How much does it cost to visit Japan?

If you’re planning to travel to Japan, you could be looking at an average cost of £3,081 for a two-week visit, or around £2,105 for a week*. That includes return flights, mid-range accommodation and spending money, but it’s very much a ballpark figure.

The exact cost of visiting Japan will depend on when you’re travelling, where you’re staying and what you’re planning to do. The cost of a city break to Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, is likely to be higher than a trip to a smaller city like Kyoto or Osaka, for example, where costs tend to be lower. 

Costs will also vary significantly depending on the time of year – March to May is a popular time with travellers as it’s cherry blossom season in Japan, so costs could be higher around this time due to increased demand. Likewise, demand for flights and accommodation goes up between September and November, when temperatures in Japan are just right for exploring and making the most of autumn festivals and events. 

We’ve taken a closer look at flights, accommodation, food and drink prices below, to help you budget for your trip. We’ve also covered spending money so you know how much Japanese yen to exchange before you go.

How much are flights to Japan?

The average cost of a return flight to Japan came in at £1,129 at the time of writing*, although this is a ballpark figure. In reality, flights to Japan vary in price depending on lots of factors, including departure and arrival airports and time of year. 

Prices will also depend on whether you choose a direct or indirect flight, and indirect flights are often cheaper. The three airlines that offer direct flights to Japan are British Airways (BA), All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Japan Airlines (JAL). 

Although Japan has several airports, Tokyo has the highest number of international routes and Tokyo Haneda Airport is the busiest airport here. Narita International Airport (NRT) is further out from Tokyo city centre but often has the most flight options from the UK, so you may find this is a good place to start your search.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Japan?

The cheapest time to fly to Japan is often January*, which is considered low season. Flights in this month can be around 17% less expensive than average.

When is the most expensive time to fly to Japan?

You may find the most expensive time to fly to Japan is October*, which is a popular time to fly. Flights at this time can be around 3% more expensive than average.

When’s the best time to book a flight to Japan?

According to data, you should book around 19 weeks – around 5 months – before departure for the cheapest flight prices*. You may want to book even earlier if you’re planning to visit Japan during a popular time for visitors, like cherry blossom season. And you could also save on flight prices by choosing an indirect flight, as these tend to be cheaper and often only involve one short stopover.

How much is accommodation in Japan?

Accommodation costs in Japan vary considerably according to where you’re staying and what you’re staying in. As a starting point, Exiap estimate the average daily cost of a room in a mid-range hotel in Japan to be around £45 per night*, but bear in mind this is a very rough guide. 

That figure could be as low as £18 for budget accommodation, or as high as £110 for luxury accommodation. Where you’re staying will influence these average costs significantly, though. Tokyo, for example, has more luxury hotels than Kyoto, so average accommodation costs are likely to be higher – but you’ll also find lots of budget accommodation options in Japan’s bustling capital.

How much is food in Japan?

Japan’s food scene covers everything from mobile ramen stalls – called yatai – to elegant fine-dining restaurants, so the amount you’ll need to budget will depend on your dining style. We’ve included some average costs below and compared Tokyo prices to London prices to give you an idea of how each city compares*. Before you travel, research average costs in your destination specifically to get a better idea of how much you’ll need. You can also find more average costs in our guide to the currency in Japan.

A mid-range three-course meal for two: £80 in London vs £28.22 in Tokyo

A small domestic draught beer: £6.50 in London vs £2.19 in Tokyo

A regular cappuccino: £4 in London vs £2.35 in Tokyo

A small Coke/Pepsi: £2.40 in London vs 83p in Tokyo

A small bottle of water: £1.58 in London vs 58p in Tokyo

Don’t forget about taking spending money for activities in Japan

If you’ve got a wishlist of things you want to tick off in Japan, have a look at ticket prices and entrance costs online before you go if possible. That way you know how much to budget and may also be able to book in advance.

If tackling one of Mount Fuji’s four trails is top of your to-do list, for example, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of around 4,000 yen – or about £20. And if you’re planning to visit a shrine, like Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, you won’t need to pay an entrance fee but it’s a good idea to have some cash to hand in Japanese yen, to leave as an offering – a popular custom at shrines in Japan.

Buying Japanese yen with Marks & Spencer Travel Money

Ready to go to Japan? Buy Japanese yen online for Click & Collect with no commission and no hidden fees**.

 

Sources

*All prices are illustrative and based on average prices at the time of writing in January 2026. 

Average costs for a week vs a two-week trip based on combined average prices for daily spending money, flights and mid-range accommodation: Exiap and Kayak

Tokyo vs Kyoto cost of living comparison: livingcost.org 

Average flight prices: Kayak 

Accommodation average prices: Exiap

Food and drink average prices: Numbeo

**T&Cs apply. Subject to availability.