What a trip to Japan really costs, and why you still need cash in a high-tech country

Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but mid-range travel is often cheaper than Western Europe — the real surprise for US visitors is how much the country still runs on cash. Here is a realistic budget.

Japan has a reputation among US travelers for being expensive, but mid-range food and lodging are often cheaper than comparable options in Western Europe, with high-end experiences (top sushi counters, ryokan with kaiseki dinners) at the pricier end pulling up the country's average reputation.

A realistic daily budget

A comfortable mid-range day in Tokyo or Kyoto — a solid hotel or business hotel, three meals including good restaurant food, local transit and one paid attraction — typically runs $130–$220 per person; convenience-store meals and casual ramen or udon shops can bring daily food costs down to $25–$35 without any sense of deprivation, since quality at that price point is genuinely good.

Why cash still matters here

Japan has a reputation for cutting-edge technology, but it remains more cash-oriented than many US visitors expect — small restaurants, local shops, temples and some rural areas may not accept cards at all. 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart ATMs reliably accept foreign cards and are everywhere, making them the easiest way to get yen; Japan Post Bank ATMs are another reliable option. An IC card (Suica, Pasmo or similar) loaded with yen covers nearly all public transit and many convenience-store purchases with a simple tap.

Tipping and taxes

Japan has no tipping culture at all — leaving a tip at a restaurant or for a taxi driver is not expected and can cause confusion rather than appreciation, so simply pay the listed price. Japan's consumption tax (10% for most goods) is virtually always included in the displayed price you see on a menu or shelf tag, unlike the pre-tax pricing common in the US.