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Japan has the reputation of being an expensive destination. And while it can be, it’s also possible to travel comfortably without breaking the bank. Below you’ll find our detailed cost breakdown for a 3‑week trip to Japan. We had an active trip with a mix of cities, countryside, and nature. Prices are based on two travelers.
Thanks to the currently favorable exchange rate between the euro and the Japanese yen, traveling to Japan has become more affordable than ever. One euro now gets you significantly more yen than it did in previous years. This makes expenses such as accommodation, transportation, and food relatively cheaper. This means you can stretch your travel budget further, stay longer, or enjoy more experiences while exploring Japan.
Also interesting to know is this. From March 1, 2026, Kyoto will sharply increase its lodging/accommodation tax to help manage overtourism. The new tax is tiered by nightly room price: budget stays (< ¥6,000) will still be taxed ¥200 per person per night, but for luxury rooms (¥100,000+), the levy will jump to a whopping ¥10,000 per person per night. This makes it the highest accommodation tax in Japan. The extra revenue is expected to fund infrastructure improvements, preservation of cultural sites, and other sustainable-tourism initiatives. As for other places in Japan, Kyoto isn’t alone: lodging taxes already exist in several cities (e.g. Tokyo, Osaka), and many other popular tourist regions are considering or expanding them.
Flights – €1500
Japan is not very expensive to visit, but it’s hard to find a cheap flight with good flight hours. Return flights from Europe to Tokyo can vary widely. We paid around €750 per person, flying from Düsseldorf to Tokyo Haneda with one stopover and departing from Narita with a longer stopover in Dubai on the way back to Düsseldorf. Luggage is included.
💡 Tip: Book 8–10 months ahead and check both Haneda and Narita for better prices.
Accommodation – €2188,91
We chose a mix of mid‑range hotels and a traditional ryokan stay
| Type of Stay | Nights | Average Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels | 18 | €97,51/night | €1755,18 |
| Ryokan | 3 | €144,57/night | €433,73 |
💡 Tip: Ryokan stays are more expensive but include dinner and breakfast, making them good value for the experience.
-> You can find the accommodations where we stayed here
Transportation – €630,42
Japan’s train system is world‑class, but it’s also one of the biggest costs.
- Trains (no JR Pass!!): €290,21 per person = €580,42 total
- Local transport (metro, buses): ~€50 total
💡 Tip: The JR Pass is only worth it if you take multiple long‑distance trains. For a Tokyo‑Kyoto‑Hiroshima route, it pays off.
Food & Drinks – €920
Eating out in Japan can be surprisingly affordable, depending on your choices. We mixed convenience store meals, ramen shops, and the occasional splurge.
| Type | Days | Avg. per day | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | 23 | €25/day | €575 |
| Snacks / extras | 23 | €15/day | €345 |
Activities – €265
Temples, gardens, museums, and experiences:
- Entrance fees: €200
- Guided tours (Freetours and sponsored tours.): €0
- Cultural experiences (tea ceremony, …): €65
💡 Tip: Many shrines and gardens are free or low‑cost; cultural experiences are where you’ll spend more.
Other Expenses – €200
Souvenirs – we bought a lot of chopsticks; it’s a perfect lightweight souvenir to take home! Pokemon cards are five times cheaper than in Europe btw!
SIM cards – I bought a Holafly eSIM and Ruben a fysical sim card at the airport when we arrived.
Total Cost for 3 Weeks in Japan
| Category | Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Flights | €1500 |
| Accommodation | €2188,92 |
| Transportation | €630,42 |
| Food & Drinks | €920 |
| Activities | €265 |
| Other | €200 |
| Total (2 people) | €5904,34 |
💡 Average per person: ~€2952,17 for 3 weeks
FAQ – Travel budget Japan
Japan can be pricey, especially in Tokyo and Kyoto. Accommodation and dining in major cities are more expensive, but costs can be reduced by staying in budget hotels, hostels, or using public transportation.
From 2026, Kyoto will introduce a new tourist accommodation tax ranging from ¥200–¥10,000 per night depending on the room price.
Other cities like Tokyo and Osaka already have lodging taxes, typically small (~¥100–¥300 per night).
Yes! Using hostels, capsule hotels, convenience store meals, and public transport can keep costs surprisingly low. Daily budgets under ¥5,000–¥7,000 (~€30–€45) are possible for frugal travelers.
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Attempting to tip can sometimes be awkward. However, small services like luggage delivery (“takkyubin”) or guided tours may incur service charges.
Using foreign cards in Japan may incur ATM fees (~¥200–¥300 per withdrawal).
Credit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is king, especially in smaller towns.
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