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This translation was generated by AI and may contain wording that differs from the facts. Please check the Japanese original or official sources for anything important. Japanese original
🧮 Set it up
💴 Estimated cost
⚙️ How it is calculated
Daily per-person estimates: budget about ¥10,000 (lodging ¥4,000, food ¥3,000, transport ¥1,000, sightseeing ¥2,000); standard about ¥25,000 (¥11,000, ¥8,000, ¥2,000, ¥4,000); premium about ¥60,000 (¥30,000, ¥18,000, ¥4,000, ¥8,000). Nights are counted as days minus one. Shinkansen tickets for Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo come to about ¥30,000; the ordinary Japan Rail Pass costs ¥50,000 for 7 days, ¥80,000 for 14 days and ¥100,000 for 21 days.
💡 Ways to save money
- If you only travel Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka one way, separate shinkansen tickets are usually cheaper than a Japan Rail Pass.
- Eat your main meal at lunch, when set menus cost far less than dinner; convenience stores and department-store food halls are great value too.
- Avoid cherry blossom and autumn foliage peaks, Golden Week, Obon and New Year, and hotel prices drop sharply.
Japan itineraries → Japan by month Trip checklist
Frequently asked questions
How much does a day in Japan cost?
Per person per day, budget travel costs about ¥10,000, a standard trip with business hotels and local specialities about ¥25,000, and ryokan or luxury hotels ¥60,000 or more (excluding flights).
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
Since the October 2023 price rise, separate tickets are often cheaper for a Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka trip. The pass can still pay off if you make several long journeys, for example to Hiroshima, Kyushu or Tohoku.
Do I need cash in Japan?
Cards and transit IC cards are increasingly accepted, but small restaurants, temples and rural areas may be cash only. Carrying a few thousand yen a day in cash is wise.
