
When planning your trip to Japan, one crucial aspect to consider is transportation expenses. These costs encompass both airfare to Japan and getting around within the country. Whether these expenses will be high or low, expensive or affordable, you have full control over them.
Air travel is the fastest and most popular mode of transportation to explore Japan. Your Japan travel expenses, be it pricey or economical, depend on the airline and flight times. Numerous airlines from our country operate flights to Japan, giving you plenty of options to choose from. Most flights depart from major cities in our country, with some offering direct flights while others include layovers in third-party countries.
During the ticket purchasing process, you can compare prices among different airlines. There are often many promotional offers available in the market. A flight to Japan typically costs around 7,000,000 VND or more. With savvy planning, you may be able to snag cheaper tickets.
The bottom line: when considering your travel expenses to Japan, factor in both airfare and local transportation costs. With careful planning and a bit of luck, you can manage to keep these expenses within your budget.

Unlocking the secrets to snagging affordable airfares can significantly cut down your Japan travel expenses (Image Source: Collage)
One savvy tip to save on Japan travel costs is to book your tickets early. Aim for departure dates around 2 to 3 months in advance. Prices tend to soar closer to departure dates, so consider flying during off-peak hours like early mornings or late nights. Timing is key!
Exploring transportation options within Japan
Japan boasts one of the most advanced transportation systems globally, offering a plethora of options for getting around. Opting for public transport can help trim your travel expenses in Japan. Train stations and bus stops are conveniently scattered across the country.

Japan boasts an incredibly advanced and modern transportation system (Image Source: Collection)
For short distances, you can opt for buses, while for longer journeys, the subway is a convenient choice. For intercity travel, high-speed trains are available. Taxis in Japan are relatively expensive, so unless necessary, it's advisable to avoid them. Particularly, nighttime taxi fares in Japan are among the highest in the world.
Here are the fare rates for various modes of transportation. You can use this information to estimate your travel expenses in Japan.
Subway
Subway is used for intercity travel between neighboring cities. The fare for the subway ranges from 400 to 1,000 yen (approximately 80,000 to 200,000 VND).
Bus
Bus fares range from 30,000 to 50,000 for a single trip. For long-distance bus travel, such as from Tokyo to Osaka, the fare would be around 400,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
High-speed train
Shinkansen high-speed trains are used for inter-prefecture travel. These vehicles offer extremely high speeds, significantly reducing travel time. However, Shinkansen tickets are usually quite expensive. The lowest fare for a trip from Tokyo to Osaka is around 13,000 yen (approximately 2,500,000 VND per segment).
Taxi
Taxi fares start from the moment you open the car door. Prices range from 120,000 to 140,000 VND for the first 2 kilometers. Each subsequent kilometer costs 60,000 to 80,000 VND.
Travel Expenses in Japan - Accommodation
Accommodation is one of the essential fixed expenses when calculating travel expenses in Japan independently. Japan offers various types of rooms with different price ranges for you to choose from. Particularly, if you travel with a group, you can share the cost among yourselves.
1. Typical Price Range
Being a developed country, hotel prices here are quite expensive. Room rates vary depending on the location. For example, if you choose to stay near the city center, room rates can go up to $700. However, if you stay farther from the center, prices are more reasonable, around $200 per night.

A hotel room in Japan with a traditional design reminiscent of the Land of the Rising Sun (Image Source: Collection)
Traveling to Japan independently typically accounts for about half of your daily expenses. However, this is quite reasonable considering the quality of services here is entirely commensurate with the money you spend. From accommodations to amenities, heating systems...
- For budget options like Capsule Hotels, the rental price is quite affordable, ranging from 400,000 to 500,000 VND.
- However, 2 to 3-star hotels are slightly more expensive, ranging from 600,000 to 1,400,000 VND.
These travel expenses in Japan are considered quite reasonable. Depending on your travel needs, you can choose the suitable type of accommodation. If you're traveling for leisure, it's advisable to opt for quality rooms. However, if you're spending the whole day exploring and only using the room at the end of the day, you can choose cheaper options.
2. Some Important Notes
Taking note of the following will help you save on independent travel expenses in Japan, allowing you to enjoy more. Let's explore what they are with Mytour!

Whether your travel expenses in Japan are high or low depends largely on your hotel room rates (Image Source: Collection)
- Book your accommodation about 2 to 3 months in advance, especially during special occasions like cherry blossom season or autumn foliage. This will ensure you get good rooms without being charged exorbitantly.
- Search for rooms on reputable booking websites or apps. Alternatively, you can wait for promotional periods to book your room and enjoy discounts.
- When booking, it's advisable to check the feedback from previous guests.
- Avoid choosing unexpectedly cheap hotels, as they may be scams or offer poor service quality.
- Opt for accommodations with shared kitchen facilities for guests. Since restaurants in Japan typically close by 9 or 10 pm, cooking your meals will also help you save a considerable amount on travel expenses in Japan.
Travel Expenses in Japan - Dining
Dining is one of the expenses that many people are concerned about when traveling to Japan independently. Japan is famous for its unique and delicious cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and Takoyaki octopus balls.

Visiting Japan without indulging in its cuisine is a huge missed opportunity! (Image Source: Collection)
You can choose to dine at restaurants or try street food. There are various price ranges for you to consider. Generally, prices in restaurants are slightly higher than those outside. Or you can also consider some suggestions below!
- Dine at 100 yen shops. You can ask the front desk about the nearest shops. They offer a wide range of food, toiletries, groceries, household items... all priced at 100 yen.
- Dining at convenience stores. Convenience stores in Japan are similar to those in our country. Here, you can find pre-prepared food items priced from 20,000 to 55,000 VND.
- Avoid buying fresh fruits to save on travel expenses in Japan. Fresh fruits and vegetables are quite expensive on the island nation. So, if not absolutely necessary, it's best not to buy them.
Travel Expenses in Japan - Places to Visit
Japan is a country with many attractive tourist destinations. An ideal trip cannot be without visiting these places. Some attractions may have admission fees, while others are completely free. You can visit these free attractions to save on travel expenses in Japan.
Below, Mytour will suggest some free tourist attractions in Japan for you to consider adding to your itinerary. These include Naritasan Park, Japanese shrines, Mount Fuji, Suntory Kyoto Brewery, and more.
Additionally, some other tourist attractions in Japan require admission fees. You can plan your itinerary in advance to arrange suitable destinations. Knowing where you will go in advance makes it easier to calculate travel expenses in Japan.
1. Tokyo Tower
If you visit Tokyo Tower, the ticket price is 150,000 VND per person. This price is considered very reasonable for sightseeing fees within travel expenses in Japan for independent travelers. Tokyo Tower is a functioning television tower and a famous Tokyo landmark.
Tokyo Tower is an iconic landmark of the Land of the Rising Sun. Almost every tourist visiting Japan checks in at Tokyo Tower. The tower's design was inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It was completed in 1958 and stands 333 meters tall.

When exploring Japan, don't forget to check in at Tokyo Tower! (Image Source: Collection)
At the base of the tower is a shopping complex called Foot Town. It is home to many shops and restaurants. Additionally, there is an observatory for tourists at the tower. From this vantage point, you'll have the opportunity to admire the bustling, modern Tokyo skyline.
You can visit here during the day or at night. During the day, the tower stands tall against the sky, its red hue standing out. At night, the tower shines brightly with LED lights against the night sky. Regardless of the time, the scenery here always wears its own unique charm.
2. Osaka Castle
You can choose Osaka Castle to add to your itinerary. You can book a tour to Japan to visit Osaka if you're not traveling independently. The admission fee to this attraction is around 100,000 VND per person. With its ancient structure and unique architecture, this price is very reasonable in terms of travel expenses in Japan.
Osaka Castle was constructed in 1583 by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and it was considered the largest castle at that time. Every year, this site attracts many tourists for its historical significance and stunning exterior scenery.

Osaka Castle impresses visitors with its majestic and sturdy appearance (Image Source: Collection)
In spring, the castle is adorned with cherry blossoms, while in autumn, the landscape is painted with the golden and red hues of maple leaves. Visiting here, you'll have the chance to breathe fresh, cool air. If you're with a loved one, it would be wonderful to stroll together amidst this romantic scenery.
The castle comprises 7 floors, each with different spaces and arrangements. It houses artifacts such as helmets, armor, and weapons used in ancient battles, along with eye-catching models depicting historical battles. Afterwards, you can also go up to the 8th floor for panoramic views.
3. Kaiyukan Osaka Aquarium
Are you fascinated by the vast and mysterious world of the ocean? If so, you must visit the Kaiyukan Osaka Aquarium. The admission price for one person is approximately 400,000 VNĐ. This price is entirely justified by the experiences that Mytour is about to introduce below.
At the aquarium, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at the marine life of the Pacific Rim. The tanks here are incredibly large, measuring about 34 meters long and 9 meters deep. There are 15 gigantic aquariums that will offer you fascinating experiences. Over 30,000 different species are housed here, with the most notable being the giant whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.

The unique architecture of the aquarium is one of the attractions that captivates visitors (Image Source: Collection)
You'll feel like you're lost in a mysterious ocean. Around you, schools of fish swim playfully. Your check-in photos here will surely amaze many! If you've decided to come here, don't forget to include the ticket price in your travel expenses for Japan!
4. Nagoya Castle
Nagoya Castle is the most important castle in Aichi Prefecture. The admission price is only about 90,000 VNĐ/person, so you don't have to worry about travel expenses in Japan. The castle has been reconstructed from the original version destroyed by war. However, the architecture and appearance remain almost the same as before.
Today, the castle functions as a museum serving tourists. Here, there are ancient artifacts from the Edo period, such as painted walls resembling underwater scenes, sliding doors, helmets, swords, and more. The most distinctive feature of the castle is the pair of golden dolphins and tiger heads on the roof called kinshachi on the roof ridge.

A profoundly significant historical structure in Aichi (Source: Collection)
Almost every traveler to Aichi visits this place. Exploring the castle, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the ancient Japanese cultural and historical beauty. Along with that is admiring the refreshing, cool natural scenery.
The article must have provided you with the necessary information. From there, you can estimate your travel expenses in Japan. If you don't have experience in independent travel, you can join a tour. If you need to book a tour, contact Mytour via hotline Mytour!
You might be interested: travel expenses in Japan.
