Great question β and the short answer is: yes, $100 a day can be enough in Japan, but it depends on your travel style. Letβs break it down real quick:
πΈ $100/day Budget β What It Can Cover
This is a budget to mid-range daily amount in Japan. Here’s what you can expect:
ποΈ Accommodation
- Budget hostel / capsule hotel: $25β$50/night
- Business hotel: $50β$80/night
- Airbnb/private room: $40β$70/night
- If you’re solo and okay with shared spaces, youβll save more.
π Food
- Convenience store meals: $3β$6 (yes, they’re surprisingly good)
- Ramen or curry: $7β$10
- Sushi / izakaya meal: $15β$25
- Daily total: $20β$30 easily covers decent meals.
π Transport
- Subway/bus in cities: ~$5β$10/day
- Regional trains (not bullet trains): also manageable
- JR Pass (if traveling a lot): could blow your budget, so plan ahead.
ποΈ Attractions
- Many temples, shrines: free or $2β$5
- Museums: $5β$10
- Theme parks: $50+ (so maybe skip these on a tight budget)
π§ Tips to Make It Work
- 7-Eleven/FamilyMart food is cheap and tasty
- Use IC cards (like Suica or Pasmo) for transport
- Stay in one area longer to reduce travel costs
- Consider a night bus instead of a train to save on both travel and accommodation
π Final Verdict:
β
YES β $100/day is doable if youβre mindful
π° If you want more comfort, flexibility, or splurges β aim for $120β$150/day
𧳠Backpacker level can go even lower β around $60β$80/day with hostels and cheap eats