Tokyo on a budget: daily costs 2026
How much a trip to Tokyo, Japan costs per day: where you sleep, eat, get around and what you do. Estimates in US dollars with today's JPY rate.
Daily costs by category
| Per person per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30 dorm | $60 ($120 room) | $200 ($400 room) |
| Food & drink | $22 | $50 | $130 |
| Local transport | $8 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities & sights | $10 | $30 | $80 |
Hostel dorm bed, street food & markets, public transport, mostly free sights. Mid-range and comfort room prices are per room per night, shared by two.
Trip budgets for Tokyo
| Trip length | Backpacker (1) | Mid-range (2) | Comfort (2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 days | $210 | $930 | $2,700 |
| 5 days | $350 | $1,550 | $4,500 |
| 7 days | $490 | $2,170 | $6,300 |
| 14 days | $980 | $4,340 | $12,600 |
Book for less
Flights to Tokyo
Best time to visit
March to May (cherry blossoms) and October to November (autumn colours). Summer is hot and humid.
Money-saving tips
- Convenience-store meals and set lunches (teishoku) are cheap and filling.
- Use a Suica or PASMO IC card; it is often cheaper than a day pass unless you ride a lot.
- Business hotels and capsule hotels are good value; book well ahead for spring and autumn.
Free things to do
- See the city from the free Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation decks.
- Visit Meiji Jingu shrine and Senso-ji temple (both free).
- Walk Shibuya Crossing and Yoyogi Park.
Events & festivals near Tokyo
Compare Tokyo with
Questions
How much does a day in Tokyo cost?
As a rough guide: about $70 per day for a backpacker, $155 per person per day mid-range (two people sharing a room), and $450 per person per day for a comfortable trip. Flights are extra.
How much money do I need for 5 days in Tokyo?
For one backpacker about $350; for two people mid-range about $1,550 in total, excluding flights. Add a 10% buffer.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
March to May (cherry blossoms) and October to November (autumn colours). Summer is hot and humid.
What currency is used in Tokyo?
JPY. Use the live converter on this page and pay in local currency when given the choice.
These are planning estimates based on typical prices, checked 2026-10-11. Prices vary by season, neighbourhood and how you travel. Always check the final price when you book. How we estimate