How to build a realistic Japan trip budget

By the Japan Travel Costs team. Every figure links to its source with the date we last checked it, and figures we cannot verify are left out. About us.

A quiet Kyoto street lined with traditional wooden houses

Last checked 2026-10-21

The most reliable Japan budget splits costs into things you can look up exactly and things you can only estimate.

  1. Look up exactly: long-distance trains (see our fare table) and your actual hotel quotes for your dates.
  2. Estimate: food, local transport and activities. Pick a daily figure per person and be honest about your habits.
  3. Convert once: use one exchange rate for everything. We use ¥158.13 per $1 (ECB, 2026-10-20); your card will add its own margin.
  4. Add a buffer: leave room for price changes and surprises.

Then plug it all into the budget calculator.

Prices change. Confirm with the operator before booking.

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