Can I afford beer on this budget?

Only if you buy it at a convenience store. Expect to pay $1.50 for a large beer at a shop versus $7+ at a bar.

Is the $1,200 including flights?

No. This budget is for your daily ground expenses in Japan. You will need a separate budget for your international airfare.

14 Tage in Japan mit 1.200 Dollar Budget

To do Japan for 14 days on $1,200, you must bypass the expensive Shinkansen, stick to regional overnight buses, and prioritize 'konbini' meals over restaurant dining. Your daily spending limit is $85, which covers a hostel bed, two supermarket meals, and local subway travel.

Cut the Japan Rail Pass. Do not buy a national JR Pass. It is now too expensive to justify for budget travel. Use the Willer Express bus pass or book individual highway buses to move between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Live in hostels. Book dormitory beds in hostels via dedicated platforms like Hostelworld. Expect to pay $25–$35 per night. Look for properties with free breakfast to save $8 per day.
Eat at the konbini. 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are your kitchens. Buy onigiri ($1), bento boxes ($5), and instant miso soup ($1). You can easily survive on $20 a day for food if you avoid sit-down restaurants.
Focus on free attractions. Japan has hundreds of free shrines, parks, and public viewpoints. Skip the paid observation decks and expensive museums; hike Mount Takao or explore the Fushimi Inari Taisha for zero entry cost.

Can I afford beer on this budget?: Only if you buy it at a convenience store. Expect to pay $1.50 for a large beer at a shop versus $7+ at a bar.
Is the $1,200 including flights?: No. This budget is for your daily ground expenses in Japan. You will need a separate budget for your international airfare.