How Expensive is it to Travel Japan? 🇯🇵 2 Weeks on $1,000

[@AbroadinJapan]

NOTIFICATION SQUAD: It's good to be back! Hello there. I won't lie this video was a huge undertaking to produce as there's so many points I wanted to cover, but I hope for those of you guys considering visiting Japan, this episode gives you the nudge you need. Above all, consider my debt to Natsuki REPAID after the island camping debacle.

[@gamechannelminecraft6583]

Hello everyone, good viewing🐼

[@Pavorish]

Now you just have to repay Connor lmao

[@spinosaurhp9341]

My god, i wish i could go to Japan!!! Its like a dream of mine, but the plane tickets are just too expensive😢😅

[@NeoTheory]

This is crazy I just emailed in to the podcast last week about a 2 week trip in tokyo and what you'd recommend doing 😂

[@typerightseesight]

I've never flown a plane and I live on the east coast of the United states, I have done some math and a greyhound to california for a ferry over seas to get there would cost more than the plane ticket and take about a week longer. But, would be so worth it imo.

[@MoQambique]

3:03 making it up to Natsuki.. But not Connor. Classic 🤣

[@MyVanir]

Perfectly on brand.

[@AbroadinJapan]

His time will come

[@rewq435]

​@@AbroadinJapan that sounds like a threat

[@krisostomoyabarrera2255]

Or a cope

[@timothycroy5857]

Connor rn ╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻😂

[@mirezelderon4992]

As of this very moment, I have officially, over the course of a little over 3 months, watched every single video on the Abroad in Japan and the Chris Abroad KZbin Channels! I did it! 11 years of content consumed!

[@AbroadinJapan]

God bless! We need to issue a certificate to the awesome few who've achieved such a feat 😅

[@mirezelderon4992]

@@AbroadinJapan I found your channel randomly. I watched one of Tokyo Portfolio's videos that you were in and I thought you were really entertaining. I watched a few videos and then got curious how long you had been on KZbin and scrolled to the bottom. Then I said "Screw it, lets binge it" and 3 ish months later, here we are lol

[@hamsternuggetz]

@@mirezelderon4992 do you feel ready for Japan now?

[@mirezelderon4992]

@@hamsternuggetzPartially lol. His videos have definitely helped. I plan on moving there in 2029

[@lonewolfandcub668]

​@@AbroadinJapanI have , where's my paper hat Christopher? Lol

[@kayflip2233]

For Americans, the secret to getting to Japan cheap is transferring via Honolulu. I paid only $500 for a one way economy ticket from LA > Honolulu > Tokyo. I think it's because you save money on the LA to Honolulu portion since it's is a domestic flight, then you save money again from Honolulu to Tokyo because it is a shorter international flight and the demand for flights is much lower in Honolulu than the rest of the continental US.

[@amandab8433]

Thanks for sharing your information. I'm planning a trip that starts in the SF Bay Area, and now I'll definitely try looking into flights your way 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@kayflip2233]

@@amandab8433 Yeah, check out United Airlines, they do that route.

[@NYTRUCKINGPRINCESS]

Yep! That’s what I do every time to Japan or Australia!

[@chloemango3]

See I wanted to do this but the ticket to Hawaii from New York is $500 alone. And another $500 to Japan. So it’s not worth it.

[@slyy_x]

@@chloemango3 did you figure out any cheaper way from new york?

[@cormacmccarthy7350]

Videos like this where Chris is talking about a specific topic are honestly my favorite videos on the channel. The travel videos can be fun, but these always feel like a better "glimpse" of Japan to me.

[@iamtesting3824]

Agree. Living and traveling are apples and oranges no matter where it is

[@jpjthethe]

Literally going to Japan this Sunday. Thanks for the tips

[@Drdeecee873]

hahaha im going on monday

[@StimParavane]

I absolutely loved it. I spent a month in Kyoto. I would move there tomorrow if I could get a job there.

[@SmashMindBlown]

​@Drdeecee873 going Monday aswell 😅

[@anthony3469]

I'm heading out tomorrow (Friday) :)

[@qiblik]

I still have few week until the flight. Going Friday 03/29

[@CircleToonsHD]

I'm going this October! This will be such a huge help, thank you!!

[@mrspitch4026]

ようこそ！！

[@NoGoodHandlesLeft]

Hey, my friends and I are going in October too!

[@florperachia]

Me too !

[@brvhtxxbxk]

October is an amazing month to go to Japan,i went last year and the temperatures are great,can be humid during the evening but its bare able,some shower periods but only for 2-3days,have fun!!! Ill be going again this May!

[@Dankweiler94]

Going this May, will be there for three weeks! Can´t wait!

[@captaincokecan]

Natsuki may be the coolest man alive

[@_Brohan]

i hope one day to be like him

[@Smirnaffskiy]

And the luckiest one too. Who knew that befriending some weird British guy who films videos for the internet back in the day would result in these adventures

[@C0reyTaylor8]

Natsuki is definitely Him

[@aaronhurst4379]

No 'may' about it

[@joeovip]

I know, looks like someone I would love to have beers 🍻 with

[@TheRealUnconnected]

Big tip - Do not waste your time and money lining up for Ichiran Ramen, or only doing so knowing it is fundementally a tourist trap that few locals ever go to. Find yourself a local, showa era ramen joint and enjoy what ramen is supposed to be, basic, cheap, filling and relaxed. These kinds of shops are literally everywhere across japan. You won't pay more than 800JPY for a bowl, even with all the toppings and it will blow ichiran out of the water most of the time.

[@NeilParfittMusic]

Totally - just head to ie: Ikebukuro and there's amazing Ramen everywhere.

[@donreed]

10/06/24: And stay out of Barnacle Billy's when you're in Ogunquit Maine!

[@NeilParfittMusic]

I was there last November and had the JR pass - I still saved a ton of money - Tokyo to Osaka, Kyoto, Hamamatsu all at different times and days, and endless trips on the JR lines in Tokyo on a daily basis over the span of 2 weeks made it absolutely worthwhile (and super easy) to jump through stations without wasting time getting tickets beyond the reserved Shinkansen trips (6). In the end, it really comes down to the trips you're doing and the frequency you're be using it.

[@AP-hn8wd]

Currently in Japan for travel. If you’re coming from the US, the dollar is quite strong. Not only will you get a rough estimate of +$230 per every $500 changed, the prices for Japanese food is also quite cheaper compared if you bought the equivalent in the US like a Mitsuwa or Nijiya. Also, things like full priced $60 Nintendo Switch or PlayStation games are about $40 here.

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

I live in Tokyo, and I didn't come from the US ( I came from Zurich, Switzerland) . I find Japan so much more affordable than my own hometown.

[@KenseiShiro]

But wasnt it so that you can only play japanese games on a japanese switch?

[@Wooplot]

Not so great for the Australian dollar, but still not too bad

[@AP-hn8wd]

@@KenseiShiro Switch games aren’t region locked (same with PS games). They even have localization for the most used languages.

[@KenseiShiro]

@@AP-hn8wd oh I guess it's just China then. But that's nice being able to save some money picking up switch games in jp

[@itsonlybrad2278]

I really like this video because it honestly showcases both the personal and professional relationship between Chris and Natsuki in such a sweet way. Thanks for bringing us along all these years.

[@elementjoe]

I’m in. See you next week 😂

[@isekun]

I'm actually visiting Japan for the first time this summer and this is much appreciated!

[@2006Whippet]

I went last October and will be heading back at the end of May. Food is very inexpensive. In Kanazawa I stopped at a place for a shrimp okonomiyaki and draft beer that came to about $9 usd.The same order in the US is about $30.

[@Unmeijones]

Me too!!

[@s_oba]

I went last summer for the first time in almost 10 years. You're gonna love it!

[@isekun]

@@s_oba Yeah, looking forward to it, thanks!

[@isekun]

@@2006Whippet Good to know! Eating good food is very important to me, so happy to know it's not very expensive.

[@sonnekern323]

Rest in peace Josh Sellens, the legendary mountain tour skiing operator who died recently in an avalanche on Mt Yotei in Hokkaido ❤ thanks for all the great work you do Chris sharing the best of Japan with the world 🌎

[@ryannbecca7840]

My traveling group is about to start planning all of the details of our fall trip. Really appreciate having a video like this to show them and help with budgeting!

[@DRLegacyProductions]

😂… Natsuki singing the verse , ‘ground control to major tom’… in the capsule hotel scenes…. …’to major tom’ remarkable detail to Bowie’s inflection… Brilliant!😎

[@hw-up2zg]

일본보지

[@hw-up2zg]

0:34 0:35

[@llw8845]

I loved this part!

[@stumbling_]

it was scary how good it was

[@Ninus316]

I dare say that Chris has once again surpassed Attenborough at providing an in depth yet succinct guide for both the novice and seasoned Japan traveler. Good on you!

[@donreed]

10/06/24: Wonderful comparison, meathead. Attenborough examined the animals in nature. Now the Japanese are fish?

[@SputDobt]

youtuber single handedly increases japans economy

[@timexgirl]

Absolutely!

[@klarkolofsson]

Are you KZbinr?

[@tbunreall]

@@gvdcYa, he needs to start his own travel company or get some kind of government job in tourism

[@richardcastlecastilloxeris8757]

good thing. the world needs a vibrant and thriving japan... our tourism can insure that

[@destituteanddecadent9106]

Unfortunately, Japan isn't exactly Bali. Inbound tourism accounts for less than 1% of Japan's economy, even if you see a lot of tourists in the city. (Which I do, a LOT of. Shibuya's like 60% tourists now.) So tourism isn't going to be helping Japan's economy anytime soon.

[@JoeP190]

Thanks so much for this, Chris. I want to return to Japan early next year for a new trip but I want to do it more price consciously. In October 2023 I went to Japan for a big, blowout trip to help me with my depression brought on by some circumstances and dropped $11,000 in three weeks. But it was glorious. I used a lot of your videos I've watched over the years for inspiration and went up to Morioka to dine at Wakana. Everyone was so friendly there. One of the hosts asked how I ended up there and I said I saw your video and he was very happy to show a picture he took with you and Sharla when you dined there outside of your video on Morioka.

[@giangargo669]

did the same thing kinda but i've never looked at price tags or anything, always ate out and i paid for most of my gf's meal, i overall spent around 1500 besides hotel and plane ticket, i would have to try really hard to spend 11000 lol, hope it helped you :D

[@SlinkyJosh]

I've already been to Japan and done most of these things but I still watched the whole video :D I love watching you and Natsuki goof off!

You're making me miss Japan so much right now! I was there for the first time in November for my birthday. I stayed for 3 weeks for less than 2000 USD. It was such a dream come true. Can't wait to be back.

[@LadyChaos1992]

can you tell us what you spent money on, and where you saved? Cause I'm gonna need a lot of money going to Japan cause I'm gonna be going to Daiso and gaming/nerd stores a lot

[@Arkiasis]

And November is probably the best month. Its not busy season and it's not summer when it's hot and humid as balls. Honestly don't visit in the summer. The humidity is killer.

[@Solarstormflare]

@@Arkiasis i visited in height of summer, it was fine except for kyoto and osaka, way too hot too stay out all day in those 2 cities, but hokkaido, tokyo and nagasaki were all fine and it was nice seeing all the famous temples without them being crammed full of tourists

[@NatashaMerkes]

November is one of the cheapest months to fly and stay in Japan which helps.

[@LadyChaos1992]

I only want to go during early Spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, which would still be cool. @@Arkiasis

[@andrewc9921]

My buddy and I got back from our month long trip in november. We were able to see things from Hiroshima to Sapporo, and from Capsule Hotels to a fancy place on Miyajima! You inspired me a lot to put the trip into action before going to college. Thank you Chris, you're out here changing lives!

[@steviesmiler]

Very informative video. Hopefully this video will get 1 million plus views and Chris will hit 3 million subscribers 👍🏻

[@sexybrathuhnmitsose]

did you clap some cheeks

[@fistkickfootpunch2286]

Roughly how much do you think it cost you for the month long trip?, just curious as I am planning my own later this year lol

[@Susan-nm3sx]

@@steviesmileroh yeh.. let’s make the millionaire even richer? 😂

[@englishatheart]

My buddy and I* Otherwise you're saying "Me just got back." 😛

[@SinisterMD]

I've been an armchair Japanophile for many years now, definitely egged on by your videos, but I can't wait to eventually visit. The culture, food, landscape, etc. It's just a seemingly magical place.

[@Boomdizzle99]

Dont wait. go now! GET OFF THE COUCH AND GO!!!!

[@Lockdown335]

You will never look back haha

[@firefangz]

It will be worth it. I had the best trip of my life in Japan and am going again this year!

[@urbanprojectz]

What really blew my mind was the quality of the food, it has set the bar so high for me now.

[@SinisterMD]

@@urbanprojectz Yeah, that's something I've thought about. Going there and eating that food, riding the trains, etc. I'm concerned I won't want to come back. :)

[@KikiAelita]

I love getting a little taste of my trips to Japan watching your videos. Seeing all the footage of the shops/countryside and all the basic items (konbini food and dollar store items) immediately light up all my own memories of those things and make me feel like I'm there again. A nice little (free) vacation snack!

[@Misshimedere]

My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon in Japan with a bunch of friends, so this got me more excited to plan for it with the information you've provided! Thank you for all the research you do and advice to us viewers!

[@mocochan]

Natsuki singing David Bowie in the capsule hotel was my favorite scene❤

[@DadCanInJapan]

Many small restaurants do a nice filling lunch special for less than Y1000. Also if you wait until 7-8pm, the convenience stores and supermarkets will sell their food at a discount, often 30% off but sometimes 50%. The convenience stores will also microwave your food for you too so you can eat right there.

[@MadYorkshireMan]

We visited from the uk in 2009 just after the financial crash and it nearly bankrupted me 😂. We booked everything the year before so prices looked ok then all hell broke loose on the markets. We took the approach of this may be once in a lifetime trip so just went with it. So glad we did. What an amazing country, even back then and no regrets what so ever.

[@V3lo8]

Really appreciate this video. Japan has been a long time travel goal, and a breakdown like this is helpful in showing how to make it affordable.

[@fillhixx]

This video and the Yamanote tour were all the inspiration my wife and I needed to pull the trigger for three weeks in Japan this Fall! Thank you for all you do here.

[@DarkRequiemFilms]

Almost 3 MILLION subscribers! A HUGE Congratulations Chris and the Abroad in Japan team!

[@Chronicoverburn]

I've been binging old content for so long I've never been here for a new video I just wanted to say hello and thank you abroad in Japan is been a gift

[@snagzzzzz]

I just got back from a 23 day trip, so just over 3 weeks. For me and my partner, everything was $10,500 AUD all up - flights and accommodation included. I thought we did pretty well! Also stayed in that ryokan you recommended in the 24 hours in Asakusa video Chris! We even got the same room as you after we double checked the video, the view of the pagoda was amazing.

[@CeliannaNami]

Was your hotel just very expensive, or were you hiring tour guides? Seems like a lot of money! I'll be visiting for 3 weeks as well, so I'm trying to gauge how luxurious I can be without it costing an arm and a leg.

[@Lillesnok]

Perfect timing, my man. Headed there for my first trip ever, solo, in 3 weeks. So all advise is welcome!

[@JAKETHEACCOUNTANT]

I love this video. My wife and I went to Japan for 14 days from Tokyo, to Kyoto, to Nara, to Osaka, then back again. Our price point was a bit higher, but it included a tour group with a chartered bus for 7 days of it. Traveling to the castles and temples was made a lot easier with our luggage stashed on the bus. Upon our tour ending we did visit Hakone during the Hydrangea festival and found it to be such a hidden gem for our trip. We plan on returning to visit north and south Japan soon! Also I want to say we only knew about 10 different phrases and the populace was kind and patient with navigating the times when google translate or phrases did not seem to work. Love your content and always love revisiting memories through your footage. Keep up the great work!

[@Big-Wonka]

Lol the amount of one liners from Natsuki never disappoint 😂

[@iSwaaaaaaaaa]

Just came back from a 3 week trip to japan. Excluding the JR Pass and our flight from germany. We spend half of our planned budget. It is actually way cheaper than people say. It was one of the first thing that caught my eye. Also Family Mart and 7Eleven was our lunch for most days. And it was amazing every time! Can't wait to go back next year :D

[@user-lk2qf4rt3m]

Agreed! Just back from two weeks, we all came back with money. We were feasting at Ichiran, Kuro Sushi, and coco curry for under £10 a night. With drinks. Unbelievable!

[@妖怪羊羹]

今は円の価値がドルに比べて安いんだよ。 大体1 dollar＝140yenくらい だから今なら日本旅行安いよ

[@farrelfoster-lynam6683]

Going to Japan from New Zealand recently, I couldn't believe how incredibly cheap nearly everything was, from food to travel. The only thing that felt expensive was accommodation in or near Tokyo. A lot of that comes down to the fact that everything in NZ is stupidly expenive, so YMMV, depending where you are from

[@magicalashleigh]

Also budgeting from New Zealand, truly when you come from a country as insanely expensive as ours for food and transport, anywhere else feels like a bargain.

[@lillywhiteamvs]

Haha same here from Australia, going on holiday here works out more expensive than going overseas most of the time. Unless you're staying in backpacker areas with somewhat cheap hostels, accommodation costs a small fortune.

[@MrJcTTK]

even accommodation is pretty cheap depending on what you are looking for. I stay with business hotels like APA 30 to 40 a night in Akihabara.

[@skulduggery1]

Same here. Flights were a nightmare though. $3000+ return between dec-feb and the only air NZ returning flight is a red-eye!!

[@Lockdown335]

We were very surprised too haha especially when you take advantage of Tax free purchasing but eating out anywhere was fantastic which made eating/drinking at a restaurant back home feel like an absolute scam. I will take a night at Torikizoku over most places here any day haha for us it was mostly hotels that were pricey but that's understandable with their population density.

[@vixiliannebrightsun81]

Honestly thank you so much for this. I had always thought of a trip to japan as a pipe dream that I’d never actually be able to do but seeing you break down the prices and stuff like this makes it honestly seem way more obtainable

[@Ahkeye]

Great going Chris! This might be the definitive video to show anyone considering a first trip.

[@andybrewer0]

3 million subs is just around the corner! You totally deserve it Chris!👏🏼

[@alisongilmore1530]

I spent 2 months in Japan (Oct & Nov '23) and found Japan to be surprisingly affordable. With the exception of accommodation, everything was a pretty decent price. Food especially was a lot cheaper than expected (except fruit...wow!), there were always great cheap eats available. Would 100% recommend going and I already can't wait to go back and travel North. Thanks as always for this great video, Chris!

[@gusgusfl]

Was just there in Nov 23 and would recommend Sapporo next time

[@ShaiyanHossain]

how much was your accomodation and how did you book?

[@catzblu999]

So basically the two largest expenses, lodging and travel are still massively high prices. Check. That's like going to the grocery store and telling me you got your soda and rice (entertainment and food) for 30% off but the steak and baby formula (travel and accomodations) you bought had a 150% price increase . It's still outrageously expensive to go to Japan. If it doesn't seem expensive to you now then they could have bad inflation like the US and you still wouldn't flinch.

[@Lonezewolf]

Its not the cost of living in Japan is expensive, its the cost of the airline ticket to the country, which rounds up around 1.5k to 3k just for a round trip ticket.

[@l.schaefer9274]

Yeah, just checked. A non stop round trip is running 2.3k at the cheapest for me in the us.

[@Lonezewolf]

@@l.schaefer9274 thats the usual cost for the airlines.

[@HotJERRY-bw4rf]

Not even that, its the actual cost to not work for two-three weeks and still have bills to pay when youre back 😅

[@matatjahubondbaum5993]

Depends on where you live ofc. In Poland even those who have just started working get like 20 days of paid leave.@@HotJERRY-bw4rf

[@MaSa-bp5qe]

@@l.schaefer9274That ain’t that bad.

[@iheartnjdevils3536]

When I visited Japan in 2004, we stayed at a hotel and a hostel in Tokyo and a guest house in Kyoto. The hostel was by far my favorite place. Despite 12 to a room sharing a single bathroom/shower, everyone was super respectful and the common area was great for meeting other travelers.

[@jose_the_great-jtg2441]

This video dropped right on time. I'll be there in 2 weeks and I have a lot of friends who never been and had a lot of these questions. Glad you made this so I can send this to them. Thanks a bunch!!!

[@davidbagley1783]

Cool

[@erikkujohnson6034]

I gotta say I only spent $700 USD on a 14 days trip with my best friend in 2016. Just running off the low income fast food chains which were a much better change than American cuisines or fast food chains, we found our way traveling to many parts of Tokyo and meeting amazing people along the way. I can’t wait to return to Japan for the 5th time. Please wait for me Chris-sensei 😂

[@eduardogarcilazo6074]

You won't be able to do that anymore 😭😔

[@ReisRBedir]

Ahhhh perfect timing for this video, I've got my flight booked 10 days from now!! So excited to finally go and see everything Japan has to offer (or as much as I can at least!) This video as well as the previous 14 days in Japan video and many others on this channel have been SO helpful and informative with planning things to do and budgeting, thank you so much Chris!!!

[@chrism7067]

2 days my guy! I bet your excited!!! My buddy is almost half way through their trip. Were going to go again for 3 weeks in 2-3 years.

[@ReisRBedir]

@@chrism7067 dude so hyped!! Best thing you can recommend from your trip?

[@liszst]

it's 10 days since this comment! have a safe trip!!

[@vasnirodriguez6833]

So glad you’re posting regularly! It’s always nice to get your perspective!

[@roslynluyt7284]

I’ve been to Japan and did all these things! I’m planning another trip next year and very excited to go to the Northern Region!

[@spuriousGeek]

Exceptional content as always, Chrispecker! I'm planning a trip to Japan because I've wanted to go for a long time now and I'm hoping to treat my parents. The timing of this video was impeccable (see what I did there....) and genuinely really informative. Thank you for the time and energy you put into these videos.

[@MikeHernandez707]

God I love Natsuki! I still dont know what it is about em after all these years but he just makes everything that much better! I hope he never goes away!

[@wbannermanjones]

Flying out Monday for 2 weeks, perfect timing - Thanks so much, for this and your other videos!

[@KasperCDK]

We spent 3 weeks in the summer of 2023 in Japan, and what a fantastic experience. We were also surprised by how cheap it actually was to live and eat in Japan. We traveled to Tokyo, Gora, Kyoto, Hiroshima and finally the amazing Osaka. 18 days, 4 people, 36 hotel rooms, $15,000 incl. flight tickets, private transfer from and to the airport and JR Green Pass. We have travelled a lot in the US, and that will be nearly the double.

[@Yoshi-sp]

How much was your flight ticket?

[@KasperCDK]

@@Yoshi-sp Around $5000

[@tensa7132]

The JR Pass is still worth it! No KZbinr has made the effort to show calculations of going to and from Tokyo or Kyoto to all the other major tourist sites over a week. For us it still worked out !!£300!! cheaper with the JR pass price hike than had we booked regional trains or everything individually. That includes Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima and the Nakasendo Trail. Please do your own calculations for these beautiful places 🫶 Also Chris plsss why are you showing wagyu & 50,000¥ townhouses and ryokans on a $1000 in 14 days video

[@MangoPockSan]

Yes, I agree. I got the 14-day pass in february and didn't rush from destination to destination. Even if you buy the same amount of tickets as the rail pass costs, it's worth it because it's just so much more convenient to use. No hectic, just one ticket and if you buy it via the JR online store, you can reserve seats for the shinkansen online.

[@themediater]

I've not been on holiday abroad in..... about 19 years. Kinda just didn't have the money when I was younger and then when I felt more financially secure felt weird and nervous about going alone. Still do a bit but I think this year I'm finally going to go and this video has given me some ideas. I think I always thought of it as a £5000 thing or something, even the amount you mention in the 14 day itinerary video seems pretty reasonable.

[@NeilParfittMusic]

It's an awesome place to go for vaca! There's endless things to do and see.

[@Hi_I_am_Ed]

Honestly this helped me a lot because I always wanted to check out japan and this gives me a ballpark of what to expect. Thank you for your hard work, Chris. As always. Also the parts with you and natsuki being buds broke up the video as well. Well done.

[@WoodEe-zq6qv]

The most expensive thing is the plane ticket if you're leaving from NA, SA or EU. A decent hotel will run you maybe $300-500 for a week, which is a great value compared to the U.S. Last time I went, I did the Toyoko Inn in Kabukicho. Excellent price for the level of service IMO. Food, drinks, and transportation and entertainment are very cheap thanks to the exchange rate.

[@danielfranco5387]

Plane ticket here is like 500-700 i live in the other part of the world so i can understand (Portugal)

[@barbaradace7952]

Start playing the credit card points game seriously and the cost of the plane ticket plummets. 10xTravel has a good, free online course about it.

[@SherrifOfNottingham]

American airlines will likely charge around 1000 to haul you over, and unfortunately the cheaper options are going to be airlines with "empty legs" which involve hefty layovers in foreign countries you weren't planning on visiting.

[@Xx0ME0xX]

Yup, from philadelphia airport to tokyo, it's 16-21 hours with 1 or 2 stops for just about $1200 round trip. Thats cheaper than the last time i checked but still expensive.

[@silis_pap8473]

Greece to Tokyo and back is like 900-1000€... It's ridiculous. And to think my accomodation for 11 days in Japan cost me 400€ 😂

[@trashpanduh1011]

The timing of this is so helpful. I’ll be traveling to Japan for the first time in 11 days 😭 Thank you!

[@villabride324]

I don’t know how long I’ve been subscribed to this channel, but I always took notes in a small book that I recently had to dig up since I am now planning a trip to Japan for this year! It’s great timing I think!

[@oreo24brobro20]

Just got back from Japan. Words can’t describe how amazing it was. Loved every second of it

[@everplay6963]

I'm going to work in a hostel in Osaka starting in April with the Working holiday I just got. Watching your videos while knowing I will soon be there for multiple months feels Unreal. Thank you for fueling my love for Japan !

[@donywahlberg]

We planned to go this autumn but have delayed due to ongoing health concerns with our pets. I will be tucking away my work bonus and one day we will more spontaneously make the journey. Thanks for continuing to update us with current travel information Chris, and the crew!

[@computer_toucher]

I love the background music editing in these. Your videos always have an excellent quality about them. Like a good old British travel show but better.

[@wanchaichump5932]

KZbinrs’ obsession with convenience stores drives me nuts. In Osaka, for example, you can go to one of the many local supermarkets, which are almost as ubiquitous as convenience stores, or a Donki, and get almost everything shown in this video at a much lower price. The Oikos yogurt would be 168 Yen, a refrigerated Coke 108 Yen, onigiri for less, snacks for less, etc. Also a much bigger selection of Bento at much cheaper prices. I live in Osaka and almost never go to a “conbini”.

[@coolbrotherf127]

True, discount stores and supermarkets have much more affordable food than the konbini. Although, for many people, konbini food is still much cheaper than the food they have back home in America or Europe.

[@murrhurr4480]

Conbini are still fairly cheap & they're open late

[@すどにむ]

Isn't this true everywhere, there are no place in the world where station kiosks and convenience stores are better deals than large supermarkets except convenience stores are more approachable

[@alexilaiho321]

shut up nobody cares

[@doggyspeak]

Yep pretty much. I think people just think of corner/convenience stores as being cheap because they sell everything individually. A small-looking price when you pick up a sandwich and a drink for a few bucks but for twice that could probably buy a six-pack of that drink and the makings for 5 sandwiches at a grocery.

[@encahill]

Was there last August .. flights from Ireland were undoubtedly expensive, but both accommodation and food/drink was very affordable and there's so much to see that doesn't cost .. fantastic experience all round .. would go back in a heartbeat.

[@strad156]

this video is exactly what i needed to see considering i am going to japan on the 13th of march. Honestly a dream come true. I cant wait to experience Japan for the first time.

[@Patterrz]

Going in August, saving this video to watch again then thank you 🙏

[@Crytica.]

What an incredible well made but also well researched video, Chris! Thanks for taking your time to make these informative videos well... informative but also a lot of fun to watch! This will be very helpful for lots of people who want to go to Japan or already are planning on going! Thanks again for making such quality content all the time! And please, don't overdo your self!

[@WanderDiscover86]

Japan is a fascinating destination that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples

[@pwnagecakes8934]

Ill be in Japan in June with my kids, should be a great time! Thanks for the tips!

[@Hondacbf92]

Thank you for making this video. It came at the perfect time as I am planning a trip to Tokyo in June with a friend.

[@SampleAcoun100000]

bro this video is so freaking well done. I cant wait to plan a trip! thank you for your hard work!

[@DEATHDRAG0]

Yesss Chris is back and with the perfect video. Thinking of Going and wanted to keep it under $2000 so this is a huge help

[@_colonel_]

just finnished reading your book! Loved it!!

[@chaffenbake]

WOW! Only watched up through Accommodation and this video is packed with a comprehensive overview on the subject. Hats off, Chris!

[@KOBUDERA1606]

Chris san, thank you so much for this video. I'm planning a first time trip to Japan and this is priceless information you have provided. I hope you decide to do a fan meet up while I'm there. Love your channel man!

[@makotoisme]

Having the costs and price ranges of things put into one video is really helpful. I’ve been wanting to go to Japan for a long time but planning and budgeting has always really intimidated me, this video makes it feel a lot more manageable. It’s a really great video. I hope to finally visit Japan at least once in the next 5 years.

[@alastairs3727]

Best vids are always with you two :)) great to see Natski !! 😊😊😊

[@FreeRange9]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! My first time seeing one of your videos. Fantastic! Incredibly informative, and oh so entertaining!!! You and your sidekick are hysterical! I’ve been coming to Asia from the US for 25 years, but only to China as my wife was from there. Lived there for 6 years and only saw the airport outside Tokyo once when changing flights. I’m now retired and living in Thailand and after watching this Japan has now moved up on my bucket list. I studied Japanese History, Japanese Literature (Tale of Genji, The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon), Chinese History and Asian Political Systems in university and I absolutely need to visit. I’m looking forward to diving into more of your videos. Thank you again. See you in Japan!

[@donacantillo]

My family and I are going to Tokyo in February 2025. I'm trying to study about Japan as much as I can. Thank you for the videos!

[@SputDobt]

24:41 that is a hit song possibility right there

[@petershillito]

As I said in a reply to that poll on twitter, it is possible to make the all Japan Rail pass worth it if you're spending a while in each area. The 7 day pass would result in you needing to spent 5 minutes in each place as you demonstrate, but the 14 day pass on a trip between Tokyo and Kyushu, stopping for several days in Osaka (with days out to Kyoto and Nara) and Fukuoka (with days out to Hiroshima and Nagasaki) the JR pass just about becomes worth it, but then you can also reserve seats for free, adding some extra value to it. Yes, for most trips who just go to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, it's absolutely not worth it, but I do think it's still worth considering for longer trips depending on itinerary.

[@aroad2788]

"flights aside" flights from where I live to Japan are thousands of dollars. Flights are the reason we can't afford it.

[@angelight85]

I am planning to visit Japan from Australia and spending a month from Middle of May to Middle of June. And this has given me a bump in excitement as I will be able to stay fairly/very comfortably on my planned budget. Only to work on my Nihongo between now and then.

[@brandonmcmahan2859]

Wow. I have friends who can afford to go anytime they want, but they’re waiting on me to save up money for the trip, and I feel so discouraged that I’ll never have enough. This actually made me very hopeful that I can do this. Especially at the end, when you figured up the total for the “standard” trip and it was significantly less than I expected.

[@indiiiGo1223]

One great thing about seeing Chris looking “older”…Homie is really taking his health seriously & slimming down. we sometimes associate pudgy as liveliness as the same deal and skinny as elderly. it really warms my heart to see Chris doing so well natski-san doing well 🙏👁🙏

[@Msal19]

I didn't find Japan that expensive, living in an overpriced Canada. My first trip only set me back about $2,000 Canadian which is about $1,500 American, including the round-trip, a decent hotel in Shinjuku, and a week in Tokyo. Having said that, I didn't do any fine dining, much shopping, or get a JR pass. On my second trip, I was spending more liberally, doing shopping, getting a JR pass, and doing more fine dining like Kobe beef which in itself cost me $170. I still ended up under $2,200 American. If I stayed in hostels which I can't I would have saved even more.

[@TheseOldCards]

Plane ticket is $1,500 lmao

[@damiandeneir6527]

For you lol for me I fly for freeeeeeee 😂

[@peterbobby99]

Its actually not that expensive if you’re willing to be flexible with dates. ZipAir is a good alternative to the larger airlines, pretty cheap tickets, around 700-900. And thats with the add ons, you can get a lot cheaper if you’re willing to fly with just a carry on, no meals, entertainment, etc.

[@TheseOldCards]

@@peterbobby99 yeah if you live in Cali lmao I live in Arkansas and it’s at least $450 to fly to Cali economy and the other $900 from Cali to Japan. That’s not including all the taxes when you buy the tickets either

[@coloproductions]

Literally in the fist 25 seconds he says “flights aside”

[@damienbreslin5781]

His point is it costs nearly the same as the ticket​@@coloproductions

[@DogDog173]

24:45 AWESOME! :D we want more of that!!!

[@Carld1]

Just read 'Abroad in Japan'. Never knew beforehand about your KZbin videos.....although my 19 yr old son did, during a random conversation we had about Japan ! Anyway I really enjoyed the book and inspired me more to try to visit Japan before life runs out !! (I'm 63, British, living in York ).

[@lejerendarydude]

I miss the Tuna Mayonnaise Onigiri ( Rice ball ) SOOO MUCH! Every other day I think about it. Every time I went to the convenience store I got myself one (which was everyday). And guys... from all the different kinds of Onigiri in the store... Tuna Mayo is the King. Must try!

[@fossilfern]

I was in Japan in 2016 and it was honestly the best holiday of my life. I’d love to go back.

[@DoubleGaijin]

An absolutely essential video for new travelers like myself. I'll be going in late August with my Mother and we're in the process of booking hotels and budgeting our trip. The price breakdowns at the end was especially helpful. I'll be spending a full day in Akiba so hopefully I'll find some good deals with the dollar as strong as it is right now.

[@shippainoki]

For the military and retirees, Look at getting a room at the New Sanno hotel near the Hiroo train station. Its a few blocks away from Roppongi as well. Large American sized rooms as well.

[@Sencaster]

Me and my fellow paper white British friends are gonna be in Tokyo for about 3/4 weeks in August/September and, aside from researching ways to mitigate the melting heat I imagine we will suffer, these videos have been great resources to help estimate our budgets and come up with plans. Thanks Chris!

[@irosh2000]

Your hard work truly pays off. This is one of the most insightful videos for travelers I've seen. Many thanks!

[@saadkhan3819]

I've been binge watching your videos since my bachelors degree years. Despite your videos being informative, they are pretty entertaining. Thankyou so much.

[@John-r4p7q]

Wow, this breakdown is incredibly helpful! I've been dreaming of traveling to Japan but always thought it was too expensive. After watching this, I feel much more confident about planning a budget-friendly trip. Thanks for all the great tips!

[@rachelinasantella8848]

As I have just returned from our five week Japan trip, this video bought a tear to me eye... I WANNA GO BACK!!

[@toastedclosure2770]

this is a huuuuge help!! its easy to get overwhelmed with what to pick for all the necessities