Tokyo on a Budget: A Fun Day Trip Guide

Discover Tokyo's riches without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Tokyo, Japan on a limited budget is still possible with some careful planning. Travelers can opt to stay in affordable hostels or capsule hotels, and save money by eating at local food stalls and convenience stores. Despite the cost-cutting measures, there are still plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Tokyo, such as visiting gardens, temples, and museums.

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Day trip plan

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Tokyo on a Tight Budget

  • With so much to do and see in Tokyo, one day isn't enough to see it all. But don't worry, with our itinerary, you'll hit all the highlights, without breaking the bank.
  • Start your day right with a free visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, surrounded by a serene forest in the heart of the city.
  • Fill up on some tasty, budget-friendly street food in Harajuku, like the famous Harajuku crepes or takoyaki.
  • Head to the bustling Shibuya Crossing, one of the world's busiest intersections, and snap a selfie with the famous Hachiko statue.
  • Visit the colorful Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, where you can find souvenirs and try your luck at omikuji, Japanese fortune-telling paper strips.
  • Take a stroll around Ueno Park, home to many museums, including the free-to-enter Tokyo National Museum.
  • End your day in Shinjuku's Yakitori Alley, packed with tiny restaurants serving up cheap and delicious skewers and beer.
  • With this itinerary, you'll see Tokyo's best sights, eat authentic Japanese food, and still have money left for souvenirs. Enjoy your day in Tokyo, and remember to keep your eyes open for unexpected delights along the way!

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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.

Destination

Tokyo

Welcome to a land where neon lights shine brighter than your future, and the trains run faster than your ability to keep up with them. Get ready to explore Tokyo, where chaos meets tranquility, in a city filled with quirky fashion, scrumptious food, and fascinating culture.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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A trip to Tokyo, Japan on a limited budget is possible with careful planning and cost-cutting measures. Choosing budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or capsule hotels and taking advantage of public transportation can save money. Exploring free attractions like parks, temples, and markets can also provide an authentic cultural experience without breaking the bank.

Tokyo Thrills: 3-Day Family Adventure on a Budget

Tokyo, Japan offers a family-friendly trip full of exciting adventures and cultural experiences. Families can explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Akihabara and Harajuku, famous for their quirky shops and unique fashion. They can also visit amusement parks like Disneyland Tokyo or enjoy traditional Japanese activities such as visiting temples and shrines, trying delicious street food, and watching captivating performances at Kabuki theaters.