Tokyo on a Budget: 4 Days of Adventure!

Discover Tokyo's wonders on a shoestring budget!

22 June 2023

A trip to Tokyo, Japan on a limited budget can still be a wonderful experience. Opt for budget accommodations like capsule hotels or guesthouses, and utilize public transportation to get around the city. Delicious and affordable street food can be found in bustling districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, and there are plenty of free attractions like parks and temples to explore.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Arriving in Tokyo

  • Check into the Sakura Hotel in Asakusa, a budget-friendly hotel with a cozy atmosphere and English-speaking staff.
  • Explore the Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest and most popular temples in Tokyo.
  • Stroll along Nakamise shopping street, lined with souvenir shops and food vendors.
  • Try some traditional Tokyo street food like takoyaki (octopus balls) or taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste).
  • Take a relaxing river cruise on the Sumida River, enjoying the city skyline from a different perspective.
Day 2

Modern Tokyo

  • Visit the iconic Tokyo Tower, offering a panoramic view of the city.
  • Immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture at Harajuku, a fashion and celebrity hotspot.
  • Grab some lunch at Shibuya Crossing, the busiest intersection in the world.
  • Shop at Odaiba VenusFort, a vibrant and futuristic mall with a Venice-inspired interior.
  • Chill at the Tokyo Joypolis, a high-tech indoor theme park with VR and AR attractions.
Day 3

Cultural Immersion

  • Get up early for a sushi breakfast at Tsukiji Market, the world's largest fish market.
  • Learn about Japan's feudal history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, with interactive exhibits and life-sized models.
  • Experience a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea house, sipping on matcha tea and nibbling on wagashi sweets.
  • Wander around the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful and serene oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Witness the ancient art of sumo wrestling at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, the national sumo stadium.
Day 4

Sky High Adventure

  • Discover the futuristic architecture and tech of Roppongi Hills, a sleek and stylish shopping mall.
  • Take a whirlwind tour of the city on a helicopter ride, for an unmissable bird's eye view.
  • Explore the stunning landscaped gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen, perfect for a picnic on a sunny day.
  • Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience at an onsen, a hot spring bath resort.
  • Dine at a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant, such as Sushi Saito or Sukiyabashi Jiro, for a quintessential Tokyo foodie experience.

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.

More travel plans

5 Days in Tokyo: A Perfect Trip Itinerary

As a tourist visiting Tokyo, Japan, you can expect to experience a city that is both modern and steeped in tradition. You can explore historic sites such as the Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple or experience the futuristic streets of Shibuya and Harajuku. From tasting traditional sushi to indulging in modern cuisine, the city offers a unique and exciting trip for any traveler.

Tokyo on a Budget: 4 Days of Adventure!

A trip to Tokyo, Japan on a limited budget can still be a wonderful experience. Opt for budget accommodations like capsule hotels or guesthouses, and utilize public transportation to get around the city. Delicious and affordable street food can be found in bustling districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, and there are plenty of free attractions like parks and temples to explore.

Tokyo on a Budget: A 2-Day Family Adventure!

A family friendly trip to Tokyo, Japan offers a delightful mix of cultural experiences and entertainment for all ages. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower and the Meiji Shrine, and immerse yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of neighborhoods like Shibuya and Harajuku. Explore traditional gardens, indulge in delicious street food, and have a blast at theme parks like Disneyland Tokyo, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.

Tokyo Adventure: 4 Days of Fun and Romance

A romantic trip to Tokyo, Japan offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences. From exploring ancient temples to indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine, the city offers something for every couple to enjoy. Get lost in the bustling streets of Shibuya or unwind in one of the city's many hot springs for the ultimate romantic getaway.