Super Cheap Japan
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2) Hiroki - Hiroshima style okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) restaurant, possibly the best in Tokyo. This style has soba or udon inside the okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki from 900 yen • 12am-9:45pm • Continue down from CONA, head right at the first intersection, then walk a minute down • Google Maps
3) Matsuya (松屋) - Gyudon and burger eat-in and takeaway. Meals from 290 yen • 24h • Google Maps
4) Hidakaya Ramen (日高屋) - Tokyo’s super cheap ramen chain. Fried rice and gyoza dumplings also available. There are also slightly more expensive, but more authentic ramen joints on the same street. Ramen from 390 yen • 24h • Google Maps
5) Ohsho (餃子の王将) - Chinese inspired ramen, fried rice and gyoza dumpling chain with a large, English menu. Ramen from 500 yen, dumplings from 240 yen • 11:30am-4am • Google Maps
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Oseki (オオゼキ) is a particularly good supermarket for cheap sushi. Also has a variety of cheap bento boxes, snacks and drinks (9:30am-6pm). Take a left from the south exit and walk down to the end.
Water bottle refill spots
No water fountains around town, but you can refill your bottle if you eat at Ohsho, Matsuya or Hidakaya.
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
There are several around the station. An easy one to get to is Ippondo Drug Store (ドラッグストア 一本堂), which is across the road from Village Vanguard (10am-10pm).
How to get there and away
From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line to Shimo-Kitazawa station (7 mins, 150 yen). From Shibuya, take the Keio Inokashira Line to Shimo-Kitazawa station (6 mins, 120 yen).
Ueno (上野)
Ameyoko market
Ueno features one of the biggest parks in Tokyo and is one of the main ‘cities’ within the megalopolis that is Tokyo. There are many museums in the park, and the area is full of brightly lit streets and stores. While it has branches of the main electronic and clothing mega stores, visitors should head to Ameyoko and the park to see what makes Ueno different.
Things to do
Ameyoko (アメ横)
A fascinating collection of streets with many street vendors, Japanese restaurants and game arcades. The atmosphere certainly gets lively here at the weekends, with traders shouting out deals, trying to beat their rivals to get that all important sale. Everything is on sale here of course, such as discount candy, dried fruits, handbags, perfume and watches. Traders will sometimes give you a good bargain, if you are nice! Take the Shinobazu exit from JR Ueno and follow signs • Google Maps
Can Do 100 yen store (キャンドゥ)
Walk down Ameyoko and head left at the crossroads with ABC Mart. 10am-9pm
Ueno park
A huge park, and known as a great place to view the cherry blossoms. Apart from the museums and zoo, free highlights include Bentendo (7am-5pm), an octagonal temple hall, and Toshogu Shrine (9am-4:30pm). Maps are located all over the park, so getting around is easy. To get there, use the Koen (Park) exit of Ueno station and walk over the road.
Ueno Zoo (上野動物園)
Tokyo’s largest and by far the most popular zoo, especially good for children, but also fun for adults. This is the park containing the famous pandas from China, so be prepared to line up! Adults 600 yen, children 200 yen, under 12s FREE • 9:30am-5pm (closed Mondays) • West side of park • Google Maps
Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館)
The first stop for anyone with a keen interest in Japanese history, art, design or fashion. It’s the oldest national museum in Japan and has by far the richest variety of exhibitions. With more than 110,000 objects and 87 national treasures, you will need at least a few hours to explore the whole complex. Adults 620 yen, under-18s and over-70s FREE • 9:30am-5pm (closed Mondays and New Year holidays) • North side of park • Google Maps • http://www.tnm.jp/
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (東京都美術館)
A prefectural art museum, largely built underground so as not to stand out too much in the green park. The temporary shows have a vast range of art from across the world, from Van Gogh to Japanese calligraphy. FREE for main exhibitions • 9:30am-5:30pm (closed every first and third Monday) • North west side of park • Google Maps • http://www.tobikan.jp/en/index.html
National Museum of Nature and Science (国立科学博物館)
Split into a Japan Gallery and a Global Gallery, this museum thankfully has English explanations for large number of exhibits. As well as having standard exhibitions on dinosaurs and nature, visitors can also learn about the history of humans in Japan and the ecologically diverse islands. Definitely recommended for children, especially as they get in for free. Adults 620 yen, children FREE • 9am-5pm (closed Mondays and New Year holidays) • East side of park • Google Maps
National Museum of Western Art (国立西洋美術館)
Now a World Heritage Site, this museum was designed by Frenchman Le Corbusier in 1959, an influential architect known for heavily influencing 20th century architecture around the world. The museum itself has ever changing exhibitions, so have a peek inside to see if they are of interest to you. Adults 430 yen, children FREE • 9:30am-5:30pm (closed Mondays and New Year holidays) • East side of park • Google Maps
Travel discounts and packages
The Grutto Pass gives FREE access to the zoo, 100 yen off at The Ueno Royal Museum, 80 yen off The National Museum of Western Art, 100 yen off Tokyo National Museum and 100 yen off special exhibitions at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
Budget food
Budget restaurants on map
1) Matsuya (松屋) - rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h
2) Ringer Hut (リンガーハット) - fish ramen. Ramen from 630 yen • 10am-2am
3) Fuijisan Sushi (すし富士山) - conveyor belt sushi. Sushi from 140 yen • 11:30am-11:20pm
4) Hidakaya (日高屋) - ramen and gyoza dumplings. Ramen from 390 yen • 10am-3am
5) Yoshinoya (吉野家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 330 yen • 24h
6) Tsuruya (つるや) - cheap soba and udon. Soba from 290 yen • 4:30am-1am
Ameyoko
There are lots of small stalls and shops selling fruits, ice creams and deep fried snacks for 100-300 yen each. Larger takeout meals (such as Japanese pancakes, kebabs and noodles) are around 400-500 yen, so this is a great spot for budget travelers. Be sure to explore the interconnecting streets for a few gems and special offers as well.
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Akafudado (赤札堂) has a branch in the AbAb (アブアブ) shopping mall (10am-9pm). Note that Ameyoko also has plenty of stalls selling basic items like fruits, vegetables and cheap takeouts.
Water bottle refill spots
The park has some water fountains, or go to the chain restaurants.
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
Plenty of drug stores are open late on Ameyoko.
How to get there and away
From Shinjuku station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno station (25 mins, 190 yen). From Tokyo station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno station (6 mins, 150 yen). Ueno is also on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya and Ginza lines. Recommended rail passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass
Walk it and save!
Asakusa is a nice city walk from Ueno, via Kappabashi. We recommend starting with Ueno in the morning, then strolling over to Asakusa in the early evening/late afternoon. Check the map for the road to go down. After about 30 minutes you will get to Asakusa.
Tourist information (観光案内所)
Both JR Ueno stations (9:15am-5:15pm) and Keisei Ueno stations (9:30am-6:30pm) have tourist information centers. Ueno Park also has a small information booth near Ueno Royal Museum.
Imperial Palace area (皇居東御苑と東京駅)
Hama Rikyu Garden, near the Imperial Palace
While the ar
ea around Tokyo station is expensive real estate, with shop and restaurant prices to reflect that, there are some essential stops for budget travelers. The Imperial Palace East Garden is a highlight for many in Tokyo, and there are a few other free spots to check out in the area. Just forget that the land value of the area used to be more valuable than the whole of California’s, take in the modern city sights and take plenty of photos.
Travel discounts and packages
Tokyo Station Area Art Gallery Map (東京駅周辺美術館共通券)
Get 100 yen off at five galleries around Tokyo station. Just pick up the map from one of the galleries or the information center and bring it with you to each one. The discounts work at Tokyo Station Gallery, Bridgestone Museum of Art, Idemitsu Museum of Arts, Mitsui Memorial Museum and Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum. Also consider the Grutto Pass, though, if you want to see even more than these ones.
Things to do
Tokyo station
Imperial Palace East Garden (皇居東御苑)
The East Garden, right in the center of Tokyo, is a free park within the Imperial Palace complex. First opened to the public in 1968, the 210,000 square meters garden has a variety of interesting spots. Highlights include the Honmaru castle compound, one of the last remaining Edo period gardens in Ninomaru, and the remains of the former castle tower. The free Museum of the Imperial Collections (Sannomaru-Shōzōkan) contains 9,500 items of Imperial art, such as paintings and calligraphy artifacts. FREE • 9am-4:30pm (closed Monday and Friday) • Near Otemachi station exit C10, which is connected to Tokyo station by underground passage • Google Maps
Tokyo Character Street (東京キャラクターストリート)
Plenty of free samples to be had here. This underground shopping mall has more than 20 stores, all themed after well-known characters in Japanese comics, manga, games, music and on TV. They have everyone covered, from Hello Kitty to Rilakkuma to Doraemon. There is also a pop-up shop area called ‘Ichiban Plaza’, which has various themed stalls open. FREE • 10am-10:30pm • Near JR Tokyo station Yaesu Underground central exit and Daimaru Dept. Store • Google Maps
Walk it and save!
The most famous walking or jogging route for any Tokyoite is to go around the whole grounds of the Imperial Palace. It’s a pretty simple, completely flat route and the scenery along the way is a perfect mix of tall skyscrapers, greenery and downtown city life. Start by walking from the west side of Tokyo station, and once you get to the moat just head around in either direction. Time required: 2 hours • Difficulty: Easy
Shimbashi
Hama Rikyu Garden (浜離宮)
Japan’s premier garden, you may not need to visit another after this one. The garden has two parts, the southern part which was a villa for feudal lords in the 17th to 19th centuries and the more modern northern garden. On the south end, an area originally used as hunting grounds for the shogun ruler of Japan has been reborn. Now Shio-iri-no Niwa, it’s a splendid Japanese garden on the sea, and also has a waterbus to Asakusa and Odaiba. 300 yen • 9am-5pm • From Shimbashi, follow signs to Shiodome, then to the garden (behind Conrad Tokyo hotel /コンラッド東京) • Google Maps
Advertising Museum Tokyo (アド・ミュージアム) (reopening December 2017)
A surprisingly interesting (and free!) museum, showcasing Japanese advertising over the centuries. From Kimono ladies selling beer to retro packaging, the museum is a fascinating change from the usual museums in Tokyo. FREE • 11am-6:30pm (until 4:30pm Saturdays. Closed Saturdays, Mondays and holidays) • Take the subway to Shiodome station (Oedo Line) or Shimbashi (JR Yamanote, Ginza and Asakusa Metro Lines). From these, follow the signs underground to the museum • Google Maps
Budget food
Tokyo station itself, plus the area around is mainly filled up with overpriced restaurants and bakeries. It’s therefore highly recommended to eat elsewhere or bring food with you. Shimbashi is a similar case, but there are a few chain restaurants outside the station if you are desperate to sit down and eat. Otherwise head straight to the convenience stores for a cheap bento or cup noodle.
Water bottle refill spots
There are occasional water fountains in the parks and gardens, or you can refill in one of the chain restaurants. Bring a large bottle if doing the walk around the Imperial Palace.
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
There is a Matsumoto-Kiyoshi pharmacy (マツモトキヨシ) in the Yaesu underground mall (8am-9pm).
How to get there and away
There are more than a dozen JR and Metro lines to Tokyo station, so check at your nearest station for the quickest route. For Shimbashi, take the JR Yamanote Line (140 yen, 4 mins) from Tokyo station. Shimbashi is also on the Tokyo Metro Asakusa and Ginza lines. Recommended rail passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass
Tourist information (観光案内所)
There is a TIC Tokyo center in Marunouchi Trust Tower, just to the right after using the Nihonbashi exit (10am-7pm).
Asakusa (浅草)
Looking towards the SkyTree from Asakusa
Asakusa is the main tourist zone in Tokyo, a bustling area full of tourists from across the world. While this may put some travelers off, it is still a must see for any first time visitor to Japan. Asakusa features Tokyo’s most famous temple, atmospheric old-fashioned streets and plenty of free things to do for budget travelers.
There is both a Tobu Asakusa station, as well as the combined Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway underground section. To get your bearings from the underground, head for exit 1,2 or 3, which all bring you out on Kaminarimon Dori (street), the main street on the map.
Things to do
Asakusa
Senso-ji Temple (浅草寺)
Tokyo’s most famous and popular temple. One of the oldest in Tokyo, founded in 628. The Asakusa Kannon deity (goddess of mercy) was enshrined here, so many believe visiting the temple will bring good fortune to all. Be sure to walk around the whole complex, including the five-storey pagoda, as there is lots to see apart from the main buildings. Walking around the temple complex in the evening is also rather impressive. FREE • Grounds 24h, main hall 6am-5pm (until 6:30pm Oct - Mar) • Through Kaminarimon and down five mins • Google Maps
Kaminarimon (雷門)
Get your selfie stick out for Tokyo’s premier selfie spot. The ‘Thunder Gate’ features statues of Raijin, god of thunder, and Fujin, god of wind. The giant lantern hanging below is probably the most photographed in Japan. FREE • Down Kaminarimon Dori from Asakusa (Tokyo Metro) station exits 1,2,3 • Google Maps
Nakamise Street (仲見世通り)
Asakusa is full of interesting shops for a bit of window shopping and the occasional purchase! Many of the streets look like Tokyo of the past. Take your time here, as you may be able to watch stall owners make traditional Japanese sweets, such as Ningyoyaki (Japanese snack cakes), which you can buy for 100 yen or so after. As this is the main tourist destination in Tokyo, prices can be high around the main temple and nearby streets. There are plenty of cheaper spots outside this main tourist zone. Between Kaminarimon and Senso-ji Temple • Google Maps
Sumida Park and River (墨田公園・墨田川)
A quiet park along the river, and a good place to chill out for a bit or enjoy a bento. A must see during the cherry blossom season. East of Asakusa station • Google Maps
The Golden Turd (金のうんこ)
OK, so this is not the official name, but the Asahi Beer HQ and hall does look like it has a golden poo on top. This odd resemblance was apparently due to the architects drinking a few too many beers in a meeting, and it’s one of those must take photos of Tokyo. Sumida River • Google Maps
Free sample food
Matsuya (松屋浅草)
One of the poshest department stores in Tokyo has a large food court offering a good variety of free snacks, drinks and more to try out. Particularly well
known for old-school Japanese confectionery. Tax-free shopping also available. 10am-8pm • Connected to Tobu Asakusa station • Google Maps
Kappabashi (合羽橋)
True oddball tourism here. Fascinating street for restaurant and cafe owners to buy specialist goods, almost anything you could want for your kitchen can be found here. Merchants first started selling goods here as far back as 1912, and the area now has more than 170 specialist shops. From plastic food to furniture to ovens to cutlery, Kappabashi is worth checking out for an hour or two. Plus, as this is an area for restaurant owners, the prices for items such as cutlery can be very cheap. The plastic food can often be cheaper in shops like Tokyu Hands in Shibuya or Shinjuku though. Tawaramachi station on Ginza Line • Google Maps
Walk it and save: Asakusa to Kappabashi
From Asakusa station (Tokyo Metro) exits 1,2,3 or Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center, head down Kaminarimon Street in the opposite direction of Sumida river. Take a left turn at the end of the road and walk down to Tawaramachi station. Take a right turn, then Kappabashi is four blocks down on the right.
Budget food
Budget restaurants on map
1) Matsuya (松屋) - rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h
2) Kappa Sushi (かっぱ寿司) - conveyor belt sushi. Sushi from 108 yen • 11am-10:30pm
3) Fuji Soba (富士そば) - soba, udon and curry. Soba from 300 yen • 24h
4) Hidakaya (日高屋) - ramen and dumplings. Ramen from 390 yen • 24h
5) Mos Burger (モス) - Japanese burgers. Burgers from 220 yen • 7am-10pm
6) Yoshinoya (吉野家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 330 yen • 24h
Local budget food
Walking around the backstreets is a good way to find a cheap meal, as most places aren’t too fancy around Asakusa. There are some basic soba, udon and set meal restaurants on Kaminarimon Street, as well as these highlights: