Tokyo, September 2025 — A new survey conducted by Song LLC reveals how much U.S. travelers are really spending when visiting Japan. With travel resuming strongly in the past three years, the report highlights total trip budgets, spending categories, and strategies to save for both solo and family travelers from major U.S. hubs like JFK and LAX.
Survey Overview
| Survey Items | Details |
|---|---|
| Survey Period | September 1–10, 2025 |
| Method | Online survey |
| Respondents | U.S. residents (ages 20–40) who visited Japan within the last 3 years |
| Valid Responses | n = 450 |
| Currency | USD (JPY shown in parentheses, 1 USD = JPY 150) |
| Sample Households | Solo Traveler: 34 years old, NYC-based, annual income **$85,000**, 7 nights/8 days, JFK economy flight, mid-range hotels. Family Traveler: Couple in their 30s with 2 children (ages 8 & 11), household income **$140,000**, 9 nights/10 days, LAX economy flight in peak season. |
Total Trip Budget: What Travelers Actually Spend
The median budget for a solo traveler on a **7-night** trip was around **$2,800 (¥420,000)**, while family groups averaged **$7,200 (¥1,080,000)** for a **9-night** stay. Premium Economy travelers reported a **25–30% higher** budget, especially on long-haul flights from the East Coast. Couples tended to fall between the two categories, averaging **$4,500 (¥675,000)**.
- “My total cost from JFK was around $3,200, including a mix of Tokyo and Kyoto stays.” — J.S., 29, Software Engineer
- “Traveling with kids, we spent nearly $8,000 but it was worth every penny for the experiences.” — L.M., 35, Marketing Manager
- “Flying Premium Economy added about $600 more per ticket, but it made the 14-hour flight much easier.” — K.T., 33, Consultant
Spending Breakdown: Where the Money Goes
Across respondents, airfare accounted for about **35%** of the budget, followed by accommodations (**25%**), food (**15%**), local transportation (**8%**), experiences such as tours and attractions (**10%**), and shopping (**7%**). Regional differences were clear: Tokyo showed higher daily costs in hotels and meals, Kyoto–Osaka trips leaned toward cultural experiences, and Hokkaido visitors reported higher domestic transport costs due to wider travel distances.
- “In Tokyo, I paid about $130 per night for a mid-range hotel, while Kyoto was closer to $95.” — A.R., 31, Teacher
- “We spent around $600 just on trains and taxis in Hokkaido.” — D.C., 37, Engineer
- “Shopping in Tokyo added another $400 I hadn’t budgeted for.” — S.P., 28, Graphic Designer
How to Save: Timing, Routes, and Currency
Flight prices varied dramatically by departure city. LAX–Tokyo economy fares averaged **$900**, while JFK–Tokyo exceeded **$1,200**. Booking **3–4 months in advance** saved travelers up to **20%**. Off-peak travel in April or November reduced hotel costs by **15–20%**. Choosing regional destinations like Fukuoka or Kanazawa offered more affordable stays. Currency scenarios also mattered: at **USD/JPY 135**, costs rose by nearly **10%** compared to the survey’s baseline of 150.
- “Flying from Chicago O’Hare, I paid $1,050 but booking in May instead of July saved me nearly $300.” — E.N., 30, Data Analyst
- “JR Rail Pass was a lifesaver—we saved at least $150 compared to buying single tickets.” — B.W., 27, Student
- “When the yen got stronger during my trip, my meals ended up costing about $50 more over the week.” — T.K., 32, Nurse
Conclusion
The survey by Song LLC highlights that visiting Japan typically costs U.S. travelers between **$2,500 and $8,000** depending on group size, flight class, and season. Careful planning around airfare, regional choices, and currency shifts can make the difference between a stretched budget and a smooth trip. For Americans considering their next journey to Japan, these insights provide a clear benchmark to plan smarter and spend wisely.
