Is Narita expensive to visit?
In Narita, budget travelers spend $66 (¥9,756) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $138 (¥20,370) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $255 (¥37,763) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Narita.
Narita is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Narita can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Narita is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Narita is generally more expensive than most.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Narita Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Narita?
The average Narita trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Narita travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Narita cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Narita, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
The Truth on Budget Travel
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $66 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Visitors to Narita typically prioritize the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks during their stay. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $138 per person, per day.
In Narita, you'll find a broad range of hotels and vacation rentals. If traveling with companions, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or your children, helping to cut costs. Families will want to look for hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Nikko Narita is a fantastic option for families, and Narita Tobu Hotel Airport is also a great pick. Explore more family and couple-oriented hotels in our hotel guide for Narita here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $255 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.
Accommodation Budget in Narita
Narita has a wide range of hotel prices. Luxury hotels come with higher price tags and better amenities, and prices are much steeper during peak season. On average, a room costs $54 in the off-season and averages $101 during peak season. Overall, you can expect prices from $39 to $170. Hostels, especially dorms, are cheaper alternatives. You can save by traveling in the low season, booking in advance, or looking for special offers.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Narita for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $93 (¥13,695). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $46 (¥6,848) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Narita? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Narita include:
- Richmond Hotel Narita starting at $49
Choosing to travel in the shoulder or low season and avoiding will help you save on lodging costs and escape the tourist rush.
Transportation Budget in Narita
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $20 (¥2,975) per person, per day, on local transportation in Narita. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Narita is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$20
¥2,975
Narita is easily accessible by train from Tokyo via the JR Narita Line or the Keisei Electric Railway, which connect directly to central Tokyo in under an hour. Narita International Airport is just a few minutes by taxi or train from the town center, making it very convenient for travelers in transit. Within Narita town, most major sights are within walking distance from Narita Station, with well-marked pedestrian routes and plenty of signage in English. Local buses connect to outlying attractions like Boso no Mura and Sakura-no-Yama Park. Taxis are available but can be pricey for short distances. Rental bikes are a great option for those wanting to explore the outskirts at their own pace. Car rental is generally unnecessary unless venturing out to the rural areas around Chiba. Overall, Narita is very manageable on foot and well-suited to budget travelers sticking to public transport.
When driving, confirm that your hotel has convenient parking options.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Narita Airport (NRT):Private Transfer to/from Fuji or Hakone for $177 details
- Yokohama Port: Private Transfer from/to Narita Airport for $291 details
How much does it cost to go to Narita? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Narita will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Narita
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Narita can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Narita is $67 (¥9,876) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$67
¥9,876
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Narita is around $67 (¥9876) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $128. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Narita are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $20
- Lunch: $10 to $27
- Dinner: $20 to $47
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
Narita is famed for unagi (freshwater eel), which is slow-grilled and basted with a savory-sweet sauce. Omotesando Street is packed with traditional eel restaurants, some of which have operated for generations. Travelers on a budget can sample takoyaki, dango (sweet rice dumplings), and local yokan sweets from street vendors and small shops. Sushi, ramen, soba, and tempura are widely available in small eateries and train station food courts, often for reasonable prices. For a unique experience, try a simple breakfast at a local cafe, or grab an ekiben (boxed meal) from the station for a picnic in the park. Cooking classes focused on Japanese traditions or sweet-making are offered at some hotels and cultural centers. Popular options include Kawatoyo (for eel), Edokkozushi (for sushi), Omiya (for yakitori), and Narita Eel Matsuya (for affordable set meals).
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Narita
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Narita typically cost an average of $17 (¥2,514) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
¥2,514
Narita’s centerpiece is the venerable Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, one of Japan’s most important Buddhist temples, founded over 1,000 years ago. The sprawling temple complex includes beautiful gates, a tranquil pagoda, lush gardens, and a scenic park, all accessible without an entrance fee. Omotesando Street, the historic approach to the temple, is a sight in itself, lined with traditional shops, old wooden inns, and restaurants serving local eel dishes. The Narita Yokan Museum offers a glimpse into Japanese confectionery history, while the Narita Museum of Aeronautical Sciences near the airport delights aviation enthusiasts with hands-on exhibits and historic planes. For peaceful natural settings, Naritasan Park features ponds, peaceful trails, and seasonal cherry blossoms. Sakura-no-Yama Park provides excellent views of planes landing and taking off, popular with both aviation buffs and photographers. The Boso no Mura open-air museum, a short bus ride away, recreates a traditional Japanese village with hands-on cultural activities.
Stroll the atmospheric Omotesando Street, browsing for souvenirs, local snacks, and handicrafts along the way. Eel is a specialty, and watching how it's prepared in shopfronts is a treat in itself. Naritasan Park invites visitors for leisurely walks, meditation, or cherry blossom viewing in spring. The Boso no Mura heritage park offers the chance to try crafts like paper-making, archery, or ninja training. Plane spotting at Sakura-no-Yama Park is a unique local pastime, and kids will enjoy the playgrounds and open spaces. If time permits, take a cycling tour around Narita or visit local farms to pick fresh seasonal produce. Shuttle buses also make it easy to do quick airport layover sightseeing tours for those short on time.
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.