Our 3-Week Trip to Japan in June 2023: Cost Breakdown
Posted by Grace on September 12, 2023
Planning a three-week adventure to Japan can be exhilarating, but also a bit overwhelming. To help you get started on your own journey, we're sharing our detailed cost breakdown of a recent three-week trip to Japan in June 2023. Alongside the expenses, we'll take you through our exciting itinerary, offering valuable insights for your travel plans.
Contents
Itinerary Highlights
Here's a glimpse of our adventure through Japan:
Day 1 - Arriving in Tokyo
- Land in Tokyo and get acquainted with the city.
Tokyo-base (8-days)
-
Day 2: Explore Ryogoku, Akihabara, and Ameyoko.
-
Day 3: Discover Harajuku, the Olympic Museum, Roppongi, and Tokyo City View.
-
Day 4: Downtown adventures, including the Imperial Garden and National Diet building.
-
Day 5: Explore the southern part of Tokyo, including teamLab Planets, Rainbow Bridge, and Shibuya.
-
Day 6: Visit Asakusa and the National Museum.
-
Day 7: Lunch with family, followed by an evening in Shinjuku.
-
Day 8: Depart for Odawara.
Odawara (2-days)
-
Day 9: Journey to Hakone, soak in Tenzan Onsen, and explore Odawara.
-
Day 10: Explore Gora, Owakudani, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
Osaka-base (8-days)
-
Day 11: Travel to Osaka from Odawara.
-
Day 12: Discover Osaka, including the Cup Noodles museum.
-
Day 13: Take a Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
-
Day 14: Explore Osaka's Shinsaibashi-Suji, Dotonbori, Nanba, and Kuromon Ichiba Market.
-
Day 15: Visit Kyoto's Gion, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera.
-
Day 16: Explore Kyoto's Nishiki Market, Samurai Museum, and enjoy a Sake Ceremony.
-
Day 17: Visit Fushimi-Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and the Monkey Park.
-
Day 18: Take a Shinkansen to Himeji.
-
Day 19: Visit Nara.
-
Day 20: Prepare for the journey back to Tokyo.
Japan Trip Cost Breakdown
Note: This breakdown is based on a family of four. It also does not include flights to Japan, as the cost can vary depending on your departure location. When budgeting for your trip, remember to factor in the cost of the flight.
-
Food: $1500
- We budgeted about $500 per week for a family of four.
-
Travel Essentials: $295
- Travel Insurance: $238
- Pocket Wi-Fi: $57
-
Transportation: $1,807
- Uber / Train: $61
- Flight: $590
- Checked Bags: $39
- Hakone Freepass: $67
- Shinkansen (Bullet Train): $1,050
-
Accommodation Costs: $1,388
- Tokyo Airbnb: $541
- Odawara Airbnb: $285
- Osaka Airbnb: $562
-
Activities and Entertainment: $272
Total Cost: $5,262
Expense distribution of our trip to Japan
FAQ
Based on our experiences, here are the answers to some common questions.
How much does Japan trip cost?
The cost of a trip to Japan can vary widely depending on factors like the duration of your stay, your travel style, and your choice of accommodations.
On average, budget travelers might spend around $100 to $200 per day in Japan, while mid-range travelers may spend between $200 to $400 per day. High-end travelers can expect to spend more.
How many days are enough for Japan?
The ideal number of days for a trip to Japan depends on your interests and what you want to experience. A 10- to 14-day trip is a common choice for a well-rounded visit, but shorter or longer trips are also possible.
We stayed in Japan for 3 weeks, mainly in the Tokyo and Osaka areas, but there are plenty of places we haven't had the chance to visit. We hope to go back in the future.
What is the best month to go to Japan?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are generally considered the best months to visit Japan due to pleasant weather and beautiful cherry blossoms or fall foliage. However, the best time depends on your preferences.
We went there in June. The weather was beautiful, and the temperature was beyond compare, especially when compared to the extreme heat in many other places around the world. We highly recommend Tokyo if you want to spend your summer there.
How much is food in Japan in US dollars?
Dining in Japan can vary from inexpensive street food (around $5 to $10) to mid-range restaurant meals (approximately $20 to $40 per person). High-end dining can be more expensive.
As a family of four, we budgeted around $60 per day for our regular expenses. However, if we wanted to indulge in something special, like a dinner featuring Puffer fish, it would cost us $100 for the meal itself
Do you need a visa to go to Japan?
The visa requirement for Japan depends on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your visit. Many countries have visa exemption agreements with Japan for short tourist stays, but check the Japanese embassy or consulate for specific requirements.
Can you visit Japan without knowing Japanese?
Yes, you can visit Japan without knowing Japanese. Many signs and information are available in English, and locals in tourist areas often have basic English language skills. Learning a few Japanese phrases can be helpful, though.
One phrase that you will use everywhere, all the time, is 'Thank you very much!' or 'arigatou gozaimasu (どうもありがとうございます).' I even learned and improved my pronunciation of this phrase while we stayed in Japan. It sounded so beautiful when Japanese people said it.
Are things in Japan expensive?
Some things in Japan can be expensive, such as accommodations in major cities and high-end dining. However, there are also plenty of affordable options, from street food to budget accommodations.
For example, we've found that food in big cities such as Tokyo or Osaka is much cheaper than in small cities like Hakone. More competition leads to lower prices. As for lodging, if you really want to experience Osaka, you can try staying in the iconic capsule hotels, which cost about $30 a night.
Can I pay in USD in Tokyo?
While some places in Tokyo may accept US dollars, it's generally advisable to use Japanese yen for most transactions. Currency exchange is widely available.
Final Words
Japan offers a diverse range of experiences, and budgeting for a three-week trip requires careful planning.
By sharing our detailed cost breakdown and itinerary highlights, we hope to provide you with valuable insights to make your own journey to Japan in June 2023 unforgettable.
Remember that costs may vary based on your preferences and travel dates, so adapt our breakdown to suit your specific needs. Happy travels!
