Japan can be surprisingly affordable for daily spending — the big line items are flights, hotels and shinkansen. Here’s a realistic breakdown.
Daily budget (per person, excl. flights)
- Budget: ¥8,000–12,000 — hostels/guesthouses, convenience-store and casual meals, IC-card transit.
- Mid-range: ¥15,000–25,000 — business or 3★ hotels, restaurant meals, the odd taxi and attraction.
- Comfortable: ¥40,000+ — nicer hotels/ryokan, fine dining, private transfers.
Sample 7-day, mid-range (per person)
- Accommodation: ~¥120,000
- Food: ~¥40,000
- Local transport + IC: ~¥12,000
- Intercity (shinkansen or JR Pass): ~¥30,000
- Attractions/activities: ~¥20,000
- ≈ ¥220,000 plus international flights.
Where to save
- Eat at convenience stores, set-lunch menus and standing-style spots.
- Use IC cards; only buy a pass if it beats fares.
- Shop tax-free over ¥5,000.
Plan the route with the 7-day itinerary and book stays early.
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