Are you dreaming of a trip to Japan but worried about the costs? Don’t worry!
With the right strategy, you can explore Japan without breaking the bank. This
guide will help you calculate your travel budget, find the cheapest ways to
eat, get around, and stay, plus reveal secret travel hacks only experienced
travellers know.
You can even enjoy Japan with a budget of $100 per day!
Read on and discover how to make the most of your Japan trip without spending
a fortune!
Japan Travel on a Budget – Minimum Costs & Saving Tips!
How Much Do You Need for a Trip to Japan?
The cost of travelling to Japan varies depending on your travel style. If
you’re a backpacker, a budget of $100 per day is enough for basic
accommodation, food, and transportation. You’ll need around $170 per day if
you prefer mid-range comfort.
Here’s a cost estimate based on travel style:
- Backpackers: ~$100 per day (hostels, cheap meals, public transport)
- Mid-range travellers: ~$170 per day (Airbnb, casual dining, public
transport) - Luxury travellers: $3,500 – $10,000 per week (5-star hotels, fine
dining, private transport)
For a 1-week trip to Japan, a reasonable budget is $2,000 per person, covering
flights, accommodation, food, and transportation.
Money-Saving Tips for Your Japan Trip
1. Cheap & Tasty Food in Japan
Dining in Japan can be expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options:
- Convenience stores (Konbini) – Meals at 7-Eleven, Lawson, or
FamilyMart start from $3–$5 per meal. - Ramen & Gyudon Chains: Try Yoshinoya or Sukiya, where a bowl of
rice with beef costs $5–$7. - Depachika (Department Store Food Basements) – Buy discounted fresh
meals in the late afternoon.
2. Affordable & Efficient Transportation
Japan has an excellent transport system, and you can save money by:
- Using a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for long-distance Shinkansen travel.
- Getting an IC Card (Suica/Pasmo) for slight discounts on subway and bus
fares. - Take an overnight (night) bus to travel between cities for much less than a
Shinkansen ticket.
3. Budget-Friendly Accommodations
- Capsule Hotels – A unique and affordable option, from $20–$50 per night.
- Hostels & Guesthouses – Great for backpackers, costing $20–$40 per
night. - Airbnb & Business Hotels – More comfortable for couples or families,
starting at $50–$80 per night.
4. Free or Cheap Attractions
Not all tourist attractions in Japan are expensive. Some great budget-friendly
spots include:
- Free Shrines & Temples: Sensoji Temple (Tokyo), Fushimi Inari
Shrine (Kyoto), and many beautiful parks have no entrance fees. - Free City Views: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers
breathtaking skyline views for free. - Traditional Markets: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market or Kuromon Ichiba for
affordable street food and local experiences.
5. Smart Itinerary Planning
Avoid peak seasons like cherry blossom (April) and Golden Week (May) when
prices soar.
Book flights and hotels months in advance for the best rates.
Cost Estimates by Trip Duration
- 3 Days in Japan: Minimum $300 – $600 (budget traveler)
- 1 Week in Japan: Minimum $1,000 – $2,000 (mid-range traveller)
- 10 Days in Japan: Minimum $1,500 – $3,000
- 1 Month in Japan: Minimum $3,000 – $6,000, even lower if you rent an
apartment and cook meals.
Use a Travel Budget Calculator
For a more precise budget estimate, check out these tools:
- Kanpai Japan Budget Calculator – Calculates travel expenses item by
item. - Budget Your Trip – Estimates the cost of a 1 or 2-week trip to Japan.
Can You Travel to Japan on a Budget? Absolutely!
With the right planning, you can explore Japan without spending a fortune.
From affordable meals to budget transport and free attractions, you can fully
experience Japan while keeping costs low.
For an even cheaper adventure, consider working while travelling (Working
Holiday Visa) or volunteering at a hostel for free accommodation.
Ready to explore Japan without going broke? Start planning now!