​Travel Guide to Tokyo on a Budget

Tokyo, Japan can be an overwhelming destination to visit. It's a huge city with lots of districts, and for most of us, a difficult language barrier. We learned so much in the little time that we were there that we thought we should share. Here's a quick little guide to help guide you in your planning process.

​TRAVEL GUIDE TO TOKYO ON A BUDGET

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Where to stay in tokyo

​In terms of accommodations, we found Airbnb to be the most affordable option. Because we were traveling as a group (three of us), it was much cheaper to stay in someone's apartment than it was to share a hotel room, or even take three beds in a hostel!

For solo travelers to Tokyo, the option that will leave you in the best shape financially will be hostels. There are a ton of well rated hostels around the city - check out the popular pod hotels which are a cool option and offered at a decent rate. They are pretty cool as long as you're not claustrophobic! As a group however, we still found it cheaper to rent an apartment like we did.

When choosing which area you will be staying in, consult the sky train map and make sure you're within close distance and have easy access to one of the stations as that will be your trick to getting around efficiently! ​Shibuya is very popular for tourists wanting to get the Japanese experience, but expect to pay higher prices in exchange for that. Public transportation in the city is easy and efficient, so you might as well take advantage of it. 

Don't forget to read the 8 Reasons Why Thailand Should be Your Next Destination!

Yoyogi Park is popular with locals as a picnic destination. Try it for yourself!

How to get around in tokyo

The sky train is the easiest way to travel around Tokyo, and also one of the most affordable. Don't take a taxi if you want to stay on budget! And don't worry about finding your way either because it's very well organized. Even during rush hour when it's packed with people, it's surprisingly peacefully quiet in there. People are super respectful and just generally quiet and keep to themselves. 

There are big maps showing the routes at the paying kiosks and usually an attendant who can assist if you need help. The most important part is to make sure you are buying the correct destination and that you get off at that destination as you will have to scan your ticket at the exit to prove you paid for the appropriate route. ​

We didn't even attempt taking a taxi because we were told that they were insanely expensive. Uber Black is a much more affordable option if public transportation is not accessible to you. Just remember to download the Uber app while you're still connected to your cell phone provider as you will need to confirm your phone number by entering a code received by text message.
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Worried about your budget? Read 22 Ways to Save Money for Travels!

Harajuku is a popular neighbourhood for shopping, eating and exploring in Tokyo.

Where to eat in Tokyo

After spending a few days in Tokyo, we found that the Japanese are very much into the French café thing. If you want an authentic experience, I suggest avoiding any restaurant with English signage (really!). Instead,  use Google or review sites such as TripAdvisor to select a good restaurant to eat at.

We absolutely loved the Japanese BBQ, and definitely recommend you try it. The server will bring you a menu with different options of vegetables, seafood and meat and you can order on a continuous basis until you're full. Your plates will come with everything on sticks and delicious! Try it with a cold Sapporo beer!

​We also tried the typical sumo wrestler meal which is a big stew of vegetables and meats, and was an interesting experience. Oh and sushi of course! Last but not least, you should definitely make a stop at the fish auction market to try some of their street food. The barbecued scallops were especially delicious! ​
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For a Tokyo itinerary, check out How to Spend 4 Days in Tokyo!

Eating sushi from a conveyor belt at a restaurant in Tokyo, Japan

What to do in tokyo

With a city this huge, there's always a ton of things to do and see. If you're limiting your stay to within city limits, you can visit the multitude of shrines and temples, museums, and parks pretty easily with only a few days.

The Asakusa Sensoji Temple was an incredible sight to see. We went later in the evening and got to enjoy the sun setting beyond the gorgeous architectures of the temple. Ladies dressed up in the traditional kimono walk around and shop keepers are close by for all your shopping needs. And although a touristic spot, the crowd was not overwhelming at all. Best of all, there is no entry fee to visit the grounds!

The parks are a must, especially during the cherry blossom season! We really enjoyed Yoyogi Park and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. A small entry fee is required to enter the national garden, but it's worth it to escape the sometime overwhelming sights and sounds of the city. ​Locals and tourists alike regularly meet up there for lunch, for an afternoon of frisbee or simply to enjoy a stroll in the sun. Make sure to bring a blanket and a snack or picnic with you and do it like the locals do!
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Inside the Edo Museum in Tokyo, Japan

Also, make sure to make your way to the Harajuku district to experience the Japanese anime fandom. Cat ears, great big hair and superb dress ups fill the streets and make for a vibrant sight. We heard while we were there that Sundays are the best for seeing the most people dressed up! ​​

​You may also want to take the time to go to Tokyo Tower. It has a 360° view of Tokyo from the top and a very reasonable entry fee. A few souvenir kiosks with many trinkets are located on the first floor where you can buy your ticket to take the elevator up to the platform. Once on top, you can enjoy an impressive view of the city and take a few steps on the glass floor for a bit of an adrenaline rush!
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View from Tokyo Tower in Tokyo, Japan

Last but not least is the fish auction market. If you're an early bird (or just really enthusiastic), you can get up around 3AM to line up for a chance to view the actual auction. Although it definitely seems like an amazing experience,  we simply could not get ourselves out of bed that early.

The market itself is open until the afternoon and is really wonderful on its own. Food, trinkets, kitchen knives, ceramic place setting and so much more fill the tables in this indoor/outdoor space! It's definitely a place where you can spend a few hours exploring. Don't be shy to try some of the crazy looking food here!
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Crab legs at the Fish Market in Tokyo, Japan

​There you are, these are the basics of what you should look for when planning your trip to Tokyo! ​Have you been already? What would you add for your fellow travelers? Share your insights in the comments section below!

J&C

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