How to do Japan in 14 days under $1,200
To do Japan for 14 days on $1,200, you must bypass the expensive Shinkansen, stick to regional overnight buses, and prioritize 'konbini' meals over restaurant dining. Your daily spending limit is $85, which covers a hostel bed, two supermarket meals, and local subway travel.
To do Japan for 14 days on $1,200, you must bypass the expensive Shinkansen, stick to regional overnight buses, and prioritize 'konbini' meals over restaurant dining. Your daily spending limit is $85, which covers a hostel bed, two supermarket meals, and local subway travel.
At a glance
- Budget
- 85 dollars per day
- Duration
- 14 days
- Best Time
- March, April, or November
- Visa Required
- Depends; check your local embassy for the 'Temporary Visitor' visa waiver list.
Step by step
Cut the Japan Rail Pass
Do not buy a national JR Pass. It is now too expensive to justify for budget travel. Use the Willer Express bus pass or book individual highway buses to move between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Live in hostels
Book dormitory beds in hostels via dedicated platforms like Hostelworld. Expect to pay $25–$35 per night. Look for properties with free breakfast to save $8 per day.
Eat at the konbini
7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are your kitchens. Buy onigiri ($1), bento boxes ($5), and instant miso soup ($1). You can easily survive on $20 a day for food if you avoid sit-down restaurants.
Focus on free attractions
Japan has hundreds of free shrines, parks, and public viewpoints. Skip the paid observation decks and expensive museums; hike Mount Takao or explore the Fushimi Inari Taisha for zero entry cost.
Itinerary
Day 1
- Morning: Arrival in Tokyo, purchase a Suica/Pasmo card.
- Afternoon: Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden ($3 entry).
- Evening: Explore Omoide Yokocho for atmosphere (buy one snack).
Stick to the Tokyo Subway 72-hour ticket ($10) for unlimited travel.
Day 2
- Morning: Meiji Jingu Shrine (Free).
- Afternoon: Harajuku street style walk (Free).
- Evening: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue (Free).
Grab dinner at a Lawson; spend under $7.
Day 3
- Morning: Ueno Park exploration (Free).
- Afternoon: Yanaka Ginza 'Old Tokyo' district walk (Free).
- Evening: Asakusa Senso-ji Temple at night (Free).
Use supermarket discounted bento boxes after 8 PM.
Budget
| Food | $25/day |
| Transport | $15/day |
| Activities | $15/day |
| Accommodation | $30/day |
| Daily total | $85 |
|---|
What to bring
- Portable power bank (essential for map navigation)
- Lightweight slip-on shoes (you will take them off constantly)
- Reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent)
- Packable rain poncho
Visa & entry notes
Most tourists from the US, UK, Canada, and EU are granted a 90-day visa-free entry (Temporary Visitor status). Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining and show proof of your departure ticket when asked by immigration officers.
FAQ
Can I afford beer on this budget?
Only if you buy it at a convenience store. Expect to pay $1.50 for a large beer at a shop versus $7+ at a bar.
Is the $1,200 including flights?
No. This budget is for your daily ground expenses in Japan. You will need a separate budget for your international airfare.
For the Tokyo leg, choosing a small-group day out that uses the trains fits this budget better than a coach tour, and the general guide to public transit abroad covers tap cards and fare zones. A long-haul flight into Japan is also a good reason to settle your jet lag protocol before you leave.
See also
- How to plan a solo trip to Japan
- How to book and ride Japanese highway buses
- How to use a Suica card for all transport and purchases
For details on specific cheap eats in Japan, visit HowTo Food.