Life By Country

Best Time to Visit Japan

Japan

Living conditions, costs, safety, and travel insights

Japan is a fascinating island nation where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology. From serene temples and cherry blossom gardens to bustling neon-lit cities, Japan offers a unique cultural experience unlike anywhere else on Earth.

How expensive is Japan?

Japan is 9.1% more expensive than World Avg.

Based on 5 categories

Restaurants

18.5% Less

Groceries

5% More

Transportation

20% More

Housing (Rent)

30% More
* Comparison based on estimated expenses including transportation, housing, and restaurants.

Restaurants cost in Japan

18.5% cheaper than world average

Item
Japan
World Average
Difference
Basic meal with drink
12.00¥
19.85$
39.5%
cheaper
Fast food combo meal
7.50¥
9.50$
21.1%
cheaper
Meal for 2 (Mid-range)
55.00¥
65.00$
15.4%
cheaper
Cappuccino (regular)
4.00¥
3.50$
14.3%
more expensive

Source: Numbeo. Updated: 2024

Groceries cost in Japan

5% more expensive than world average

Item
Japan
World Average
Difference
Milk (1L)
1.80¥
1.40$
28.6%
more expensive
Loaf of Bread
2.00¥
2.10$
4.8%
cheaper
Eggs (12)
2.50¥
3.50$
28.6%
cheaper
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
9.00¥
10.00$
10.0%
cheaper
Apples (1kg)
5.00¥
2.50$
100.0%
more expensive

Source: Numbeo. Updated: 2024

Transportation cost in Japan

20% more expensive than world average

Item
Japan
World Average
Difference
One-way Ticket (Local)
2.00¥
2.20$
9.1%
cheaper
Monthly Pass
80.00¥
55.00$
45.5%
more expensive
Taxi Start
5.50¥
4.00$
37.5%
more expensive
Gasoline (1L)
1.40¥
1.30$
7.7%
more expensive

Source: Numbeo. Updated: 2024

Housing (Rent) cost in Japan

30% more expensive than world average

Item
Japan
World Average
Difference
1 Bed Apt (City Centre)
1000.00¥
1200.00$
16.7%
cheaper
1 Bed Apt (Outside)
650.00¥
900.00$
27.8%
cheaper
3 Bed Apt (City Centre)
2200.00¥
2100.00$
4.8%
more expensive

Source: Numbeo. Updated: 2024

Lifestyle & Entertainment cost in Japan

Comparable to world average

Item
Japan
World Average
Difference
Fitness Club (Monthly)
70.00¥
45.00$
55.6%
more expensive
Cinema Ticket
15.00¥
11.00$
36.4%
more expensive
Jeans (Levis 501)
70.00¥
65.00$
7.7%
more expensive
Summer Dress (Chain)
40.00¥
35.00$
14.3%
more expensive

Source: Numbeo. Updated: 2024

Key Insights

Best time to visit Japan

🗓️

When to Visit

Best Time

March–May (cherry blossoms), October–November (fall foliage)

Weather

Four distinct seasons; humid summers, mild winters

Major Events

  • Cherry Blossom Season (March-April)
  • Gion Matsuri (July)
  • Autumn Leaves Season (November)

Japan culture rules for tourists

🎭

Culture

Religion: Shinto and Buddhism blend
Clothing: Smart and neat; remove shoes indoors

Social Rules:

  • Bow when greeting
  • No tipping
  • Speak quietly on public transport
  • Don't eat while walking

Language in Japan – Official & English Proficiency

🗣️

Language

Official

Japanese

English Proficiency

Low

Is Japan safe for tourists?

🛡️

Safety

Level

Very High

Tourist Tips

  • Lost items often returned
  • Earthquakes are common — know evacuation routes
  • Follow local customs and etiquette

Living in Japan as a foreigner

🏥

Healthcare

Quality of Care

Good

Tourist Access

Easy
📍

Top Places

Cities

  • Tokyo
  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Hiroshima

Historical

  • Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial
  • Himeji Castle

Hidden Gems

  • Kanazawa
  • Naoshima Island
  • Yakushima

If you lived in Japan instead of World Avg:

HEALTH

live 5.3 years longer

In Japan, the average life expectancy is 84 years (81 for men, 87 for women) — one of the highest in the world.

LIFE

experience 80% less crime

Japan has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare.

ECONOMY

make 20% more money

Japan has a GDP per capita of $39,000, with strong employment protections.

be 65% less likely to be unemployed

Unemployment in Japan is around 2.6%, one of the lowest in developed nations.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

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