What budget to travel dans le Tōhoku? Money and currency

What budget for activities and outings dans le Tōhoku?

There are a number of good spots for running in the country's major cities or for other sporting activities. Some very rural prefectures are ideal for running.

The ¥100 stores, such as Daiso or Can Do, are ubiquitous. Some offer a wide selection of souvenirs and typical Japanese objects, some even made locally. The big cities are also home to numerous second-hand stores specializing in crockery, clothing or electronics, such as the famous "OFF" chain (BookOFF, HardOFF, etc.). Last but not least, flea markets can be a great source of surprises and unique finds.

If you're planning an evening of drinking on a tight budget, it's a good idea to go to the izakaya, or Japanese bars, where good deals with unlimited drinks are on offer(nomihodai).

What budget to eat dans le Tōhoku?

Expect to pay between ¥700 and ¥1,500 for a bowl of noodles or a local specialty such as tendon. Drink vending machines are ubiquitous, but it's much cheaper to use a reusable bottle that can be refilled free of charge in parks, shopping malls or railway stations. Tap water is drinkable everywhere, unless otherwise indicated.

Tax is 8% for takeaways and 10% for on-site consumption.

Konbini remain a practical and inexpensive option for eating on the go, but, true to the spirit of Tōhoku, it's also easy to find small restaurants offering affordable gourmet menus, especially at lunchtime.

Expect to pay at least ¥600 for a beer, and ¥1,000 in a microbrewery. Although more and more establishments accept credit cards or contactless payment, it's better to have cash on hand when you go to small bars. Some offer happy hours between 5pm and 7pm.

What is the budget for accommodation dans le Tōhoku?

In Japan, accommodation is available from as little as ¥3,000, mainly in dormitories or capsules, especially far from popular urban centers. A single traditional-style room with tatami mats and shared bathroom costs from around ¥5,000. All hotels generally accept credit cards, but this is not always the case in ryokan or small family-run inns such as minshuku, although their use is gradually developing. For an authentic experience, consider farm stays, which offer privileged contact with nature and local life. Don't hesitate to consult the websites of these establishments directly for special offers.

Travel budget dans le Tōhoku and cost of living

The cost of living in Tokyo or Sendai is about the same as in European capitals. It's expensive, but not excessive. Of course, some Japanese prefectures enjoy a lower cost of living, such as Tōhoku. To help you plan, here are some basic prices and budget ideas.

- a meal in a restaurant: count ¥1,200 for a set of sushi and around ¥900 for a set of another typical Japanese dish(ramen, tempura or tonkatsu).
- a night in a dormitory in a youth hostel: around ¥3,500 in Tōhoku.
- a night in a double room in a ryokan: from ¥14,000 (the price of some well-known ryokan can skyrocket).
- a night in a double room in a star hotel: from ¥15,000.
- a pack of cigarettes: around ¥500.
- a bottle of water: ¥110.
- a local beer in a bar: ¥800.
- a subway ride in the city: ¥160-360.
- entry to a temple: ¥300-500.
Please note that prices quoted in stores are not negotiable, except in special cases. Prices can be discussed at flea markets, for example. In duty-free electronics stores, particularly in Tokyo and Sendai, it is not uncommon to receive a 10% discount. From now on, you'll have to pay for plastic bags at the checkout. They cost between ¥3 and ¥5, depending on size; paper bags are more expensive.

Tipping. The Japanese don't tip. It's simply not part of local custom. To express gratitude, it's best to offer your host a gift. If this gift turns out to be cash, it's important to remember to put it in an envelope.

Duty free: since your final destination is outside the European Union, you can take advantage of duty free, tax-free shopping. Note also that if you have a stopover within the European Union, you can make purchases at airports on the outbound journey, but not on the return. Duty-free shops in Japanese airports are praised by Japanese and visitors alike for their high-quality products, including vintage sake and plum spirits. If you have a stopover, you won't be able to carry more than 100 ml of liquid. Duty-free stores can also be found in town, at Don Quijote for example.

Budget ideas. The budgets we suggest are calculated per person per day. They do not take into account possible freebies or discounts sometimes offered (as part of a long stay, for example), or even the use of the JR Pass.

Small budget : from ¥7,000 to ¥8,500 based on a bed in a dormitory (¥4,000/person), lunch on the run (sandwiches and other small meals taken in mini-markets open 24/24 from ¥600-700/person), walking (including a few metro or bus tickets to and from the site), refreshments during the day, access to the sites, souvenirs (¥1,500) and a more complete meal in the evening (¥1,200/person). This budget can still be modulated if you're staying in the center of town or close to a convenient JR or metro station, or if you're content with frugal meals. You can travel successfully in Japan on a daily budget of €50/day!

Average budget: ¥8,500 to ¥20,000, based on a room in a ryokan or a single room with all the comforts of a youth hostel (¥8,000), quick meals at lunchtime in small restaurants (¥1,000), frequent travel by metro or bus (day pass), refreshments during the day and evening, access to sightseeing sites, the purchase of many souvenirs (¥2,500) and a good meal in the evening (¥2,000). In this price range, being two people is more advantageous in terms of accommodation, as you'll easily find a double room for ¥8,000-12,000. And if there are more than two of you, rooms for 3 or 4 people are commonplace, as are apartment rentals.

Big budget : from ¥30,000 onwards, based on a nice room with all modern comforts in a Michelin-starred hotel or refined ryokan (¥20,000), delicate but frugal meals at lunchtime (¥2,500), travel by JR or metro and bus during the day to minimize walking (day pass) and by cab in the evening, access to visits, the purchase of as many souvenirs and high-tech objects as possible, a typical Japanese meal with drinks in the evening (¥5,000) and a night out in one of the city's many bars.