The value of the yen has been making headlines as the Japanese currency continues to slide, but the rollercoaster economy has opened a window of opportunity for international travellers looking for favourable exchange rates.
We’ve witnessed a surge in the number of visitors to Japan this year, a trend which is supported by a recent survey from Post Office, ranking Tokyo as the fourth most affordable holiday destination globally in 2024. The survey, known as the Holiday Money Report, examined 40 long-haul destinations around the world for UK holidaymakers and ranked them based on their value for money as holiday destinations.
The list for the top ten destinations are as follows:
- Hoi An, Vietnam
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Mombasa, Kenya
- Tokyo, Japan
- Algarve, Portugal
- Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
- Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
- Kuta, Bali
- Marmaris, Türkiye
- Paphos, Cyprus
For the assessment, Post Office examined the average cost of eight tourist items, including everyday essentials like sunscreen and mosquito repellent, as well as a three-course dinner for two. The report discovered that the average cost of a glass of wine in Tokyo is around £3.63 (about ¥700), and a three-course evening meal for two typically costs about £40.12 (around ¥7,780). These prices could become even more favourable, depending on the currency you're converting from, in the coming months.
For the sake of our own sanity, we’re hoping that the yen will stabilise soon. That said, Tokyo has a reputation for being one of the most cost-effective destinations even before the recent economic frenzy, so you can keep looking forward to plenty of good bargains for your future travels.
Whether you’re looking for cheap eats, discount train passes or free museum visits, Tokyo’s got you covered.
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