Japan: It’s Cheaper Than You Think
The Cheapest Country in the Developed World
Japan’s image as an expensive country dates back to so-called Bubble Economy period of the late 1980s. Japan is no longer prohibitively expensive. In fact, Japan is now the cheapest country in the developed world (rivaled only by South Korea). This is because Japan has had almost no inflation for the last decade or so, while prices elsewhere have skyrocketed. If you think I’m making this up, please see the figures below for reference.
I can help you save money
Of course, it’s still possible to spend a lot of money in Japan. But more importantly, it’s possible to get a lot of value for your money if you have the right information. When I help you plan your trip, one of my goals is to help you find the “sweet spot” that exists between overpriced luxury and spartan economy. Indeed, most of my clients find that even with the price of a two- or three-hour consultation thrown in, they spend less on their trips than if they did it all on their own. Find out more about my consulting services.
In addition to my consulting services, a half-day private tour in Tokyo or Kyoto also allows you to see the best of these cities in the most efficient way. A tour also gives you the inside knowledge to make the best use of your time when you’re on your own. Read more about my tours.
Price comparison between Japan and the rest of the world
(The following figures are based on exchange rates as of June 9, 2009.)
| Country | Local Currency | Yen |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | €80-130 | ¥10,907-17,725 |
| France | €50-100 | ¥6817-13,634 |
| Australia | AU$80-150 | ¥6201-11,627 |
| Canada | C$70-125 | ¥6150-10,983 |
| United States | US$60-100 | ¥5897-9828 |
| UK | £30-50 | ¥4722-7871 |
| Japan | ¥3850-7700 | ¥3850-7700 |
| * Figures based on Lonely Planet’s World Guide. | ||
| Country | Local Currency | Yen |
|---|---|---|
| France | €15-25 | ¥2045-3408 |
| UK | £10-20 | ¥1574-3148 |
| Germany | €8-16 | ¥1090-2181 |
| United States | US$10-15** | ¥982-1475 |
| Japan | ¥880-2700 | ¥880-2700 |
| Canada | C$10-20 | ¥875-1757 |
| Australia | AU$10-25 | ¥775-1938 |
| * Figures based on Lonely Planet’s World Guide. ** This is clearly a lowball figure. Mid-range meals in large American cities with a drink and tip run closer to US$30-40 per person. |
||
| Park Hyatt Vendome Paris | US$1043 |
|---|---|
| Park Hyatt Sydney | US$555 |
| Hyatt Regency London | US$533 |
| Grand Hyatt Tokyo | US$414 |
| Grand Hyatt New York | US$413 |
| Grand Hyatt Berlin | US$406 |
| Hyatt Regency Kyoto | US$350 |
| * Yearly average figures based on Trip Advisor’s data as of June 9, 2009. | |