Budgeting Your Trip to Japan: 2-Week Budget Breakdown

You might be surprised to know that Japan can be more affordable than you think! While the exact cost depends on your travel style, this guide will unveil a breakdown of expenses for a 2-week adventure in Japan, keeping you within a reasonable budget.

Remember, these are estimates based on the current yen exchange rate (around 1 USD = 155 JPY) as of July 2024.

1. Flights: Landing on the Right Deal

Flight prices significantly depend on your origin city, chosen airline, and travel dates. Here are some tips to consider:

• Explore Alternative Airports: Tokyo and Osaka have each two international airports. Consider all of them for potentially cheaper fares. Flying in from Tokyo and out from Osaka could also be a good option, and you can save on one Shinkansen train trip. In terms of convenience, Haneda airport is quite close to the Tokyo’s city centre.

• Pick your Season: Peak seasons like cherry blossom season or Golden Week will see a surge in costs.

For the purpose of this article, we will budget the flight at $1,000.

2. A Spectrum of Accommodation

Japan offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. Let's explore some popular choices:

• Hostels and Capsule Hotels (Budget-friendly): Capsule hotels provide a clean, minimalist space to rest your head, often with luggage lockers for safekeeping. Hostels can differ in conditions and safety so make sure to read the reviews before you book one. You may find a hostel bed or capsule for as low as $20, depending on the season and if you book well in advance.

• Business Hotels (Low to Mid-range): These efficient and conveniently located hotels, especially near train stations, cater to business travelers but are perfect for budget-conscious tourists as well. Don't be surprised by the compact rooms, though, as some are even too small to open a suitcase on the floor. Prices start at $40/night for these options.

• AirBnB (Mid-range): For Airbnb, don’t imagine finding large apartments in the middle of the city, as you’d find in other countries. In Tokyo, for example, most Airbnbs are around the suburbs or in an area that requires a longer walk to the train station, and most have one bedroom only. Prices vary but usually start at $60/night.

• Western-style Hotels and Townhouses (Mid-range to Luxury): For $80-120/ night, you can treat yourself to a comfortable hotel room or a charming traditional townhouse (machiya). You have plenty of options within this price range. Townhouses, usually found in Kyoto, often come with kitchens and washing machines, and are perfect for families. As a bonus, you get to experience living like the locals and sleep on tatami mats!

• Ryokans and Temple Stays (Luxury): For an unforgettable experience, consider a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Ryokans often include multi-course meals (kaiseki) and access to relaxing onsen (hot springs). Temple stays offer a glimpse into monastic life, with potential meditation sessions and simple accommodations. Be prepared for a higher price tag for these unique experiences, many of these options often charging over $300 per night.

For our little math experiment we will consider a nightly budget of $50, whether you are sharing a room with a partner or friend, or go for a reasonable solo traveler accommodation option. Of course, these are average prices and you may spend more on a hotel and less on another.

Total for 2 weeks: $50/night x 14 = $700

3. Transportation Options

Japan is proud of its excellent public transportation system. Local trains, subways, and buses are affordable and efficient. Bullet trains, however, can be a significant expense. Within cities, subways, buses, and even water taxis in some areas will keep you mobile. Transportation should be around $10-15/day, and a round trip between Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka, by the bullet train would be around $190.

Total for 2 weeks, 2 major destinations: $330

4. Budget for the ramen

Japan is a haven for foodies! From casual ramen shops to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something for every taste and budget. Expect to spend $8-15 for lunch and $20-30 for dinner.

Budget around $30 per day for food. Total for 2 weeks: $30 x 14 = $420

5. Activities and Attractions

Japan boasts a wealth of cultural experiences and historical sites. Entry fees vary, with temples and gardens often being free or inexpensive. Budget for iconic locations like Nijo Castle and thrilling experiences like amusement parks (Disneyland, Universal Studios Japan, Ghibli Museum). Here is a breakdown for activities often chosen by travelers:

Entertainment/amusement park: $100

Temples, castles, gardens and museums: $40

Tea ceremony, kimono rental or similar cultural experience: $50

Half-day tour: $70

Total for 2-weeks of activities: $260

6. Souvenirs: Bringing Back a Piece of Japan

With the favorable yen exchange rate in 2024, you can stock up on Japanese goodies! From delectable snacks and kawaii stationery to high-quality cosmetics, there's something for everyone. Remember tax-free shopping options, but be mindful of potentially higher prices in popular tourist areas.

Budget around $150 for souvenirs.

7. Don’t forget to add in the absolute travel essentials

A pocket wifi or data sim and travel insurance are indispensable to a trip to Japan, so make sure you add them to your budget!

A data sim from Sakura Mobile costs $45 for 2 weeks of unlimited data, while renting a Ninja Wifi device costs about $61 for 14 days (with the 10% discount applied when ordering through our affiliate link).

For travel insurance, please check the options available from your country, to find a comprehensive insurance plan. The average price is about 5% of your trip price, so around $150 for a trip costing $3,000.

Making the Most of Your Budget

This breakdown showcases that a 2-week adventure in Japan can be achieved within a reasonable budget. After summing up each of the categories above, the total cost for a 2-week trip to Japan was $3,055!

It’s true! You can visit Japan with a budget of around $3,000 for 2 weeks! Remember, these are estimates, and your final costs will depend on your choices of hotels, time of year, activities and destinations and so on!

Ready to embark on your unique Japanese adventure?

Japan by Locals advisors understand that not every trip is the same. Whether you want to go as low as possible with accommodation prices and visit more cities, or you want to spend more on accommodation and ensure comfort after a long day of sightseeing, we can help you curate a personalized experience that fits your budget and interests.