How much should I budget for my stay in Japan?

Japan is an expensive country to live in, so plan your finances carefully. We recommend that students with KCP-arranged housing (either homestay or dormitory) allow $150 to $200 per week for entertainment, cultural activities, school supplies such as notebooks, pens, or pencils (textbooks are provided), toiletries, gifts to bring home, snacks or meals not included in your program option, and independent travel during the program. If you plan to travel before or after the program, consider these expenses when planning your budget.

Homestay students receive breakfast and dinner as part of the homestay option. The dorm option does not offer a meal plan.

When preparing your budget:

  • Resist the temptation to spend all your money in the first few weeks of the program!
  • It’s far more valuable to spend your time and money doing things, rather than buying things. The memories you create will last a lifetime.

Semester program

Since you have choices in housing and meals, and since some amounts depend on your spending habits, we have not provided totals.  It’s a good exercise for you to estimate the amounts.

 

BASICS

 

Round trip airfare $1250–$2000
Program costs (non-credit option*)

Includes airport pickup (for students in KCP-arranged housing), onsite orientation, textbooks, most costs of excursions and activities, and minor medical insurance

$3,000
If Dormitory (does not include meals) $3,700
If Homestay (includes breakfast and dinner) $4,700
Meals, purchased independently** $1,200–$1,500
OTHER
Personal expenses  $500–$750
Transportation fees
(for class or school activities not covered by program)
$50
Visa (if staying longer than one semester) $250

Note: Prices subject to change without prior notice.

*Academic credit is available for a nominal fee from our sponsor or affiliate universities.

**Vegetarians or particular eaters may want to consider purchasing food independently. The budget amount shown is approximate; some thrifty students have been able to eat on much less.

Summer Short-Term Program

Here is a sample budget for the KCP summer short-term, designed to fit into your school’s academic year schedule. Since you have choices in housing and meals, and since some amounts depend on your spending habits, we have not provided totals.

BASICS

 

Round trip airfare $1250–$2000
Program costs (non-credit option*)

Includes airport pickup (for students in KCP-arranged housing), onsite orientation, textbooks, most costs of excursions and activities, and minor medical insurance

$2,800
If Dormitory (does not include meals) $3,100
If Homestay (includes breakfast and dinner) $4,100
Meals, purchased independently** $875–$1,100
OTHER
Personal expenses  $400–$650
Transportation fees
(for class or school activities not covered by program)
$50

Note: Prices subject to change without prior notice.

*Academic credit is available for a nominal fee from our sponsor or affiliate universities.

**Vegetarians or particular eaters may want to consider purchasing food independently. The budget amount shown is approximate; some thrifty students have been able to eat on much less.