What is the average cost of a trip to Japan? Let’s find out!

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What is the average cost of a trip to Japan? The short version is 204,047 yen (about US$ 1,318) per person for a seven-day trip, averaged across all countries. But these figures change a lot depending on which country you come from.

An idea of trip costs is important, particularly for first-time visitors, as it helps you start budget planning.

The data in this article comes from a study by the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism published in early 2024 on the travel costs of foreigners. I used the report to break down and analyse average trip costs and then turned the numbers into infographics.

Use the information in this article as a starting point for planning your own trip costs for Japan.

What’s in this Article?

You’ll find a series of infographics translating average travel costs into clear visuals. International airfares are not part of this article. The infographics include:

  • Quick reference tables to find a particular country’s average daily travel costs.
  • Country Comparisons, including key findings.
  • Detailed travel cost infographics for twelve countries: USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Vietnam.

The infographics use both yen (to compare travel costs) and the national currencies of the twelve countries. The currency exchange rates are as of April 2024.

Quick Reference Tables – Average Daily Travel Costs

The first quick-reference infographic shows the total travel costs per trip for the twelve countries (shown in the relevant national currency). The costs are per person. The first column shows the average trip length for each country.

Table summarizing the total trip costs in 2023 for tourists from twelve countries visiting Japan, expressed in their national currencies. The United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom have higher overall trip costs, while countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam show significant shopping expenses. Each country's average length of stay is also listed, such as 11 days for the USA and 13.7 days for the UK. The information is sourced from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism under 'Consumption Trends of Foreigners Visiting Japan 2023'.
Total Trip Costs – Twelve Countries – Shown in National Currencies

The next quick reference infographic shows the average daily travel costs (per person) for the same twelve countries (also shown in the relevant national currency.

Table of daily travel costs for twelve countries visiting Japan in 2023, with values in each country's national currency. It breaks down expenses into accommodation, food and drink, transport, entertainment, shopping, and total daily cost. For instance, USA tourists spend an average of US$191 per day, while Australian tourists spend AU$258 per day. Indonesian and Vietnamese tourists have notably high entertainment and shopping costs, respectively. This data is compiled by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism under 'Consumption Trends of Foreigners Visiting Japan 2023'.
Cost Per Day – Twelve Countries – National Currencies

Later in the article, each country has more detailed infographics and analyses.

Country Comparisons – Key Findings

Below is an infographic showing the key findings after comparing the travel costs of twelve countries. Then, I’ve made a table infographic to show you the numbers behind these key findings (in yen).

Infographic summarising the key findings from the 2023 Japan Travel Costs report. It states that costs are compared in yen for uniformity with country-specific costs shown in local currencies. The United Kingdom had the highest total trip cost due to long stays, while Western countries had the lowest daily costs. Hong Kong tourists spent the most per day, especially on food, while the USA spent the most on accommodation. Australians spent the most on entertainment, and Vietnam had the highest daily shopping expenses. Data is sourced from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism under 'Consumption Trends of Foreigners Visiting Japan 2023'.
Japan Travel Cost Comparisons 2023 – Key Findings
Table comparing the daily travel costs in yen for twelve countries visiting Japan in 2023. The USA has the highest accommodation cost, India the lowest shopping cost, and Hong Kong the highest overall daily spend. The table highlights the highest number in each category with a purple background and the lowest with a green background. The data, provided by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, offers a concise overview of spending trends for tourists in Japan.
Cost Per Day – Twelve Countries – Yen

Average Cost of a Trip to Japan – By Country

Read on to find the average trip costs for all countries and then the more detailed average travel costs for twelve countries (including USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia and more).

    Understanding Travel Cost Averages

    The travel cost averages in this article are meant to help you plan the financial side of your trip.

    I’ve been sharing the infographics in our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group. Some people have been giving feedback that the suggested travel costs are too high, others that they are too low, and still more that they’re about right. This is pretty much what I expect from average numbers.

    Averages are meant to provide a general idea, not exact figures for everyone. They are based on lots of data, from high to low spenders. Travel expenses vary a lot based on individual travel styles and choices. Some people opt for luxury, others go for budget options, and lots of people fall somewhere in between

    Your trip can be as lavish or budget-friendly as you wish.

    Where the Data Comes From

    The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism released a study in early 2024 into the travel costs of foreigners visiting Japan for the 2023 calendar year.

    It looked at the expenditure patterns of 20 different nationalities, including the average duration of holidays and the total amount spent on average, and then broke expenditure down into categories.

    Japan Travel Costs – All Countries

    First, I will look at the average travel costs for all nations, which I’ll express in yen. The average trip for all nations is 204,047 yen based on an average trip length of 6.9 nights. The cost is further broken down into the following categories:

    • Accommodation – 69,746 yen
    • Food and drink – 46,084 yen
    • Transport expenses – 23,852 yen
    • Entertainment – 9,097 yen
    • Shopping – 55,192 yen

    The infographic below further analyses the trip cost to Japan, including per-day costs for the expenditure categories. It also provides a pie chart showing the percentage breakdown of travel costs by category.

    Infographic displaying Japan Travel Costs 2023 for tourists from all countries. The top half shows a pie chart breaking down travel costs by percentage, with the largest segment being accommodation at 34%, and a table detailing costs by category in yen. Below is a vibrant photo of Shibuya Crossing at twilight with neon signs, capturing the urban atmosphere.
    Japan Travel Costs – For All Countries

    Looking at the travel cost data for all countries, the accommodation cost is the highest expenditure category. This is true for almost all countries when you look at them individually.

    When you combine all countries, shopping is the second highest travel expense. This is largely due to the high proportion of money spent on shopping by people from Asian countries, particularly those who are only a short flight from Japan.

    People from nearby Asian countries spend much shorter holidays in Japan than those from Western countries. They also tend to spend much more on shopping in terms of the total amount spent and as a percentage of travel costs.

    Japan Travel Costs for Americans

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for someone from the USA is 324,610 yen. The average trip length is 11 days.

    The amount spent and trip length are significantly higher than the numbers for all countries. Most tourists to Japan come from other Asian countries that are closer to Japan.

    The shorter flight times and lower flight costs make it easy for people from these countries to make shorter, more frequent trips. For example, a flight from Seoul, Korea, to Tokyo takes about 2 1/2 hours. In contrast, it takes about 12 hours to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo.

    Tourists from Taiwan, China, South Korea and Hong Kong account for 52% of the total money foreign tourists spend. Other nearby Asian countries add another 12% to this. Added together, nearby Asian countries account for about two-thirds of the total money spent. Their shorter trip lengths and lower trip costs skew down the travel cost and trip length figures for all countries (when combined).

    People from the USA face longer flights and higher travel costs, meaning less frequent but longer trips make sense.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Americans (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 139,797 yen (or 12,708 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 72,290 yen (or 6,571 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 45,989 yen (or 4,180 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 14,966 yen (or 1,360 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 51,277 yen (or 4,661 yen per day)
    • Other – 291 yen

    The infographic converts the above trip costs into US dollars and shows total trip costs for each expense category and per-day costs. I’ve also included a pie chart showing each travel cost category as a percentage of the total trip cost. I didn’t include the ‘other’ expense category as the amount is so small.

    Infographic showing 2023 travel costs for USA visitors to Japan. A pie chart details the percentage breakdown of travel costs, with accommodation being the largest expense at 43%. Accompanying this is a table showing the total and daily costs for categories like food, transport, and shopping, with a total cost of $2,103 per person. A serene photo of Mount Fuji at dusk with its reflection in a lake is also featured. Additional information states the average length of stay as 11 days, and sources data from Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
    Japan Travel Costs – USA

    Japan Travel Costs for Australians

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Australians is 359,500 yen. The average trip length is 14 days.

    As for the USA, the amount spent and trip length for Australians is significantly higher than for all countries combined. Australians take much longer to get to Japan than visitors from nearby countries. For example, the flight time from Sydney to Tokyo is about ten hours, while Taipei (in Taiwan) to Tokyo is just over three hours. This means that Aussies take less frequent trips to Japan and stay longer.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Americans (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 146,535 yen (or 10,467 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 80,691 yen (or 5,764 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 53,860 yen (or 3,847 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 22,852 yen (or 1,632 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 55,525 yen (or 3,966 yen per day)
    • Other – 37 yen

    The infographic converts the above trip costs into Australian dollars and shows total trip costs for each expense category and per-day costs.

    Infographic on Japan Travel Costs in 2023 for Australian visitors. It includes a pie chart with a 41% share for accommodation, indicating it as the major expense, and a detailed table of costs per category, with an overall average spend of AUD 3,617 per person. The image is complemented by a close-up photo of pink cherry blossoms and the Australian flag, and notes an average stay of 14 days. The source is the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.
    Japan Travel Costs – Australia

    Japan Travel Costs for British Visitors

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for the British is 372,025 yen. The average trip length is 13.70 days.

    People from the United Kingdom take much longer to get to Japan than visitors from nearby countries. Flights from London to Tokyo take about 14 hours. This means that just like Americans and Australians, the British take less frequent trips to Japan and stay longer.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for the British (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 165,611 yen (or 12,088 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 77,657 yen (or 5,668 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 54,689 yen (or 3,992 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 18,655 yen (or 1,362 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 56,153 yen (or 4,098 yen per day)
    • Other – 251 yen (or 18 yen per day)

    The infographic below converts the above trip costs into British pounds and shows total trip costs for each expense category and per-day costs. As with the USA and Australia, food and drink is the second biggest expenditure category after accommodation.

    An infographic of 2023 travel expenses for United Kingdom tourists in Japan, featuring a pie chart with accommodation (44%) as the largest cost and a cost breakdown table, where the total spend averages £1,941 per person. The visual is enhanced by an iconic photo of the floating torii gate at Miyajima, floating on water against a mountainous backdrop. The graphic cites the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) and denotes an average stay of 13.70 days.
    Japan Travel Costs – United Kingdom

    Japan Travel Costs for Canadians

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (excluding flights) for Canadians is 299,467 yen. The average trip length is 12.30 days.

    Flights from Vancouver to Tokyo take about 10 hours, so Canadians stay in Japan longer because they can’t afford to fly there as often.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for the Canadians (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 126,042 (or 10,247 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 70,056 yen (or 5,696 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 44,137 yen (or 3,588 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 13,282 yen (or 1,063 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 45,950 yen (or 3,735 yen per day)
    Infographic on Japan Travel Costs for 2023 highlighting expenses for Canadian visitors. The graphic features a pie chart where accommodation takes up 42%, signifying the largest expense, and a comprehensive table lists specific costs in Canadian dollars, summing up to an average of CAD 2,673 per person. The scene is set with a vivid photo of a traditional vermillion torii gate pathway, emphasizing the cultural journey. The source is the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, with a reference to an average stay of 12.30 days.
    Japan Travel Costs – Canada

    Japan Travel Costs for Singaporeans

    Singaporeans’ average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) is 299,373 yen. The average trip length is 9.10 days.

    Flights from Singapore to Tokyo take about 7 hours. Singapore is closer to Japan than Western countries but is still far further away from Japan than other Asian countries like South Korea and Taiwan.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Singaporeans (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 107,324 yen (or 11,794 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 62,686 yen (or 6,889 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 35,756 yen (or 3,929 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 13,496 yen (or 1,483 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 80,112 yen (or 8,803 yen per day)

    Singaporeans have quite different spending patterns compared to people from the USA, Australia, the UK and Canada. Shopping is the second highest spending category, well clear of food and drink.

    As a group, they spend about double the amount per day on shopping, while the spending per day on other categories is quite similar. Reasons for the higher amount spent on shopping might include a cultural affinity to Japanese products, exclusive product lines, and favourable exchange rates (with the yen weakening against the Singapore dollar).

    This infographic outlines the 2023 travel costs in Japan for visitors from Singapore, with a pie chart showing that accommodation is 36% of expenses, the highest category. A detailed table breaks down the costs, including food, transport, and shopping, totaling SGD 2,639 per person. The lower section of the image features a tranquil photo of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Accompanying details note an average stay of 9.10 days, and the source is the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.
    Japan Travel Costs – Singapore

    Japan Travel Costs for Filipinos

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Filipinos is 196,038 yen. The average trip length is 7.40 days.

    Flights from Manila to Tokyo take about four and a half hours, so Filipinos can take more frequent but shorter trips to Japan, compared to someone from a country such as the USA.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Filipinos (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 64,948 yen (or 8,777 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 39,493 yen (or 5,337 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 24,244 yen (or 3,276 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 10,893 yen (or 1,472 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 56,452 yen (or 7,628 yen per day)
    • Other – 8 yen

    As with people from Singapore, shopping is the second highest spending category, well clear of food and drink. Filipino people spend almost as much on shopping as they do on accommodation.

    Infographic presenting the 2023 travel costs for Filipino tourists in Japan, featuring a pie chart with accommodation as the biggest expense at 33%. A table lists costs per category, such as food, transport, and shopping, with the total average cost being PHP 72,607 per person. The image includes a photo of Sensoji temple with vibrant red and gold colors at dusk. It notes the average length of stay as 7.40 days, and the data is sourced from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.
    Japan Travel Costs – Philippines

    Japan Travel Costs for Malaysians

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Malaysians is 230,372 yen. The average trip length is 7.60 days.

    Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo take about seven hours, so Malaysians can take more frequent but shorter trips to Japan than people from countries like Australia.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Malaysians (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 76,646 yen (or 10,085 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 50,171 yen (or 6,601 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 28,000 yen (or 3,684 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 9,530 yen (or 1,254 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 66,382 yen (or 8,734 yen per day)
    • Other -3 yen

    The percentage breakdown for each travel cost category for Malaysians is very similar to the pie chart for people from the Philippines.

    Infographic on 2023 travel expenses in Japan for Malaysian visitors. A pie chart shows accommodation as the main expense at 33%, and a detailed cost breakdown table reveals a total spend of MYR 7,145 per person. The image is adorned with a serene photo of the golden Kinkaku-ji temple reflecting on a calm pond, symbolizing the allure of Japanese landmarks. Key notes include an average trip duration of 7.60 days, with data provided by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.
    Japan Travel Costs – Malaysia

    Japan Travel Costs for Indonesians

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Indonesians is 213,441 yen. The average trip length is 7.90 days.

    Flights from Jakarta to Tokyo take about seven and a half hours.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Indonesians (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 76,132 yen (or 9,637 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 40,544 yen (or 5,132 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 30,245 yen (or 3,838 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 8,978 yen (or 1,136 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 57,542 yen (or 7,284 yen per day)

    The spending patterns for Indonesians across travel cost categories were much like the spending patterns for Singaporeans, Filipinos and Malaysians.

    Infographic detailing 2023 Japan travel costs for Indonesian tourists, showing a pie chart where accommodation is 36% of total expenses. Accompanying is a table displaying individual costs in Indonesian Rupiah, with the average spend being IDR 22,386,033 per person. The image features Dotonbori in Osaka, lit by vibrant neon signs, underlining the urban experience. Notes include an average stay of 7.90 days and the data source as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan.
    Japan Travel Costs – Indonesia

    Japan Travel Costs for Hong Kongers

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Hong Kongers is 223,875 yen, and the average trip length is 6.50 days.

    Flights from Hong Kong to Tokyo take about four and a half hours.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Hong Kongers (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 69,434 (or 10,682 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 53,085 yen (or 8,167 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 22,390 yen (or 3,445 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 9,090 yen (or 1,398 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 69,735 yen (or 10,728 yen per day)
    • Other – 139 yen

    The per day cost of shopping is slightly higher than the per day cost of accommodation.

    A comprehensive infographic on Japan travel costs for Hong Kong tourists in 2023. A pie chart indicates that accommodation and shopping are the largest expenses, both at 31%. A table details the costs in Hong Kong Dollars, with the total average being HKD 11,343 per person. The graphic is complemented by a picturesque photo of Gion in Kyoto at dusk with traditional lanterns aglow. The average trip length is noted as 6.5 days, with data sourced from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism of Japan.
    Japan Travel Costs – Hong Kong

    Japan Travel Costs for Thais

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Thais is 192,702 yen, and the average trip length is 6.50 days.

    Flights from Bangkok to Tokyo take a little over six hours.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Thais (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 59,844 yen (or 9,207 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 43,161 yen (or 6,640 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 27,183 yen (or 4,182 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 7,727 yen (or 1,189 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 54,748 yen (or 8,423 yen per day)
    Infographic on 2023 travel costs for Thai tourists visiting Japan, featuring a pie chart where accommodation is 31% of expenses and a table listing costs such as THB 10,288 for food and drink and THB 13,050 for shopping. The total average expense is THB 45,933 per person. The graphic also includes a panoramic view of Tokyo with the iconic Tokyo Tower highlighted in orange. The average stay is listed as 6.5 days, with data from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (Japan).
    Japan Travel Costs – Thailand

    Japan Travel Costs for Indians

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Indians is 308,616 yen. The average trip length is 9.90 days.

    Flights from Mumbai to Tokyo take about eight and a half hours.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Indians (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 104,947 yen (or 10,601 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 50,735 yen (or 5,125 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 44,219 yen (or 4,467 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 10,977 yen (or 1,109 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 97,738 yen (or 9,873 yen per day)
    Infographic detailing the travel expenses for Indian tourists in Japan in 2023, with a pie chart indicating accommodation as 34% of costs and a table outlining specific expenses, leading to an average total of INR 167,010 per person. Featured also is a scenic photo of Kifune Shrine in Kyoto, with a pathway lined with traditional vermillion torii gates in a lush green forest. It notes the average length of stay as 9.9 days, citing the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Japan) as the source.
    Japan Travel Costs – India

    Japan Travel Costs for Vietnamese

    The average per-person trip cost to Japan (not including flights) for Vietnamese is 205,114 yen. The average trip length is 6 days.

    Flights from Hanoi to Tokyo take about five hours.

    Here’s the breakdown of the average travel costs for Vietnamese (in yen):

    • Accommodation – 59,256 yen (or 9,876 yen per day)
    • Food and Drink – 40,458 yen (or 6,743 yen per day)
    • Transportation – 25,272 yen (or 4,212 yen per day)
    • Entertainment – 6,152 yen (or 1,025 yen per day)
    • Shopping – 73,976 yen (or 12,329 yen per day)
    This infographic reveals the 2023 travel costs for Vietnamese tourists in Japan, showcasing a pie chart with accommodation as the highest expense at 36%. A table details cost categories in Vietnamese Dong, with an average total expense of VND 33,845,402 per person. There's also an enchanting photo of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, a historic Japanese temple surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage at night. The average duration of stay is noted as 6.0 days, with the source being the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (Japan).
    Japan Travel Costs – Vietnam
    Promotional Pinterest graphic for JapanTravelPlanning.com with the headline 'What is the Average Cost of a Trip to Japan? Let's Find Out!' set against the backdrop of a picturesque Japanese street at dusk, featuring traditional houses and glowing lanterns. Stamps with 'Tokyo' and a money icon add a 'travel cost' themed touch to the design.
    Average Cost of a Trip to Japan – Pinterest Image

    Join the Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group or Discord Server

    You are also welcome to join our Japan Travel Planning Facebook Group and our Japan Travel Planning Discord Server – they are great resources to enable you to ask questions about your upcoming trip to Japan!

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    Thanks to Tony's high school German language teacher he has a long-standing passion for travel and international food. He runs the Pretraveller and Japan Travel Planning blogs with his wife Anne to help people plan their travels. Tony has visited destinations including Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe and has also extensively explored his home country of Australia. As a result he writes from personal experience to help others plan their trips.

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