For years, the Land of the Rising Sun shimmered on my travel bucket list, tantalizingly out of reach. Like many budget travelers, I believed Japan to be an expensive destination, a place reserved for luxury vacations, not shoestring adventures. Visions of exorbitant train fares and pricey hotels kept pushing me towards Southeast Asian shores or even across the Pacific to Australia, anywhere but Japan. Japan Travel Cost always seemed too high.
The turning point came when wanderlust finally trumped my financial anxieties. Inspired by fellow travel bloggers’ enthusiastic accounts, I decided to take the plunge, bracing myself for a significant dent in my savings.
To my utter surprise, Japan wasn’t the budget-busting behemoth I had imagined. In fact, I discovered that the japan travel cost is comparable to traveling in Western Europe or North America, and even more affordable than Australia. It certainly proved to be significantly cheaper than my adventures in Namibia, where daily expenses soared to $132, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I somehow managed to spend an eye-watering $550 per day!
But enough about my past travel spending habits. Let’s dive into the real reason you’re here: understanding the true cost of travel in Japan.
This detailed guide breaks down my actual expenses in Japan, covering accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and those often-overlooked miscellaneous costs. Flights to and from Japan are excluded, as these will vary dramatically depending on your departure location.
My 16-day journey through Japan provided a taste of the country’s diverse offerings, following what I believe to be a perfect itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan:
- Tokyo: 4 nights
- Hakone: 1 night
- Yudanaka: 1 night
- Kanazawa: 2 nights
- Takayama: 1 night
- Kyoto: 3 nights
- Hiroshima: 1 night
- Osaka: 3 nights
Throughout this guide, costs are initially presented in Japanese Yen (¥) and subsequently converted to U.S. Dollars ($), Euros (€), and British Pounds (£) to cater to a global audience.
Transparency is paramount. Therefore, it’s important to note that:
- This trip was entirely self-funded. I accept no sponsored trips, ensuring unbiased and authentic recommendations.
- I travel anonymously, experiencing destinations as any other traveler would.
- All content and photographs are original, reflecting my personal experiences. AI tools are never used on Never Ending Footsteps.
To support the ongoing operation of this site and keep it ad-free, this guide includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Let’s begin our budget breakdown and uncover the real japan travel cost.
Accommodation Costs in Japan
Japan offers a fascinating array of accommodation options, catering to every budget and travel style. From futuristic capsule hotels to serene ryokans (traditional Japanese inns), I made it my mission to sample a diverse range during my trip. Accommodation is a significant factor in japan travel cost, so finding the right options is key.
My nightly accommodation costs ranged from a budget-friendly $40 (€38/£32) for a capsule hotel to a more indulgent $155 (€149/£123) for a ryokan boasting its own onsen (hot spring bath). Let’s explore the spectrum of possibilities, starting with the most budget-conscious choices.
For travelers seeking to minimize their japan travel cost, free accommodation options do exist:
Couchsurfing: Couchsurfing remains a viable option in Japan, connecting travelers with local hosts offering free accommodation, typically on a sofa. While the Couchsurfing community in Japan may be smaller than in its peak, active hosts, often expats, can still be found. A friend successfully navigated Japan using Couchsurfing in late 2024, enjoying a culturally immersive and budget-friendly experience. Browse over 300,000 potential hosts on the Couchsurfing website, remembering to carefully review host profiles and references, especially for solo female travelers.
Housesitting: For a more comfortable free stay, consider housesitting. This involves caring for someone’s home, and sometimes pets, while they are away, in exchange for free accommodation. Often appealing to mid-range and luxury travelers, housesitting in Japan can offer a unique opportunity to live like a local in a comfortable setting without paying for accommodation, thus reducing japan travel cost. Flexibility in travel dates and destinations is key for housesitting, making it ideal for long-term travelers, digital nomads, or retirees. Trusted Housesitters is a leading platform with a significant number of listings in Japan. It’s worth checking for opportunities before booking paid accommodation.
Work Exchange (Worldpackers): Worldpackers in Japan offers a chance to volunteer with local hosts in exchange for free room and board. From assisting on a honey farm to helping in a Buddhist temple garden, diverse and enriching experiences are available. Readers of this blog can enjoy a $10 discount on Worldpackers membership using the promo code neverendingfootsteps.
For those preferring conventional budget accommodation, Japan provides excellent options:
Hostels: Hostels are prevalent throughout Japan, from bustling cities to remote islands and national parks. They are a cornerstone of budget travel in Japan. Japan travel cost can be significantly reduced by opting for hostels. Expect to pay around $25 per night for a dorm bed in a well-regarded hostel, with top-rated hostels costing up to $45 per night. Private rooms in hostels offer more privacy at around $50 per night, potentially becoming a cost-effective option for couples or friends traveling together. Exceptional private rooms in hostels can be found for around $90 per night. HostelWorld is a valuable resource for finding hostels in Japan, often offering the widest selection at competitive prices.
Hotels: Moving up the scale, hotels in Japan offer a wide range of experiences and price points, further influencing your japan travel cost.
Japan’s accommodation scene is incredibly diverse. During my trip, I aimed to experience as many types as possible – capsule hotels, ryokans, tatami mat rooms, family-run guesthouses, and hostels. While budget-conscious, I also indulged in highly-rated, splurge-worthy stays.
In the spirit of transparency, I’ll share details and average prices (calculated across a six-month period to account for seasonal variations) of the accommodations I personally chose, hoping this aids your trip planning. Remember that hotel prices can fluctuate based on demand and travel dates.
Traveling with my partner, Dave, we favored mid-range, highly-rated, centrally located, locally-run properties with character and welcoming atmospheres over generic chain hotels.
Tokyo: $155 per night: Tokyo is the likely starting point for many Japan adventures. To immerse ourselves in the Japanese experience immediately, we chose this charming onsen-ryokan in Shinjuku. Shinjuku and Shibuya are consistently recommended Tokyo neighborhoods. This ryokan’s unique appeal lies in its combination of traditional Japanese inn style and an on-site onsen (hot spring). It offered a perfect introduction to Japanese culture. The cozy, traditional rooms, stunning Tokyo night views, and rooftop onsen with complimentary popsicles made it my favorite hotel in Japan. Located in a quieter area, it was still conveniently a 10-minute walk to the subway. Highly recommended!
Hakone: $82 per night: In Hakone, we opted for a private room in a delightful guesthouse featuring tatami mats and a private onsen. This guesthouse, pictured earlier with the tatami mat room, became another highlight of our trip. Lovely staff, a restaurant/bar serving excellent pizzas, a relaxed atmosphere, and the private onsen experience for couples made it exceptional.
Yudanaka: $89 per night: Yudanaka brought us to a wonderful, traditional ryokan, even more authentically Japanese than the Tokyo ryokan. Ryokans can be expensive, sometimes reaching $500 per night, but this Yudanaka option was budget-friendly. Run by a charming Japanese couple, it included a private onsen, transport to the snow monkey park, and an unforgettable 20-course kaiseki dinner. This elaborate multi-course meal showcased regional Japanese cuisine and homemade plum wine. A must-try experience (though skip breakfast if you indulge in the kaiseki!).
Kanazawa: $76 per night: Kanazawa boasts fantastic accommodation choices. We selected this minimalist, modern hotel, a great value option, especially considering its recent opening. Its location near Omicho Market (for incredible sushi) and walking distance to Kanazawa Castle and Kenroku-en Garden is ideal. The traditional Japanese breakfast, onsen, laundry facilities, and kind staff were added bonuses.
Takayama: $86 per night: Takayama’s accommodation was a small, locally-run guesthouse in the town center. Spacious for Japan, it included a kitchen and washing machine. Comfortable beds, a central location near the train station, quiet atmosphere, and friendly staff made it a pleasant stay.
Kyoto: $116 per night: In Kyoto, we returned to a beloved, cozy hotel from a previous trip in 2017. Its excellent location and superior bathrooms stood out. Consistently top-rated and budget-friendly, it remains my top Kyoto recommendation.
Hiroshima: $43 per bed: Hiroshima offered the chance to experience a capsule hostel. Sharing a room with only two others in a 20-bed capsule room, it was surprisingly comfortable. The owner was exceptionally kind, and the hostel’s walkability to attractions, great bathrooms, fun common area, and low price made it a positive experience.
Osaka: $153 per night: Osaka concluded our trip with a four-star hotel treat centered around its beautiful onsen. Open all day, the onsen was a highlight, complemented by free ice cream, comics, massage chairs, and even ramen. Conveniently located near a metro station, its calming, traditional decor provided a perfect farewell to Japan.
Overall, our average accommodation cost for two people over 16 days was $112 per day, or $56 per person per day. This is a crucial component of the overall japan travel cost.
Transportation Costs in Japan
Transportation is another key factor influencing japan travel cost, particularly in a country known for its efficient and extensive rail network. Let’s discuss transportation costs in Japan for 2024 and beyond.
Historically, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), offering unlimited train travel within a specified period, was considered essential for cost-effective travel in Japan. Prior to October 2023, a JR Pass could save a traveler around $175 on an itinerary similar to mine.
However, in October 2023, the JR Pass price dramatically increased by 70%, significantly altering its value proposition and its impact on japan travel cost.
While the Japan Rail Pass still offers convenience – unlimited train access and ease of use for those unfamiliar with Japanese train ticketing – its financial advantage has diminished for many travelers. For example, my 16-day itinerary (Tokyo – Hakone – Tokyo – Nagano – Kanazawa – Takayama – Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto – Hiroshima – Osaka) cost approximately 50,000 Yen ($350) with individual tickets, while a 14-day JR Pass now costs 80,000 Yen ($530).
Therefore, the JR Pass is no longer a blanket recommendation, unless you plan extensive, long-distance train travel within a short timeframe. The ease and security of the pass might still justify the higher cost for some, but it’s crucial to evaluate its value against individual ticket costs for your specific itinerary to optimize your japan travel cost.
For booking individual train tickets, the JR West website is a useful resource, particularly for travel west of Tokyo (covering my itinerary destinations). It allows online booking and seat reservation up to a month in advance, simplifying travel planning before arrival.
Here’s a breakdown of approximate train ticket costs for my itinerary:
- Tokyo – Hakone: 2,500 Yen ($17)
- Hakone – Tokyo: 2,500 Yen ($17)
- Tokyo – Nagano: 7,500 Yen ($50)
- Nagano – Kanazawa: 8,500 Yen ($57)
- Kanazawa – Takayama: 5,000 Yen ($33)
- Takayama – Kyoto: 9,000 Yen ($60)
- Kyoto – Nara: 700 Yen ($5)
- Nara – Kyoto: 700 Yen ($5)
- Kyoto – Hiroshima: 10,500 Yen ($70)
- Hiroshima – Osaka: 10,000 Yen ($67)
Following my exact route by train would cost approximately $381, averaging $24 per day for transportation. While seemingly expensive, Japan’s trains are world-class – clean, comfortable, modern, and incredibly fast, offering a luxurious travel experience that justifies the cost for many.
For budget-conscious travelers seeking to minimize japan travel cost, buses offer a cheaper alternative to trains. However, buses are slower, less comfortable, often involve overnight travel, and can be more complex to book. Willer Express and Japan Bus Online are helpful websites for booking long-distance buses, although bus routes may not cover all train routes.
Comparing bus costs for my itinerary (where available) to train costs:
- Tokyo – Hakone: 2,250 Yen ($15)
- Hakone – Tokyo: 1,800 Yen ($12)
- Tokyo – Nagano: 2,200 Yen ($15)
- Nagano – Kanazawa: No bus route available
- Kanazawa – Takayama: 3,300 Yen ($22)
- Takayama – Kyoto: 3,800 Yen ($25)
- Kyoto – Nara: No bus route available
- Nara – Kyoto: No bus route available
- Kyoto – Hiroshima: 4,300 Yen ($29)
- Hiroshima – Osaka: 4,000 Yen ($27)
Buses are roughly half the price of trains. Using buses for available routes and trains for the remainder would bring the total transportation cost down to approximately $212.
Within cities, transportation costs were surprisingly low. Many Japanese cities are walkable, and I primarily explored on foot. My metro expenses were minimal: $6 in Tokyo, $7 in Osaka, and $2 in Kyoto.
The Hakone Free Pass (despite its name, it’s not free) at 5,000 Yen ($33), is a combined transportation and activity pass for the Hakone region (Mount Fuji area). It provides unlimited transport within Hakone and discounted entry to attractions, offering cost savings for Hakone visitors as it covers essential transportation and activities.
Food Costs in Japan
Japanese cuisine is a major highlight for many travelers, and fortunately, food costs in Japan can be surprisingly affordable, making it easy to manage your japan travel cost. Eating out can actually be a budget-friendly way to experience Japan.
Most of my meals in Japan cost less than ¥1000 ($7).
Let’s explore typical costs for popular Japanese dishes and meal types to understand food-related japan travel cost.
Sushi, a quintessential Japanese food, is a must-try. The sushi and sashimi in Japan are exceptional, far surpassing anything I’ve tasted elsewhere. To combine culinary and cultural experiences, visit Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo or Omicho Market in Kanazawa. A sashimi bowl at these markets costs between ¥1,800 and ¥4,000 ($12-$25), depending on size and fish quality.
Ramen, a comforting and delicious noodle soup, became my regular budget-friendly dinner choice. Japanese ramen is incredible, and its affordability doesn’t compromise quality. A bowl of ramen typically costs around ¥1000 ($7). Customization is a fun aspect of ordering ramen in Japan. Many ramen shops offer customization slips where you can specify broth richness, noodle firmness, spiciness level, and toppings like spring onions and eggs.
Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake, is another highly recommended, filling, and inexpensive dish, costing between ¥1000 ($7) and ¥1500 ($10). Osaka and Hiroshima each have distinct okonomiyaki styles, sparking lively debates about which is superior. If visiting both cities, try both variations and decide for yourself!
Japanese curry, a new culinary discovery for me, is richer, sweeter, and less creamy than Indian curry, with a delightful umami flavor. Katsu curry (pork cutlet curry) typically costs around ¥1000 ($7).
Japanese snacks are another delightful and affordable food category. Street snacks like takoyaki (octopus balls) cost around ¥500 ($4.50).
For splurge meals, our kaiseki dinner at our ryokan in Yudanaka cost ¥4000 ($36) per person, a budget-friendly kaiseki option compared to others that can reach $100 or more. Sushi in Kanazawa was another splurge at ¥2000 ($18).
Even on a tight budget, eating well in Japan is easy. 7-Eleven convenience stores offer surprisingly good and affordable meals and snacks.
My average daily food cost in Japan was $23.20 per person. This demonstrates that food doesn’t have to be a major driver of japan travel cost.
Activities and Entrance Fees in Japan
Activities and entrance fees in Japan are remarkably affordable, often around $5 per attraction, offering excellent value for your japan travel cost. Many attractions are even free!
Here’s a list of free activities I enjoyed in Japan:
- Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing (walking across during rush hour)
- Tokyo: Imperial Palace
- Tokyo: Sensō-ji Temple
- Tokyo: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (sunset views)
- Tokyo: Ueno Park
- Tokyo: Harajuku (fashion-spotting)
- Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha (climbing)
- Kyoto: Geisha district alleyways (geisha-spotting)
- Kyoto: Kyoto Imperial Palace (guided tour)
- Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Nara: Nara Park deer
- Hiroshima: Atomic Bomb Dome
- Miyajima: Island temples and torii gate
These free attractions alone offer a rich and fulfilling Japan experience.
For paid attractions, here’s what I spent:
- Hedgehog cafe in Tokyo: $13 (1400¥)
- Snow Monkey Park: $7 (800¥)
- Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa: $3 (310¥)
- Golden Pavilion in Kyoto: $3 (300¥)
- Ryoan-ji Zen Garden in Kyoto: $5 (500¥)
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: $2 (200¥)
My average daily spending on activities in Japan was only $2 per person. Activities contribute minimally to overall japan travel cost.
Miscellaneous Expenses in Japan
Local SIM Card: $14: For seamless connectivity, I recommend AloSIM for eSIMs in Japan. eSIMs are purchased online before your trip and activate upon arrival, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. AloSIM offers 3 GB of data for $8.50 or 10 GB for $18 in Japan. Never Ending Footsteps readers receive a 5% discount on aloSIM eSIMs using the code FOOTSTEPS.
Insight Guides Japan Guidebook: $20: This Insight Guides guidebook is highly recommended for its focus on Japanese history and culture, beautiful photography, and insights into local customs and responsible travel. Purchase it for pre-trip planning, but its size makes it best left at home during your travels.
Luggage Storage at Snow Monkey Park: $4.50 (¥500): Luggage storage is available at the Snow Monkey Park for convenient baggage handling while visiting the park.
Travel Insurance for 16 Days: $60: Travel insurance is essential for any trip. It covers unexpected events like flight cancellations, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and repatriation. HeyMondo is my recommended travel insurance provider for Japan.
Total Japan Travel Cost: Is Japan Expensive?
Let’s summarize the daily expenses to determine the overall japan travel cost:
- Accommodation: $56 per day
- Transportation: $27 per day
- Food: $23 per day
- Activities/Entrance Fees: $2 per day
- Miscellaneous: $2 per day
Average Daily Japan Travel Cost: $110 per person. For couples traveling together, budget approximately $220 per day for combined expenses.
Considering Japan’s reputation for high prices, a daily average of $110 is surprisingly reasonable, especially given the inclusion of some splurge experiences in this budget. Japan travel cost doesn’t have to be prohibitive.
What were your expectations regarding the cost of a trip to Japan? Were you surprised by these figures?
Related Articles on Japan:
🇯🇵 What’s it Like to Travel in Japan?
🏯 How to Spend Two Weeks in Japan: An Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
🍣 15 Weird and Wonderful Things to Eat in Japan
🎌 23 Incredible Things to Do in Osaka, Japan
🗼 21 Spectacular Things to Do in Tokyo, Japan
😎 Hipster Harajuku: The Coolest Neighbourhood in Tokyo
🦔 Should You Go to a Hedgehog Cafe? My Experience in Japan
🐒 Why Seeing the Snow Monkeys in Japan Sucked
