How Much Does a Trip to Japan Really Cost? | What I actually spent | Full Budget revealed
Thinking about traveling to Japan? Before you start booking flights and hotels, you might be wondering, how much does a trip to Japan actually costs in 2025? Today, I’m breaking down flights, hotels, food, transport, and hidden costs so you can plan your dream trip with no surprises. And I will also share my experience. Let’s get into it. First up, flights from the US or Europe. Roundtrip airfare to Japan typically cost between $700 to $2,000 depending on the season. Booking during peak times like cherry blossom or golden week will be on the higher end. So, book 3 to 6 months in advance to grab better deals. Personally, I’ve opted for direct flights from Europe to Osaka and returned from Tokyo during big season of cherry blossom and spent a $1,800 return. You can definitely find cheaper alternatives flying in different moments of the year and opting for at least one stop. Next, accommodation. Budget host can cost as low as $25 per night to $40. Mid-range hotels typically range from $80 to $150 per night. For traditional Rioan stay, expect $150 to $300 per night, often including meals. I spent 11 nights in Japan in total, ranging from hotel in Osaka, two nights. Rioan in Kyoto, three nights, an apartment in Tokyo, six nights, and for a family of four. Those were located in central areas next to top spots. And I ended up spending $3,000, which per person could result in $750. Transportation. Getting around Japan with public transport is easy and efficient. A 7-day Japan rail pass now costs about $350, but as explained in one of my previous video, this is not for everyone to spend. Public transportation single rides usually cost $1 to $3 and depends on the length of the trip. Buses are similarly affordable and the bus ride is fixed. On public transport, kids under 12 pay half. They can get an IC transport cards which is specific for kids only at the ticket offices upon showing passport proof and it will not be possible over automatic machines. For local transportation, I ended up spending around $200 per person. Food. Japanese food scene is incredible, but also affordable. Convenience store meals cost around $3 to $6. Ramen or curry shops are about $7 to 12. At mid-range restaurants, expect to spend 20 to $40 per meal per person. And during the my 11-day trip, I have spent $420 considering a combination of breakfast, which was not including in my hotels, comini snacks, light lunches while strolling around, and restaurant dinners. In restaurants, there are prices specific for kids, half price fee for under 11 and even less for under six. Activities and tickets. Visiting temples and shrines is often free or just $1 to3. Entry to theme parks like Universal Studio can cost about $70. Museums, gardens, tea ceremonies usually range from a few hundred to a few,000 yen. I have ended up spending $130 for one adult having visited the main temples in Kyoto, Nintendo Museum and Gibli Museum, plus Osaka Castle and Umeda Sky Building in Osaka. Under 11 are either half price or enter for free in many temples. Hidden costs, do not forget about them. Currency exchange fees, for example, depend on your card, so be prepared with a multicurrency card like Revolute or Wise, which brings those costs close to zero. Pocket Wi-Fi rentals and tourist taxes can also sneak up on you. For example, pocket Wi-Fi rental might cost $5 per day. So, it might be cheaper to buy an eim or a data only Japan SIM card on Amazon before departure, which is about $25 for 15 days. City accommodation taxes are around $1 to $3 per night per person. So, do include that in your budget for my 11 days. If I also consider souvenirs and an endless collection of gashabons to the previous mentioned costs, I ended up spending around $4,000. You can multiply by three considering a family of four with the kids paying half price. No matter your style though, Japan can fit your budget if you plan it smart. Thanks for watching. If you found these guides helpful, don’t forget to subscribe for more travel planning tips from your plan.
How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost in 2025? | Full Budget Breakdown
Planning a trip to Japan and wondering how much to budget? In this video, I reveal exactly what I spent on my trip to Japan in 2025—from flights and hotels to food, transport, attractions, and unexpected costs. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this real-world cost breakdown will help you plan smarter and avoid surprises.
Here’s what I cover:
00:00 Intro
00:29 Flight costs
01:12 Accomodation costs
02:06 Transporation costs
03:02 Food costs
03:52 Activities and tickets
04:35 Hidden costs
05:21 How much I ended up speding in total
Exchange Rate Note:
At the time of this trip, 1 US Dollar ≈ 142 Japanese Yen.
Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget or just want to know where your money will go, this video is your one-stop Japan travel cost guide.
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1 Comment
Great tips. This is great for planning my first trip to Japan. Any more info about planning a trip with kids?