Although I grew up just outside of New York City, we rarely visited—largely because NYC is so expensive. And honestly, that’s how it is with a lot of big cities. But Tokyo, Japan, defies that expectation. If you’re visiting from the U.S., you’ll probably be surprised at how affordable it can be. While flights tend to be the priciest part of the journey (and I can’t do much about that), I can help you navigate Tokyo on a budget. After living here for over a year, I’ve gathered my best money-saving tips for seeing the city without breaking the bank.
Save on Accommodation
I’ll be honest—since we live in Tokyo, I don’t have a ton of firsthand experience staying in hotels here. However, I’ve stayed in hotels in other parts of Japan and can confidently say this: unlike in the U.S., where a low price or a three-star-and-below rating might raise red flags, Japan’s budget hotels tend to be clean, safe, and reliable. The rooms are often small and basic, but if you’re just looking for a place to sleep, they’re more than sufficient.
For the more adventurous, capsule hotels are also worth considering—especially if you’re traveling solo or just need a place to crash for a night. You’ll sleep in a small pod about the size of a single bed, with shared facilities like bathrooms and lounges.
Want to save even more? Book a hotel a bit outside the main tourist areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku. The further out you go, the cheaper things tend to be—not just hotels, but also food and shops. And thanks to Tokyo’s amazing public transport, getting around is still super easy, it just might be a slightly longer commute.
Save on Transportation
Tokyo nails public transportation. I lived in Milan for a year without a car, and let me tell you—public transit there was often delayed, especially during protests (which, for some reason, always seemed to happen Friday afternoons). Some trains came every 15–20 minutes if you were lucky.
In Tokyo? I’ve never waited more than 7 minutes. Even when there’s a delay, it’s usually just a few minutes.
And honestly, the trains here have a lot of charm. Many stations play their own little melody before the doors close. Some of these 3-7 second jingles are so iconic that fans actually buy the collection of station songs on CDs or apps.
And if you’re into collecting, don’t miss the station stamps! Each one is unique and usually located near the ticket gates or station office. Bring a small notebook to start your own stamp collection.
As for tickets, you can buy them with cash at machines in any station. That said, Japan’s rail system is privatized, which means multiple companies operate different parts of the network. To avoid constantly purchasing separate tickets, I recommend getting a Suica or Pasmo card. These rechargeable IC cards can be bought at major stations or the airport. While physical cards were hard to find for a while due to supply shortages, you can now easily download a digital version to your smartphone and top it up as needed.
Save on Shopping
If you love shopping or bringing back gifts from your travels, I highly recommend checking out Don Quijote—often called “Donki” in Japan. This discount megastore has everything: popular Japanese and Korean skincare, fun snacks like matcha and sake Kit Kats, Hello Kitty and Nintendo merchandise, quirky souvenirs, fans, mugs, cheap electronics, and tons more.
Forgot to pack something or need a last-minute item? Head to Uniqlo. They’ve got awesome heat-tech and cool-tech clothing depending on the weather—plus quality jackets and everyday wear.
Forgot a toothbrush or face wash? No worries—Japan’s convenience stores (aka konbini like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson) carry travel-sized essentials.
For random, inexpensive finds, check out Daiso. It’s like Japan’s version of a dollar store and perfect for things like snacks, scarves, hair ties, picnic blankets, tote bags, and more.
Tip: Keep your passport with you when you shop—many stores offer tax-free deals for tourists.
Extra Tip: If you (like me) end up buying way more than expected, Don Quijote also sells extra suitcases in every size!
Eat for less
If you’re in Japan, you have to check out the convenience stores. Japan’s convenience stores, or konbini, are a favorite among both locals and travelers—and it’s easy to see why. They’re affordable, offer surprisingly fresh food, and often feature seasonal items. Make sure to checko out the viral video items like fruit smoothies, onigiri, or even crème brûlée ice cream (a personal favorite!). Many locations have microwaves and small seating areas, making it easy to enjoy your meal right on the spot.
For Breakfast Konbinis are a great budget-friendly option. You can grab something sweet or savory and pair it with a coffee from their in-store machines. While Japan’s café culture is charming and definitely worth exploring, for a quick and affordable caffeine fix, konbini coffee gets the job done.
For lunch, ramen is a classic choice—delicious, satisfying, and usually very affordable. Many restaurants also offer discounted lunch menus, so if you want to experience local cuisine without splurging, lunchtime is the best time to dine out.
Dinner? Head to a grocery store. They typically offer larger portions than convenience stores and fresher options, especially when it comes to bentos and baked goods. Some grocery stores even have dining areas with microwaves. Bonus: visit in the evening (around 7–8 PM) when many prepared foods are marked down.
Pro tip: Grocery stores are usually cheaper than konbini, taste better (IMO), and the portions are larger.
There’s so much to love about Tokyo, and the good news is—you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. Whether it’s eating at convenience stores, picking up a discounted bento, or skipping the big-name neighborhoods for something local, you can do a lot here without spending a lot. Hopefully these tips help you enjoy Tokyo the way I have—affordably, comfortably, and with a little extra room in your budget for fun.
For more of our life in Japan and other travel tips, check out these other posts:
10 Free Places to see in Tokyo