How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost? 💰
- Apr 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Get your calculators ready and let's go!
Before heading out on a trip, it’s good to have a rough idea of what kind of expenses to expect. The problem is that unlike a specific product, a trip includes many different components. Add to that personal spending habits that vary from person to person - and this simple question actually becomes quite complex.
You can compare the question “How much does a trip to Japan cost?” to “How much does a car cost?” And the answer is, of course… it depends.
So before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to break a few myths:
1. “Japan is the most expensive country in the world” - Up until about a decade ago, Japan regularly held the (not-so-flattering) title of “the most expensive country in the world,” largely thanks to a very strong currency. Since then, things have changed. Over the past decade, Japan has dropped dozens of places in global cost-of-living rankings. At the top of the 2023 list, you’ll find Singapore and the United States.
2. “You can’t travel in Japan on a budget” - Not true at all. Japan is very accessible from a budget perspective, which allows millions of backpackers to visit every year. In fact, you can travel in Japan on almost any budget - from basic backpacking to high-end luxury.
3. “Food in Japan is expensive” - An average meal in Japan costs around ₪40 (~$10–12 USD), and there are even cheaper options with great quality in the many convenience stores spread across the country.
The McDonald’s Index
To get a sense of how expensive a country is, I like to look at the price of a meal at McDonald’s - the ultimate cost-of-living indicator.
So how much does a McMeal cost in Japan compared to other countries?
A McDonald’s meal in Japan costs about $5.36 USD (though it’s smaller than what we’re used to), compared to around $10–12 USD in the United States. Out of 100 countries surveyed in 2023, Japan ranked 77th, while the U.S. ranks significantly higher in terms of cost. If you’re wondering who took first place - the winner is Switzerland, where you’ll pay $16.41 USD for a McMeal.
So how much does a trip to Japan actually cost? We want numbers!
To get a numerical estimate, you can use the following tables, based on personal experience, client data, and sources like Japan-Guide and BudgetYourTrip.
Average daily budget (excluding accommodation and transportation)
Family ( a couple + 2) | A couple | A single traveler | |
$65 - $255 USD | $30 - $130 USD | $15 - $65 USD | Backpacker (low budget) |
$255 - $640 USD | $130 - $320 USD | $65 - $160 USD | The average traveler |
$640+ USD | $320+ USD | $160+ USD | Fancy (high budget) |
Average Accommodation Cost per Night (Weekdays – may rise during peak periods)
Family ( a couple + 2) | A couple | A single traveler | |
over $300 USD | $30 - $95 USD | $15 - $45 USD | Backpacker (low budget) |
$130 - $255 USD | $95 - $160 USD | $45 - $95 USD | The Average Traveler |
$255+ USD | $95+ USD | $160+ USD | Fancy (high budget) |
Average Daily Food Budget
Estimated Cost | |
$4 – $8 USD | Backpacker / Budget Traveler - Meals based on convenience stores |
$4 – $8 USD | The Average Traveler - A mix of fast food and restaurants |
$40+ USD | Fancy Traveler - Higher-end restaurant dining |
Average Cost per Person for a 16-Day Trip (Flights not included)
| Food | Accommodation | Transportation | Total Estimated Cost |
Backpacker (low budget) | $220 – $860 USD | $220 – $650 USD | $350 USD | $780 – $1,850 USD |
The Average Traveler | $860 – $2,150 USD | $650 – $1,300 USD | $350 USD | $1,850 – $3,750 USD |
Fancy (high budget) | $2,150+ USD | $1,300+ USD | $350 USD | $3,750+ USD |
The calculation of transportation costs varies depending on the length of the trip, the route, and the traveler’s age. The biggest expense when it comes to transportation is usually the use of high-speed trains (Shinkansen), along with additional costs such as getting around within cities - typically using “regular” trains.
To estimate the average daily transportation cost, I made the following assumptions:
An average trip lasts about 16 days
Average train cost per day in Tokyo and the surrounding area: ~$8 USD (~¥1,100)
Average train cost per day outside Tokyo: ~$40 USD (~¥5,500)
The trip is split evenly between Tokyo and other regions
Exchange rate: ¥36.98 = $0.27 USD
Based on this, the average traveler spends around $27 USD per day on transportation.
Note that this is a very rough estimate. Additional costs may apply, such as airport transfers, day trips, and variations in ticket prices depending on age (for example, children under 12 pay significantly less for high-speed trains).
Hope this helps you get a better understanding of how much your trip is going to cost :)
Aviv 🇯🇵
