Japan has always been a tourist magnet: it offers modern world conveniences while harking back to traditional times. However, one thing many people do not take into consideration when deciding they want to travel to Japan is the cost. As one of the most expensive countries in the world, it behooves the savvy traveler to plan in advance and budget, budget, budget.

1. Costs of Traveling To Japan For Vacation
JAPAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN A TOURIST MAGNET: IT
OFFERS MODERN WORLD CONVENIENCES WHILE
HARKING BACK TO TRADITIONAL TIMES. HOWEVER,
ONE THING MANY PEOPLE DO NOT TAKE INTO
CONSIDERATION WHEN DECIDING THEY WANT TO
TRAVEL TO JAPAN IS THE COST. AS ONE OF THE MOST
EXPENSIVE COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, IT BEHOOVES
THE SAVVY TRAVELER TO PLAN IN ADVANCE AND
BUDGET, BUDGET, BUDGET.

2. THE FLIGHT
• Unless you’re taking a ferry from South Korea or China,
you will probably be flying into one of Japan’s airports.
If you’re coming from Europe or North America, then
prepare for the large cost. Last minute round trip tickets
from the USA/Europe to Japan can cost as much as
$3000 for coach. If you plan ahead months in advance,
you can change that to less than $1000. Either way,
prepare to budget most of your money just for the cost
of getting there and back.

4. ACCOMMODATION
• Hotels are also expensive, whether you go for Western
style or the traditional ryokan style. It’s not uncommon to
pay over $100 a traditional boutique hotel in Tokyo even
for mediocre rooms. If you’re traveling by yourself or with
another adult, think about staying in one of Japan’s many
hostels, which run as low as $15 a night. You will meet
great people from around the world while getting right
into the culture. For extended stays, try renting a room
from a guesthouse.

6. FOOD
• Admit it; you’re going to Japan partially for the food. If
you’re in the city, however, you’re going to be swamped
with the usual Western fast food chains. The costs are
about the same as in the West. But if you do find an
authentic Japanese restaurant, be prepared to still pay
about $5 per meal per person. No one said getting
yakisoba was cheap in Japan.

8. TRANSPORTATION
• While many things will be available by foot if you’re
staying in a city, the best way to get around Japan is
still by train. Many tickets are pretty cheap, but the
costs can add up. If you’re staying for a long while,
consider getting a JR Rail Pass. These can be had for
one, two, or three week intervals. This is perfect if you
plan on traveling between cities in Japan as well.

10. ATTRACTIONS
• There’s very little to do in Japan for free. Museums and
landmarks often cost a small admission, and going shopping
can really rack up a bill. Plan out what you want to do ahead of
time and research admission costs online. This way you can
budget it into your schedule without having a heart attack at the
gate.
• Visiting Japan is a life altering experience. If you travel there,
you are sure to have a wonderful time, indulge in a fantastic
culture, and meet all sorts of neat people, both foreign and
Japanese. In order to maximize your enjoyment, it’s important to
plan ahead and budget accordingly. The more money you save,
the bigger the adventure you can have!