Tokyo is not the cheapest city you will travel to, but that doesn´t mean you would be limited with a short budget. Let me give you some tips on how to not only save money and time, but also make the most with your money.
Capsule hotels are cheaper than many hotels and still give you privacy.
In supermarkets food like sushi, fish dishes and small bites with fresh rice is 30-50% discounted after 8pm.
Public drinking is allowed. Instead of paying 12 USD for a beer in a bar, go out with some friends and drink in the city like the young locals do.
There is free Wi-Fi in every metro station in Tokyo.
Voyagin offers over 1000 different tours for all budgets and all kinds of people – from alternative food tours to riding Mario karts in Shibuya.
Alternative food tour in Tokyo
There are two excellent view points of the Shibuya crossing: Starbucks second floor or at the bridge MRT station
Public transportation in this megacity can be a little bit complicated: there are three different metro/train companies in Tokyo requiring three separate tickets you can´t combine and some private railways.
JR Yamanote Line: connects Tokyo in circle and other cities
Tokyo Metro Line: main metro route
Joei Line: consist of four metro lines (Asakusa, Mita, Shinjuku and Oedo line)
Private Railways: consist of express trains to the airport or other conectionsThere is a high possibility that you won´t see mount Fuji due to low clouds around the peak. Book a tour that combines several activities in the area, so you still feel it was worth it either way. (HERE you can find different tours packages for mount Fuji)
Every district is unique and hides incredible places. Don´t feel afraid of getting into department stores and checking out every floor in Akihabara.
The Akibahara district is full with mangas, neon lights and video games.
Visit at least one themed restaurant and enjoy a completely new experience of eating food.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building top floor offers an incredible view of Tokyo and entrance is free.
See another side of the Tokyo area and get out of the big city for once. A good alternative could be Hinohara Village or Naguri Village only 60 min from Tokyo.
Japanese are friendly and very open after a couple of drinks. Check out some local bars at Omoide Yokocho in Shinjuku district and see another side of the locals.
Omoide Yokocho is one of the coolest places in the concrete jungle of Tokyo
The Sensoji temple in Asakusa is the most popular temple in Tokyo. Avoid visiting this place during the day and instead go between 5-6am or after 10pm to take photographs like this:
Don´t be afraid to try different food in Tokyo. Instead of sticking to just one meal or western food, taste some of the delicacies in local restaurants.
If you want to go fancy and taste a 3 Michelin Star restaurant in Tokyo without breaking your wallet, Aoyama Esaki offers lunch on Saturdays for only 60 USD without drinks. Book in advance; you can imagine how fast this place gets fully booked.
Taxis are extremely expensive in Tokyo – I paid 90 USD for a 20-minute ride – avoid taking one unless it´s absolutely necessary.
You will find clean public toilets in every metro station in Tokyo.
If you are looking for a unique souvenir for your family and friends at home, local weird-looking candy at supermarkets is a very original and inexpensive idea.
The Sensoji temple in Asakusa is the most popular temple in Tokyo. Avoid visiting this place during the day and instead go between 5-6am or after 10pm to take photographs like this:
Sensoji temple at 10 pm
