While the average expenditure per person from the US in 2024 reached 348,895 yen, travelers from the Philippines spent an average of 205,547 yen, and those from South Korea spent an average of 103,752 yen (according to Japan Tourism Statistics (JNTO)).

In fact, with a little bit of research and know-how behind you, a holiday in Japan doesn’t need to be expensive. Planning for such a budget holiday all begins with understanding when to book, being aware of exchange rates and knowing how to save costs while in Japan.

The data below is based on surveys done by the Japan National Tourism Organization in 2024 with Americans visiting Japan. As you can see, US tourists spend an average of 21,000 to 23,000 yen per day for both short trips (3 days) and long trips (3 weeks). While in reality how much someone spends per day can vary wildly between superbudgeters and superspenders, the data above can still give you an idea of what an average person spends.

As in all things, the cheapest options mean you need to be pretty open-minded, to be willing to walk rather than take buses or trains, sleep in a shared dormitory in a hostel that is out of the way, and to hit supermarkets for your daily meals rather than go to restaurants. The opposite is true for travelers with money to burn, as it is very easy to get the absolute best of everything, from traveling in comfort to eating at the very best restaurants, and staying in stunning hotels!

To get a more specific perspective on the recommended budget for Japan, the following are the maximum claimable per diem rates according to the US Department of State's website (as of July 2025). These can serve as a reference point for relative expenses in major tourist areas around Japan.

From budget-friendly capsule hotels to luxurious high-end stays, Japan’s accommodation scene offers something for every type of traveler. Understanding the price range and what each option provides will help you find the right balance between comfort, convenience, and cost.

Japan is home to a dazzling variety of attractions, from world-famous theme parks and cultural landmarks to cutting-edge art museums and aquariums. Knowing ticket prices and what to expect at each spot will help you plan your itinerary and budget more effectively.

For budget stays, nothing beats a friend’s sofa, but hostels, guesthouses, and business hotels are the next best. Business hotels (usually three-star) are especially good value—rooms may be small, but they often include excellent buffet breakfasts with enough variety to fill you up for both breakfast and lunch. Capsule hotels can also be an option, though prices aren’t always consistent.

If breakfast isn’t included, supermarkets are your friend. Bento boxes and bread are inexpensive, and by evening they’re heavily discounted. Grabbing a pastry for breakfast and a marked-down bento for lunch is an easy way to stretch your budget.

For lunch, ramen shops and fast-food chains like Yoshinoya or Matsuya are reliable options. Many restaurants also offer hearty lunch sets for around 1,000 yen, enough to satisfy even big appetites. For dinner, izakaya pubs let you sample a wide range of dishes at reasonable prices, while family restaurants are another budget-friendly choice. Still, the cheapest meals will always be supermarket bentos and sandwiches.

Even on a small budget, there are plenty of free or low-cost ways to enjoy Japan. Observation decks like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, strolling through historic areas like Asakusa, or simply exploring neighborhoods and parks cost nothing. Many festivals are free to join, and some museums, galleries, and even zoos don’t charge admission. Even in places like Ginza, window shopping alone can be part of the fun.

Getting around Tokyo—or Japan in general—can be tiring, as stations and bus stops are often far apart. Still, walking part of the way and only using trains or buses for short hops (usually under 200 yen) helps keep costs down.

Another option is a metro or train pass. If you plan ahead and maximize its use, you’ll be surprised how many places you can fit into a single day.

Transportation between cities
Long-distance trips quickly add up—for example, Tokyo–Kyoto (13,970 yen)
or Tokyo–Shin-Osaka (14,520 yen)
. The Japan Rail Pass
covers unlimited JR rides nationwide:
・7-day
: 50,000 yen (25,000 yen child)
・14-day
: 80,000 yen (40,000 yen child)

While convenient, it’s not always the cheapest choice. Itemize your travel costs first to see if it pays off.

Regional passes
Often, regional passes are better value:
・JR East Tohoku Area Pass (5 days)
: 30,000 yen (15,000 yen child) – Covers from Izu and Atami up to Aomori.
・JR TOKYO Wide Pass (3 days)
: 15,000 yen (7,500 yen child) – Covers Tokyo, Nikko, Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji), and Karuizawa.
・JR West All Area Pass (7 days)
: 26,000 yen (13,000 yen child) – Covers Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Kanazawa.

The best approach: list your destinations, calculate one-way fares with Google Maps, and compare the total with the pass price. That way, you’ll know if a pass really saves you money.

With a bigger budget a lot more accommodation options become available. You can find many great deals at business hotels, and even four star hotels. The best ones include a breakfast deal, and even a business hotel breakfast will be delicious with a great spread!

For lunch you can try brilliant lunchtime deals at restaurants, cafes and family restaurants, or even slightly pricier yakiniku or tempura deals. While in the evening you can try any of the above, including izakayas and specialist restaurants which offer up amazing dishes using a variety of ingredients including tofu, wagyu beef or soba noodles.

You can enjoy countless sightseeing spots, from free attractions to paid ones like Tokyo Disneyland. For a small fee, head up Tokyo Skytree, or use a train pass such as the 3-day Tokyo Wide Pass to explore nearby destinations like Mt. Fuji and Nikko. With more budget flexibility, various metro and regional train passes make day trips and longer journeys easy.

If your budget allows, consider the Japan Rail Pass to see major cities across Japan. Increasingly available budget flights also offer no-frills but fast connections between major airports, making them another practical option for traveling long distances.

With a large budget you can enjoy superb ryokan stays, or 4-5 star hotels, either or both of which may include onsens and gyms. By staying somewhere like here the whole experience becomes less about just having a place to sleep and more of an experience within itself, customer service being what it is in Japan you will find your every need satisfied. In addition they tend to be situated in really convenient places and are easy to find.

Breakfast at a ryokan or upscale hotel is often an experience in itself, with elaborate spreads that can keep you full well past lunchtime. If you do get hungry, sushi makes for an excellent midday choice. For dinner, many of the pricier restaurants are located on upper floors—Roppongi, for example, is known for its elevated dining views. Other refined options include Blue Note Tokyo, a world-class jazz club in Aoyama, or fine dining at luxury hotel restaurants.

For sightseeing, you can travel in comfort by express train or hired car, but most attractions in Japan are either free or charge only a modest entry fee, making it surprisingly accessible. Shopping is a must, whether it’s the luxury boutiques of Ginza and Roppongi or the refined department stores like Takashimaya in Nihonbashi.

For maximum convenience, consider hiring a sightseeing taxi or private driver: drivers can guide you through the city, share local insights, and adapt to your schedule. With a larger budget, a two- or three-week JR Pass lets you explore the entire country by bullet train, while frequent domestic flights offer another fast way to hop between major cities.

Whether you’re on a shoestring, traveling mid-range, or splurging on luxury, Japan offers countless ways to make your trip unforgettable. The key is setting your priorities—whether it’s world-class dining, hidden gems, or simply soaking in Tokyo’s vibrant streets. With a bit of planning, any budget can stretch far and deliver memories worth far more than the yen you spend.