Last Updated on August 30, 2023 by Ezra Matiasi
Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but it’s also fairly expensive.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, there are some things you need to know before you go so that you can make sure that your trip is as fun and affordable as possible!
In this article, we take a closer look at the costs associated with travelling to Japan to help you decide if Japan is an affordable destination for your budget.
How expensive is Japan for a holiday?
To answer this question, we need to look at the cost of a holiday in Japan.
Japan is an expensive destination and costs depend on the type of holiday you’re planning and what you want to do.
If you’re looking for something cheap and quick, then there are plenty of cheap flights available from Europe or Australia that could save you some money.
However, if your plan is more advanced than this then expect to pay more than usual for accommodation and transport costs – which may be worth it if they make up part of a memorable experience!
Cost of Travelling to Japan
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable vacation, Japan is the perfect place. A flight from London to Tokyo costs just £800.10 (about USD 1,000), much cheaper than other popular destinations such as New York and Singapore.
If that sounds good to you we recommend planning a three-week tip instead of four.
You can spend up to 5 days exploring Tokyo before moving on to another part of Japan. You can also visit one of its neighbours, such as Okinawa or Hokkaido, if you are within the scope of your Asia trip.
If you want to save money on your trip, we recommend booking flights with budget airlines such as Jetstar and AirAsia.
No food is provided on these airlines so make sure you have enough space in your hand luggage as you will need to bring all of this with you.
Transportation Costs inside Japan
Now that you’ve travelled to Japan and you are inside this beautiful country, you need to manoeuvre around to see different attractions.
One of the major expenses inside Japan is transportation. The country’s extensive railway system is one of the most efficient and fastest in the world, and it is the best way to get around the country.
However, the cost of train travel can quickly add up, especially if you’re travelling between cities.
If you’re on a tight budget, consider using public transportation and walking as much as possible. This can help you save money and also allows you to see more of the local culture and environment.
The Cost of Accommodation in Japan
One of the biggest expenses to put into your budget when travelling to Japan is accommodation.
While there are plenty of budget-friendly options available, such as budget hotels and capsule hotels, these may not be suitable for everyone.
For those looking for a more comfortable stay, there are plenty of mid-range and high-end hotels available, but these come with a higher price tag.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that in Japan, many hotels come equipped with a variety of amenities, such as onsen (hot springs), spas, and restaurants, which can help offset the cost of your stay.
The average cost of accommodation in Japan varies depending on which city you are in and extra amenities.
Accommodation – $1000/night for a hotel room, though this can be much more expensive if you want something nicer or closer to your destination.
Hostels are also an option if you don’t mind sharing a room with other travellers.
You’ll find that most accommodation options charge between US$100-200 per night for a single or double bed room and kitchen facilities (such as hot water, cooking utensils etc.),
although there are some exceptions where the price may be lower than this figure due to its popularity or location; these include tourist spots where accommodation is difficult to find elsewhere within Japan itself (such as Tokyo).
If backpackers prefer hostels then expect them to cost around US$30 per night for shared dormitory style accommodation.
Other expenses to consider when travelling to Japan for holiday
You may have thought that the cost of travelling in Japan is negligible. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning your trip.
Travel insurance:
Make sure you purchase travel insurance before leaving home, as it could save the day when your flight gets delayed or cancelled due to bad weather conditions, or even worst case scenario, an act of terrorism!
Visas:
If you want to stay longer than 90 days (or 180 days for residents), then apply for an extended visa which costs about $50 USD per year or $120 USD every two years (depending on where).
You’ll also need a passport with at least six months left on its validity date because Japanese immigration officers will check this information when they stamp their passports after processing them through customs control at ports of entry
Activities:
Attractions and activities, such as temples, museums, and hot springs, can also add to the cost of your trip. However, many of these can be enjoyed for free or at a low cost.
Shopping:
Japan is famous for its shopping, but it can also be a major expense. From high-end designer boutiques to street-side stalls.
Conclusion
When you travel, there are many ways to save money. You can do this by booking online and getting a better deal on airfare or other transportation.
Also, if you’re going to a popular destination like Tokyo or Kyoto, it might make sense to stay there rather than in another city somewhere else in Japan. This way, you’ll still have access to all of the tourist attractions but at a cheaper price!
