Tokyo Thrills: Budget Guide for 2 Days

Discover the wonders of Tokyo without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Visiting Tokyo on a limited budget is possible but requires careful planning and budgeting. Exploring the city's various attractions such as the Sensoji temple, Akihabara electronics district, and Harajuku fashion district can provide rich cultural experiences for little to no cost. Opting for economical accommodations such as shared hostel dorms, capsule hotels, or Airbnb rentals and relying on public transportation systems can also help minimize expenses.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Shinjuku

  • Stay in the chic and affordable Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo Hotel
  • Take in the breathtaking view of Tokyo from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
  • Walk through the lively and vibrant Kabukicho district and see the famous Godzilla head peeking out from the top of a building
  • Have a delicious and authentic Japanese meal at Ichiran Ramen
  • Visit Golden Gai, a narrow alleyway filled with tiny bars and unique nightlife
  • End the night at the iconic Robot Restaurant, known for its out-of-this-world show
Day 2

Discovering Shibuya

  • Indulge in some retail therapy in the trendy Shibuya shopping district
  • Cross the Shibuya intersection, famously known as the busiest crossing in the world
  • Visit Meiji Shrine, a serene and beautiful shrine surrounded by lush greenery
  • Have a sushi breakfast at the historic Tsukiji Fish Market
  • Stroll through the quirky and colorful Harajuku neighborhood
  • End the trip with a visit to Yoyogi Park, a beautiful and peaceful park filled with cherry blossom trees (in spring)
  • With so much to do and see in Tokyo, two days might not feel like enough time, but this itinerary ensures a fun-filled and cultural experience on a budget.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Tokyo, Japan by plane is to fly into Tokyo's Narita International Airport, which is located approximately 60 km east of Tokyo city center. Several airlines operate direct and connecting flights to Narita from major cities around the world, including New York, London, Sydney, and Singapore.

Car

Driving from all around Japan to Tokyo can be an option, however, it is not advisable due to heavy traffic during peak hours, as well as limited parking space in the city center. If driving is still the preferred option, highways such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway take you straight to the main attraction sites.

Train

There are several train options for travelling to Tokyo, but the best way is to take the shinkansen, or bullet train. The shinkansen provides high-speed rail service connecting major cities in Japan, including Tokyo. The train departs from Shin-Osaka Station, which is located in southern Osaka.

Boat

While there is no direct sea route to Tokyo, ferries are available from cities such as Osaka and Kobe to Tokyo's Harumi ferry terminal, located about 2 km southeast of Tokyo Bay. The journey by ferry takes around 17 hours from Osaka and 25 hours from Kobe, but offers beautiful oceanic views.

Bus

The best way to get to Tokyo by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in Japan, such as Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya. The bus journey from these cities takes around 6-9 hours to reach Tokyo. The buses usually depart from the main bus terminal in each city.

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