Is it expensive to travel in Japan?

I think we all know that Japan has a reputation of being one of the most expensive countries in the world to visit together with Tokyo as one of the world’s most expensive cities. However, after several years of living here, I find that the reputation is a bit overrated. 

Especially when taking the wonderful, efficient and clean subway in Tokyo. The fare starts at the mere of 130yen. Also, venturing slightly outside Tokyo most of the time will only set you back around 1,000-1,500yen per way. And there are also area passes that are so useful for that slightly longer distance travel to places such as Karuizawa, Mt Fuji, Kamakura and Nikko for us who are residents of Japan.

Eating out doesn't cost as much as you think. You can eat out for less than 1,000yen per person. The lunch time is the best time to splurge on meals. Meals such as a kaiseki ryori in Kyoto, where prices usually start around 10,000 yen for dinner, can be enjoyed at lunch at about half of that price (There is also mini-kaiseki set ^^). Many restaurants offer special lunch sets and it is the best meal deal for you to try out something new or famous (like the Kobe beef) or curiously strange (eel or octopus sushi, anyone?). I find that Japan is getting less expensive as the years goes by whereas other countries are getting more expensive.

Having said all that, there are still two things in Japan that I find it expensive and can still make quite a damage if you are not careful. One of it is accomodation and the other is the long-distance transportation. 

To find budget accomodation in Tokyo is sometimes a needle in a haystack in this metropolis. For a night in a budget hotel in a reasonable location, you will still have to fork out an average of 5,000-8,000yen and this is a stay in a budget hotel. Although staying in a budget hotel is not a bad lodging choice in terms of comfort and cleanliness, I still feel that Tokyo is somewhat lacking of a vibrant scene of other cheap lodging options.  

As for long-distance travel, I must stress that for those who are travelling into Japan from overseas, there is always the Japan Rail Pass that you should take advantage of it, especially if you have lots of long-distance travel in between cities in Japan.

So, in a nutshell, travel in Japan can be an expensive affair without some sort of planning. Otherwise, the prices are not as bad as you would have imagined it. I think it is pretty comparable to prices in London, Paris or New York. Well, I hope this post helps to prepare you for what prices to expect when you travel in Japan. 

Japan is one country that never fails to amaze anyone, even for me. Every time I step out, this city fascinates me with its beauty, quirkiness and energy. I feel that everyone should include Japan in their bucket list and come here to experience this place at least once in their lifetime.