[Japan Travel Budget Guide] Explaining travel styles and spending trends by country

Introduction

Japan has been a country with many attractions as a tourist destination since ancient times. A wide range of tourist attractions, such as Mt. Fuji, traditional culture in Kyoto, cutting-edge technology in Tokyo, and natural beauty in every season, attract tourists from all over the world. However, when planning a trip to Japan, one of the points that many people worry about is the "budget". Especially for those visiting Japan for the first time, the question "How much does it cost to travel to Japan?" is an important concern.

In this article, based on the "2023 Consumption Trends of Foreign Visitors to Japan" and "Outline of the Survey Results (2nd Preliminary Report) for the April-June 2024 Period of Inbound Consumption Trends Survey" announced by the Japan Tourism Agency of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan, we will thoroughly analyze the consumption trends of foreign tourists visiting Japan and provide a detailed explanation of the budget for traveling to Japan. We will introduce the amount of consumption and cost breakdown by country, the characteristics of each travel style (tour participation and individual travel), the difference in cost depending on the number of days of stay, and even the trends for each airport of entry.

For example, in what areas do tourists from major countries such as China, Taiwan, and the United States spend their money? Also, what are the differences in budget between group tours and individual travel? We also provide detailed explanations of how costs vary depending on the length of stay and the airport of entry, to help those planning a trip to Japan set a budget that suits their travel style and purpose.

We hope that this article will provide you with information that will enable you to plan your trip to Japan more realistically, and also give you some hints to increase the enjoyment of your trip and make new discoveries. We hope that this article will be a useful guide for those who are considering a trip to Japan, or who have already started planning.

Consumption by country

The amount of spending by foreign tourists visiting Japan varies greatly by country and region. According to data for the July-September period of 2024, the total travel spending by foreign tourists visiting Japan was approximately 1.948 trillion yen, an increase of 41.1% compared to the same period last year and 64.8% compared to the pre-COVID level in 2019. This increase indicates that Japan's tourism industry is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and that many foreign tourists are once again visiting Japan.

Spending ranking by country

• China: 517.7 billion yen (26.6% of total)

  China accounts for the largest proportion of the total, and is notable for spending a lot on shopping and accommodation in particular.

• Taiwan: 284.4 billion yen (14.6% of total)

  There are also many tourists from Taiwan, with spending on transportation and tourism-related services being particularly notable.

• South Korea: 228.5 billion yen (11.7% of total)

  Due to its geographical proximity, South Korea attracts many visitors, and most trips are for relatively short periods, with food and beverage expenses tending to account for a high proportion of the total during the visit.

• United States of America: 186 billion yen (9.5% of total)

  Tourists from the United States tend to stay longer and spend more on accommodation and transportation.

• Hong Kong: 167.7 billion yen (8.6% of total)

  It appears that tourists from Hong Kong tend to stay for short periods and place a high priority on shopping and eating and drinking.

• Other countries

  Additionally, travelers from countries such as the Philippines (23.4 billion yen, 1.2%), Spain (24.3 billion yen, 1.2%), and Thailand (25 billion yen, 1.3%) also showed notable spending trends in certain areas.

These data show that consumption amounts and cost allocation characteristics differ depending on the country and region. For example, tourists from China and Taiwan spend a lot on shopping, while tourists from the United States and Europe tend to spend more on accommodation and experiential tourism services.

We recommend that you use this information to check the trends in your country or region and create a budget plan based on the purpose of your trip.

Breakdown of spending

The consumption of foreign tourists visiting Japan is spread across a wide range of categories, and by looking at the breakdown of these categories, it becomes clear what activities tourists are spending their money on during their stay in Japan. We will explain in detail the characteristics of each consumption category based on data from July to September 2024.

Overall consumption ratio

The average spending per person for all foreign tourists visiting Japan was 223,195 yen, broken down into the following main items.

• Accommodation costs: Average 75,739 yen (33.9% of total)

  This is the largest expenditure item during a trip, accounting for more than one-third of travelers. Travelers from Western countries in particular tend to spend a lot on accommodation.

• Food and beverage expenses: Average 49,264 yen (22.1% of total)

  Japan's diverse food culture attracts the interest of tourists, and they tend to spend a lot on food and beverages. Tourists from South Korea and Hong Kong spend a relatively high proportion on food and beverages.

• Transportation costs: Average 24,402 yen (10.9% of total)

  This includes expenditures on various modes of transportation such as the Shinkansen, railways, and taxis. In particular, travelers from Europe and the United States tend to use the Shinkansen and Japan Rail Pass more frequently.

• Entertainment and services: Average 10,491 yen (4.7% of total)

  This includes spending on experiences unique to Japan, such as theme parks, museums, and hot spring facilities.

• Shopping expenses: Average 63,267 yen (28.3% of total)

  Souvenirs, cosmetics, and electrical appliances make up the majority of purchases. Travelers from China and Taiwan tend to spend especially heavily on these items.

Characteristics by expense category

• Accommodation fee details

  Tourists from the UK and France tend to spend the most on accommodation, accounting for over 40% of the total, while tourists from South Korea and Southeast Asia tend to spend less on accommodation.

• Characteristics of food and beverage expenses

  Japanese cuisine, local specialties, ramen, sushi and other uniquely Japanese delicacies are popular, contributing to the high food and drink costs. Tourists from Singapore and Thailand in particular seem to be keen to spend money on food and drink.

• Points to note about shopping

  Tourists from China tend to spend more on cosmetics and electrical appliances, while tourists from Hong Kong tend to spend more on clothing, shoes, bags, etc. This is thought to be influenced by their trust in the quality and design of Japanese products.

Traveler spending trends vary not only by country or region, but also by travel style and purpose. By using this data to consider in advance how to allocate expenses to suit your travel plans, you can have a more satisfying trip.

Spending by country

The amount of spending by foreign tourists visiting Japan varies greatly from country to country and region to region. This is due to factors such as cultural background, travel purpose, spending trends, and length of stay. In this section, we will take a closer look at the characteristics of each country and region based on data from July to September 2024.

China

• Total spending: 517.7 billion yen (26.6% of total spending)

• Average consumption per person: 267,088 yen

Chinese tourists have the highest total consumption and play an important role in Japan's economy. They spend a lot of their money on shopping, with high-priced items such as cosmetics and electrical appliances being popular.

Taiwan

• Total spending: 284.4 billion yen (14.6% of total spending)

• Average consumption per person: 192,159 yen

Taiwanese tourists tend to spend a lot on shopping and eating out, and tend to enjoy Japanese food and activities at tourist spots, preferring relatively short, high-intensity trips.

South Korea

• Total spending: 228.5 billion yen (11.7% of total spending)

• Average consumption per person: 112,877 yen

Korean travelers tend to visit Japan frequently and only travel short distances, so their per capita spending is relatively low, but they tend to visit frequently, placing emphasis on food, drink, and entertainment.

United States of America

• Total spending: 186 billion yen (9.5% of total)

• Average consumption per person: 302,087 yen

American travelers tend to stay longer and have a very high per capita spending, spending a lot on accommodation and transportation, and often enjoying traditional Japanese cultural experiences and sightseeing in rural areas.

Hong Kong

• Total spending: 167.7 billion yen (8.6% of total spending)

• Average consumption per person: 242,008 yen

Tourists from Hong Kong tend to spend a lot on food, beverages and shopping. They have a strong trust in the high quality of Japanese products and tend to spend efficiently even during short stays.

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia)

• Thailand: Average of 186,967 yen (strong interest in shopping and eating and drinking)

• Singapore: Average cost of 266,018 yen (expenses for accommodation and food and beverages are high)

• Malaysia: Average of 208,964 yen (overall balanced expenditure)

Tourists from Southeast Asia are active in shopping, sightseeing, and eating and drinking. Tourists from Singapore in particular are characterized by high overall expenditures.

Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain)

• UK: Average 331,812 yen (high spending on accommodation and cultural experiences)

• France: Average 333,857 yen (large number of long-term residents, shopping is also important)

• Germany: Average 326,843 yen (high interest in entertainment and theme parks)

• Italy: Average 400,275 yen (high overall consumption)

• Spain: Average 382,904 yen (strong tendency to enjoy food culture)

European tourists are characterized by their strong interest in Japanese culture and regional tourism, and their overall spending habits are high.

A breakdown of spending by country and region highlights the differences in the experiences and values ​​each traveler seeks. If there is any information that applies to your own travel plans, it can be useful to use it as a guide.

Differences in budget between tours and individual travel

The travel styles of foreign visitors to Japan can be broadly divided into "group tours," "individual travel (using packages)," and "individually arranged travel." Each style has significantly different travel budgets and spending patterns, and has characteristics that correspond to the traveler's purpose and needs. In this section, we will explain the differences and trends in budgets for each of these three travel styles.

1. Group tours

Approximately 10.7% of travelers from all countries and regions participate in group tours. The average purchase price for a group tour is 225,962 yen. When viewed by country, the following characteristics can be seen.

• India (309,589 yen)

  They tend to choose expensive group tours, and trips that efficiently visit tourist attractions are especially popular.

• European countries (UK 880,545 yen, Germany 747,406 yen, etc.)

  They tend to stay for long periods of time, and their overall travel budgets tend to be high.

Group tours are popular with first-time visitors to Japan and people who want to see many places in a short space of time, as they allow you to efficiently visit tourist spots and can be enjoyed without having to worry about language barriers. However, they have the disadvantage of being less flexible and having limited options for dining and shopping.

2. Individual travel (package use)

Among individual travelers, about 3.9% use package tours. The average purchase price for package tours is 223,549 yen. By country, the following are notable.

• Singapore (274,252 yen)

  They value high-quality service and tend to choose packages with extensive accommodation and sightseeing.

• Indonesia (278,406 yen)

  Many travelers are looking for special experiences in Japan, and many of the packages are luxurious.

Traveling with a package for individuals is suitable for travelers who want to efficiently arrange accommodation and transportation. Although it offers more freedom than a group tour, your options are limited compared to a fully self-arranged trip.

3. Individually arranged travel

Approximately 85.4% of travelers make their own travel arrangements. This is the majority of travelers to Japan. The average purchase price for those who make their own arrangements is 109,729 yen. By country, there are the following trends.

• United States of America (227,125 yen)

  Many travelers stay for long periods of time to enjoy sightseeing in rural areas, but high accommodation and transportation costs are noticeable.

• South Korea (44,490 yen)

  Since I will be visiting Japan frequently and for short periods of time, my travel budget for each trip will be kept low.

Individually arranged tours are popular with repeat visitors and travelers with specific goals, as they allow complete freedom in creating an itinerary. They allow you to tailor your trip to suit your personal interests, such as enjoying local food culture or prioritizing a stay in a rural area.

Travel style selection and advice

• First time visiting Japan

If it's your first trip, it's a good idea to choose a group tour or package tour that includes language support and sightseeing tours.

• If you have a repeat visitor or a specific destination

If you value specific experiences in Japan and sightseeing in local areas, a self-arranged tour is the way to go. You can travel at your own pace and choose the places and activities you like, so it tends to be more satisfying.

Budget by length of stay

The budget for a trip to Japan varies greatly depending on the number of days of stay. For short trips, transportation and accommodation costs make up a large proportion, while for longer stays, food and entertainment costs tend to increase. In this section, we analyze budgets by length of stay based on the average number of nights stayed and survey data, providing information that will be useful for planning your trip.

1. Short term (3 days or less)

The average length of stay for all nationalities and regions was 1.7 nights, with the average consumption amounting to approximately 101,000 yen. The following are some characteristics by country.

• South Korea (approximately 1.8 nights, 95,028 yen)

  Being a neighboring country, many visitors come to Japan for short periods of time, and it is common for them to keep accommodation and transportation costs down.

• Hong Kong (approximately 1.8 nights, 124,107 yen)

  Although the flight time is relatively short, the budget for food, beverages and entertainment tends to be high.

Short-term trips tend to involve concentrated sightseeing in major cities (such as Tokyo and Osaka). They are ideal for short weekend getaways, and many travelers enjoy sightseeing and shopping.

2. Medium-term stay (4-6 days)

The average length of stay for all nationalities and regions is around four nights, with the average consumption amounting to approximately 165,000 to 180,000 yen. The trends by country for medium-term stays are as follows:

• Taiwan (approx. 4.1 nights, 167,550 yen)

  While accommodation costs account for a slightly higher proportion of spending, people spend more on shopping and food.

• Thailand (about 4.5 nights, 179,464 yen)

  Despite the long-distance flight, many travelers choose to keep their accommodation costs down and visit a variety of tourist spots.

During this length of stay, it is common to include day trips to nearby tourist spots (e.g. Hakone and Nara) in addition to sightseeing in the city. In addition, more travelers are considering accessing local areas, broadening the scope of their sightseeing.

3. Long-term stay (7-13 days)

The average length of stay for all nationalities and regions was 7.8 nights, with the average consumption amounting to approximately 231,000 to 300,000 yen. The following trends were observed by country:

• United States of America (approx. 8.7 nights, 300,878 yen)

  In addition to the high accommodation costs associated with long stays, spending is high on local sightseeing and cultural experiences.

• Europe (UK 324,798 yen, France 312,265 yen, etc.)

  European visitors to Japan tend to stay for longer periods and primarily focus on culture and history when traveling.

During long-term stays, many travelers travel to multiple regions. In addition to the golden route of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, there is also an increase in travel to regional areas such as Hokkaido and Kyushu. In addition, there are many cases where people spend money on special experiences (hot springs, traditional craft experiences, etc.).

4. Ultra-long stay (14 days or more)

The average number of nights stayed by all nationalities and regions is between 14.8 and 21.7 nights, with the average consumption amounting to approximately 400,000 to 600,000 yen. The trends by country are as follows.

• India (18.4 nights, approx. 400,000 yen)

  Many travelers stay for very long periods of time, not only for sightseeing but also for business and cultural exchange.

• Canada (21.5 nights, approx. 550,000 yen)

  Many travelers enjoy staying in rural areas in search of nature and outdoor activities.

Ultra-long stays include not only sightseeing but also academic or business trips, and also include longer stays in regional areas, allowing for deeper experience of local food culture and traditional events.

Points to consider when planning your budget based on the length of your stay

1. Short-term travelers

   Since many of these trips are concentrated in major cities, we recommend using city transport passes and tourist attraction discount tickets.

2. Medium-term travelers

   It is important to incorporate day trips into your plans and find ways to enjoy regional sightseeing while keeping travel costs down.

3. Long-term travelers

   Make early reservations for accommodation in regional areas and incorporate experiences unique to the region (such as hot springs and local cuisine) to enhance your trip.

4. Extra-long-term travelers

   The key is to secure discount services based on the length of your stay (e.g. accommodations with long-term stay discounts) and regional transportation (such as rental cars).

Budget by airport of entry

The budget for traveling to Japan varies greatly depending on the airport of entry used. This is because it is influenced by the region to be visited, the purpose of sightseeing, and the characteristics of the traveler's nationality and region. In this section, we analyze the unit travel expenditure by major airport of entry and explain the characteristics and benefits of using each.

1. Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport)

Average consumption: 279,904 yen (all nationalities and regions)

• South Korea: 159,153 yen

• Taiwan: 318,022 yen

• China: 253,538 yen

Haneda Airport is close to central Tokyo and offers easy access. It is an efficient choice, especially for short-term and business travelers. Taiwanese and Chinese travelers tend to spend more on shopping and eating and drinking. With relatively little travel to regional destinations, spending during their stay is concentrated in urban areas.

2. Narita International Airport

Average consumption: 231,234 yen (all nationalities and regions)

• South Korea: 125,838 yen

• United States of America: 304,225 yen

• United Kingdom: 348,474 yen

Narita Airport has many international flights and is characterized by a large number of users of long-distance flights. It is particularly popular with travelers from Western countries, many of whom plan long-term stays. Travelers from the United States and the United Kingdom travel widely throughout Japan and place importance on diverse experiences, including regional sightseeing. As a result, transportation and accommodation costs push up the overall budget.

3. Kansai International Airport

Average consumption: 162,724 yen (all nationalities and regions)

• South Korea: 83,498 yen

• Taiwan: 139,179 yen

• China: 209,877 yen

Kansai Airport has good access to tourist destinations such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, and is used by many people for sightseeing. There are many short-term travelers from Korea in particular, and they generally travel on a budget. On the other hand, travelers from China tend to spend a lot on shopping and sightseeing experiences, and their consumption expenditure is relatively high.

4. New Chitose Airport

Average consumption: 138,113 yen (all nationalities and regions)

• South Korea: 107,392 yen

• China: 313,884 yen

• Taiwan: 124,107 yen

As the gateway to Hokkaido, New Chitose Airport is popular with tourists who enjoy nature. In particular, many tourists visit ski resorts during the winter. Chinese tourists tend to stay for long periods and spend a lot of money on resort facilities and outdoor activities.

5. Fukuoka Airport

Average consumption: 118,403 yen (all nationalities and regions)

• South Korea: 79,517 yen

• Taiwan: 116,597 yen

• China: 243,610 yen

Fukuoka Airport is easily accessible for travelers from Asia, and many of them are short-term travelers from Korea and Taiwan. Although their budget is relatively low, many of them enjoy eating, drinking and shopping locally. Travelers from China plan long-term stays that include regional sightseeing, and accommodation and transportation costs take up a large proportion of their budget.

6. Naha Airport

Average consumption: 122,412 yen (all nationalities and regions)

• South Korea: 101,155 yen

• Taiwan: 111,601 yen

• China: 198,232 yen

Naha Airport is a popular base for tourism in Okinawa. Many travelers enjoy the ocean and beach resorts, and tend to spend their budget on outdoor activities and resort hotel accommodations. Chinese travelers tend to spend a lot on experiences during their stay, and have a high average consumption rate.

Tips for choosing an entry airport

1. Choose an airport based on your purpose of stay

   If you are prioritizing city sightseeing, we recommend Haneda Airport or Narita Airport, and if you want to enjoy nature and the outdoors, New Chitose Airport or Naha Airport.

2. Travel budget optimization

   Short-term travelers from neighboring countries such as Korea and Taiwan can enjoy a fulfilling trip within their budget by taking advantage of plans that reduce transportation and accommodation costs.

3. Consider local tourism

   If you are using Kansai Airport or Fukuoka Airport, you can have a unique experience by incorporating the surrounding local tourist attractions into your plans.

In closing

The budget for a trip to Japan varies depending on various factors, such as the traveler's nationality and region, travel style, length of stay, and airport of entry. In this article, we have provided a detailed explanation of budgets and travel characteristics by country based on the consumption trends of foreign tourists visiting Japan. Below we have summarized some points that can be helpful for travelers planning a trip to Japan.

Tips to make the most of your trip

1. Clarifying your travel style

   Choosing a style such as a tour or independent travel makes it easier to manage your budget. Independent travel gives you more freedom and makes it easier to include local sightseeing, allowing you to enjoy a deeper experience in Japan.

2. Plan your stay according to your purpose

   For short stays, it is better to focus on sightseeing in the city, and for longer stays, it is better to include sightseeing in the countryside. Knowing your budget based on the number of days you will be staying can help reduce stress during your trip.

3. Understanding airport selection and regional characteristics

   By choosing the airport closest to the place you plan to visit, you can save travel time and enjoy sightseeing more efficiently. It is important to understand the characteristics of each region in advance and make a plan that fits your budget.

The appeal of traveling to Japan and the importance of planning

Japan is a country filled with diverse culture, nature, and seasonal attractions. A stay in Japan can vary greatly depending on the type of experience a traveler is looking for. However, by planning well in advance and understanding your budget, you can get the most satisfaction out of your limited time and money.

Furthermore, Japan's unique service and hospitality offer special experiences to travelers. Taking advantage of this and creating your own travel story is one of the best parts of traveling to Japan.

JAPANHOPPER will suggest hidden local attractions, popular spots, gourmet food, events, and more, based on your interests and tastes. You're sure to find travel tips just for you that you won't find in guidebooks!

As the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan becomes increasingly diverse, Japan's tourist destinations and services are being called upon to further evolve. We hope that this article will provide useful information for those planning a trip to Japan, both in terms of budget management and trip planning.

Finally, to fully enjoy your trip to Japan, it's important not only to plan well, but also to be flexible and enjoy new discoveries when you get there. We hope you'll use this article as a reference and have a wonderful trip to Japan.

May your trip be filled with wonderful memories.