Japan Travel Cost Breakdown: Flights, Food, and Transport

A visit to Japan is the dream of most travelers. The dynamic Tokyo and the peaceful Kyoto to the cultural treasure of Osaka; Japan has got it all and is fascinating with the fusion of modernity and antiquity. Nevertheless, prior to loading the bags, it is always good to be aware of the Japan Travel Cost Breakdown - cover costs on flights, food, accommodation, and local transport. By knowing better your budget, you will be able to organize your adventure in Japan in a more effective way and prevent some surprises.

Getting your Japan Visa is one of the first things that travelers would do, especially those traveling to Japan who reside in the UAE or any other country in the Middle East. After you have gotten your visa sorted, the next thing is to figure out how much you will need in terms of your trip. Japan can be a cheap place to visit with the right planning in mind there is something to offer all kinds of travelers, among them the low-end backpacker, and the high-end spender. Here, we are going to provide you with a Japan Travel Cost Breakdown, a breakdown that not only does it include tips that you can really use to make the most out of your yen during a trip through one of the most interesting countries in the world, but also includes a complete breakdown of what you should expect to spend during a trip to Japan. Whether you are booking your travel adventure with Go Kite Travel, which happens to be one of the best travelling agencies in Dubai, or you are going to plan your holiday to Japan on your own, this cost guide will make you a realistic budget on your trip to the country.

The largest portion of your budget to travel to Japan is usually the airfare. Flight fares are different depending on the place you are leaving, when you book and the season you are traveling.

Average Flight Costs

Dubai to Tokyo (Round Trip):

Economy Class: AED 2,800 – AED 4,500

Premium Economy: AED 5,000 – AED 7,000

Business Class: AED 9,000 – AED 15,000

Airline companies: Emirates, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Etihad airlines provide regular flights between Dubai and Tokyo and Osaka.

Flights that fall during cherry blossom (March 4 April) or fall foliage (October 4 November) are pricier. Some of our recommendations include traveling during the months of January, bookings in February or June to save up to 30 percent on airfare. It is advisable to book 6 or more weeks beforehand to get the best fares.

Budget Tips

Go to flight comparison software such as Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Be flexible with your dates.

Flying to Osaka, not Tokyo - sometimes the fares are lower.

You must ensure you use a Japan Visa before booking your flight. To the UAE residents, it is relatively easy and can be accomplished via traveling firms such as the Go Kite Travel or directly at Japanese Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Japan Visa from Dubai

Tourist Visa Processing Fee: AED 120-200 (depending on the type of processing).

Processing Time: 4 -7 working days.

Valid passport (6 months validity)

Visa application form

Passport-size photos

Verified airline and hotel reservations.

Bank statements (last 3 months)

Travel itinerary

Opting to use a known agency like Go Kite Travel would make the visa processing process to Japan easier and quicker, particularly to first-time visa applicants.

Japan has various accommodation where all types of travelers can find a room. You may want to stay in capsule hotels or at a Ryokan or at a luxury hotel, but you will get what suits your budget.

Average Nightly Rates

Budget Hotels / Hostels: 3,000 to 6000 Yen (75 to 150 AED)

Mid-Range Hotels: ¥8,000 – ¥15,000 (AED 200 – AED 375)

Luxury Hotels: ¥25,000+ (AED 625 and above)

Ryokan (Traditional Inns): 10,000 -20,000 per night (AED 250-AED 500)

Accommodation Saving Tips.

Book in advance, the hotels in Tokyo and Kyoto get quickly occupied during the high seasons.

The Airbnb and capsule hotels are cheap and comfortable options to consider.

Find a place to stay close to train stations to be in a position to use the public transport.

Japan is a food heaven - sushi bars, ramen restaurants, Michelin-star restaurants, and even street food. Knowing the price of food makes it easy to plan and eat without spending too much.

Average Daily Food Costs

Budget Traveler: 2000-3000 per day (50-75 AED)

Mid-range Traveling: 4000 to 7000 Yen per day (AED 100 to AED 180)

Luxury Traveler: ¥10,000+ per day (AED 250+)

Sample Meal Prices

Food on the street (Takoyaki, Yakitori): ¥300 -700 (AED 8 -AED 18)

Ramen bowl: ¥900 – ¥1,200 (AED 22 – AED 30)

Sushi meal (conveyor belt restaurant): ¥2,000 -¥3,000 (AED 50 -AED 75)

Fine dining: ¥10,000+ (AED 250 and above)

Money-Saving Food Tips

There are convenience stores with fresh meals such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart.

Eat bento boxes in train stations — good and affordable.

Go to local markets and get snacks and Japanese traditional sweets.

The Japanese transport system is one of the most efficient transport systems in the world. The trains are the most recommended mode of traveling in the country and the well-known Shinkansen (bullet trains) in particular.

Japan Rail Pass

A Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) can save you much of your money in case you intend to travel across a number of cities.

7-Day JR Pass: ¥29,650 (AED 740)

14-Day JR Pass: ¥47,250 (AED 1,180)

21-Day JR Pass: ¥60,450 (AED 1,500)

The pass is unlimited travel on most of the JR trains including the Shinkansen.

Tokyo Metro Day Pass: ¥600 – ¥900 (AED 15 – AED 22)

Bus Rides: ¥200 – ¥400 per ride (AED 5 – AED 10)

Taxis: 600 is the minimum fare (AED 15), and 100-200 per kilometer.

Buy a Suica/ Pasmo card to pay with easily in the subway and buses.

Navigation by Google Maps — it is just right in Japan.

Be in cities such as Kyoto and explore the city by walking, renting a bicycle, or traveling by bicycle to local places on a low cost.

There is no end to sightseeing in Japan with temples, gardens, museums, and other modern attractions such as Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan.

Average Entry Fees

Shrines and temples: Free to 1000 (AED 25)

Tokyo Skytree: ¥2,100 (AED 52)

TeamLab Borderless Digital Museum: AED 80,000 (¥3,200).

Universal Studios Japan: ¥8,400 (AED 210)

Ghibli Museum: ¥1,000 (AED 25)

Tea ceremony: ¥2,000 – ¥4,000 (AED 50 – AED 100)

Kimono rental: ¥3,000 – ¥7,000 (AED 75 – AED 175)

Sumo match ticket: ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 (AED 125 – AED 250)

You have the choice of the experience, depending on your preference - pop culture adventures, or tranquil traditional rituals.

Japan is well known in terms of its own souvenirs, electronics and fashion brands. You will get anime products and pottery that has been hand made.

Estimated Shopping Budget

Small souvenirs: ¥500 – ¥1,000 (AED 12 – AED 25)

Electronics: ¥10,000 – ¥30,000 (AED 250 – AED 750)

Lettered goods (e.g., Uniqlo, Muji): ¥5,000-15,000 (AED 125- AED 375)

Where to Shop

Tokyo: Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara.

Osaka: Namba and Umeda

Kyoto: Nishiki Market and Gion District.

It is cheap and convenient to remain in touch in Japan. Prepaid SIM cards are available in the airport or in convenience stores.

SIM Card 7 days(limitless data): 3,000yen( AED 75)

Pocket Wi-Fi Rental: ¥500- ¥1,000/ day (AED 12- AED 25)

Tip: You can order your SIM online before going there in order to save money and time when arriving.

Take local transportation tickets such as Tokyo Subway Pass or Osaka Amazing Pass.

Eat like a local — local convenience store and street food are cheap and tasty.

Make bookings with the help of good agencies or applications.

Cheaper rates in high seasons (April and November).

Always have some cash, not everything will take a card.

It is important to know the Japan Travel Cost Breakdown in order to plan a hassle free and fun vacation. Although Japan may seem to be costly, with adequate planning, early reservations, and community-based travels, it can turn out to be quite cheap. Flights, food, transport, sightseeings, all the cost elements can be adjusted to your comfort and style. Japan is rich with unbelievable value to both a single person traveler and a family based on its security, cleanliness, and international hospitality.

Go Kite Travel can help you with all of that in case you are located in the UAE and are planning your trip, whether, it is acquiring your Japan Visa from Dubai or getting affordable holiday packages that would not exceed your budget. With professional tips and clear prices, your trip to the Land of the Rising Sun is going to be less tense and troubled. It is time to start planning now - get your Japan Visa, find the best deals on flights, and leave the rest of the planning to Go Kite Travel as you set out and make memories that would last a lifetime in Japan (temples, neon lights, cherry blossom, etc).