A guide to the cost of Study Trips in Japan

What is the cost of Study Trips in Japan?

Planning your budget is a key part of getting ready for your Study Trip to Japan. This guide is a core part of our complete plan for your life-changing Japan Study Trip. We have designed it to be a tool for smart financial planning, giving you a clear and realistic look at all the costs involved so you can prepare with confidence.

Main key takeaways

• The program fee for our Study Trips covers your tuition, accommodation, cultural activities, and full support.
• For short-term stay, a good starting point for a daily student budget in Japan is between ¥20,000 and ¥30,000 per week.
• Remember to budget for pre-departure costs like round-trip airfare.
• It is a good idea to set aside a separate budget for personal spending, including souvenirs and the Japanese tradition of omiyage.
• Our team has many real-world tips to help you save money and make the most of your budget.

What is included in the Study Trip program fee?

The program fee for our Study Trips is a package that covers your school tuition, accommodation, a curated set of cultural activities, and our support services. 

We believe in being completely transparent about the cost of Study Trips in Japan. The program fee is designed to cover the most important parts of your experience so you have fewer things to worry about. Study Trippers are often most pleased to learn that their accommodation is already covered, as finding a place to live is one of the biggest logistical hurdles of planning a trip abroad.

A clear, itemized breakdown of what the Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip fee covers includes:

• Tailored Japanese lessons: All trips include Japanese language lessons in the morning at one of our partner language schools.
• Cultural activities: A curated set of unique and fun cultural experiences is included in the price.
• Accommodation: Your housing for the duration of the study trip is covered.
• Trip coordinator: You will have a dedicated trip coordinator to help manage your experience.
• Expert tour guides: Our knowledgeable Tour Leaders will guide you through all the scheduled activities.
• Transportation card: Most study trips include a pre-loaded IC Card (like a Suica or PASMO) for using public transportation.
• Insurance: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is included for your peace of mind.
• JLPT test registration: For students on our specific JLPT study trips, the official test registration fee is included.

What other costs should I plan for before my Study Trip?

In addition to the program fee, the main cost you need to plan for before you arrive is your round-trip airfare. 

The price of flights is not included in our Study Trips, which gives you the flexibility to find the best deal from your home country. We recommend booking your flights several months in advance for the best prices.

How much should I budget for daily life in Japan for a short-term trip?

A good starting point for a weekly student budget in Japan is between ¥20,000 and ¥30,000, which covers food, local transportation, and a phone plan.

This amount allows for a comfortable experience without feeling too restricted. To give you a better idea, here is a sample breakdown of daily food costs:

Go! Go! Nihon Study Trip team tips for saving money

Our team has gathered some of the best money-saving tips from their years of experience helping Study Trippers in Japan:

• Shop at Don Quijote: Our Tour Leader, Jose, recommends the famous discount store Don Quijote (or “Donki”) for everything from snacks to affordable souvenirs.
• Look for supermarket deals: Our Student Advisor, Crystal, suggests looking for late-evening deals at supermarkets, when many items are discounted.
• Use Klook for activities: Crystal also recommends using sites like Klook for affordable and available tickets for different experiences in your free time.
• Bento budget bites: Convenience store (konbini) bentos are cheap, delicious, and a great option for a quick meal.
• Tokyo Cheapo tips: Tokyo Cheapo has great tips for events and activities at a low cost.
• Avoid overspending: Be mindful of spending at game centers and on souvenirs, as our Student Advisor, Crystal, notes that this is where students often overspend.

How should I plan for souvenirs?

It is a good idea to set aside a separate budget for personal spending, which includes souvenirs and the Japanese tradition of omiyage, or bringing back gifts for family and friends. 

In Japan, it is a common custom to bring back small gifts for family, friends, and coworkers after a trip. Planning for this, as well as for any personal souvenirs you want to buy, will help you manage your budget. Our team recommends popular and affordable omiyage like individually packaged snacks from the airport, unique Kit Kats, or small sake bottles. As our Tour Leader, Jose, notes, 

“Any gacha, especially the weird ones, normally make for great souvenirs”.

Is Japan expensive for students right now?

Currently, the exchange rate for the Japanese yen is very favorable for many international travelers, which means your money can go further than it has in recent years. 

While Japan has a reputation for being expensive, the current economic climate makes it a surprisingly affordable destination. This adds to the overall value of your Study Trip. As our team member, Crystal, shared from her recent experience with students, 

“Almost all Americans say ‘wow Japan is so cheap,’ especially eating out is way cheaper than in the US”.

FAQ about student budget in Japan on a short-term stay

1. Is the flight to Japan included in the cost?
   No, flights are not included in the program fee. This gives you the flexibility to book from your home country at a time and price that works best for your schedule and budget.
2. Are there any payment plans available?
   Yes, the cost of the Study Trip is divided into two payments. You first pay a smaller application fee to reserve your spot, and the remaining balance is due closer to the application deadline .
3. What is the best way to bring money to Japan?
   We recommend bringing a mix of Japanese yen in cash for smaller shops and restaurants, as well as a debit or credit card with low international fees for larger purchases.
4. Does the program fee include all cultural activities?
   Yes, the program fee covers the cost of all the scheduled cultural activities on your Study Trip’s itinerary. There are no hidden fees for the experiences we have planned for you.
5. How much spending money should I bring?
   A good starting point for a weekly student budget in Japan is between ¥20,000 and ¥30,000. This amount comfortably covers daily food, local transportation, and other small personal expenses.

Conclusion:

Planning your budget is a huge step toward making your dream a reality. We believe in being completely transparent about the cost of our Study Trips in Japan so you can plan with confidence. Ready to take the next step? Explore our Study Trips and find the perfect one for your budget and goals.