Having explored this mesmerizing city multiple times, I’ve discovered how to travel to Tokyo on a budget. In this post, I will share tips for affordable accommodations, pocket-friendly dining, free attractions, and money-saving hacks. Get ready for your dream Japan trip without breaking the bank!
Table of Contents
- How to choose a budget accommodation in Tokyo
- How to save on food and drinks in Tokyo
- How to get around in Tokyo
- Top Tourist Spots in Tokyo that you can visit for FREE
- Where to go shopping on a budget in Tokyo
- How many days is required to explore Tokyo?
- How to Travel to Tokyo on a Budget: 5-day Sample Itinerary
How to choose a budget accommodation in Tokyo
Choose a particular season
Accommodation is undoubtedly the biggest chunk of your budget, thus it is important to know a few things before making a reservation. First, choose a particular season when to travel. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages, and whatever you choose will directly impact your budget.
The most expensive times to travel are the Golden Week (end April-early May), Obon (mid August) and Christmas or New year’s. The most pleasant and relatively cheaper seasons are spring and autumn. If you want to go for the lowest possible prices, choose the winter months (mid January to February).
Choose a type of accommodation
Second, you should take into consideration what type of accommodation you prefer. For budget conscious travellers, I recommend shared dormitory (JPY 2,000 per night), followed by capsule hotels (JPY 2,500 per night). Hostels (JPY 2,500 to JPY 3,500 per night) are also excellent choice because some of them have cooking facilities where you can cook your own food, thereby saving money.
Choose a neighborhood
Lastly, you have to find a neighbourhood with several cheap accommodation options which are also close to tourist attractions. My recommendations are Sumida, Arakawa and Taito ward. These areas are close to Tokyo’s famous attractions like Tokyo SkyTree, Sumida River, Asakusa, Akihabara, Ueno Park and Sensoji Temple.
Best Places to stay in Tokyo on a Budget
When booking hotels in Tokyo, it’s advisable to plan and book in advance. Tokyo is a popular destination, and hotels can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. By booking early, you’ll have a wider selection of accommodations and a better chance of securing your preferred hotel at competitive rates. Here are some of the best budget hotels in Tokyo that I recommend for less than USD 100 per night!
Grids Tokyo Ueno Hotel & Hostel
Address: 7-10-4 Ueno, Taito Ku, Tokyo, Japan
Nearest Train Station: 2-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line’s Ueno Station
Address: 6-59-3, Nippori, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Nearest Train Station: 5-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line’s Nippori Station
&And Hostel Asakusa Kappabashi
Address: 1-11-4, Asakusa, Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Nearest Train Station: 6 minute walk from Ginza Line’s Tawaramachi Station (Exit1) or 7-minute walk from TSUKUBA EXPRESS Asakusa Station (Exit B)
Address: 10-4 Nihonbashihisamatsucho, Chuo City, Tokyo, Japan
Nearest Train Station: 6-minute walk from Higashi-Nihombashi Subway Station
Hotel Intergate Tokyo Kyobashi
Address: 3-7-8 Kyobashi, Chuo, Tokyo
Nearest Train Station: 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station
How to save on food and drinks in Tokyo
In Tokyo, you are spoilt for choices when it comes to satisfying your appetite. Basically, food is great anywhere in Japan. While sampling authentic Japanese food is part of the experience, you will surely run out of money if you are going to dine-in at a restaurant every meal times.
In order to travel to Tokyo on a budget, go and check out a few cheap options. Konbini and DepaChika (basement of a department store) are excellent choice for low-priced goods like fruits, Japanese rice balls, sandwiches, lunchboxes etc. You can also try Japanese food chains like Matsuya, Yoshinoya, Shirokiya, Sukiya, and Osho-Gyoza, where meals are priced from JPY 200 to JPY 800.
In the evenings, Supa (supermarkets) are also good choice when it comes to Bento boxes. Remember to go when it gets close to closing time when discounts are applied. But don’t come too late because people from work usually buy these discounted foods and stocks run out pretty quickly.
Another tip: Alway bring a water bottle/container when you travel in Japan. Instead of buying drinks every meal times and every time you get thirsty, just refill your bottle in the hotel or restaurant before you head out to your next destination.
How to get around in Tokyo
Tokyo has a world-class train system and subway infrastructure. But this great accessibility always come with a price. However, there are a number of ways to get around that. If you plan to hit all the city’s spots in Tokyo in one day, then you can purchase one of Tokyo 1-day Passes like Tokyo Metro 24-Hour Ticket, Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway Pass, Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass), Tokyo Subway 24-hour Ticket, Toden One-Day Pass (Arakawa Line), etc.
Out of all these 1-day passes offered in Tokyo, I suggest Tokunai Pass (JPY 750 for adult and JPY 370 for children). It provides unlimited rides on local and rapid JR East trains (excluding reserved seats and express trains) within the 23 Special Wards of Tokyo. If this is your first time in Japan, you can stick to the JR Yamanote Line, which offers access to almost all famous attractions in Tokyo.
Walking and biking are also great options when comes to touring Tokyo.
Top Tourist Spots in Tokyo that you can visit for FREE
Tokyo offers visitors a lot of worthwhile places to see and things to do for free. As I mentioned earlier, tourist can stick around the JR Yamanote Line to access Tokyo’s famous attractions. Here are some of my recommendation:
- Tokyo Parks (Meiji Jingu, Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen)
- Hachiko Statue and Shibuya Crossing
- Harajuku, Omotesando, Akihabara and Roppongi Hills
- Sensoji Temple and Nakamise-dori in Asakusa
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
- Hanami (Cherry Blossom viewing) or Autumn Foliage viewing at Tokyo Imperial Palace and East Gardens
Where to go shopping on a budget in Tokyo
For thrift shopping, head to Harajuku’s Takeshita-dori and Shimokitazawa. Don’t miss out on Japanese drugstores, where you’ll find quality skincare and cosmetic products at budget-friendly prices. There are also several stores offering tax-free shopping for foreigners like Don Quixote (called Donki by the locals). Ameyokocho Market in Ueno is my top recommendation when it comes to souvenir hunt.
How many days is required to explore Tokyo?
While Tokyo is a vast and bustling metropolis with countless attractions, 5 days can provide a good introduction to the city. It allows you to explore some of Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, immerse yourself in its vibrant neighborhoods, experience its unique culture, and indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine. Prioritizing your interests and planning your itinerary accordingly will help you make the most of your time.
If you’re travelling to Japan for only 7 days, then I suggest spending 2-3 days to see Tokyo. This is excluding departure day, theme park day and side-trips out of Tokyo. I made a detailed post about Japan my Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo 7 days Itinerary.
How to Travel to Tokyo on a Budget: 5-day Sample Itinerary
Day 1 (Arrival in Tokyo)
If you are staying in Shibuya/Shinjuku/Harajuku/Shin-Okubo area:
3:00 PM – Check-in hotel
4:00 PM – Meiji Jingu
5:30 PM – Harajuku
6:30 PM – Shibuya or Shinjuku
If you are staying in Ueno/Asakusa:
3:00 PM – Check-in hotel
4:00 PM –Sensoji and Nakamise-dori
6:00 PM – Tokyo Skytree and Sumida Aquarium
Day 2 (Central Tokyo)
6:00 AM – Tsukiji Market
9:00 AM – Imperial Palace and East Gardens
11:00 AM – Ueno Park
4:00 PM – Akihabara
Day 3 (Theme parks)
Whole day Disneyland or Disneysea
You can purchase a Tokyo Disneyland one-day passport here.
Day 4 (Sidetrip out of Tokyo)
Mt. Fuji Classic Tour
Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway
Hitachi Seaside Park, Kamakura or Nikko
Day 5 (Departure)
- Morning visit to TeamLab Planets or last minute shopping in Ameyokocho Shopping Street
- Travel from hotel to Narita or Haneda Airport
So, there you have it! I hope you found some useful stuff here on how to travel to Tokyo on a budget! Have you been to Tokyo? Do you have other suggestions? Comments? Insights? I’m all ears! Let’s chat down below.
p.s. I also have a Facebook fan page where I’d love to chat with you and answer your Questions!