How Much Does it Cost to Go to Japan?
A two-week trip to Japan in 2026 costs about ¥554,000 (US$3,575) per person before flights for a mid-range traveller sharing a room in Tokyo and Kyoto. Add a round-trip flight from North America and most people land between US$4,500 and US$5,200 per person. Comfort travellers who want upscale hotels and nicer dinners should plan on ¥78,000 (US$503) a day or more.
Japan has gotten more expensive in yen terms since it reopened. Hotels, theme park tickets, the JR Pass and even convenience-store rice balls all cost more than they did a few years ago, and Japan tripled its departure tax in July 2026. The saving grace is the weak yen, which has hovered between roughly ¥152 and ¥163 to the US dollar all year, so your dollars still stretch further than they did a decade ago.
The key is going in with a realistic budget rather than a fantasy one. Below I break down every major cost in both yen and US dollars, explain why the JR Pass is no longer the automatic deal it used to be, and share three sample itineraries with full price tags.
Exchange rate used in this guide: ¥155 = US$1 (USD/JPY traded around ¥156 in mid-September 2026). Always check the live rate before you go. Prices are per person unless noted, and all Japanese prices include the 10% consumption tax.
Key 2026 changes to know before you budget:
- JR Pass: the 7-day pass is ¥50,000–¥53,000, up from ¥29,650 before October 2023.
- Departure tax: ¥3,000 per person from July 1, 2026 (was ¥1,000), usually baked into your airfare.
- Kyoto hotel tax: up to ¥10,000 per person per night since March 1, 2026.
- Tax-free shopping: from November 1, 2026 you pay the 10% tax up front and claim it back at the airport.
- Tokyo Disney: peak 1-day tickets rose to ¥12,400 in October 2026.
Japan trip cost at a glance (2026)
A mid-range traveller spends about ¥36,000 (US$232) per person per day on the ground in Tokyo or Kyoto, not counting flights or long-distance trains. These figures are based on big-city prices and assume two people share a room; smaller cities like Hiroshima will come in a little lower.
| Daily cost per person | Mid-range (2 sharing) | Comfort (2 sharing) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ¥15,000 ($97) | ¥35,000 ($226) |
| Food and drinks | ¥10,000 ($65) | ¥20,000 ($129) |
| Local transit | ¥2,000 ($13) | ¥5,000 ($32) |
| Attractions | ¥4,000 ($26) | ¥8,000 ($52) |
| Shopping and extras | ¥5,000 ($32) | ¥10,000 ($65) |
| Daily total | ¥36,000 ($232) | ¥78,000 ($503) |
| 14 days + intercity rail | ¥554,000 ($3,574) | ¥1,162,000 ($7,497) |
Mid-range assumes a ¥30,000 (US$194) room split two ways; comfort assumes a ¥70,000 (US$452) upscale room, regular taxis and Green Car trains (about ¥70,000 in intercity rail versus ¥50,000 for mid-range).
Add airfare (below) to get your all-in number. A couple travelling mid-range for two weeks should budget roughly US$9,000–$10,400 total including flights from North America. To be upfront, you can visit Japan for much cheaper, but I’m estimating a bit higher just for people to get a quick understanding of costs.
How much are flights to Japan?
Airfare is usually your single biggest expense. Round-trip economy from North America typically runs US$900 to US$1,600 (roughly ¥140,000–¥250,000), with the West Coast at the low end and the East Coast and Canada toward the top. Seat sales in the off-season (January to early March, and late November) can dip well below that, while cherry blossom season, Golden Week and the December holidays are the priciest times to fly.
To make matters worse, using points to get to Japan is usually a low value unless you’re booking a year in advance.
Pick your airport carefully. Tokyo has two international airports:
- Haneda (HND): about 30 minutes from central Tokyo. Choose it whenever you can.
- Narita (NRT): about 60 minutes out; the Narita Express costs around ¥3,000 (US$19) each way.
Kansai International (KIX) near Osaka is the other major gateway, with direct trains to Kyoto. Booking an open-jaw ticket (into Tokyo, out of Osaka, or vice versa) saves you a backtracking train ride that would otherwise cost ¥14,000+ (US$90+).
How much do hotels cost in Japan?
A solid mid-range hotel room in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka costs about ¥20,000–¥35,000 (US$129–$226) per night in 2026. Tokyo business hotels average about ¥14,300 a night. Central wards (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza) run roughly 30% higher than outer areas like Ueno or Ikebukuro. With transit being so good in the major cities, staying in less popular places is an easy way to save money.
Rooms are small. Where a North American hotel gives you two queens, a Japanese room usually has twin or semi-double beds. Families of four often need two rooms, an apartment-style hotel, or a newer family-room property booked well in advance.
| Accommodation type | Typical 2026 price per night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | ¥3,500–¥6,000 ($23–$39) | Tokyo costs more than Kyoto or Hiroshima |
| Capsule hotel | ¥4,000–¥8,000 ($26–$52) | Per person; often men-only or women-only floors |
| Business hotel (APA, Toyoko Inn, Dormy Inn) | ¥10,000–¥18,000 ($65–$116) | Per room; compact but spotless |
| Mid-range hotel | ¥20,000–¥35,000 ($129–$226) | Per room in central Tokyo or Kyoto |
| Ryokan (traditional inn) | ¥15,000–¥50,000+ ($97–$323+) | Per person, usually with dinner and breakfast |
| Luxury international brand | ¥60,000–¥150,000+ ($387–$968+) | Park Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons |
Hostels and capsule hotels
Dorm beds are still the cheapest way to sleep in Japan. Capsule hotels have gone mainstream and are worth one night for the experience, but compare carefully: a capsule in Shinjuku can cost as much as a budget business hotel room in Ueno, especially for two people.
Business and mid-range hotels
Japanese chains like APA, Toyoko Inn, Sotetsu Fresa and Dormy Inn (free late-night ramen and onsen baths) are the sweet spot for value. Staying near a JR Yamanote Line station outside the prime districts can save you ¥5,000+ (US$32+) a night with almost no added commute.
Ryokans
A night in a ryokan with tatami mats, futons and a multi-course kaiseki dinner is a bucket-list experience. Prices are typically per person and include dinner and breakfast, so compare them against a hotel plus two restaurant meals.
Luxury hotels
International brands are everywhere in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. This is where hotel points shine, especially in Kyoto (see the tax below which has become crazy).
Vacation rentals
Short-term rentals must be licensed in Japan. Platforms like Airbnb list legal properties, but be wary of any host who asks you to avoid neighbours or lie about being a guest. Licensed apartment hotels such as Citadines or Mimaru are a safer bet for families.
Don’t forget accommodation taxes
Tokyo and Osaka charge a small nightly tax of Â¥100–¥500 per person. Kyoto overhauled its tax on March 1, 2026 and it’s now Japan’s highest.
| Kyoto room rate (per person, per night) | Tax per person, per night |
|---|---|
| Under ¥6,000 | ¥200 ($1.30) |
| ¥6,000–¥19,999 | ¥400 ($2.60) |
| ¥20,000–¥49,999 | ¥1,000 ($6.45) |
| ¥50,000–¥99,999 | ¥4,000 ($26) |
| ¥100,000 and up | ¥10,000 ($65) |
If you’re eyeing a luxury stay in Kyoto, consider basing yourself in Osaka (15–30 minutes away by train) or redeeming points.
Getting around Japan’s cities
Local transit in Japanese cities is cheap, fast and spotless. Most travellers spend ¥1,500–¥2,500 (US$10–$16) per day on subways, JR city lines, buses, airport trains and the occasional taxi.
IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA)
Get a rechargeable IC card on day one. Suica, PASMO and ICOCA all work interchangeably across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and most other cities. You tap in and out at ticket gates, and you can also use them at convenience stores, vending machines, lockers and many restaurants. iPhone users can add a Suica or PASMO card straight to Apple Wallet and top it up with a credit card.
Typical fares
| Ride | 2026 price | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Subway or JR city ride | ¥180–¥350 | $1.15–$2.25 |
| City bus (flat fare, Kyoto/Tokyo) | ¥210–¥230 | $1.35–$1.50 |
| Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass | ¥800 | $5.15 |
| Taxi flag fall (Tokyo) | ~Â¥500 | ~$3.25 |
| Haneda to central Tokyo by train | ¥500–¥700 | $3.25–$4.50 |
Taxis add up fast; a 20-minute ride across Tokyo easily costs Â¥3,000–¥4,000 (US$19–$26). Use them for late nights or when you’re splitting four ways. But in most cases, taking the subway or bus is just fine. Google maps does an amazing job and providing detailed instructions on how to get to where you want to go on public transit.
Regional and area passes
Regional passes are now the quiet winners for many itineraries. Examples worth pricing out:
- Kansai area passes (JR West) for Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Himeji.
- JR East Pass, consolidated in March 2026 to cover all JR East lines plus selected partner lines.
- Hakone Freepass for the Odakyu train from Tokyo plus unlimited buses, cable cars and the lake cruise.
- Kyoto bus and subway day passes for temple-hopping.
City and regional pass prices change often, so check the operator’s site before you buy.
Is the JR Pass still worth it in 2026?
For most first-time visitors, no. The Japan Rail Pass used to be the no-brainer purchase for any Japan trip. Today a classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima loop barely breaks even, and anything shorter is cheaper with individual tickets.
What is the JR Pass?
The nationwide JR Pass gives foreign tourists unlimited rides on JR trains, including most Shinkansen bullet trains, for 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. The Hikari and Kodama are included; the faster Nozomi and Mizuho require a supplement of about Â¥4,960 (US$32) for Tokyo–Kyoto. It also covers JR city lines like Tokyo’s Yamanote loop and the Narita Express.
How much the price has gone up
For decades the pass barely changed in price. Then on October 1, 2023, JR raised it by roughly 65–70%, the biggest hike in its history. A second increase hit overseas sellers on October 1, 2026.
| Ordinary class, adult | Before Oct 2023 | Oct 2023 | From Oct 1, 2026 | Total increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-day | ¥29,650 ($191) | ¥50,000 ($323) | ¥53,000 ($342) | +79% |
| 14-day | ¥47,250 ($305) | ¥80,000 ($516) | ¥84,000 ($542) | +78% |
| 21-day | ¥60,450 ($390) | ¥100,000 ($645) | ¥105,000 ($677) | +74% |
| 7-day Green Car | ¥39,600 ($255) | ¥70,000 ($452) | ¥74,000 ($477) | +87% |
To put it bluntly: today’s 7-day pass costs more than the old 14-day pass did. JR said the official JR Pass website would hold the Â¥50,000 price for a limited time after October 1, 2026, with no end date announced, so compare that site against resellers before you buy.
The break-even math
Here’s what common Shinkansen trips cost as individual reserved-seat tickets in 2026.
| Itinerary (within 7 days) | Individual tickets | 7-day JR Pass | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo ↔ Kyoto round trip | ~Â¥29,000 ($187) | Â¥53,000 ($342) | Skip the pass; save ~$155 |
| Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Tokyo | ~¥46,000 ($297) | ¥53,000 ($342) | Skip the pass; save ~$45 |
| Same loop + Narita Express both ways + Nara day trip | ~¥54,000 ($348) | ¥53,000 ($342) | Roughly break-even |
| Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Fukuoka → Tokyo | ~¥59,000 ($381) | ¥53,000 ($342) | Buy the pass; save ~$40+ |
Kyoto–Hiroshima (~¥11,500) and Fukuoka legs are approximate; check the live fare before you decide.
When the JR Pass still makes sense
- You’re covering long distances fast, such as Tokyo to Hiroshima or Fukuoka and back inside 7 days.
- You’re heading to Tohoku, Hokkaido or Kyushu on top of the Golden Route.
- You value flexibility and free seat reservations over saving every dollar.
When to skip it
- Your trip is Tokyo plus Kyoto/Osaka only. Buy two one-way tickets instead.
- You’re travelling slowly over 10–14 days; the 14- and 21-day passes rarely pay off.
- You’re staying in one region. A JR West or JR East regional pass, or individual tickets, will be cheaper.
Bottom line: add up your actual train fares on a fare calculator first. If they don’t clearly exceed the pass price, the JR Pass is no longer a deal.
How much does food cost in Japan?
Eating well in Japan is still affordable. Plan on Â¥8,000–¥12,000 (US$52–$77) per person per day in Tokyo or Kyoto for café breakfasts, sit-down lunches, a proper dinner with a drink or two, and the coffees and snacks you’ll grab all day. Prices have crept up since 2024: Most convenience stores, including 7-Eleven, Lawson and Family Mart offer inexpensive meals and can be quite tasty.
| Item | Typical 2026 price | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience-store onigiri (rice ball) | ¥150–¥250 | $1–$1.60 |
| Konbini bento box | ¥450–¥800 | $2.90–$5.15 |
| Bakery bun or pastry | ¥150–¥350 | $1–$2.25 |
| Vending machine drink | ¥140–¥200 | $0.90–$1.30 |
| Gyudon (beef bowl) at Sukiya or Yoshinoya | ¥450–¥800 | $2.90–$5.15 |
| Conveyor-belt sushi plate | ¥110–¥400 | $0.70–$2.60 |
| Bowl of ramen | ¥900–¥1,400 | $5.80–$9 |
| Lunch set (teishoku) | ¥1,000–¥1,800 | $6.45–$11.60 |
| Izakaya dinner with drinks | ¥3,000–¥5,000 | $19–$32 |
| Draft beer at an izakaya | ¥500–¥800 | $3.25–$5.15 |
| Wagyu or kaiseki dinner | ¥10,000–¥30,000+ | $65–$194+ |
Sample daily food budget (mid-range)
- Breakfast: café or hotel breakfast, ¥1,200 ($8)
- Lunch: ramen, tonkatsu or a teishoku set, ¥2,000 ($13)
- Dinner: izakaya or sit-down restaurant with drinks, ¥5,000 ($32)
- Snacks, coffee and drinks: ¥1,800 ($12)
- Total: about ¥10,000 ($65)
Comfort travellers who want sushi counters, wagyu or kaiseki a few nights a week should budget ¥20,000 (US$129) a day.
Ways to eat for less
- Make lunch your big meal. Many restaurants serve lunch sets for half the dinner price.
- Hit department store food halls (depachika) an hour before closing for discounted bento.
- Chains like Sukiya, Matsuya, CoCo Ichibanya and Saizeriya serve full meals under ¥1,000 ($6.45).
- Convenience-store food in Japan is genuinely good, not a compromise.
There’s no tipping in Japan, and menu prices include tax, so what you see is what you pay. Some izakayas add a small seating charge (otoshi) of Â¥300–¥600 ($2–$4) per person, served as a mandatory appetizer.
Do you need cash in Japan?
Yes. Japan is far more card-friendly than it was, but plenty of shops and restaurants still only take cash. In cities, hotels, train stations, department stores, chain restaurants and convenience stores accept Visa and Mastercard almost without exception. Amex and Discover are hit-and-miss. Where you’ll get caught out is at the small, independent places that are often the highlight of a trip.
Places that are often cash-only
- Small family-run ramen, soba and udon shops, especially ones with a ticket vending machine at the door
- Neighbourhood izakayas, yakitori counters and standing bars
- Food stalls at markets like Nishiki (Kyoto) and Kuromon (Osaka), and festival yatai
- Temples and shrines: entry fees, omamori charms and goshuin stamps
- Some local buses, rural trains and coin lockers
- Onsen and sento (public baths), small ryokans and guesthouses in the countryside
- Coin laundries and older vending machines
Some restaurants have deliberately stayed or gone back to cash-only because card fees have climbed, so don’t assume a busy, modern-looking spot takes cards.
How much cash to carry
Plan on Â¥20,000–¥30,000 (US$130–$195) per person for every 5–7 days, and more if you’re heading to rural areas, hitting lots of markets, or staying in ryokans. Japan is very safe, and locals routinely carry Â¥10,000 notes.
Where to get yen
- 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) ATMs accept foreign cards 24/7 with English menus. Japan Post and Lawson ATMs are good backups.
- Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card for everything else, and always choose to be charged in yen, not your home currency, when a terminal asks.
- Skip airport exchange counters at home; withdrawing yen in Japan almost always gets you a better rate.
QR-code apps like PayPay are huge in Japan, but tourists generally can’t link foreign cards without extra setup. Don’t count on them.
Attractions and theme parks
Budget about Â¥50,000–¥60,000 (US$323–$387) per person for paid sights over two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto, including one theme park day. Add another Â¥10,000–¥20,000 (US$65–$129) for each extra park day or Express Pass. Many of Japan’s best experiences are free or nearly free: Senso-ji in Tokyo, Fushimi Inari in Kyoto, the Shibuya Crossing and most shrines cost nothing to visit.
| Attraction | Typical 2026 price | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Temple or garden entry (Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera) | ¥400–¥1,000 | $2.60–$6.45 |
| Major museum | ¥1,000–¥2,500 | $6.45–$16 |
| Observation deck (Skytree, Shibuya Sky) | ~¥2,000–¥3,500 | ~$13–$23 |
| teamLab digital art museum | ~¥4,000–¥5,600 | ~$26–$36 |
| Sumo tournament seat | ¥3,800–¥20,000+ | $25–$129+ |
| Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, 1 day (adult) | ¥7,900–¥12,400 | $51–$80 |
| Universal Studios Japan, 1 day (adult) | from ¥8,400 | from $54 |
Prices marked ~ vary by date and booking time; check the official site.
Theme park costs have jumped in 2026
Theme parks are where Japan budgets blow up, and 2026 brought more increases:
- Tokyo Disney Resort uses date-based pricing. The top adult 1-day passport rose to ¥11,900 on October 10, 2026 and ¥12,400 from October 11, and the free Priority Pass ended in late August. Paid Disney Premier Access adds ¥1,000–¥2,500 per ride.
- Universal Studios Japan switched to demand-based pricing for visits from September 1, 2026, with a new low tier of Â¥8,400. Prices start at the lowest tier and can rise as a date sells, so buy early. An Express Pass, which you’ll want for Super Nintendo World on busy days, can easily double the cost of your day.
Even so, Japanese parks are still cheaper than Disney World or Universal Orlando. A realistic day at Tokyo DisneySea with a ticket, a couple of Premier Access passes, food and a souvenir runs ¥20,000–¥30,000 (US$130–$195) per adult.
Book ahead for Disney, USJ, the Nintendo Museum, teamLab, the Ghibli Museum and Shibuya Sky, especially during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn leaves (November).
Shopping, tax-free and random spending
This is the category almost everyone underestimates. Set aside at least Â¥70,000–¥100,000 (US$452–$645) per person over two weeks for souvenirs, snacks to bring home, character goods, and themed cafes you’ll stumble into.
Japan is dangerous for your wallet because so much of what’s on sale isn’t available anywhere else: Pokémon Center and Nintendo Tokyo exclusives, anime merch in Akihabara and Den Den Town, Don Quijote’s snack aisles, Loft and Tokyu Hands, Japanese knives, skincare, and Uniqlo items that never make it overseas. Add animal cafes, gachapon machines and a few unplanned karaoke nights, and it adds up fast.
Tax-free shopping is changing on November 1, 2026
Visitors can still avoid Japan’s 10% consumption tax on purchases of Â¥5,000 or more at a registered tax-free shop, but how you get it is changing:
- Until October 31, 2026: show your passport and the tax is removed at the till.
- From November 1, 2026: you pay the full price including tax, then claim the 10% back after customs checks your goods at the airport.
Under the new system, keep tax-free items unopened and with you, do customs before you check bags that contain them, and leave extra time at the airport. Customs checks receipt by receipt, so a missing item can void the refund for that whole receipt.
Sample Japan itineraries with costs
These three routes cover what most first- and second-time visitors want to see. Costs are per person, mid-range, two people sharing a ¥30,000 (US$194) room in Tokyo and Kyoto, and exclude international flights. Intercity fares are individual reserved-seat tickets; Hakone, Hiroshima–Osaka and airport-train fares are approximate.
7 days: Tokyo and Kyoto (first-timer)
Fly into Haneda and out of Kansai (KIX) so you never backtrack.
- Days 1–4, Tokyo: Shibuya and Harajuku, Asakusa and Senso-ji, Akihabara, teamLab, and a full day at Tokyo DisneySea.
- Day 5: Shinkansen to Kyoto (~2h15). Afternoon in Gion and Kiyomizu-dera.
- Day 6, Kyoto: Fushimi Inari at sunrise, Arashiyama bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji.
- Day 7: Nishiki Market, then the Haruka express to KIX.
| 7-day cost (per person) | Yen | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (6 nights, incl. Kyoto tax) | ¥90,800 | $586 |
| Food | ¥70,000 | $452 |
| Local transit | ¥14,000 | $90 |
| Trains (Tokyo→Kyoto, Kyoto→KIX) | ¥18,000 | $116 |
| Attractions (incl. DisneySea) | ¥28,000 | $181 |
| Shopping and extras | ¥35,000 | $226 |
| Total | ¥255,800 | $1,650 |
JR Pass? No. Your train fares total about ¥18,000, a third of the ¥53,000 7-day pass.
10 days: The Golden Route with a ryokan night
- Days 1–3, Tokyo: neighbourhoods, food and shopping.
- Day 4, Hakone: Hakone Freepass loop (cable car, Lake Ashi cruise, Owakudani) and a night in a ryokan with onsen and kaiseki dinner.
- Days 5–7, Kyoto: temples, Gion, and a half-day trip to Nara’s deer park.
- Days 8–10, Osaka: Universal Studios Japan, Dotonbori street food, Osaka Castle; fly home from KIX.
| 10-day cost (per person) | Yen | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels and ryokan (9 nights, incl. taxes) | ¥152,600 | $985 |
| Food (ryokan dinner and breakfast included) | ¥88,000 | $568 |
| Local transit | ¥20,000 | $129 |
| Trains (Hakone pass, Odawara→Kyoto, Nara, KIX) | ¥21,600 | $139 |
| Attractions (incl. USJ) | ¥30,000 | $194 |
| Shopping and extras | ¥50,000 | $323 |
| Total | ¥362,200 | $2,337 |
JR Pass? No. The Hakone section runs on a private railway, and the remaining JR fares are well under ¥53,000.
14 days: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
- Days 1–5, Tokyo: add a day trip to Kamakura or Nikko, plus Tokyo Disneyland.
- Days 6–9, Kyoto: temples, tea ceremony, Nara day trip.
- Days 10–11, Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park and Museum, okonomiyaki, and the ferry to Miyajima’s floating torii.
- Days 12–14, Osaka: Universal Studios Japan, Kuromon Market, Shinsekai; fly home from KIX.
| 14-day cost (per person) | Yen | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Hotels (13 nights, incl. taxes) | ¥185,000 | $1,194 |
| Food | ¥140,000 | $903 |
| Local transit | ¥28,000 | $181 |
| Trains (Tokyo→Kyoto→Hiroshima→Osaka, Miyajima, Nara, KIX) | ¥40,800 | $263 |
| Attractions (incl. Disney and USJ) | ¥50,000 | $323 |
| Shopping and extras | ¥70,000 | $452 |
| Total | ¥513,800 | $3,315 |
This comes in a little under the ¥554,000 headline figure because Hiroshima and Osaka hotels are cheaper than Tokyo and Kyoto, and individual train tickets cost less than budgeting for a JR Pass.
JR Pass? Still no. The long-distance legs are spread across nine days, too long for one 7-day pass, and they only total about ¥41,000 anyway, ¥12,000 (US$77) less than the 7-day pass. A 14-day pass at ¥84,000 would waste more than ¥40,000. Price out a JR West regional pass for the Kyoto–Hiroshima–Osaka stretch instead.
How to save money in Japan
- Travel in shoulder season. Mid-January to early March, late May to June, and September to early November (before peak autumn leaves) have the best hotel rates and smaller crowds.
- Book hotels early, with free cancellation. Rates rise as dates fill, especially around cherry blossoms, Golden Week (late April to early May) and Obon (mid-August).
- Use points for Kyoto luxury stays to sidestep cash rates that trigger the ¥4,000–¥10,000 per-person tax tier.
- Do the JR Pass math instead of buying it by default.
- Fly open-jaw into Tokyo and out of Osaka to skip a ¥14,000+ backtrack.
- Eat your big meal at lunch and lean on convenience stores and depachika for breakfast.
- Pay in yen on a no-foreign-transaction-fee card, and pull cash from 7-Eleven ATMs rather than exchanging at home.
- Buy theme park tickets early. USJ and Tokyo Disney both price by date, and the cheapest tiers go first.
- Prioritize free sights. Shrines, parks, markets, neighbourhood walks and city views from free observation floors like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Final thoughts
Japan isn’t the bargain it was right after reopening, but it’s still one of the best-value premium destinations in the world. Budget roughly Â¥36,000 (US$232) per person per day on the ground in Tokyo and Kyoto, carry some cash, skip the JR Pass unless your route truly earns it, and you’ll be able to say yes to the ryokan dinner, the DisneySea day and the extra bag of Kit Kats.
Planning more of Asia? Read my guides to the cost of travel in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 2-week trip to Japan cost in 2026?
About ¥554,000 (US$3,575) per person on the ground for a mid-range traveller sharing a room in Tokyo and Kyoto, or roughly US$4,500–$5,200 per person including flights from North America. Comfort travellers should plan on about ¥1.16 million (US$7,500) per person before flights.
How much does a 1-week trip to Japan cost?
Plan on ¥255,000–¥280,000 (US$1,650–$1,800) per person for a mid-range week in Tokyo and Kyoto, plus flights.
How much money do I need per day in Japan?
In Tokyo or Kyoto, mid-range travellers need about ¥36,000 (US$232) per person a day when sharing a room, and comfort travellers about ¥78,000 (US$503), excluding flights and long-distance trains.
Is Japan expensive right now?
In yen, prices are higher than before the pandemic. For visitors earning US or Canadian dollars, the weak yen (roughly ¥152–¥163 per US dollar through 2026) keeps Japan good value compared to Western Europe or major US cities.
Is the JR Pass worth it in 2026?
Only for fast, long-distance itineraries. After price hikes in 2023 and 2026, the 7-day pass costs ¥50,000–¥53,000 (US$323–$342). A Tokyo–Kyoto round trip costs about ¥29,000, and even a Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima–Tokyo loop is about ¥46,000 with individual tickets.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Yes. About 42% of consumer spending in Japan is still in cash, and many small restaurants, market stalls, temples, onsen and rural businesses are cash-only. Carry ¥20,000–¥30,000 (US$130–$195) per person per week.
Can I use my credit card in Japan?
Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, train stations, department stores, chain restaurants and convenience stores. Amex and Discover acceptance is spottier. Always choose to pay in yen.
Do I tip in Japan?
No. Tipping isn’t part of Japanese culture, and prices already include the 10% consumption tax.
Do Canadians and Americans need a visa for Japan?
No. Citizens of Canada, the US, the UK, Australia and most EU countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism.
If you have the JR rail pass you can try taking JR trains when in Tokyo as much as possible and walk to reduce the amount of subway usage.
Tawcan,
Yes the JR Yamanote line will be very handy but I will need to take some of the private lines from time to time.
I wish flights from New Zealand were that cheap. Almost 1600 to fly there. I’m still planning on going though. It’s been on my bucket list ever since I got the travel bug a few years ago. Would definatly be worth going over even if it means coming back with only a few $s
Vince,
You won’t regret it =D
I literally just searched auckland-tokyo on google and found flights (Fiji airways with one layover)for about 500 USD in january. You just have to be flexible with when you travel. https://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&client=ms-android-samsung-gs-rev1&source=android-browser&q=auckland+tokyo+flight#flt=AKL./m/07dfk.2020-01-21.AKLNAN0FJ412~NANNRT0FJ351*/m/07dfk.AKL.2020-02-04.NRTNAN0FJ350~NANAKL2FJ411;c:PLN;e:1;sd:1;t:f;sp:2.PLN.191670*2.PLN.191670
Another thing I noticed is that you can get cheaper tickets if you do a layover somewhere and then you can have a 2 day trip to another country if you were interested in that
This is very helpful. I am actually planning for a two-week stay in Japan. I normally travel alone so i do my own accommodations, airfare, etc. With this in mind, i now have an idea on how much this trip would cost me. Thanks for sharing!
I have heard that not all the shinkansens allow jr pass like nozomi, is it true?
Niranjan,
That’s correct, you can’t ride the Nozomi and Mizuho trains with your JR pass. That said, the other trains comes just as frequent, and only take 20-30mins longer so it’s not a big deal.
Is $800 airfare round trip? Thanks
Hi Rob,
Yes, but that’s just an estimate. Things will differ depending on where you’re flying from.
I look is all up and it’s true .hwere did you get this information
Sounds like it costs quite a bit to travel to Japan but I like how you organized everything and accounted for several expenses that most people tend to overlook or underestimate when planning a trip. I think it’s crucial to lay everything out and create a realistic list of expenses and budget before planning a trip. It’s funny, I studied Japanese in high school and I was in this program where they had us fundraise and save money to travel to Japan and live with a host family junior year. Unfortunately my family moved and I had to leave the program before the group started planning the trip so Japan is still on my travel bucket list.
Chonce,
Japan is one of the most expensive countries I’ve ever visited but there are ways to save. I just recommend people to have a realistic budget, after all why travel that far and cheap out on your experience. Japan is definitely a must go, I’m excited to be heading back after 7 years.
Can give me an idea if how much per day the budgeted can cost my travel in Japan. Im landing to osaka.
Bea,
This post already goes over what you should expect to pay for hotels, food and transportation. You can adjust things based on what you plan on seeing.
It’s costing me 5k just to take my kids to Disney World for 5 days, and that’s in my OWN country, so Japan doesn’t sound too expensive to me…
Yes,
I love Orlando/Disney but it’s insanely expensive. A family of 4 will end up spending at least $500 USD a day just for park tickets and food.
500 a day? The tickets are 160 each now. we spent about 60$ each MEAL…so a day for tix plus food is around 850 a DAY, not counting hotel, souvenirs, and anything travel like taxi or gas. So “1K a day” is the saying for US travel for 4 ‘now-a-days’.
I found a ticket to Japan for 508$ from LA. I used Hotwire for my hotels and found 3-5 star hotels for 600$ a whole week. Split it with another person and that is 300$ for a week. I just budgeted Tokyo for a week for less than 1000$. Saves a lot for food and shopping.
I am not sure where he is getting his numbers. If you do some research and wait for deals you will get it cheaper.
Yan,
Jeebus, $508 is half the price of what a flight would cost me from Toronto.
The numbers I use are strictly “average” prices. I’m not factoring in waiting for deals. Throughout the article I state that there are many ways to save.
Me too, I took a two week trip to Japan for two for approximately 3,000 USD. The hotel was 45 USD per night and the flight was 700 USD per person. I only got the rail pass for 7 days, not 14 since I wanted to spend a large amount of time in Tokyo. I am a bit of a bargain hunter and like to make a sport out of finding bargains too. I thought that food was actually the most difficult thing to budget and it was more expensive and tasty than most other places. But, the food was so amazingly good so you get an amazing culinary experience.
Hi, can tell me where you booked your flight and hotel?
same, flight was 750 USD per person and hotel was 440 USD for 7 nights split between two of us thats 220 USD.
I wish flights to Japan from Canada were that cheap. Keep in mind that my numbers are just averages. There are plenty of ways to save while in Japan.
Excellent article Barry! You’ve given me a lot to think about. Japan is definitely on the bucket list. Now I need to convince Rob to go. Lol
Any tours that aren’t crazy expensive?
Belinda,
Japan is one of those places that’s probably best done on your own. There are a few decent tour companies but the costs will probably be similar to the estimates I’ve given.
Great post Barry! Thanks for giving us the breakdown and what costs to expect when going to Japan. I agree to budget more for food and not to cheap out. Very informative….two thumbs up!
Virna,
One great tip to save on food is to eat cheap during breakfast and lunch, then go crazy on dinner.
Hi, I heard the opposite that dinner costs tend to be more expensive than lunch?
Dinner is indeed more expensive, but there are so many inexpensive options available. e.g. you can get a bowl or ramen for about 900 – 1000 Yen.
Barry,
I haven’t begun my foray into budget travelling yet but Japan is one of the few places on my bucket list!
Is it easy to navigate over there in English?
All the best with your upcoming trip!!
Financially Fabulous,
The last time I was in Japan I found that many people did NOT speak English. They usually understand you, but the Japanese are shy about speaking English. That being said most signs are in English and there are many websites to help you navigate so it’s not nearly as intimidating as other countries.
Would prices changed or recommended links still be valid 4 years later???
Hi Cece,
I update this post every few months so the prices should be pretty accurate still.
Wow Barry, this is so comprehensive! I definitely want to visit Japan one day, as some friends have visited and they rave about it. It’s so unlike anywhere I’ve ever traveled to. I would LOVE to stay in a capsule hotel! I’ve read about them on CNN Travel and I’m so up for that. I’m a small person (under 5’3) and travel light, so I think I could do it. My 6’2 fiance on the other hand… he’d have to stay in an AirBnB haha 🙂
Melissa,
I did just Tokyo 7 years ago so I’m excited to be going back. There are ways to save money in Japan but I always recommend budgeting extra. Capsule hotel is a one night thing just to say you did it. I found some great Airbnbs for $100-130 a night so I’m excited.
Wooot! I’m actually planning our own Japan trip for later this year. We are huge foodies so expect to spend a fair bit on food, and also probably want to visit Osaka/Kyoto so 2x rail passes will push the cost up. Not keen on capsule hotels but definitely want a night in a ryokan.
NZ Muse,
I may need to revise my food budget for the same reason. I just booked a robot restaurant which is $65 per person. Kobe steak for lunch is about $40. I don’t mind going over budget since Japan has so many unique things.
Barry, great post!
One of the places I have always wanted to visit but I am not sure about the big crowds. I think the countryside would be spectacular. I agree with you that you don’t travel all that way to scimp on anything.
Steve,
I just returned from the trip and had an amazing time. So glad I got to some of the smaller places but next time I go I want to visit the country too.
Hi Barry….we’re heading to Japan in a couple weeks for a month with our kids (10, 12). I used to live/work there 25 years ago….and am excited to show off my old stomping grounds. I see you did the Robot Restaurant. Wondering if it’s appropriate for kids. I can’t seem to to get a sense with online reviews. I saw girls swinging upside down on poles in their bikini’s on one youtube video :). As for travel budget in Japan…Yikes…so expensive…but so worth it. We are doing a combination of self-directed travel and then joining a travel group for families only (Intrepid out of Australia). Another cost consideration for families is that it is extremely rare to have quad rooms in Japan, so if you don’t want to book two hotel rooms for a family of four, book hotel EARLY (as in 7-8 months prior) to get the one quad room in the hotel, or do an airbnb. Food can be cheap if you speak with locals and find their faves. Cheap noodle places abound and take plastic bowls and spoons and just eat cereal for breakfast in your room. Japan is worth the expense – it’s super safe, people are lovely/polite and it offers a travel experience that is truly unique.
Cheryl,
The robot “restaurant” is more of a musical show so I think it’ll be fine for your kids. Airbnb is definitely the way to go for families, I did Airbnb in Tokyo and Kyoto and had a great time.
hello barry,
what’s the name of the place where you stayed in Tokyo and Kyoto? thanks much..
Hi Rhoda,
I actually stayed with Airbnb in both Tokyo and Kyoto. It was about $100 a night for a small room that slept 2.
I stayed in the Ebisu area of Tokyo and near Kyoto station in Kyoto.
Me and my friends wanted to go here the summer of our graduation from high school ….. time to start saving
Paige,
Start saving a little every month and you’ll have that money soon enough!
Hey Barry what is the best to save up for a yearly trip or two year for a week or 2
Nathan,
I recommend to just make your savings automatic. So say you plan on spending $3K a year on travel, that’s $250 a month you need to set aside. Try to set up an automatic withdrawal so that goes right into your vacation account. If you’re new to budget be sure to track your spending first so you can make some adjustments. Here’s some other tips for budgeting / saving.
https://www.moneywehave.com/7-common-money-mistakes-to-avoid-when-trying-to-save/
Hey Barry,
I was confused as to what the difference between the estimated costs and the notes are? Are the notes for an individual and the estimated costs per couple? Or was the estimated costs by person (individual)?
Hi Zianni,
The estimated cost assumes two people who’re evenly splitting all costs. Notes breaks down things individually or references other things.
Room for $100 per night through AirBnb .Isn’t this very expensive?
I checked AirBnb price in Tokyo .Some of the rooms cost just Rs1000(Around USD $15 ).
Rahul from India
Rahul,
It depends on your definition of expensive. For North Americans and compared to hotels, $100 CAD for a private apartment is of good value – especially in a good location.
You can definitely get a room (not private apartment) for $15USD in other locations of Tokyo which is definitely cheap. It just depends what your standards are.
Oh a private apartment is good for families..But for backpackers like me a single room will do just fine.
Rahul,
Japan has some pretty good hostels too. I’ve never stayed at any but from what I understand, there’s quite a bit of selection (in the major cities).
Thanks .you can provide the link the link for good hostels inmajor cities of JAPAN?
And i am planning to travel for 14-16 days .Which cities should i travel since i cant cover entire JAPAN in just 16 days .
Ofcourse i will be landing in Tokyo.
I dont have financial constraints but i want to spend as little as possible on stay and transpiortaion
And i want to spend some tiome in countryside .Not a big fan of city life.So which places i can hang around
Your second comment technically contradicts your first one but I’ll try to give you some suggestions. With 14-16 days most people will go to Tokyo –> Kyoto –> Hiroshima –> Tokyo. Many also do side trips along the way to Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone, Osaka, Nara, Koyasan, and Hiroshima.
Those places aren’t exactly the country but it’s a good place to start. I recommend checking out Japan Guide for more ideas.
http://www.japan-guide.com/
As for hostels, there are many in each major city, but I did not stay in any so I can’t advise you there.
Very accurate! We spend about $7700 USD for 15 days for two people. That’s with mostly Airbnb and one night at a Ryokan as a treat. Airfare, JR passed, transportation, food, etc. included.
Hey Helen,
Thanks for sharing! I bet that was money well spent.
*passes
Hey it was such a wonderful article. I can’t wait to visit Japan.
I am planning to visit Japan in February along with my wife and infant son( 17 months old).
What precautions should we take as it is winter, and travelling with an infant.
Also we are Vegan. So what food can we get there??
Ronak.
Hi Barry,
Our family will be visiting Tokyo soon and I would like to make use of your airbnb invite for saving CAD $50.00. However, could you tell me how does it work? I do have an airbnb account but I have never used airbnb before. Am I still qualify? Also, do I get the $50.00 off right away for this trip or is it a credit for future travel?
Hi Sylvie,
If you already have an Airbnb account, you won’t be able to take advantage of my referral link.
I’m getting ready to go to Japan in May! I’m lucky enough to go through school and have 2 weeks of classes and accommodations and such for 900 cad, not including lunches and transportation. I’ll be going for 2 weeks by myself afterwards. You mentioned Jr pass for Tokyo and walking and I’ve so heard that riding a bike is very easy and amazing in Japan, so that will help sightsee and also save on bus fare! I’m looking forward to getting very cheap places to stay in, and maybe a ryokan as well! I hope to be able to go for roughly 3000 cad but your budget shown seems like I’ll have to save some more. I hope to take the train all over, like up to hokkaido and down south, would that be a waste of time due to long train times? I’ll only have 2 weeks to explore by myself. I heard you need to plan your accommodation before you enter the country because customs will check that as you arrive, is that true for the entirety of the trip do you know?
Sorry if I’m rambling, I’m very very excited! My grandpa says he wants to fly over and visit me while I’m there because he misses Japan, he thinks okinawa is one of the best cities in the world (he used to be an airline pilot).
Jessica,
THE JR pass is only needed if you’re travelling around the country. Renting a bike is definitely an option but it may get tiring and obviously it’ll take longer to get around as opposed to taking the train or bus.
There are plenty of ways to save in Japan. A lot of capsule hotels have female only areas which is an easy option to help you save. Obviously hostels are a cheap alternative by the local hotel brands such as mystays and APA are also affordable.
I don’t recall customers ever checking my accommodations on arrival. You may want to double check on tripadvisor.
I’ve also heard great things about Okinawa but I have not been.
Hi Barry, thanks for your prompt reply. Another question for you: How much cash do you recommend we bring for our 10 day trip to Japan at a minimum? Do most places accept credit card? Also, where would I get the best exchange rate for Yen? Here in Canada or in Japan? Thanks.
Sylvie,
Most places do accept credit cards, but you’ll also find that Japan is a very cash based society. E.g. many restaurants have those vending machines where you must insert cash to purchase your food voucher.
How much cash you need is a bit of a tougher question to answer since it depends on how much you plan to spend. I personally brought with me about $500 CAD (roughly 50,000 yen) with me, but then I just withdrew money as I needed it from local ATMs. Note that many Canadians have reported that their debit cards only work at Japan Post machines so be sure to mark off those locations on your map.
I always just withdraw money when I’m abroad since you get the spot rate with just a 2.5% currency exchange fee added. If your home bank charges you to when using international ATMs, just withdraw the maximum every time.
We are a family of 3 with one 8 year-old.
Thanks for your information!
hello I’m only 13 years old but I’ve been wanting to go to Japan for so long and I love everything about Japan to style to culture and I was wondering ,when do I start saving up money for Japan and how much because I know I can’t get a job yet and I don’t get chore money …lol but ,I’ve always wanted to go. Please give me advise on what I should do and start doing to help me get at that point where I can go. Thanks for reading! :3
Hi Avea,
The fact that you have a goal of going to Japan is something to be proud of. Sure you don’t have a job now, but when you get one later, save as much as you can for your trip. If you currently get birthday or Christmas money, save that too. Since you love everything about Japan, you could start learning Japanese in your spare time. It’s not necessary to know the language to visit, but it’s a way to keep you connected to the country.
[…] Most individuals attempt to go to Japan in April when it’s cherry blossom season however come within the fall for an explosion of autumn colors. Since Tokyo is a concrete jungle, you’ll have to go to the parks to see the foliage, however when you get out of the town, you’ll be blown away. The Fuji 5 Lakes area is without doubt one of the finest spots to view the autumn colors, plus you possibly can take pleasure in a dip in one of many many sizzling springs. Kyoto can be a fantastic place since you possibly can just about stroll in any path and discover temples and timber to marvel at. Of specific be aware is the world of Arashiyama in Kyoto. Throughout the fall, the well-known bamboo forest performs second fiddle to the crimson maple timber discovered within the valley. Need to know the perfect factor about Japan? It’s surprisingly affordable. […]
[…] Most people try to visit Japan in April when it’s cherry blossom season but come in the fall for an explosion of autumn colours. Since Tokyo is a concrete jungle, you’ll have to head to the parks to see the foliage, but once you get out of the city, you’ll be blown away. The Fuji Five Lakes region is one of the best spots to view the fall colours, plus you can enjoy a dip in one of the many hot springs. Kyoto is also a great place since you can pretty much walk in any direction and find temples and trees to marvel at. Of particular note is the area of Arashiyama in Kyoto. During the fall, the famous bamboo forest plays second fiddle to the crimson maple trees found in the valley. Want to know the best thing about Japan? It’s surprisingly affordable. […]
I want to take my two sons and husband with me to japan. He loves cars ANF the drift scene. I love the cultural history and festivals. More of the traditional beauty that Japan has preserved. I want to visit cat island there is so much that I want to do in japan. But I can’t determine how to fit so much wonderful stuff in a trip to Japan and to make it cost effective. Do you have any tips for family size travel there? And for such differing interests? How could we balance his love of cars with my love of shrines and temples.
Charlotte,
I know EXACTLY what you mean about trying to balance differing interests. My best suggestion is to pick a logical route and find things that suit all your tastes. Cat island is a bit north and out of the way, so I would eliminate that, BUT maybe do a cat cafe in Tokyo instead? As for cars, in Tokyo there’s a Toyoto automobile museum and MarioKart experience. Nagoya has a huge yearly car show and they also have the Toyota factory that gives tours. Nagota is between Tokyo and Kyoto. Kyoto will give you access to some of the best temples in the country. I think you’ll find a balance, you’ll just both need to make some sacrifices.
Here’s a one week itinerary I wrote.
https://www.moneywehave.com/one-week-in-japan/
Where the hell are you people staying that cost $200 per night? I’ve always found hotels for around $50 to $60 a night in Tokyo.
Agree wholeheartedly. This is a budget discussion of people who are less informed about options. Although I do have a preference for high end accommodation, I am certain there are other less costlier options well below $200. I use Agoda and I see a lot of sub-200 offers.
Oh for sure, there are plenty of reasonably priced places in Japan. It really depends on location and what type of accommodations you’re willing to accept. I used strictly averages for this estimate.
Barry – I was just casually checking out Japan (didn’t intend to travel due to prohibitive costs), however, after reading your article and everything you’ve said in the comments, I think perhaps a trip sometime in the next 2-3 years would indeed be possible/feasible.
Thanks a ton for igniting the thought 🙂
Aditya,
Thanks for the feedback. I warn you now, once you go, you’ll be itching to go back. Japan is one of the few countries I’ve been to where I constantly want to go back.
I’ll re-iterate what others have mentioned and what the story writer also mentioned in his article.
You can get by with a much smaller dollar amount than that, if you plan ahead and have someone that can read/write Japanese for you.
I started paying real close attention to the travel comparison websites about 8 months prior to our expected travel date. From watching on an almost daily basis, in 2016 I got airline tickets from Atlanta to Tokyo for $1200 apiece; for our trip in April, we got tickets for $927. For both trips, the tickets were for major, North American based airlines. On our first trip, the international leg was handled by ANA, and there is a chance that our international leg for our April trip will be handled by JAL. ANA and JAL have great reputations for customer service, and from our experience with ANA, it’s justified.
For our housing, my friend (who is literate in Japanese to about a 9th grade level) made use of sites like Trip Adviser to find people who rented out apartments to tourists. His ability to communicate in Japanese made it much easier to find and book inexpensive apartments. In 2016, we had an apartment in Harajuku (about a 10 minute walk from Harajuku station) that was $80.00 per night, total. Of course, it was a simple “apaato” style apartment with no frills, but we didn’t really do much more than sleep there, so we weren’t worried. The cost for 9 nights was $360 per person. We also got a couple of nights in Osaka in a nicer apartment (“mansho” style) about a 15 minute walk from Osaka Castle Park that was a little under $100 per night, total (two nights was a bit under $100 per person). So, for eleven nights of rental (we were in country for 9 nights, but had an overlap for the trip to Osaka), the cost was about $450 apiece. For our upcoming trip that will be twelve nights, the cost is going to be about the same. We have an apartment in Shibuya about a ten minute walk from Shibuya station for six nights and an apartment in Osaka about a five minute walk from Osaka Castle Park for six nights, and the total price is about $600 per person in total.
We had the Green pass in 2016 when we traveled, and the only time we needed to pay extra to use a train was in Osaka when one of our destinations required us to use the Keio train system. It was about $3.00 total to travel there and back on that train. In Tokyo and Osaka, you can get just about anywhere you might want to go on JR trains, and most individual trips on commuter trains are only a dollar or two.
Food was actually far less expensive than I had expected, but soft drinks at restaurants are hugely expensive. You can go to a place and get katsukare or omuraisu for what amounts to $7.00, but the Sprite costs almost $3.00. That’s with a vending machine being across the street selling the same drink for $1.50. Sure, if you want, you can find far more expensive dining experiences, like going crazy at a kaitenzushi place or finding one of the Michelin starred restaurants in the city. But, if you’re on a budget, you never need to spend much more than $10.00 on any single meal, and you can get far cheaper ($3-4.00) if you go on a convenience store diet. Don’t get put off by that; convenience store food in Japan is for real. The Seven-Eleven chain in major cities has fresh food deliveries three times per day. If you haven’t experienced it before, it’ll put the hot dogs and donuts that you see at North American convenience stores completely to shame.
For comparison, on our 2016 trip, my total cost for nine nights in Tokyo/Osaka (we had an overlap for our two days in Osaka), was about $2500. For our upcoming trip in April, our total costs have been about $2100, paying for flights, housing, and train pass. I have about $1000 budgeted for daily expenses for the two weeks, but do not expect to spend it. In 2016, I got $500 converted on the first day, and I had $65.00 left when I got back to Narita airport for the trip home (and that includes having spent $80.00 at Tower Records in Shibuya).
Hi Payne,
Thanks for the comments. I LOVE everything you said. Prices can come down a fair amount depending on how much research you do. My listed prices are meant to be a rough estimate. You can definitely spend as little or as much as you want!
Barry,
One thing you seem to have totally skipped is any mention of how handicapped or disabled people fit into the scene of Japanese travel. My wife and I use walkers and have very limited stamina, so we are unable to do a lot of walking or standing and stairs are out of the question. How would this impact our ability to get around inJapan and what impact would it have on our expenses?
I have the impression that Japanese people do a lot of walking, often on steep slopes or up pathways with steps cut into them. Are there any provisions made for those who simply cannot manage such activities or do they just miss out? I would love to visit Japan, but unless there are affordable ways to get around the limitations imposed by my handicaps, it looks like, at 63, I will have to give up all hopes of ever going.
Also, how much impact does having a 4-6 year old child with you have on travelling in Japan? My daughter is meeting her husband in Japan this spring (he is temporarily assigned to duty in Korea) and taking their young son with her. Are there ways they can make their visit more fun and enjoyable for all three of them?
Hi Rob,
Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world and is well equipped to handle anyone with mobility issues. Obviously, it would take you longer to get anywhere, so you’d have to limit what you actually do on a daily basis. It would likely be best to join an organized tour.
As for travelling with a child. Japan is really kid friendly so it’s really a matter of figuring out what your grandson likes to do. You can find giant robots in Tokyo or go to Tokyo Disney. Kids have crazy imaginations, I’m sure he’ll have a blast.
I’m going Japan in 2 weeks and I will be staying there for a week . I already got myself a room to stay and I only have a 1000 to spend . Do you think it’s enough to last me a week and still enjoy myself
Hi Justin,
Assuming you have your train tickets and accommodations booked, that will likely last you the trip. Mind you, you’ll have to track your spending as food costs can add up, but you could easily spend less than $30 a day. Attraction tickets aren’t that expensive, but I’d prioritize the free stuff.
$3,730 is a cheap trip? maybe if you make $100,000+/year it is… or value a dollar as if its a penny.
It’s strictly an average estimate. There are plenty of ways to see Japan for cheaper.
A RT ticket to Australia cost substantially more than a trip to Japan at 3,750$’s that includes expenses. If you’d like to go try doing what my sister did. Every time she received coin when making a purchase she dumped it into a jar. She accumulated over 1,500$’s in one year. Oh, she makes 27,040 a year BEFORE taxes just so you know she doesn’t make 100K a year.
Hi Barry. How about Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Osaka? Those two are definitely on my must dos and if anything could happen to compromise those two visits, I honestly rather not go to Japan at all. Is going from Tokyo Central to Disneyland difficult, expensive? Do you believe is better to book an acommodation close to the resort than going by public transit there every day I plan on visiting? I do not plan on visiting only amusement parks, so how many weeks do you think I should invest in Japan?
Hi Romain,
Tokyo Disneyland is only 15mins from Tokyo station so it’s pretty easy to get to. Even if you’re staying on the other side of the city in Shinjuku, it’ll only add 20mins to your commute. In other words, stay anywhere on the JR Yamanote line, and you’ll be fine. Universal Orlando is pretty easy to get to also so I wouldn’t worry that much.
How much time you spend in Japan is a personal choice and depends on what you want to see and do. 2 weeks is great to get a taste, but honestly, Japan has so many different things to see, you could spend years there and not come close to seeing everything.
Helpful article! But how do i get an IC card?
You purchase them from machines in Japan
thank you so much!
Excellent breakdown. Japan is in my 5 year plan. Tokyo, Yokosuka, Hiroshima.. I’m ready to see and experience it all.
I’m a little confused about the JR pass. I will be travelling round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and I will be travelling to the far airport from Tokyo. Does it pay to purchase the 7 day JR pass?
Susan,
Are you travelling to Kyoto and back to Tokyo within 7 days? If so, the 7 day JR pass will be worth it. See this link for my detailed guide.
https://www.moneywehave.com/japan-rail-pass-is-it-worth-it/
Hey man,
Torontonian here as well. I was offered to come to Japan from a friend who was planning to travel there from South Korea (As she teaches English there) and meet in Tokyo. Although she wants to go for two weeks, I have plans to go for only one as my work schedule is constraint and I plan to use other vacation time for different countries. Do you think 1 week is enough to scale out urban and *some* rural parts of Japan? My main interests/priorities are paragliding near Mt. Fuji and bungee jumping at whichever location is closest to Tokyo, as well as typical sight seeing — not really into museums or anything correlated to that.
Thanks in advance!
Hi Dragan,
1 week in Japan is doable, but I warn you now, you’ll want to go back right away. Here’s a rough itinerary I wrote that may interest you.
https://www.moneywehave.com/one-week-in-japan/
You could easily replace Kyoto with paragliding, but I obviously have no idea where to do that.
I haven’t done a single museum in Japan, I just enjoy exploring temples and the various cities.
How much do you think it would be for 2 people for 2 days in japan ?
Bryan,
It depends on how much you want to spend. THere are plenty of cheap hotels in Tokyo
https://www.moneywehave.com/cheap-hotels-in-tokyo/
That should run you about $100USD a night.
Local transportation will cost you no more than $10 a day.
And most sites are free so you’re looking at about $240 + food.
My question is this: what would I have to do to bring my prescribed medications through customs/airport….{one is a controlled substance used for anxiety}? Thank you. ~D~
Hi Delicia,
I’m not an expert when it comes to customs, but I did find the following links which may answer your question.
http://www.associatedkyotoprogram.org/bringing-medications-japan/
https://jp.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/doctors/importing-medication/
Hi,
I am going to Japan in October from Australia. We are staying a week in Osaka but training from Tokyo – Osaka after our flight – we are training from Osaka- Kyoto for day trip and Osaka – Hiroshima for day trip then I am staying in Tokyo and day tripping to mount Fuji.
Is it worth the 14 day rail pass or just do these separately .
Hi Skye,
Are you flying home from Tokyo and will you be in Japan for 14 days total?
If so, the 14-day pass is worth it since you’re essentially going to Hiroshima and back.
The JR Pass will also allow you to make other day trips while in Osaka e.g. to Himejij, Kobe, Nara. You could also use it to get to Kamakura or Yokohama while in Tokyo.
[…] decides to take a trip to Japan which will cost her $3,000. She charges it to her credit card that has an annual interest rate of […]
Hey where did you get a 800 dollar ticket to Japan because iv seen most tickets cost around the 1000.
Leoncio,
It really depends on where you live. In my article, I say $800USD as an estimate, but from Toronto (where I live), it’s closer to $1,100 – $1,300 for a ticket.
Hello Barry
Thanks for the article and the many conversations after.
Definitely visiting Japan for 2 weeks and want to experience it all. Saving towards 2020 and want to go in low season less crowd and cheaper.
Will early December be good?
Also will it be better to get a travel agency to plan this for me and if so can you recommend any?
Thanks.
Hey Ade,
December 2020 will be after the Tokyo Olympics so that’s probably a good time. The weather will obviously be a bit better in September or October.
It’s pretty easy to plan a trip to Japan on your own, but it also depends on your travel style. There are a lot of great tour operators in Japan too such as Intrepid Travel and G Adventures.
Thanks Barry.
Thanks for your prompt response.
I want to do Tokyo Kyoto/ Osaka Hiroshima Takayama and anywhere else I can fit into 2 weeks. I usually do my travels myself so this will be the 1st I’m thinking of using a travel agency.
I’m mostly a sightseeing walking person
So when you say September/ October, why is that?
Ade,
That’s a pretty standard route so you could easily do things on your own or join a tour. 14 days to do all of those is reasonable and a 14-day JR pass will easily pay for itself.
I say September or October instead of December because it’s a little warmer.
hi barry,
We’ll be having japan trip on april 1-7.. We plan to visit tokyo, kyoto and osaka. How many days would you recommend us in tokyo and kyoto? and will a jr pass for the said trip be really useful and worth it?
Thanks
Hi Armelyn,
WIth only a week in Japan, I wouldn’t recommend more than 2 – 3 nights outside of Japan. I’d make Kyoto my base and spend 2 days there with a day trip to Osaka. However, you also need to factor in your travel days. If you land on April first and depart the 7th, that only leaves you 5 full days in Japan. There’s A LOT to do in Tokyo so maybe even just 2 days in Kyoto as a side trip is enough.
A 7-day JR pass would likely be worth it.
Here’s a rough 1-week guide I wrote which is busy – https://www.moneywehave.com/one-week-in-japan/
Thanks Barry so much. Do you have such an itinerary for 2 weeks in Japan?
Pls can you also recommend a ryokan and a capsule. Just want to include them as something to do and enjoy but not sure which of the cities/places to do them in.
Ade,
I don’t, but all you really need to do is add a few days to Tokyo and Kyoto. An additional day trip too will easily eat up another week.
Here’s a list of capsule hotels in Tokyo – https://www.moneywehave.com/the-best-capsule-hotels-in-tokyo/
Thanks Barry and good morning.
I have checked through your list of hotels. Do hotels do half board, full board or all-inclusive?
Also I will like to spend the second week elsewhere and not all based in Tokyo. What other central place will you recommend?
Thank you
Hi Ade,
What do you mean by half board?
Ade for the second week most people do a combo of the following Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Koyasan, Himeji, Hiroshima/Miyajima, Takayama, Hakone.
They obviously don’t do all of that, it’s just some places for you to think about.
HI Barry
Thank you
This is what I meant
Bed & Breakfast mean Lodging + Morning Meal (Breakfast).
Half Board is Lodging + Breakfast + Dinner
Full Board is Lodging + Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner in the sequence of your choice.
All Inclusive include Lodging + All 3 Meals + Drinks
Are these options available?
Alos what I meant was for the 2nd week, is there any place else apart from Tokyo that i can stay and do my sightseeing from there?
Thanks
Ade,
That’s not common in Japan. Some hotels do offer free breakfast. Food is not that expensive in Japan and it can be found everywhere so I wouldn’t worry too much about it.
Well, you could make Kyoto your base for the second week since it has easy access to Nara, Osaka, and Himeji. Hiroshima/Miyajima is 3 hours away, but doable as a day trip if you left early.
I am planning a trip some time in April. I will be flying from Ga so my tickets are pretty high. I am thinking of bundling my flight and hotel. My husband and I will be traveling alone but it is a very romantic/luxurious trip. Why would I fly so far to cheap out of my hotel? I am trying to plan a realistic budget for food. We are very health conscious normally but when we take our yearly vacation we take advantage and eat as much yummy food. So I know food will be a huge part of our trip. How does it look money wise eating high/middle end in Japan?
This will be about a 6-7 day trip.
Hey Beth,
It depends on what kind of high end dining you’re looking for. You can get michelin star sushi or Wagyu beef which will cost you quite a bit, but even basic sushi or ramen in TOkyo tastes fantastic. Also note that some of the famous restaurants get booked months in advance so you should research some spots now to figure out where you’ll eat and how much it’ll cost you.
Hi Barry,
came across your blog. We are also from Toronto and are planning to visit Japan for 8 days first week of June for hubby’s 40th bday. Right now the airfare I’m finding is about $1700/ticket even with the seat sale. Is that a lot? or more reasonable? I can’t seem to find anything cheaper that week. Also I do see a lot of posts about using the train system for transport, is car rental inconvenient or discouraged? we were thinking first 3 days Tokyo and then Mt Fuji and then 3 days Kyoto and flying either back from Tokyo or Osaka. but our thought was to rent a car and visit the sites on our own time and have the freedom of a car to stop somewhere in between if needed. Just wondering your thoughts on car rental vs train transit and also the air fare. Any other recommendations for Japan in June? Thank you!
Elma,
Depending on the week, that sounds typical. I wouldn’t worry too much about it since it’s for your hubby’s 40th.
Train travel makes more sense in Japan since they go everywhere and are much quicker. For example, it would take you 8-10 hours to drive to Kyoto whereas you can take a train there from Tokyo in 2.
If you have just a week, I wouldn’t do more than two locations so that would be Tokyo and Kyoto or even Just Tokyo with day trips to Hakone or Mt. Fuji and say Kamakura.
I’m pretty sure there are no direct flights from Osaka’s airport to Toronto so it would likely be easier to fly back home from Tokyo. If you have the option, fly into Haneda since it’s closer to Tokyo.
Thanks so much for a quick response Barry. I will go ahead and secure the flight first, might come back to you closer to the date if I have any more questions once I’ve done a bit more research.Is it best to post a comment here or another way to contact you?
You can reach out to me via via contact form https://www.moneywehave.com/contact/
That will go to my email
I used this resource for a math project about retirement, and thought you ought to know that (Granted this is US inflation not Japan inflation) that the cost might go up to $18,060 in 51 years.
Hi Barry, Thanks for all the info and recommendations. I want to take my family of five ( 2 adults 2 teenagers ( 12 and 18 well adult!) and 1 infant ( 1 year) to give them a great Japanese experience mainly in technology and in culinary. My kids would love culinary and in general culture and technology stuff (robots) and my wife is interested in culture in general and knife chopping (vegetables and fish) lessons as she is crazy about cutting skills in japan). I am wondering what would be your advise?!:) Appreciate any inputs. Planning to fly from IAD (may be via Toronto) for at least 2 to 3 weeks (July /Aug 2019) . My budget is I would say 10 K may be little more.
Murugesan,
The issue with travelling with 4 people to Japan is that flights, accommodations, and ground transportation will eat up a fair amount of your budget. The good thing is that eating doesn’t have to be expensive, but again, feeding a family of 4 is never “cheap.”
Your kids won’t be disappointed with any of the food options. Technology is all over the place so you just need to look up what kind of things that would interest them. I honestly can’t comment on knife chopping skills in Japan but there are a few stores that sell legendary Japanese steel knives. With general culture, it’s everywhere, but Kyoto has some of the most temples.
If you want to keep things within budget, you may want to consider joining a tour. Alternatively, just rent apartments.
Thanks for quick reply I really appreciate it. I know 10k is pretty tight budget may be if I stretch to 13 -15k would be better. I assume Renting apartments would be cheaper! If you have any info on that please me know.
Murugesan,
Renting apartments might just give you more space. Japan hotel rooms and apartments are typically small so that may be tricky. Just looking at booking.com or Airbnb.com to see what’s available.
I love your article, and thank you for taking the time to cover all that you have. My wife and I plan to visit Japan next year as celebration for our new healthy life style change and weight-loss. What would you recommend for a couple who are looking to add more adventure in our visit. We dont really want to be stuck behind a camera, instead we want to experience what Japan has to offer.
Richard,
Japan has so much variety and great transportation that you can really do anything you want. It’s easy to see temples that are hundreds of years old or to go on a food tour. Japan-guide.com is a great resource for some general ideas. You also need to decide if you want to do things on your own or if you prefer to join a tour.
Hi Barry,
Great article with a lot of useful things to learn.
I’m a student in India and I will be traveling soon to Japan as a part of a summer exchange program. It’s a 12-day program. I have already paid for my tickets. My accommodation and food will be paid for by my university in India. I’ll be staying in Chiba and will be going to Disney sea, Akihabara, Asakusa, etc. So I’ll be spending mostly on shopping and maybe food. Also, I’m a pretty cautious spender. How much money do you think will be enough for me to take to Japan for this trip?
Thank you 🙂
Hey Himadri,
Food can be relatively inexpensive in Japan e.g. you can get a bento box, ramen, or beef and rice for about $10-$12 Canadian. Convenience stores and bakeries have good and cheap food too. Heck, even some of the conveyor belt sushi is not that expensive.
If you really only need money for day trips including Disney, I’d say $500 Canadian is enough. Disney Sea alone will be about $120 Canadian. Note that there’s a lot of shopping that can be done in Tokyo so bring a credit card just in case =D
Hey!
Thank you so much for the prompt reply Barry.
I’m thinking of taking around $1000 USD which is around $1350 CAD. Will that be enough for mainly shopping plus Disney Sea and visiting temples? Another thing I want to tell you is, out of those 12 days, I will be going out for shopping and sight-seeing for roughly 5 to 6 days only.
Himandri,
You will be just fine with that amount of money. Temples don’t cost any money. Sensojoi is the main temple in Tokyo which has no admission but the street leading up to it will have lots of snacks you’ll want to buy.
You should have more than enough money left over unless you really like to shop. It really depends on what kind of things you’re looking to buy. Some fun shops to browse include Loft, TokyuHands, and Don Quixote. As for fashion, Shibuya 109 and Shibuya are popular. If you’re into anime, then a trip to AKihabara is a must.
One other thing you may want to consider spending money on is an animal cafe e.g. an owl cafe.
Barry,
You’ve been a great help! Thank you so much.
I can’t thank you enough. I was extremely worried about my budget but I feel much better after talking to you. Your prompt replies were a big relief.
It’s still more than a month to go for my trip. I’m hoping I can turn to you for any other problem I might face.
Thanks once again!
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Also I meant to say Shibuya109 and Uniqlo and popular for fashion.
Hi Barry
How are you?
I’m back for some with one more question!
I am going to convert 15000 Indian currency to Japanese Yen (which will give me around 22000 JPY).
I have an International Debit card of a government-run bank here in India in which I’m thinking of carrying the remaining money. Could you please tell me if the card would work there or I’ll have to get a forex card or not?
Hi Himadri,
With the Tokyo Olympics happening in 2020 just about every convenience store e.g. 7-eleven, Lawson’s etc. have ATMS that accept all international debit cards. In a worst case scenario, look for a Japan Post office as their ATMs have always accepted international cards.
You should obviously bring a credit card too as a back up.
Thank you so much, Barry!
You’ve helped me a lot with my planning for Japan.
It’s only 15 days to go now as I’ll be leaving on the 6th of July, and I’m super nervous.
However your suggestions and answers have really helped in calming my nerves.
Thank you! 🙂
Himadri,
I’m really excited about your trip, I hope you report back when you’re there or back. A few areas in Tokyo I enjoy that are off the beaten path include Yanaka Ginza, Daikanyama and kagurazaka.
Hi Barry!
I’m leaving for Japan on Saturday! I have 59000 JPY with me right now. I hope that’s enough for a few days. I’m really excited for my trip.
I want to thank you for being such a great help. I have asked my friends back in Japan that I want to visit the places you mentioned. I hope to have a great trip.
I will surely tell you how things went.
Thank you!
Himadri,
I’m excited for you! I’m sure you’ll have a blast. I’m looking forward to hearing about your adventures.
what about buses between cities is that affordable
Jose,
They can be, but most people take the trains as they are much quicker.
Hi Barry
Thanks for the helpful article.
I am planning a trip to Japan this November. This is the intinerary that I would like to do;
-3 full days in Tokyo, day trip to nikko national park
-Go to Kawaguchi Ko for a night
-Travel to Nagano and stay overnight
-visit the snow monkeys/ go to onsen and stay in shibu onsen
-Travl to Matsumoto and stay the night
-Then travel to Kyoto and stay for 3-4 days
-Then travel to Osaka and stay 3-4 days
Travel to Hiroshima, stay overnight, visit the Itsukushima shrine
-train back to Osaka airport to fly out of Japan
Do you think this is a good itinerary or would you make any recommendations (i.e. to cut down on travel, make it easier? )
My main question is considering all that travel, and the fact we wouldn’t be activating our JR pass for our first few days in Tokyo, would you recommend we get the 14 or 21 day pass? If so, when would you recommend to activate it?
Thanks so much in Advance
–
Hi Amy,
Looks mostly good. I personally would probably drop Nikko since things over in Kyoto will be similar and it’ll give you more time in Tokyo.
There’s not that much to do in Osaka so you can probably afford to drop some days there or at least plan some side trips e.g. Nara.
Overall, it is a lot of travel, but it’s not totally unreasonable. If you don’t mind the travel and you’re not travelling with young children, you’re probably good.
A 14-day day JR pass is probably worth it, but run your itinerary through Hyperdia.com to see what one-way tickets would cost vs. the pass. You don’t need the JR pass in Tokyo.
Hey Barry,
Will a non-exchange fee credit card be enough to do everything you want in Japan, or is it necessary to have some cash to exchange while there? A rule of thumb is to have some cash for emergencies, but I’m mostly curious if you can get by on just credit card only?
Thanks!
Delante,
Some places only accept cash so you’ll need some.
Thanks for the quick reply. Great posts by the way.
Hi Barry,
After reading your blog, I am more excited to plan a trip to Japan for my husband’s 40 th bday along with our 8 year old son. They love traveling together and will certainly enjoy Japan especially the food. I am planning on a week trip in July 2020 for them. I am sure my husband would like to see Tokyo and Kyoto. Is it possible for them to also see Mt. Fuji in a weeks trip?
Are the capsule hotels suitable for kids? Is 1 capsule room sufficient for both 1 adult and 1 kid? Thank you so much!
Regards
Priya
Hi Priya,
Here’s a suggested one-week Japan itinerary – https://www.moneywehave.com/one-week-in-japan/
I wouldn’t advise Mt. Fuji + Kyoto in a week as that’s too much. Another thing to consider, does your son want to see any theme parks? Each Disney theme park in Tokyo (there are 2) could take up a day each. If they plan on doing the theme parks, it may be better to just stay in Tokyo for the week.
A capsule hotel would not fit two people as it’s basically a single bed in a pod. For cheaper accommodations look for the APA or Mystays brand.
Here are some budget options – https://www.moneywehave.com/cheap-hotels-in-tokyo/
Hi Barry,
I have read many of the comments and appreciate all the help you are giving people. I am very interested in a trip, but here is my big question. My wife has had a bad illness and currently has mobility issues, meaning she can walk some, but not a lot, and steps are a bit of a struggle. I can push her around in a wheelchair, if needed. Under those circumstances, will we be able to have a very enjoyable time, or do we need to wait to see if she becomes more mobile and healthier? I don’t want to go if we will have to skip a lot of things because of stairs, tight areas, etc. Thanks.
Sparkster,
Although many parts of the cities are fully accessible, I think it’s better off for you to wait. The reason I say this is that many of the attractions have stairs. More specifically the temples and shrines will have stairs, a bunch of them. These sites are hundreds of years old and were never built with wheelchairs in mind.
Hi Barry,
I am planning a trip to Japan in May. I have the money but am still trying to look for good deals for a hotel and fight for 14 days for two people.
I saw you mentioned MyStays and APA. Are those still cheaper in relation to others? Prices keep hiking up everytime I check too unfortunately. Any new tips to try and save money on these things so that I have more to spend on food, fun, and gifts?
Thanks!!
EPM,
WIth flights, you don’t really have a choice and you’ll need to pay whatever the going rate is. MyStays and APA are two excellent local chains that offer good value. If you want something even cheaper, go to booking.com and just search by price. The further out you’re from the core, the less you’ll usually pay. That said, there are often many budget independent hotels in good locations in the cities.
is this update?
Lam,
Yes, it was last updated in January.
Hi,
I just wanted to let anyone know that I bought my ticket to Japan for $573 CAD non-stop to Japan Tokyo for 2021 with air Canada. The virus stuff has made travel quite cheap right now and I have wanted to go to Japan for 5 years. I can finally go! I also found some many hostels for $30 CAD (going to be sharing a private room with a friend).
That means I am paying $573 CAD for round-trip and $224 for my sleeping quarters. $874 CAD to fly and stay in Toyko for 2 weeks! Or roughly $620 USD
If you have ever wanted to go this is your chance, I booked early and I can save even more money I have almost a year to save too.
Jen,
That is insanely cheap. I’ve rarely flown to Europe for that price. Well done! The last time I flew to Japan, I paid about $1,100 CAD.
Japanese hostels are excellent so I think you and your friend will have an excellent time.
I’m Canadian so if you have any more questions about Japan, feel free to reach out.
Hello Barry,
I would love some advice. I have wanted to travel to Japan since I was 15 (that was 11 years ago). I have the money and the drive, and then COVID happened. I want to buy the tickets now since they are very inexpensive, and I have time to plan and save if necessary. However, I have some concerns.
I found roundtrip with Air Canada for $546 (which is very cheap!) for a 14-day trip in May (I am in NYC). I’ll be traveling with my two brothers, so some of the expenses will be shared. However, this budget plan is for me alone:
Airfare: $600
JR Rail Pass: $440
Accommodations: $1300
Local Transportation: $140
Attractions: $200
Food: $400
Portable Internet: $40
Random Spending: $200
The total is 3320, but I am budgeting and rounding for $4000.
I am thinking of following this basic itinerary after my research and my interest:
Tokyo (1-4); Kyoto (5-8); Hiroshima (9-10); Osaka (11-12); Tokyo (13-14)
I read your guide and have some questions.
1. First, if I buy the tickets today, and in May 2021, Japan still has some restrictions, such as quarantining foreigners coming from places with COVID for 14 days, can I cancel my flight and get a full refund from the airline? I am afraid to buy the tickets, and then lose the flight and the money or not get the full experience of Japan because of how things are right now.
2. The other thing is, do you recommend May as a good month to travel to Japan or do you think April is better?
3. I have insurance from my job, but I don’t know if I have medical coverage when traveling abroad, do you think is really necessary?
4. Do you think I should make some changes to my itinerary?
5. Do you think I should buy both the JR Rail Pass and IC Card (Suica)? Does the IC Card work in Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, and Hiroshima?
Thank you very much for reading this and giving such great advice. I look forward to your answer.
BellMarst,
Yes, flights from Canada to Japan are crazy cheap right now! As for your questions.
– You need to read the airline refund policies. Generally speaking, Air Canada allows you to bank your ticket cot (minus a rebooking fee) if you need to cancel your flight. Due to COVID, they had been waiving that fee. It really just depends on the situation at that time. My recommendation is to just make sure you can get a refund on everything else (or as much as you can possibly can)
– I like May because it’s not too hot yet. April is fantastic because of cherry blossom season, but that’s their busiest time of the year.
– YES, you need medical insurance when travelling, if you have to visit the doctor and need treatment, it could you a few hundred dollars. ANything serious, and it could be thousands. Check with your work travel insurance. Also note that if you own a credit card with travel insurance, you’re covered (check the terms). You can also buy travel medical insurance for your trip and it won’t cost much. **NOTE that many travel insurance providers are not covering COVID right now, you need to check with your provider.
– I think your itinerary is FANTASTIC. You’ve probably factored in daytrips, but if not, I recommend Nara and Miyajima. I personally find Kyoto more interesting than Osaka but that’s because I prefer culture over food. Koyasan is also worth considering if you want to do something really interesting (you can stay overnight at a monastery).
– You MUST buy a JR pass and IC Card. The IC Card is more for local transit whereas JR Pass is for bullet trains (and any local JR lines). Yes, the card works in all the different cities so you only need to buy one. **When I last went, my SUICA didn’t work in Hiroshima, but I’m pretty sure it does now as they were making things easier for the olympics.
If you have any more questions, reach out.
Thanks very much for answering. I’d been considering either May or April to travel and since I get a 15-day vacation at work + weekends, I may stay longer than 14 days to give more time to Kyoto and plan other day trips. I’ve been factoring Nara and Miyajima on my plan; Koyasan sounds like a fantastic experience!
Thanks, again!
BellMarst,
Koyasan and Miyajima really were amazing. I didn’t know much about them before I went to Japan so it was really interesting when I arrived. Not sure if you’re into anime, but apparently the cemetery in Koyasan helped inspire Spirited Away.
I went to Tokyo last year. My 18 day trip cost US $45,000 per person.
It cost that much to go there and for much other stuff there too?
Juno,
My estimate covers accommodations, local transportation, food, attractions, and random spending.
I’ve been planning at least two trips to Japan for the future, one possibly a solo trip, or a friend may come along if he’s still around, that trip may be for about two to three weeks, both for some time away to relax, and also to scout around for the next trip I’m planning for my younger cousin’s graduation present. The second trip I’m pretty sure will be for roughly 3 weeks, I still have a few years of planning to do for both. This article has really helped me with planning for how much I need saved up, and I’m sure when I take my cousin to Japan for his graduation that we’ll both really enjoy ourselves. Thank you so much, this has helped a ton.
Thanks for the details. A few questions:
1. How current are these prices? Are these from Aug 2021?
2. What about the vegetarian options for food? Is it easy to get or only available in select places?
3. How about the language? Can English speakers survive getting around?
4. Are the attractions listed specific to Tokyo? How about other cities?
Hi Rahav,
The prices are pretty current but keep in mind they’re just estimates. Finding vegetarian food options is not hard, but you’d likely want to do some research in advance. For example, some ramen places have a vegetarian broth, not all of them. Assuming you have access to data while abroad, only speaking English likely won’t be a big deal. There are apps that will tell you exactly what trains to take. Many restaurants have English menus or you pay at a vending machine in advance that has English or has pictures. The attraction prices are a general range, they’ll be similar in price in other cities.
Hi Barry,
Covid permitting I’ll be going to Japan for three weeks next year in March (hoping that the cherry blossoms open early as they did apparently this year). I’ll be doing Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara with various day trips from each. I’m planning on taking 2,500 euro (3,700 CAD), excluding airfare and JR pass. Do you think this will be enough? I can always draw more out of an ATM if I have to, but I’m trying to get away as cheaply as I can.
Thanks
Hey Steve,
Beautiful itinerary. If you’ve already paid for your airfare, JR Pass, and accommodations, I don’t think you need to bring that much cash. I’d say just bring 1,200 Euros, and then withdraw more cash as you need it. Also note that many stores take credit cards. Smaller restaurants are cash only, but credit cards are accepted in many places. Using your debit card to get more cash won’t be a problem as Japan upgraded much of their infrastructure to accept foreign cards when they were preparing for the Olympics.
Of course you could take more, I just never recommend people carry a ton of cash regardless of where they’re headed.
Thanks Barry. I haven’t already paid for my hotels, so I’ll factor that in.
Hello Barry, not sure if you’re still replying on this blog but my girlfriend and I have been wanting to travel to Japan for a while now and I’ve decided I would like to surprise her with a week long getaway for her birthday but I don’t really know where all we should go. What are your recommendations for a decent itinerary/must visits for a week long trip for two? If possible, maybe include some options for romantic spots to propose. She loves sunflowers and sakura trees
Hey Ben,
So first thing, Japan is still closed to tourists. I’m not even sure they’ll be open in 2022 for foreigners.
I have a one-week itinerary for Japan that you should check out – https://www.moneywehave.com/one-week-in-japan/
That said, you could easily stay in Tokyo for an entire week and not get bored.
Since you’re talking about proposing and Sakura trees, you may want to plan around cherry blossom season which is April. There are plenty of great places to see the cherry blossoms, so it becomes a matter of how romantic do you want it to be you know? Kyoto is more prettier than Tokyo.
Feel free to send me a direct email if you have more questions. We don’t want your gf to see this conversation by accident.
Hi Barry, are these estimates still accurate?
@ Barry Choi
Where did find those prices for the airfare? Every time I look its at least $1,200 per person.
Also, when I clicked the link to see about prices for the airfare they could not find the Cleveland airport that I would be traveling out of. Any recommendations at finding cheap but safe plane tickets?
In addition has the price for the additional items you mentioned change? I feel like everything has went up in price and this article may not be up to date. Am I correct?
Vanessa,
Airfare for Japan has skyrocketed in the last two months. $1,200 – $1,400 for economy is become normal. I do need to update that section, but all other estimates are still accurate.
You won’t find cheap airfare as you’ll be limited to the major airlines that fly to Japan. Since Cleveland isn’t a major hub, you’ll need to take a connector. For example, you could fly Air Canada to Toronto and then to Tokyo or United via Chicago.