The $100 Daily Budget
Here's a realistic breakdown: Accommodation ¥4,000-5,000 ($27-35), Food ¥3,000-4,000 ($20-27), Transport ¥1,000-1,500 ($7-10), Attractions ¥2,000-3,000 ($14-20). Total: $68-92. The yen's current weakness makes Japan more affordable than it's been in decades.
Budget Accommodation Options
Capsule hotels cost ¥3,000-5,000 per night and are a uniquely Japanese experience. Business hotels near major stations run ¥6,000-8,000 for private rooms. Hostels in Asakusa and Ueno offer dorm beds for ¥2,500-3,500. Manga cafes (¥1,500-2,500) work for an emergency overnight stay.
Pro Tip: Book accommodations near a JR Yamanote Line station. This circular line connects all major areas and is included in many rail passes.
Eating Well for Less
Convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) sell restaurant-quality onigiri for ¥120-180 and bento boxes for ¥400-600. Standing ramen shops serve excellent bowls for ¥600-900. Yoshinoya and Matsuya offer beef bowls for ¥400. Department store basement food halls discount fresh items after 7 PM.
Pro Tip: Look for restaurants displaying plastic food models with prices. If the price isn't shown, it's probably expensive.
Transport Savings
Tokyo Metro's 24-hour pass costs ¥800 (unlimited rides). The Suica or Pasmo card saves time and offers small discounts. Walking is underrated—Shibuya to Harajuku takes 15 minutes. For day trips, the JR Pass pays off if you're also visiting Kyoto or Osaka.
Free and Cheap Attractions
Most temples and shrines are free to enter (Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine). The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck is free with better views than Tokyo Skytree (¥2,100). TeamLab Borderless and Planets require tickets (¥3,800) but are worth it for the experience.
Timing Your Visit
January-February and June-July (rainy season) offer lowest prices. Cherry blossom season (late March-April) and autumn foliage (November) are peak pricing. Golden Week (late April-early May) is the most expensive time—avoid if budget is a concern.
