How Expensive is Japan? Food, Trains, Admission Fees, Flights & Hotel Prices in 2024
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 มิ.ย. 2024
- How much I spent during my Japan trip in 2024, including food, trains and admission fees, plus flights and hotels.
✨ My Japan guide book (300 pages): cakeswithfaces.co.uk/product-...
Tokyo's often perceived as an expensive place, but prices are actually pretty reasonable, especially for restaurants and transport. On my recent Japan trip in spring 2024, I recorded everything I spent during the 2 week trip. I used an app called TravelSpend to categorise all my travel expenses - and here are the totals! The video covers how much I spent on food and eating out, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks, plus transport on trains, the Tokyo Metro and the shinkansen, as well as my regional Japan Rail Pass. Then there's a round-up of admission fees for tourist attractions, with daily averages, and how much I spent on tickets for Universal Studios Japan. After that, there are daily averages to give you an idea of how much spending money you might need on your trip, and then what I spent on hotels in Kyushu and Tokyo, and the cost of direct flights from the UK in Economy and Premium Economy with Japan Airlines, including an internal flight from Tokyo to Fukuoka.
00:00 Intro
02:13 Food
03:30 Trains
12:43 Long distance travel
14:10 Admission fees
17:22 Daily averages
20:13 Hotels
21:46 Flights
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Just got back from Japan and we were actually so stunned by how affordable Japan was.. Probably mostly due to the currency rate, but also being from the Netherlands, everything has gotten SO expensive over the last few years that I feel like we kind of surpassed Japan in being a expensive country.. We definitely paid less money for food, hotels and activities in Japan than we would in the Netherlands. Japan used to be this far away extremely expensive country.. But I'll tell anyone to go visit Japan from now on!! Super high quality food, super friendly and helpful people, everything is clean and organized and beautiful culture and landscapes too. Amazing country!
So glad you enjoyed it! The same is true of the UK - things have gone up in price so much here, but Japan's always been cheaper for things like food and trains, since I started going in 2010.
Amy's book "Your guide to Japan" is a goldmine full of useful information about Japan. I highly recommed the book. My 4th travel to Japan is coming up in early May. Me and my wife will go to Osaka first, then we will travel with Shinkansen to Tokyo. I would also mention all the great info in Amy's videos here on YT, they are full of great info, and I'm glad I found her channel before my first trip to Japan. Me and my wife have fallen in love with Japan, our plan is to travel to Japan at least once a year. Thanks to Amy's YT channel and her book, our planning has become a lot easier. Greetings from Norway 🙂
Aww thank you so much, that means a lot! I know the feeling - as many times as I go to Japan, I always want to go back!
This is the best channel for anyone looking to travel to Japan.
Aww thank you so much! That means a lot!
As someone who is planning a trip to Japan late Feb/early March 2025, this is so helpful! Thanks for this 😊
Thanks so much! It took me ages to edit, so that's good to hear, much appreciated! ✨
From Scotland here. And yes the flights are expensive 😢. We’re planning our Japan trip for next year and setting our budget for it already.
The flights are the most expensive part! And they're so much more expensive than they used to be. 😭 But it's the only way to get there!
Excellent no nonsense video ….the prices are a relief too!
Thanks so much! Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive but it's really not that bad, especially with the current exchange rate.
Fantastic rundown. Great production straight to the point.
Thanks so much! Hope it helps! :-)
Thanks for the breakdown! We went in Nov/Dec of 2022 right when Japan first opened, so the flights were much cheaper (since most people weren't prepared to take a trip yet). We actually upgraded to Premium Economy since the prices weren't too much more to upgrade. Now that same flight would be thousands USD more. Hopefully I can catch some good deals if we travel again next year or year after :)
Glad you managed to get a good deal - and hopefully enjoyed lower tourist levels than normal at that time! I found the same when I booked flights straight after they announced Japan opening again - premium was surprisingly not much more than economy. Fingers crossed for the next trip! 🤞
My May 2023 trip across Japan from Nagasaki to Tokyo for three weeks cost me US$3,600 for airfare, hotels, pocket wifi, travel insurance, and a 21-day JR Rail Pass. In comparison, my February 2024 trip to Sapporo, Fujikawaguchiko, and Tokyo cost me US$3,500 for the same stuff above minus the JR Rail Pass. According to my travel agent, travel costs are higher during winter, as it's the peak season in Japan, while the down season is between May and September.
My food expenses varied from a couple of hundred yen for convenience store snacks to 11,000 yen for a Kobe Beef dinner. And I didn't bother to eat at McDonald's, as I was more interested in the local dishes.
Thanks for sharing your experiences! I agree about trying local cooking rather than McDonalds! ☺️ Hotels were expensive in Sapporo when I went there for the snow festival too - as that's when everyone wants to go there! Most hotels are fully booked at that time.
Went to Japan last year for the first time - was shocked just how affordable it was. The exchange rate is even better this year so we have just booked another trip for later this year.
It's surprising isn't it! As many times as I go, I always want to go back!
@@cakeswithfaces Its an incredible place the only single problem is its just too far away!! I am a regular traveller but even for me getting there is a chore. Totally worth it though!
@@auwz66 Yes, that 14 hour flight from the UK is a killer!! 😅
Thanks for the informative video Amy! I'm planning for an autumn trip to Tokyo for 10 days or so for the first time, I hope I don't go overbudget 😅
There's also a Pokemon themed flight by ANA which happened to fly from my country to Japan which I also am very excited about.
How exciting! Even more so with the Pokemon plane - there are Pokemon details inside as well, and the staff uniforms are so cute! Enjoy planning your trip!
This is such a helpful video. I suspect our average will be a bit more, but this video being so clear and thorough it's so much easier to try and judge some sort of an average than it would have been without it. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks so much! Everyone has a different style of travelling; hope it helps as a guide.
This is wonderful breakdown! I will say as a first timer, just got back this week. We spent more then expected, I think the first time you go you will want to try everything! So we definitely overspend on food and experiences 😅 but we'll worth it. And note hwere you are visiting and keep a higher budget for travel. We did well but I think we overspend there also chosing to do taxis with larger luggage was worth it for the less stressful way back to the airport when leaving.
Sometimes it's worth it to pay extra to avoid a bit of stress and enjoy your trip. 😅 So glad you enjoyed it! What was the highlight(s!) of your trip?
Thanks for this video as I haven’t been there since the pandemic, so I was wondering about how inflation has affected Japan as a consumer. It’s good to know that things are still pretty reasonable. I’ll have to check out your book. I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada and the cost of living here makes Japan feel like a bargain! Thanks for the video and keep up the good work!
It's the same compared to the UK. People say prices have gone up in Japan but it seems to only have been by a tiny amount. And the exchange rate more than makes up for it at the moment.
Another very helpful and informative video.
Thanks so much! It took me a long time to edit, so that's much appreciated!
Thank you ! 😊
Hope it's useful!
Really helpful thanks :)
Thanks - it took a long time to edit this one, so that's much appreciated!
Great job :) gonna watch a few more videos to prep for my dream trip :)
@@shaunasmyth3000 I always love trip planning! Enjoy!!
Thanks, very well done Very clear
I enjoyed it ❤
Thanks so much!! 🎶
Thank you🙏! Very helpful 🍜🍝🍱🍣🍡🌸🍵🇯🇵
Thanks! It took a long time to edit, so I'm glad it helps!
My girlfriend is in Japan right now. The yen has hit an all-time record low today, so even though prices in yen are more expensive for the same items, she said they cost less in pounds than in 2019. If possible this year is probably a good time to go to Japan.
It certainly is! Or if you have a trip coming up, it's a great time to get some yen and lock in that fantastic rate (fantastic for tourists - not so great for Japan's economy though...). Hope your girlfriend's enjoying her trip!
Thank you so much! I'm planning to travel in October and this helps a lot! Love your gacha videos as well, great channel 😁
Thanks so much, that means a lot! 🎶
Wow that was really in-depth breakdown. Nice!
Thanks so much - it took me ages to put together! 😅 Hope it helps!
Many thanks for sharing this information. This is most useful, and you have catered for both newbies and seasoned tourists. Much appreciated!
Thanks so much! It took me a long time to edit, so it's great to know it's helpful!
I am so glad you went on the overnight ferry. I look forward to your video on that.
It was like a mini cruise! Can't wait to edit the video!
Great info, going in November so really helpful to plan expenses.
Thanks, hope it helps! Enjoy planning your trip!
Love your videos Amy. Going to Japan in the summer for 15 days. Your videos have given us so many ideas for our trip! Keep up the amazing work!
Thanks so much! Enjoy planning your trip!!
I always enjoy watching it. Thank you very much for the valuable information that is very useful for people overseas.
Thanks so much, I hope it helps!
I am binge watching your videos in preparation for Japan :D so thanks haha
Enjoy!! Where are you going in Japan?
Very helpfull❤
Thank you!!
@@cakeswithfaces any suggestions about sumo tournament?
@@nikolaosnikoloudis8667 I haven't been to one so I might not be much help about that! However I did manage to buy tickets to a wrestling match recently, and collected them successfully from the machine at Family Mart.
Hey Amy, thanks for your efford and hard work to put those videos together. Thursday is the best day of the week 😊😊 We have been in japan in july for three weeks and your videos helped us a lot...
Thanks so much, that's really great to hear! 🎶
Hi Amy. I'm so glad that you had another excellent trip to Japan and I can't wait to see the videos. Thank you so much for sharing your expenses, this will help me enormously 🫶❤️
I thought it would be hard to confront the cold hard figures, but it wasn't too bad!! 😅 (Apart from those flights...!)
@@cakeswithfaces Unfortunately, flight costs vary. I've seen flights for £1000 (takes 36 hours to reach Japan 😂), but most direct flights in November are from £1300 plus. The prices of flights that were on your video are a good indication ☺️
@@amandahayward Wow, imagine a 36 hour travel day!! 😱
@@cakeswithfaces And the journey to and from the airport 😂🤣
Thank you so much, For all your hard work and time making these incredibly helpful and informative videos. I’ll be going in 2025 and will be buying your guide book!
Thanks so much! This video took ages to edit - at one point I thought it'd never be finished. 😅 I do enjoy it though, it's a labour of love!
This is such a comprehensive and helpful video. I am aiming for my first Japan trip in May next year and found it very helpful thank you.
Thanks so much! I remember how many questions I had when I first went to Japan! 😅
I’m finding flights to be double what we paid in 2023. Two economy from Chicago to Haneda were about $2500 total round trip. Now, same flights are close to $2300 EACH round trip. Same airline. We’re hoping to go back next fall, but I’m terrified of how much airfare might jump by then 😭
Flights have gone up so much! 😭 Flights from the UK are taking a much longer route to avoid unsafe areas of the world at the moment, but fuel prices have also gone up a lot, and airlines seem to be making up for the time when they couldn't fly. And I guess the general cost of living has gone up so much, so there are lots of possible reasons. Fingers crossed they go down one day, at least partially. 😅🤞
@@cakeswithfaces Yes, crossing all my fingers lol I can’t wait to see the upload on the economy vs premium seating! It’s a price jump, but looks like it may be worth it for one leg of the trip.
@@cakeswithfaces ✈on a positive note, i just got a 950€ return flight Portugal - Tokyo - Portugal !! still 100-200 € more than what i used to pay pre-pandemic, but quite a good deal 👌🏼 i had to adjust my dates by a few days, but that's totally fine because i'll be there for 3 months 🎉 wishing that everyone finds good deals 💫
Thanks so much for your helpful videos! I’m currently in Japan right now (my first trip here) and I already want to come back and I’ve not even left yet 😂
I know that feeling!! Make the most of it, and have a Fanta Grape for me! 🍇
Great video Amy , I did a trip in 2023 , can’t wait to go back !
I know that feeling!! 😅😅
On my way to japan now~ looks like we have the right budget, thanks for the info!
Have an amazing time!! Enjoy the cherry blossoms! 🌸
@@cakeswithfaces Thanks!! 🌸
Excellent video thank you !! And it seems we have similar ideas about when and where to spend and save. I'm visiting Japan this Autumn after leaving my job there 15 years ago. The food prices seem to barely be any different, nor the hotel costs really! I think my budgeting for my Autumn trip is about right, thankfully.
It seems like if prices have gone up at all, the exchange rate makes up for it! At least prices haven't gone up as much as they have in the UK. 🙃 Hope some of your old favourite places are still around when you go back!
Going in October/November and it's great to see the current prices of everything. Food is a lot cheaper than the UK! Very useful video!
It certainly is! Especially now prices have gone up so much in the UK over the last few years, but it's always been much cheaper in Japan.
Awesome job Amy drop ql like
Thank you!
No problem
Less than 60 days to go for our first trip for our 15th Anniversary!! Our flights from the US were about $2,400 per person, so that hurt. We are doing both Disney parks and Teamlab Borderless. We will be traveling in Tokyo, Hakone (onsen stay), Kyoto, and Hiroshima over 16 days, so it's going to be a lot. Thanks for all the great videos! They have been a great resource.
The countdown begins! Thanks so much - and have an amazing anniversary trip! Will you catch the opening of Fantasy Springs at Tokyo Disney? It looks gorgeous!
@cakeswithfaces we will miss the opening by 4 days! I'm hoping that by going before it opens will mean slightly less crowds. Fingers crossed.
@@BrandonKFloyd Ah noo!!! But yes, you'd expect people would be waiting for the opening date. Fingers crossed for a soft opening for you!
It’s nice to see you visited in 2024 when face masks are no longer near universal in Japan. I like seeing the faces and smiles of the people of Japan when I am there. Thanks for your video with details of prices from your trip.
Yes, it's annoying in a way with all the masks in my videos from my 2023 trip, and having to take my mask on and off for filming. 😅 I loved how many people were dressed up at USJ too, with fun hats etc!
Japanese abide without complaining. Gaijin not so much...
Thank you very much for this video, is nice to see how things are changing as I try and visit alternatively with the US.
Lots of videos are saying it is relatively cheap at the moment to visit due to the exchange rate, but they always miss out the flights. Understandable as they could be travelling from anywhere in the world, but it is such a huge expense these days that needs to be added into the consideration. So am grateful to be able to compare from the same airport to give a rough idea of how it is trending.
Yes the flights are so much more expensive than they used to be! 😭 But thankfully once you're there it's ok. Even without the favourable exchange rate, I've always found prices to be less than the UK (and probably the USA too), especially at restaurants.
Thanks for the video Amy, very informative. I'm generally not someone that goes to amusement parks so that expense wouldn't be in my budget, but otherwise as a solo traveler, I opt for the places that put me as close to the center of town as possible without emptying my wallet. The food prices arent that different from when i was last there a few years back, so that's a relief. Don't have any trips planned currently, but hopefully next year or in 2026!
I'm the same - I like to stay in the middle of everything! :-) People say prices have gone up slightly for food, but it's really not that noticable, especially with the exchange rate right now. In any case, prices haven't gone up anywhere near as much as they have in the UK recently.
Very interesting, especially the restaurant tips!. Heading out for my 2nd trip next week and I can't wait. Glad you mentioned the amazing 72hr Tokyo Subway pass as that's like 6x cheaper than similar in London, and way cheaper than a Suica if you make more than 2 or 3 trips a day like I did (at least twice that for me). My 15 day trip last year cost £2750 all in from UK. It'll be cheaper this time as the yen has weakened, and the flight is £200 less...I do like craft beer tho, and that's just as pricey in Japan as everywhere 🍺
Pretty much everything's cheaper in Japan than London! 😅 The exchange rate's not great for Japan as a country, but it definitely makes things cheaper for visitors! Kampai! 🍻
Great info 😊really interested in your JAL premium vlog as hoping to try them next year, really wanna go direct from Heathrow, can’t stand indirect flights 😮
It's less tiring to fly direct - I'd always choose direct if possible. Premium can be very pricey and difficult to justify, but it is more comfortable. And a really nice perk of JAL is you can use the Sakura lounge at Haneda, which is so relaxing and unusual to have a lounge included with premium. I believe at Heathrow you can use the BA lounge.
Thanks for that!
This video is great ❣️ would you Share the Restaurants you visited? Im also vegetarian
Thanks so much! Here's my list of restaurants with veggie options: cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/vegetarian-restaurants-in-japan/
There'll also be videos coming up - I filmed all of them! :-)
Hi Amy. I’m heading to Japan next week. I have been watching your videos and they are very helpful. I’m from Australia, it’s quite easy to convert from AU$ to Yen - drop the last two places and add 10%. Food seems to be cheaper than in Australia.
Ah that makes it easy to know how much things are! Have a wonderful time!
I noticed that you visited the Kyshu National Museum in Fukuoka. We visited it in November. Impressive building and a nice cafe. But difficult to reach via public transportation. We ended up opting for taxi. I would like to.mention that the Leaning Buddha in Nanozin is easily accessible by train and if you look carefully there are elevators.
Thanks for the recommendation for Nanzoin - it's good that it's accessible.
For Kyushu National Museum, you can get to Dazaifu on the Nishitetsu train line from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Tenjin Station to Dazaifu Station. The main temple complex in Dazaifu is very close to the station, and that leads on to the area with the museum. As I had a rail pass for Kyushu, I used the JR line, then transferred to the Nishitetsu line. It's quite a short trip - ideal for an easy day trip! :-)
Arrived in Japan for the Sapporo Snow Festival and still here aiming to catch some Cherry Blossoms. First time back since the pandemic and prices are very cheap if you’re spending from USD.
For those traveling from the U.S. you’ll get about a +$230ish value for every $500 USD exchanged (at the current exchange rate). Things are really cheap with this exchange rate. Games for PS5/Switch that retail for $60 are just about $40 at the current rate.
If you’re still on then fence, now is the best time to come while the USD is strong or any other country that has weight over the yen.
It certainly is a big advantage for visitors right now! Sounds like you're seeing all the best of Japan, with the snow festivals and the cherry blossoms! I heard they're blooming slightly later than expected because of the cold spell. During my trip it was a lot colder than it was at the same time last year!
Thanks so much for your videos, they have been really helpful in preparing for our lads trip, we head out to Tokyo on the 12th of April from England via Seoul, once we get to Tokyo we are in the Gracery Hotel for 5 nights, then off to Osaka for a few days. Can't wait! only 3 weeks away now 🙂
That sounds fantastic! I'd love to visit Seoul one day. Great choice with the Gracery - have an amazing time!
Thankyou. Looking forward to it, we have 2 nights in Seoul on the way out and 1 night in Seoul on the way home. @cakeswithfaces
PS, one of the lads on the trip bought your book :-) @@cakeswithfaces
@@chimparse Thanks, that's great to hear! Hope it comes in useful! 🙂
It'll be an adventure!
Really happy i find this video Amy. Great content, and very informative and sensible! I'm travelling there in 3 weeks time and moving across the country by train lasting 3 weeks, sooo excited, it's a life long dream. As it's mine and partners 'special birthdays' we've got the British Airways premium plus seats from Heathrow, hope its worth it👌 I'm slightly worried about the food as i don't tolerate garlic very well, so hoping i can navigate that with Google translate😂 thanks again!
That sounds amazing, and a great way to celebrate your special birthdays! Where are you going in Japan?
I flew with BA premium last time - the extra space definitely helps for such a long flight - no complaints about them at all! th-cam.com/video/bc0Vrkm8vrQ/w-d-xo.html
I think with the garlic allergy you'd be best to show them a screenshot of Google Translate, to make sure it's understood. And in Japanese culture, if they say it's "difficult", that's a polite way of saying no!
Garlic isn't huge in Japanese food, but some dishes to avoid are tonkotsu ramen and gyoza., and probably Japanese curry. But there are many other types of foods that you'll be fine with!
@cakeswithfaces thank you for the useful info, and especially re the garlic! We're having 4 days in Tokyo from 20/4 then onto Kawaguchiko for 1 night, Kyoto for 3 nights, Hiroshima 2 nights (trip to Myajima), Okayama 2 nights, Takamatsu 2 nights, staying in a temple in Koyasan for 1 night, Osaka 1 night, then back to Tokyo for final 3 nights. I know it's a lot of traveling but there's so much we wanted to do. Particularly wanted to do Shikoku. Any hints or advice would be helpful. Looked at JR rail pass but over the 3 weeks it's not looking worth it. 🤔
PS I know it's golden week but couldn't go any other time so I'm hoping that being further south in Hiroshima, Takamatsu etc will be at least a little quieter but will be mindful of booking train back to Tokyo etc
Great video! Was looking into an overnight ferry for our next trip, seen a couple of other TH-camrs posting them and they look super relaxing so looking forward to hopefully seeing that video, but was also slightly concerned it might be a bit too adventurous with my (very) limited Japanese. Also I struggled to work out open jaw flights on JAL website which said they were not available for trips starting outside Japan, we’ve booked and planned our trip for November now but interested to see how you managed to make it all work!
Thanks! I think you could easily do the ferry without knowing Japanese. :-) It was like a mini cruise! I booked it on the ferry's website in advance (as is often the case, the booking process was slightly unusual and involved the ferry company manually emailing me back to confirm the booking). Then at the ferry terminal all we had to do was pay at the counter and we got the key to our room. It also included a bus from the shinkansen station to the port. Can't wait to edit the video!
I think we booked the open-jaw flights on JAL's Multi-City page. I've booked open-jaw before with Lufthansa too.
Where are you going on your trip? :-)
Ah that’s amazing, great to know it’s possible, maybe if we make it for a 3rd trip we can plan more off the beaten track! Still so much more to see in Tokyo so spending the better part of a week there before looking to hire a car and travelling around Izu, then on to Osaka with a night in Nagoya on the way before returning to Tokyo. Can’t wait!
@@shoeithecat523 That sounds great! I always have to spend at least a few days in Tokyo (it wouldn't feel like a Japan trip without it - and I never get bored there!). But it's always the new places that are the highlight of the trip, each time I go back.
Thank you so much for this video! Budgeting is so tricky and this is helping me out a lot for my upcoming trip in May! 💜 The Sumikkogurashi claw machine at @16:30 is SO cute! I'd spend all day trying to get one 😅 Was that in Akihabara? I hope it's still there when I go!!
I love Sumikko Gurashi too! They're around in several arcades - good places to look are Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and other nightlife areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya have arcades too.
@@cakeswithfaces Thank you so much! I'll definitely go hunting for them while I'm in Japan :)
@@YouGandered101 Hope you find them! If you like cute things, Character Street in Tokyo Station and Kiddyland in Harajuku should definitely be on your list too!
@@cakeswithfaces I'll definitely check those out! 😊💜
Hi Amy. Where did you eat your teppan yaki meal? Looks so nice
The one in Kyoto is Teppan Tavern Tennamonya - it was delicious and a wonderful experience! Here's my video about it: th-cam.com/video/MQH5oDJwNs0/w-d-xo.html It's very small and run by a lovely friendly couple. It's reservation only, so be sure to reserve as soon as reservations open for your date as there aren't many tables.
thanks for the great video. are you planing an update for veggy foods in japan?
Thanks! I've been meaning to; I'm not sure when it'll be though! Did you already see my list of restaurants with veggie options? cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/vegetarian-restaurants-in-japan/
Hi,
thank you very much for the feedback.
We've already watched all the videos from you 😅
I'm also just interested in a general update on the overall veggy situation. I was in Japan in 2017 and back then it was so-so, so I'm curious about how the situation has developed overall in the last 2-3 years.@@cakeswithfaces
@@carstenneugebauer5180 There are probably slightly more options, but most places still have no veggie options, so you still need to do a lot of research! The biggest change I've noticed over the last few years is that places that are popular on Happy Cow now have LONG queues, mostly of foreign tourists. I've waited 90 minutes for a restaurant in the evening. So I'd recommend eating dinner early in the evening, or going at lunchtime.
Love Kura in Shibuya 😊
So good! The Harajuku one has pretty lanterns and crepes on the menu - it's called Kura Sushi Royal. 👑
Great video :) what is the name of the cafe where you had the Sakura soda float? many thanks
It's the cafe in the Yamaha store in Ginza (Tokyo). It's on the ground floor as you go in. It's fun how the projections appear on the table around your drink! And it's a great store if you play any musical instruments.
Thank you so much :) @@cakeswithfaces
What did you think of Teamlab Kyushu? Ill go ck it out next month. Great seeing you at borderless. 😁🤙🏽 i live off kura and coco curry, great choices.
I loved it! I'm a TeamLab fan, but for me it was fine going to both. It's almost all completely different, with more physical rooms with different floors than TeamLab Borderless has now ie the most fun rooms! There's a large, interactive catching and collecting forest that's similar to the one you can visit for free at the Galaxy Store in Harajuku, but it's much larger and better. How long is your Japan trip??
I moved to Tokyo from Florida 7 months ago and my cost of living is now 50% less than in Florida even though I am traveling and eating out way more.
It's so different! I think it's normal for people to eat out more in Japan - and it makes sense when it's so affordable!
Agreed on the flights being expensive. My budget is £3500 and the flights are almost a third of that 😅. Beyond that I’ve got motorbike hire (I like to road trip) which also takes up a good portion of the money.
If I were to keep things fairly compact and took trains then I could save money but, like you said, it depends on how people like to travel. I road trip and tend to stay at smaller places (don’t think I’ve ever spent near or over £100 a night (per person)).
Last thing, I did find that if you can find a supermarket, they’re generally cheaper than konbinis (and if you’re near a location and have a membership card, Costco is an option as the cards work globally) so maybe worth checking out for some
Flight prices are painful these days!! 😅 But I'm glad you're doing Japan your way and enjoying a motorbike road trip! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time!!
We got the 3 day tokyo subway pass. It might have saved us a tiny bit of money, but considering the annoyance of it not working at certain gates and then having to get out my Suica, I'd just stick with Suica next time. Digital Suica is awesome if your phone and credit card are compatible.
That's good to know, thank you. I'd always avoided it for that reason, so it helps to know that was the case in real life.
Yes, being able to top up your Suica by card is a great benefit of mobile Suica, as most ticket machines for topping up only take cash.
Thank you. My husband is vegetarian, so I'm always concerned if we go to new places. It will be our first trip to Japan (a few days will be business related), and just going to try and not plan too much and enjoy the trip.
I'm sure you'll love it! Here's my list of restaurants in Tokyo with vegetarian options - it'll be perfect for you both: cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/vegetarian-restaurants-in-japan/
Most restaurants don't have any veggie options, so it can be difficult, especially if you want to eat Japanese food, but you'll be ok with this list!
@@cakeswithfaces Thank you!
This video was amazing thank you! I am planning a trip in Oct , I've been to Japan in the past but my partner is new to traveling , we are planning on aiming for 12000 yen per day per person ( ~100Cad) but that is for everything ( minus flights/ hotel ) but that also very high end budgeting, food and travel by train per day will probably be 6000 - 7000 yen per person (again high end) leaving 5000-6000 extra spending money per day. speaking from experience though, you are going to have a day where your legs hurt so much from all the walking that you are just going to want to stay around where you are staying , grab some cheap food / beers from 711 and relax ! If I may I highly recommend getting a Welcome Suica IC card or a Pasmo Passport ( max I believe is 20,000 yen) plus you can use those cards like you would a Debit card in stores as well
Yes, Welcome Suica and Pasmo Passport are great options and just like a regular Suica, but they only last for a month as they're designed for us tourists.
Japan can be tough on the feet - make sure you have comfy shoes that are worn in before your trip so you don't get blisters. We took it a bit easier this time and "only" did 20,000ish steps most days. On my trip last year, by the time we were halfway through the second week I was exhausted! Sometimes you have to give yourself a break and remember that the point is to have a good time, not see EVERYTHING! (I never take my own advice on that though...!).
Me wife and I just got back from Japan too. 2 weeks, and we spent $100usd at least everyday on foo, and I feel we were very modest. Just my 2 cents, for anyone planning. I had set up a budget of $80 (for the 2 of us per day) and I thought I was being generous, based on these types of videos
Everyone has a different style of travelling! Hope you enjoyed lots of fantastic Japanese food!
For my trip, the biggest expense besides shopping was for food and transportation
That sounds about right!
I crunched the numbers many times. (If you are traveling alone, and want an affordable Journey.) All you need for your total solo travel trip is $3000. (If you are in the U.S. get a Roundtrip not passing $1500 + $500 for a 2 week capsule hotel budget + $500 for Food (If you do it right, you should still have plenty funds left: Breakfast at 7/11, Lunch at a Food Stand, Diner at Ichiran Ramen or a low-budget restaurant, midnight snacks at 7/11 + $250 for Train Fare/Vending Machines + $250 for small things like gotcha machine toys to take back with you. (Still, i would recommend your total 2-Week Solo trip to be around $3500-$4000 (it always feels more enjoyable if you dont consistently have "Am i going over budget" in mind, so that extra $500-$1000 makes up for peace of mind. (If you want luxury, i dont know what to tell you. Its the budget trips that make life more interesting ).
Even cheap food is good - and if you're on a budget, you're on a budget. I think you'd be missing out if you only eat at convenience stores, as there are so many restaurants that are really very affordable, especially compared to US prices.
thanks! great video 😊 where to find the vegetarian okonomiyaki? 🌱🙏🏼
A great place is Sakuratei in Harajuku. You can choose whatever toppings you like!
thank you so much @cakeswithfaces ! usually vegan, but when in japan i'm always open to egg 😊 will definitely try when i'm back for 3 months soon soon! thanks for all your videos! 🙏🏼
Amazingly helpful video (as always). I keep hearing how Japan is expensive but based on your experience I really don’t think it is. Food seems especially reasonably priced as are local trains, and the many of the attractions (other than theme parks which aren’t really our thing). The trains are more expensive than the UK but they do look amazing and efficient which is price worth paying, especially compared to how bad the UK train system is these days. So helpful as I start put my extensive research into a more detailed plan. Thanks again. Andy
@@onionbag9 I agree - Japan isn't expensive once you're there. The shinkansen is pricey, but local trains are surprisingly cheap compared to the UK (train tickets are always so much at home!). And the service is MUCH better!
@@ritatojal Did you see my list of restaurants in Japan with vegetarian options? Many are also vegan as dairy's not a massive thing in Japan, well in savoury dishes anyway. Hope it helps! cakeswithfaces.co.uk/japan/vegetarian-restaurants-in-japan/
Usefull, you should add that going cheap with the flight could be dangerous , I usually eat like 2 , this make the math easy 😊. What about the limits on buying items to bring home ?
From Australia trips to Tokyo narita can be extremely cheap if you fly Jetstar on the 787-8 we went June last year 1800aud I got tickets for June this year return for free 1400 aud for 4 of us , plus 2k aud for a great apartment in asakusa for 2 weeks Tokyo is easily doable on a budget
You're lucky having affordable flights from Australia! :-)
Yokohama has raised their city bus flat rate from 200 to 220 yen. I also think Tonkatsu restaurants raised their prices by 100 yen at least.
There have been small price increases since my early 2023 trip - most noticable in admission fees to tourist attractions. However they're not too large, especially compared to how much everything's gone up in the UK.
Talking about costs, is the duty-free zone at Haneda airport worth it?
In most airports nowadays, so-called duty free shops are actually more expensive than the same shops outside in the city.
Say, for example, that I want to bring back a bottle of sake, should I buy it in the city or at the airport?
Honestly I haven't really shopped from the duty free shops at the airport. Alli know is they have a good selection of KitKat flavours for last minute shopping! But they're cheaper at Don Quihote so... The shops at the airport aren't huge, so you'd have a larger choice of sake shopping in the city.
Thank you for this very informative video! Back in 2018, my family of 5 spent 3 weeks in Japan. I did have the impression that food and accomodation was quite expensive compared to Germany back then. We're heading back to Japan this year and while flights definitely went up in price, hotels seem to have become almost dirt cheap in comparison. Is this just my perception? On a side note: I see you're struggling a little with audio levels and noise. Maybe using a proper lavalier or boom microphone would give your voice a more direct sound with less noise. Other than that: Keep it up😊
Glad it's helpful! I'm not sure about prices in Germany, but compared to the UK, Japan's always been cheaper for food, and hotels prices are comparable. At the moment though, the exchange rate's making everything much cheaper for visitors. I just checked the Euro to Yen rate, and it's the best in 10+ years! So that's a big advantage for your trip this year!
About the audio: while I was filming this video, my microphone's battery was running low. Until I started editing, I didn't realise it was becoming quieter and quieter as the battery ran down. 😭 I changed the battery part-way through the video but the audio got progressively worse until that point. I used some filters to try and correct it, but it's not perfect. 🙈 Next time I'll change the battery as soon as the red light comes on!
@@cakeswithfaces UK, at least, London, I remember being quite expensive for us poor Germans. It probably really is the exchange rate!
@@durbodill It's a long time since I went to Germany, on a school trip!! :-) London is such an expensive place.
@@cakeswithfaces haha! Same here, the other way around! London, school trip in 1998. 😁
Are you offering guided trips next year? If not anyone you can suggest. We're going in Jan or Feb.
I don't do guided trips, sorry! Some companies that offer them are Inside Japan or Japan Journeys - I've not tried them though.
Hotels are incredibly cheap I've found. APA etc are no more than £50 a night for a single room in a lot of places, and a single bed is like 3/4 a UK double so is fine... In London it's £120+ for similar, and they usually have no fridge or aircon.
Yes London's incredibly expensive! I used to stay in APA hotels a lot; they're usually in excellent locations too. (I got bored of them in the end as they're all so similar!)
I recently bought tickets for an October/November trip to Japan from Spain. It costed me a little bit more than 1.300 € for the round trip with Iberia and Japan Airlines. The expensive part was going there (Madrid -> London -> Tokyo Haneda), while the return was slighty cheaper as it's a direct flight from Narita to Madrid.
Back in 2020 I got Madrid -> Tokyo tickets with Etihad for little more than 700 €...
Thanks for sharing your flight prices, that's helpful! They've gone up so much since before 2020. 😭 Fingers crossed they won't always be this much...
@@cakeswithfaces Yeah, I really looked into it and I could not find anything much lower than 900-1.000 €, and once I chose the right schedules and the airlines I wanted then 1.200 € was the benchmark. At the end of the day I had to make my peace with those prices.
@@juanpabloperezgomez4349 Let's hope the prices come down one day, at least slightly!
@cakeswithfaces At least for me my hope is getting the direct flight between Madrid and Tokyo back, as it'd save me roughly 200-300 € per trip. This time I could not get it for both trips, only for the return one, as they were only re-starting it in late October, but it should be available in the future.
@@juanpabloperezgomez4349 Flight routes and frequencies seem to be increasing so hopefully next time! 🙂
Where was that fancy sandwich from, on the day you went on the shinkansen
It was a place in Hakata Station in Fukuoka called Mikadukiya. I'm sure you could find something similar in other places if you keep an eye out, maybe in one of those fancy food courts in the basement of a department store! :-)
@@cakeswithfaces oooo thank you, I'll check it out when I get to fukuoka
I'm going in 2 days. I'm excited for the food, i just have no idea about the names of these foods and how to order them
Exciting!! If it helps, here's my video about food in Japan - it's a few years old but might help: th-cam.com/video/TQU_qmSme9s/w-d-xo.html
@@cakeswithfaces fantastic. Thank you
how much were the flights when added to the total cost (Already bought flights and accommodation)
?
The prices for flights are in the video at 21:46, together with an explanation of what the fare includes. :-)
I went to Kura here in the US, and it was $60 for two people 😭 And the plate return was broken for the entire restaurant. It's just not the same, which makes me so sad.
Yes! 😭 I went to Kura in California last year. It was interesting to see the slight variations in the menu, but the price!! It's the same with Coco Curry here in London - it's about 3 times the price of Japan. (I'll still go whenever I'm in London though!!).
Please let me know which area in Tokyo has food from around the world Italian Mexican middle eastern etc all in one area thanks please let me know
There isn't really one area that's known for foods from around the world (apart from Korea town in Shin-okubo, which has Korean food, and Chinatown in Yokohama, etc). But you can find restaurants serving international food all around Tokyo, there are lots and they're not hard to find. Just search on Google Maps eg "Italian restaurant" and you'll find them easily. :-)
How much Yen should I get before I go in July, since many places only take cash.
I took £1000 worth of yen for 2 people, for a 2 week trip, and that was more than enough. You don't really need that much - I just bought it when the yen rate was good (and then it got even better...!). You'll need cash for some restaurants (including smaller places, and restaurants where you order at a vending machine), snack kiosks, games arcades, vending machines, train tickets and topping up your Suica card.
Thanks again for this big super helpful one on traveling there, and that’s how much you spend? Not bad at all I’d say, I’ll try to do the same appreciate much, 🤝🤝🤝
Japan costs less than most people expect, once you get there!
Hey :) what was the name of the more expensive restaurant you went to with your own private booth? Timestamp 6.08
It's in Kumamoto, called Daichan: xn--t8jg4d2fwa0h6575autay32o.com/index.html It was a great experience!
I keep hearing Economy Yucky
I believe that's the reason for the exchange rate for Yen - good for visitors but not so great for Japan itself.
How was your Universal studios so cheap? I've been looking and its $80 per adult and $215 per person for Exprees pass 7. About $300 per person... This is AUD.
I bought them from the official site. The prices change depending on the day you visit, and I guess how busy they think it's likely to be. The day I went was a "B" (second cheapest) in the pricing scale, as it was right at the start of March, which is still the off-season, but at a weekend. During the holidays and during more peak times of year the prices are higher, so that might be it.
I noticed you were walking while drinking? Is that generally accepted? Ive heard that its frowned upon. Cheers.
I was on my way to enjoy my milkshake in the park and couldn't resist taking a sip on the way there! 😅
Eating while walking is definitely a faux pas.
To stay hydrated throughout the day I'll generally carry a bottle of drink around with me. Opinion seems mixed on whether that's ok or not these days - some say you shouldn't drink unless you're standing by a vending machine or sitting in a designated place eg where you bought it. Some say that's an old fashioned view and that it's now ok. I believe the reason why it's a faux pas is so you don't make a mess and don't generate trash.
It would be great to see a video on the various "chain" restaurants, and what they serve. We've been a little cautious because not knowing what were walking into. 🤣
Perhaps we should be more adventurous (we are not seafood eater)
I find that every time I go back, I've discovered new things and been a bit braver each time! As I don't eat seafood or meat, I always have to do a lot of research though.
dont make the mistake i did… somehow managed to divide by 1000 rather than 100 and ended up with a $1250 on a dinner.
Oh no!! If that's how much you spent, I hope it was worth it...! 😅
@@cakeswithfaces It was an enjoyable experience but I wouldn’t really say worth it.
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How much I spent in Japan over my 33 day trip: I dont want to talk about it and you dont want to know 😅
Hehe, it was hard to confront the cold hard figures...!
You didn't tell us the most important info: WHAT WAS YOUR GRAND TOTAL??? Did I miss it?
Maybe I don't want to confront that amount! 😳🙈😝 Not everyone's trip is the same length, so I thought the average per day is more useful, plus examples of particularly cheap and expensive days.
Hostels in Japan are amazing and a lot cheaper for your wallet :)
Yes they're a great budget option!
The UK isn’t too cheap? Actually disappointed and really want to visit your country still I hope I can, and yes Japan not always expensive like the others I watch on here say always thought it was but not always have found out, ☝️☝️☝️
The UK's a little cheaper than the USA I think. At least, when I went to California last year I thought everything was expensive!
Bet her dye was tested on animals. Great video nonetheless
My hair dye's from Directions which don't do animal testing. They're 100% PETA cruelty free certified.
You may have talked about this already but what was the most number of times you've visited Japan in a given year? I just came back last week and I'm already planning to go back in November 🥴 post-vacation blues is hitting me hard after that month-long Japan stay and I can't wait to explore other prefectures.
I know that feeling! No matter how many times I go, I always want to go back. For me though, I've only been once a year or every other year - as much as budget allows! 😅
Thanks this is very useful detail - sounds like you travel similarly to us. Did you compare the cost of renting a car in northern Kyushu compared to the train pass- I'm thinking the price might be comparable depending on how much the tolls /petrol/parking is ? Obviously wouldn't hire until we left Fukuoka
Tbh I'm not a big fan of driving when I'm on a trip - and I love Japanese trains! :-) The shinkansen lines make it extremely quick to get to certain parts of Kyushu - however it does take longer to get to areas that aren't well-served by public transport.
Takachiho Gorge, for example, has escaped me every time I've been to Kyushu. I'd love to visit but the bus ride there's just so long! And the day trip to Shimabara/Mount Unzen probably would have been easier with a car - it was a little annoying feeling like we were on a schedule because buses aren't as frequent in more remote areas, and we didn't want to miss them and get stuck anywhere!
I haven't actually hired a car in Japan (because the trains are so good), but I do know you need to be careful as there are lots of tolls. I believe you can buy passes that make it easier.
Having said that, I was tempted by this Kumamon rental car in Kumamoto! :-) kumamon-land.jp/rentacar/
From memory, car rental places generally range from about £50 to £200ish depending on class. Fuel, if you’re from the UK, is notably cheaper (about £1 a litre at current exchange rate). Tolls… can be expensive (I racked up about £170 on a 5000km road trip, but I did use it a fair amount for time reasons), normally I try to keep off the toll roads if I can as the roads are more interesting, plus you get plenty of Roadside Stations which can be fun little stops (can also do a little car camping to save costs). Depends what you want to do really
Spreadsheets! 🫢. You should have just gone and enjoyed your holiday.
Hehe, it's always half work when I'm filming everything - but I enjoy it! :-)