Planning your budget for a trip to Japan is a crucial step. While the yen is relatively weak, costs can still add up, especially with the increase in tourism in recent years.
Major Expense Categories
1. Transportation (€€€)
Transportation is one of the biggest expenses, starting with the plane ticket, which typically costs around 1,000 €. Once you're there, public transportation is the main way to get around, and it can be quite pricey.
2. Accomodations (€€€)
Accommodations are also a significant expense, though often cheaper than in Europe. Depending on the city, mid-range hotels generally cost between 60 € and 80 € per night and offer excellent service. Other options like ryokan (traditional inns) or capsule hotels provide unique experiences at a range of prices.
3. Food (€)
Good news! Food in Japan is very affordable. A meal at a local restaurant will cost around 10 €. Of course, your budget will vary depending on the restaurants and types of cuisine you want to explore.
4. Activities (€€)
Temples, shrines, and some gardens offer free admission, but other attractions like museums or observation towers charge entry fees. Prices can range from 500 ¥ (~3.50 €) to 2,500 ¥ (~16.50 €), depending on the attraction.
5. Extras (€)
Don’t overlook small expenses like internet access, an IC card (for transportation), or travel insurance. While these costs are relatively low, they can add up in your overall budget.
6. Souvenirs (Variable)
Lastly, you’ll likely want to bring home some souvenirs! Don’t forget about the Tax-Free program, which allows you to save on VAT for most of your purchases.
A Tool to Estimate Your Budget
To make things easier, we’ve created an interactive tool that helps you estimate your budget based on these different categories. Feel free to use it to adjust your budget according to your preferences and priorities.