Japan offers great contrasts – from vibrant cities to quiet temple gardens. The FOREX Japan Index gives you an overview of the price level in Japan so you can plan your travel budget in the best way. In spring 2026, the index shows that, depending on the destination, it is 20-35% cheaper to vacation in Japan compared to at home.
Japan is a destination where tradition meets future, and where travel funds last longer than many imagine. Butprices differ in different places, so with With the right planning, Swedish travelers get the most out of both the trip and the country's rich culture.
Japan offers a unique mix of experiences, and with FOREX's help, it becomes easy for Swedish travelers to travel smart, pay smoothly and get more out of every penny.
| SWEDEN | 100 |
| Tokyo | 85 |
| Osaka | 82 |
| Kyoto | 73 |
| Nara | 69 |
| Hiroshima | 67 |
| Nagano | 65 |
How much of the Japanese currency yen (JPY) you need to exchange for your trip depends on how you are traveling, how long you are away and whether you are going to travel around Japan. But having cash with you is a must – in Japan, cash is very important and using it shows respect for the local culture, something that is highly valued.
Count on 4,000–6,000 SEK in yen for the first few days for food, transport and small expenses.
Japan is one of the world's most cash-friendly countries. Unlike cards, cash is accepted everywhere, so buy yen before departure to be prepared when you land in Japan. Withdrawals from ATMs in Japan can involve extra fees and a worse exchange rate – if they even accept your card.
You can buy yen in one of FOREX 55 stores or online for delivery to the nearest pick-up point. For larger expenses, such as hotels, it is advisable to use FOREX Credit Card. There are no additional currency exchange fees or charges. In addition, cash withdrawals outside the EU/EEA are free of charge*.
The Shinkansen, the Japanese high-speed train, takes travelers the 500 kilometers between Tokyo and Kyoto in just over two hours. Be on time, the trains are known for their punctuality and depart on the minute. Taxis cost a couple of dozen more than the 150 kronor you would pay for a trip of five kilometers back home in Sweden. In Tokyo, the subway is a cheap and convenient alternative.
In addition to sushi, okonomiyaki or ramen at a lively izakaya are must-haves for visitors. A three-course meal for two is affordable; expect to pay just over 300 kronor. A beer costs just over 30 kronor in Tokyo, less than half the price in Sweden. Tipping is not expected - it can even be perceived as insulting.
Japan offers a mix of history and modernity. Combine shopping in the modern Ginza district of Tokyo with tours of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Admission to the shrines can only be paid in cash. The same applies to souvenir shops. Or experience the bamboo forest of Arashiyama and snow monkeys bathing in hot springs near Nagano.
In Japan, you can shop VAT-free. Today, tourists do not have to pay the regular 10% VAT when they buy goods in stores. However, from November 1, 2026, VAT will be paid at the time of purchase and refunded upon departure. Visit the tax refund kiosk before security and show your goods and receipts to get a refund.
*Local ATMs may charge fees.
**An index shows how prices are and change over a certain period. The index provides a price indication of what a day in each city might cost for two adults, excluding accommodation. The index is based on current price data from international cost databases and travel budget sources, including Numbeo, Expatistan and Livingcost.org, as well as additional research into local taxes and tipping culture. All prices have been quality assured through comparisons between multiple sources and adjusted for realistic tourist behavior. The index provides an indication of the price level at the destination.