Kon'nichiwa! Ever dreamed of exploring Japan's neon-lit streets ancient temples, or savouring authentic sushi? It's an experience like no other! But let’s talk about money. How much does it cost to visit Japan?
Fret not, your buddies at Crown Currency Exchange are here to break it down and ensure your trip is as smooth as a Kobe beef steak!
How Much Spending Money Do I Need for Japan?
The answer depends on your travel style. We've broken it down into three categories - Budget Travellers, Mid-range Travellers, and Luxury Travellers.
Budget Travellers
Who said travelling on a budget can't be fun? With about ¥11,000 per day, you're set to explore Japan's vibrant culture and scenery. This will cover your basics like comfy hostel dorms, cooking some of your own meals (maybe try your hand at making sushi?), and visiting those amazing free temples and gardens. Plus, getting around won't be a problem with Japan's efficient public transportation.
Mid-range Travellers
If you've got a bit more to spend, say ¥22,000 daily, you're in for a treat! You can enjoy private rooms in cosy accommodations, indulge in the local cuisine at restaurants, and even treat yourself to a few drinks - sake, anyone? And don't forget, this also means you can tick off more must-see sights from your bucket list.
Luxury Travellers
Fancy a lavish getaway? For ¥44,000 or more per day, you can truly immerse yourself in the luxury Japan has to offer. Think traditional Japanese ryokans or chic two-star hotels, dining at the finest restaurants, and indulging in exclusive tours. Whether it's sipping on premium sake or enjoying a private tea ceremony, you can experience it all - literally, the sky is the limit!
These were a few rough estimates for your dream Japan holiday. You can find more detailed information on how much money to bring to Japan on Numbeo. We recommend this site as one of the most reliable sources on cost of living worldwide.
What Goes into a Travel Budget?
Planning your travel budget doesn't have to be as tricky as a sumo wrestling match. Here's what you need to consider:
- Accommodation: From cosy hostels to luxurious ryokans, where you rest your head, it affects your budget.
- Food: Whether it's street food or Michelin-star sushi, Japan's culinary scene is a big part of the experience.
- Transportation: Will you be hopping on a bullet train, catching local buses, or exploring on foot?
- Sightseeing: Entrance fees for temples, museums, and attractions can add up.
- Shopping: Whether it's anime merchandise or traditional crafts, make sure to reserve some yen for souvenirs!
- Emergencies: It's always wise to have some extra cash stashed away, just in case.
What is the Cost of Accommodation in Japan?
Finding a place to crash in Japan doesn't mean you have to break your piggy bank. Your preferred level of comfort – like a capsule hotel versus an Airbnb – and location will dictate how much you’ll end up spending.
- Budget Travellers: For the budget traveller hostels are great for meeting fellow travellers and keeping your costs low. Staying in a dorm room usually costs around ¥3000 per night or less. You can also find some good deals on Airbnb and couch-surfing.
- Mid-range Travellers: For a slightly more comfortable stay, mid-range travellers should budget between ¥10,000 to ¥20,000 per night. If you’re travelling with family or friends, you can find some great deals on shared apartments in Japan. This is where sharing the cost can come in handy.
- Luxury Travellers: For those wanting to kick up their feet and live in luxury, Japan has no shortage of options. Hotels like the Ritz Carlton or Aman Tokyo will cost you anywhere from ¥25,000 to well over ¥100,000 per night. That being said, there are plenty of mid-range hotels that might be more fit for your budget.
Different accommodation options:
- Hostels: Dorm rooms will cost you somewhere between ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per night.
- Capsule hotels: Experience the quintessential Japanese pod living for about ¥3,500 to ¥6,000 a night. It's all the comfort of a bed, in a capsule!
- Budget hotels: For a more traditional stay, expect to dish out around ¥7,000 to ¥11,000 per night for a double room.
- Western hotel chains: If you're seeking familiar comfort, these will set you back approximately ¥22,000 or more per night. Tokyo stays come with a premium, so add an extra 50% to these prices.
- Airbnb: Options are limited due to regulations, but you can find apartments/private homes starting at ¥16,000 to ¥22,000 per night, and private rooms (hotel rooms essentially) from ¥9,000 to ¥11,000 upwards.
- Ryokans: For a truly unique Japanese cultural experience, try a traditional bed-and-breakfast. However, pricier than basic hotels, sleeping on tatami mats and futons is an unforgettable experience!
Our money-saving tips for accommodation costs:
- Consider off-peak travel: Prices can drop significantly during non-holiday periods.
- Book in advance: Snag early-bird deals before prices start to soar so you can save money.
- Try something different: Capsule hotels or ryokans offer a unique experience at a fraction of the cost of traditional hotels.
What is the Cost of Food in Japan?
Get ready to immerse your taste buds in a world of umami!
- Cheap eats: Curry and donburi bowls will cost you about ¥550 to ¥750, while slurping on some soba or ramen noodles should come in around ¥1,300.
- Fast food: A set menu from global chains like McDonald's will be around ¥850. And yes, 7-Eleven is a thing here too! You can score meals and pre-packaged items like rice balls, sushi, noodles, and tofu for just ¥275 to ¥550.
- Sit-down restaurants: Expect to spend around ¥2,200 to ¥3,300 for a meal. Conveyor belt sushi (a must-try experience) costs between ¥135 to ¥680 per piece.
- Fine dining: For a multi-course kaiseki ryori dining experience, prepare to shell out about ¥8,800 to ¥11,000. High-end omakase restaurants, where the chef chooses your dishes, start at ¥11,000 but can go up to ¥22,000 or even ¥33,000 in Tokyo.
- Drinks: Domestic beer is priced around ¥500 to ¥600, sake at about ¥880 to ¥990 per glass, while a cocktail will lighten your wallet by about ¥1,320. For non-alcoholic options, a cappuccino or latte is about ¥550 to ¥660, and a bottle of mineral water is ¥110 to ¥140.
- Groceries: If you decide to cook for yourself, expect to spend roughly ¥5,500 to ¥6,600 per week on staples. But with all the tasty and affordable food available, you might find yourself skipping the grocery store altogether.
Our money-saving tips for food costs:
- Embrace convenience stores: They offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable meals.
- Go for set menus: They usually offer a good value for money, especially for lunch.
- Try local eateries: Stepping off the beaten path often leads to more authentic and less expensive dining experiences.
What is the cost of transport in Japan?
Navigating Japan doesn't have to feel like a game of Mario Kart! Here's what you need to know:
- Public transportation: A single journey on a metro or bus will set you back ¥165 to ¥330. Day passes, offering unlimited travel for 24 hours, are available in most major cities for around ¥880 to ¥1,200.
- Trains: The bullet train, while not cheap, is a must-experience. Individual tickets can be pricey, but a Japan Rail Pass can help cut costs significantly and can also be used in urban areas.
- Buses: A less expensive but more time-consuming alternative to bullet trains. A two-hour bullet train journey from Tokyo station to Osaka turns into a ten-hour bus ride costing ¥4,950 to ¥8,800. Bus passes start at ¥10,200 for three non-consecutive days of travel.
- Flights: Generally on par with bullet train tickets, with last-minute fares sometimes available for around ¥15,400. Flights are mostly unnecessary unless you're heading far north or south.
- Car rental: Not usually necessary due to efficient public transport, but if needed, multiday rentals start at ¥6,600 per day. Remember, they drive on the left in Japan!
Our money-saving tips for transportation costs:
- Get a Japan Rail Pass: Even if you're not planning to travel extensively, this JR pass often works out cheaper than buying individual tickets, which helps you keep the actual costs down.
- Use public transportation: It's efficient, reliable, and much cheaper than taxis or car rentals.
- Consider buses for long distances: If time isn't an issue, buses offer a budget-friendly alternative to bullet trains.
What is the Cost of Activities in Japan?
If we're talking about Japan's cultural activities, there's no shortage of options. Here's what you can expect to pay:
- Temple hopping in Kyoto: While most temples do not charge any admission fee, some temples charge an average price of ¥500, but the spiritual experience? Priceless!
- Strolling in Tokyo's Parks: Entry to most parks like Ueno and Yoyogi is free. Cherry blossom viewing? Now, that's Instagram gold!
- Climbing Mount Fuji: The mountain itself won't charge you a dime, but transportation to get there will cost around ¥2,900 to ¥3,200.
- Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: A sobering yet essential experience for about ¥200.
- Exploring Osaka Castle: Relive history at this iconic landmark for ¥600.
- Attending a Sumo Match: Depending on the seat, expect to pay anything from ¥2,000 for a basic bench seat without reservation to ¥15,000 or more for a ringside box.
- Experiencing a traditional tea ceremony: For around ¥3,300 to ¥7,100, you can immerse yourself in this serene ritual.
- Visiting Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea: A one-day passport costs about ¥8,400 - magic included!
- Riding the bullet train: It's not just transportation; it's an experience! Prices vary based on distance, but a one-way trip from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around ¥23,435.
- Shopping in Akihabara: From manga to electronics, this district has it all. Prices vary, but remember, window shopping is free!
Our money-saving tips for activity costs:
- Plan ahead: Many attractions offer discounted tickets if purchased in advance online.
- Consider a city tourist card: These often include free or discounted entry to major attractions and public transport.
- Take advantage of many free attractions: Japan has many beautiful parks, markets, and neighbourhoods to explore at no cost.
Other Expenses to Consider for the Trip
The trip to Japan is definitely one worth taking, and the experience doesn't have to break the bank. Here are other expenses you should consider:
- Travel Insurance: Don't roll the dice on this one, my friend. It's a boring expense, sure, but it could save you from a world of hurt (and debt). Prices can vary, so shop around.
- a SIM Card or Pocket Wi-Fi: Staying connected is key, especially when trying to navigate the intricate streets of Tokyo.
- Language Classes or Guides: If you're keen on diving deep into the culture, hiring a local guide or taking a language class can enrich your experience.
- Tipping: It's not customary in Japan (phew!), but some Western-style establishments might expect it. Keep some spare change handy.
- Festivals or Special Events: Planning to catch a festival or special event? Tickets can vary, but it's worth setting aside some extra cash for this.
Most Cost-Effective Way to Take Yen to Japan
Having your yen ready before you board means you'll hit the ground running (or shopping or eating…) as soon as you land. So, don't forget to get your yen sorted before your Japan escapade.
Swing by any of our Crown Currency Exchange branches nationwide - we are Australia's #1 foreign currency provider with guaranteed competitive AUD to JPY rates.
