Is Japan Expensive For Tourists? Why Is It Still Seeing A Boost In The Travel Booking? 

Sep 24, 2021

Last Updated on: Apr 24, 2026

Asia

I have been to Japan many times, and the cultural richness and the sensory delights the country offers make the experience worth it! 

However, these days, I see a lot of people asking, “Is Japan expensive to visit?” 

Another question in this regard is why Japan is witnessing a major boost in travel booking. 

Now, first, let me answer that Japan is not as expensive as people are projecting it. Be it the day trips from Tokyo or exploring the cherry blossom season in Kyoto, if you plan an itinerary and the modes of transport well, you can complete the trip within a decent budget. 

Furthermore, thanks to smart tools such as the Japan Rail Pass, you can now make transport more convenient and flexible. 

Also, whether Japan is expensive or not will depend on the country you are traveling from and how the currency of your country fares against the Japanese Yen. 

On the other hand, Japan is enjoying a massive surge in popularity among Gen Z tourists due to many reasons. However, sushi, manga, and anime are the three major factors driving this rise. 

While Japan can be managed on a moderate budget, and I have shared the three main reasons behind the rising popularity of Japan, let’s delve deeper into how much a trip to Japan costs and the other factors causing a rise in Japanese tourism. 

Why Is Japan Expensive To Visit? Is It The Growing Craze? 

Why Is Japan Expensive To Visit Is It The Growing Craze

Do you know that American Express Travel data shows a 1300% hike in the number of Americans visiting Japan since 2019? 

Furthermore, Netflix has confirmed that Anime viewership has gone 3 times up in 2025. 

Now, these pieces of information show how young Americans, especially the Gen Z travelers, are passionate about Japan. 

The country is now a cultural superpower with its “Soft Power” that it has used to build the global landscape of entertainment, aesthetics, and ideas. 

Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard University, has highlighted the strength of Japan’s soft power. 

Overall, Japan is not just a new country to visit for these young travelers. It is an escape to the land of rich culture, great food, and soaking in the spirit of slow tourism. 

However, the rising craze among young travelers is not the reason behind Japan being labelled as an expensive destination. 

In fact, it is amazing to see tourism in Japan growing despite the high travel expenses being 

high. 

Key Reasons For Japan Being An Expensive Destination To Visit 

Key Reasons For Japan Being An Expensive Destination To Visit

Japan is expensive as a destination primarily for three reasons. First of all, the Shinkansen bullet trains, extensively used for transportation, are very expensive. 

Also, while I found Osaka food from the street stalls quite affordable, trying Sushi, Ramen, or other Japanese staples in a fine dining restaurant can be very expensive. 

Furthermore, Japan almost entirely depends on imported energy. 

Despite an improvement of 22.4% in the net energy import during the period of 2020 to 2024, the net energy import of Japan in 2024 was 87.4% of the total energy supply, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA)

Thus, the fuel cost is always high in Japan, impacting the transportation expenses, the cost of essential commodities, and every other sector in a direct or indirect manner.

Is Japan Expensive To Visit? A Breakdown Of Tourist Costs 

Is Japan Expensive To Visit A Breakdown Of Tourist Costs

So, Japan is expensive to visit. However, what can be the overall expense tentatively? 

What will be the expenses on food, transportation, and accommodation? Here is a detailed breakdown. 

1. Tourist Accommodation Cost In Japan

Japan is very sincere about the hospitality it offers. So, even if you are staying at a budget hotel or hostel, you will find good hygiene and the basic amenities. 

Furthermore, along with hostels, Japan has unique accommodation provisions such as the capsule hotels. 

These are basically sleeping pods, and the cost is similar to staying in hostels. 

On the other hand, you will find a minshuku, which is like a Japanese version of homestays. You will get bed and breakfast facilities at these accommodations run by local families. 

Nevertheless, have a look at the table below to understand the different types of accommodation for tourists in Japan and their average costs. 

Types of Tourist Accommodation in JapanTentative Cost 
Hostels and Capsule Hotels2000-4500 JPY
Budget Hotels5000-10000 JPY
Bread and Breakfast 5000-8500 JPY
Standard Hotels10000 JPY Onward

Moreover, if you’re looking to move to Japan after your trip there, check out reliable websites to know the best places for foreigners where you can call home.

2. The Cost Of General Public Transport In Japan 

The Japanese Bullet Train or Shinkansen is the most preferred mode of transport in the country. 

The Cost Of Traveling In A Bullet Train And The JR Pass

However, the travel cost is very high if you are traveling by these bullet trains. 

On average, and based on the departing station or the destination, the cost will be around 16000-20000 JPY per ride (the ticket price can go much higher). 

For example, if you take a bullet train from Tokyo to Shin Amori, the price for a reserved seat will be 21340 JPY. 

On the other hand, for the Green Seat and the GranClass Seats, the ticket prices will be 27410 JPY and 34410 JPY, respectively. 

On the other hand, a Tokyo to Kyoto bullet train ticket starts from 16550 JPY. 

Now, this is where a Japan Rail Pass becomes handy. As a tourist, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass for 7 days, and the cost starts from 50,000 JPY for an adult. For a child, it is 25000 JPY. 

You can even buy passes for 14 days or 21 days. With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides during the validity period. 

Moreover, if you want to focus on Tokyo and its nearby areas, the Regional Pass will be a more budget-friendly option.  

Also, cabs are pretty expensive in Japan. For a ride of 1 to 2 kilometers, you will have to pay around 500 to 700 JPY. 

After that, a fee of 80-100 JPY will be added for traveling every 250 to 300 meters. 

3. The Cost Of Hiring A Tour Guide In Japan 

The cost of hiring a tour guide in Japan is between 25000 and 60000 JPY per month. However, the cost of the travel guide will depend on the services you opt for. 

You can choose a guide for a full day, and the cost can be up to 80000 JPY, and for a half day guide, it will be around 25000-47000 JPY. 

Furthermore, if you are traveling in small groups or vans, the cost of hiring a guide will be around 24000 JPY. 

So, hiring a personal travel guide is expensive in Japan. However, you can save the cost of hiring a guide by seeking help from the local tourist centers or the national tourist departments. 

4. Food And Drink Cost In Japan

Food is one of the most important factors for Gen Z travelers visiting Japan. A survey said that around 50% of the visitors planned a trip just because they wanted to visit a restaurant or try some specific food. 

Also, food and drinks are available in various cost ranges.

So if you are planning to take the authentic taste of sushi, you will get plenty of options available there. 

From the expensive designer boutiques to Kaiten-zushi style shops everywhere, the multiple authentic sushi dishes are valuable. 

You can select the place according to your requirements. 

In the boutique’s style restaurant, you have to spend nearly 51000 JPY for sushi, but if you prefer the sushi in a low-cost range, you have to spend only 1593 JPY for sushi. 

If you want to explore Japan on a budget. You can quickly shift your choices to Japanese cuisine and cut your travel budget by cutting the foreign food items.

How To Plan Budget-Friendly Travel In Japan?

How To Plan Budget-Friendly Travel In Japan

Do you want to travel in Japan on a budget? Here are the tips you can follow. 

1. Make A Tour Plan In The Off Season 

Off-season tour plans are always budget-friendly. The Autumn season is an off-season to travel in Japan, and this time the tourist rush is not very high.

2. Take The Railroad 

Take the railroad to explore the city and buy the railway card to see the tourist places in the country.

3. Focus On Local Cuisine 

Focus on the local, authentic, fresh Japanese dishes. If you’re looking for cheap food in Japan, you can buy it in small restaurants, street food stalls, and even vending machine cafes. 

However, if you stay in the country for an extended period, you can save money on your travel by preparing and cooking most of your meals from scratch.

4. Find An Accomodation Far From The Main Crowded Cities 

Try to find accommodation that is a little bit far from the main crowded cities. Make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time to save a lot of money.

Hostels and the local guest houses are also charming, clean places to stay. However, when planning a Japan tour, it is better to keep away from the expensive luxury boutique-type accommodations.

5. Look For Free Attractions 

Look for free attractions and events to save money. 

Whether you want to spend a fun day in a national park or visit a museum, there are incredible activities that allow you to enjoy Japan without paying anything.

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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BY  Sibashree Mar 31, 2026

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What Are The Things To Do In Galle Fort, Sri Lanka? Exploring A UNESCO Heritage Site

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

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Dambulla Royal Cave Temple: History, Entrance Fee, And More About This UNESCO Heritage Site 

BY  Sibashree Apr 10, 2026

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Number of Sanctuaries 5Buddhist Mural PaintingsAcross an Area of 2,100 m2Number of Statues157HistorySince the 3rd Century BCEThe Current Interior FormsBuilt in the 18th CenturyType of SculpturesPolychromeOwnership The Asgiriya Chapter of Buddhist monksMonument Protection “Protected Monument under the legal protection of the Department of Archaeology of the Government of Sri Lanka, which administers the Antiquities Ordinance of 1940 (rev. 1998) at the national level.”Entry Fee2000 LKRHours Open7 AM to 7 PM (The Ticket Counter Closes at 5 PM)Steps 300Average Climbing Time20 Minutes  Where Is The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple? (Along With Some Nearby Attractions) The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is in Dambulla Town. Now, Dambulla itself is the gateway to many places to visit in Sri Lanka.  For example, the Hurulu Eco Park is just a distance of 45 minutes from Dambulla. 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You will not feel the fatigue anyway, as you will love the views and spotting the groups of macaques jumping through branches.  Also, once you reach the top, you will need to take off your shoes and further walk to the cave.  Here are some of the highlights of my visit to the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple.  1. Before Entering The Caves  I entered the cave temple complex, and a massive courtyard opened before my eyes. On one side of the courtyard, there was the shrine and the Bodhi Tree.  Furthermore, on the other side, there is the rock and the cave temples.  The Engraving Of Kirti Nissankamalla I found the engraving of the Kirti Nissankamalla before entering the first cave. Dated to the 12th century, it narrates the contributions of King Nissankamalla to Buddhism.  The engraving, however, is in ancient Sinhalese. So, you can ask a local guide or a local person to help you understand the details.  Or, you can read the translation of the engraving next to it.  2. The Caves  I have already introduced the caves to you. However, everywhere you look, you will find Buddhist murals, depicting the important figures and myths of Buddhism.  Furthermore, there are golden statues of Lord Buddha along the walls, and the lifelike paintings of Buddha-like figures evoke awe.  Moreover, with repeating patterns, the ceilings look kaleidoscopic.  However, the first time I experienced magnificence in these caves was when I saw the reclining Buddha statue.  The Reclining Buddha Statue (1st Cave) The reclining Buddha statue inside the first cave of the complex reminded me of the Lord Vishnu idol of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala, India.  In fact, in some traditions of the Hindu religion, Buddha is the ninth of the ten Avatars or incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Here, the connection felt real.  The serene expression of Lord Buddha with his head resting on a pillow made me feel peaceful. 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Thus, these statues stare directly into your eyes.  These statues looked more vibrant, and with an earthy tone, they complemented the overall aesthetics of the cave temples.  Also, don’t miss the little lily pond just outside cave 2.  The Stupa Inside The Cave (The Second Cave) The second cave has an entire Stupa built inside it.  Furthermore, the stupa is adorned with an orange robe. Various statues of Lord Buddha in a seated position surround the stupa, and these are accompanied by nagas.  These nagas or snakes play the role of a protector or guardian when Lord Buddha is meditating. Moreover, they symbolize the subjugation of worldly desires and spiritual awakening.  The 3rd cave also has many statues, and the fourth one is smaller with a stupa inside. After exploring the 3rd, 4th, and 5th caves, I finally approached the end of the cave.  You know what stayed with me, that the temples are still alive and they have made people from a different millennium, with humans of today in the same row with the thread of devotion, peace, and love.  Once again, with non-violence and peace having so much power, the current geopolitical situations only look like futility.  3. The Viewpoint  As I got out of the caves, I found a quaint viewpoint behind the entry counter. I saw many young tourists flocking there, and the views from there were simply amazing.  I stopped and took some snaps.  4. The Golden Buddha Statue  I consciously chose a different route while getting down from the caves. I found many aesthetic lampposts along the way.  However, I did not follow the lamp posts and took the left to walk down, and the road was quite steep.  However, the reward I got at the end of the road was absolutely worth it.  There was a magnificent golden Buddha statue on the elaborately designed building of the museum complex.  I could not explore the museum due to a time crunch, and I did not want to dilute what I saw and how I felt at the cave temples. What Is The Best Time To Visit The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple? In a day, early mornings, from 7 AM to 9 AM, or late afternoons, after 4 PM, are the best hours for visiting the Dambulla Royal Cave.  Furthermore, December to February are the best months for visiting these cave temples due to dry and pleasant weather conditions.