10 budget tips for visiting Tokyo, Japan

So many travelers think you need to spend a lot of money to visit Tokyo. This sprawling metropolis has a reputation as an expensive city!

When I first traveled to Japan, I didn’t think it was possible to travel on a budget in Tokyo. After living in Tokyo, I’ve come to realize that while it can be expensive here, it doesn’t need to be!

So, for my budget travelers out there, I’ve put together a guide to 10 ways you can save money when traveling to Tokyo…

Psst: and if you’re planning on visiting Tokyo, make sure you check out my 2-day Tokyo Itinerary

1. Fill up at the local convenience store

When I first visited Japan, I was astounded at the number of convenience stores. It feels like there are convenience stores everywhere in Japan.

If you’re traveling on a budget in Tokyo, convenience stores are your go-to. Unlike convenience stores elsewhere, goods are not overpriced here – you won’t pay $3 for a bottle of water!

And another way you can save money?

When it comes to your lunch, stock up on meals! This is very common for local Japanese who haven’t brought their meals to work. A lunch box can cost you anywhere between 300 to 800 JPY (approximately $3 – 8 USD) depending on what you select.

Some of the convenience stores even have a little area where you can sit down and eat, and chopsticks and disposable cutlery are provided. If you’ve ordered a hot meal, you can also heat your food up – either the store clerk will ask you, or sometimes the microwave is available for you to use freely.

2. Eat at smaller eateries: usually, the ones with vending machines are cheaper

If you’re sick of convenience store food, or you want a freshly cooked meal, there are budget options available.

While they are slightly more expensive than convenience store meals, you can still get away with spending $10 USD or less per meal.

I’d recommend looking out for smaller restaurants that are run by 1-2 people and/or have a vending machine that takes your order out the front. These are usually the cheapest places to eat (and also the fastest!)

Put your money into the vending machine (they will usually accept both coins and cash) and select which option you wish to eat. The machine will spit out a ticket print out and your change. Hand your ticket to the waiter/waitress or the person behind the counter, and take a seat at one of the stools.

If you’re facing the kitchen, you will even get to see the chef in action, cooking your meal!

NOTE: not all machines have English translations – some will have pictures, so if you have special dietary requirements or are vegetarian, this may not be a great option for you.

3. Pre-purchase entry tickets to tourist sites

When visiting tourist sites, make sure you research whether there is an option to pre-purchase your tickets. Not only will this save you time (yay, no lines!) this can also save you money.

Such tourist sites include:

• Tokyo Skytree
• The Snoopy Museum
• Various airport buses

While you’re freely able to purchase your tickets to the airport buses online, tickets to the Snoopy Museum require you to go to your closest convenience store and buy your tickets there. This may or may not be possible, depending on your Japanese language skills. However pre-purchasing tickets can save you some money… Which means more money for Ramen, my friends!!

As someone who loves Sushi (but I don’t claim to be a sushi connoisseur), cheaper plates of sushi taste just as good. If you select medium priced sushi (~ 300 JPY per plate) you could probably spend approximately 2000 JPY (about $20 USD, including all you can drink tea) on a meal at a sushi train restaurant.

5. Fill up on water from the tap – it’s clean!

It can be tempting to drink bottled water when in Japan – I mean, it’s more affordable compared to do so compared to other countries. A 2 L bottle of water can cost anywhere between 100 – 150 JPY (approx $1 – 1.50 USD).

But if you’re on a tight budget (or you want to reduce plastic drink bottle use!) tap water in Tokyo is perfectly safe and clean.

6. Visit temples and shrines in Japan – they make for interesting places to visit!

Unlike other countries, the majority of Tokyo’s tourist attractions are centered around free activities. If you’ve never been to Japan before, chances are you’ll be interested in visiting Shrines or Temples while you’re here.

The upside of this is that the majority of Japan’s Shrines, and Temples are free to enter. These are places of worship for many, which is why they’re great places to visit if you’re interested in learning more about local culture and religion. If you’re planning on visiting many temples or shrines in Japan, make sure you read about collecting Goshuin, the coolest souvenir you can get in Japan!

There are a couple of shrines or temples which do charge a small fee – these are usually the larger, more tourist-heavy locations which need to charge a fee for maintenance. Examples of this include Kotokuin Temple (the Great Buddha) and the Hasedera Temple in Kamakura. Usually, the entry fee is quite cheap – around 200 – 500 JPY ($2 – 5 USD).

7. Save on your accommodation by staying in a capsule hotel or a guesthouse

Japan is the perfect country for solo travelers – there is a range of solo-friendly accommodations available, most of which are super clean.

If you’re traveling on a budget in Tokyo, don’t only look out for hostels! Other budget-friendly options for solo travelers include capsule hotels or guesthouses (there are often solo traveler room options).

If you’re after some budget-friendly accommodation options in Tokyo, I’ve put together a guide of suggested places. Check ’em out below:

If you’re a solo traveler: The Millennials Shibuya

Located in Shibuya, The Millennials Shibuya is a great option for solo travelers. Shibuya is my favorite neighborhood in Tokyo, and when you stay here you’ll have access to SO many affordable food options!

This hotel has the coolest capsules I’ve ever seen in Japan. The capsules are super spacious, and the bed adjusts up and down (so you can lie flat or at an angle). They have female only capsules or a mixed option. You can even pay a little extra for a projector (think of the Netflix-ing you can do from your phone!)

Complimentary bread, pastries, coffee, and green tea are served each morning too. Read more at TripAdvisor here

Book on Booking.com | Book on Expedia

If you want a private room for a budget price: Sakura Hotel Jimbocho 

Sakura Hotel is for you if…

• You’re traveling with a friend or your partner, but you don’t want to share a dorm room
• You’re a solo traveler but you prefer your own space; or
• You want to share a dorm room anyway 😉

They’ve got private rooms (with shared bathrooms) and dorm rooms (separated by gender). There’s also a coin-operated laundry and microwave and fridge in the common area.

This hotel is only a 2-minute walk from Jimbocho Subway Station, making it super easy to access any part of Tokyo. Nightly rates also include continental breakfast, so you can fill up before you head out for the day (a dream for any budget traveler). Read more at TripAdvisor here

Book on Booking.com | Book on Expedia

If you want something a bit more traditional: Family Inn Saiko 

If you’re dreaming of a traditional Japanese accommodation, the Family Inn Saiko is a great budget option.

Rooms feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring with traditional futon bedding and you’re giving your own set of Yukata robes (Japanese sleepwear) for your stay. Each room as it’s own private toilet and shower, and you’re able to access the inn’s public bath too!

The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Shiinamachi Train Station, making it a convenient location. Read more at TripAdvisor here

Book on Booking.com | Book on Expedia

8. Avoid getting meals included in your accommodation

You may notice when booking your accommodation online; you have the option to include meals with your booking. Unless you’re staying at a Ryokan, I would highly recommend that you skip this option (unless it’s super cheap or you don’t have time to go searching for food). Food in Japan can be really cheap, and chances are your accommodation isn’t offering the best rate.

If you’re traveling on a budget in Tokyo and are looking for cheap, affordable Japanese souvenirs, I’d highly suggest checking out Don Quijote (also known as “Donki”). This multi-level store is located all over Tokyo; it’s just a matter of finding your closest store!

They sell everything from food to alcohol to cosmetics – and is heaven if you’re after Japanese products to gift friends and family at home. You can also purchase your items duty-free, as long as you meet the spend and tax-free requirements. Each store has a duty free counter, so make sure you find out what spend is required and bring your passport with you!

If you’re a fan of thrift shopping, Japan is a great place to find that one-of-a-kind outfit. Make sure you check out my guide to thrift shopping in Japan!

10. Buy tax-free where available on items that you won’t be using/consuming in Japan

This goes without saying when you’re traveling, though I have noticed that when in Japan this is significantly easier compared with other countries. Many shops in Tokyo (including the much-loved Donki or Don Quijote) have a tax free counter. All you need is your passport, and the staff will do the rest for you – they will package your products and staple the appropriate paperwork to your passport. All you need to do is pack your goods (don’t open or use them before you leave Japan!) and you’re all set.

So there you have it – my suggestions of how to save money when traveling on a budget in Tokyo. Even though Japan has a reputation as an expensive city, it doesn’t need to be. While Japan will never be as cheap other countries in Asia like Thailand or Vietnam, it can definitely be visited on a budget!

Psst – are you planning your Tokyo trip? Here are some helpful links for you…

Heading to Tokyo?  Book your hotel room now!
Don’t forget to pick up a guidebook: This is a great Tokyo guidebook and this is my favorite Japan guidebook! 
Want more Tokyo tips? Check out my posts here, or if you want some help packing I’ve got the ultimate packing guide here

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