How much does a trip to Japan cost? Real budget
Japan has a reputation as an expensive destination, but the reality depends a lot on how you want to travel. Here's how the budget breaks down between flights, lodging, transport, food and activities.
"Japan is really expensive" is one of the phrases that holds people back most when planning the trip, almost like an excuse not to go for it. And yes, it can be — but it can also not be at all. The range is huge depending on the travel style you choose.
The big spending blocks
A long two-week trip to Japan breaks down into five categories: international flights, lodging, transport within the country (this is where the famous Japan Rail Pass comes in), food, and activities or experiences.
Of those five, the one that varies most is lodging: you can sleep in a functional hostel for €40-70 a night or in a luxury ryokan with a private onsen for €400 or more.
Three ways to do the same trip
Low-cost / moderate: hostels and simple hotels, public transport with no frills, street food and neighborhood restaurants. Here the budget, excluding flights, runs around €2,000, and you still eat wonderfully.
Comfort / food-focused: well-located mid-range hotels, a ryokan or two, a mix of casual food with a couple of special dinners. This rises to €4,500 excluding flights, and it's a middle ground that pays off a lot.
Full luxury: exclusive ryokans, high-end omakase, Green Pass in first class. This can reach €9,000 excluding flights, holding nothing back.
The normal thing is to mix: stay low-cost for most of the trip and treat yourself to a luxury splurge at Fuji or Takayama. That's what gives you the most experience per euro spent.
What you shouldn't forget to budget for
The Japan Rail Pass, if it's worth it for your specific route, an eSIM so you're never without data, and an extra 10-15% margin for souvenirs or spontaneous dinners that always end up happening.
Your eSIM, with a discount
An eSIM gives you data as soon as you land, with no hunting for wifi or swapping SIM cards, and our guides recommend setting it up before you leave. Airalo offers eSIMs for more than 200 destinations and, according to its own website, more than 30 million people use it, its apps are rated 4.7 on iOS and 4.6 on Android, and it offers 24/7 support in several languages. Here are Airalo's eSIMs for Japan (affiliate link).
With code NEWTOAIRALO15 you get 15% off your first eSIM, until December 31, 2026.
Before buying one, check that your phone supports eSIM and is carrier-unlocked.
Our favorite activities in Japan
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