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  There seems to be a myth that prices in Japan are high. However, the truth is that Japan is now an affordable country.
In the past 4 years, the Australian dollar has appreciated 40% against the Japanese yen.
 
     
 
 
     
  Now the cost of many goods in Australia is almost the same as those in Japan, and some things are even cheaper in Japan. There are many inexpensive, good quality hotels, even in Tokyo.  
     
 
Item
Sydney
Tokyo
California roll
$1.50 - $3.50
$1.30 - $3.00
Fish & chips
$8.00 - $14.00
$9.00 - $14.00
Sydney Morning Herald, 22/6/2006
 
     
 
 
  The Affordable Japan brochure shows more examples of current Japanese prices.
Affordable Japan
 
     
  Japan is value for money  
     
   
     
  You may think that $200-300 per person per night (including two meals) is expensive. However, once you stay at a ryokan (Japanese style inn) and enjoy its open air onsen (hot springs), kaiseki-ryori (elegant Japanese meals) and washitsu (Japanese style room) with its slight scent of wood and tatami mats, you will realise you are getting value for money. In Japan, there is a saying that represents the spirit of hospitality – “Ichigo-ichie”. It means to treasure every encounter, for it may occur only once in a lifetime. Each and every Japanese person awaits guests’ arrival with a warm smile and this eternal tradition in their hearts. This is genuine value!  
 
 
   
     
  Dining out in Japan doesn't have to be expensive. Restaurant dining in Tokyo for example is certainly no more expensive than in most other world capitals and is often better value for money. Wherever you travel, restaurants in popular tourist areas will always cost more. Follow the locals and you will generally find both lower prices and more authentic Japanese cuisine. Avoid restaurants that don't list their prices outside the door. The people who can afford to eat in these places don't need to know how much they will have to pay. Reasonable dining can usually be enjoyed at more casual establishments such as izakaya (Japanese pubs), shokudo (general eating places, often with set meals), and okonomiyaki (Japanese style pancake) restaurants.  

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