How much does a trip to Japan cost in 2026?

A 7-day trip to Japan costs approximately $1,400-$2,700 per person depending on travel style. Budget travelers can spend as little as $80/day, while mid-range travelers typically spend $150-250/day.

How much money do I need per day in Japan?

Budget travelers need about $60-90/day, mid-range travelers $150-260/day, and luxury travelers $350-750+/day.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

Japan is more affordable than many travelers expect. Excellent budget options like convenience store meals ($3-5), capsule hotels ($25-35), and free temples make Japan accessible at every budget level.

Is the JR Pass worth it in 2026?

The JR Pass (7-day, ~$230) is worth it if you're traveling between at least two major cities. A Tokyo-Kyoto round trip costs ~$270, making the pass an instant saving.

Japan Trip Cost for 7 Days: Realistic Budget Breakdown

A week in Japan is the sweet spot for first-time visitors. Seven days gives you enough time to experience Tokyo's electric energy, Kyoto's ancient temples, and maybe a day trip to Osaka or Hiroshima. But how much does 7 days in Japan actually cost?

We've calculated realistic budgets for three travel styles. Use this as your baseline, then fine-tune with our Japan Trip Cost Calculator.

7-Day Japan Trip Cost Summary

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Flights (from US)	$600	$1,000	$3,000
Accommodation (7 nights)	$260	$800	$2,450
Food (7 days)	$140	$330	$770
Transport	$280	$320	$510
Activities	$65	$200	$560
Extras	$35	$55	$75
TOTAL	$1,380	$2,705	$7,365
Per Day (excl. flights)	$111	$244	$624

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Recommended 7-Day Itinerary

Here's the classic first-timer itinerary that maximizes your week:

Days 1-3: Tokyo (3 days)

Start in Japan's capital. Tokyo is where tradition meets hyper-modernity. Spend your days exploring:

Day 1: Shibuya crossing, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku at night
Day 2: Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Akihabara, teamLab Borderless
Day 3: Tsukiji outer market, Imperial Palace gardens, Ginza shopping

Daily costs in Tokyo:

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Hotel	$40	$120	$350
Food	$20	$50	$120
Transport	$8	$15	$40
Activities	$10	$30	$80
Total/day	$78	$215	$590

Read our full Tokyo Budget Guide for detailed tips.

Day 4: Travel to Kyoto

Take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto — about 2 hours 15 minutes. This is where the JR Pass pays for itself since a one-way ticket costs ~$135.

Arrive in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and explore the Gion district in the evening. If you're lucky, you might spot a geiko (geisha) heading to an appointment.

Days 5-6: Kyoto (2 days)

Kyoto is Japan's cultural heart with over 2,000 temples and shrines.

Day 5: Fushimi Inari (the famous orange gates), Kiyomizu-dera temple, Nishiki Market
Day 6: Arashiyama bamboo grove, golden Kinkaku-ji, tea ceremony experience

Daily costs in Kyoto:

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Hotel	$35	$110	$400
Food	$18	$45	$110
Transport	$6	$12	$35
Activities	$12	$35	$90
Total/day	$71	$202	$635

Day 7: Day Trip to Osaka or Nara

On your last full day, take a quick 15-minute train to Osaka for street food heaven (Dotonbori is unmissable) or visit Nara to bow with the sacred deer at Todai-ji temple.

Fly home from Osaka's Kansai Airport (KIX) to avoid backtracking to Tokyo — open-jaw flights are often the same price.

Where to Save Money on a 7-Day Trip

JR Pass (7-day, $230): Essential if doing Tokyo → Kyoto. The round trip alone is worth $270.
Eat one meal at konbini daily: Save $10-20/day without sacrificing quality.
Skip taxis entirely: Japan's trains and buses go everywhere.
Free attractions: Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine, Fushimi Inari, and most gardens are free.
Book a hotel with breakfast: Japanese hotel breakfasts are worth it.

🏨 Best Hotels for a 7-Day Trip

Book on Booking.com for free cancellation. We recommend Dormy Inn (free onsen!) or Toyoko Inn for mid-range budgets.

Is 7 Days Enough for Japan?

Yes! Seven days is enough for a fantastic first trip covering Tokyo and Kyoto/Osaka. You won't see everything, but you'll get a wonderful introduction. Many travelers fall in love and return for longer trips to explore Hiroshima, Hokkaido, or Okinawa.

If you have more time, 10-14 days lets you add Hiroshima (Peace Memorial), Hakone (Mt. Fuji views), or Nara. But 7 days hits the perfect balance of iconic experiences without feeling rushed.

Plan Your 7-Day Budget

Ready to plan? Use our Japan Trip Cost Calculator to build your exact 7-day budget. Select Tokyo + Kyoto, set your travel style, and get a full cost breakdown in seconds.

For more Japan budget guidance, read our complete 2026 Japan cost guide or check out 15 money-saving tips.