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Fuji Mountain | Tagged Posts

2016
12
February
Is $5,000 Enough for a 12-14 Day Trip to Japan for 2 People?

Question:

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Katherin

Hi there, I have friends thinking of going to Japan in November and they want us to come. I am a bit concerned about the price, as we typical travel places like Thailand & Nicaragua where we get a lot of bang for our buck. Do you think $5,000 would cover 12 to 14 days for 2 people? We don't need 5 star, but not 1 star either. We are guesthouse kind of people. We are also wondering about authentic experiences, authentic places to stay? We are middle aged backpack travelers and… See more

Humans say...

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Sherene

Go google onsen and ryokan. If there's enough of you, you could look at renting a whole house or apartment and share the cost. That's something some friends and I were considering.

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Ben

No question, go! Best place I've been to, and feel you have enough for your budget.

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Justin

I spent $5000 for two people for 22 days in Japan. We stayed in airbnb, had good luck with that. I did the two day hike up Fuji with Fuji Mountain Guides. Museums are free or cheap, food isn't terribly expensive. Eat things from 7-11 (so good) if you are going to go to different cities (ie Kyoto) get a JR pass. Japan is amazing, go, Tokyo is a cultural experience you can't get anywhere else.

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Katherin

That probably didn't include your flight?

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Justin

right I only paid for 1 flight. Sorry about that.

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Katherin

750 direct all tax in I feel was a great deal too!

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Nicole

I spent about 3000 for 21 days! In Japan , you could try hostels or they have capsule hotels which are like pods. They're super cheap and clean ! I didn't splurge but I would recommend spending more on food - it's delicious!

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Lance

We spent $5000 for 14 days there and stayed in a 4 star. That included our flight also.

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Ben

Same here. I don't even think I spent that much... Stayed at the Hilton, all 4 star hotels, and even a fancy tradition ryokan in the alps.

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Lance

yea, i think it was $3600 for flight and hotel and we spent $1500 on tours and entertainment and stuff.

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Steve

You'll be fine with that budget. airbnb is your friend, especially in Tokyo. Trains are reasonable, skip the cabs and walk the extra bit. Ramen shops are amazing and super cheap. Enjoy!

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Elaine

If you are travelling long distances by train definitely get your rail pass here in Canada...different prices for number of days and they have regular and 1st class... if doing only one area the paying for local short trips works .... Hotels...get a loyalty card from Tokyu Inn and their chain and make sure you book with it...you can get great deals (these are business mans' hotels...2.5 star here) some have loyalty cards for their restaurants as well and those can get you % off meals...eat near the train stations or in the malls...food isn't expensive at all but it is very very good... lots of hiking areas very near the edge of the cities that are fantastic...lots of waterfalls etc...ENJOY!

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Jenny

Definitely get the rail pass here before going (not available in Japan) You can always price out the individual tickets and compare it to the pass.
If you want to see lots of Japan (eg way up north like Hokkaido and way down south Okinawa) there are cheap flights for foreigners - about $100 a flight http://www.japanvisitor.com/japan.../travel-japan-flights
If you want to see old Japan with the temples I suggest Kyoto (and Nara). Off the beaten track would be Shirakawago (UNESCO world heritage site) is AMAZING. I heard you can rent one of the huts to stay in but never looked into it. I also love Takayama because of the Hida Folk Village (outdoor museum). If you want a bit of warmth Okinawa is interesting. In Kanazawa there is the Gold Leaf Museum where at the end of the tour they did a tea ceremony (yrs ago so no idea if they still do that).
I can't think of any festivals in Nov but if you can hunt one down in a small town it's UNBELIEVABLE to experience. I stumbled on one randomly and was invited into different houses and fed. No idea what was going on but there were floats and a parade and lots of eating/drinking everywhere.
Enjoy Japan! Definitely the safest place I've ever been and very friendly and helpful people. Love it there

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Katherin

Just booked with promo code. $752.00 all tax in direct air canada 1st 2 weeks of November. Great price and only direct flight being offered!!!

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Adam

Promo code? Please share.

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Katherin

LANTERN16

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Adam

THANK YOU!!! It worked like a charm.


A.I. says...

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Planning a Budget-Friendly Trip to Japan for $5,000 in 12-14 Days

Are you planning a trip to Japan, but worried about the cost? Don't worry, it is possible to experience the beauty of Japan on a budget.

Accommodations

One of the most significant expenses when traveling is accommodation. To save money, consider staying in guesthouses or hostels. These options provide comfortable and affordable lodging, typically ranging from $20 to $50 per night for a private room. For a 12-day trip, this could cost around $600 to $1,500.

Transportation

Japan has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around. Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if you plan on traveling by train extensively. A 7-day pass costs around $270, while a 14-day pass costs around $400. This pass allows for unlimited travel on most JR trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train).

For shorter distances, you can use local buses or subways. Fares typically range from $1 to $5 per ride.

Food

Food costs can vary depending on your eating habits. If you are on a budget, consider eating at affordable restaurants or street food stalls. A meal at a casual restaurant can cost around $10 to $20, while street food can be as cheap as $5. For a 12-day trip, you could allocate around $500 to $1,000 for food.

Activities

There are many free or low-cost activities you can enjoy in Japan. Visit temples and shrines, explore parks and gardens, or attend local festivals. If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture, consider visiting a tea ceremony or a sumo wrestling match. These activities typically cost around $10 to $50 per person.

Other Expenses

Other expenses to consider include visa fees, travel insurance, and souvenirs. Visa fees for most countries are around $50 to $100. Travel insurance is recommended and can cost around $50 to $100 per person. For souvenirs and other incidentals, you could allocate $200 to $500.

Sample Budget

Based on the estimates above, here is a sample budget for a 12-day trip to Japan for two people:

Expense Estimated Cost
Accommodations $600 - $1,500
Transportation $270 - $400
Food $500 - $1,000
Activities $100 - $500
Other Expenses $200 - $500
Total $1,670 - $3,900

As you can see, it is possible to experience Japan on a budget of $5,000 for 12 to 14 days. By choosing affordable accommodations, using public transportation, and eating at budget-friendly restaurants, you can save money while still enjoying all that this amazing country has to offer.

Tips for Saving Money

  • Travel during the off-season (November-March)
  • Book your flights and accommodations in advance
  • Take advantage of free activities
  • Eat at local restaurants and street food stalls
  • Consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass if you plan on traveling by train extensively

Conclusion

Planning a budget-friendly trip to Japan is possible with careful planning. By following the tips above, you can experience the beauty and culture of this amazing country without breaking the bank.



   










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