10 Things to do on a Budget in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s modern capital is one of the most exciting places on the planet, but this doesn’t mean a holiday to this amazing destination has to break the bank. Like most places in the world, a trip to Tokyo can be done either in luxury or on a shoestring budget. I’ve been lucky to have been able to travel around most of Japan in my ten years of living there and overall I have found Japan to be an incredibly affordable holiday destination.

If you are planning a trip to the land of the rising sun, be sure to check out these things to do in Tokyo, for people travelling on a budget!

The Imperial Palace Gardens

- Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Imperial Palace is a must see tourist attraction, whether you’re travelling on a budget or not. Visit the magnificent gardens surrounding the home of Japan’s emperor and Imperial family. It is an easy walk from Tokyo Station and entry is free.

Visit Harajuku

- A trip to Harajuku is the experience of a lifetime. This is the home of Japanese street fashion and cosplay and the best spot in Tokyo for people watching. Also located close by is the famous Meiji Shrine.

Visit a Shinto Shrine

- Most temples and shrines in Tokyo are free to visit. The more famous ones will charge an entrance fee but this is usually as little as USD$6. Various religious festivals are held throughout the year, with the shrines themselves being a major attraction. Colourful features and intricate detailing can date back hundreds of years to when the shrines were first built.

Buy something from a Vending Machine

- Yes, I know most countries have vending machines, but in Japan they’re at another level. Using a vending machine in Japan is like taking a step into the future with high tech machines that can recommend drinks for you based on the weather and your age and gender. You can pretty much find them on every street corner in Japan. Tokyo has Vending machines that sell just about anything and the prices are very reasonable, sometimes cheaper than a shop.

Karaoke!

- If you’re going to have one night out in Japan, make sure it’s at a karaoke box! The Japanese love to sing and it’s one of the best experiences you’ll ever have. Your night doesn’t need to be expensive with karaoke boxes offering great deals for small groups that include food and drinks.

Get Electric in Akihabara

- Better known electric town, it is the home of technology. Tokyo’s gadget district is frequented by millions of visitors every year. If you’re travelling on a budget, it may be a good idea to leave your wallet at home for this shopping experience. Although you can find some pretty good deals there!

Yoyogi Park

- If you’re looking for some free entertainment, you can’t go past a Sunday afternoon in Yoyogi Park. Local bands battle it out, dressed in the craziest rock gear you’ve ever seen!

Sumo Wrestling

- While sumo wrestling bouts can take a chunk out of your spending money, you can see sumo wrestlers in action during training matches, for free. Training venues aren’t generally made public, so talk to your hotel concierge about finding one nearby.

Eat Noodles!

- Throughout Japan you will find a variety of noodle dishes and restaurants. In my experience, the best noodles are found at the small traditional shops that are usually hidden away in alleys or between buildings. A yummy bowl of noodles will cost you around USD$4.

Island Hop

- If you want to travel, but known that world trip tickets come with a hefty price tag, try discovering the islands of Japan instead. Japan flights between islands are very affordable and give you the chance to experience various types of Japanese culture.

Japan on a Budget

Japan is a great tourist destination and it is possible to visit Japan on a budget. Here are some money saving tips to help you on your next trip.

Travel

If you plan to do a lot of travelling in Japan then it is worth getting the Japan Rail Pass, which allows unlimited travel on almost all JR trains, including the shinkansen (excluding the Nozomi superexpress). This pass can only be purchased outside of Japan and will save you travel money in Japan.

In Tokyo, most of the main sights and hot spots can be visited via the JR Train Line (Yamanote loop line) with a one-day JR train pass for 730 yen (about USD$9). You can also look at regional pass like the JR Kanto Area Pass.

Accommodation

Possibly the biggest expense will be accommodation, but there are quite a few cheaper options including:

Capsule Hotels – which range in price from about USD$40-$50 a night with access to baths and sauna.

Minshuku Japanese style guesthouses – are great simple accommodation ranging from about USD$37.

Business Hotels – a great compromise with prices around USD$70 for a single room and USD$100 for a double. I recommend the Toyoko Inn hotel chain located all over Japan as they include free breakfast, TV, and internet connection in your room.

Food

Prices at regular Japanese restaurants are usually USD$8-$15 a meal, but food can cost you as little as USD$5-8 a meal if you eat at budget Japanese restaurants like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and CoCo Ichiban Curry House. Look for lunch set specials, which are great value and cost as little as USD$7-8. Some fast food restaurants have them even cheaper at around USD$5.

Attractions

Many attractions in Japan are free including temples, shrines and gardens. The more famous attractions will charge an entrance fee but this is usually as little as 500 yen about USD$6.

I would say about USD$80-100 per day is possible done on a budget. Start saving and plan a trip to Japan on a budget in 2012.