Travel Budget for Tokyo Visit Tokyo on a Budget or Travel in Style

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Tokyo include:

• Disney Ambassador Hotel starting at $265
• Hotel Gajoen Tokyo starting at $256
• Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo starting at $212
• The Tokyo Station Hotel starting at $251
• Hotel Ryumeikan Tokyo starting at $54

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Tokyo

In the bustling city of Tokyo, you'll find a range of accommodations. You can choose from hostels like Sakura Hostel Asakusa, vacation rentals, or high-end hotels. Expect to pay more if you want to stay close to the city center, but you'll benefit from easy access to public transportation and popular attractions.

Tokyo has an excellent public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.

As a family-friendly city, Tokyo is perfect for traveling with kids, so you may want to find an apartment with more room. Because it's a big city, you might find that rooms are smaller and more cramped than you'd expect.

With many people staying up to a week in Tokyo, it might be worth booking a vacation rental with a kitchen if you're staying longer, so you can prepare your own food.

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.

Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Tokyo, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.

Tokyo is the home of one of the world's best railway systems. A person can get almost anywhere in Tokyo using trains, either subways or above-ground. It may require several transfers between railway lines, but there are several online tools that can help both tourists and business travelers plan their day. Hyperdia.com and Jorudan.co.jp are both good options; just by entering departing and arriving locations and a preferred time, anyone can get a solid plan for their travels via trains.

If you're planning to ride the subway for multiple trips, consider getting a Suica or Pasmo card which can be reloaded.

The bus system is also one of Tokyo's strong suits. Everything in Japan is punctual, and the buses are no exception. They are almost always exactly on time, and they are another reliable way to get around the city-or to the nearest train station if it is too far to walk.

Both of these systems are able to use the Suica card. It is a simple, efficient way to get around the city without having to break out coins or buy tickets every time you board a bus or a train.

Transportation Tips

If you expect to ride public transit often, multi-day passes can be an effective way to save money.

Stay vigilant against pickpockets on the buses and trains, and don't let your guard down in the stations. Tokyo is quite a big city.

In Japan, trains are one of the fastest and lowest cost means of transportation. Getting a Japan Rail Pass can save you money if you plan to stay for several days or more. Regional and nation-wide passes are available, usually for the number of days of your choice.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

• Private Transfer from Haneda Airport to Tokyo for $134 details
• Private Transfer from/to Yokohama Port for $179 details
• Narita Airport to Tokyo Private Transfer (One Way Pickup Service) for $179 details

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Tokyo is around $62 (¥9877) per person, with previous travelers spending from $23 to $173. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Tokyo are as follows:

• Breakfast: $6 to $19
• Lunch: $9 to $25
• Dinner: $19 to $43
• Coffee: $5
• Fast Food or Street Food: $9

Food in Tokyo varies widely. Western food is popular, but traditional Japanese food is abundant. Regular, sit-down meals are available everywhere, but for a unique experience, check out typical Japanese "fast food". Sushi, ramen, and katsu (fried cutlet - usually pork or chicken) shops have some of the best, freshest food. It's delicious, affordable, and quick.

"Conveyor belt sushi" is one of Tokyo's greatest phenomena. Most people imagine this as a slow-moving conveyor belt around the center of the restaurant, containing the chefs preparing the sushi. While some shops are exactly that, there is an even better option. Some shops have tablets (iPads, Android tablets, etc.) mounted at each seat. The customer can order about three small plates of sushi from the tablet at a time, and the chef prepares it. Then, the sushi comes shooting out of the kitchen on a cart on a conveyor belt, stopping directly at that customer's seat. The customer takes the plates off and presses the button to send the cart back to the kitchen, to be used for other orders. It's an incredibly fun, efficient, and affordable way to eat plenty of fresh sushi. There are plenty of shops like this all around Tokyo.

Another option for quick, quality food is the many ramen shops and katsu shops spread across the city. You can find a decent ramen shop in almost any train station. Most ramen and katsu shops operate the same way: there is a ticket machine at the entrance of the shop, where a customer chooses a meal, pays, and gets a ticket for that meal (kind of like a vending machine). The customer then takes the ticket up to the counter, where the workers put in the order to be freshly made, and then the customer takes a seat in the shop. When the food is ready-usually within five minutes-the customer can pick it up at the counter and return to their seat to eat.

Food & Dining Tips

Dining at nicer restaurants for lunch rather than dinner can help you save money. Many restaurants in touristy areas or business hubs provide lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' Often, these options are simply smaller and more affordable versions of their dinner menus. If you play your cards right, you could enjoy a full multi-course gourmet meal without breaking the bank. Then, you can keep it light for dinner.

If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.

Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.

Pack a picnic to save cash and enjoy the views. Find a local grocery store or market, gather some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.

Keep a water bottle handy instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also a great way to reduce waste.

If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Tokyo, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

• Asakusa Classic Ramen & Crispy Gyoza Cooking Class for $126 details
• Tokyo Ueno Food Tour Sushi Ramen and Local Favorites for $108 details
• Tsukiji Fish Market: Street Food Tour with Tasting for $64 details

Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:

• Senso-ji Temple (Free)
• TeamLab Borderless Museum for ¥3,800
• Meiji Shrine (Free)
• Odaiba (Free)
• Ueno Park (Free)
• Tokyo Skytree for ¥2,100–¥3,100
• Akihabara (Free)
• Harajuku Takeshita Street (Free)
• Shibuya Crossing (Free)
• Tsukiji Outer Market (Free)
• Tokyo Tower for ¥1,200–¥3,000
• Ginza Shopping District (Free)
• National Museum of Nature and Science for ¥630

Two of the most common tourist sites are Tokyo Tower (an immense structure somewhat resembling the Eiffel Tower) and Tokyo Skytree (another immense structure somewhat resembling Seattle's Space Needle). Both of these are great to visit and appreciate the incomprehensible size of Tokyo itself. However, both of these locations sell tickets to their respective tops for a lofty fee. But keep in mind that they are just 2 of the best things to do in Tokyo, so keep going for more ideas and inspiration.

The insider's way to see the city from the top of the world is to go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. This slightly-less-pretty building has an observation deck on its 45th floor (with free admission!). From that high up, you can see for miles in every direction, making this one of the best tourist spots in Tokyo without a price tag. It's a great place for photos - as are many other great places in Tokyo to take photos.

For a cultural adventure, visit Asakusa, which hosts Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple. With its beautiful architecture, it makes a wonderful backdrop for photos as well as a fascinating cultural experience. Many Japanese people journey to Asakusa to perform Buddhist rituals at the temple. Be prepared to navigate seas of people as you walk down Nakamise-dori, the street leading up to Senso-ji, lined by shops and eateries.

For a break from the fast-paced, highly crowded areas of Tokyo, visit Rikugien Garden. A short walk from Komagome station on the Yamanote line (one of Tokyo's most popular railroad lines), Rikugien is a nice, quiet relief from the metropolis. For a small fee, you can explore the garden for at least an hour or two.

A trip to Tokyo would not be complete if you didn't make a stop at the world's busiest crosswalk and the world's busiest Starbucks. In Shibuya, you can actually go into the world's busiest Starbucks, buy a drink, walk up to the second floor, and watch the show as up to 2,500 people cross the intersection every time the light changes-during rush hour, at least. This phenomenon is referred to as the "Shibuya Scramble." Watching so many people cross paths in every direction and still find their way is remarkable. It speaks to the peace and order of Tokyo, which is unwritten but universally understood by its millions of residents.

Shinjuku, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ikebukuro, are the most popular shopping and touristed districts in Tokyo, and you'll find plenty of activities in these areas.

However, for a quieter side of Tokyo, spend some time in the city’s older neighborhood pockets instead of only focusing on the main areas. Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi are great for slow wandering, with narrow lanes, small temples, traditional shops, local cafes, and a more residential atmosphere that survived much of Tokyo’s modern redevelopment. Kagurazaka is another atmospheric area, known for its sloping backstreets, hidden restaurants, French influence, and traces of its old geisha district. These neighborhoods are not exactly secret, but they feel much more relaxed than Tokyo’s major sightseeing zones and are ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring without a strict plan.

Tokyo also has some wonderfully unusual museums and creative spaces that are easy to miss. You could visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum in Koganei Park, where historic buildings from different eras have been relocated and preserved, or explore Todoroki Valley, a surprisingly green ravine in Setagaya that feels far removed from the city around it. For something more local and quirky, look for small specialty museums, independent galleries, old shopping streets called shotengai, or neighborhood food streets where office workers and residents actually eat. Areas like Koenji, Nishi-Ogikubo, and Kiyosumi-Shirakawa are especially good for vintage shops, tiny bars, coffee, galleries, and a more everyday version of Tokyo that many first-time visitors miss.

One popular activity in Tokyo is karaoke. In nearly every area with shopping and restaurants, you can find a Karaoke business. Unlike American karaoke, this is not a bar where people can sing in front of random strangers. Instead, a group of friends can rent out a soundproof room in the building. Typically, these are dark, small booths with a television, karaoke machine, and a large table for drinks and food. There, you can sing and celebrate with your friends in a more private setting.

If you are lucky enough to travel to Tokyo during cherry blossom season, which runs for about two weeks around the beginning of April, make some Japanese friends, and have a traditional ohanami ("flower viewing") picnic. Lay down a tarp, bring some snacks, sashimi, tea, and whatever else you'd like, and spend time with friends until dark, enjoying the beautiful cherry blossom trees.

The summer also offers many traditional festivals. You are likely to see many Japanese dressed in traditional yukatas. Several of these are fireworks festivals. The Tokyo skyline is an incredible backdrop for these events, and they draw over a million viewers every year.

Another trendy thing to do in Tokyo right now is to join a photo tour. Instead of simply visiting famous landmarks, you can explore one specific area with a local photographer, discover cool hidden photo spots, and get beautiful pictures of yourself at the same time. It is a great option if you want both a fun activity and professional memories from your trip, plus some awesome shots for your Instagram feed. A few companies now offer this kind of experience, including Photo Trips, which has a wide range of photoshoot styles in Tokyo, from neon night portraits to kimono sessions and couple shoots. You can see what they offer here: Tokyo Photographers.

If you have kids, Disney also has a few theme parks in the area: Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea. And finally, check out this quick guide to Tokyo.

If you're looking for a great day trip, why not check out some cute animals? Read this great article about visiting Fox Village in Japan as a day trip.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Tokyo stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Music:
The music scene in Tokyo is popular and draws a crowd. The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Shopping:
Shopping here is an experience not to be missed. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

A nice way to explore destinations in Tokyo is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

• Akihabara Tailor-made Private Tour for Anime Fans for $128 details
• Samurai Experience - Learn Bushido through Kendo, in Tokyo for $128 details
• Harajuku Meiji Shrine Walking Tour in Tokyo for $25 details

Nightlife Tips

The nightlife scene is a lot of fun, but reducing how much you drink can go a long way in keeping your budget on track.

Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Tokyo. A few favorites from other travelers include:

• Private Tour: Tokyo's Oldest Sake Brewery and Riverside Walk for $239 details
• Shibuya Bar Crawl Tour -3 Drinks & Local Foods- for $102 details
• Tokyo Sake Terroir Journey – Guided by Sake Brewery Professional for $89 details