Tokyo is a city of contrasts where ancient temples sit alongside neon-lit skyscrapers, and where you can slurp world-class ramen for $8 then walk past a $300 omakase restaurant. It's one of the world's greatest food cities, incredibly safe, and surprisingly affordable once you're there. The key to visiting Tokyo on a budget? Timing your flight right. Prices swing wildly between seasons; we've seen flights drop $400+ during shoulder season. That's exactly why signing up for deal alerts makes sense for Tokyo: when a cheap fare pops up, you want to grab it before it's gone.
Best Time to Fly to Tokyo
Peak Season
Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn leaves (mid-November) bring huge crowds and the highest prices. Golden Week (late April to early May) is also extremely busy with domestic travelers.
Off Season (Best Deals)
January and February offer the best deals. It's cold but clear, with fewer tourists and significantly cheaper flights. Early December (before holiday rush) is another sweet spot.
Spring (March to May) brings mild temps of 50-70°F with cherry blossoms in late March. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, 75-90°F with rainy season in June. Fall (September to November) offers perfect 55-75°F weather and stunning foliage. Winter (December to February) is cold but sunny, 35-50°F.
💡Book 2-3 months ahead for shoulder season. For cherry blossom season, book 4-5 months out or wait for last-minute deals 2-3 weeks before.
Cheapest Months to Fly to Tokyo
Cheapest Months
January, February, June
Most Expensive
Cherry blossom season (late March to April), Golden Week (late April to May), Christmas/New Year
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Must-Try Foods in Tokyo
Ramen
Tokyo's ramen scene is legendary. From rich, creamy tonkotsu to soy-based shoyu, every neighborhood has its champion shop. Head to Shinjuku or Ikebukuro for ramen alleys with multiple shops to compare. Pro tip: buy your ticket from the vending machine outside, slurp loudly (it's polite), and don't skip the soft-boiled egg.
$7-12
Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaiten-zushi)
Experience fresh sushi without the omakase price tag at spots like Sushiro or Kura Sushi. Plates are color-coded by price, typically $1-5 each. It's fun, delicious, and you control exactly what you spend. The quality rivals many sit-down sushi restaurants; this is Japan, after all.
$15-25
Wagyu Beef
You can't visit Japan without trying real wagyu. Skip the tourist traps in Ginza and head to standing yakiniku bars in Shibuya or Shinjuku where you grill premium cuts yourself. Lunch sets offer the best value, often half the dinner price for the same quality meat.
$30-60
Top Attractions in Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple & Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple is stunning at any hour, but arrive before 7am to experience it nearly empty. Walk through the iconic Kaminarimon gate, browse Nakamise shopping street (opens at 10am), then explore the traditional Asakusa neighborhood. The five-story pagoda is especially beautiful at sunset.
Shibuya Crossing & Shibuya Sky
The world's busiest intersection is mesmerizing from street level, but for the ultimate view head up to Shibuya Sky observation deck. Time your visit for sunset to watch the city transform from day to neon-lit night. Book tickets online to skip the line.
TeamLab Borderless (Azabudai Hills)
This immersive digital art museum is unlike anything else. You'll wander through endless rooms where art flows across walls, floors, and your body. Wear comfortable shoes and white/light clothing for the best photo ops. Book tickets weeks in advance — it sells out constantly.
Daily Costs in Tokyo
Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but it's surprisingly affordable for a major world city. Incredible food exists at every price point, trains are cheap and efficient, and you can find great hotels for less than comparable cities like NYC or London.
Accommodation (per night, pick one)
Budget
$50-80
Mid-Range
$120-200
Airbnb
$80-140
Food (per day)
Street Meal
$7-12
Restaurant
$15-30
Coffee
$3-5
Transport
Local Transport
$1.50-3/ride
Comfortable Daily Budget
(excluding flights)
$100-150
Getting Around Tokyo
From the Airport
From Narita: take the Narita Express (N'EX) to central Tokyo for $30, about 60-90 minutes. From Haneda: monorail or Keikyu line, $5-8, about 20-40 minutes to central areas.
Getting Around
Tokyo's train and subway system is world-class: clean, punctual to the second, and covers everywhere you'd want to go. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card for seamless tap-and-go travel. Taxis are safe but expensive; save them for late nights when trains stop around midnight.
Tips
- •Get a 72-hour Tokyo Subway Pass ($15) if you're doing heavy sightseeing. It pays for itself quickly.
- •Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30am, 5-8pm) unless you want the full sardine-can experience.
Where to Stay in Tokyo
Shinjuku
Tokyo's buzzing heart has everything: mega department stores, the serene Gyoen garden, izakaya-packed Golden Gai, and excellent transit connections. Stay near Shinjuku Station for easy access to anywhere in the city. It's busy but endlessly interesting.
Shibuya
Young, trendy, and always moving. Beyond the famous crossing, Shibuya offers countless bars, clubs, and late-night restaurants. Nearby Ebisu and Daikanyama add sophisticated dining and boutique shopping. This is where Tokyo feels most electric after dark.
Asakusa
Tokyo's traditional soul lives here. Wander from Senso-ji through streets lined with craft shops and old-school izakayas. The Sumida River offers beautiful walks, and you're close to teamLab and Tokyo Skytree. Quieter at night, perfect for early risers.
Smart Travel Tips for Tokyo
FAQs About Flights to Tokyo
Tokyo is more affordable than its reputation suggests. Street food and casual restaurants offer incredible quality for $7-15, trains cost just $1.50-3 per ride, and you can find good hotels for $80-150/night. The biggest expense is your flight, which is why timing your booking matters so much.
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