How Much Does a Trip to Japan Really Cost? (For U.S., U.K., Canada & Australia Travelers)
Thinking about traveling to Japan? Amazing! From sushi and samurai to bullet trains and cherry blossoms, Japan is a dream destination. But many travelers from English-speaking countries often ask the same thing:
“How much do I really need to budget for a trip to Japan?”
Japan can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re a solo traveler from the U.S., a couple from Australia, or a family from the U.K., this guide breaks down the real costs of visiting Japan—including flights, hotels, food, transport, and more—with you in mind.
📷 If your travels bring you to Kyoto consider booking a tour or photography session with us!
1. Is Japan Expensive for Tourists?
Japan has a reputation for being pricey, but in reality, it’s more flexible than most people expect. Sure, you can splurge on a luxury ryokan or Kobe beef—but you can also eat delicious ramen for $7 and stay in a clean business hotel for $60.
This guide will help you decide how much you’ll need, depending on how you like to travel.
2. The Quick Answer: How Much Should I Budget?
Here’s a daily budget range (in USD) per person, excluding flights:
| Travel Style | Daily Budget |
|---|---|
| Budget (hostels, local food) | $70–$100 |
| Mid-range (hotels, mix of eats) | $130–$250 |
| Luxury (private guides, ryokan) | $300+ |
Example: 10-day trip (excluding flights)
- Budget traveler: ~$900
- Mid-range traveler: ~$1,800
- Luxury traveler: $3,000+
3. Flights to Japan from English-Speaking Countries
✈️ Round-trip Flight Cost Estimates (Economy Class)
| From | Price Range |
|---|---|
| U.S. (West Coast) | $800–$1,200 |
| U.S. (East Coast) | $1,000–$1,500 |
| Canada | $800–$1,400 |
| U.K. | $900–$1,400 |
| Australia | $600–$1,000 |
| New Zealand | $700–$1,200 |
Tips to Save:
- Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner
- Fly mid-week (Tue/Wed is often cheaper)
- Book 2–3 months in advance
- Consider flying into one city and out of another (e.g., Tokyo in, Osaka out)
4. Accommodation: Where Should You Stay?
Hotels in Japan are clean, safe, and super efficient—even the budget ones.
| Type | Price per night (USD) |
|---|---|
| Hostel / Capsule Hotel | $25–$50 |
| Business Hotel (basic, but clean) | $60–$100 |
| Airbnb / Guesthouse | $60–$120 |
| Mid-range Hotel | $120–$180 |
| Traditional Ryokan (w/ meals) | $180–$400+ |
| Luxury Hotels | $300–$800 |
🔑 Note: Japanese rooms tend to be smaller than what Americans or Brits are used to—but they’re usually spotless and efficient.
5. Getting Around: Transportation Costs
Japan’s transportation system is world-famous for its punctuality and coverage, but it does come with a cost.
🚄 Long-Distance (Between Cities)
- Tokyo → Kyoto by Shinkansen: ~$90 one-way
- Japan Rail Pass (for tourists)
- 7-day pass: ~$345
- Worth it only if you’re visiting multiple cities
🚇 Local Transport
- Subway/train rides: $1.50–$3
- IC Cards (Suica, Pasmo): easy, reloadable
🚕 Taxis are clean but expensive—they’re best avoided unless it’s late or you’re traveling with luggage.
6. Food & Drink: Affordable and Amazing
Japanese food is diverse, delicious, and budget-friendly. Even affordable meals are high-quality.
| Meal Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Convenience Store Meal | $3–$6 |
| Fast Food Restaurants Ramen or Okonomiyaki | $6–$12 |
| Conveyor Belt Sushi | $10–$20 |
| Upgrade Restaurant | $15–$30 |
| Izakaya (pub food) | $20–$40+ (with drinks) |
| Luxurious Dining (Kaiseki) | $100–$300 |
🍣 You don’t need to spend a lot to eat well. Some of your best meals might come from a 7-Eleven bento or department store basement!
7. What About Activities & Sightseeing?
| Activity | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Temple / Shrine Entry | Free – $6 |
| Kimono Rental | $30–$60 |
| Theme Parks (USJ, Disney, Ghibli) | $50–$75 |
| Tea Ceremony | $25–$50 |
| Cultural Workshop | $40–$100 |
| Onsen Entry (Hot Spring) | $5–$15 |
Most sightseeing spots are very affordable or even free. Budget more for experience-based activities.
8. Souvenirs & Shopping
What do travelers from English-speaking countries usually buy? Here are common items and prices:
| Souvenir Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Japanese snacks (Tokyo Banana, matcha) | $5–$15 |
| Chopsticks, fans, etc. | $5–$30 |
| Anime/gaming merchandise | $5–$100+ |
| Beauty/cosmetics | $10–$40 (luxury brands such as SK-II can cost much more) |
| Clothes (Uniqlo, vintage) | $20–$100 |
🛍️ Tip: If you’re spending over 5,000 yen (~$35 USD) at one store, ask for tax-free shopping (bring your passport!).
9. Wi-Fi, SIM, & Internet Access
| Option | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| SIM Card (7–10GB) | $15–$30 |
| Pocket Wi-Fi (daily) | $7–$10 |
📱 Most English-speaking travelers prefer renting pocket Wi-Fi for unlimited access and sharing with travel partners.
10. Hidden Costs for Western Travelers
| Cost Type | Approx. Price |
|---|---|
| Travel Insurance | $40–$100 |
| Luggage Forwarding | $15–$25 per bag |
| Coin Lockers | $2–$6 |
| Airport Transit | $10–$40 |
| ATM or Exchange Fees | Up to 5% |
💡 Good news: Tipping is not expected in Japan. It’s not a part of their culture and therefore they’ll likely refuse it should you try.
11. Budgeting Tips by Traveler Type
✈️ Solo Travelers
- Lower accommodation costs
- More flexible with last-minute plans
- Average daily spend: $90–$150 USD
💑 Couples
- Can share Wi-Fi, hotel rooms, meals
- Great value in mid-range ryokan or private tours
- Average per person: $130–$200 USD/day
👨👩👧👦 Families
- Discounts for kids at hotels, trains, attractions
- Prioritize comfort and slower pacing
- Average per adult: $150–$250/day
12. Sample Budgets (Excluding Flights)
| Days | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | $250–$350 | $500–$750 | $1,000+ |
| 7 | $600–$900 | $1,400–$2,000 | $3,000+ |
| 14 | $1,200–$1,800 | $2,800–$4,000 | $6,000+ |
13. Final Thoughts: Budgeting for Japan from the English-Speaking World
If you’re coming from a country like the U.S., U.K., or Australia, Japan is a safe, fascinating, and well-organized destination. You don’t need to be rich to visit—just smart about your planning.
✅ Top Tips Recap:
- Book flights early, and fly into major hubs (Tokyo/Osaka)
- Mix splurges with savings (e.g. budget hotels + one luxury dinner)
- Use IC cards and public transport to save money
- Shop tax-free and don’t tip
🎥 For more travel tips and guides on all things Japan check out the PiQtour YouTube channel!
