Estimated Budget for 5 Days in Tokyo (per person)

Total Estimated Cost: ¥33,000–¥60,000 ($280–$500) per person for 5 days.

• Accommodation¥15,000–¥30,000 ($125–$250)

• Food¥10,000–¥15,000 ($85–$125)

• Transportation¥3,000–¥4,000 ($25–$35)

• Attractions¥2,000–¥6,000 ($15–$50)

• Miscellaneous¥3,000–¥5,000 ($25–$40)

Day 1: Exploring Traditional Tokyo

Morning: Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple

• Senso-ji Temple: Tokyo’s oldest temple is free to enter and offers a beautiful introduction to Japan’s spiritual heritage.

• Nakamise Street: Explore the bustling shopping street leading up to the temple for traditional souvenirs and inexpensive street snacks like taiyaki (fish-shaped pastries) and senbei (rice crackers).

Lunch: Grab a budget meal from a local ramen shop or soba stand. Expect to spend around ¥500–¥700 ($4–$6) per meal.

Afternoon: Ueno Park & Museums

• Ueno Park: A large public park with free entry, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.

• Tokyo National Museum: Entrance costs around ¥620 ($5) and offers a deep dive into Japanese history with samurai armor, Buddhist sculptures, and more.

Evening: Akihabara (Electric Town)

• Wander through Akihabara to soak up Tokyo’s anime, manga, and tech culture. Many stores offer interesting sights for free, and you can even stop by an arcade to play a few games (just ¥100 per game).

Day 2: Iconic Tokyo on a Budget

Morning: Meiji Shrine & Yoyogi Park

• Meiji Shrine: A peaceful Shinto shrine with free entry. The surrounding forest feels miles away from the bustling city.

• Yoyogi Park: Located next to the shrine, it’s a popular spot for picnics and street performances, especially on weekends.

Lunch: Try conveyor-belt sushi (kaiten sushi), where plates often start at ¥100–¥200 ($0.75–$1.50). Look for budget-friendly sushi chains like Sushiro or Kura Sushi.

Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

• Shibuya Crossing: One of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world! Viewing the crossing from above is free if you head to the second floor of Starbucks or Shibuya Scramble Square.

• Hachiko Statue: A heartwarming and free attraction just outside Shibuya Station.

Evening: Harajuku’s Takeshita Street

• Takeshita Street: Known for its quirky shops, this famous street is perfect for window shopping. Try inexpensive treats like crepes (around ¥400) and rainbow cotton candy.

Day 3: Budget-Friendly Modern Tokyo

Morning: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building: Head to the observation decks on the 45th floor for a free panoramic view of Tokyo’s skyline. On clear days, you can even see Mt. Fuji!

Lunch: Find a convenience store (Family Mart, Lawson, or 7-Eleven) for surprisingly delicious and affordable options like onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and salads for about ¥300–¥500 per item.

Afternoon: Odaiba

• TeamLab Borderless or TeamLab Planets (optional): Tickets are around ¥3,200 ($28), and it’s a mesmerizing experience if you’re up for a splurge.

• Rainbow Bridge: Walk along the promenade in Odaiba for views of the futuristic cityscape and Rainbow Bridge. Check out DiverCity Tokyo Plaza and the giant Gundam statue (free to view).

Evening: Dinner in a Local Izakaya

• Many izakayas have set meals for around ¥1,000–¥1,500. Alternatively, try one of Tokyo’s budget-friendly chain izakayas like Torikizoku, where all items are ¥300!

Day 4: Culture and Shopping on a Budget

Morning: Tsukiji Outer Market

• Tsukiji Outer Market: The inner market has moved, but the outer market is still full of vendors selling fresh seafood, sushi, and snacks. Sample a few items instead of a full meal to keep costs low.

Lunch: Grab a bento or sushi box at the market. Prices can range from ¥500–¥1,000 for a meal.

Afternoon: Ginza & Ginza Six

• Ginza is Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, but window shopping and exploring are free! Visit Ginza Six for unique architecture and stop by the rooftop garden for a panoramic view of Ginza.

• UNIQLO Ginza: Browse (or shop) at the flagship store, which spans several floors and showcases some Japan-exclusive items.

Evening: Roppongi Hills & Tokyo City View

• Tokyo City View at Roppongi Hills offers a night view of Tokyo Tower. It’s free to visit the shopping area and the Roppongi Hills Mori Garden, but entry to the Tokyo City View observation deck is around ¥1,800 ($15) if you choose to go up.

Day 5: Off-the-Beaten-Path Tokyo

Morning: Yanaka Ginza

• Yanaka Ginza: This retro shopping street in Yanaka feels like stepping back in time, with shops selling traditional snacks, clothing, and handicrafts. Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere for free or buy treats like menchi katsu (fried meat patties) for around ¥200.

Lunch: Stop by a local café in the Yanaka neighborhood, where set meals can be as low as ¥800.

Afternoon: Imperial Palace East Gardens

• Imperial Palace East Gardens: Free entry, and they offer a glimpse into Tokyo’s historic Edo-era past. Walk around the gardens and see remnants of the old castle fortifications.

Evening: Shinjuku Night Walk

• End your trip with a nighttime wander through Shinjuku. Explore the bright lights of Kabukicho (Tokyo’s entertainment district), or visit Golden Gai, a cluster of tiny bars (many with no cover charges), for a glimpse of Tokyo’s nightlife.