Estimated Costs for Self-Guided Travel in Japan from A-Z - Latest
Japan, where cherry blossoms bloom vibrantly, temples are serene, and streets sparkle with neon lights, is a dream for every traveler. Travel costs in Japan can be a concern, but with a reasonable plan, a journey through the vibrant Tokyo, historic Kyoto, or picturesque Hokkaido will be both economical and memorable. This article shares detailed costs so you can confidently explore the land of the rising sun through nvktravel.com!
Visa application costs
The journey to Japan begins with a visa, like a key that opens the door to the land of cherry blossoms. Vietnamese citizens need a tourist visa, and this cost is quite manageable if prepared well.
Short-term visa (15 days): Consular fee is about 650,000–700,000 VND for a single-entry visa. Through an agency, service fees add 300,000–500,000 VND, totaling 1,000,000–1,200,000 VND.
Required documents: Passport valid for 6 months, 4.5x4.5cm photo, detailed itinerary, bank statement, proof of income. Schedule an appointment at the Japanese Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City or the Embassy in Hanoi 2–3 months in advance to avoid delays.
Money-saving tip: Prepare your own documents to cut agency fees. Check your paperwork thoroughly to avoid additional submissions, saving time and money.
Visa costs are the first step in the travel costs to Japan, small but important, like the seed for a journey to explore the streets shaded by cherry blossoms.
Visa as the key that opens the door to the land of cherry blossoms
Flight costs to Japan
Air tickets are the gateway to the temples of Kyoto or the bustling markets of Osaka. Ticket prices can be high, but booking early will help you save for even more wonderful experiences.
Round-trip fare: From Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City to Tokyo/Osaka ranges from 8,000,000–15,000,000 VND. Budget airlines like Vietjet Air, AirAsia offer tickets for 6,000,000–10,000,000 VND, but usually do not include checked luggage. Full-service airlines like Vietnam Airlines, ANA, Japan Airlines range from 12,000,000–18,000,000 VND, providing comfort.
When to book tickets: Book 3–6 months in advance for the best prices. Off-peak seasons (January–March, September–November) are cheaper than cherry blossom season (March–April) or autumn foliage season (October–November).
Money-saving tip: Keep an eye on promotions on nvktravel.com or the Skyscanner app. Choose night flights or arrive in Osaka/Fukuoka instead of Tokyo to save.
On average, round-trip tickets cost about 10,000,000 VND/person, an investment to step into the flower-filled streets of Shinjuku Gyoen.
Imagine waking up in a traditional ryokan in Kyoto, hearing the birds chirping in the garden, or relaxing in a modern hotel in the heart of Tokyo. Accommodation costs in Japan vary, suitable for all budgets.
Hostel/dorm: In Tokyo, Osaka, prices range from 500,000–800,000 VND/night/bed (dormitory for 4–8 people), ideal for those who want to save and socialize.
2–3 star hotels: Prices range from 1,200,000–2,500,000 VND/night/double room, concentrated in Shinjuku (Tokyo), Dotonbori (Osaka). Small but clean rooms with amenities.
Ryokan: Experience Japanese culture in Kyoto, prices range from 3,000,000–5,000,000 VND/night/double room, usually including Japanese-style breakfast/dinner, like a journey back in time.
Airbnb: Apartments in Tokyo, Kyoto range from 1,500,000–3,000,000 VND/night, suitable for groups of friends or families.
Money-saving tip: Book rooms 1–2 months in advance. Choose areas near train stations like Ueno (Tokyo) to save time and transportation costs. On average, accommodation costs about 1,500,000 VND/night/person (2–3 star hotels).
Accommodation costs in Japan vary, suitable for all budgets
Transportation costs in Japan
Japan's transportation system is a marvel, with shinkansen trains speeding through fields and subways taking you through brightly lit streets. However, transportation costs are not cheap.
Subway: In Tokyo, Osaka, ticket prices range from 150–300 yen/ride (30,000–60,000 VND). IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) cost 500 yen for the card, recharge to ride trains, buses, or buy items at convenience stores.
Shinkansen: Connecting Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka, prices range from 13,000–15,000 yen/ride (2,600,000–3,000,000 VND). JR Pass (29,000 yen/7 days, about 5,800,000 VND) is a cost-saving option if traveling to multiple cities.
Buses: Prices range from 200–500 yen/ride (40,000–100,000 VND), popular in Kyoto, Hokkaido.
Money-saving tip: Buy a JR Pass if traveling between cities. Use an IC card to save time on single ticket purchases. On average, transportation costs about 500,000–1,000,000 VND/day/person (with JR Pass).
Food costs in Japan
Japanese cuisine is an adventure, from melting sushi in your mouth to a steaming bowl of ramen in a small alley in Shibuya. Food costs depend on style and location.
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson): Bento boxes, onigiri, sandwiches cost 100–300 yen (20,000–60,000 VND), high quality, convenient when rushing to explore.
Casual eateries: Ramen, udon, donburi cost 500–1,000 yen (100,000–200,000 VND) at small shops in Kyoto, Osaka.
Mid-range restaurants: Sushi, tempura cost 2,000–4,000 yen (400,000–800,000 VND), popular in Ginza (Tokyo).
Fine dining: Kaiseki or wagyu starts from 10,000 yen (2,000,000 VND), for special occasions under the sparkling lights.
Money-saving tip: Eat at convenience stores or casual eateries. Buy drinks at supermarkets instead of vending machines. On average, food costs about 300,000–600,000 VND/day/person (2–3 casual meals).
Sightseeing costs when traveling independently in Japan
Japan is a canvas of moss-covered temples, ancient castles, and vibrant theme parks. Sightseeing costs in Japan vary, from free to expensive.
Temples: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Kyoto), Senso-ji Temple (Tokyo) are free. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) costs 400–600 yen (80,000–120,000 VND).
Theme parks: Disneyland/DisneySea (Tokyo) costs 7,900–9,400 yen (1,600,000–1,900,000 VND), Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) costs similarly, providing endless fun.
Museums/castles: Osaka Castle, Ghibli Museum costs 600–1,500 yen (120,000–300,000 VND).
Cultural experiences: Sushi-making classes, kimono rentals cost 3,000–10,000 yen (600,000–2,000,000 VND), like stepping into a Japanese film.
Saving tips: Prioritize free attractions like Ueno Park and Nishiki Market. Buy theme park tickets early through nvktravel.com for discounts. On average, the cost of sightseeing is about 300,000–1,000,000 VND/day/person.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is a famous sightseeing spot
Estimated total travel cost for Japan
To give you a clearer picture, below is an estimate of the total travel cost for a 7-day self-guided trip to Japan (excluding personal shopping):
Visa: 1,000,000 VND.
Round-trip airfare: 10,000,000 VND.
Accommodation (7 nights, 2–3 star hotels): 10,500,000 VND (1,500,000 VND/night).
Total cost: Approximately 36,000,000 VND/person (1,500 USD). Choosing hostels, eating budget-friendly, and prioritizing free attractions can reduce it to 25,000,000–30,000,000 VND. If staying in ryokan and dining at high-end restaurants, costs can rise to 50,000,000 VND.
Overall saving tips: Plan early, book services through nvktravel.com, prioritize free experiences. Bring a credit card, keep little cash (Japanese yen) for small shops.
Notes when planning travel costs for Japan.
For a smooth journey and better cost control, keep in mind:
Book early: Flights, hotels, and JR Pass should be booked 3–6 months in advance for better prices.
Travel timing: Avoid peak seasons (March–April, October–November) to reduce costs.
Exchange rates: Exchange yen in Vietnam (1 yen ≈ 200 VND, May 2025) to avoid high fees at the airport.
Useful apps: Google Maps for navigation, Hyperdia for train schedules, Tabelog for finding good and reasonably priced restaurants.
Respect the culture: No tipping in restaurants, keep quiet on trains, and queue when using public transport.
Traveling to Japan is no longer a barrier when you plan thoroughly. From visas, flight tickets, hotels, to steaming bowls of ramen or tickets to Disneyland, each expense is a gateway to cherry blossom-filled paths, serene temples, and the dazzling lights of Shibuya.
Visit nvktravel.com to book tickets, hotels, and find suggestions for your trip to Japan. Pack your backpack and let Japan tell you the story of its culture, nature, and unforgettable moments!
