Tokyo travel

Japan · Asia

Tokyo

The most organized, fascinating, and photogenic city on earth

Tokyo rewards travelers who lean into its strangeness — the vending machines, the capsule hotels, the 3am ramen, the maid cafés, the impeccable train system, the temples tucked between skyscrapers. It's also more affordable than its reputation suggests: the street food and convenience store onigiri are legitimate meals, the trains cost $1–3 per ride, and free temples and parks are everywhere.

Budget/day

$105–$175

Best time

March, April, May, September +2 more

Currency

JPY

US Visa

Visa-free

Top things to do in Tokyo

  • Walk the Shibuya Crossing at rush hour — the world's busiest pedestrian intersection
  • Visit Senso-ji temple in Asakusa at 6am before the crowds, then eat street food on Nakamise-dori
  • Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto for a day of geisha districts and bamboo forests (2.5 hours)
  • Explore Akihabara's electronics floors, anime shops, and gaming arcades
  • Eat sushi at a conveyor-belt spot (kaiten-zushi) for $15–25 for a full meal

What a Tokyo trip actually costs

Estimates for a 7-night trip for 2 people from a major US hub, all-in.

Round-trip flights (2 people)Varies by origin — see our search
Hotel (7 nights, 1 room)~$674 mid-range
Food & daily spending (per person)$105–$175/day
Rental car (optional, 7 days)$45–$80/day depending on availability
Entry fees & activitiesBudget $20–$80/person/day

TripBudget calculates your all-in number. Enter your budget and origin airport and we'll show you exactly what you can afford in Tokyo — flights, hotel, food, and car together.

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Best time to visit Tokyo

Jan
Feb
Mar
Best
Apr
Best
May
Best
Jun
Jul
Avoid
Aug
Avoid
Sep
Best
Oct
Best
Nov
Best
Dec

Tokyo travel tips for US visitors

Visa: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.

  • 1Get a JR Pass if you're visiting Kyoto or Osaka — it pays off in 1–2 Shinkansen trips.
  • 2Suica or IC card for trains covers almost all transit; load it with ¥3,000 to start.
  • 3Cash is still widely used; ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept foreign cards.
SushiAnimeTechnologyCherry blossomsBullet trains

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