Daily costs per person in US dollars. Japan is more affordable than most people expect, especially with a JR Pass covering transport. Budget depends on accommodation choice and dining style.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: JPY (Yen) (1 USD ≈ ¥150)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20–35 | $50–100 | $150+ | Capsule hotels → business hotels → ryokan |
| Food | $10–20 | $25–50 | $80+ | Convenience stores → ramen/curry → kaiseki |
| Transport | $0–15 | $20–50 | $80+ | JR Pass covers most travel |
| Activities | $5–15 | $15–40 | $60+ | Free shrines → museums → guided tours |
| Entry Fees | $0–10 | $10–20 | $30+ | Most temples ¥300–800 |
| Daily Total | $35–95 | $120–260 | $400+ | Budget traveller → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Get the JR Pass
The Japan Rail Pass (¥50,000 for 7 days) pays for itself on a single Tokyo–Kyoto–Hiroshima round trip. It covers most Shinkansen services (Hikari/Kodama), JR local trains, and some JR ferries. Buy it before arriving in Japan.
Eat at station bento kiosks
Ekiben (station bento boxes) cost ¥800–1,200 and are a complete, high-quality meal — far cheaper than station restaurants. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) sell excellent onigiri, sandwiches, and hot food for under ¥500.
Use IC cards for local transport
Suica and ICOCA rechargeable IC cards work on all trains, buses, and metro systems nationwide. Tap in and out — fares are automatically calculated at the cheapest rate.
Stay in capsule hotels or hostels
Capsule hotels near major stations cost ¥2,500–4,000 per night and include shower facilities. Hostels with private pods or dorms start around ¥2,000. Both are clean, safe, and centrally located.
Travel off-peak
Avoid Golden Week (late Apr–early May), Obon (mid-Aug), and New Year for cheaper accommodation and less crowded trains. Shoulder seasons (May, Oct–Nov) offer the best balance of weather and value.
Free shrines and temples
Many of Japan's most famous shrines (Fushimi Inari, Meiji Jingu, Sensoji) are free to enter. Even paid temples rarely charge more than ¥500–800. Parks, gardens, and city viewpoints are often free.
