How Much is a Trip to Japan: Budget Tips & Sample Costs

Japan’s gotten to be one of the most popular travel destinations in the world nowadays.

That means Japan’s got to be expensive, right?

Well, yes and no.

Yes, one can make their Japan trip as expensive as they want, staying in five-star accommodations and dining regularly in Michelin star restaurants after shopping in luxury boutiques.

But that’s not for everyone. And that’s not how everyone travels in Japan.

Yes, Japan has Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury ryokan that cost more than a week’s rent in most cities.

But it also has 1000 yen bowls of noodles that will change your perspective on what good food ought to be.

Japan has clean, safe budget accommodations, from hostels and capsule hotels to business hotels and family-run guesthouses. It has regional rail passes that drive some bargains and cheap bento meals that beat most restaurant food in other countries.

You don’t have to be rich to eat well, sleep well, and travel well in Japan.

This guide walks you through everything: costs, seasons, regions, food, accommodations and real tips to make your dream trip to Japan affordable without sacrificing the magic.

So, Is $5,000 Enough for a Week in Japan?

Yes. If $5K (per person) is your travel budget, in most seasons you should be able to make this work for a Japan trip.

This of course assumes that you’re not booking five-star hotels and $400 sushi dinners every night.

• Flights from North America or Europe: $800–$1,600: This one’s a bit of a wild card, as airfares are constantly changing and are very dynamic in pricing based on demand and other factors

• Accommodation: $500–$1,000 depending on your comfort level: This is priced per room, including taxes, and ranges from hostel or shared accommodations to capsule hotels (for maybe a night), plus in the mix would be a ryokan or minshuku (inn or guesthouse) and/or a business hotel. Again, it depends on where you stay and when you go

• Food: $350–$ 800: After flights and hotels, food is the next biggest factor (and a top variable). If you opt for konbini breakfasts, standing noodles or teishoku shops for lunch and local pubs or cafeterias for dinner, you can generally eat for $50 a day and up. Taking the hotel breakfast, ramen lunch and sit-down dinner would up things to more like $100+ per day

• Transport: $150–300 depending on how far you roam: A shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around $100 each way (purchased point to point, not in a pass). Then subways, local trains, buses and a good amount of walking.

• Attractions and extras: $200-$400: Depends on how many tours you join, sights you see, rooftops you see at sunset, etc. Souvenirs and other shopping (the cosmetics in Japan are particularly great!): $250-$1000 (as little or as much as your heart desired and wallet allows, basically)

That’s a total of roughly $2250 to $5000 for a one-week trip. Even if you splurge in a few areas but save in others, you’ll have enough cushion for souvenirs, an omakase dinner or an upgraded hotel night.

Now, if you’re planning a longer trip or want to stretch your dollars even further, keep reading.

How Much Does a 10-Day or 15-Day Trip to Japan Cost?

Ten days in Japan on a modest budget will cost between $3000 and $7000. That assumes you stay in mid-range accommodations, eat well but not extravagantly and are generally frugal in your travels.

A 15-day trip, following a similar pattern, will typically run $4000 to $9000.

With careful planning (more nights in hostels or budget inns, more meals from supermarkets and mom-&-pop shops etc) you could make this work even on a tight budget.

And you’ll still be eating delicious food, visiting iconic spots and sleeping comfortably.

The Cheapest Months to Visit Japan

Timing your visit is one of the easiest ways to save money. Japan is highly seasonaland its pricing fluctuates accordingly.

Low Season (Cheapest Times)

• Mid-January to February: Cool/cold but less crowded. Great for snow festivals, hot springs and skiing.

• June: Rainy season in most regions. Bring an umbrellaand enjoy lower prices and (relatively) fewer tourists.

• September: Right after the summer rush. Still a bit hot & humid, occasional chance for a typhoon to swing by, but less hectic.

High Season & Peak Travel Times in Japan

• Late March to Early April: Cherry blossom season. Gorgeous, but accommodations skyrocket in price and availability.

• Golden Week (late April to early May): A national holiday period where prices and crowds both peak.

• Obon Week (mid-August): Many Japanese travel domestically. And many North Americans & Europeans are on summer vacation here.

• New Year’s (late December–early January): Another holiday season with inflated prices.

• If you’re flexible, shoulder seasons like early December or mid-late May can offer a great balance of good weather and lower prices.

Tokyo vs Kyoto vs Rural Japan: Where to Spend Less

Most first-time travelers focus on Tokyo and Kyoto, with maybe a stop in Osaka or Hiroshima, Takayama or Kanazawa, etc.

While these cities are fantastic, rural Japan has some advantages (especially for folks on a budget).

Tokyo: Big City Vibes, Mega-City Prices

Everything is available in Tokyo, from Michelin-star ramen and ultra-luxury hotels to hostels.

While accommodation is pricier than elsewhere, you’ll find countless food and entertainment options at most every budget level.

Tokyo’s public transportation is the best in the country, though watch out for frequent transfers and individual train fares that can add up. Taxi from the airport? Not on a budget, nope.

Kyoto: Serenity Got Shouted Out by (Over?)Tourism

Japan’s former capital is dotted with temples, gardens and traditional tea houses. Yeah, that’s Kyoto, with its mix of “tradition and modern” cliches (turns out much of Kyoto is a modern city).

While it’s beautiful in some places, it's also heavily touristed in a lot of places, which definitely has an effect on prices.

Buses are cheap but not always efficient. Still, Kyoto is very walkable and a great place to explore slowly.

Osaka: Tokyo’s Foe, More Down to Earth (But Tourists Are Invading)

A street food heaven, so they say. I mean, the food is great here. And it’s great everywhere in Japan.

Osaka is perhaps ideal for budget travelers. Accommodations are generally more affordable than in Tokyoand its personality might feel a bit more accessible.

But Osaka has gotten super touristy in parts of the city (Dotonbori, Namba, Shinsekai, Shinsaibashi to name a few) and prices are catching up.

You could base yourself here and do day trips to Kyoto, Nara, Himeji and Kobe (maybe using a Kansai train pass even).

Rural Japan: No Bright Lights, No Big City – But Real Japan Right Here!

Want a deeper, quieter experience?

Head to Tohoku, Shikoku or parts of Kyushu or Hokkaido.

Here, you can stay in family-run inns, eat local specialties and enjoy a slower pace of life.Dare we say, it might even actually me (shudder) the real Japan?!!

Transportation can be a bit trickier (you may need to rent a car or plan routes carefully) but the rewards are immense.

What to Budget: Daily Costs Overview

Budget travelers might spend:

• $40 to $80 daily on a place to sleep

• $30 to $50 on food

• $20 on local transportand another $20 on attractions etc

• That’s a total of around $100-150 per day (not counting flights or bullet trains)

Mid-range travelers could spend:

• $80 to $150 on accommodation

• $50 to $100 on meals

• $50-$100 on sightseeing & attractions plus a few souvenirs

• For a total of around $180 to $350 per day

Travelers wanting more comfort might go in for:

• $125 to $250 on hotels

• $100 ~ $200 on food

• $120 ~ $250 on trains, taxis, attractions and shopping

• That puts you around $350 ~ $650 per day

Whether you’re visiting Japan for a week, two weeks or a month, the per day pricing stays relatively similar. Just add in bullet trains, long distance trains & buses and/or domestic flights, depending on where you’re going.

Smart Ways to Save on Flights and Trains

One of the biggest expenses when traveling to Japan is just getting there. But there are ways to cut those costs.

Start by searching flights at least two months in advance. Use flexible date tools on sites like Google Flights or Skyscanner. Try flying into Osaka or Nagoya, which often have cheaper international flights than Tokyo.

The Japan Rail Pass used to be pretty good. Now? Meh. Pass on the pass, for just about everyone. You’ll save money by either buying point to point tickets, or maybe (if you’re sticking around one region in Japan long enough) regional passes can be a good deal. For example:

• JR East Tohoku Pass: Good for exploring northern Japan

• Kansai Wide Area Pass: Great if you're bouncing between Osaka, Kyoto, Kobeand Himeji

• Hokuriku Arch Pass: Ideal if you’re doing Tokyo to Kanazawa to Kyoto

Taxis are clean, polite and safe. Short rides can save you timeand aren’t that much more if you’re traveling as a family with kids, couple, or group. But for longer distances, the taxi cost adds up fast.

Where to Stay in Japan: Budget-Friendly & Full of Charm

Staying cheaply in Japan doesn’t mean staying poorly. In fact, this is one of the best countries in the world for high-quality, low-cost accommodation.

• Capsule hotels are ideal for solo travelers. You get a private pod, often in a high-tech facility with lounges, bathsand workspaces. Prices start around $30–$50 a night. Hostels in Japan are clean, friendly and often beautifully designed. They’re a great way to meet other travelers.
• If you want a cultural experience, look for a budget ryokan (inn) or minshuku (guest house). While high-end ryokan can cost $300 or more per night, many family-run places outside major cities offer stays from $60–$100, sometimes including breakfast or even dinner.
• Otherwise, Japan has many chains of “business hotels.” These are clean, safe and comfortable – albeit with small rooms. And they’re usually near a train station. Price? Around $80 - $120 per night, depending on demand and location.
• For a unique and peaceful stay, look into temple lodgings (shukubo), often found in places like Mount Koya. You’ll get a traditional room, vegetarian meals and a chance to observe or take part in morning prayers.

Note: If you’re staying at an onsen ryokan, be sure to inquire in advance about their policy regarding tattoos. This can get taboo in Japan and it’s best to know before you go.

Eating Well on a Budget

If there’s one area where Japan truly excels for budget travelers, it’s food.

A bowl of steaming ramen costs $6–$10.

Conveyor belt sushi spots offer plates starting at about $1 each.

Konbini (convenience store) and supermarket food (especially onigiri, fried chicken, salads & sandwiches) is relatively inexpensive and not bad quality. You could spend under $25 a day if you plan smartly.

Look for:

• Teishoku restaurants: Set meals including rice, soup, picklesand a protein. Nutritious and usually under $10.

• Supermarkets: In the evening, many items are marked down. Grab discounted sushi, bentoand tempura. (also applies to depachika - department store basement food halls)

• Izakaya: Japanese pubs serving shareable small plates. Go during happy hour for drink and food deals.

• Street food: Especially in Osaka or Fukuoka. Takoyaki, yakitori and karaage are all inexpensive and filling.

Pro tip: Don't tip in Japan. It’s neither expected nor encouraged (actually causes problems if you try!). That’s an automatic 10–20% savings compared to dining out in North America.

Sample Itinerary: One Week in Japan for Under $100 Per Day

Let’s say you’re arriving in Osaka and working your way to Tokyo. Here’s a sample budget itinerary:

Day 1: Osaka

• Capsule hotel: $40

• Konbini breakfast: $5

• Street food or noodle lunch: $10

• Citywalk, free shrines and sights

• Dinner at izakaya: $25

• Subway day pass: $8

Day 2: Kyoto

• Train to Kyoto: $5

• Guesthouse: $60

• Temple entry: $5

• Breakfast from konbini & bento lunch from supermarket: $15

• Teishoku dinner: $10

Day 3: Nara Day Trip

• Roundtrip train: $10

• Free deer park, affordable attractions

• You know what to do for meals now

• Return to Kyoto

Day 4: Hakone

• Budget guest house: $75

• Onsen soak: $5

• Meals as previous

Day 5–7: Tokyo

• Business hotel on edge of city: $70/night

• Metro day passes: $6/day

• Museums, free shrines, ramen, sushi

• Try lunch at a Japanese fast food chain (not McD’s!)

Your total for the week? Roughly $700 including accommodation, food, local transportand, and activities — not including your flights or bullet trains. Not bad for a week in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

Travel Comfortably

You don’t need to splurge to stay comfortable while exploring Japan. A few smart habits and must-have items can make all the difference and you can find them all right here at Japanese Taste.

1. Use sunscreen

Stay protected with top-rated Japanese sunscreens

• Biore UV Aqua Rich

• Shiseido’s suncare stick for face and body

• Shiseido BB Cream For Sports Quick Dry Water Resistant SPF50+ 30ml - Medium Dark

2. Beat the heat with cooling wipes

Summer lifesavers!

• Shiseido Sea Breeze cooling body wipes are very popular in Japan

3. Stay hydrated

Bring a reusable bottle. Japan has clean public water and vending machines everywhere.

• Zojirushi stainless steel travel mug

• Otsuka Pocari Sweat sports drink

4. Pack layers

Japan’s weather can shift quickly, especially in spring and fall. Light, breathable layers will keep you comfy all day.

Bonus:
When you’re back home (or need a pick-me-up anytime), treat yourself to our Curated Japanese Snack Box, a little taste of Japan delivered to your door.

Traveling in Japan Doesn’t Require a Luxury Budget

You don’t need a mega budget to see Japan’s megacity and more.

Travel on the cheap in Japan just requires curiosity, flexibility, and a willingness to try something new.

If you're open to staying in smaller inns, eating where locals eatand riding the train like a pro, you'll find that Japan is one of the better-value destinations out there, considering what all it offers.

If you’re getting ready for your first Japan trip (or your fifth), consider starting your journey with a curated Japanese snack box. It’s a little taste of what’s to come and a delicious way to whet your appetite for adventure.