Tokyo Travel Cost: Your Budget Guide for Visiting Tokyo
Planning a trip to Tokyo and wondering about the travel cost? This SEO-optimized guide breaks down average expenses for flights, lodging, meals, transport and sightseeing, specifically tailored for American visitors. Get real figures, budgeting tips, and booking links to help you plan the perfect Tokyo adventure.
Overview
We’ve selected cost categories that matter most to international travelers—flights, accommodation, food, transport and attractions. Figures are based on recent averages (2023–24) for a 5–7 day trip. All prices are quoted in USD for easy budgeting.
Cost Breakdown by Category
1. Flights
Round-trip fares from major U.S. cities to Tokyo (Narita or Haneda).
- High season: late March–April (cherry blossom), mid-August (Obon)
- Booking window: 2–4 months in advance for best rates
- Airlines with direct service: ANA, JAL, United, American
Departure City | Low Season Fare | High Season Fare | Airline |
---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles (LAX) | $650–$850 | $900–$1,200 | ANA, United |
New York (JFK/EWR) | $700–$900 | $950–$1,300 | JAL, American |
Chicago (ORD) | $750–$950 | $980–$1,350 | United |
2. Accommodation
Tokyo offers everything from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Here are average nightly rates:
- Capsule/hostel: great for solo travelers
- Business hotel: compact rooms, convenient locations
- Mid-range hotel: 3-star in central wards
- Luxury hotel: 5-star in Ginza/Roppongi
Type | Area | Price/Night |
---|---|---|
Capsule/Hostel | Asakusa, Shinjuku | $25–$50 |
Business Hotel | Shinjuku, Ueno | $60–$120 |
Mid-Range Hotel | Ginza, Roppongi | $130–$250 |
Luxury Hotel | Ginza, Marunouchi | $300–$600+ |
3. Food & Drink
Dining in Tokyo ranges from conveyor-belt sushi to Michelin stars.
- Budget meals: convenience store onigiri, ramen — $3–$10
- Mid-range restaurants: yakitori, sushi trains — $15–$40
- Fine dining: omakase, kaiseki — $80–$300
Meal Type | Price per Person | Tip |
---|---|---|
Conbini/Street Food | $3–$10 | Try onigiri and bento |
Casual Restaurant | $15–$40 | Sit-down izakaya or ramen |
Mid-Range Dining | $40–$80 | Sushi bar, tempura |
Fine Dining | $100–$300+ | Book weeks ahead |
4. Transportation
Tokyo’s transport network is efficient and extensive.
- JR Pass (nationwide): from $200 for 7 days
- Tokyo Metro & Toei One-Day Pass: $6–$10
- IC Card (Suica/Pasmo): prepaid convenient for trains/buses
- Taxis: start at ~$6, then ~$0.27 per km
Pass/Card | Price | Coverage |
---|---|---|
JR Pass (7-day) | $200 | All JR lines nationwide |
Metro/Toei 1-Day | $6 | Tokyo Metro & Toei |
IC Card (Suica/Pasmo) | Preload as needed | Trains, buses, vending machines |
5. Attractions & Activities
From free shrines to paid theme parks and museums.
- Free: Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, Yoyogi Park
- Paid: Tokyo Skytree Observatory, teamLab Borderless
- Theme parks: Disneyland/DisneySea (~$80/day)
Attraction | Admission | Location |
---|---|---|
Meiji Shrine | Free | Harajuku |
Tokyo Skytree | $20–$30 | Sumida |
teamLab Borderless | $30 | Odaiba |
Disneyland/DisneySea | $80 | Maihama |
Sample Budgets
Budget Level | Per Day (USD) | 5-Day Trip Total |
---|---|---|
Budget | $100–$120 | $500–$600 (excluding flight) |
Mid-range | $200–$250 | $1,000–$1,250 |
Luxury | $400–$600+ | $2,000–$3,000+ |
Summary
On average, a 5–7 day Tokyo trip costs:
- Flights: $650–$1,300 (round-trip)
- Accommodation: $25–$600 per night
- Meals: $3–$300 per meal
- Transport: $6–$200 for passes
- Attractions: free–$80+ per ticket
FAQ
How much does a Tokyo metro pass cost?
A Tokyo Metro & Toei one-day pass costs about $6, offering unlimited rides on all Tokyo subway lines for 24 hours.
Is tipping expected in Tokyo restaurants?
No. Tipping is not customary in Japan. Excellent service is included in the price.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Tokyo?
Late fall (October–early November) and mid-winter (January–early February) often offer the lowest fares.