Ah, Japan! The Land of the Rising Sun, where cherry blossoms bloom, sushi rolls tantalize your taste buds, and the neon lights of Tokyo dance like fireflies in the night. But before you pack your bags and hop on that plane, let’s talk about the all-important question: how much spending money should you bring for an 8-day adventure in this amazing country?
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Well, the answer is a bit like a bento box—there are many delicious components to consider! Generally speaking, a budget of $60 USD per person per day is a good starting point for spending money. This will cover meals, entertainment, and a little bit of souvenir shopping. But if you’re venturing out on your own, you might want to set aside a touch more each day to cover entrance fees and those irresistible street snacks!
Meals: A Culinary Journey
When it comes to food in Japan, prepare for a mouthwatering experience! We recommend budgeting around $50 per person per day for meals. Let’s break this down:
- Breakfast: Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast! You can grab an amazing morning set at a café for about 500 to 700 yen. Think coffee, toast, and maybe even a little salad. If you’re craving something familiar, McDonald’s has you covered with breakfast sets that include coffee and a hash brown for around 500 yen.
- Lunch: Lunchtime in Japan doesn’t have to break the bank! With about 1000 yen, you can enjoy sushi, noodles, or a delicious bento box. If you’re feeling a bit more indulgent, a Teishoku set lunch—complete with rice, miso soup, a small salad, and a main dish—will set you back around 1200 to 1500 yen.
- Dinner: As the sun sets, it’s time to feast! With a budget of 3000 yen for dinner, you can dine at an izakaya (Japanese pub), savor some yakiniku (grilled meat), or enjoy yakitori (grilled chicken skewers). Don’t forget to treat yourself to a drink; draft beer is usually quite affordable!
Entertainment: Fun Awaits!
Now, let’s sprinkle some fun into your budget! Plan on setting aside about $10 per day for entertainment. This will allow you to dive into the vibrant culture of Japan. Want to sing your heart out? Karaoke is a must! Expect to pay around 1000 yen per person for an hour of belting out your favorite tunes (drinks extra, of course!). Or, if you’re in the mood for a movie, a ticket will cost you around 1900 yen.
Shopping: Souvenirs Galore!
Ah, the thrill of shopping! Whether it’s quirky gadgets, beautiful textiles, or delicious snacks, Japan has it all. Budget about $10 per day for shopping. Be sure to check out the magical 100 yen stores, where you can find everything from chopsticks to sake sets at incredibly low prices. So, go ahead and pick up a few mementos to bring home!
Entrance Fees: Cultural Experiences
When exploring Japan’s rich history and culture, entrance fees can vary widely. We recommend budgeting around $10 per day for this. Fortunately, many temples, shrines, and castles are free to enter! For those that do charge, expect to pay around 500 yen. For notable sites like Himeji Castle and Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the fees might be higher, but trust us, the experience is worth it. Museums typically charge between 1000 to 2000 yen, so plan accordingly!
Total Spending Money in Japan
Now, let’s do some math! For an 8-day trip, we suggest a total of $640 for spending money, which breaks down to about $80 per person per day. Keep in mind, this is just your spending money! It doesn’t include airfare, hotels, transportation, travel insurance, or pocket Wi-Fi. So, while you’re dreaming of ramen and cherry blossoms, remember to also factor in those essentials!
Pro Tip: We’ve recently started using the WISE card for transferring funds into foreign currency. It’s a convenient and safe way to exchange, withdraw, and spend money while traveling. You can use your WISE card anywhere MasterCard is accepted, and you can withdraw money from ATMs with minimal fees. Check out the official WISE website to learn more!
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