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Costs vary substantially by season, city and booking lead time. Tokyo and Kyoto during cherry-blossom season, Golden Week and other high-demand periods can readily exceed a general estimate. Use the categories below to build a budget, then confirm current prices with accommodation providers, operators and official attraction sites.
Allocating a daily budget
| Category | Limited budget | Mid-range budget | Comfortable budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Dormitory or capsule | Business hotel or simple room | Higher-category hotel or ryokan |
| Food | Convenience stores and inexpensive restaurants | A range of casual restaurants | Special meals and booked restaurants |
| Urban transport | A few grouped journeys | Metro and trains throughout the day | More taxis and transfers |
| Sightseeing | Parks and free sites | Museums, gardens and temples | Shows, guided visits or workshops |
Intercity travel, flights, shopping and ryokan stays should be calculated separately. Do not spread the cost of a rail pass across the trip until you have checked that it saves money against individual tickets.
Cash and cards
Cards are accepted much more widely in Japan than they once were, particularly at hotels, major retailers and chains. Some small restaurants, temples, ticket desks, clinics and rural businesses still take only cash or local payment methods.
Carry:
- enough yen for the first few hours and small purchases;
- a primary and backup card, stored separately;
- access to your bank's app and verification method.
There is no universal amount of cash to carry. It depends on whether accommodation and major transport have been prepaid and how much time you will spend outside large cities.
ATMs
ATMs operated by 7 Bank, Japan Post Bank and some convenience-store chains commonly accept many foreign cards. Compatibility depends on the network, issuer and individual machine; seeing your card logo does not guarantee approval.
Before confirming a withdrawal, review:
- the fee displayed by the ATM;
- your bank's fee and withdrawal limit;
- whether the ATM offers to convert the amount into your home currency.
If dynamic currency conversion is offered, compare the options. Paying or withdrawing in yen and letting the card issuer convert is often more transparent, but check your card's terms.
Currency exchange
Compare the final amount, not just a “no commission” claim. Airports, banks and exchange offices may offer different terms depending on the day and currency. Exchanging a small amount on arrival can be reasonable even if it is not the cheapest option, particularly when you need cash immediately.
Multi-currency cards are not automatically fee-free. Weekend mark-ups, monthly limits and ATM operator fees may apply. Check the provider's current tariff.
IC cards and mobile payments
Suica, PASMO and ICOCA can pay for transport and small purchases where the relevant symbol appears. They are not bank accounts and are not accepted everywhere. Mobile versions and top-ups depend on the device and linked payment card.
Contactless international cards are widespread but not universal. Domestic services from your home country are not substitutes for a locally accepted payment method.
Costs that often upset a budget
- Accommodation at weekends, festivals and in peak season.
- Shinkansen and other reserved trains.
- Taxis after public transport closes.
- Withdrawal and currency-conversion fees.
- Accommodation taxes or local levies where applicable.
- Per-person booking charges and cancellation policies.
Checklist
- ☐ Accommodation and transport prices confirmed for the actual dates
- ☐ Card fees and limits reviewed
- ☐ Two payment methods stored separately
- ☐ Yen available for the first day
- ☐ Separate allowance for intercity travel and reservations