Looking for a Budget Trip to Tokyo? Here’s how you go about it…
Who does not want to be the first one to see the Sun rising, in the alluring land of Japan! The country is full of timeless culture, interesting stories, vibrant costumes and lip smacking cuisine! All this makes a person want to pick his bag and set off. But there is a glitch of the ‘wallet rape’. Japan is considered to be highly expensive. It is, yes. But nothing compared to good ol’ New York or London! There are loads of alternatives in Tokyo which let you explore and experience Tokyo with your wallet staying fit.
Pre-planning is the secret ingredient to the deliciousness of a budget trip to Tokyo!
Here are some ways to save your precious bucks whilst in Tokyo-
Food
Food is the thing that takes up the big bucks in our wallet. But those could be saved. Street food! Like in every other city, Tokyo offers damn tasty and reasonable food like $1-$5. There are also inexpensive food chains which offer meals ranging from $10–25 (cool, right?)
Of course there are several luxury dining places. But we will save those for later, won’t we?
Off season travelling
Like every city, the best time to visit Tokyo is during autumn and winter. But a good and obvious trick is to visit this gorgeous city during off season. After the Golden Week, i.e. after the beginning of May, the tourists dial down. So a late May or late September would assure you save some money and use it for something else.
If it’s saving our money we wouldn’t mind some light drizzles, would we?
Accommodation
It would the best thing if you have a friend or some relatives living in Tokyo. There would be nothing better than that. But if not, worry not! There are multiple options for an inexpensive stay. Capsule Hotels (tiny spaces where you can sleep, but nothing else) charge between $20 and $25. Other than that there are dorms where a group can share the same space to avoid shelling out. There are also business hotels (around $70) which guarantee ample space and privacy. Also if you want to try something new, there are Ryokans (Japanese styled rooms) which charge $140 onward.
If all this puzzles you, visit AirBnB and you will be sorted!
Transport
Commute not just takes time but also money! Not really in Japan. Japanese trains are unbelievable. They are so fast, clean and punctual, it’s really hard to believe. You can get a JR (Japanese Railway) pass starting from $100 for adults and $50 onward for kids. You pay once and travel the country for the entire stay. Isn’t that what we were hoping for! For places that aren’t accessible via trains, there are buses to save the day.
To save a good lot of bucks, avoid cabs! Cabs in Tokyo charge on the heavier side in comparison with other Asian Countries.
Shopping
Shopping while traveling, is the one which has its a predetermined and rigid budget. There are some souvenirs which have to be bought for family and friends, no matter what! If not some souvenir, then there is sweets or local specialties. DAISO is the place for all you budget travelers there! Daiso is a chain of 100 Yen stores all across Japan. (100 Yen is just one US Dollar!!!) Here, the things are pretty and also crazy affordable. Harajuku is one place you just cannot miss!
Ready to shop in Tokyo?
Tourist Attractions
Tokyo has plenty of tourist attractions. Gardens, shrines, museums and palaces are the main places worth a visit in Tokyo. Most of these places have an entry fees between $5 and $10. Even if you visit 10 places during your visit to Tokyo, it’s still safe for your budget. In the end, you will realize that it is a deal you wouldn’t want to miss!
One thing is for sure. After you have visited Tokyo, all your expenses will totally be worth it. The beautiful city soaked in culture, cuisine, language and technology is really worth one visit in a lifetime!
To know more about Tokyo travel visit http://www.gotokyo.org/en/
Arigatou Gozaimasu!
