Japan or Italy for 2 weeks? Which is cheaper?

Question

I was wondering which of these two great destinations would cost me less to go to? For two weeks in April.

If:

Fly from USA

Go to Rome and Florence in Italy

Go to Tokyo in Japan

Answer 1

Look at the exchange rates.... Italy = the Euro is now $1.30 for one euro. Italy may seem to be inexpensive but you may get "nickled & dimed" to death.

I hear Tokyo (have never been there and would love to) is as expensive as New York City and then some.

Answer 2

Italy is alot cheaper from my relative's experiences of being in japan

Answer 3

The exchange rate with either country is poor right now, assuming your home currency is the US dollar.  The big difference will be the cost of the flight - Japan will be in excess of 1000 bucks while Italy can be had for 500 or a bit more.

Depending on your age, youth hostels are a great way to save money.  These are quite prevalent in Italy.  Also a great way to meet fellow travelers, if you're into that.  As one answerer said, nothing is free in Italy, but as long as you eat outside of the touristy areas (especially the Vatican, central Rome and Florence), you can eat cheaply.  Look for hole in the wall places, places near the train stations, or food you can buy and take with you.  A great lunch of pizza and wine can be eaten in a city park for 20 bucks for two this way.

I would also encourage you to visit a smaller, slightly less touristy town in Tuscany named Siena.

Answer 4

Italy is cheaper. Japan is one of the most expensive places to visit in the world.

Answer 5

Ok you have me pegged!!

I have traveled to both places and I love both of them.  Both have amazing culture and plenty of interesting places to see.  

I must say that Japan is VERY VERY expensive especially Tokyo.  Italy in my opinion is no cheaper since the Euro is stronger than the dollar.  

You can however enjoy yourself on a budget in both places.  

For example if you decide on Japan, most large department stores have a grocery stores where you can buy food for a very very fair price.  The food is delicious and comes in large quantities.  If you want to splurge on something like Sushi you can expect to pay almost $ 50.  This being said the quality is always first rate.  If you want to purchase Japanese Art this will be very expensive, however Japanese people do not like to keep things for very long time(part of their Shinto culture to be constantly renewing).  So you can go to the second hand stores and find ink paintings, fans and many other interesting things that are not very expensive.  Visiting temples and landmarks is not very expensive, and in many cases FREE.  And remember that taking pictures is always free, just be mindful that certain religious ceremonies should not be photographed out of respect for the Buddhist and Shinto religions.

I won't repeat what other people have said about Italy, because what other people have said is very very true.  However bear in mind that you will be traveling to major tourist areas and Italians can be very clever when it comes to making you buy something.  If you can, try to make Italian friends because this is a good way to see the italian culture and learn some of the language at it.  I would also reccomend that you visit Napoli.  Forget the rumors that Naples is a dangerous city.  You will see that Naples is one of the most lively cities in Italy where the Italian stereotypes come to life.  Common sense is all that you will need to avoid being a victim of crime anywhere in Italy.  Also Orvieto is another place that I really like going to.  

I spent 3 months this past summer in Italy visiting my parents and have made several Italian friends my age.  I will be going back in October for 5 days to visit my friends in Napoli.  When you make an italian friend you make a friend for life.

Italy is expensive but do what other users have told you and you have no problem finding cheap resturants and places to enjoy the Italian cuisine.  Also you can go  to a place called a " trattoria" or family run resturant that has a friendly family atmosphere, good food and not overly expensive prices.  DO NOT MISS the Pizza.  

I may also point out that flying to Italy is much cheaper than flying to Japan.

Ok I hope that my comment has been helpful in coming to a decision.  I havn't told you where you should go because I can't decide myself ( I love both places equally for very different reasons).  I would reccomend traveling to both places sometime in your lifetime.   Because you will have " un viaggio indimenticabile" or in englsh unforgettable trip.  

Happy decisions :) :) :)

Also if you have questions regarding either destination you can contact me at [e-mail]

Answer 6

Italy is cheaper but you should go where you actually want to go

Answer 7

Oh gosh...well Italy will be tons cheaper.  Not only is the exchange rate better (more for your money), the flight itself will be a whole lot cheaper...and a whole lot shorter!

I have to say, I've been to both and I highly recommend Italy.  Don't forget to visit Michaelangelo's David at the Uffizi in Florence (I don't care if you like art or not...this sculpture is amazing) and try the ice cream and the coffee....both amazing.  

Happy trails!

Answer 8

Probably Italy.

Japan is really expensive.

Although I have never been to Italy so I am not positive.

Answer 9

I would choose Italy, even if it costs more, which I don't think it would.

Answer 10

Italy

Answer 11

My mil just got back from Italy and she said it was outrageous. but worth it.  The most expensive prt was the food.  Nothing is free.  They charge you to just sit down at the table, and water is not free, bread is not free and does not come with the meal.  Everything is extra.  But she said she would go again because it wa so beautiful.

Answer 12

Italy by far is better to go to.

Answer 13

Italy is by far cheaper than Japan.

Also, it is a better destination to visit in April, as the weather will be lovely and Florence and Rome will be at their best.

Don't miss Venice, if you have a little spare time, there's nothing like that in the whole world.