Like someone mentioned, big discounts on the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera Body are rare since its still their flagship. You might want to consider the Fujifilm X-T50 Mirrorless Digital Camera instead if you really need that 40MP sensor but want to save some cash. Just be careful because the T50 lacks weather sealing. Quick question tho, what lenses are you planning to use? No point in high megapixels if the glass cant resolve them.

To add to the point above:

• Snagged a Fujifilm X-T4 Digital Camera and im satisfied.
• The sensor works well and saved cash for a Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR Lens.

Regarding what #3 said about "To add to the point above:Snagged a Fujifilm...", I honestly wouldn't go the used route right before a major trip. Unfortunately, used bodies can be a reliability nightmare and I've had issues with sensor spots and worn-out dials that only show up after a week of heavy use. Not what you want in Japan. Honestly, the X-T5 price probably wont budge because Fuji is kinda stubborn with their flagship pricing during these sales. I'd look at these for a more stable and reliable setup within your budget:

• Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera Body
• Fujifilm NP-W235 Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery The X-S20 uses the newer battery which is a lifesaver when you are out walking all day. The X-T50 was a bit of a letdown for me since it still uses the old battery style and lacks weather sealing. If you really need the T5 for the weather resistance, just bite the bullet now. Waiting for a $50 drop that might not happen is just gonna stress you out while you're trying to pack.

In my experience watching Fuji cycles over the years, they rarely slash the price of a current flagship like the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera Body by more than a hundred bucks during Black Friday. Since you are three weeks out from a Japan trip, waiting for a massive drop might just stress you out for nothing. I have tried many setups, and usually, the deals are on lens bundles rather than just the body. If you are sticking to a strict $1700 limit, consider these points:

• Fujifilm usually keeps the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera Body right at that $1699 mark. If it drops, it is usually only to $1599, and those sell out instantly.
• The Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Camera Body is actually a very smart play for a Japan trip. You lose the 40MP sensor, but the battery life is insane and you save enough to buy a nice prime lens for street photography.
• Check the Open Box sections on B&H or Adorama today. I have snagged gear before that was basically untouched and saved a couple hundred bucks which really helps the budget. I would definitely skip the Fujifilm X-T4 Mirrorless Camera Body now. The autofocus jump in the newer processors is huge and you want that for travel. If you dont see a price drop by this coming Monday, just pull the trigger. Having the camera in your hands to learn the dials before your flight is worth way more than potentially saving fifty bucks on a lucky refresh... honestly, your time is worth more than that.

My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.

Honestly, I have been shooting with the X series for years and learned the hard way that chasing a nonexistent sale price is just wasted energy. I remember stressing over a few hundred bucks right before a trip to Kyoto and the anxiety basically killed my mood before I even boarded the flight. My advice? Just grab the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera Body now and enjoy your trip. You dont want to be fiddling with a used body that might have hidden shutter issues or sticky dials while trying to catch the golden hour in Gion. Once you get home, look into picking up a used Fujifilm XF 16-80mm f/4 R OIS WR Lens to give yourself some versatility for street shots. That combo is a workhorse, and in my experience, having reliable gear is worth way more than the hundred bucks you might save. Just go for it, capture those memories, and dont look back at the price tag.