A Travel Comparison for Vacations, Honeymoons, and Tours Japan vs. Philippines

Should you visit Japan or the Philippines?

The Philippines are significantly cheaper than Japan. These two island nations in East Asia have some similarities, but the Philippines tropical weather means that it draws a crowd due to its beaches and rain forests, while Japan's tourists usually visit for history, culture, and high-end luxury.

Japan is a nation of deep history and culture wrapped in a modern technological wonderland. Here you can visit ancient temples and castles and then participate in a sci-fi anime film festival on the same day. Outside of the larger cities, a calm agricultural countryside awaits you. Here you can go biking, hiking, boating, or even relax on a beach.

The Philippines is an island nation known for stunning beaches and beautiful jungles, as well as affordable prices. The colonial history has left an interesting mix of culture, as well as historic landmarks. It's possible to visit colonial churches, typical Southeast Asian rice paddies, deserted islands, and beaches with crystal clear blue waters on a trip to this archipelago of a nation.

Which country is cheaper, the Philippines or Japan?

Should I visit Japan or the Philippines? This is a popular question for many travelers. By figuring out which country is more expensive, you'll understand where you'll get more bang for your buck. A week in the Philippines can cost you about $468 (per person), while a week in Japan may cost you around $865. These differences become even more noticable if you plan to spend a longer time in the country. 10 days, two weeks, or even one month of travel to the Philippines or Japan can really add to your travel budget.

Accommodation is often cheaper in the Philippines compared to Japan ($25 vs. $59). Budget travelers usually stay in less expensive hostels and guest houses, while nicer hotels often appeal to families and upscale travelers.

Compare hotel prices here: Japan Hotel Prices and Philippines Hotel Prices.

Or, compare hostel and guesthouse prices between the Philippines and Japan to find the cheapest accommodation here: Philippines hostels and Japan hostels.

When comparing food in Japan vs. the Philippines they are not just different in cuisine, but also in price. Meal and restaurant costs in Japan ($30) are often cheaper than the Philippines ($16).


  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Japan $124
    Philippines $67
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Japan $59
    Philippines $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Japan $118
    Philippines $50
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Japan $18
    Philippines $21
  • Food Meals for one day
    Japan $30
    Philippines $16
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Japan $19
    Philippines $14
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Japan $15
    Philippines $11
  • Water Bottled water for one day
    Japan $4.47
    Philippines $1.45
How much are flights to Japan and the Philippines?

The price of a plane ticket may help you decide which country you should visit.




Find a Hostel in Japan or the Philippines

Hostels, guest houses, and locally owned B&B's are often the cheapest form of accommodation.


Japan
Philippines




When is the best time to visit Japan and the Philippines?
Hiroshima, Japan Hiroshima, Japan
Japan experiences four full seasons, much like Europe and North America. Winters in northern Japan can be quite cold and snowy. The south is generally mild and warmer in the winter, however. Summers are the peak travel time, especially in the larger cities in the central and northern regions of Japan. Visit during the shoulder seasons for mild weather and lower prices.

The Philippines are the hottest from March to May, and from June to October it can be quite rainy. The coolest months are from November to February, but it is still warm and tropical. Don't let the rainy season scare you away, as the rains are not torrential and it still can rain during other parts of the year.

Why is Japan more expensive than the Philippines?
Japan has one of the highest costs of living in the world and an extremely strong economy, leading to an increased price for anything tourism related. Modern, high tech hotels and transportation systems provide you with every convenience and comfort, but they don't come cheap. While cheaper hostels and budget hotels can be found, they are often more expensive than their counterparts in the rest of Asia. Even food can be expensive in this nation of islands, where many goods are imported from mainland Asia.

Overall, the Philippines are a very affordable destination due to the low cost of living, low wages, and significant competition for tourism. Many local families have opened their doors to create family-run hotels or restaurants, especially in the larger urban areas, leading to an increase in competition. Overall, while the economy is growing as a whole, the country must compete against its neighbors for revenue from tourism, leading to low prices.
What are the most expensive and cheapest cities and regions in Japan and the Philippines?
The Philippines The Philippines
The cities in Japan are usually more expensive than the countryside. In larger cities, and tourist destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Sapporo, hotels and restaurants have higher prices due to more demand for services. While the countryside is not necessarily cheap, better bargains can be found, especially in rural areas away from heavily touristed areas. Beach and resort destinations are also pricey.

While the Philippines are overall very inexpensive, the popular beach resort areas tend to be higher in price. These destinations are why visitors come to this beautiful country, after all. Tourists flock to the beach, driving up prices for everything from hotels and hostels to restaurants and activities.

The rural parts of the countryside are much cheaper, especially if you can get away from the areas that are more frequently visited.

As in most countries, the larger cities can be expensive, but budget options are available. Some neighborhoods have higher prices due to high-end luxury accommodations, nightlife, and restaurants. But shop around to find better prices if you're on a budget.

How you can save money when visiting Japan and the Philippines?
Look for budget accommodation in Japan online, and shop around. This will help with your overall budget, as hotels and hostels tend to be expensive. Stay with the locally owned hotels or hostels instead of international or national chain hotels. It's cheaper, better for the local economy, and you'll have a more authentic experience, too.

To eat cheaply in Japan, look for one of the many small restaurants that serves up traditional Japanese noodles and soup. Often, these restaurants will have a payment machine that looks like a vending machine. Buy a cheap ticket from the machine, and the cook then prepares your bowl of noodles.

Use public transportation in whenever possible. Taxis can be very expensive, and trains and buses go everywhere.

As transportation between the various islands of the Philippines can get expensive with flights and ferries, choose one or two islands and stay put. Hopping around will cost you a good deal more.

Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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