How much did it cost, and what did we explore
In this blog post, we give you all detail about our planning, how much it cost us, how we flew to Japan, etc. It is a boring post full of tables, but many people ask us about it, so here it is.
FAQ about traveling to Japan
How did you travel to Japan?
We traveled by plane from Vienna to Beijing (where we stayed 72 hours and explored a little). From Beijing, we flew directly to Tokyo Narita Airport. What surprised us was how fast the customs were at the airport. Between landing and setting foot outside the airport, it was about 20 minutes (note that we are traveling only with carry-on luggage).
Below you can see some detail. We planned our trip to Japan for autumn and checked the flight tickets way in advance. This is a price for two people, as penguins travel for free.
| Item | From-To | Departure | Arrival | Total Price | Price/Person |
|
Flight Ticket
|
Vienna-Beijing | 19th of October | 20th of October |
€1,176.42
|
€588.21
|
| Beijing-Tokyo | 23rd of October | 23rd of October | |||
| Tokyo-Beijing | 30th of October | 30th of October | |||
| Beijing-Vienna | 31st of October | 31st of October |
As you can see, we spent eight hours at the airport in Beijing, and before you ask, yes, it was horrible. The international airport in Beijing is not a place where we even want to spend the night. Every shop is closed, and it looks empty.
What expenses do you have for a first trip to Japan?
The expenses for a first trip to Japan will vary depending on factors such as the duration of your trip, your travel style, and your specific interests. However, here are some common expenses to consider:
- Accommodation. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from a range of accommodation options such as hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs. On average, you can expect to pay around ¥5,000-¥15,000 per night.
- Food. Japan is known for its delicious cuisine, but dining out can be expensive. However, you can also find affordable options such as street food and convenience store meals. On average, you can expect to spend around ¥2,000-¥5,000 per day on food.
- Transportation. Japan has an efficient and extensive transportation system, including trains, buses, and taxis. Depending on your itinerary, you can purchase a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited travel on JR trains or pay for individual tickets. On average, you can expect to spend around ¥1,500-¥5,000 per day on transportation.
- Activities. Japan has much to offer in terms of cultural and outdoor activities, such as visiting temples, hiking, and attending festivals. Some activities may have admission fees or require a tour guide. On average, you can expect to spend around ¥2,000-¥5,000 per day on activities.
Below find some of the expenses we tried to estimate before our trip.
| Item | Date From | Date To | Total Price | Price/Person |
| Travel Insurance | 19th of October | 31st of October | €72.00 | €36.00 |
| Accommodation Beijing | 20th of October | 23rd of October | €250.00 | €125.00 |
| Trips in Beijing | 20th of October | 23rd of October | €80.00 | €40.00 |
| Food in Beijing | 20th of October | 23rd of October | €100.00 | €50.00 |
| Public Transport in Beijing | 20th of October | 23rd of October | €20.00 | €10.00 |
| Accommodation in Tokyo | 23rd of October | 30th of October | €700.00 | €350.00 |
| Trips in Tokyo | 23rd of October | 30th of October | €50.00 | €25.00 |
| Food in Tokyo | 23rd of October | 30th of October | €500.00 | €250.00 |
| Public Transport in Tokyo | 23rd of October | 30th of October | €90.00 | €45.00 |
| Shinkansen Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo | 27th of October | 28th of October | €480.00 | €240.00 |
| Accommodation in Kyoto | 27th of October | 28th of October | €46.00 | €23.00 |
| Trips in Kyoto | 27th of October | 28th of October | €30.00 | €15.00 |
| Food in Kyoto | 27th of October | 28th of October | €50.00 | €25.00 |
| Public Transport in Kyoto | 27th of October | 28th of October | €20.00 | €10.00 |
The overall price for two people is €2 488 and per person about €1 244. And, of course, plus the price of the flight tickets – which brings us to a total of €3 664 for two people and about €1 832 per person. This was what we calculated with – per person around €2 000 (around ¥288 672).
How long should a first trip to Japan be?
The ideal length of a first trip to Japan can vary depending on your interests and priorities, but a good rule of thumb is to spend at least one to two weeks in the country. This will allow you to see some of the major cities and attractions while having enough time to explore the culture and experience Japan’s unique way of life.
During a two-week trip, you can spend a few days in Tokyo, one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities, and explore its many neighborhoods and attractions. You could visit other popular destinations such as Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Nara to see some of Japan’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. If you have more time, you could explore lesser-known destinations like Hokkaido, Okinawa, or the Japanese Alps. Alternatively, you could spend more time in each city or region to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience more off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Based on our experience, we would recommend a two-week trip to Japan. This allows for a good balance of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Still, the length of your trip ultimately depends on your interests, budget, and availability. We were exhausted from rushing and trying to see as much as possible in the time we had.
Read also: 3 Days in Tokyo Itinerary
What food should I try in Japan?
Japan is known for its amazing cuisine, and there are many delicious foods to try during your trip. Here are some popular Japanese foods to consider:
- Sushi. It is a classic Japanese dish made with seasoned rice and various types of seafood, such as tuna, salmon, and shrimp.
- Ramen. This noodle dish is served in a rich broth and topped with various ingredients, such as pork, eggs, and seaweed.
- Tempura. This dish consists of lightly battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, and meats.
- Yakitori. It is a skewered grilled chicken with a savory sauce.
- Okonomiyaki. This savory pancake is made with cabbage, seafood, meat, and other ingredients and topped with sauce and mayonnaise.
- Udon. A thick noodle dish in a hot soup broth with various toppings.
- Takoyaki. Are fried balls filled with diced octopus and other ingredients with sauce and mayonnaise.
- Matcha. This green tea powder is often used in desserts, such as ice cream, cakes, and mochi.
- Mochi. It is a chewy rice cake filled with various sweet or savory things.
- Onigiri. It is a rice ball snack filled with tuna, salmon, or pickled vegetables.
Read about food in Japan in our separate blog post –Things You Should Eat When in Japan
What souvenirs to buy in Japan?
Japan is known for its unique and high-quality souvenirs, and there are many great options. Here are some popular souvenirs to consider:
- Japanese tea. Japan is known for its green tea, and you can find a variety of high-quality teas to bring back as a souvenir.
- Traditional Japanese crafts. Japan has a rich history of traditional crafts, such as pottery, lacquerware, and textiles. These items make for beautiful and unique souvenirs.
- Anime and manga merchandise. Japan is famous for its anime and manga, and you can find a variety of merchandise, such as keychains, posters, and plush toys.
- Japanese snacks and sweets. Japan has various unique and delicious snacks and sweets, such as Kit Kats in various flavors, mochi, and rice crackers.
- Japanese sake or whisky. Japan produces high-quality sake and whisky.
- Japanese beauty and skincare products. Japan has a variety of high-quality beauty and skincare products, such as sheet masks and cleansing oils.
- Furoshiki. This traditional Japanese cloth can be used for wrapping gifts, as a scarf, or as a bag.
- Tenugui. These traditional Japanese hand towels often feature beautiful designs and can be used for various purposes.
- Stationery. Japan is known for its high-quality stationery, such as pens, notebooks, and washi tape. Not to mention they are all super cute.
The table below shows what we planned to buy. Some of it we did, but some we left for next time. Bold ones we did manage to buy.
| Matcha Tea | Stationary |
| Kit Kat | Wind Chimes |
| Tea Time Porcelain | Yukata |
| Knives | Calligraphy Sets |
| Chopsticks | Name Stamps |
| Japanese Pottery | Tsuko-tegata |
| Bento Boxes | Suika plush penguin |
| Furoshiki | Penguin from Sunshine Aquarium |
| Folding Fans | Postcards |
| Edo Tsumami Kanzashi | Sweets |
In general, we researched a lot before our trip and made lists for everything, including the food we wanted to try and attractions to visit, and in the end, we made a day-to-day itinerary. Preparing for a trip to Japan can take time, but it is worth it.
We hope this helped you at least a little with your planning.
