Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a longer vacation, this Tokyo travel cost guide will help you understand the typical costs of a trip. Our Tokyo trip cost calculator is based on average spending from thousands of past travelers, including accommodations, meals, attractions, entertainment, and transportation. Tokyo is a vibrant city known for Senso-ji Temple, TeamLab Borderless Museum, and Meiji Shrine, and you don't want to miss out because you didn't plan the right budget. This guide will help you plan the best trip to Tokyo and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Tokyo?
A typical traveler spends $176 (¥28,114) per day on a trip to Tokyo. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Tokyo based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $62 (¥9,877) on meals
- $17 (¥2,667) on local transportation
- $147 (¥23,461) on hotels
A one-week trip to Tokyo for two people costs, on average, $2,471 (¥393,596). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Tokyo expensive to visit?
In Tokyo, budget travelers spend $66 (¥10,521) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $176 (¥28,114) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $503 (¥80,188) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Tokyo.
Tokyo is a large city with activities that cater to all tastes. With travelers of varying budgets and styles, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy your stay. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
If you choose to make it so, Tokyo can be very pricey, but you can reduce your expenses by eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
Within Asia, Tokyo is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Tokyo in the region, such as Penang or Taipei.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Tokyo Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Tokyo?
The average Tokyo trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Tokyo travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Tokyo cost?
Tokyo on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(¥4,345)
|
$74
(¥11,731)
|
$213
(¥33,888)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(¥929)
|
$17
(¥2,667)
|
$54
(¥8,561)
|
|
Food2
|
$23
(¥3,720)
|
$62
(¥9,877)
|
$173
(¥27,636)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$22
(¥3,582)
|
$66
(¥10,487)
|
$218
(¥34,698)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$6-19
(¥1,026-3,078)
|
$16-47
(¥2,512-7,536)
|
$37-110
(¥5,861-17,582)
|
Accommodation Budget in Tokyo
In Tokyo, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $42 and peak summer season rising to an average of $78. Prices typically range from $25 to $170, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Tokyo for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $147 (¥23,461). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $74 (¥11,731) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Tokyo? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Tokyo include:
- Disney Ambassador Hotel starting at $265
- Hotel Gajoen Tokyo starting at $256
- Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo starting at $212
- The Tokyo Station Hotel starting at $251
- Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo starting at $54
In the bustling city of Tokyo, you'll find a range of accommodations. You can choose from hostels like Sakura Hostel Asakusa, vacation rentals, or high-end hotels. Expect to pay more if you want to stay close to the city center, but you'll benefit from easy access to public transportation and popular attractions.
Tokyo has an excellent public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.
As a family-friendly city, Tokyo is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room. Because it's a big city, you might find that rooms are smaller and more cramped than you'd expect.
With many people staying up to a week in Tokyo, it might be worth booking a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can prepare your own food.
Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Tokyo, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Tokyo
In a large city like Tokyo, you'll need to think about how to get around. Fortunately, the city has a solid public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable. For a cost-effective option, stick to public transit, but you can also easily grab a taxi or rideshare when needed.
Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time in Tokyo. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $17 (¥2,667) per person, per day, on local transportation in Tokyo. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Tokyo is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$17
¥2,667
Tokyo is the home of one of the world's best railway systems. A person can get almost anywhere in Tokyo using trains - either subways or above-ground. It may require several transfers between railway lines, but there are several online tools that can help both tourists and business travelers plan their day. Hyperdia.com and Jorudan.co.jp are both good options; just by entering departing and arriving locations and a preferred time, anyone can get a solid plan for their travels via trains.
If you're planning to ride the subway for multiple trips, consider getting a Suica or Pasmo card which can be reloaded.
The bus system is also one of Tokyo's strong suits. Everything in Japan is punctual, and the buses are no exception. They are almost always exactly on time, and they are another reliable way to get around the city-or to the nearest train station if it is too far to walk.
Both of these systems are able to use the Suica card. It is a simple, efficient way to get around the city without having to break out coins or buy tickets every time you board a bus or a train.
If you expect to ride public transit often, multi-day passes can be an effective way to save money.
Stay vigilant against pickpockets on the buses and trains, and don't let your guard down in the stations. Tokyo is quite a big city.
In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Private Transfer from/to Yokohama Port for $180 details
- Narita Airport to Tokyo Private Transfer (One Way Pickup Service) for $180 details
- Private Transfer from Tokyo Hotels to Yokohama Cruise Port for $146 details
How much does it cost to go to Tokyo? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Tokyo will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Tokyo
You definitely don't want to miss the incredible cuisine in Tokyo. Take some time to explore local dining options and enjoy their unique dishes. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Tokyo can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Tokyo is $62 (¥9,877) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$62
¥9,877
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tokyo is around $62 (¥9877) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $173. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Tokyo are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $19
- Lunch: $9 to $25
- Dinner: $19 to $43
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Food in Tokyo varies widely. Western food is popular, but traditional Japanese food is abundant. Regular, sit-down meals are available everywhere, but for a unique experience, check out typical Japanese "fast food". Sushi, ramen, and katsu (fried cutlet - usually pork or chicken) shops have some of the best, freshest food. It's delicious, affordable, and quick.
"Conveyor belt sushi" is one of Tokyo's greatest phenomena. Most people imagine this as a slow-moving conveyor belt around the center of the restaurant, containing the chefs preparing the sushi. While some shops are exactly that, there is an even better option. Some shops have tablets (iPads, Android tablets, etc.) mounted at each seat. The customer can order about three small plates of sushi from the tablet at a time, and the chef prepares it. Then, the sushi comes shooting out of the kitchen on a cart on a conveyor belt, stopping directly at that customer's seat. The customer takes the plates off and presses the button to send the cart back to the kitchen, to be used for other orders. It's an incredibly fun, efficient, and affordable way to eat plenty of fresh sushi. There are plenty of shops like this all around Tokyo.
Another option for quick, quality food is the many ramen shops and katsu shops spread across the city. You can find a decent ramen shop in almost any train station. Most ramen and katsu shops operate the same way: there is a ticket machine at the entrance of the shop, where a customer chooses a meal, pays, and gets a ticket for that meal (kind of like a vending machine). The customer then takes the ticket up to the counter, where the workers put in the order to be freshly made, and then the customer takes a seat in the shop. When the food is ready-usually within five minutes-the customer can pick it up at the counter and return to their seat to eat.
Dining at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner can help you save money. Many restaurants in touristy areas or business hubs provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' Often, these options are simply smaller and more affordable versions of their dinner menus. If you play your cards right, you could enjoy a full multi-course gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Then, you can keep it light for dinner.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Pack a picnic to save cash and enjoy the views. Find a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Tokyo, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Asakusa Classic Ramen & Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class for $127 details
- Tokyo Ueno Food Tour Sushi Ramen and Local Favorites for $108 details
- Sushi Cooking Class: AKEMI's SUSHiKiTCHEN in Tokyo for $103 details
Below are some standard food costs in Tokyo, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Tokyo
The allure of Tokyo is undeniable, especially since it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and music.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Tokyo typically cost an average of $66 (¥10,487) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$66
¥10,487
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- Senso-ji Temple (Free)
- TeamLab Borderless Museum for ¥3,800
- Meiji Shrine (Free)
- Odaiba (Free)
- Ueno Park (Free)
- Tokyo Skytree for ¥2,100–¥3,100
- Akihabara (Free)
- Harajuku Takeshita Street (Free)
- Shibuya Crossing (Free)
- Tsukiji Outer Market (Free)
- Tokyo Tower for ¥1,200–¥3,000
- Ginza Shopping District (Free)
- National Museum of Nature and Science for ¥630
Two of the most common tourist sites are Tokyo Tower (an immense structure somewhat resembling the Eiffel Tower) and Tokyo Skytree (another immense structure somewhat resembling Seattle's Space Needle). Both of these are great to visit and appreciate the incomprehensible size of Tokyo itself. However, both of these locations sell tickets to their respective tops for a lofty fee. But keep in mind that they are just 2 of the best things to do in Tokyo, so keep going for more ideas and inspiration.
The insider's way to see the city from the top of the world is to go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. This slightly-less-pretty building has an observation deck on its 45th floor (with free admission!). From that high up, you can see for miles in every direction, making this one of the best tourist spots in Tokyo without a price tag. It's a great place for photos - as are many other great places in Tokyo to take photos.
For a cultural adventure, visit Asakusa, which hosts Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. With its beautiful architecture, it makes a wonderful backdrop for photos as well as a fascinating cultural experience. Many Japanese people journey to Asakusa to perform Buddhist rituals at the temple. Be prepared to navigate seas of people as you walk down Nakamise-dori, the street leading up to Senso-ji, lined by shops and eateries.
For a break from the fast-paced, highly crowded areas of Tokyo, visit Rikugien Garden. A short walk from Komagome station on the Yamanote line (one of Tokyo's most popular railroad lines), Rikugien is a nice, quiet relief from the metropolis. For a small fee, you can explore the garden for at least an hour or two.
A trip to Tokyo would not be complete if you didn't make a stop at the world's busiest crosswalk and the world's busiest Starbucks. In Shibuya, you can actually go into the world's busiest Starbucks, buy a drink, walk up to the second floor, and watch the show as up to 2,500 people cross the intersection every time the light changes-during rush hour, at least. This phenomenon is referred to as the "Shibuya Scramble." Watching so many people cross paths in every direction and still find their way is remarkable. It speaks to the peace and order of Tokyo, which is unwritten but universally understood by its millions of residents.
In 2020, Tokyo will host the Summer Olympic Games. The city is preparing, and huge crowds can be expected. Check out this guide to tickets to the Olympics in Tokyo for more information.
One popular activity in Tokyo is karaoke. In nearly every area with shopping and restaurants, you can find a Karaoke business. Unlike American karaoke, this is not a bar where people can sing in front of random strangers. Instead, a group of friends can rent out a soundproof room in the building. Typically, these are dark, small booths with a television, karaoke machine, and a large table for drinks and food. There, you can sing and celebrate with your friends in a more private setting.
If you are lucky enough to travel to Tokyo during cherry blossom season, which runs for about two weeks around the beginning of April, make some Japanese friends, and have a traditional ohanami ("flower viewing") picnic. Lay down a tarp, bring some snacks, sashimi, tea, and whatever else you'd like, and spend time with friends until dark, enjoying the beautiful cherry blossom trees.
The summer also offers many traditional festivals. You are likely to see many Japanese dressed in traditional yukatas. Several of these are fireworks festivals. The Tokyo skyline is an incredible backdrop for these events, and they draw over a million viewers every year.
If you have kids, Disney also has a few theme parks in the area: Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. And finally, check out this quick guide to Tokyo.
If you're looking for a great day trip, why not check out some cute animals? Read this great article about visiting Fox Village in Japan as a day trip.
Museums and Attractions:
Tokyo stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.
Music:
The music scene in Tokyo is popular and draws a crowd. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.
Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.
A nice way to explore destinations in Tokyo is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Curated Tour | Get Tokyo’s Must Sees & Unique Insights for $177 details
- Akihabara Tailor-made Private Tour for Anime Fans for $128 details
- Experience all of Japanese culture and Japanese food experience classes "origami, udon, Japanese food, green tea, calligraphy" in 4 hours for $90 details
Nightlife Budget in Tokyo
The nightlife in Tokyo is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $32 (¥5,024) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Tokyo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$32
¥5,024
The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Tokyo. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Private Tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and Riverside Walk for $240 details
- Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods- for $103 details
- Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional for $90 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Tokyo, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
Travel cost data last updated: Apr 15, 2026
Traveling in Tokyo
Tokyo Fish Market
Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is by far the most populous city in the world with a staggering 37 million people. As a worldwide hub for technology and business, it hosts millions of visitors annually. But Tokyo is not just a place for business trips. With its incredible mixture of historical temples and shrines, remarkably beautiful parks, endless shopping malls, and genuinely wonderful people, Tokyo is a terrific place to visit and to explore.
Neighborhoods & Around
Tokyo is made up of many different neighborhoods. The most notable are the largest: Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. Each of these massive shopping and eating destinations lands on the Yamanote line-the popular railroad that encircles the center of Tokyo. While nearly every stop on the Yamanote line has something notable about it, these three are the largest, busiest train stations in Tokyo.
If you are more interested in cross-cultural experiences, visit Koreatown-surrounding the Shin-Okubo station of the Yamanote line. You'll find more good food than you can imagine. It's an interesting place to see how these two similar yet different cultures can combine.
If you're interested in Japanese youth culture, be sure to stop in Harajuku. This is the hub for youth to come to express themselves through unique clothing, hairstyles and colors, and activities. Also located on the Yamanote line, it is very easy to make a stop there to check out the shops and see the local culture, which is the polar opposite of Japanese business culture.
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hostel in Japan? In search of a
party in Tokyo? Traveling alone to
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Tokyo on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
Tokyo on a Shoestring Budget?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $66 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Tokyo is home to plenty of hostels, including Sakura Hostel Asakusa, Nui. Hostel & Bar Lounge, and Imano Tokyo Hostel. In hostels like these, you can snag budget-friendly dorm beds and enjoy a social environment, but be prepared for basic amenities. The city also offers superb public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to avoid the high costs of taxis and Ubers. For many travelers to Tokyo, food is a key attraction, yet budget-conscious visitors often stick to street food or hostel cooking, missing out on the delicious local dining experiences.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. When visiting Tokyo, you'll want to see Senso-ji Temple, TeamLab Borderless Museum, or Meiji Shrine. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $176 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Tokyo is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. The Edo Sakura is a solid choice for families, while Hotel Edoya also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Tokyo here.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $503 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the city, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Mochi・Vegan Sweets class near Shibuya area at private house - offered by Viator.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Tokyo is an amazing city, but you can expect to pay dearly for most things. There are plenty of affordable and delicious restaurants around though.