Five ways you can save money on your next Tokyo trip – on meals, drinks, attractions, a place to stay and getting about
With a bit of forward planning and insider tips, Tokyo can be almost a budget destination if you dine at chain restaurants, take the lunch set at pricier places, and stay in an Airbnb let or a guest house
Tokyo is often considered an expensive city to visit, but these days that reputation is rather unjustified.
Of course if you want to spend the money there are plenty of places to do it, but with a little planning and a few insider’s tips, holidaying on a tight budget in Tokyo is possible. Here’s how.
Where to eat
Tokyo is home to some of the best food in the world, but did you know it’s also home to some of the cheapest? Whether it costs 500 yen (US$4.40) or 5,000, you will be sure to find a delicious meal in Japan, given the nation’s high level of professionalism and culinary pride.
If you want to save money while eating like a local, a visit to one of the city’s many chain fast food outlets is a must. Unlike in many other countries, the term fast food in Japan isn’t synonymous with poor quality. Sukiya is one name you’ll see often, with the restaurant chain serving classic Japanese dishes like gyudon, a 500-yen “beef bowl” which is simply shredded beef on rice with various toppings.
For something different, visit street-food-style outdoor restaurant Commune 246 (3 Chome-13 Minamiaoyama, Minato) in Aoyama. It’s host to a rotating collection of vendors, so you can choose from a variety of dishes, including vegan-friendly fare. A meal for two will cost around 1,800 yen.
If you want to try a Michelin-starred restaurant, check whether they’re open for lunch, because this is often when meals are significantly cheaper. In Shinjuku, for example, lunch sets at one-star restaurant Nakajima (3 Chrome-32-5, Shinjuku) are just 800 yen.