05/09/2025
TOKYO ON A BUDGET 🇯🇵
✈️ Use Going to secure the cheapest flights from your home airport: https://app.going.com/S1rD/fb
Here are some roundtrip examples from this year 👇
- $573 from DFW
- $528 nonstop from LAX
- $714 from BNA
- $872 from MSP
💸Free things to do:
- Meiji Shrine
- Sensō-ji Temple
- Yoyogi Park
- Ueno Park
- Shibuya Crossing (view from Shibuya Hikarie, Shibuya Sky, Starbucks, Cé La Vi, Shibuya
- Station bridge to Mark City)
- Imperial Palace
- Akihabara
- Godzilla head Shinjuku
- Eki Stamp Collecting (various shrines, shops, train stations)
- Pokemon Center/Cafe (free to visit, must have reservation for cafe)
💸 Paid activities ranked from most affordable to most expensive:
- Studio Ghibli Museum – $7/pp
- Themed cafes – $15-$150+/pp (starting price at $15/pp)
- Mt. Fuji – $25-$50/pp
- TeamLab Borderless – $40/pp
- Super Nintendo World – $70/pp
- Food Tour – $95/pp
- Tokyo Disney – $100/pp
- Mario Kart (go karting) – $100/pp
- Owl Cafe – $155/pp
- Chopstick making – $192/pp
🏨Where to stay?
Hotel price is going to vary widely depending upon where in Tokyo you’re staying and if you opt for a whole rental or something as small as a capsule. These can range anywhere from $30/night to $400+.
💡Pro tip for getting around:
Stay near the Yamanote line (main Tokyo train line) to hit the best spots like Ikebukuro, Shibuya, Ueno, and Tokyo Station. 🚆 Don’t forget to grab a Suica or Pasmo card for easy travel!
🤢 Have allergies?
Only 7 allergens are required by law to be labeled in Japan: eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, shrimp, and crab
- Bring an allergy card and double-check everything if you're allergic to other foods like soy, corn, or tree nuts
- Use Google Translate to scan menus and ingredient labels
- Look for “allergen-free” labels—not just “gluten-free”
- Use food delivery apps like Uber Eats or Wolt to control ingredients
- Book private tours like Japan by Food or Gluten Free Tours Japan—they can call ahead, order for you, and help with groceries