We have all heard that Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world (Those people clearly haven't been to Australia) However take the challenge, and you will see you can do an entire day without spending more than 10,000 Yen ($100.00)
Your 10,000 yen will cover -
- Transport
- Food & Drink
- Entertainment
- Sights
Here are a few cost saving tips!
Have a clear path
Now, when setting out to be a bit budget concious, best thing to do is have a idea of what you want to accomplish. In a city like Tokyo, the more planning the better. This isn't a little city, you can take 30 mins to get from one point to the other, if you don't plan ahead.
If possible, try and keep your to do list in a good concentrated area. This will minimise your travel time, which will equal cheaper transportation costs, and you getting more time in your day for amazing experiences that will stay with you forever. Instead of spending half your day on a train.
Use the internet
Research: Look up what you are interested in, and find out the costs. Heck, google "whats free to do in Tokyo?" - you'll be amazed at the free things to do.
Here is just a drop in the bucket of free, or incredibly cheap, things that you can see and do while in Tokyo:
Calico Cat Cafe
- The Earthquake Museum is free! Have fun learning earthquake safety, and going through simulations.
- Many of the temples and Shrines in Tokyo are free, or cost only a few hundred Yen.
- Check out the tech companies showrooms: The Sony Building in Giza, and the Panasonic Centre in Odaiba are both free, and a great glimpse into the future.
- Start out your morning at the world famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Stroll the market, seeing the worlds larget fish market in action. Get in early enough to see the tuna auctions, or just have a great, fresh Sushi breakfast.
- Cat Cafes, which you'll find scattered all over the city, are these amazing cafes where you pay a couple of hundred yen and spend time playing with all the cats that reside there! An experience you'll only have in Japan and will cost you a few dollars. A great one in Shinjuku is Calico Cat Cafe.
- Check out some of the historic Shrines and Temples around Tokyo. A must visit for evey tourist to Tokyo is the majestic Sensoji Temple in Asakusa.
Keep your eyes out for an upcoming article with the Top 30 Free things to do in Tokyo. Coming to Japlanning.com.
Eat till you can't eat no more
Amazing Ramen
One of the greatest parts about Tokyo is the food — it's quality and affordability. Key foods for the budget conscious traveler will include rice, ramen, fish and miso soup. You'll find one of these items in nearly every meal you eat — including breakfast. Most of this stuff is surprisingly cheap.
A good sized bowl of ramen, sometimes with some vegetables thrown in or tempura on the side, can be had for between 500 and 1,000 yen ($5.00 to $10.00) at many of the city's small, anonymous noodle shops. These are also found in almost every major Train Station, for 500Yen or less.
It sounds boring, however you will have a bowl full of amazing flavours, and will be a great deal more satisfying, and tasty, than the stringy cup noodles you have had at home.
Sushi Trains: Find a Sushi train restaurant and fill up on delicious fresh sushi for no more than a couple of hundred yen a piece. Try and get sushi this fresh, that cheap back at home! If your visiting the Tsukiji Fish market one morning, bring an empty stomach, as the market has some amazing sushi shops with the freshest sushi going around.
If your visiting a temple or shrine one day, keep an eye out for fresh foods being cooked at many of the stalls that line the walkways leading up to many of the big temples in Tokyo. If you're visiting the famous Sensoji Shrine in Asakusa, the street leading up to it is a massive market selling souvenirs and amazing local food cheap! Make sure you visit around lunch time to taste many local delicacies before taking in the amazing shrine.
Cat Cafe's! No, we're not suggesting you eat cats to keep your costs down, however a unique thing to Japan is the amount of Cat Cafe's that run here. These are a must visit! You pay a small entrance fee and then can relax and play with the cats that reside there. Also you can order meals and drinks, which are really cheap! So you get an amazingly quirky experience, and a meal for less than 1200 yen!
Vending machines are everywhere
Vending Machines are your friend
Tokyo is filled with vending machines, for just a bout everything - especially food and drinks. Need a quick snack, or to quench your thirst? You'll probably only need to walk a few dozen feet to your closest vending machine to fulfill your needs, and for only a hundred yen or so. (AUD$1)
The ancient art of Karaoke
Some late night entertainment needed? Jump into one of the hundreds of Karaoke lounges around Tokyo, Most will offer private rooms over several levels of the building. Starting at just 800 Yen for an hour, plus many offer all-you-can-drink packages for an additional 800 Yen per hour, so you can sing your heart out and drink yourselves into thinking your Mariah Carey for next to nothing!
So keep this in mind when getting ready for your trip, or when debating a trip. You can easily have an amazing time in Tokyo for $100 a day.