Japanese shrine pathway lined with wooden fox statues and red gates among lush greenery and bamboo forest.

How Much Does a Trip to Japan Really Cost?


There’s one thing that was constant when I spoke to non-travelers about my plans to go to Japan, and that was the perception of it being expensive. Everyone seemed to assume it was going to be an extravagant trip. While Japan isn’t exactly the cheapest destination, it was far more affordable than the people around me expected. I also wanted to share my personal experience in Japan, though I felt that writing guides on individual cities wouldn’t add anything new. Without local connections or insider knowledge, I didn’t have meaningful advice to offer beyond what’s already widely available.


What I could provide of value, however, is a detailed breakdown of the costs, my unique experience, and the perception of prices from the perspective of a traveler from the UK. This could also apply to other European travelers. In this blog, I’ll go through the different costs involved, how much money you might need to budget, and what a trip to Japan can realistically cost.



Retro Japanese police car parked on a street in Tokyo's Akihabara district with neon signs and modern buildings.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Is Japan Really Expensive?
  2. Flights: The Biggest Expense
  3. Accommodation: How Much I Paid for Hotels
  4. Food and General Spending in Japan
  5. Is Japan Worth It?
  6. Why I Love Japan
  7. Summary: Planning Your Japan Budget
Cherry blossoms bloom near a traditional Japanese pagoda as visitors in colorful kimonos admire the spring scenery.

Introduction: Is Japan Really Expensive?

Atmospheric lantern-lit alleyways in Tokyo's traditional Shinjuku Golden Gai district at night.

Breaking Down the Real Expenses of My 10-Day Japan Trip (From a UK Traveller’s Perspective).



Japan isn’t exactly a budget destination, but from my experience as someone from the UK, it’s nowhere near as pricey as people make it out to be. In fact, I’d say Japan sits comfortably between Western Europe and Southeast Asia in terms of cost. For example, eating out in Tokyo can actually be cheaper than in London, A lot cheaper. You can get a delicious ramen or donburi for under £6. Hotels, while compact, are often better value for money than in cities like Paris or Amsterdam. Public transport is efficient, clean, and fairly priced, especially compared to what we pay in the UK for sometimes questionable trains. Of course, flights are the big expense, but once you’re there, day-to-day costs are surprisingly reasonable.


Flights: The Biggest Expense

Dimly lit Japanese street at night with illuminated storefront signs and closed shop shutters in an urban alleyway.

The first and largest expense on my 10-day trip was the flights. My partner and I were traveling during cherry blossom season, a peak time, and we wanted direct flights to maximize our time in Japan. The cost? £1,700 each in economy, the most I’ve ever paid for economy tickets. While expensive, the dates and the convenience were worth the premium for us. That said, there are cheaper alternatives. Flying via China, with a stopover in Beijing or Shenzhen, could cost around £600–£700. This is a fantastic option if you don’t mind a longer journey and want to explore China briefly without needing a full visa.

During my trip, I flew direct on Japan Airlines to Tokyo and returned with British Airways on the same ticket. Japan Airlines was fantastic,even in economy, it felt comfortable and efficient. BA, on the other hand, left a lot to be desired, highlighting the stark difference between airlines.


I also want to take a moment to express a frustration with European airlines. If you ever have the choice between flying with a European carrier or an Asian or Gulf airline, I would strongly recommend choosing the latter. Speaking of which, British Airways really deserves a mention for how disappointing they can be. Having flown with them several times this year, I can honestly say they need to get their act together.




Flight prices and examples


The prices I mentioned earlier were for April 2025, which, unsurprisingly, is a peak and expensive time to visit. If you’re flexible with your dates, for example traveling in March, you can find much better deals. Flying from London Heathrow to Tokyo with a Chinese airline on a non-direct route can cost around £400 to £500. For direct flights, even with a top-quality carrier like Japan Airlines, you’re looking at roughly £1,000, which is significantly cheaper than peak-season prices.


Tokyo Airport Options


Narita International Airport (NRT)

  • Located about 60 km (37 miles) east of central Tokyo.
  • Handles the majority of international flights, especially long-haul.
  • Offers good train connections to central Tokyo via the Narita Express (N’EX) or Keisei Skyliner.
  • Slightly longer travel time to the city compared to Haneda.


Haneda Airport (HND)

  • Located only about 15 km (9 miles) south of central Tokyo.
  • Handles both domestic and an increasing number of international flights.
  • Much closer to central Tokyo, making it faster and cheaper to reach hotels.
  • Often preferred for convenience and shorter transit times.


Recommendation: If convenience and quick access to central Tokyo are priorities, fly into Haneda. If you find significantly cheaper flights or your airline only flies to Narita, it’s still a good choice, just allow extra time for travel into the city.









Tokyo Skytree towers over the cityscape with modern buildings and a river crossing through the urban landscape.

A great way to maximise your time and see more of Japan without doubling back is flying out of a different airport. A possible itinerary could look like this:


  • Fly into Tokyo (Haneda or Narita): Spend a few days exploring Tokyo’s districts like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Asakusa, plus day trips to places like Nikko or Kamakura.
  • Travel to Kyoto/Osaka by Shinkansen: Take the bullet train to Kyoto for temples, traditional streets, and cultural experiences, then continue to Osaka for food, nightlife, and shopping.
  • Fly out from Osaka (Kansai International Airport, KIX): This avoids returning to Tokyo and saves travel time, plus you can get different flight options for cheaper fares.

Accommodation: How Much I Paid for Hotels

Orange lanterns line a pathway beneath blooming cherry blossom trees in a traditional Japanese garden setting.

How Much I Paid for Hotels



The next largest expense is accommodation. While Tokyo has very limited space, the cost of hotels isn’t as high as many expect when compared to Europe. Rooms are small, but for the prices, the value is good.


Below are the hotels I stayed at, along with my impressions:



Apa Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho Tower

Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho: £407 compact but very function

This was the first hotel of the trip, where we stayed for three nights. Overall, I’d say the location was excellent , just a short five to ten-minute walk into the heart of Shinjuku. As expected, the room was absolutely tiny, which was my first taste of Tokyo’s famously compact hotels. Breakfast was included and surprisingly good, with a nice selection and a relaxed, comfortable vibe. Overall, I really liked this hotel. While I can’t compare it to others in Shinjuku, I think it's a good choice.

Check out the hotel

Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato

Lakeland Hotel Mizunosato: £305 scenic, traditional

The second hotel of the trip was something special. Unfortunately, we only stayed for one night, but I wanted to experience something more traditional, and this was definitely the place for it. The highlight was soaking in the private hot bath while admiring the breathtaking view of Mount Fuji right from the room.

It was one of the more expensive hotels of the trip, but absolutely worth every penny for the experience.

Check out the hotel

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto: £292 central location and comfortable

The third hotel of the trip was in Kyoto, and what an unexpected gem it turned out to be. I had forgotten the details of this booking, so when I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised by how fancy it was. The room was spacious and comfortable, offering a touch of luxury after busy days exploring Kyoto. The absolute highlight, though, was breakfast. It’s served in a rotating restaurant at the top of the hotel, offering panoramic views of the city as you dine.

check out the hotel

APA Hotel Asakusa Tawaramachi Ekimae

App Hotel Asakusa: £234 convenient and clean

The final hotel of the trip was unfortunately the least memorable. The main highlight was really the location in Asakusa, which is a great area to explore. The room itself was extremely small, there was no breakfast included, and overall it was nothing special. That said, it was very affordable and economical, making it a solid choice if you’re on a budget or just need a place to sleep for a night.

Check out the hotel

Budgeting for Japan’s 2026 Tourist Taxes


If you're planning a trip to Japan in 2026, it’s worth factoring in a few new taxes aimed at tackling overtourism. Kyoto will introduce Japan’s highest-ever hotel tax, which could add anywhere from a few hundred yen to as much as ¥10,000 (around £50) per person, per night for luxury stays. Hokkaido is following suit with its own lodging tax, and there’s talk of small increases to Japan’s departure tax and visa fees too. While these won’t make Japan suddenly unaffordable, they can quietly add up, especially if you’re staying multiple nights in big cities. Compared to places like Paris or New York, Japan will still feel reasonable overall, but it’s smart to include an extra 5–10% in your accommodation budget to cover these new charges.

Food and General Spending in Japan

Panoramic view of Tokyo cityscape at sunset with Mount Fuji silhouetted against an orange sky in the background.

General spending in Japan



Overall, general spending in Japan is relatively cost-effective, especially with the current exchange rate. Food is affordable, and one of the best ways to eat cheaply while trying something unique is at 7-Eleven. Japan has some of the best convenience store food in the world, offering a wide variety of options for cheap lunches. Eating out is also fairly reasonable, and for souvenirs, arcades, gacha machines, and claw machines provide a fun and inexpensive alternative to standard souvenir shops.

Is Japan Worth It?

Vibrant neon signs and billboards illuminate a busy street corner in Tokyo's nightlife district with yellow taxis waiting.

Is Japan worth the cost


So, is Japan worth the cost and effort? Absolutely. Even though the flights are long and it can be expensive, the experience is unmatched. Some critics describe Japan as bland outside of anime, neon lights, and pop culture. It’s true that some areas feel very orderly and even sterile, but that is only part of the story. The contrast between traditional temples, shrines, and the vivid energy of the cities makes Japan an incredibly unique destination.

Why I Love Japan

Red illuminated Japanese pagoda temple photographed at night from different angles showing traditional architecture.

How do I know I love Japan so much? I’m going back, this time with friends who have never been, and I’m almost as excited to share my experience with them as I am to go myself. Japan is a place you need to see to believe. I even find myself missing Tokyo, despite only spending a short time there. From a photographer’s perspective, Tokyo is endless. You could spend weeks or months exploring and photographing every corner. There’s a sense of loss knowing you only had a brief window, which makes you appreciate the city even more.


This feeling is similar to how I feel about Bangkok. Despite mixed opinions about it, I love the city and all it has to offer. For me, Tokyo has become one of my favorite cities in the world, and I can’t wait to return.


Summary: Planning Your Japan Budget

Traditional wooden buildings line a narrow cobblestone street in the historic Higashiyama district of Kyoto at dusk.

How Much Should You Budget for 10 Days in Japan?


So, let’s talk money. Because Japan can be pricey, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a rough idea of what you might expect to spend on a 10-day trip from the UK, based on my own experience and current 2025/2026 prices.


Flights:

This is usually the biggest chunk. My return flights were around £1,700 (thanks, cherry blossom season…), but if you’re flexible and don’t mind a stopover, you can find deals for as low as £400–£700 return.


Accommodation:

Hotels in Japan are generally spotless and efficient, but small. For mid-range business hotels in Tokyo, Kyoto, and somewhere like the Fuji area, you’re looking at roughly £200–£400 per night depending on location and comfort.

Daily Spending (food, transport, sightseeing):


Japan’s surprisingly easy to budget once you’re there. Around ¥20,000–¥30,000 per day (roughly £110–£165) covers good meals, local trains, and attractions — especially if you mix restaurants with convenience store bites (which are genuinely great).


Getting Around:

If you’re doing the classic Tokyo → Kyoto → Fuji route, factor in bullet train tickets. A Japan Rail Pass used to make this easier, but nowadays individual tickets might work out better depending on your plans. Expect around £300–£500 for intercity travel.

So, all in, for 10 days you’re probably looking at:


Mid-range trip: £4,000 per person


Budget trip: £2,000 if you keep things simple and fly off-peak


Japan isn’t a “cheap” destination like Thailand or Vietnam, but it’s not as wallet-destroying as some imagine either. With a bit of planning — and an appetite for convenience store sushi — you can absolutely have an amazing time without overspending.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re still not convinced that Japan should be on your travel list for 2026, here are a few more of my favourite holiday snaps from Tokyo and Kyoto to help change your mind.

Tranquil lake view with trees and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.
Traditional Japanese street with wooden buildings and a pagoda tower in Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district at dusk.
Historic Kyoto street with traditional wooden buildings and pagoda illuminated at dusk with orange-robed figure walking.
Long corridor of vibrant orange torii gates with Japanese characters at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
Traditional Japanese street with historic wooden buildings and stone paths at dusk.
Vermillion torii gate tunnel with Japanese text and lanterns creating a striking perspective.
A collection of wooden torii gates and red lanterns line a path through a forested shrine in Japan.
Row of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto leading up stone steps through forest.
Cherry blossom trees in full bloom along wooden fence with traditional Japanese architecture visible.
A golden pavilion temple reflects in a tranquil lake surrounded by Japanese gardens and mountains.
A traditional Japanese rock garden with raked gravel patterns and stone arrangements beneath cherry blossoms.
A panoramic view of a Japanese garden with cherry blossom trees and green foliage against a blue sky.
Cherry blossoms bloom near traditional Japanese pagoda temple with visitors in colorful kimonos enjoying spring scenery.
Illuminated Japanese street at night with neon signs and silhouettes of people walking along a narrow alley in Tokyo.
Vibrant nighttime cityscape in Japan with illuminated neon signs, buildings and yellow taxis on a busy street.
Narrow urban street in Japan with tall buildings, signs, and power lines creating a dense cityscape atmosphere.
Cherry blossom trees line an urban street with parked cars and pedestrians on a spring day.
A person in a blue suit and brown skirt walks through a grove of blooming cherry blossom trees in springtime.
Series of photos showing a cyclist riding on a red-paved street with modern office buildings and skyscrapers in the background.
Black stone monument or memorial structure with trees and sky in the background.
Traditional Japanese garden with blooming cherry blossoms and gravel paths beneath the trees.
Cherry blossom petals fall gently around a traditional Japanese shrine as a miko priestess in red and white robes walks past.
Cherry blossoms frame a traditional Japanese temple courtyard with visitors enjoying the spring scenery.
Cherry blossom branches spread over a traditional Japanese building with green trim and dark roofing.
Panoramic aerial view of Tokyo cityscape at sunset with Mount Fuji silhouetted in the background.
Traditional Japanese lanterns illuminate a narrow alleyway at night with warm glowing lights and hanging decorations.
Pedestrians with umbrellas walk through a rainy night street in Tokyo with bright neon signs and advertisements.
Neon signs illuminate a storefront in Shinjuku with Japanese text and glowing red lettering at night.
Vibrant nighttime cityscape of Tokyo with illuminated buildings and neon signs stretching across the horizon.
Traditional Japanese pagoda illuminated in vibrant red lights against the dark night sky at Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.
Aerial view of dense urban Tokyo architecture with residential buildings and blue swimming pools scattered throughout.
Aerial panoramic view of Tokyo cityscape at dusk with dense skyscrapers and winding river through urban landscape.
Dimly lit Japanese street at night with illuminated storefront signs and closed shutters creating a moody atmosphere.
Tokyo Skytree and modern buildings illuminate the night skyline along the Sumida River in Japan.
Panoramic view of Tokyo cityscape at sunset with Mount Fuji silhouetted against an orange sky.
Aerial view of crowded Nakamise shopping street leading to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo with pagoda and city skyline.
Panoramic aerial view of a dense cityscape with mountains in the background during golden sunset hour.
Traditional Japanese pagoda tower rises above ornate paper umbrellas and lush garden landscaping on a sunny day.
A row of small shops and businesses with Japanese signage along a narrow urban street during daytime.
Row of illuminated Japanese vending machines at night selling drinks and snacks along a street.
Aerial panoramic view of a busy city street with dense traffic and buildings stretching into the distance.
Tokyo cityscape with Tokyo Skytree and modern buildings against blue sky, viewed from elevated position.
Traditional Japanese temple buildings with dark wooden structures and sloped roofs stretch across a panoramic view.
A dark urban street scene at night with red neon lights illuminating storefronts and empty sidewalks.
Bustling nighttime street scene in Tokyo's Shibuya district with bright neon signs and illuminated billboards lighting up the crossing.
Vibrant neon signs illuminate a busy nighttime street scene in an Asian entertainment district with colorful storefronts.
Vibrant neon signs illuminate a busy nighttime street in Tokyo's entertainment district with tall buildings and bright advertisements.
Colorful neon signs and advertisements illuminate a street in Tokyo's entertainment district at night.
Vibrant neon signs illuminate a bustling Japanese street at night with colorful advertisements and kanji characters.
Vibrant neon signs illuminate a busy nighttime street in South Korea's entertainment district.
Narrow alleyway in Japan lined with traditional lanterns and glowing signs creating a moody nighttime atmosphere.
Bright neon signs and red LED lights illuminate a bustling nightlife district in Japan's Kabukicho entertainment area.
Time-lapse panorama of bustling Shinjuku district at night with bright neon signs and blurred pedestrians crossing street.
Neon signs illuminate a rainy night street scene in Japan's entertainment district with pedestrians walking under umbrellas.
Colorful neon signs and modern buildings line a street in Tokyo's bustling Akihabara district with police cars parked nearby.
Cherry blossom trees in full bloom line a pathway with stone pillars in a Japanese garden setting.
Colorful anime-style murals and advertisements painted on buildings in Akihabara, Tokyo's famous electronics district.