Budget-Friendly Tokyo Travel Guide

Are you planning a trip to Tokyo or have just arrived in Tokyo and want to see absolutely everything but don’t know where to start AND don’t want to break the bank? That is exactly how I felt when I was in Tokyo. I had all these places in mind but I had no idea where they were, how to get to them, and how I would be able to afford housing and food. Read below to get some Tokyo travel advice and get the most out of your money!

Tokyo is a large city and knowing how to get around on a budget can be difficult. Japan is known for being especially pricey, and I was concerned with my budget, but there are many surprisingly cheap eats and places to stay at! I splurged on some meals and night stays just for the fun of it though! So, how did I get around Tokyo? I somehow, played by ear, asked travel desk customer services, and did some online research, and ended up having the best 3 days. Most of my actions were spontaneous and I had no plan which wasn’t a big deal because even the streets in Tokyo are sights to behold, so I took my time walking around and amassed up to 25,000 steps per day! Through trial and error, I learned what not to do and what to do, and I am sharing my Tokyo/Japan travel tips and some expenses during my time in Japan. (All Expenses underlined).

Tips and Information:

• Tipping: Tipping is not required anywhere in Japan and can actually be an insult. Don’t be a fool and leave a tip like I did!
• English: Not a lot of people speak or understand English, so a SIM card is a must! Do not rely on wifi zones or locals to help you get around because few places offer free Wifi and English is not commonly spoken. You may purchase the SIM card at any airport. I purchased mine at Taiwan Taoyuan airport at the “Mobile Desk” station and the 6 day unlimited data plan card was $15 US dollars.  If you are traveling with other people, only 1 SIM card may be necessary because you can open up the hotspot for others to use. Do keep in mind that you must unlock your phone to use an international SIM card. Save time and do this before you leave for your trip! Learn about unlocking your phone HERE.
• Transportation: The MRT is the best and most affordable way to get around Tokyo! In general, the MRT is very expensive in Japan, but I find the daily pass to be pretty reasonably priced. There are multiple transit options and I ended up purchasing a 1-day pass for the JR Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass) for $6.90 US dollars per day (760 yen). The district pass: This pass allows you to, as the name indicates, visit large cities in the metropolitan area including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Akihabara, Tokyo, etc. This pass allows you to travel to all the stops in the green circle as shown below:

If you wish to travel to other stops, you may purchase the Tokyo 1-Day Ticket, which includes the JR Metropolitan District stops, the bus, and subway for $16 US dollars.

• Night scene: Tokyo is busy day and night so don’t expect the streets to be clear even though it is late at night. I arrived at the Shinagawa station at 11:30 PM to go home and the train station was PACKED. I was at Shibuya on a weekday at 10:30 looking for night bites and it was PACKED. Therefore, I highly suggest staying out late because the scene is a sight to behold. Tokyo is also quite safe and I did not feel any danger any time at all.
• Food: Save money by finding full meals at grocery stores or convenience stores like 7-Eleven. A plate of pasta with meat and vegetables will cost around $4-5 US dollars. You can also find ramen, rice bowls, sandwiches, and sushi for about under $5-6 US dollars. The employees at 7-Eleven will heat up the foods for you so they are ready to eat. Note: All packaging and utensils are plastic, so consider bringing around reusable utensils in a container and a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic use. These are some of the places I went to eat at:

  Ichiran Ramen Shibuya:  960 Yen/bowl, additional for optional toppings

  

  Order with a machine

  

  Eat Tonkotsu ramen in your own cubicle

   Tonkatsu Wako in Aqua City, Odaiba: Whole set meals ranging from 900 Yen to 1600 Yen. This set meal with Tonkatsu cabbage stuffed pork, shrimp, eggplant, and pork cutlet along with rice, miso soup, pickled vegetables, steamed egg, and mochi dessert was 1500 Yen.

  Nadai Fujisoba at Akihabara: 400 Yen-800 Yen/meal. Pork noodles (front) cost 450 Yen, Shrimp pancake noodle (back) cost 480 Yen.

• Housing: Hotels can be expensive so making use of AirBnb’s or hostels are great ways to have comfortable housing while spending little. I recommend finding places that are walking distance from an MRT station so that transportation is easy. Here are a few housing options that are low-cost and near MRT stations for convenience:

1. One room, $36/night: This Airbnb is close to Ikebukuro station and Shinjuku station. Click HERE for $55 off your booking (New users only).
2. Apartment, $27/night: This Airbnb is close to Shibuya station. Click HERE for $55 off your booking (New users only).
3. Tatami room, $20/night: This Airbnb is 15 min. to the closest MRT station. Click HERE for $55 off your booking (New users only).
4. Room in apartment, $27/night: Click HERE for $55 off your booking (New users only).
5. Wise Owls Hostel, ~$20-25/night
6. Khaosan Tokyo Samurai Hostel, ~$15-20/night
7. Emblem Hostel, ~$30-35/night
8. Use Hostelworld.com to search for hostels fit for you.

I hope you found this Tokyo Guide to be useful in planning your next trip to Tokyo. If you have any additional questions, you may leave a comment or contact me in the “Contact Me” tab and I will be sure to get back to you! I visited other places in Japan as well and will be posting more travel posts for Japan soon.