How Much Money You Need To Travel To Japan

So strap in and let's take a look at how it works so you can kick your budget into gear and start thinking about all the other fun parts of your trip to Japan!

The holiday budget planner a uses super complex algorithm combining Numbeo data and our exchange rates, allowing us to translate your budget into any currency with the click of a button.

The algorithms are super hard so we can make the holiday budget planner super easy, check it out.

Step 1

is where you're going to plug in:

1. Where you're jetsetting off to
2. Your travel style
3. How long you're travelling for and
4. Choose your currency NZD/JPY

Easy, right?

Step 2

and the holiday budget calculator is going to want to know your sushi habits. Not exactly, but this is where you get to plug in the nitty gritty of your spending habits – addicted to coffee? Put that in there, you'll be surprised how quickly a coffee a day can add up, even if it is a coffee in a can promoted by Tommy Lee Jones. Fast food meals, restaurant meals and alcoholic beverages – the holiday budget planner knows the cost of all.

Step 3

is for all the shoppers and souvenir buyers of the family's birthday and Christmas presents. Get an idea of your spending sprees before you crack out the credit card and add the cost to your calculations first.

Step 4

and it's time to look at the cost of ground transport. With airfares out of the way, taxis, Ubers and public transport can all add up pretty quickly in Japan and keep in mind you should have already purchased your JR Rail Pass pre-departure.

Step 5

is the easiest step; the robots have already done the hard work and this is where you get everything added up for you, no questions asked. Don't like the results? This is a holiday budget, not an exam – take it again until you've got a solid picture of the basics of your trip. Keep in mind that these are the most basic expenses. Don't forget to add in travel insurance, other daily expenses like food and drinks, sightseeing, activities and leave some extra room in the kitty for any shopping sprees and emergencies too!

Japan holiday budget examples

After a little bit of study, a rough budget for the big ticket items for your Japan trip could look like one of these bad boys:

The lovey dovey couple's retreat

Transport	From $930 pp	Return Auckland to Tokyo on a direct flight
Accommodation	From $1300 for 8 nights	3 star hotel
Food	$1600 for both	Maybe add a bit extra depending how much you like all you can eat sushi
Activities	$550 per person	Budgeting for karaoke nights out & a day trip to Mt Fuji
Total	$5860 for both

The family cherry blossom getaway

Budgeting an exact amount for family trips is notoriously difficult and your exact budget will likely look very different to the below.

Transport	From $3550 for 2 adults, 2 kids	Return flights Auckland to Tokyo
Accommodation	$2100 for 8 nights	3.5 star city centre hotel
Food	Approx $2050	You'll not be without yummy options in Japan
Activities	$1300 for the whole family	7 days worth of unlimited travel on the JR train pass
Total	$9000 for all

The solo traveller

Transport	$920pp	Return from Auckland on a low cost carrier
Accommodation	$2350pp	7 day Topdeck tour exploring the 3 top locations in Japan
Food	$320pp	Not all meals are included on the tour so you'll need a bit extra for your ramen & Asahi
Activities	$160pp	You'll definitely want to try out the Mario Kart tour through Tokyo city
Total	$3750pp

Some final tips for the road

Budgeting doesn't have to be a dirty word. It might not be the most fun part of your holiday, but it is one of the most important parts.

Research your 'per day' budget and include the things you really want to do. Once you know the costs, you have a goal to save for and some flexibility to work with
Most things are cheaper to book in advance (especially if you're going near peak times) but some things can be cheaper to purchase in Japan
Don't forget to factor in your pre-travel costs (e.g. travel insurance, immunisations and visas).
Budget for cheap eats some days so you can treat yourself on others.
Don't forget other cheeky costs like airport transfers, tours and tipping

Flight costs based on search from www.flightcentre.co.nz and are indicative costs only, based on prices available on 04 August 2019. ^Accommodation costs are based on an average per night price for budget, moderate or luxury hotels, as indicated in the table. ~Food based on the average cost of 1 coffee, 1 fast food meal and 1restaurant meal per person, per day.
COST COMPARISON TABLE: All costs are based on estimated approximate costs from major metropolitan cities. "From" costs indicate costs that start from the indicated price and may be higher than shown. Average prices indicate a typical estimated cost you would pay for the indicated item. Prices may vary from time to time, and in different cities and towns within Japan.

This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate, or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog.