A surprising look at Japan’s capital on a budget
Think Tokyo is expensive?
You’re not alone.
With its futuristic skyline, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxury shopping districts, Tokyo has a reputation for being a wallet-buster.
But here’s the truth: Tokyo can be shockingly affordable.
Today, we’ll show you how far $100 (about ¥15,000) can get you — and it might just blow your mind.
- Morning: Breakfast at 7-Eleven
- Getting Around: Tokyo’s Efficient Metro
- Lunch: A Full Meal for $3?!
- Afternoon Fun: Free Attractions
- Coffee Break: Chill for Cheap
- Dinner: Conveyor Belt Sushi (Sushiro)
- Late-Night Snack: Japanese Sweets
- Full Day Budget Breakdown
- Final Thoughts
- Planning Your Trip? Here Are Some Tips:
Morning: Breakfast at 7-Eleven
Forget overpriced hotel breakfasts. In Tokyo, convenience stores are a foodie paradise.
At 7-Eleven, you can grab:
- A fresh rice ball (onigiri): ¥150
- A sandwich: ¥300
- A large café latte: ¥250
Total: ¥700 (~$4.60)
And trust us — the quality is high. This is not your average gas station food.
Getting Around: Tokyo’s Efficient Metro
Time to explore the city.
Tokyo’s train system is clean, safe, and punctual.
For example:
Shibuya → Ueno = ¥210 one-way ($1.40)$2.80)
Round trip = ¥420 (
Trains arrive on time, people are quiet, and everything runs like clockwork.
It’s public transportation that feels… futuristic.
Lunch: A Full Meal for $3?!
Yes, it’s real.
Step into a local diner, and you’ll find meals like:
- Fried chicken set with rice, miso soup, and salad: ¥500 (~$3.30)
Not only is it cheap, it’s freshly cooked and filling.
If you’re coming from the U.S., this kind of value might feel like a dream.
Afternoon Fun: Free Attractions
You don’t need to spend big to enjoy Tokyo.
Take a stroll through Ueno Park — it’s free and filled with:
- Shrines
- Street performers
- Museums (some with small fees)
- Sakura trees in spring
Cost: ¥0
There’s also Asakusa, where you can explore the historic Senso-ji Temple, browse souvenir stalls, and snack on traditional treats.
Coffee Break: Chill for Cheap
Need a break? Head to a local café.
A latte will cost around ¥450 (~$3).
Many cafés have:
- Wi-Fi
- Power outlets
- Peace and quiet
Perfect for checking your emails or just people-watching.
Dinner: Conveyor Belt Sushi (Sushiro)
Time for a little splurge — sushi!
At chains like Sushiro, each plate starts at just ¥100 ($0.70).
Order 10 plates = ¥1,000 ($6.70)
And you’ll be full.
You can even order from a touchscreen with English.
Your sushi arrives via conveyor belt — fun and delicious!
Late-Night Snack: Japanese Sweets
Before heading home, swing by the convenience store for dessert.
- Custard pudding: ¥200
- Matcha roll cake: ¥180
Total: ¥380 (~$2.50)
It’s shockingly good. Japan takes convenience food seriously.
Full Day Budget Breakdown
| Item | Cost (Yen) | USD (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast (7-Eleven) | ¥700 | $4.60 |
| Metro (round trip) | ¥420 | $2.80 |
| Lunch (local diner) | ¥500 | $3.30 |
| Café break | ¥450 | $3.00 |
| Sushi dinner (10 plates) | ¥1,000 | $6.70 |
| Dessert (conbini) | ¥380 | $2.50 |
| Total | ¥3,450 | $23.00 |
That’s right — a full day in Tokyo for under $25.
You still have $75 left.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Tokyo has luxury hotels and $300 omakase dinners.
But that’s just one side of the story.
If you know where to go, you can eat well, explore freely, and enjoy the best of the city — all on a budget.
So next time someone tells you Tokyo is too expensive, send them this article.
Because $100 here isn’t just survival.
It’s adventure.
Planning Your Trip? Here Are Some Tips:
- Use an IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) to easily pay for trains and buses.
- Visit konbini (convenience stores) for snacks, drinks, and meals.
- Avoid tourist traps — explore local neighborhoods like Nakano or Koenji.
- Download Google Translate and a train app like Navitime or Japan Travel.