Tokyo Cheapo | The Ultimate Guide To Tokyo

Featured

How to get a Part-time Job for Students in Japan

May 18th, 2022 | Alexandra Ziminski

Being a student is tough. While the cup ramen may be better in Japan, money worries are international. (Plus, don’t you …

Living
Featured

Tokyo to Kawaguchiko: Take a Day Trip to Fuji’s Nearest Neighbor

May 18th, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

Bookmark this guide for a fabulous visit to one of Fuji's five lakes.

Outdoors and Nature Things to do

15 Real-Life Locations from the TV Series Tokyo VIce

May 12th, 2022 | Greg Lane

Tokyo Vice—the TV series inspired by the Jake Adelstein book—was shot in Tokyo over 2020/21. Set in 1999, the series …

Music and Nightlife Sightseeing
A Guide to Cafe Hopping in Harajuku

May 10th, 2022 | Heidi Sarol

As one of the liveliest areas in all of Tokyo, Harajuku is everything you expect it to be and more. It’s a vibrant hub of …

Cafes
A Guide to the Japanese Post Office

May 6th, 2022 | Alexandra Ziminski

Japan’s postal system can be a headache for the uninitiated, and it’s just gotten more complicated with the phasing …

Living
Poké Lids: The Beauty of Pokémon Manhole Covers in Japan

May 5th, 2022 | Emma Araki

Designer manhole covers are a thing in Japan, and there are hundreds of Pokémon-themed ones across the country. Spotting …

Sightseeing
Things that Tokyo Vice gets Right and Wrong about Tokyo

May 3rd, 2022 | Greg Lane

Set in Tokyo in 1999, Tokyo Vice is an antidote to all those cartoonish, over the top depictions of Tokyo, like in the Netflix …

Editorial
4 Stunning Spring Bus Tours from Tokyo

May 2nd, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

Take a ride to experience the best of the season—many tours can still be booked!

Outdoors and Nature Things to do

Jake Adelstein’s (Remnants of) Tokyo Vice

April 28th, 2022 | Rebecca Milner

TV drama Tokyo Vice is based on the real-life story of American-journalist-in-Japan Jake Adelstein. It’s set in 1999 and …

Editorial
How to Save Money on Japan’s Highways

April 28th, 2022 | Greg Lane

Japan’s system of tolled expressways can get you to most places that you want to go, and there’s no doubt that they …

Getting around
The Complete Guide to Getting From Tokyo to Mt Fuji

April 27th, 2022 | Carey Finn

All your options, in one handy guide.

Getting around Transport
What happens if you get COVID-19 while traveling Japan?

April 25th, 2022 | Emma Araki

Catching COVID-19 while in Japan is a traveler's nightmare, especially if you have no or limited Japanese ability. Here's what …

Getting around
The Cheapest and Fastest Ways to Get from Haneda Airport to Tokyo

April 25th, 2022 | Greg Lane

All the budget ways of getting into town. UPDATED with COVID-19 info.

Getting around Transport
Walk, Don’t Ride! The Tokyo Subway Map by Walking Times

April 21st, 2022 | Greg Lane

We're not featherless bipeds for nothing! Put your feet to good use and save money by walking between central stations in Tokyo.

Transport
A Guide to Cafe Hopping in Asakusa

April 18th, 2022 | Heidi Sarol

As one of the most popular destinations in every Tokyo guidebook, Asakusa is home to a good number of shrines, temples, and a …

Cafes
Catching a Taxi in Tokyo: The Uncheapo Way to Get Around?

April 12th, 2022 | Bjorn

Missed last train? Have too much luggage in tow for public transportation? A step-by-step guide to catching a taxi in Tokyo.

Transport
Tamjai SamGor: ‘Untranslatable’ Famed Hong Kong Noodles Arrive in Tokyo

April 11th, 2022 | Emma Araki

Tamjai SamGor Mixian (“SamGor”) is a fast casual restaurant from Hong Kong specializing in mixian (rice noodles), …

Eating & Drinking

Mobal Japan Unlimited – Perfect SIM for Residents and Visitors

A no contract unlimited data and voice SIM for all. No residency card or visa required!
Mobal’s Japan Unlimited SIM is a no contract, no termination fee, voice & data SIM with free worldwide delivery.

The JRailPass

Unlimited travel on any JR train—including the high-speed Shinkansen—for a period of 7 days. Price includes free UPS shipping to your home address.

May 21

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May 22

Okinawa Festival

The Okinawa Festival showcases the food, culture, music and crafts of Japan’s …

11:00am – 8:00pm

Free

Harajuku
Shibuya
Late
May

Tokyo Jazz Festival

The Tokyo Jazz Festival takes place at few venues across the city, some of which are paid, but …

Free

Harajuku
Sun, May

22

Akasaka Antique Market in Ark Hills

The Ark Hills antique market is much classier compared to some of Tokyo’s usual fairs. In …

11:00am – 5:00pm

Free

Akasaka
May 8

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May 22

May Grand Sumo Tournament

The third of Japan's six annual sumo tournaments.

¥3,800 – ¥38,000

Ryogoku
May 21

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May 22

Sanja Matsuri 2022 (Sanja Festival)

While the Sanja Matsuri will take place in 2022 it will be rather scaled back. The main public …

Free

Asakusa
May 21

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May 22

Italia, amore mio!

The biggest Italian festival in Japan, organized by the Italian Chember of Commerce, is back. …

10:00am – 8:00pm

Free

Shibuya

Hotel

¥3,600

Shibamata FU-TEN Bed and Local

Simple, friendly and very low priced accommodation on the nostalgic Eastern side of Tokyo. Special offer: mention Tokyo Cheapo for free towel rental every night of your stay.
Hotel

¥5,920

HOTEL MYSTAYS Asakusa

The MYSTAYS Asakusa Hotel has a central location, situated within minutes of the transport hubs of Ueno Station and Asakusa Station. Both Haneda and Narita Airports are within an hour of the hotel by train. Close to the hotel is the major Tokyo …
Hostel

¥2,300

IRORI Nihonbashi Hostel and Kitchen

Central and reasonably priced hostel with a traditional irori (suken hearth). Enjoy a taste of traditional Japan from the centre of Tokyo - Nihonbashi. 8.5 star rating! Special offer: mention Tokyo Cheapo for free towel rental every night of …