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

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.

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

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.

That probably didn't include your flight?

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

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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!

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

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!!!

Promo code? Please share.

LANTERN16

THANK YOU!!! It worked like a charm.