Now that the pandemic situation is calming down and international travel is gradually picking up, you may find more tourists from overseas exploring the streets of Japan. Perhaps you’re considering a trip to Japan yourself now that things are settling down.
If you’re interested in visiting Japan but have questions like:
- How much does a few weeks’ trip to Japan cost?
- When is the best time to visit Japan?
- What are some recommended travel spots in Japan?
Then this is a must-read for you. Given the considerable distance between Europe and Japan, it might seem like a daunting trip for many. But if you’re going to travel, you want to make the most of it, right?
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of a trip to Japan, covering expenses like airfare, accommodation, and activities. You’ll get a clear picture of how much a trip to Japan might set you back.
Having a budget in mind makes planning your trip easier and lets you approach your travels with peace of mind. So if you’re considering a trip from Europe to Japan, be sure to check out this article for guidance.
Why Japan Travel is Highly Recommended Right Now
If you’re considering a trip to Japan, now is the perfect time to go! The main reason why we recommend it is that you can get a currency advantage.
Since 2024, the exchange rate has been hovering around 160 yen per euro, showing a trend of yen depreciation over the years. Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, where it was around 120 yen per euro, traveling to Japan now can make you feel like you’re getting more value for your money.
Japan offers a wealth of experiences tailored to overseas visitors, making it an ideal destination to explore. So why not seize the opportunity and plan your trip to Japan today?
Costs of traveling to Japan
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization’s “Survey on Consumption Trends of Foreign Visitors to Japan,” the most costly items are typically accommodation, followed by dining expenses, transportation costs, leisure and entertainment services, and shopping expenses.
Airfare
Airfare prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year. Peak seasons like Japan’s Golden Week or summer holidays tend to be high season, so if you want to save costs, it’s recommended to avoid these times. Particularly, the months of January and February, when there are fewer travelers can be a good time to aim for.
The price for round-trip flights from Europe to Japan starts from around 150,000 yen(€1000). Many flights involve one transfer, with a total flight time of approximately 17 hours.
Opting for a direct flight can get you to Narita Airport from various airports in Europe in around 13 to 15 hours, but the price may be more than double that of connecting flights.
Since there’s only a few hours’ difference between connecting flights and direct flights, choosing a connecting flight can be a way to save on travel costs.
Accommodation
Accommodation costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as the inclusion of breakfast and dinner, as well as the room grade. If you opt for a simple plan with just a bed and TV, you can stay in a hotel for around 5,000 to 10,000 yen(€35-70) per night.
On the other hand, if you choose a hotel or ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) that includes two meals a day and facilities like open-air baths, the cost can be 15,000 yen(€90) or more per night. In some cases, there are even places that cost several hundred thousand yen per night, so it can be a tough decision.
While you can enjoy local meals at restaurants if meals are not included, having delicious meals while relaxing at your accommodation can also be a memorable part of your trip. Considering the strengths of each option, it’s a good idea to choose accommodation based on your travel goals.
Food
Breakfast: You have several options like convenience stores, bakeries, fast-food outlets, and diners, where breakfast usually costs no more than 1,500 yen(€10).
Lunch: Even in tourist areas, budgeting around 2,000 yen(€13) for lunch should generally suffice. Many eateries offer set meals or lunch specials for less than 1,000 yen(€6), providing a satisfying meal.
Dinner: Dinner costs can vary depending on whether you choose to drink alcohol. For simpler options like set meals or ramen, you can enjoy a tasty meal for around 1,000 yen(€6). Even for slightly pricier options like yakiniku or sushi, you should be satisfied with around 5,000 yen(€35) per meal.
If you’re staying in Japan for an extended period, consider accommodations with kitchen facilities. By purchasing groceries from supermarkets and cooking your meals, you can keep dining expenses to around 500 yen(€3) per meal.
Activities
During your trip to Japan, you’ll have the opportunity to experience various activities, making it essential to budget for activity expenses to create unforgettable memories.
Here are some popular activities you can enjoy:
Theme Parks (Disney Resorts or Universal Studios Japan)
Traditional Craft Workshops
Rickshaw Rides
These are just a few examples, but they’re among the most popular activities for travelers in Japan.
Theme parks typically cost around 10,000 yen(€65) per day, depending on the season and day of the week.
Traditional craft workshops offer hands-on experiences where you can learn from artisans and create items like pottery or blown glass. After completion, you can take your creations home, creating lasting memories. Budget around 5,000 yen(€35) for these experiences.
In areas like Kyoto or Asakusa, known for their traditional charm, you can also enjoy sightseeing by riding a rickshaw. Prices are typically set based on time, and you can expect to pay around 3,000 yen(€20) for this experience.