When you’re in awe you are likely to get distracted by the cost of things. Cost:  Adult roundtrip JPY 3,600. There’s no real reason why you couldn’t finish up and fly out of Osaka The reason I returned to Tokyo was because it worked out cheaper as a return flight home (even including the bullet train trip back there). I hope you have a blast in Japan! £468.57 per person: return flights Amsterdam – Tokyo Hanada If you’re looking to save money on flights, you need to be prepared to do a little bit of research. Just wondering if there is a way I can get a good glimpse of Mt Fuji without going to Hakone ? If you’ve read my article explaining the reasons to visit Japan, you may have been inspired to make it happen! If you need more information for accommodation in Hiroshima, be sure to check: Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Dan! Thank you. Of course we visited Himeji Castle but also Mount Shosha and Engyōji temple. If not I hope you have an absolutely amazing time for your 30th birthday (I personally went for my birthday too, best birthday EVER!!) Hopefully it will inspire you for your own trip and get your itinerary planning off to a good start! Moreover, if I’m planning to spend 10 days in Tokyo and 4 in Kansai (i.e. The hotel was 45 USD per night and the flight was 700 USD per person. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Thank you for this itenerary. Unfortunately that’s all we can get. Fuji Five Lakes have an abundance of spots to take in the great view as well: Lake Kawaguchiko, Oshino Hakkai and its 8 sacred ponds, Lake Motosuko is where you can see the view depicted on a 1000 yen note, the city of Fujiyoshida, Gotemba Premium Outlets, FujiQ Highland amusement park. Your itinerary has helped me a lot for when I can eventually go to Japan for my 1st tour. However, you can still visit the Tsukiji Outer Market in Toyoso on your own, but part of the allure of this attraction was the ability to watch the tuna auction. TIP: For more locations nearby Osaka that aren’t Universal Studios, check my detailed guide to inspiring day trips from Osaka that covers popular destinations and alternatives to popular spots. You don’t really feel like you’re walking the streets of Japan. In terms of getting around there are signs in English and the Metro is colour coded – very simple to navigate without knowing  Japanese. Also would be less hassle for lugging luggage around from stop to stop. For you book lovers, I created my itinerary with these Japan travel books. During my recent visit, I took this Kyoto night tour and was able to find hidden bars in the Pontocho area. So how much spending money for Japan 2 weeks do you need? I don’t mind to stay in hostel. The characters really come to life and tell a story through music, magic tricks, various choreography routines and colourful lighting. A bit about our trip first. Thank you for this awesome blog. Go take a look ⬇️. Approximately £210 for a week of use, Almost £340 for two weeks of travel, About £430 for three weeks of transportation. Cost: Adult Nozomi ticket JPY 11,410 ea or free with the Japan Rail Pass. Although highly unlikely in Japan, it’s wise to factor in train delays in case something unforeseen (like an earthquake) were to happen. Bundling transportation costs will save you money in the long run. I am a bit of a bargain hunter and like to make a sport out of finding bargains too. Here’s some fast facts: The Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen are the fastest trains but are not covered by the pass. Average Cost of a Japan Vacation I may receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Read about my ramen, If you enjoy learning about culture while meeting other travellers, tours with Kyoto locals could be for you! I have wanted to travel to Japan since I was 15 (that was 11 years ago). Here’s a quick summary of resources you may find useful for your trip to Japan. If you’re flexible on dates then set some price alerts for a few airlines or Skyscanner and when the price gets to your threshold, book! You can aways spend more or less than this! I hope you have an amazing time if you decide to make the trip! Calculate a rough estimate of your trip costs. BONUS: Check out “Gear”, an incredible non-verbal performance exclusive to Kyoto. So glad you found everything you needed right here, Joe! What are your thoughts on this 2 weeks in Japan itinerary or do you have any questions about it? If you’re all feeling up to it once you’re there, you may want to do some more localised day trips but it’s good to allow some flexibility by spending a little longer in the main cities as bases rather than planning too many things and feeling exhausted when the time comes. Travel Hack with travel rewards credit cards. Personally, I prefer to pay as I go and not sacrifice exploration time trying to save a small amount of money. I say go for it, winter in Japan is on my bucket list! I am a budget-conscious traveler with a few intentional splurges here and there, so if you’re like me then this is exactly what you can expect to spend. A popular option is also the Narita Airport Limousine Bus. are all amazingly helpful. Of course you can choose higher-end restaurants as well if you prefer. There’s a lot of upfront prepping in order to afford such vacations, but in the end, it’s always worth it. Glad you like the itinerary Definitely book in advance because the cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times in Japan! Things depend on where you'd stay, what you'd eat, and where you'd visit, but I think the amount should be quite enough for many people for a trip to Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, in Japan for 2 weeks (as a solo traveler). Thanks so much, Reenie! all the best, steve. One of the biggest money savers when it comes to travel is cheap airfare. The city was heavily influenced by Buddhism and many structures reflect this. This total is travelling with a mid range budget. Thanks for your question Benedicte, that’s a good one! Moving on to Hakone, the easiest way to see all the sights is to do the Hakone Round Course with the Hakone Free Pass. Now if you’re like me and need to know your total per day cost including everything but long-haul flight, then you should plan to spend an average of $102 per day in Japan per person. While you’re in the neighbourhood, the tranquil grounds of, Station (busiest station in the world) and its bustling streets then escape to, Electric Town for anime and electronics. 2 weeks in Japan. Thanks for reading and for your questions! So I came up with the itinerary below: 1 hour. That’s why trying I’m to get some information and just found everything in your blog. 1 hour 40 minutes from Kyoto Station on Nozomi shinkansen TIP: If you happen to book a stay at the Royal RIHGA Hotel, request a corner room if possible as you’ll be treated to a 180° view over the city, which is quite breathtaking: Restaurants along the Hon-dori. We will probably stay just one night in Tokyo to start with as we will finish with a week in Tokyo to catch up with family coming from Europe. If possible, book a red-eye (overnight) flight. s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date()); Nanzen-ji features a massive working aqueduct that dates back to the mid-19th century. and also for the detailed itinerary. Thank you so much for sharing such an amazing experience you had, I have always wondered about visiting Japan because of its rich history. For more information and prices, click here to book your Narita Airport Limousine tickets. Her dreams? How much spending money do you need per day in Japan? Your suggestions, maps, links and cost estimates, etc. hello ! We want to cover two cities, Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka. This is just what we need as we have our first ever visit to Japan in late July this year. Check out: 2 nights in Kanazawa The Silver Pavilion is said to be the little brother of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and in my opinion had the more exquisite gardens! So happy to hear my itinerary has been helpful for you I try to be as thorough as possible so you can get the most out of your trip! We are traveling for two weeks in July, arriving into KIX with plans of a week in Kyoto and week in Tokyo with day trips you’ve mentioned above. The last day in Tokyo isn’t necessary from a sight-seeing perspective but personally I always like to ensure there is a buffer so I won’t miss my flight home. You’ll just need to wear layers so you can adjust accordingly from indoors to outdoors. Kanazawa and Takayama are a bit out of the way for a two-week itinerary as the journey from Kyoto to Takayama alone is over 3 hours, and Takayama to Osaka is over 4 hours, taking up much of a day and not leaving much time to explore once you’re there. Cut out unnecessary expenses. Fushimi Inari literally sits on the side of a mountain. It makes me so glad to hear that, Joe! Have a local guide show you the best photo spots and take photos of you on this fun, Thinking of taking an authentic Japanese cooking class? Plus, we’re sharing some of our best money-saving tips so yo Nara 奈良 was Japan’s first permanent capital in 710 AD so it holds a great historical significance. During this itinerary, you will visit the most incredible places in Tokyo, the capital city. For example, let’s say two weeks in Japan will cost you $6k and you want to leave 6 months from now. Concluding my two weeks in Japan itinerary. Can you give me a ballpark figure on how much you spent except spend money? Always be on the lookout for deals advertised outside of bars. I have some exciting suggestions below so read on! On the pub crawl, I even got to sample a special “rose sake” that I wouldn’t have been able to find by myself! Thank you so much for the loads of information on Japan. Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社 is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Reprinting, republishing or copying of any content on this site, whether whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written consent from the publisher. That all makes me so happy to hear, thank you Elif! Day 12-16: Osaka with day trips to Nara and Himeji Castle From there, we used your Kyoto itinerary as a guide, staying in a new boutique hotel called Karasuma Oike Hotel grandreverie … highly recommend as the room was large (330 sq. You could definitely spend longer at Mt Fuji, and if you’re heading to Japan during the Olympics I’d highly suggest it to escape the Tokyo crowds, hehe. and admiring the designer shops and funky architecture. I’m off to Japan in Feb and a little anxious about planning to make sure we make the most of our trip so this is a great help! Follow Scotts Cheap Flights. I hope that helps and you have an amazing trip!! Psst. Total sightseeing costs: 2 $5.50 adult fares per attraction + 2 $2.75 child fares per attraction x 2 attractions per day x 12 days of sightseeing = $396 If you usually enjoy travelling on your own there really isn’t much of a better place to do it than Japan I hope this helps and you have an amazing time in Japan! This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Any benefit in spending longer at Mt Fuji? The time and the budget just aren’t there for Japan right now, but I’m hoping that my family and I get there sooner rather than later. ~ Yoshikien Gardens are breathtaking ~ Nigatsu-do for views over Nara ~ Kasuga-Taisha Shrine 春日大社 for 3,000 stone lanterns ~ Kofuku-ji 興福寺, family temple of the Fujiwara clan. I heard stories about expensive hotels, expensive food and expensive train rides. You will have to visit someday, it’s truly an amazing destination. My personal favourite places to eat in Tokyo are Han No Daidokoro (incredible wagyu beef BBQ) in Shibuya, Kirin City izakaya in Shibuya, Crepes in Harajuku, Maidreamin’ in Akihabara, around the Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku. You definitely get more bang-for-your-buck here compared to other city hotels throughout Japan, it’s a very beautiful hotel. I used the japan-guide.com website to see what they suggest as well. 2. The present shrine dates back to the mid-13th century and is one of Japan’s National Treasures. Out of sight out of mind. We were only in Osaka for one night. Cost: Adult Nozomi ticket JPY 13,910 ea or free with the Japan Rail Pass. Manzara-Tei in Pontocho Alley and any restaurant in Gion ぎおん alleyways (Geisha district). Sometimes it can feel as though you’re living in the ancient past and the distant future at the same time, you’ll soon find out why! Although it may look like my travel buddy and I crammed a lot into our 2 weeks in Japan, I can honestly say we never felt rushed. so I’ll reveal the tips and tricks I used for my own 2 weeks in Japan itinerary. This year is already looking better ✨ I will say I’m not a super pro when it comes to travel hacking, but I’m getting better year-after-year. If you book without doing any kind of research, you might be missing out on far better deals. Cheers! So, why should you trust me? I’ve written a detailed guide for your Hiroshima to Miyajima day trip here! At high tide, it appears to float on the water and makes for stunning photos. TIP: Buy Nozomi Shinkansen tickets a few days in advance to ensure you will get reserved seating. Do you think I should buy both the JR Rail Pass and IC Card (Suica)? Read more in my bar hopping in Kyoto at night article. As a fellow budget-conscious, spreadsheet fanatic I am pleased to be of assistance. You’re very welcome Boxman and I’m so happy to hear you found this helpful Even better my article came recommended to you by a fellow blogger – huge thanks from me, too! I’m attracted to the idea of spending a few days in Okinawa (2 hour flight from Osaka). Just steps away from Dotonbori Arcade, restaurants and a few minutes walk to Namba station. With my guide below, feel confident travelling in Japan knowing you won’t be doing something wrong that you didn’t know about! £61 / $80 > Average c ost per day in Japan. A week in both Tokyo and Kyoto would be perfect if you’re also doing day trips. Don’t be! We managed to get a return flight to Tokyo for as little as £468.57. s.type = 'text/javascript'; Osaka is world famous for its delicious street food! However, there are ways to travel to Japan cheaply if you know a few tips! But Japan was a country, me and my husband Timo definitely wanted to visit! As intriguing as Japan was in textbooks, it was infinitely better in real life. Thanks so much for this awesome itinerary! 4. Copyright © 2017-2021 The Invisible Tourist. What I spent on flights may vary to what you will (my flights were from Sydney, Australia including a premium-economy leg). Hi, I'm planning to spend 2 weeks in Japan this March and was wondering if a total sum of 2,500 USD (excluding plane ticket and accommodation fee) will be enough to make the trip and still enjoy it? You can always carry on to Kyoto the following day when you’re more energised and refreshed If you do decide to stay in Tokyo the first night, you can’t go wrong with Shibuya, Shinjuku or Shinagawa neighbourhoods as they are the major stations that will allow you to easily take the bullet train to Kyoto the next day. I only got the rail pass for 7 days, not 14 since I wanted to spend a large amount of time in Tokyo. I feel like I always get so much more in-depth knowledge and insight about the destination from their local guides so it may be worth taking a look to see if any of their tours interest you . One week is a good amount of time if you’re only planning to visit 2/3 cities. I would like to see Osaka and enjoy the food scene there. Just one day into our two weeks in Japan and we were already in love with this wonderful country. Keep that in mind as you form your travel itinerary. TIP: Check the tide information before your trip to find out whether the Grand Torii Gate will be in high or low tide during your visit. One of the best ways to discover where to eat in Kyoto is to take the advice of a local. 2 Weeks in Japan Itinerary. 1. Thank you very much for reading this and giving such great advice. Also I find it interesting what you mentioned about the train pass, as many people told us to get one as it is easier, and you don’t have to queue for tickets. TIP: If you’re hoping to visit during the cherry blossom season, my detailed guide to spring in Japan is packed with tips for more places to go, alternatives to popular spots, what to pack and how to avoid the huge crowds! I’ve emailed myself the link so I can check it out properly later when I’m not at work, hehe. This is always a tough one if you’re working a 9-5. I am so happy to hear I’ve inspired you, Natalie! Dine at markets and/or pick up groceries from a local supermarket and cook at your Airbnb or hostel. Japan is a country I have wanted to visit ever since I was in the seventh grade. Learning about it in social studies class, I was fascinated by the history and culture, enamoured by its beauty. Purchase the Japan rail pass if you plan to move around. Thanks you for sharing it. Here’s some ideas for how to spend your last day in Tokyo: Spend half day in Tokyo before heading to airport for your night flight home. If you’d like to know how I learnt Japanese for travelling, click here! Hakone is a popular adventure, however there are so many options to see Mt Fuji and other side trips. I have earned many free flights from my efforts. Hi Dan, I’m sorry I’ve only seen this come through now! One important thing to note is that this itinerary is optimized for seeing cherry blossoms in Hirosaki, in northern Japan. I was not, Snow day fun on the patio was the last thing I tho, Cheers to a new year Another successful New Y, If you missed my stories I said goodbye to my blon, Was waiting to post a Santa hat pic until I had na, I got a case of the Wednesday brews. Check out my other posts. A little word of advice: Don’t underestimate the sheer size of Tokyo. With over 1600 temples and shrines, dear old Kyoto deserves more than just one day of your time! I have no idea how much it would cost with food, stay, and travel. Kindly greet someone in Japanese first before using English if you can. And in Japan… YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Where Should I Stay in Singapore? Booking.com This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Choosing night flights means maximising every waking moment having a blast exploring. We pretty much got dinner at a nearby restaurant (a Hawaiian burger bar of all places) and relaxed in our hotel room. Don’t be! Whatever it takes to save precious travel time is worth it Glad you enjoyed the post and thanks so much for your comment. どういたしまして dou itashimashite . Did you know there are many do’s and don’ts you should follow in Japan to avoid looking like a tourist? Dedicated to travellers with a mid-range budget, my responsible travel blog explores ways we can enjoy being a visitor in a foreign place by 'blending in'. Where you can find alternative hotels in Chuo Ward, Osaka. We explored Gion, the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari (climbed the entire path to the top), Bamboo Forest (escaped the crowds to tour the lovely Ōkōchi Sansō gardens), Nishiki Market and much more. They may just be shy to speak to you in English as the Japanese are perfectionists but are very eager to help. Spend the afternoon strolling the Philosopher’s Path north to Ginkaku-ji 銀閣寺 (Silver Pavilion). Be prepared for loads of walking because the sign at the start is NOT to scale! If you prefer to hire a car by all means the choice is yours, (just ensure you can fit 4 large suitcases as well as four people in the car!) If you’re after a quick bite, I love and recommend Japanese kombini (convenience stores) or street food. You can easily find hostels in the $20-30 range. Thanks again for your comment and happy travels! A huge chunk of this spend was a Kobe beef dinner costing $270. Find out where and how I did it in my guide to things to do in Hiroshima. If you’re worried about lengthy queues to purchase tickets, don’t be. This 2 weeks in Japan itinerary and guide will cover: How to best spend 2 weeks in Japan on a mid-range budget, After not using it before, after my recent Japan trip I’ve totally converted from not having, One last thing before we dive into the 2 weeks in Japan itinerary! Head to Shibuya Sky rooftop (more info in my Tokyo Hidden Gems guide) or Tokyo SkyTree as these offer 360-degree views over Tokyo to the horizon. Was it in spring? We will be travelling to Japan in early April with our 6 and 8 year olds. I’m based in Australia so not sure how insurance works in the US, but I personally don’t travel without some form of travel insurance (even before the pandemic). Get creative and brainstorm what services you can monetize in your spare time. Thank you for this awesome blog and sharing your idea. Thanks for your lovely compliment, Joe! This post contains affiliate links. I hope you get there someday too, Simran! We flew into Osaka via Tokyo from the US and traveled by bus to Himeji. I am so happy to hear that, Katie! In low tide, you can walk right beneath it and appreciate the bright vermillion colour up close. If that is not achievable then you need to leave at a later date or lower your budget or spend less time in Japan. I just personally prefer the hassle-free train journeys at high speed over the sometimes stressful and slower option of driving. I read your guide and have some questions. Escape the crowds and enjoy local specialties with a friendly local guide to show you the ropes and learn more about Japanese culture through food: TIP: For even more ideas than listed here, check my detailed guide to places to go in Tokyo – it even includes fun activities and cultural experiences you can enjoy around the Olympic venues. Day 13: Go to Takayama Not only is practising the correct manners and behaviour polite, it will earn you massive brownie points with the locals and you’ll make the most of your trip. Do you think I should make some changes to my itinerary? Where you can find alternative hotels in Central Hiroshima. Yes the JR pass is interesting isn’t it. 1. Japan is a notoriously expensive destination. Skip booze or buy purchase at supermarkets. They are both significant cities to visit in Japan but I figured I would spend more time in Kanazawa and Takayama on a separate trip to Japan to avoid rushing around. I’ll do my best to answer . Australian-based Alyse has been travelling "The Invisible Tourist Way" for twelve years and hopes to encourage fellow travellers to do so, too. For that, one must whip out the piggy bank and tuck some Benjamin’s away. , So glad you think so, Yasmin! My Japan 3 week itinerary covers the Old and New Golden Routes so take a look once you’re done here. I’m so glad to hear that, Julie! The first day was travelling from Hiroshima (arrived in Osaka around midday) which was enough time to explore the Dotonbori area, arcades, along the river, etc. I am extremely grateful. Oh my goodness, thankyou for sharing your itinerary! If you’re after more inspiration, I have many more travel guides and itineraries here in my full Japan archive. Japan has 47 prefectures that come under eight regions. 1. Sounds like your trip was magical, and good on you for getting out there and seeing the other things this itinerary hasn’t covered as well (a few of the attractions you saw are on my list for when I next visit Japan!). The JR Pass is ideal for your itinerary as you’re visiting a number of cities on bullet trains, but one thing to keep in mind is that it’s not able to be used on private rail lines like the Tokyo Metro, Tobu Rail, Odakyu Rail, Seibu Rail, etc. DISCLAIMER: This post goes over my exact costs for traveling to Tokyo, Kobe, and Osaka. It’s been hanging around for over 2000 years on the banks of the Thames, and there is just an incredible wealth of things to see, from historical sights, to amazing museums, to crazy street markets. • I’d aim for quality over quantity with the places you visit (don’t try to rush and squeeze in too many things) ? Personally I didn’t bother with the JR Railpass because I wanted to use the Nozomi (fastest) Shinkansen to save time and Nozomi trains are not covered by the pass. Japan Itinerary Two Weeks in Japan. I’ve made as much as $40 per hour sampling spirits at Total Wines & More. Let them know that you are looking around these dates but might jump at whatever date is the cheapest. Where should we stay for our first night in Tokyo? On the downside, it'll be crowded and accommodations will probably be pricey. I replaced up one hundred thousand yen (£seven-hundred) for 2 weeks and located this become particularly slicing it wonderful on spending. Thanks for your comment and safe travels! I’ll be in Japan in a few weeks myself and most of the locations are already on my list ^^ now I’m even more excited! If you’re planning a trip to Japan you may be overwhelmed on where to start and wondering how you’ll get around (isn’t there a language barrier?!) Because we were prepared it allowed us to leisurely stroll between many attractions and enjoy taking our time uncovering the wonders that make this incredible country so unique. Subscribe to airline email notifications, tour companies, etc. Best Hotels for Tourists. In this article, we break down exactly how much travel in Japan costs -- from food, hotels to trains to entertainment. Hi Angus, thanks for your questions! A vacation to Japan for one week usually costs around ¥96,422 for one person. You’ll be able to explore from the mountains to the sea, wandering through chaotic neon-lined streets and serene Zen temples, soaking in onsens and filling yourself with more ramen and sushi than you thought possible. More reviews and compare Hiroshima hotel prices here. Wow, amazing blog. Absolutely! Flight, lodging, and transportation aside, you should expect to spend around $42-45 per day in Japan. If you’re planning on visiting Japan for around two weeks, you’re in the right place! Here is what you’re going to see in this incredible two week Japan itinerary! Would you recommend starting with a night in Osaka before heading to Kyoto or should we go straight to Kyoto and visit Osaka on a day trip? Hi we are going next year as a family – any tips for going with kids? It’s simple to purchase Shinkansen tickets a day or so in advance from the stations, especially not during peak times. and would it make a difference to your itinerary being there in january ? As mentioned in another comment food can be very cheap (under JPY 1,000/ USD 9.00) if you eat where locals do or grab a few meals at convenience stores such as Lawson & Family Mart (the food here is amazing as standards are much higher than convenience stores we’re used to in the West! I’m planning a two-week-ish trip next year for my 30th birthday and was having trouble trying to figure out the best way to fit everything in. Need more information on Osaka accommodation? I’ll be traveling with my two brothers, so some of the expenses will be shared. 1h30 from Hiroshima on Nozomi shinkansen Attractions: $200 Pay attention to plate designs at conveyor belt sushi restaurants. Below you’ll find ideas for day trips, my hotel recommendations and what you could expect to see in a day at each destination. I think many people think it’s a necessity but I didn’t think it was, especially with the Nozomi shinkansen. The Tokyo hotel was around AUD 220 per night during my stay and the others were cheaper than that, within a mid-range budget. Day 17: Leave from Osaka Airport The accommodation, which was double rooms shared between 2, has been split in half. Getting there: Yamatoji train from JR Osaka station to JR Nara station, approx 45mins. I hope this gave you a good idea of how much spending money for 2-weeks in Japan you will need. Also on a clear day it’s visible from some places within Tokyo! Days 1 & 2: London The UK’s capital is one of my favourite cities in the world. What a great way to celebrate. Want to discover more of the hidden eateries and drinking spots? Consider an open-jaw flight ticket, landing at Tokyo Narita or Haneda, and departing from Kansai International Airport. For more information and prices, click here to book your Narita Airport Limousine tickets. Learn more about Japanese food, culture and even make some new friends along the way! I think it’s a perfect for a trip. MUST SEE: Todai-ji Temple 東大寺, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest wooden structure in the world. Instead host game nights, cocktail mixers and cook at home. Are you planning on visiting?