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Japan Cost of Travel and Detailed Budget Breakdown

Is travel to Japan expensive?
How much will a trip to Japan cost?
What should be my Japan travel budget?

Japan was not one of the top spots on my bucket list. It was there but not a priority destination. How come I landed in Japan? The first reason was that my coworker couldn’t stop talking about it, since he just got back.

The second reason was that I got to guide a tour on Molucca islands in Indonesia, and flights were cheaper from Japan. Third, it was a new country to celebrate my birthday.

So, I went to Japan in April, during cherry blossom season.

I didn’t really know how to figure out a budget for Japan trip. What cost per day would be in Japan? I had a fair idea, that this trip will be more on the expensive side, especially because of the time I was visiting Japan.

I was in Japan In April. During Sakura and golden week. At the best and most expensive time to visit Japan. So, I was only hoping that 17 days in Japan will not be too extreme!

Below you will find my detailed Japan travel budget breakdown. This will give you a brief idea of how much it costs to travel to Japan for a solo traveler. It will also give you an idea of the cost per person in a day in Japan.

I spent 17 days/16 nights in cities around Japan. From Tokyo to Kyoto, visited Hiroshima and rural places like Shirakawa-go. I have done a lot of must-do activities, visited UNESCO sites and went on tours to make my Japan trip truly memorable.

Here is how much money you can expect to spend in Japan as a solo (female) traveler.

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Japan travel budget breakdown

This Japan budget breakdown is based on my experience and the cost of trip to Japan in April 2019. You can spend a lot less or a lot more. The total amount will be based on the activities you choose to participate in, length of stay in Japan, food choices, the number of people traveling, and currency exchange rates.

Japan is known to be expensive but is also one of the destinations, suitable for everyone. There are times that are more favorable for visiting Japan. So, expect higher prices in peak season. Proper planning, using public transportation, and booking hotel rooms in advance will help you save money and lower your daily expenses. If you live in Australia or New Zealand, you can find affordable flight deals to Tokyo or Kyoto.

The prices stated were the exact amounts at the time of my writing. They might change in the future. Please note, that this post is intended for the purpose of trip planning and to give you an approximate value of how much to budget for your Japan trip. To give you an idea of Japan daily travel expenses. To be on the safer side, as always, budget more.

The exchange rate at the time of my Japan trip: 1 AUD = 77 – 79 JPY (Japanese yen)

Is Japan expensive? And if so, how much should you plan to budget for Japan trip? Here you will find everything for your Japan budget travel. This detailed Japan budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much Japanese yen Anja On Adventure spent on her Japan trip. Read about the average daily expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and activities in Japan. 

| Nippon | Japan travel | Japan Budget | Japan Trip Budget | Budget

#japan #japancost #eastasia #budget #travelexpenses
What were my Japan travel expenses and how much did I spend per day in Japan?

1. Cost of flight to Japan

The cost of a flight to Japan can be different for anyone. The price of the flight ticket to Japan depends on a lot of factors. For starters, which part of the world are you flying to Japan? What time of the year are you visiting Japan? The airline you are flying with, the luggage you are bringing, and how far in advance you book your flight. 

The price of my flight to Japan will be included for reference. So, there will be a clearer overall cost of my 17-day trip to Japan. At the end of this post, there will be a total Japan cost breakdown with and without flight tickets.

I was flying to Japan from Cairns, Australia. The price for my return flight, with JetStar, was AU$745 (Australian dollars). It was a good deal in my case, since, I wasn’t flexible with dates. Plus, I was traveling to Japan during Sakura, or Cherry blossom season, which is the most popular time to travel to Japan, thus higher prices.

Is Japan expensive? And if so, how much should you plan to budget for Japan trip? Here you will find everything for your Japan budget travel. This detailed Japan budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much Japanese yen Anja On Adventure spent on her Japan trip. Read about the average daily expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and activities in Japan. | Nippon | Japan travel | Japan Budget | Japan Trip Budget | Budget #japan #japancost #eastasia #budget #travelexpenses
Cost of flight to Japan.

I booked my flights in February, so two months before my travel. Was searching for flight fares using Google flights. Then I book it through Iwantthatflight which found me an even better deal.

If you are based in Australia, I’m sure you already know this. But if you are not, and are traveling to locations around Australia (including Japan, Bali, and Hawaii), make sure to sign up for JetStar and check the Iwantthatflight regularly. There you can find amazing deals for flights to Japan (round trip for as little as AU$ 360), Bali, New Zealand and Hawaii. How amazing is that!?

My cost of flight to Japan came to AU$745.

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2. Cost of accommodation in Japan

When planning my trip to Japan, and searching for places to stay, I figured out that there are various types of accommodation in Japan. Thus I tried to stay in as many different ones as I could. And it was totally worth it!

I stayed in 9h Narita capsule hotel, spend many nights in hostels, a couple of nights in guest houses, stayed in a former Kimono shop, slept on a tatami floor, in a private hostel room, female only hostel, and splurged in a ryokan. As you can see, most of my accommodations in Japan were not the cheapest options available.

If you don’t care as much about where you sleep, and your priority is to save on accommodation, then search for hostel rooms. Their dorm rooms are really affordable. They also have female and male dorms only. My most expensive accommodation was a stay in ryokan in Yudanaka.

Japan trip budget breakdown. Full and detailed cost of travel to Japan. How much money Anja On Adventure spend for accommodation, food, transport, visa, tours and activities. You will get full budget for Japan with Japan Rail Pass included. Check out exactly how much I spent during my more than two weeks Japan trip and what ma Japan daily average came up to. 

| Budget | Visit Japan | Prices in Japan | Japan on a Budget | Expenses

#japan #japancost #japantravel #travelbudget #abroad
From left to right: sleeping on tatami floor, hostel room, and capsule hotel.

2.1. Cost of accommodation in Narita and Tokyo

I spent my first night in Japan in 9h Narita capsule hotel. I felt like a tiny bee in those capsules. If you are afraid that they are claustrophobic, I can tell you that they are not. I was surprised at how spacious they were. I paid AU$70/¥6,080 for one night stay.

On my other two Nights in Tokyo, I was staying in hostels. The first night was in a female-only hostel in Ueno (centurion). I loved the pleasant atmosphere. And the location was perfect. The price for a single pod in a dormitory was AU$29/¥2,486 for one night. No meals were included in the price.

My last night in Tokyo was in a lovely Mustard hotel in Shibuya district. I loved the closeness to Shibuya. Plus I was able to walk to all the close by neighborhoods. Including a cute hedgehog cafe. The accommodation has a restaurant/bar serving delicious breakfast. I paid AU$48/¥4,200 for a one-night stay.

My total cost for accommodation in Narita and Tokyo came to 147 AUD/¥12,766.

2.2. Cost of accommodation in Lake Kawaguchiko

In Lake Kawaguchiko I stayed in Travelers Hostel for two nights. The reason was purely to increase my chances and see Mt. Fuji and cherry blossom in nice weather. It turned out, that staying in a 6-bed mixed dormitory room, for more than one night was a good decision.

The room, where I stayed, was spacious and heated. They have a nice kitchen and the staff speaks English. Location is great. Halfway from the train station to the lake.

My total cost for accommodation in Lake Kawaguchiko came to AU$88/¥7,680.

2.3. Cost of accommodation in Kyoto

In Kyoto, I stayed in the same travelers hostel chain as in Lake Kawaguchiko. Location was great, within walking distance to Kyoto train station, Tokyo tower, temples, and Gion. My 4-bed mixed dormitory room felt kind of small and crowded with 4 people in it. Maybe that was just because the room in Lake Kawaguchiko was huge. They have a nice and well-equipped kitchen. There was a nice restaurant/bar attached to the hostel.

My total cost for accommodation in Kyoto came to AU$160/¥13,930.

Torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.

2.4. Cost of accommodation in Miyajima

I was staying in a lovely guest house in Miyajima. This Japanese-style accommodation was very peaceful and has a small garden. They also have an onsen. I was staying in a single futon Japanese-Style mixed dormitory. It was a very memorable experience.

The owner is really kind and the place is full of items related to Japan. From origami books, history books, calligraphy writings, books, and stuffed toys … It was a perfect, almost zen-like stay.

My total cost for accommodation in Miyajima came to AU$46/¥4,000.

2.5. Cost of accommodation in Kanazawa

I spent two nights in Kanazawa, where I stayed in one of the coolest guest houses ever. It is a very small Japanese-style building, that was once a kimono shop. The owners are the friendliest and kindest people that you will ever meet. Guaranteed! Hosts prepare themed evenings to bring Japanese culture closer to tourists.

When I was there, we went shopping and then learned how to make miso soup and gyoza. And the next day we were learning to write kanji and fold origami. Staying here will be a life experience! It has an amazing location and is within walking distance to Oumicho Market.

My total cost for accommodation in Kanazawa came to AU$75/¥6,500.

Kenrokuen garden in spring, Kanazawa.

2.6. Cost of accommodation in Takayama

Based on my previous experiences with K’s Houses in Lake Kawaguchiko and Kyoto, I decided to stay K’s House Takayama as well. They have a great central location. I booked a small double room with a private bathroom. I needed my own room and my own bathroom.

Here you can also book double rooms and family rooms. Just like other K’s House’s they follow Japanese style and design. They offer free Wifi, coffee and tea and have rental bikes available. 

My total cost for accommodation in Takayama came to AU$56/¥4,900.

2.7. Cost of accommodation in Matsumoto

Having my batteries recharged in a single room stay, plus knowing that I will have my own very room the next night, I booked a room in BackPackers in Matsumoto. I opted in for another single futon bed stay in a mixed dormitory room. I figured, once in Japan … sleep on a futon bed, you have bed at home.

This is a  lovely hostel in an old house with a small garden. It is a short walk away from the JR station and bus terminal. Matsumoto castle is a bit more than 10 minute walk away.

My total cost for accommodation in Matsumoto came to AU$46/¥4,000.

Is Japan expensive? And if so, how much should you plan to budget for Japan trip? Here you will find everything for your Japan budget travel. This detailed Japan budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much Japanese yen Anja On Adventure spent on her Japan trip. Read about the average daily expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and activities in Japan. | Nippon | Japan travel | Japan Budget | Japan Trip Budget | Budget #japan #japancost #eastasia #budget #travelexpenses
My total travel expenses for accommodation in Japan.

2.8. Cost of accommodation in Yudanaka

This accommodation was a birthday treat. It is a small traditional Japanese ryokan, with spacious and clean rooms. I had a small Japanese-style room, where I had a futon bed, slippers, and a robe. They also had a private onsen. My room was bigger than some of the hostel ones I stayed in before.

I also ordered a kaiseki (not included in the room rate). Kaiseki is a multi-course Japanese dinner where I was treated to delicacies from fish, seafood, and meat varieties. I forgot the number of dishes, but they were all delicious and I had no idea what I was eating (maybe for the best). If you have an option, go and stay here! They treat you like royalty.

My total cost for accommodation in Yudanaka came to AU$80/¥6,950.

My total cost for accommodation in Japan came to AU$698/¥60,726 (16 nights) or an average of AU$46,5/¥3795 per night.

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3. Cost of transport in Japan

For the whole duration of my travel in Japan, I was using Japanese public transport. It is fast, reliable and always (like always!) on time. As is everything else in Japan. If you miss your train or bus, the truth is, it will be your fault.

Most of my travel was done using fast Japanese trains. Buying a Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass) will most probably be your biggest expense. It is important that you order one BEFORE coming to Japan. They are not selling them IN Japan.

I ordered my 7 day Japan Rail pass a month before my trip and I picked it up in Tokyo. Trains are the best way to explore Japan, and buying this JR Pass will save you a lot of money. Calculating which JR Pass to buy does require a bit of advance planning. I used Jorudan and Hyperdia to plan my route.

Japan trip budget breakdown. Full and detailed cost of travel to Japan. How much money Anja On Adventure spend for accommodation, food, transport, visa, tours and activities. You will get full budget for Japan with Japan Rail Pass included. Check out exactly how much I spent during my more than two weeks Japan trip and what ma Japan daily average came up to. | Budget | Visit Japan | Prices in Japan | Japan on a Budget | Expenses #japan #japancost #japantravel #travelbudget #abroad
Japan Rail Pass will save you money!

I was in Japan for 16 days but only bought a 7-day JR pass for AU$365.11/¥29,650. That was the best option for me. Some parts of my trip were also made with buses and trains not covered by JR Pass. Doing some math, it turned out that by using the Japan Rail Pass I saved ¥2000 or AU$26.

Other than JR Pass, I used Narita Express to Tokyo and back. It is included in JR Pass, but mine was not activated at that time yet. It was AU$51.84/¥4,000 one way.

From Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko I traveled by bus and paid AU$25/¥1,950. There I spent AU$7.7/¥600 for a return train ticket from Lake Kawaguchiko to Churieto Pagoda (not in JR Pass). To get to Shizuoka train station, where I activated my Japan Rail pass, I paid AU$36/¥2,800 for a 2-hour long bus ride.

In Kyoto, I only used buses on the day when going to Kinkakuji and Arashiyama bamboo forest. The combined price for all the transport in Kyoto was AU$12,5/¥960 (tickets were from AU$3/¥240 to AU$6/¥460 for a single ride). To get to Nara, Osaka and Fushimi Inari I used trains included in Japan Rail Pass.

Japan trip budget breakdown. Full and detailed cost of travel to Japan. How much money Anja On Adventure spend for accommodation, food, transport, visa, tours and activities. You will get full budget for Japan with Japan Rail Pass included. Check out exactly how much I spent during my more than two weeks Japan trip and what ma Japan daily average came up to. | Budget | Visit Japan | Prices in Japan | Japan on a Budget | Expenses #japan #japancost #japantravel #travelbudget #abroad
Inside of women only metro public transport in Japan.

From Kanazawa to Takayama I traveled by bus. In the price of the bus ticket, AU$47/¥3,600, there was also a stopover at the UNESCO Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go. The fare for a bus ride from Takayama to Matsumoto was AU$45/¥3,500. The train ride from Matsumoto to Nagano was AU$14.6/¥1,140.

To get to Yudanaka and visit Snow Monkey Park, I took a train from Nagano to Yudanaka is AU$16.5/¥1290. Japan Rail Pass is not valid on this route. I got picked up by my Onsen owners, but on my way back, I paid AU$4/¥310 for a bus ride from Snow Monkey Park to the station, and once more AU$16.5/¥1290 for a train ride back to Nagano.

You can also buy 2- day Snow Monkey pass, which includes 2 days of unlimited use of Nagaden limited Express, local train/bus and entrance fee to Snow Monkey Park. Meaning, you save around 200 yen on the round trip.

Is Japan expensive? And if so, how much should you plan to budget for Japan trip? Here you will find everything for your Japan budget travel. This detailed Japan budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much Japanese yen Anja On Adventure spent on her Japan trip. Read about the average daily expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and activities in Japan. | Nippon | Japan travel | Japan Budget | Japan Trip Budget | Budget #japan #japancost #eastasia #budget #travelexpenses
Japan budget breakdown: my total cost of transport in Japan.

My Japan Rail Pass was no longer valid, so I had to buy a train ticket from Nagano to Tokyo. It was AU$102/¥7990 for a smooth one-and-a-half-hour train journey. In Tokyo, I was walking and using the metro. I paid AU$2.7/¥210 for a single ride.

My Japan transportation costs broke down:
7-day JR Pass: AU$365/¥29,650
Narita Express (twice): AU$104/¥8,000
Transport to, from and around Lake Kawaguchiko: AU$69/¥5,350
Transport in Kyoto: AU$12.5/¥960
Buses from Kanazawa to Takayama and to Matsumoto: AU$92/¥7,100
Train from Matsumoto to Nagano: AU$14.6/¥1,140
Return train ticket from Nagano to Yudanaka and one bus ride: AU$37/¥2890
Train from Nagano to Tokyo: AU$102/¥7,990
Use of the metro in Tokyo: AU$13.6/¥1,050

Japan transportation costs by mode of transport:
Bus travel: AU$168/¥13,120
Train travel NOT included in JR Pass: AU$54/¥4,230
Train travel that is covered by JR Pass: JRP AU$ 365.11/¥29,650 & AU$219/¥17,130 = AU$600/¥46780

My total cost of transportation in Japan came to AU$822/¥64,130 for 17 days in Japan or an average of AU$49 /¥3772 per day. If I include flights to and from Japan, the total cost of all the transportation would come to AU$1567.

**At the time of my travel (prices and exchange rates), buying a 14-day JR Pass would be slightly more expensive for me. Doing it like this I spent ¥4,470/AU$78 less than the cost of the 14-day JR Pass. That one would expire two days before the end of my trip. Plus, I would still have to pay for all the buses, one way to the airport, and local trains.

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4. Cost of food and drinks in Japan

I will just say it. You will not be in Japan long enough, to try all the Japanese foods there are to try. It is delicious! And different almost in every region you visit. There is ramen and sushi, and okonomiyaki and kaiseki. Then there is tempura and sashimi and soba and udon noodles. They have Hida and Kobe beef. And bento boxes and colorful street food, and unusual desserts.

In Japan, I ate a lot! I can not name all the food that I have tried. And in many cases, I had no idea what I was eating. And that is ok! (Maybe even better) The price of the food is really affordable unless you visit Michelin-star restaurants. And they serve good, quality food, even in supermarkets.

I was eating a lot of ramen! I love it! The price varied from 600-900 yen (AU$7.7-11.6) for a bowl of ramen. For okonomiyaki I paid between 400-700 yen (AU$4-7) per piece. The price of takoyaki or octopus balls was from 300-500 yen (AU$3.8-6.5) for 6 pieces.

Japan trip budget breakdown. Full and detailed cost of travel to Japan. How much money Anja On Adventure spend for accommodation, food, transport, visa, tours and activities. You will get full budget for Japan with Japan Rail Pass included. Check out exactly how much I spent during my more than two weeks Japan trip and what ma Japan daily average came up to. | Budget | Visit Japan | Prices in Japan | Japan on a Budget | Expenses #japan #japancost #japantravel #travelbudget #abroad
Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.

It doesn’t hurt to mention, that I splurged on food a couple of times.

Once in Takayama, where I paid AU$88/¥6800 for a Hida beef stake dinner. It was delicious.
The second time was for my birthday dinner at a guest house Yasuragi in Yudanaka. There I had a kaiseki or a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. Dinner had around 9 or 10 courses and was worth AU$62/‎¥4,800. I was struggling to finish all of them.

Now, this may surprise you but I’m not a fan of rice. That is why I only ate sushi twice, when in Japan. Once in Kanazawa and once in Tokyo Tsukiji’s market. In Kanazawa I paid AU$30/¥2340 for sushi (AU$15.5/¥1200) and tempura (AU$14.8/¥1140). In Tokyo fish market I paid ¥2500 (AU$32.5) for a very fresh and tasty sushi prepared in front of my eyes.

Is Japan expensive? And if so, how much should you plan to budget for Japan trip? Here you will find everything for your Japan budget travel. This detailed Japan budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much Japanese yen Anja On Adventure spent on her Japan trip. Read about the average daily expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and activities in Japan. | Nippon | Japan travel | Japan Budget | Japan Trip Budget | Budget #japan #japancost #eastasia #budget #travelexpenses
What is the price of food and drinks in Japan?

From desserts, even though I’m not a fan, I just couldn’t resist trying at least a few. I was really impressed by Pablo’s cheesecake (AU$2.5/‎¥‎200) per piece. I also tried dango (3 colorful balls on a stick) for AU$4.5/‎¥‎350) per stick, and I was not impressed. I also tried Momiji manjū (AU$1.1/¥‎90), a traditional desert in Hiroshima and gold leaf ice cream in Kanazawa (AU$10.4/¥‎800).

For breakfast, I was buying stuff in 7-eleven or other local supermarkets. Once I almost bought cat food (the packaging looked nice, there was no cat on it and I couldn’t understand a thing). Luckily the person at the register knew English and stopped me. Phew!

My total cost of food and drinks in Japan came to AU$432/¥‎33,260 for 16 days or AU$27/¥‎2079 per day.

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5. Cost of tours, activities and entrance fees in JAPAN

I had a huge FOMO in Japan. If there was a temple, a shrine, or a castle … I went and see it. City tours, food tours … I was signing up for all of it. My goal was to experience and learn as much as possible. Some of my chosen activities were really touristic, but they were so much fun!

This was all possible, because tours, activities and entrance fees are very wallet-friendly. I never felt tour prices were too high. And entrance fees felt more like small donations. Activities were well worth it and I actually regret not doing more of them. One of them was to rent a Kimono.

Below you will find a list of things I did with their prices.

Japan trip budget breakdown. Full and detailed cost of travel to Japan. How much money Anja On Adventure spend for accommodation, food, transport, visa, tours and activities. You will get full budget for Japan with Japan Rail Pass included. Check out exactly how much I spent during my more than two weeks Japan trip and what ma Japan daily average came up to. | Budget | Visit Japan | Prices in Japan | Japan on a Budget | Expenses #japan #japancost #japantravel #travelbudget #abroad
At Kinkakuji – Golden temple in Kyoto. If you can, come early!

🍫 “What is something that (almost) everyone loves but Anja doesn’t?” It is chocolate.

• ACTIVITIES AND ENTRANCE FEES IN KYOTO
Kinkakuji Temple or Golden Pavilion entrance fee: AU$5.2/¥400
Arashiyama Monkey park entrance fee: AU$7/¥550
Kiyomizu-dera temple entrance fee: AU$5.2/¥400
Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto’s Geisha District: AU$18

• NARA & OSAKA
Todaiji temple entrance fee: AU$6.5/¥500
Osaka: Shinsekai Food Tour: AU$137

• HIMEJI
Himeji castle entrance fee: AU$13/¥1000

• HIROSHIMA & MIYAJIMA
Hiroshima castle entrance fee: AU$4.8/¥370
Hiroshima Peace Memorial entrance fee: AU$2.5/¥200
Itsukushima Shrine entrance fee: AU$3.9/¥300

Is Japan expensive? And if so, how much should you plan to budget for Japan trip? Here you will find everything for your Japan budget travel. This detailed Japan budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much Japanese yen Anja On Adventure spent on her Japan trip. Read about the average daily expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and activities in Japan. | Nippon | Japan travel | Japan Budget | Japan Trip Budget | Budget #japan #japancost #eastasia #budget #travelexpenses
Total amount for tours, activities and entrance fees in Japan.

• KANAZAWA
Kanazawa castle entrance fee: AU$4/¥310
Kenroku-en gardens entrance fee: AU$4/¥310
Nomura Family Samurai House entrance fee: AU$7/¥550

• TAKAYAMA
Hida Folk Village (including bus to/from Takayama): AU$13/¥1000
Matsumoto castle entrance fee: AU$9/¥700
Snow Monkey Park entrance fee:  AU$10.4/¥800

• TOKYO
Hedgehog cafe entrance fee: AU$19.5/¥1500
TeamLab Borderless entrance fee: AU$48/¥3700 (¥3200 entrance + ¥500 for tea room)

My total cost of tours, activities, and entrance fees in Japan came to AU$318. This amount includes two tours I purchased online through GetYourGuide and the amount I spent in Japan. This averaged on AU$20/¥1540 per day.

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6. Cost of souvenirs in JAPAN

Japan is one of those countries, you just can not leave without buying a souvenir. Or two. Or three. Or more in my case. I always buy souvenirs, but I do try to bring back home the ones that will be useful. Not just another item that will end up catching dust.

Most of the time I buy the same types of souvenirs, small flag, playing cards, magnets, postcards, and stamps. For magnets, I paid from AU$4.8/¥380 to AU$5.7/¥450. For a collector Tokyo 2020 stamp set I paid AU$14.8/¥1160.


I just couldn’t leave Japan with two chopstick sets, which were AU$20.7/¥1620. And I also bought a really nice bottle of Roku Gin (which has more alcohol than the one you buy overseas) for AU$41/¥3200. I still have the bottle and use it for homemade liquors. Don’t tell anyone!

After a couple of days in Japan, I was introduced to Goshuin. Goshuin is a shrine or temple stamp, that you collect in your goshuin book goshuincho. Each temple has its own design, usually consisting of a red stamp and black calligraphy letters. The book opens like an accordion. I paid AU$6.4/¥500 for Goshuincho, and then from AU$3.8-6.4/¥300-500 for every Goshuin.

My total cost for souvenirs in Japan came to AU$134/¥10340.

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7. Cost of miscellaneous items for Japan trip

What I included in the miscellaneous items are the cost of travel insurance and pocket wifi.  Here I also include luggage storage, plus the expenses that don’t fit in any other category. Like cost Shiseido face products, Skechers sneakers, laundry (AU$2.6/¥200) and crackers for deers in Nara (AU$2/¥150 per packet).

7.1. Cost of pocket Wi-Fi in Japan

Being so unfamiliar with the country, I didn’t want to rely on public WiFi when in Japan. That is why I ordered pocket WiFi before coming to the land of the rising sun. And it was an amazing decision.

Ordering one is easy and practical. They deliver it to your first accommodation and when you leave Japan you simply mail it back. And they already provide an envelope with the return address.

To get things straight, there is WiFi in Japan. They have it in hostels and public spaces. But, sometimes the connection is not the best and it is not always free. For me, having a connection all the time was extremely beneficial.

Like, when I was in a restaurant and couldn’t read/understand the menu. Or when I was wandering around and wanted to know when the next train leaves or opening hours. Pocket WiFi amazing because you can use all the best apps for travel to Japan anytime and anywhere.

My total cost for pocket WiFi in Japan came to AU$100,61/¥7762.

Japan trip budget breakdown. Full and detailed cost of travel to Japan. How much money Anja On Adventure spend for accommodation, food, transport, visa, tours and activities. You will get full budget for Japan with Japan Rail Pass included. Check out exactly how much I spent during my more than two weeks Japan trip and what ma Japan daily average came up to. | Budget | Visit Japan | Prices in Japan | Japan on a Budget | Expenses #japan #japancost #japantravel #travelbudget #abroad
Japan Wireless, pocket Wifi, comes in a handy bag, with charger and instructions in English.

7.2. Cost of luggage storage in Japan

My Japan itinerary was fast-paced. I was changing accommodation almost daily. Which meant, I couldn’t just leave my luggage at the place where I was staying. Luckily, Japanese people are thinking of everything and they have convenient luggage boxes all around the country.

You will find them at train stations, in front of attractions, in shopping centers, and other places. I was leaving my backpack in them quite a few times. In Himeji, Nagano, Hiroshima and Shirakawa-Go. They make your sightseeing much easier.

You can check the availability of those luggage lockers using one of the essential Japan travel apps, Ecbo Cloak. It will tell you the nearest location and you can also reserve your locker for when you arrive. They usually cost AU$6.5/¥500.

My total cost for luggage storage in Japan came to AU$26/¥2,000.

Essential mobile apps for travel to Japan. Here is a selection of the best travel apps you might want to download when visiting Japan. They will guaranteed make your travel more stress-free and memorable. suitable for iOS and Android phones, available in English and other languages. Most of the apps, are free. Apps for navigation, maps, public transport, weather, food and more. Japan apps | Google Maps | Hyperdia | travel Japan | East Asia #Japan #Nippon #travel #GuruNavi #VoiceTra
Ecbo cloak is one of essential Japan travel apps, to reserve luggage storage.

7.3. Cost of travel insurance for Japan

Travel insurance is a thing that I never think twice when buying. I also don’t look at the price, but always opt-in for the highest package. I want to be sure that if anything happens, I will be taken care of and won’t put any burden on my closest family with extra costs and expenses. You should do the same. Buy travel insurance wherever you go.

Even when traveling to Japan. Not only will it be a challenge to navigate without knowing the language, when you are healthy. You don’t want to know what it would look like doing it in pain. You just never know what could happen, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Seriously, you just never know.

I usually buy travel insurance with a Slovenian company. It covers the whole world and I get the package with the cover for a combined value of 1 million Euros. It is valid for one (1) year for travels up to 90 days. So the more you travel, the better ‘value’ for the price.

Slovenian travel insurance might not be for everyone. So, if you are looking for affordable global travel medical insurance, have a look at Safety Wings. Digital nomads are really fond of it, since it covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. For travelers, Safety Wings insurance is a great option, since it allows you to buy it even when you are already abroad. No excuses!

My total cost for travel insurance came to 113,55 EUR/182 AUD.*
*I used the full travel insurance price in the calculation.

MY total cost of miscellaneous items in Japan came to AU$398.

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8. My total travel expenses for 17 days/16 nights in Japan

Here is my total Japan budget breakdown, that will hopefully give you a rough idea on how much you should expect to spend when traveling in Japan.

Japan trip expenses breakdown:
• Flight ticket: AU$745
• Accommodation: AU$698 or AU$46,5 per day
• Transportation: AU$822 or AU$49 per day
• Food: AU$432 or AU$27 per day
• Activities and tours: AU$318 or AU$20 per day
• Souvenirs: AU$134
• Miscellaneous: AU$398

Total amount spent with flight ticket in 17 days: AU$3547 (US$2367)
Total amount spent without flight ticket in 17 days: AU$2802 (US$1869)

Average daily amount spent without flights: AU$165 (US$110) per day.

Is Japan expensive? And if so, how much should you plan to budget for Japan trip? Here you will find everything for your Japan budget travel. This detailed Japan budget breakdown gives you an idea of how much Japanese yen Anja On Adventure spent on her Japan trip. Read about the average daily expenses for accommodation, transport, food, and activities in Japan. | Nippon | Japan travel | Japan Budget | Japan Trip Budget | Budget #japan #japancost #eastasia #budget #travelexpenses
Japan travel budget breakdown by categories and an average daily spend.

Japan cost of travel, in a nutshell

Is Japan expensive? Yes, Japan is considered to be an expensive country. But I was pleasantly surprised, that it can also be a very affordable country to visit. If you plan your trip to Japan ahead, you will find out that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy your time here. I spent 17 days in Japan and on average spent AU$165 (US$110) per day.

Not bad for one of the most expensive countries to visit!

My average daily amount was almost a standard norm, which ranges from $50 – $100 per day per traveler. When I travel budget for a trip, I always plan on spending around $100 per day. That is because I don’t want to stay in the cheapest hostels and don’t want to eat street food all the time. Which adds up. Plus I do treat myself once in a while.

That being said, I spend almost the same amount per day (US$105) when traveling in Mexico. Which is considered to be way more affordable than Japan.

Japan trip budget breakdown. Full and detailed cost of travel to Japan. How much money Anja On Adventure spend for accommodation, food, transport, visa, tours and activities. You will get full budget for Japan with Japan Rail Pass included. Check out exactly how much I spent during my more than two weeks Japan trip and what ma Japan daily average came up to. | Budget | Visit Japan | Prices in Japan | Japan on a Budget | Expenses #japan #japancost #japantravel #travelbudget #abroad
A collection of Japanese desserts.

Can you travel in Japan for cheaper?
Absolutely!

You can save if you stay in cheaper accommodation options in Japan. I tried different ones and paid for a single room a couple of times. If you travel with someone else, those costs will reduce. You can also save a ton if you don’t splurge on fancy meals. Plus, plan your transfer in detail, so you know which option to go for. 

How expensive a Japan trip will also depend on the time of the year and the exchange rate. I visited Japan during Cherry blossom season or Sakura. Which is the top season to visit Japan. Which means prices are higher.

And the exchange rate was 1 AUD = 77 – 79 JPY (Japanese yen). In 2019 I spent around ¥215.700. That was equivalent to AU$2800 in April 2019 and ‘only’ close to AU$2450 in April 2023.

I hope you found my Japan travel budget breakdown helpful. I am happy to answer any further questions you may have in the comments below.

Safe travels and Shine on,
Anja

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About the author: Anja

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Anja is a travel blogger and the founder of Anja on Adventure travel blog. Originally from Slovenia, she was also living in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji. She loves traveling to tropical destinations, as well as beach destinations with endless summer. But you can also find her eating her way through Italy or Mexico, learning about ancient cultures in Easter Island, visiting bucket list places in Peru, or taking road trips through the USA. She is passionate about world cultures, travel, maps, and puzzles. For the past 15+ years she has been traveling the globe, as a solo traveler, and as a tour guide. Her goal is to visit every tropical destination in the World. Anja On Adventure is here to provide helpful travel guides and personalized itinerary ideas to travelers that she has gathered from first-hand experience.