Money and costs
The local currency is the Yen (JPY). You will find ATMs all over the country, until some time ago, only a few strategically placed at airports, train stations, metro and post offices allowed withdrawals with foreign credit cards, but this restriction has been decreasing over the years. Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world, even more so when the Yen enters periods of appreciation against most currencies. Expect to spend an absolute minimum of €80 per day, this staying in a capsule hotel or simple guest-house dormitory in the biggest cities, dining at the most popular restaurant chains like Yoshinoya – very famous among young foreign visitors – or shopping food in supermarkets.
This value increases exponentially each time you have to fly, travel by train or ferry or pay admission to any attraction.
ACCOMMODATION
The most affordable stays are booked at backpacker guest houses and capsule hotels, costing from €30 per night per person. International Youth Hostels are usually very well equipped but relatively more expensive, on average €60 to €90 per person per night.
FOOD
A half liter of water costs around €1. A full meal can cost between €8 for a ramen dish at the Yoshinoya chain and many hundreds of euros at the best Japanese restaurants. pre-cooked meals bento cheaper ones can be bought at supermarkets and convenience stores, but are usually impregnated with preservatives.
INTERNET
Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world when it comes to Internet access. You'll find it everywhere, in most situations, free and with great browsing speed. In big cities, many residents and business owners leave their supposedly private networks open and, as if that wasn't enough, the hotspots Free abound.
If you don't get free access, Internet cafes are a way of life in Japan. Some people even sleep in them in folding armchairs, with easy access to drinks and food served by machines. They can also read manga books or dedicate themselves to video games to pass the time. The cost of staying at these Internet Cafés is around €3 per hour. Some establishments run promotions to attract customers for the night time.
Another solution is SIM cards with Internet access that can be obtained from any number of companies or other devices that ensure Wi-Fi wherever you go and, in Japan, you will find many more than conventional ones pens (USB sticks). Any communications store will have the most revolutionary technological solutions. The trickiest thing will be getting more in-depth explanations in English.