Creating a Japan Travel Budget is an essential step that you must do before getting to the country. For me, the budget is a culmination of all my research and planning for my trip, so I actually find it quite fun! Take this time to sit down and write down all things you want to do, if you need ideas then check out my Ultimate Japan Bucket List.

You will read things online that say Japan is an expensive country to visit, but it really varies in prices. I found Japan to be quite cheap for meals (think sushi, ramen and curry) but expensive when purchasing souvenirs.

I’m a budget traveller so I tend to stay in places like hostels and Airbnb. I don’t see the point in splurging on a hotel when really I’m out the whole day and just need a bed. I’d rather spend my money on activities and experiences, like visiting Tokyo Disney Sea or Renting a Kimono, because when I travel I want to come away with amazing and fun memories.

Below you will find a:

• 1 Week in Japan Budget
• 2 Weeks in Japan Budget
• 3 Weeks in Japan Budget

Each of these budgets will show pricing in Yen and for one traveller (double amount for couples). These budgets are based on example itineraries and may differ from places you wish to visit. Feel free to add or change the budgets depending on what you would like to see and do.

Let’s get started!

Pre Travel Budget

1. Flights

A Pre Travel Budget is expenses you will have to pay before going on your trip. The biggest expense will most likely be your flights. Flight prices to Japan vary from country to country, but many low-cost airlines now offer specials and deals to Japan. A great place to start is How to Book Your Flights to Japan: My Advice on Cheap Flights & Japan Visa.

My return flights to Japan cost me $850AUD with Jetstar/Qantas.

2. Travel Insurance

Once you have your flights locked in it’s best to get some travel insurance. Don’t overlook getting travel insurance because it is there to help you with the worst case scenarios (illness, lost luggage, flight cancellations).

I use Travel Insurance Direct as it’s one of the most affordable out there; you can get 1-week travel insurance for Japan at around $55AUD. They also have 10% off Discount specials all the time so keep an eye out!

3. Accommodation

Now that your flights and insurance are booked you can now start looking at finding accommodation. If you’re still trying to figure out where you want to stay then check out What is the Best Accommodation in Japan?.

I’m a strong believer in booking your accommodation well in advance. I like to avoid jumping around from hostel to hostel and getting stuck with places that are at the bottom of the pile.  My 19 days of accommodation came down to this (this price was halved between my partner and I):

4. Wifi Rental

It’s also important to book your wifi rental in advance. Free wifi is hard to come by in Japan and I need it because I rely on Google Maps a lot. We went with Wifi Rental Store, it cost us 8790 yen for 20 days and we picked it up from Kansai International Airport. It comes with a return envelope, so once you’re done just pop it in the post.

How much does 1 week in Japan cost?

One traveller for 7 days in Tokyo, Japan (double amount for a couple)

How much does 2 weeks in Japan cost?

One traveller for 8 days in Tokyo, 3 days in Kyoto, 1 day in Nara and 2 days in Osaka (double amount for a couple)

How much does 3 weeks in Japan cost?

One traveller for 5 days in Osaka, 1 day trip in Kobe, 4 days in Kyoto, 1 day trip in Nara, 7 days in Tokyo, 1 day trip to Mount Fuji, 1 day trip to Kamakura and 1 day trip to Mount Takao (double amount for couple)

10 Tips for a Japan Travel Budget

I am a thrifty traveller and because of that I seek out every discount I can find for my trip. I recently put together a Free Discounts & Passes for Japan 2018 Guide which you will see I refer to above in the budgets. The guide includes all the tourist passes and discounts to the most popular cities in Japan, I used many of them to get discount entry fees and free transport.

If you want to make your dollar go further then here are 10 Tips for Japan Travel Budget!

1. If you want to save money on food eat at ramen restaurants, sushi chain restaurants, convenience stores and curry restaurants. You can usually get a meal for under 1000 yen!
2. Don’t spend a ridiculous amount of money for a view of Tokyo. You can get a free view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, the mall level of Tokyo Skytree or the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
3. Pick hostels or Airbnbs over staying at hotels. If you really want to save the dollars you can always stay at a computer or manga cafe!
4. You can go on a free walking tour of Tokyo with Tokyo Free Guide.
5.  Spend a relaxing afternoon at one of the many free parks and gardens in Japan.
6. Don’t pay extra for breakfast at your hotel, go to the local supermarket and pick a freshly made omurice!
7. Go to a free gig at the Ruby Room in Tokyo – all drinks are 500yen!
8.  Try a Public Bath in Japan – all ‘sentos‘ are the same price 460 yen!
9. Stroll through markets like Nishiki Market in Kyoto, Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka and Kappabashi Street in Tokyo
10. Try and walk between sightseeing activities, you will find little temples and gardens down side streets! Plus saves you money from buying a train or bus ticket.

Are you planning a trip to Japan? Complete my Step by Step Guide!

• Step 1: Free Printable: The Ultimate Japan Bucket List
• Step 2: When is the best time to visit Japan?
• Step 3: How to book flights to Japan – My Advice for Cheap Flights and Japanese Visa
• Step 4: What is the best accommodation in Japan?
• Step 5: Free Downloadable Guide: Discounts and Passes for Japan 2018