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 family holiday in Japan doesn’t need to be expensive. Planning for such a budget family holiday all begins with understanding when to book your holiday, being aware of exchange rates and knowing how to save costs while in Japan.

Let’s take a look at how much is really needed to visit Japan and how you can limit your spending to save money for return trips (trust us, you’ll definitely want to return).

Key considerations for visiting Japan include flights, accommodation (hotels, Airbnb, etc.), meals, transport, the cost of activities, and shopping. Additionally, consider what your emergency funds will be and factor in SIM or pocket Wi-Fi costs for yourself and your family members.

Excluding flights, the cost of which can greatly vary depending on where you are flying from, which airline you use, and which kind of seat you get, you should factor in the rough (family) daily costs for Tokyo below.

Several factors will influence the above costs, so we recommend estimating your family’s daily spending based on your travel habits.

For example, some families can spend nothing on transport on some days as they are willing to walk longer distances; however, this isn’t a realistic option for families with babies and young children.

The costs for meals and activities will depend largely on what you want to eat and do.

People who are ultra-budget conscious can carry a flask or empty bottle and refill it wherever there is a tap (it is fine to drink water from a tap in Japan) and can enjoy meals costing as little as around 500 yen per person, by shopping at supermarkets and prepping food at your apartment hotel or Airbnb.

Meanwhile, the average price of an adult ticket for 39 popular attractions was around 3,700 yen, with attractions such as the Tokyo National Museum charging 1,000 yen for adults. Adults can also expect to pay at least 7,900 yen for a 1-Day Passport at either Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, while a 1 Day Studio Pass at Universal Studios Japan will cost from 8,600 yen, and many travelers will opt for an express pass that might alone cost around the price of admission. (More on activity costs later.)

If you have a rough idea of where you'd like to stay, how much you want to allocate for daily expenses, etc., for your family, and include a reserve for unexpected costs, then you can easily plan out your trip.

When booking your flight to Japan, keep in mind that Tokyo has two international airports: Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND; also called Tokyo International Airport).

Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo and is accessible via the Keikyu Line, Tokyo Monorail, or airport buses, while many low-cost carriers will use Narita. Flight costs will vary based on your departure city, whether it’s a direct flight, and your seat class.

The Osaka area also has two main airports: Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM). Kansai handles most international flights and is located farther from the city center, while Itami primarily serves domestic routes and is much closer to downtown Osaka. If you're connecting from another city in Japan, flying into or out of Itami can potentially save you time and ground transport costs.

In addition, you need to keep in mind the time of the year.

If you’re looking to save money, it’s best to avoid peak seasons in Japan as flights and hotels will double in price.

Google Flights is one of the most reliable tools for finding cheap airfare. Its easy-to-use “date grid” feature lets you compare surrounding departure and return dates to spot the lowest prices. Many countries also have deal-focused flight sites, like Skyscanner and Priceline, so it’s worth checking those too.

By comparing prices with Japan’s peak and off-peak travel seasons, you’ll see big differences. For example, a round-trip from New York to Tokyo can reach around 300,000 yen in late December but may drop to nearly half that in September. Likewise, flights from London may cost about 225,000 yen at the end of December, but just over 100,000 yen in early October.

For one night of lodging for the whole family, a typical budget is about 20,000 to 50,000 yen.

Room rates vary depending on the number of guests, room size, and bed type. Many hotels offer better rates for multiple guests, and some even allow preschool-aged children to stay for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Room rates also differ between city center hotels and those in suburban areas. Hotels in major urban areas—particularly Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures, as well as cities like Sapporo, Sendai, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka—tend to be more expensive due to high demand, land costs, and labor expenses. In contrast, hotels in suburban or rural areas are generally more budget-friendly.

When booking your accommodation, make sure to choose somewhere near a station. In many areas in Japan, there are not necessarily clear street signs as in many Western countries, and there is nothing more stressful than lugging heavy bags around unknown streets with kids in tow. Also, the Limousine Bus stops at or near certain accommodations in Tokyo, which may be worth looking into.

As a parent, I’m often asked where to stay in Tokyo. The Yamanote Line, which loops around central Tokyo, is a great choice, especially if you plan to use JR trains. That said, Tokyo’s subway network (Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway) is also excellent, and most stations provide easy access to top sights.

Shinjuku is a popular pick with visitors. It’s a major JR hub with great shopping, dining, and a direct Narita Express connection. For a slightly more affordable but still convenient area, consider Ikebukuro: another major transfer point served by both JR and Metro lines.

If you’re planning to take the Shinkansen, staying near Tokyo, Ueno, or Shinagawa Station is ideal. All are on the Yamanote Line and offer direct access to bullet trains, making day trips or longer journeys easier.

Where you stay really depends on your plans. Even the eastern part of Tokyo, closer to Chiba Prefecture, offers good access to central Tokyo. Stations like Asakusa, Ningyocho, and Higashi-Ginza have direct trains to both Narita and Haneda, while Bakurocho (JR) and Hatchobori (JR Keiyo Line) are handy for Tokyo Disney Resort.

If you're looking for a more traditional Tokyo feel, Nippori is a great option. It connects to both JR and Keisei lines (including the Skyliner from Narita) and sits next to the charming Yanaka area, known for its old temples and nostalgic shopping streets.

Below are average rates for different accommodations in Tokyo, which can be used to approximate costs in other major cities.

When traveling with young children, it’s important to weigh your accommodation options carefully.

Capsule hotels often aren’t suitable for families with babies or toddlers, and while ryokans offer a traditional Japanese experience, sleeping on futons placed on the floor may not be ideal for everyone. Hotels, hostels, or apartments are usually the most practical choice, especially those that can provide a cot or crib. Look for hotels near a pharmacy in case you need emergency baby supplies.

Ryokans and capsule stays can be fun for older kids and offer a memorable cultural experience, but if you’re on a 10-night trip, it’s best to limit these to one night to avoid backaches or restless nights. Most hotels in Japan don’t offer spacious family rooms, but this is an option to consider when viewing your hotel reservation site. Booking two separate rooms is usually the most comfortable setup for a family of four, though prices vary significantly based on location and hotel type.

Budget-conscious families can find apartment rentals or business hotels for around 13,000 yen per night or even less, especially if they’re located farther from train stations or outside the city center. However, if you’re traveling with young children, it’s worth spending a bit more for a centrally located hotel near a station for added convenience. Fortunately, most stations in Japan have elevators, and trains are very stroller-friendly.

Hotels in Japan operate much like those in other countries, with standard check-in/out times and amenities like toothbrushes often provided. Many offer buffet breakfasts either included or for a small fee—and these breakfasts tend to be generous, which is perfect for hungry kids before a day out exploring.

Transportation in Japan is fast and efficient—but also a major budget item, especially for intercity travel. Here's how to weigh your options.

In Tokyo, local travel is quite affordable: most subway rides cost under 330 yen. That’s why the Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket is a great deal if you’re planning a full day of sightseeing. It offers unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for just 800 yen (400 yen for children).

In Osaka, a similar option is the Osaka 1-Day Pass (Enjoy Eco Card), which costs 820 yen on weekdays and just 620 yen on weekends and holidays (310 yen for children). It covers unlimited rides on the subway and city buses, making it a smart choice for families exploring the city.

For added convenience throughout your trip, especially with kids in tow, it’s worth picking up a Suica, Pasmo, or another IC card. These prepaid cards work on trains, subways, and buses across most major cities in Japan—including Tokyo and Osaka—and save you the hassle of buying individual tickets each time. They can also be used at convenience stores and some vending machines, making them an easy, family-friendly travel essential.

If you're planning to travel between major cities like Tokyo and Kyoto (13,970 yen one-way) or Tokyo and Shin-Osaka (14,520 yen), costs add up quickly.

The Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited JR train rides nationwide:
・7-day pass: 50,000 yen for adults / 25,000 yen for children
・14-day pass: 80,000 yen for adults / 40,000 yen for children

While convenient, these passes don’t always offer the best value. It is important to itemize travel costs to determine whether the JR Pass is worth it.

In many cases, regional passes provide a better deal:
・JR East Tohoku Area Pass (5 days): 30,000 yen (15,000 yen child) – Covers a large area from Atami and Izu all the way north to Aomori, including Nikko, Sendai, and Yamagata.
・JR TOKYO Wide Pass (3 days): 15,000 yen (7,500 yen child) – Covers Tokyo, Nikko, Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji), Karuizawa, and more.
・JR West All Area Pass (7 days): 26,000 yen (13,000 yen child) – Covers western Japan including Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka (Hakata), and Kanazawa.

To decide what’s best for your trip, list out your planned destinations, use an app like Google Maps to estimate train fares for each leg, and log them in a spreadsheet. Once you have a total, compare it to the cost of the relevant rail passes—this helps you see clearly whether a pass will actually save you money.

Japanese bentos (lunchboxes) are undoubtedly a good way to save money.

On the very frugal end, you have supermarket or convenience store bentos (pre-cooked boxed meals) readily available all over Tokyo which can cost from 300 yen (around 400-600 yen each at convenience stores and expensive supermarkets).

Onigiri (rice balls) and sandwiches/bread products are also a cheap option for lunch, and often cost from around 150 yen. As mentioned previously, hotel buffets tend to be expansive and very good value for money, so if you and your kids eat well at breakfast time, then onigiri or a bread product (hot dogs, sandwiches, etc.) should be enough to keep you going.

In addition, family restaurants are always convenient and often have cheap meal options.

Some easy examples that I've found are "family restaurants" like Saizeriya (Japanese style Italian), where a Margherita pizza is 400 yen, spaghetti with meat sauce is 400 yen, and a meat sauce doria with grilled cheese is 350 yen. You can definitely feed the family for under 2,000 yen. Similar places I like include Gusto, Jonathan's, or Denny's.

For a still cheap but more Japanese feel, I'd suggest Ootoya, which is a bit more expensive but great quality (about 3,000–4,000 yen for a family). Kids might enjoy dishes like the Ootoya Lunch (960 yen), Sweet Soy Sauce Fried Chicken (990 yen), or the Demiglace Chicken Cutlet (1,030 yen).

Don’t miss the sushi train experience at places like Kura Sushi or Sushiro—a fun and affordable option, especially with kids. At Sushiro, plates start at just 115 yen, with kid-friendly picks like salmon, Hamburg sushi, and shrimp avocado. Adventurous eaters might enjoy salt-aged tuna or seared shrimp with cheese, and bigger hits like extra fatty tuna (120 yen) or the fried chicken & hash brown combo (400 yen) are also popular. A family of four can fill up for under 3,000 yen.

If you want somewhere slightly more upmarket, expect to pay around 1,000 yen per person for a lunch set, and 1,500 yen for a dinner meal. Of course, you can go much higher than that, but it’s not always necessary.

(Note: Price estimates accurate at time of posting)

There are so many things to do in Tokyo and other cities that it can seem tempting to try and fit in everything, but we recommend pacing yourself to ensure you thoroughly enjoy everything that you do manage to do.

Traveling with kids often brings unexpected costs; places like Disneyland are packed with shops full of tempting items, and you'll likely need to stop for snacks or ice cream along the way. It’s wise to build an emergency fund into your budget or have a credit card you can comfortably repay.

Also, prepare for small emergencies, such as needing medicine or losing items along the way. If you’re traveling with babies or infants, consider staying near a pharmacy for easy access to essential supplies. Note that nappies are usually sold in large packs of 25–30, but these stores typically have everything you’ll need.

How much does a family trip to Japan actually cost? Let’s break it down based on a family of four—two adults and two children (ages 12 and 15)—staying in a rented apartment, enjoying three meals a day (two at the apartment), visiting one attraction per day, and using a Tokyo Subway 72-hour Ticket plus individual tickets for the remaining days.

Here are some more tips from seasoned travelers:

・“Make a list of ‘must-do’ places and another of optional places to see.” – Lisa, mother of one

・If you have small kids, “Make sure to visit some indoor soft play areas - the one in the Tokyo Dome area (Asobono) was absolutely amazing.” – Amy, mother of two

・“Wear shoes that you can easily take on and off because you have to remove your shoes for every shrine!” – Michelle, mother of two

・“Always carry your passport to get tax-free discounts while shopping.” – Dave
(Editor’s note: All foreign travelers must carry their passports with them at all times.)

・“If you want your money to go as far as possible - I'd focus on dining out during lunchtime rather than dinner. Most restaurants will do specials around lunchtime, saving you a ton of money.” – Lee

・“Cluster the places of interests into areas. There's tonnes of places that are within walking distance to one another. Doing so, you'll only need to take the trains twice a day. One to get into the area, and one back to your accommodation. That way, you wouldn't even need any of the subway/train passes.” – Albert, father of one

・“Look for family rooms in hostels or backpacker inns” as these can be much cheaper than hotels and still offer the comfort of a private room. – Ramesh

If you're planning a 10-day family trip and spending most of your time in Tokyo with one excursion outside the city, you can use the tips in this article to build a practical budget using a spreadsheet or budgeting tool.

Start by figuring out your total travel budget, divide it by the number of days to get an average daily allowance, and apply that to your plan. For bigger outings, like a trip to Disneyland, you can offset the extra expense by choosing more affordable activities on other days.

The key to saving money while traveling in Japan is simple: research, research, and more research. Compare prices, look into different options, and make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.

With smart choices on transport, lodging, and attractions, a fun-filled 7-day trip to Tokyo for a family of four can be done comfortably for under 300,000 yen. Whether it’s theme parks, digital art, or iconic sights, Japan offers unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.