What budget to travel Japan? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings Japan?

There are a number of good spots for running in the country's major cities or for other sporting activities. Some very rural prefectures are ideal for running.

Stores where everything is ¥100, like Daiso or Can Do. There are plenty of them, and some are well-stocked with souvenirs and small Japanese objects. You can also find 100% Japanese products. Tokyo and Osaka, for example, are full of second-hand stores selling crockery, clothes and electronics, as well as the whole "OFF" chain: BookOFF, HardOFF and so on. Last but not least, flea markets are a great place to find unique items.

If you're planning an evening of drinking on a tight budget, it's a good idea to go to the izakaya, or Japanese bars, where you'll find great deals on unlimited drinks(nomihodai).

What budget to eat Japan?

Expect to pay between ¥900 and ¥1,500 for a bowl of noodles or a small platter of sushi. There are water vending machines everywhere, but it's much cheaper to have a reusable bottle that you fill up in parks, shopping malls or train stations. Water is drinkable everywhere (unless otherwise stated). Tax is 8% on takeaway orders and 10% on the premises.

Expect to pay at least ¥600 for a beer. Although more and more establishments accept credit cards, it's best to carry cash when going to small bars. Many bars offer happy hours between 5pm and 7pm.

What is the budget for accommodation Japan?

Accommodation in Japan starts at ¥3,000 or ¥4,000 in dormitories or single tatami rooms. All hotels accept credit cards, but this is not necessarily the case in ryokan or small inns, even if they are becoming more widespread. Don't forget to go directly to hotel websites for discount coupons and special offers.

Travel budget Japan and cost of living

The cost of living in Tokyo or Osaka is about the same as in European capitals. It's expensive, but not excessive. Of course, some Japanese prefectures enjoy a lower cost of living. To help you plan, here are some basic prices and budget ideas.

- a meal in a restaurant: count ¥1200 for a set of sushi and around ¥900 for a set of another typical Japanese dish(ramen, tempura or tonkatsu).
- a night in a dormitory in a youth hostel: ¥4000 in Tokyo and around ¥3500 in Osaka.
- a night in a double room in a ryokan: from ¥14,000 (the price of some well-known ryokan can soar).
- a night in a double room in a star hotel: from ¥15,000.
- a pack of cigarettes: around ¥500.
- a bottle of water: ¥110.
- a local beer in a bar: ¥800.
- a subway ride in the city: ¥160-360.
- entry to a temple: ¥300-500.
Please note that prices quoted in stores are not negotiable, except in special cases. Prices can be discussed at flea markets, for example. In duty-free electronics stores, particularly in Tokyo and Osaka, it is not uncommon to receive a 10% discount. From now on, you'll have to pay for plastic bags at the checkout. They cost between ¥3 and ¥5, depending on size; paper bags are more expensive.

Tipping. The Japanese don't tip. It's simply not part of local custom. To express gratitude, it's best to offer your host a gift. If this gift turns out to be cash, it's important to remember to put it in an envelope.

Duty free: since your final destination is outside the European Union, you can take advantage of duty free, tax-free shopping. Note also that if you have a stopover within the European Union, you can make purchases at airports on the outbound journey, but not on the return. Duty-free shops in Japanese airports are praised by Japanese and visitors alike for their high-quality products, including vintage sake and plum spirits. If you have a stopover, you won't be able to carry more than 100 ml of liquid. Duty-free stores can also be found in town, at Don Quijote for example.

Budget ideas. The budgets we suggest are calculated per person per day in the most touristy prefectures. They do not take into account the possible free or reduced rates sometimes offered (as part of a long stay, for example), or even the use of the JR Pass.

Small budget : from ¥7,000 to ¥8,500 based on a bed in a dormitory (¥4,000/person), lunch on the run (sandwiches and other small meals taken in mini-markets open 24/24 from ¥500-600/person), mostly on foot (including two subway tickets to get to and from your place of visit, an average of ¥230/journey), refreshments during the day, access to sightseeing sites, the purchase of a few souvenirs (¥1,500) and a more complete meal in the evening (¥1,200/person). This budget can still be modulated if you're staying in the center of town or close to a convenient JR or metro station, or if you're content with frugal meals. You can travel successfully in Japan on a daily budget of €50/day!

Average budget: ¥8,500 to ¥20,000, based on a room in a ryokan or a single room with all the comforts of a youth hostel (¥8,000), quick lunches in small restaurants (¥950), frequent subway travel (day pass), refreshments during the day and evening, access to sightseeing sites, the purchase of many souvenirs (¥2,500) and a good meal in the evening (¥2,000). In this price range, being two people is more advantageous in terms of accommodation, as you'll easily find a double room for ¥8,000-12,000. And if there are more than two of you, rooms for 3 or 4 people are commonplace, as are apartment rentals.

Big budget : from ¥30,000 onwards, based on a nice room with all modern comforts in a Michelin-starred hotel or refined ryokan (¥18,000), delicate but frugal meals at lunchtime (¥2,500), travel by JR or metro during the day to minimize walking (day pass) and by cab in the evening, access to sightseeing, the purchase of as many souvenirs and high-tech objects as possible, a typical Japanese meal with drinks in the evening (¥5,000) and a night out in one of the city's many bars.