My 8-Day Trip to Japan: Real Prices, Useful Tips & Myths About “How Expensive It Is”
I’ve just come back from an 8-day trip around Japan — and wow, what an experience!
In this article, I want to share real, up-to-date prices, practical tips, and also bust the myth that Japan is insanely expensive.
✔ Step 1 — Getting Your Visa
I applied for my Japanese visa at the consulate in Moscow, located near Park Kultury metro station.
No appointment is required, but I strongly recommend coming early ⌚ — the Japanese are extremely punctual, and they let visitors in exactly at the scheduled time. People start lining up outside, so arriving earlier will save you time and stress.
To avoid confusion, always check the official list of required documents here:
https://www.ru.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ru/visandtourism.html
Submitting the application is free.
The decision is made right on the spot — literally within 3 minutes after handing over your documents. My visa was approved immediately, and I was told when to return to pick up my passport.
✈ Flights
I bought my tickets about two months before the trip on https://www.aviasales.ru — the price was 35,000 RUB, which is actually great for such a long flight.
I flew with Air China with a short layover in Beijing, but if you’re flexible, you can sometimes find options from 30,000 RUB.
🏨 Accommodation
In total, I spent about 2,300 RUB per night for 8 nights — but keep in mind, we split double rooms in half, so I’m giving you the real amount I personally paid.
Japan has everything:
—from ultra-cheap capsule hotels
—to stylish double rooms for around 5,000 RUB per night.
We booked everything on Booking. Here’s a link for a 1,000 RUB discount on your first booking:
https://www.booking.com/s/44_6/la0for97
If you book early, you can find amazing rooms with private baths and showers. But honestly — many of our reservations were last-minute 😅
Hotels I highly recommend:
• Mustard Hotel Shibuya
• ENAKA Asakusa Central Hostel (amazing location!)
• M’s Inn Higashiyama in Kyoto — super spacious rooms, full amenities, great price.
One downside:
Check-out is always at 10 AM, so forget about sleeping in.
Check-in is usually quite late — from 4 PM.
★ JR Pass
If you’re planning a lot of long-distance travel, buy the JR Pass in advance — it’s noticeably more expensive if purchased inside Japan.
We skipped it, since we only traveled to Kyoto and Nara, and it turned out cheaper than buying the pass.
But if you want to explore more regions — definitely consider it.
★ Super Useful Service — Klook
https://www.klook.com/
I bought an 8-day unlimited internet SIM card there — just 1,200 RUB.
You can pick it up right at the airport.
⚠ They close at 22:00, so it’s not ideal for late arrivals.
Klook also sells unlimited metro passes, which we unfortunately didn’t buy — and later really regretted it.
Tokyo metro is indeed one of the most expensive in the world.
💴 Currency Exchange
Currency exchange offices are rare, and the rates aren’t great.
We simply withdrew cash from ATMs.
IMPORTANT
If you’re planning your next trip after Japan and dream about stunning pictures from the Emirates, you’re welcome to explore my work as a photographer in Dubai. I specialize in creating elegant, cinematic photoshoots for travelers, couples, and families.
Whether you’re looking for a Dubai desert photoshoot, a flying dress session, a stylish urban Dubai photoshoot near Burj Khalifa, or a romantic shoot by the sea — I will help you create unforgettable images that reflect the magic of Dubai.
As a Dubai photographer, I offer:
• Professional posing guidance
• Designer flying dresses
• Sunrise & sunset sessions in the desert
• Luxury-style city shoots
• Fast delivery and high-end retouch
• Locations across Dubai Marina, Downtown, Burj Al Arab, the desert & more
If you’re searching for photographer Dubai, Dubai photoshoot, flying dress photographer, or best Dubai desert photographer — you’re in the right place.