank to go on vacation. By picking the right destination, you can have fun and save money on travel .
Let’s explore affordable domestic and international locations to help you plan your next week-long trip. Here are our favorites that cost less than $1,000.
Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel
How does a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains sound? Gatlinburg is a popular tourist destination, but you can save on high hotel prices by booking early or planning an off-season trip during the winter or spring months.
Nearby Knoxville can have flights for as cheap as $100 roundtrip and much more affordable lodging options. Note that you can travel for nearly free by using credit card points and miles.
Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) offers direct flights from locations all around the U.S. on multiple affordable carriers, including Southwest, Spirit, and JetBlue. It’s common to find roundtrip flights for under $200.
To continue saving money after you arrive, you can choose to use public transportation and opt for lodging that’s not right on the beach.
It’s also an option to book a cheap cruise to the Bahamas or another destination while you’re in town, which could cover your food and lodging for multiple days. Cruise companies also often have last-minute deals.
The “Land of the Rising Sun” might seem out of reach budget-wise, but did you know you could snag roundtrip tickets to Tokyo from the $500s or less?
It’s more than possible with Zipair, a budget airline that flies from California and Hawaii to Japan. And once you get there, it can be surprisingly cheap. We’re talking meals for $7 or less and lodging (with free breakfast) for $50 or less.
You can use the best travel credit cards to help reduce the cost of flights and hotel stays on your next trip.
6 ways to build a life where you can travel any time you want
San Antonio is sometimes overlooked in favor of other Texas cities, but don’t sleep on this vibrant destination and its beautiful riverwalk.
You can find sub-$100 hotel prices close to downtown and San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has flights from across the U.S. and Mexico. With proper planning, you can find flights for under $200 round trip.
Are you up for an adventure? If so, Yellowstone can be a surprisingly affordable destination.
While you typically have to pay an arm and a leg for cabins inside the park, you have the option to go camping in nearby KOA campgrounds. Depending on the time of year, you might pay in the $60s per night.
Actually getting to Yellowstone is another story, but there are some potential flight options into Bozeman and Idaho Falls.
Salt Lake City is an excellent base camp for exploring the outdoor wonders of Utah. You can get to Park City in less than an hour or head south to wander through multiple national parks.
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is a Delta hub but also services Southwest and JetBlue. It’s not uncommon to find roundtrip flights from the East Coast for around $200, while West Coast destinations can have even cheaper fares.
Even better, downtown Salt Lake City has a free fare zone where you don’t have to pay to ride certain buses and TRAX trains.
13 legit ways to make extra cash
Peru has world-renowned food, including the best restaurant in the world, and loads of ancient historical sites.
Depending on your budget, you might not be able to fit Cusco and Machu Picchu into your trip, but you can still take a culinary tour of Lima.
Both Spirit and JetBlue fly to Lima out of Fort Lauderdale, providing affordable options for getting there. Once you’re there, both lodging and food are generally much cheaper than in the U.S., thanks to a favorable exchange rate.
Compared to nearby cities like New York and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia might be a bargain.
There are easy ways to get downtown without needing a car and you can find sub-$100 prices on lodging per night.
Equally important, it’s not hard to fly into Philly from around the U.S. You can find roundtrip flights for around $200 on American, or less if you’re flying Spirit or Frontier.
Kansas City has multiple professional sports teams and plenty of restaurant options for foodies. It also doesn’t hurt that it can be quite cheap to visit.
Paying less than $100 per hotel night isn’t hard to do, which leaves you extra money to treat yourself to some delicious barbecued meats.
It’s also nice that Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has connections around the country on multiple airlines, including Southwest and Allegiant. A direct flight from New York could cost as little as $138 round trip.
9 nearly secret things to do if you fly Southwest
Meals for around $4 or less. Lodging for as low as $20 or $30 per night. And roundtrip flights from the $300s (or less from Florida).
Bogota is beyond affordable and definitely worth a visit. Take in all the sights and sounds, including delicious street food and colonial-era architecture.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers flights all over the U.S. and worldwide. This makes it easy to find cheap roundtrip flights, including in the $200s or less from as far away as Seattle.
Once you arrive, you can take the 102 Bush IAH Express bus downtown for less than $2. That saves you some money to use on lodging, which can easily be under $100 per night.
New Orleans is a happening place, but that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. You can find lodging for under $100 per night in downtown locations. Flights can also be affordable, typically costing $200 or less if you find a good deal.
Where you might blow your budget is on all the tasty food New Orleans has to offer, or the fun attractions, like swamp tours through gator territory.
5 signs you're doing better financially than the average American
Vegas can be a huge money pit for multiple reasons, but you can save money if you do your research.
For example, staying on the Strip might seem expensive, but you can find cash prices for around $20 to $30 a night at multiple casino hotels. In some cases, even $10 or less per night is a thing.
The kicker is that you’re often on the hook for resort fees. But you can get those waived in certain situations if you have elite status with a loyalty program. For example, Diamond status with Caesars Rewards.
Mexico is a prime location for getting the best bang for your buck. Of course, you can visit Cancun, Cabo, or Puerto Vallarta, but for a diverse urban experience, check out Mexico City.
Lodging can easily run under $100 per night and even under $50 per night. And if you’re adventurous, you won’t have any problems finding cheap eats.
We’re talking meals for easily under $10 per person, but probably even lower if you find less touristy spots.
Charlotte has quickly become a bustling city filled with big companies and professional sports teams. And it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to lower your financial stress and open up your budget.
Sub-$100 prices per night are fairly common for lodging and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is more than big enough to offer competitive prices.
For example, roundtrip flights in the $100s can easily be found whether you’re flying from the East or West Coast.
Vacations are fun, but they can get expensive. With proper planning and research, however, you can find a way to enjoy a new area for a lot less than you think by making smart money moves !
It’s truly possible to take an enjoyable trip without breaking the bank if you choose the right destination you can enjoy without worrying about overspending.
You might even be able to leave the country on your budget!
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Tokyo Named As a Budget-Friendly Travel Spot for 2024
The results of this U.K.-based report might surprise you!
Japan is often viewed as a destination with a reputation for being expensive. From luxurious hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) to its world-renowned dining scene, this perception as a pricey travel spot has been ingrained in the minds of many travelers. However, there are a wealth of opportunities for budget-conscious explorers, and this is especially so at the moment with the weak yen offering favorable exchange rates and allowing travelers to stretch their money further.
This was highlighted in a recent publication from the U.K.'s Post Office Holiday Money Report for 2024 , which is now in its 18th year. The report saw Tokyo take out fourth spot as one of the year's most economical travel spots, beaten out only by Hoi An in Vietnam, Cape Town in South Africa, and Mombasa in Kenya. It was noted that an average of £59.05 a day (approximately $74.43 USD at the time of writing) is needed for essential tourist purchases, with specific costs mentioned like a glass of wine averaging only $4.56 and a bottle of water averaging 77 cents.
Outside of what the report covers, it's worth noting that there are a plethora of free or cheap activities to enjoy in the Tokyo metropolitan area. From temples and shrines to parks and gardens, and even free observation decks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building , there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.
For the savvy-saver travelers out there, be sure to explore the following budget-friendly articles on our site:
Japan Travel Staff
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FORTRESS Built in the 1580s, Osaka Castle in Kansai region is an important Japanese historical landmark. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
Japan has its allure that tourists cannot seem to resist. After all, it is a travel destination filled with bucket list items: gazing at the blooming sakura, walking across the busy Shibuya crossing and marveling at the majestic Mt. Fuji, to name a few.
So it is no wonder this popular Asian tourist spot always welcomes millions of visitors yearly, including Filipinos.
In fact, Japan is the top choice among Filipinos for leisure travel this year as it was in 2023, according to Green Shoots Radar study by global payment services provider Visa. This January, tourism data showed that about 56,800 Filipinos have gone to Japan, or nearly double the number last year.
The Land of the Rising Sun also pulled in more tourists with the mounting of global pop icon Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concert. A report by research platform Economic Impact.NET estimates that this sold-out event generated $228 million for the country.
READ: Taylor-mania hits Tokyo as Swift resumes tour before Super Bowl
To further boost tourism between the countries, the Philippines’ Department of Tourism and Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism inked a landmark agreement in November last year. Their goal is to increase tourist arrivals for both countries by encouraging tourists to visit attractions, including those in the rural areas. This move is also seen as an opportunity for tourists to be exposed to local customs and culture.
But Japan is just tip of the iceberg. The Visa study reveals that Filipinos are also keen on traveling to other popular destinations in Asia.
Majority or 65 percent of surveyed Filipinos say they are planning to go overseas for leisure in the next 12 months.
READ: PH named as top Asean country for tourist arrivals in Japan in July
Apart from Japan, Filipinos also want to go to South Korea and Singapore for vacation. For business travel, they will likely go to Japan, Canada and South Korea this year.
This finding is in line with the study of online travel platform Klook, which reveals that 76 percent of surveyed Filipinos intend to travel abroad this year. Their preferred destinations include Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand.
The Klook study also finds that travelers prioritize sightseeing, shopping and outdoor adventures when visiting these places.
The online travel platform shares that Filipinos’ top choice of activities include going to Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan and Universal Studios Singapore.
READ: Filipinos raring to travel around PH, abroad, says Klook
The travelers book their trips usually to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other family events while others are encouraged by airline promotions like seat sales.
Majority or 73 percent of the respondents also go on trips to take advantage of the long weekends during public holidays. This is supported by the findings of the study that 63 percent of the respondents who plan to travel already booked tickets, accommodations and activities ahead of the anticipated long breaks.
According to the Klook study, Filipino travelers usually allot P15,000 to P50,000 for their foreign trips.
The Visa study shares that the respondents who booked their accommodations via online travel agencies mostly used credit cards and mobile or e-wallet options for payment.
When traveling, about 89 percent swipe their credit and debit cards. This is because card payments are widely accepted by many merchants across the world and can also be used for online payments, Visa explains.
“As cross-border travel gains momentum in the Philippines and the region, we have a significant opportunity to maintain visibility throughout travelers’ journeys,” Visa Philippines country manager Jeff Navarro says.
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Hi everyone,
Could you please share some websites where i could book buses and "normal" train tickets from?
We are on a low budget and won't use bullet trains and don't mind wasting couple of hours extra per journey.
Thank you in advance!
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/route/
The cheapest trains are locals, no reservations.
Thank you both! What about buses, is there any official website for them or highway buses? If i google it many results appear but don't want to be scammed. We will use the Alpico one from Matsumoto to takayama, the only one i am sure of. Cheers
check out https://expatsguide.jp/travel-transportation/intercity-trains-and-buses/by-highway-bus/
https://japanbusonline.com/en
Every year in Japan, ancient castles, serene lakes, and historic towns are transformed into a canvas with the delicate hues of cherry blossoms. Make sure you are up-to-date with all the essentials before your cherry blossom viewing trip to Japan!
Japan transforms into a picturesque canvas of pink and white hues each spring, making it a dream destination for travelers seeking the serene beauty of cherry blossoms, or sakura. In this comprehensive guide, we will unveil the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan, from the iconic slopes of Mount Fuji adorned with floral splendor to the tranquil beauty of Hirosaki Park’s ancient trees.
Are you wondering “Where to see cherry blossoms in Japan?”? Here is all you need to know.
As the winter chill gives way to the gentle warmth of spring, Japan prepares for its most awaited spectacle – the cherry blossom season of 2024. This enchanting period, typically stretching from late March to early May, sees the country awash with the soft, mesmerizing hues of sakura.
The fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, blooming for a brief moment before drifting away, mirrors the Japanese philosophy of mono no aware – the poignant awareness of the impermanence of things.
The best time to visit Tokyo for cherry blossoms is typically from late March to early April. This is when most of the cherry trees in Tokyo are in full bloom, transforming the city’s parks, gardens, and temple grounds into stunning landscapes of pink and white.
Mount Fuji is surrounded by several areas where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms with the iconic mountain as a backdrop. The combination of the delicate sakura blooms and the majestic Mount Fuji offers one of the most quintessential Japanese springtime scenes, attracting photographers and travelers from around the world.
Mount Yoshino in Nara is often considered the pinnacle of cherry blossom viewing in Japan. With over 30,000 cherry trees that blanket the mountainside in shades of pink and white, the area is divided into four main zones—Shimo Senbon (lower), Naka Senbon (middle), Kami Senbon (upper), and Oku Senbon (innermost).
Mount Yoshino has been a pilgrimage site for centuries , celebrated in Japanese literature and poetry, particularly in waka and haiku.
The area is rich in historical sites, such as Kinpusen-ji, a temple that is considered the second most important pilgrimage site in Yoshino and famous for its large Zao-do Hall.
2. hirosaki castle, aomori.
Hirosaki Castle, located in the heart of Aomori Prefecture, is surrounded by one of the most spectacular cherry blossom spots in Japan. The park surrounding the castle is home to over 2,500 cherry trees. The floating petals create a mesmerizing scene, often described as a carpet of pink and white that moves with the water’s flow.
During the cherry blossom season, the park hosts the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the most anticipated events in the region. Night illuminations highlight the blossoms’ delicate beauty against the night sky, and stalls offer local gourmet treats and crafts.
The Chureito Pagoda in Yamanashi Prefecture offers one of the most iconic scenes in Japan, especially during the cherry blossom season.
During the sakura season, the area around the pagoda is awash with the pink and white hues of blooming cherry trees. It creates a stunning contrast against the pagoda’s elegant structure and the s now-capped peak of Mount Fuji .
The climb up to the pagoda through the cherry tree-lined pathways is itself a memorable part of the experience. Once at the top, the panoramic view that unfolds is unparalleled, providing a moment of awe that encapsulates the beauty of Japan’s spring.
4. ueno park, tokyo.
Ueno Park, situated in the heart of Tokyo, is a sprawling public space that comes alive in a spectacle of pink. With over 1,000 cherry trees lining its spacious avenues and surrounding its historic temples and museums, the park offers a stunning setting for the traditional Japanese custom of hanami, or flower viewing.
Beyond the visual feast of the cherry blossoms, Ueno Park is also a hub of cultural and recreational activities, especially during the sakura season.
The park’s grounds house several significant institutions, including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Ueno Zoo.
The Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto is a serene walkway that invites both introspection and admiration of nature’s beauty. Stretching between two of the city’s most celebrated temples, Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) and Nanzen-ji , this narrow path follows a quaint canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees.
During the spring, these trees burst into a soft cloud of pink, creating a tranquil canopy that perfectly complements the philosophical journey the path is named for. The path’s origins are linked to the daily meditative walks of one of Japan’s most famous philosophers, Nishida Kitaro .
The area becomes a lively but peaceful celebration of spring, where visitors can enjoy the blossoms, sip on matcha at a nearby cafe, or discover local crafts at a boutique.
Maruyama Park, nestled in the historical heart of Kyoto, is renowned for its spectacular display of cherry blossoms, centered around a majestic weeping cherry tree that becomes the park’s crowning glory during sakura season.
The large weeping cherry tree, illuminated at night, transforms into a breathtaking spectacle, its delicate pink blossoms glowing against the evening sky, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere.
Beyond the central weeping cherry tree, Maruyama Park unfolds in a variety of sakura , from vibrant somei yoshino trees to the deeper hues of yaezakura, offering a palette of pinks and whites that blanket the landscape.
Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden stands as a testament to the enduring beauty and meticulous craftsmanship of traditional Japanese landscape design. No wonder it is recognized as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan . In spring, this historical garden transcends its year-round splendor to embrace the cherry blossom season, making it a particularly captivating time for a visit.
The garden’s name, Kenrokuen, means “Garden of the Six Sublimities,” referring to the six essential attributes for a perfect garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water-courses, and panoramas. Each of these qualities is enhanced by the delicate overlay of pink from the cherry blossoms.
Adding to the allure of Kenrokuen during the sakura season are the various traditional teahouses and rest spots scattered throughout the garden. Here, you can pause to enjoy matcha and sweets while taking in the views.
Himeji Castle in Hyogo, often referred to as the “White Heron Castle” due to its elegant, white façade, stands as a pinnacle of ancient Japanese architecture and is considered one of the most spectacular castles in Japan.
During the cherry blossom season, this UNESCO World Heritage site is enveloped by the soft pinks of blooming sakura, creating a mesmerizing contrast that seems to be pulled straight from a fairy tale.
The surrounding gardens, with their meticulously arranged cherry trees, become the perfect setting for hanami. The castle’s intricate design and formidable presence, set against the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms, offer a visual feast that attracts photographers.
Kakunodate, a charming town in Akita Prefecture, is celebrated for its well-preserved samurai district , where time appears to stand still. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku,” Kakunodate’s historical ambiance is further accentuated in spring when the weeping cherry trees lining the samurai residences bloom.
Wander through the same streets where samurai once walked, all while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of sakura. The contrast of the dark wooden fences and traditional architecture with the vibrant blossoms draws cultural aficionados and nature lovers alike.
Lake Kawaguchiko, situated in the scenic Fuji Five Lakes region of Yamanashi Prefecture, boasts one of the most iconic views in Japan. Here, the majestic Mount Fuji is framed by the delicate pinks and whites of cherry blossoms.
The northern shores of Lake Kawaguchiko become particularly enchanting during the Fuji Shibazakura Festival , when the area near the lake is blanketed with a vibrant carpet of shibazakura, or “moss phlox,” complementing the sakura.
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan typically spans from late March to early April . This magical window, known as sakura season, varies slightly from year to year and across different regions due to Japan’s diverse climate. In southern regions, such as Kyushu, the cherry blossoms may start blooming as early as late March, while in northern areas like Hokkaido, the spectacle can be enjoyed as late as May.
Tokyo and Kyoto, two of the most popular destinations for cherry blossom viewing, usually reach full bloom in the first week of April. The blossoms last for about a week before the delicate petals begin to fall, creating a picturesque “snowfall” of petals.
For those planning to partake in this quintessential Japanese experience, it’s crucial to monitor the annual cherry blossom forecasts released by meteorological agencies.
Exploring the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan doesn’t have to strain your wallet. For budget-conscious travelers, particularly those venturing solo, joining group tours can be a game-changer. These tours not only offer the advantage of reduced costs through shared expenses but also provide a curated experience that ensures you don’t miss any of the breathtaking sakura spots.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer seeking the camaraderie of fellow sakura enthusiasts or a budget traveler looking to maximize your experience, group tours in Japan during cherry blossom season offer an enriching and cost-effective way to explore the country’s iconic natural beauty.
Start by choosing the right time of day; early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, enhancing the delicate hues of the sakura petals.
Cherry Blossom Festivals in 2024 promise to be a spectacular showcase of spring’s ephemeral beauty, with events planned across Japan to celebrate the fleeting season of sakura. These festivals, known locally as “sakura matsuri,” are a cultural highlight, offering visitors a unique blend of traditional and modern celebrations.
Check out Travel Talk Japan tours to begin your cherry blossom viewing in Japan!
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How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Japan cost? A one week trip to Japan usually costs around $865 (¥130,999) for one person and $1,730 (¥261,998) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to Japan on average costs around $1,730 (¥261,998) for one person and ...
Nara - Kyoto: 700 Yen ( $5) Kyoto - Hiroshima: 10,500 Yen ( $70) Hiroshima - Osaka: 10,000 Yen ( $67) So if you were to replicate my Japan route exactly, you would end up spending $381 on rail tickets. It sounds like a lot of money but I do want to stress that the trains in Japan are some of the best in the world.
6. The Japan Rail Pass is a great travel bargain. Like the famous Eurail Pass, the JR Pass is one of the world's great travel bargains and is the best way to see a lot of Japan on a budget. It allows unlimited travel on Japan's brilliant nationwide rail system, including the lightning-fast shinkansen (bullet train).
From the United States, a round-trip flight to Japan can be anywhere from $800 USD to $1500 USD. This cost will fluctuate depending on the time of year you choose to travel and where you're traveling from, so keep an eye on prices and see if you can score yourself a deal.
A regular JR pass that allows travel across the whole country costs 29,100 yen. This is incredibly reasonable. If you take a train from Tokyo to Kyoto, throw in a day trip to Nara and you've started saving money. Our plan was as follows: 3 days - Hiroshima and Miyajima. 2 days - Osaka. 1 day - Himeji. 1 day - Nara.
Carry about $40 worth of cash per day in 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: $15 at restaurants and cafes. $10 on shopping.
Bus Passes. One way to save on transport costs in Japan is by purchasing a Willer Express Bus Pass. This pass allows you to travel for 3, 5 or 7 days within a period specified by you. Advantages: The days of travel do not need to be consecutive, giving you flexibility in your itinerary.
Japan on a budget: Top money-saving tips. If you're looking for our top money-saving tips for traveling Japan on a budget, here they are! Travel during low season to get the best rates on accommodation.; Buy a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to visit several places during your trip.. This article breaks down how much the Japan Rail Pass costs and how to purchase it.
Transportation and Tours Price; 7-day Japan Rail Pass (Ordinary) from 50,000 yen: Tokyo Metro 24-hour ticket: 600 yen: Common 1-day ticket for Tokyo Metro & Toei Subway
Asia / Japan /. For a trip to Japan, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $49 to $318. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $98 to $636. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $125 (¥18,714) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors.
You can save money in Japan by living like a local. If you're staying in a hostel, buying a rail pass, eating relatively cheap food, and visiting a few attractions, budget around 10,000-13,000 JPY per day. However, by utilizing the tips above, I think you can travel Japan for 7,000-10,000 JPY per day.
Breakdown of budget for 2 weeks in Japan: Flights (from London to Tokyo return, via Warsaw on using Lot airlines)- $830. Accommodation - $870. Transport (14-day Japan Rail pass) - $360. Food (Daily cost averaged $30, which in most cases was street food lunch/snacks and a low-average priced dinner) - $420.
The Seishun 18 is a 5-day ticket, costing 2,370 yen per day - a total of 11,850 yen. A fraction of the price of the Japan Rail Pass, this is a great option if you want to do lots of little trips or one or two big journeys during the 5 day period. Interestingly, the ticket can also be shared between up to 5 people.
Kanpai's Budget Calculator provides a precise estimate of the travel expenditures item-by-item, with numerous possible choices. As a matter of fact, a backpacker's 10-days trip will not cost the same as a 3-weeks stay for a family looking for a very comfortable trip. Fill in the questionnaire below to discover the expenses to expect and ...
Travel Cost Calculator for Japan. The average traveler in Japan spends about € 130 ($ 138) per day. If you are a backpacker or on a small budget, you usually spend € 60 ($ 64) per day. Those traveling in more luxury will pay around € 320 ($ 340) per day. We even managed to stay under 40 € ($ 47) per day on our trip.
6. Book your accommodation ahead of time. Budget-friendly places fill up first. Unfortunately, Japan is one of those countries where planning ahead is going to save you lots of money. Our guesthouses and hostels were all booked on Booking.com and Hostelworld.com for anywhere from $7.50-$23 per person.
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 ...
The Japan Vacation Budget Calculator goes beyond presenting the total trip cost. It provides a detailed cost breakdown, categorizing expenses to unveil a more comprehensive view of your budget. The breakdown includes individual expenses for flights, hotel accommodation, daily transportation, food, travel insurance, and miscellaneous costs.
The traditional Japanese inns, with tatami, futon and onsen bath are one of the essentials of a trip to Japan. Count on average 20,000 - 30,000 ¥ / pers. with meals and breakfast included. Minshuku. Home cooking and direct contact with the locals, the minshuku are the equivalent of our guest rooms.
Unlike in much of the rest of the world, consumer prices in Japan have barely increased over the past decades. Add to it a weak yen, and you have a travel destination that is much more economical than the outdated misconceptions about expensive Japan would suggest.With careful planning and a little know-how, it is now easier than ever to enjoy a budget trip in Japan.
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.
Medium budget: 500 - 1000 yen per day. Many coffee shops and some restaurants in shopping areas and around train stations offer breakfast sets for around 500 to 1000 yen. High budget: above 1000 yen per day. Hotel breakfasts and breakfast buffets will usually cost you more than 1000 yen.
What is the cheapest flight to Japan? The cheapest ticket to Japan from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $249 one-way, and $370 round-trip. The most popular route is Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $751.
Budget Tricks: Save your pocket money and still see all the cool stuff. Updates; Come on, Let's Go! Grab your copy of Japan Travel Guide 2024 now and start planning your most amazing trip ever. Japan is waiting for you with lots of fun, yummy food, and cool places to explore. Let's make your adventure in Japan the best time ever!
Before you begin your selection process, delve into the budget-friendly destinations of Asia for summer 2024, where you can travel without exceeding your limit. Agoda, the popular online travel agency, surveyed to determine the most budget-friendly destination in Asia for 2024 by comparing the average room rates across top destinations in the ...
The "Land of the Rising Sun" might seem out of reach budget-wise, but did you know you could snag roundtrip tickets to Tokyo from the $500s or less?
Japan is often viewed as a destination with a reputation for being expensive. From luxurious hotels and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) to its world-renowned dining scene, this perception as a pricey travel spot has been ingrained in the minds of many travelers.However, there are a wealth of opportunities for budget-conscious explorers, and this is especially so at the moment with the weak ...
For business travel, they will likely go to Japan, Canada and South Korea this year. ... Travel budget. According to the Klook study, Filipino travelers usually allot P15,000 to P50,000 for their ...
Japan ; Japan Travel Forum; Search. Browse all 150,587 Japan topics » Website for buses and normal trains Watch this Topic. Browse forums; All. Browse by destination. ... We are on a low budget and won't use bullet trains and don't mind wasting couple of hours extra per journey. Secondly, our intended route is Tokyo, Kawaguchiko, Matsumoto, ...
Visiting Cherry Blossoms in Japan on a Budget. Exploring the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms in Japan doesn't have to strain your wallet. For budget-conscious travelers, particularly those venturing solo, joining group tours can be a game-changer. ... Check out Travel Talk Japan tours to begin your cherry blossom viewing in Japan! Search ...