Is Japan expensive to visit?
Japan is an incredible country to explore—from its fascinating culture and history to its dramatic, mountainous landscape to its high-tech cities and peaceful temples.
But you don’t need to be a millionaire to travel here. In this guide, we’ll share advice for travelling to Japan on a budget.
Is travel in Japan expensive?
A large chunk of the costs of visiting another country are always in getting there and getting around. Deciding when and how to fly to Japan is the starting point, followed by deciding how to get around once you land.
Cost of a flight to Japan
Unless you’re already travelling in Asia, flying is the only option to reach the islands of Japan. There are a number of hub airports to explore for the best prices: Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka and Nagoya. If you’re happy to take a non-direct flight you can usually find options starting from £400 (as of November 2024, according to Skyscanner) in the UK to one of these destinations.
July and August tend to be the most expensive months for flights, while January to March can be the cheapest time to fly to Japan (as of November 2024, according to Skyscanner).
Japan rail ticket prices
Japan is famous for its extremely efficient high-speed trains, but these do come at higher costs. There are also inter-city bus services which are cheaper but slower.
How much does a Japan Rail Pass cost?
The Japan Rail Pass is a cheaper option for getting around than walk-up fares.
A standard adult 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs $332 USD and a standard child Japan Rail Pass costs $166 USD. Make sure to book these in advance to avoid any extra costs!
How much does the bus and metro cost in Japan?
Travelling around Tokyo and other cities is easy and affordable with the bus and metro system.
An unlimited day ticket on the Tokyo Metro is around 600 yen, 900 yen for unlimited rides for all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines and 1,600 yen for access to all nine Tokyo Metro lines, all four Toei Subway lines, the Tokyo Sakura Trams and all the Toei Buses.
Other ways to save on travel in Japan
If you’re travelling as a family or group, car hire may be a cost-effective option. Hiring a bike is also a great way to explore smaller towns and villages in Japan on a budget.
Is accommodation expensive in Japan?
There are many options for accommodation in Japan to suit a budget traveller—and some, such as a capsule hotel, are all part of the experience. The three main options to explore are hotels, hostels and Airbnb.
Hotel costs
As always, the best source of cheap hotels is online. Capsule hotels are huge in Japan and very cost-effective, where you stay in a small pod just big enough for a bed.
There are many standard hotels, too, plus the Ryokan—traditional Japanese guesthouses. With tatami mats and futons, these offer an authentic cultural experience. While these are more expensive, dinner and breakfast are usually part of the package.
Hostel costs
You can find hostels all over Japan at low costs. These tend to offer dormitory beds and are often segregated into male and female rooms. Bathrooms are usually shared.
Airbnb costs
Airbnb can be a good option for budget travellers in a couple or group. Finding apartments with a kitchen can be a way to save money on meals, and is a fun way to ‘live like a local’ in Japan.
Is Japan expensive to eat out?
There are lots of great options for low-budget food in Japan. Explore conveyor belt sushi bars—much cheaper than in the UK—and Ramen bars for good food at low prices.
An Izakaya is the Japanese equivalent of a pub, where you can buy drinks and snacks usually quite cheaply. And on a tight budget day, explore the many types of pot noodles and instant noodles from convenience stores.
Best places to visit in Japan on a budget
Whether you’re a fan of ancient temples, vibrant markets, or breathtaking landscapes, there are plenty of places to visit whilst in Japan that won’t break the bank.
Visit city parks
Japanese parks and gardens are always flawless and beautiful, these serene spaces offer a perfect escape, and many are free to explore.
Explore temples
Japanese temples and Shinto Shrines are usually free to visit. Many of these sacred spaces are surrounded by lush gardens, tranquil koi ponds, and intricate architectural details, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring Japan on a budget.
Walk in the Imperial Palace Gardens
The Imperial Palace Gardens in Tokyo are a peaceful haven right in the heart of the city. Free to enter, these meticulously landscaped grounds feature seasonal flowers, ancient stone walls, and even remnants of Edo Castle.
Yokojikkengawa Canal
The Yokojikkengawa Canal in Tokyo offers a unique way to experience the city—on the water! A short boat ride along this scenic canal is free and provides a serene view of the surrounding urban landscape.
See Mount Fuji and the Tokyo skyline
For breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the expansive Tokyo skyline, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Located in Shinjuku, this iconic skyscraper is free to enter and has observation decks offering panoramic views of the city.
Visit Japanese hot springs
No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to an Onsen. Costs to take a dip in a hot spring can start from around 500 yen. Some are free as part of a stay in a Ryokan.
Track your expenses
The secret to successfully travelling on a budget is to keep careful track of your spending. Be aware of your daily budget and whether you are over or under each day.
By knowing how much money you have left, you can make decisions about whether to treat yourself or tighten your belt to make sure you can get the best out of your trip.
How much does it cost to go to Japan?
As always with travel, your budget is led by how long you stay and the level of luxury you choose. It’s also worth exploring the cheapest time to fly to Japan. But with hotels in Tokyo available from around £28 per night, you could potentially budget as little as £50-£75 a day.
A hotel at a more comfortable budget, allowing for a few more luxuries, would be around £100+ a day. Typically it’s more affordable to travel as a couple sharing a room than as a single traveller.
To get a good idea of how much you will need to explore Japan on a budget, consider the places you want to go and the experiences you can’t miss. Then, start pricing accommodation and travel from there. Ordering your yen online before you travel can help you manage your budget and save time.
ravel safer with our Travelex Money Card
Experience added peace of mind with the Travelex Money Card—an optimal alternative to carrying your debit card. Unlike your debit card, our Travelex Money Card is not linked to your bank account, minimising your risk of losing all your funds in case of loss or theft. Load your card with Japanese yen and withdraw cash from ATMs or make secure, contactless payments directly at the point of sale.
While Travelex doesn’t impose charges to ATM withdrawals, it's important to note that fees from other ATM providers may apply.
