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The cost of travelling in Japan comes with a price tag, but it doesn’t have to be as much as you think if you plan well. This guide on Japan trip costs has budget tips and breakdowns for transport, bookings, and accommodations across the country.
Knowing that Japan has a higher cost of travel can be offputting, but the expense is secondary to the experience. Whether you want to soak up the bright lights and the distinct character of the big cities like mega-metropolis Tokyo and edgy-alternative Osaka, wander the old, narrow wooden house-lined alleyways of Kyoto, stroll through the scenic smaller towns of Kobe and Nara, or relax within the beach towns and mountain ranges of the peninsulas and islands, Japan is vast, with endless changing scenery.
Aside from where to go and what to do, the questions of ‘Is Japan expensive?’ and ‘How much does a trip to Japan cost?’ are always at the fore. So I will cut to the chase— travelling here is more costly than in its Asian neighbours. Yet, by pre-booking rail passes and pre-planning your rough route and associated bookings, you’ll save yourself some money.
This Japan travel cost breakdown will help you plan your trip, calculate your estimated Japan budget and see exactly where your money goes.
How Much Does It Cost To Travel In Japan? Save with these budget trip tips.
Plan How Many Days to Spend in Japan
Of course, the length of your Japan itinerary determines your budget. Typically, visitors spend two weeks in Japan on their first visit, hopping between the major cities and associated landmarks and sites.
I spent four weeks in Japan on my first visit and three weeks on my second, travelling entirely via overland transportation. I wanted to see a range of different places and spend a quality amount of time in areas that are both key highlights and some of the biggest areas to explore – Tokyo (one week), Kyoto (five days) and Osaka (at least three days), time to climb Mount Fuji and to cross the country and get down to Hiroshima, and over to Kanazawa for a taster of the Japanese Alps.
Not even one month is enough – Japan is much bigger than you think, and seeing it all on a single visit is impossible. I still have not visited the far northern regions of Japan, dug deeper into the towns and cities of the Alps, or gone anywhere further south than Hiroshima or the outlying islands, which would mean having to budget for an internal flight. So the key is to pick your main town and city bases and get booking.
If you are planning a trip to Japan and don’t know where to start on what destination to visit, check out my other Japan travel tips and city overviews for inspiration.
READ ALL: On my Destination Page for Japan.
When is the Cheapest Time to Travel to Japan?
The most expensive times to visit Japan: The designated high seasons of March to May (spring season) and September to November (autumn) see the most visitors.
The most cost-effective time to visit: It’s a good idea to look for flights to Japan and accommodation deals during the off-season between November and March. However, since Japan was one of the last countries to open following intense pandemic measures, exponential visitor numbers continue, so it remains busy throughout the year.
The summer months: From June to September (especially July and August), travel in Japan can be unbearably hot and uncomfortable for travel and sightseeing, putting some people off. But it is doable – my first visit was during the height of summer, and I still enjoyed it.
Mount Fuji’s official climbing season: The trails on Japan’s sacred peak are only open between July and September, a big factor for the thousands taking the pilgrimage.
A Japan Trip Cost in Comparison to the Rest of Asia
Japan is one of the most expensive countries to travel to in the Asia region.
On my most recent trip in November 2024, I spent around €2000 in three weeks.
Backpackers and hardcore travellers used to be a minority here, instead opting for the budget Southeast Asia trails. Now, Japan attracts a mix of backpackers to business travellers, with accommodations to cater to all. Japan’s tourism industry has one of the fastest growth rates annually.
In reality, Japan isn’t going to get any cheaper; in fact, it’s getting even more expensive – Japan Rail Pass costs have increased, and despite a weak Yen, accommodation prices per night are still hefty. The one place you can save money on is food, local Ramen outlets especially.
But avoiding Japan for cost reasons alone means missing out on what is rated as an absolute must-see destination.
In the Southeast Asian countries of Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, you can expect to spend an average of €700-£1000 / $740-$1050 + a month on a budget. China, Taiwan, and Nepal cost approximately the same. Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea are slightly higher, depending on transport options or where activities and attractions are harder to reach or organise independently.
Japan is, therefore, almost double the cost of a typical trip in Southeast Asia or its neighbouring countries.
Japan is expensive when it comes to travelling in Asia. But it’s worth the cost.
Trip Cost by Length of Visit
In Japan, independent travel is easy. Hostel options are plentiful, local food outlets and street food snacks are cheaper than larger restaurants, the local transport network, including metros, is cost-effective, and long-distance rail travel can be cheaper if you buy regional rail passes.
Estimated calculations are from a 2024/2025 trip based on transport, accommodation, and food expenses. All variations include the cost of a 7-day and 21-day Japan Rail Pass (following its recently hiked prices).
- Japan trip cost for one month
- Japan trip cost for one week
- Japan trip cost per day
Cost of a Two-Week Japan Vacation
Based on the average vacation time of two weeks, you need to budget at least £1100/$1,400.
Around one-third of that will be spent on a 14-day Japan Rail Pass (80,000 YEN), though I saved money on my second visit by purchasing a 7-day JR West All Area Pass (26,000 YEN), allowing unlimited travel between Hiroshima and Kyoto and around, and booking a couple of extra trains on top, such as Kyoto to Tokyo.
How Much Money Do You Need Per Day in Japan?
, with some even visiting as a layover in Tokyo, it can be easier to calculate a daily budget in Japan.
Japan on a budget – 15,000 Yen per day (£80 / $100)
Those looking to stay in hostels, eat cheaper meals, and not frequently indulge in nightlife.
Japan on a mid-budget – 20,000 Yen per day (£100 / $130)
For those wanting to stay in low-cost hotels, enjoy the restaurant scene and nights on the town, and the odd activity/experience splurge.
Japan on a high-end budget – 25,000 – 40,000 Yen per day (£130-£200 / $165-$250)
For those wanting more luxury, the best cuisine in town and first-class train tickets.
You’ll need to budget around $1,200 for a two-week backpacking trip around Japan.
Cost of Travelling in Japan for One Month
Japan Rail pass
- 21-day pass, ordinary car – 100,000 YEN = £420 / $530
Accommodation for 30 nights
- 2 adults: budget private room, on average £80/$100 per night = £2400 / $3040
- Single: private bed or dorm, on average £40/$50 = £1200 / $1520
Food, drink, tourism site entry fees, other transport, and day-to-day living
- Based on an average of £30/$38 per day = £900 / $1140
Is it Worth Getting a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass might be one of the biggest initial costs. Suppose you plan to visit more than three or four long-distance destinations in Japan. Buying one is highly advised in that case. It gives you unlimited journeys on all Japan Rail, Japan Ferry, and Japan Buses throughout the country.
Many people are put off by the high cost of the rail pass, but individual rail journeys are expensive and, when added together, can cost more than the unlimited rail pass. Since the Japan Rail Pass price hikes in October 2023, it is worth working out planned train journeys and seeing if you can save by having the pass.
Standard Train Prices in Japan
Are you thinking of paying as you go? Here are some average one-way train ticket costs in Japan without using a Japan Rail Pass.
- Tokyo – Kyoto: £94 / $118
- Tokyo – Osaka: £97 / $122
- Tokyo – Hiroshima: £128 / $161
- Kyoto – Osaka: £20 / $25
- Kyoto – Hiroshima: £77 / $97
- Osaka – Hiroshima: £70 / $88
The average cost for a Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima – Tokyo round-trip (without using a Japan Rail Pass) = £348 / $440.
For one week of travel, individual train tickets may be the more cost-effective option. That’s if you can find good fares at the time of travelling.
How Much is a Japan Rail Pass?
If you cover this basic route of city highlights, buying a Japan Rail Pass for two or three weeks of unlimited travel in Japan can save you a lot of money and avoid the hassle of searching for the lowest-cost ticket.
You should invest in a Japan Rail Pass only to make the cost of multiple and long-distance travel worthwhile.
The following are prices for the standard/ordinary class tickets.
7-day Japan Rail Pass
£261 / $330
14-day Japan Rail Pass
£418 / $528
21-day Japan Rail Pass
£523 / $661
Buying a Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass must be booked before you arrive in Japan.
Local travel agents can book this for you, and you will be given a receipt to be presented at the main stations in Tokyo in exchange for your pass. However, it’s quick and easy to purchase a Japan Rail Pass online, as shown below.
Japan Rail Pass
From £261/$330/50,000 Yen/Multiple Currencies
You can purchase a rail pass from Japan travel experts, J Rail Pass. Multiple-day and regional passes can be ordered with free delivery in various countries. The website is easy to use, with quick and secure payment and with other Japan travel services to hand.
Buy a Japan Rail Pass Now
Buying a Japan Rail West Pass
On my second trip to Japan, it made more sense to purchase a 7-day JR West pass that covers a huge swathe of Kansai. I flew into Osaka and stayed for three days, activating my 7-day pass on the date I planned to leave the city. I then used the pass to travel down to Hiroshima via Shinkansen bullet train, up to Kyoto, and have free reign to travel to surrounding areas like Kobe and Nara. The pass covers the southern Kyushu prefecture and reaches the Hokuriku area, home to Kanazawa and Toyama mountain towns.
It then made sense to purchase a standalone Shinkansen train ticket from Kyoto up to Tokyo, where I typically spend at least five days and don’t require a travel pass.
7-day JR West pass
£138/$175 /26,000 Yen/Multiple Currencies
Other Transportation Costs in Japan
Local trains in Japan
Local trains outside the JR Rail pass inclusion can cost anywhere from £3-£10 / $4-$13 for a short half-hour journey up to £15 / $20 for a destination an hour or more away.
Ticket prices vary according to which of the five different types of train you take:
- Local trains stop at every station on the route.
- Rapid trains skip some stations
- Express trains skip even more stations
- Limited Express stop only at major designated stations
- Super Express (shinkansen ‘bullet trains’) operate separately on different lines and with their own stations
Be aware of extra costs when using Japanese trains and booking tickets. An extra fee is applied on top of the train ticket base fee for the faster trains.This applies to the Express trains upwards (in terms of speed)
What seat class do you choose? While most local trains have a standard class across all carriages, there are two classes of seats on long-distance trains, which also affects your overall costs – Ordinary (Second Class) and Green (First Class)
- Green/first-class seats can sometimes be double the price of the standard fare.
- Shinkansen (bullet) trains have reserved and non-reserved seating options, where a reservation can cost within the region of $5.
- Shinkansen (bullet) train seat reservations are free with the Japan Rail Pass.
Check here for routes and timetables for trains in Japan.
Japan Metro and Bus System
Japan has metro lines in nine cities, although you are likely to mainly use those in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Tokyo’s subway is the largest and most tricky to navigate, although I always find myself being helped out by locals who came to my aid in helping me purchase the right ticket or even ride the line with me until my correct stop.
A single trip on a Metro and average bus journeys in all cities varies but is usually from 180 – 400 Yen – around £1 -£4 / $1.25 – $5 for a single journey.
You can purchase an unlimited Tokyo Metro Pass: 24 hours (800 Yen/€4/$5), 48 hours (1,200 Yen/£6/$8), or 72-hours (1,500/£8/$10).
A comprehensive breakdown of all metro lines, ticket prices, and tips on navigating each system can be found here.
The Japan Metro is an overwhelming but cheap means of transport around the major cities.
Taxis in Japan
Taxis, especially in Tokyo, are ridiculously expensive and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary or if you have no choice. As an example, a 20-minute journey home after a night out in Tokyo cost nearly £38 / $48, and that was even on the meter. Taking an Uber was a similar cost.
Japan black and yellow taxis are an expensive option.
Bike Hire in Japan
Like most destinations, bike hire is common and one of the most budget-friendly ways to get around and explore an area.
Many guesthouses in Japan offer this facility for free, and if not included, the average cost I found for a one-day bike hire was £5/$6.
Make use of free or inexpensive bike hire from Japanese accommodations.
Cost of Food in Japan
Food prices (and drinks) vary dramatically depending on location. You may be eating a cheap bowl of ramen noodles for a full meal at a standard restaurant or trying the delectable beef that Kobe is famous for, with a hefty price tag! Chain restaurants like the CoCo Ichibanya curry house do great deals alongside local establishments, which might throw in a free beer if you stick to a certain menu. Sushi doesn’t have to be an expensive option, as does tempura.
One budget food tip for Japan is to get breakfast, snacks, and sushi sets at a local supermarket. You can even stay within a 1,000 Yen budget (£6 / $8) for a meal.
- A meal in a local restaurant: £5-£10 / $6-$13.
- Ramen or curry: £6 / $8 (can be sought for less than 1,000 Yen).
- Kobe beef (special, must-do treat!): £17 / $22+.
- Budget sushi: £0.75 / $1 (Around 100 Yen per item on the menu)
- Sushi at Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market: £13-£20 / $17-$26 (2,000 – 3,000 Yen for sushi sets of around seven pieces or more).
- Cover charge at themed bar or restaurant: £6 / $8 on average.
- Bottle of beer: £3 / $4.
- Cup of coffee: £3 / $4.
Plastic food on display at Japanese restaurants makes choosing and knowing the price easy.
Accommodation Costs in Japan
In Japan, accommodation will be your biggest cost, alongside transportation.
Hostels are prevalent in big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, as well as smaller cities like Kobe and Kanazawa. In many areas, old houses and factories have been turned into homely hostels and guesthouses, and traditional Ryokan are being preserved, meaning you can experience Japanese tradition and local living at a relatively good price outside of large hotels.
Factor in a traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn) into your accommodation budget.
I stayed at the range of accommodations in Japan listed below to pull together a comprehensive list of options that cover all manner of budgets, from no-frills to luxury hostels, to traditional homestays and Ryokans, on a journey that started in Tokyo and which took me through various key hotspots in the country, all the way down to Hiroshima.
Below is an outline of where I stayed and the costs per night for a dorm or a single room.
Tokyo Accommodation Costs
Homeikan – A traditional Ryokan, said to be Tokyo’s oldest, with an onsen bath.
From £41 / $51 for a private room
Mount Fuji Area Accommodation Costs
K’s House Traveller’s Hostel in Kawaguchiko – In the heart of the Fuji area, with free bus transfers to the main train station.
From £58 / $73 for a dorm room
Private rooms from £140 /$176
Standard mountain house on Mount Fuji
From £38 / $48 for a sleeping space, sleeping bag provided
Ito Accommodation Costs
K’s House Ito Onsen – Shared and private rooms within a 100-year-old Ryokan, with an onsen bath.
From £20 / $25 for dorm room
From £58 / $73 for a private room
Kyoto Accommodation Costs
Santiago Guesthouse – A new hostel with its very own luxury café.
From £11 / $13 for a dorm room
Kyoto Piece Hostel – A luxury hostel with a swanky hotel vibe.
From £42 / $53 for a private
From £15 / $19 for a dorm room
Haruya Hostel – An old Japanese house converted into a homely guesthouse.
From £16 / $20 for a dorm room
Utano Youth Hostel – A traditional ‘youth hostel’ outside of the central city.
From £21 / $27 for a dorm room
Nara Accommodations Costs
Nara Backpackers – A traditional Japanese house turned into a cosy guesthouse.
From £16 / $20 for a dorm room
Osaka Accommodation Costs
J-Hoppers Osaka – Based slightly out-of-town in nearby Konohana ward (where Universal Studios is based) and main transport links.
From £17 / $22 for a dorm room
Kobe Accommodation Costs
Yume Nomad – A huge local house turned guesthouse with its own in-house café.
From £17 / $22 for a dorm room
Hiroshima Accommodation Costs
From £13 / $17 for a capsule
Nest Hotel Hiroshima Hatchobori
From £49 / $62 for a economy double
Living locally in Japan. Many traditional houses have been converted into small hostels and guesthouses.
Book a Hotel in Japan
Cost of Tours in Japan
For some, independent travel in Japan might seem overwhelming. If you embark on solo travel in Asia for the first time, Japan can feel more isolated and less trodden than the Southeast Asia hotspots. Would you rather a travel trip to Japan be taken care of and travel in a small group with other adventurers? I recommend these tours of Japan with G Adventures, which takes in many of the country’s key cities and highlights, getting you from Tokyo to Hiroshima and back again.
With a variety of trip options from five days to two weeks, including visiting the iconic Japanese sights on a National Geographic Journey trip, seeing Japan’s highlights on a budget, or travelling the backroads of Japan, you could even mix and match a small group tour with independent travel.
How Much Do Attractions Cost in Japan?
Eccentric shows, walking tours, cultural tours, and ceremonies also factor into your exploration budget when travelling in Japan.
Temples, castles, and palaces are mostly free to enter, although some historical monuments may have an admission fee, which contributes to the site’s protection.
For example, Tokyo is a dream on a sightseeing budget, with core sites such as the Buddist Sensoji Temple and the Imperial Palace grounds having no admission fee. However, the Kinkaku-Ji Temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto is ¥400 – $2/€3.
Sensoji Temple in Tokyo is free to enter. Sightseeing in Japan isn’t expensive.
Is Japan Expensive?
Yes, but the cost of travelling within Japan is relative. Before getting there, you must decide where you will go, whether to purchase a rail pass, and what kind of accommodation you want to stay in, whether its budget hostels, boutique hotels or traditional Japanese experiences.
Everything else along the way falls into place, and if you look hard enough when it comes to food and other everyday costs, your overall Japan vacation cost might not be as overwhelming as you expect.
Japan may be more expensive than her Asian neighbours, but the incredible time you will have here will leave you saying the same thing long after you have left: “It was completely worth it”. I promise you that.
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Any plagiarism of this Japan cost travel blog, or any of its calculations and descriptions used on other sites and blogs without attribution is not information authorised by myself for use.
