Super Cheap Japan
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7) Arashi Ramen (らあめん花月嵐) - Popular ramen company in Tokyo, with inventive seasonal soups and toppings. Ramen from 780 yen • 11am-2am • Kaminarimon Street • Google Maps
8) Sushizanmai (すしざんまい) - Conveyor belt sushi, good for a cheap light meal. Sushi plates from 108 yen • 24h • Kaminarimon Street • Google Maps
9) Origin Dining (オリジンダイニング) - More stylish, sit down version of the popular bento chain Origin Bento. Sets from 580 yen • 11am-11:30pm • Down narrow street on left at exit 2 on Kaminarimon Street • Google Maps
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Best option is the Seiyu supermarket in ROX shopping mall (24h). Oseki supermarket is closer to the station on Kaminarimon Street (9:30am-9pm).
Shopping
100 yen shops
Seria (セリア) - Inside the Tobu Asakusa station complex. 10am-8pm
Daiso (ダイソー) - Inside the ROX shopping mall. 10am-8pm
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
Matsukiyo Papasu (どらっぐぱぱす) has a shop two minutes from the station on Kaminarimon street (10am-10pm).
How to get there and away
Asakusa is on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Asakusa Line and the starting point for Tobu trains to Nikko. From Shinjuku station, take the Marunouchi Line to Akasaka-mitsuke, then the Ginza Line to Asakusa station (30 mins, 240 yen). From Tokyo station, take the Marunouchi Line to Ginza, then take the Ginza Line to Asakusa station (25 mins, 200 yen). Recommended rail passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket
Tourist information (観光案内所)
One of the best equipped and staffed in Tokyo, the Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center is just outside Asakusa (Tokyo Metro) station exit 2 (9am-8pm). Head up to the 8th floor for a view of the SkyTree.
Akihabara (秋葉原)
Akiba, as they call it here, is a geek's heaven. We are not sure how an area could be more perfect for geeks, from the cosplay girls hanging out on the streets, to the themed restaurants. Anything a geek, or otaku as they say here, needs is available here. For other people, Akihabara is a fascinatingly crazy place with lots of surprises. Shopping and geek experiences are the things to do here. The electronic shops may be cheaper or have slightly later versions of electronic, manga and anime items that you want. Many of the shops have English-speaking staff and goods that can be used abroad. As ever, tax-free options are everywhere.
Walk it and save!
Follow our recommended route on the map, and you will find all the arcades, maid cafes, manga and anime stores, electronic stores and used good stores that you need. Start from either side of the station. Take your time and enjoy the madness!
Things to do
Yodobashi Camera (ヨドバシカメラ)
Possibly the largest electronics shop in Tokyo, a good start to window shopping and people watching in Akihabara. Good choice of products aimed at foreign tourists, but you can often find better prices if you head to the other side of the station, to the electronic shops there. 9:30am-10pm • Just outside JR Akihabara station Showa Dori exit • Google Maps
Maids and Maid Cafes (メイドカフェ）
Akihabara is littered with many kinds of maid or cosplay cafes. The best way to see which one is for you, and get any latest deals or discounts, is to walk around the main streets on the map and ask the countless maids what’s on offer. They may not speak much English, but will try hard to explain the basics. Ask about the “kabaa chaaji” (cover charge), as this is what often makes the cafes pricey (from around 1000 yen). If they are too pricey for you, you can just walk around and see the cute maids outside.
Chuo Dori
Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)
This branch has all the crazy items you would expect to be packed into a Don Quijote, from cheap green tea to cosplay clothes, but also has a large selection of otaku goods. Also has a maid cafe and game arcade. 9am-5pm • Few minutes up Chuo Dori • Google Maps
Animate (アニメイト)
Another essential for any otaku shopping needs, just be sure to explore all the backstreets and Chuo Dori if you want to get the best price on something expensive. Animate has a large choice of manga, otaku videos and related merchandise. 10am-9pm • Few minutes up Chuo Dori • Google Maps
Belle Salle Event Space (ベルサール)
Make sure you check out this event space when you are in Akihabara, as there are often free events for the general public. As this is Akiba, they tend to be related to gaming, anime, manga or geek fashion. Ask at the tourist information center for what’s on. Opening times according to event • Up Chuo Dori, just past Club Sega • Google Maps
Club Sega (クラブ セガ)
One of the many game arcades in Akiba, with a good number of games remaining at 100 yen per play. Also has Purikura, photo booths where guests can have fun customizing and spicing up their pictures. 10am-11:30pm • Large red building on Chuo Dori • Google Maps
Backstreets
Tokyo Anime Center (東京アニメセンター)
Another great spot for events and special exhibitions, but the shops tend to be a little pricier than others in the district. 11am-7pm • In the UDX building, the large complex to the north of JR Akihabara Electric Town exit (to the north west of station) • Google Maps
Mandarake Complex
Anyone with a nerdy bone in their body will freak out at the awesomeness of this grand complex. Great selection of comics, figures and video games, plus some oddities you would expect from the otaku capital of the world. 12pm-8pm • Head up Chuo Dori, then head left just before Mister Donut and walk two blocks • Google Maps
Super Potato
A treasure trove of retro gaming and gaming memorabilia. Try out a Virtual Boy, play old school games for a hundred yen in the arcade and check out the retro consoles and games. 11pm-8pm • Behind Club Sega on Chuo Dori • Google Maps
Kotobukiya (コトブキヤ)
Another great mega store for buying all sorts of Otaku goods, or a perfect bit of window shopping in Akiba. The figurines are of particular interest here. Also has otaku souvenirs, such as character based chocolates and stationery. 10am-8pm • Opposite Super Potato • Google Maps
M's: Pop Life (大人のデパート エムズ)
Have some fun walking around this high-rise adult store, with items you would never have imagined existed! 10am-11pm • Down street to left of JR Akihabara Electric Town exit • Google Maps
Kanda Myojin Shrine (神田明神)
A major Shinto shrine near Akihabara and Ueno. More than 1000 years old, the buildings have been stunningly restored and the garden even more so. Japanese visit the shrine to pray, believing that worshipping here will give them luck in family life, business and will even help to find them a partner for marriage. As it’s near Akiba, it has also become a kind of guardian for computer data as well, with luck charms on sale for "Protection and Safe keeper of I.T Data". FREE • 24h • Walk north up Chuo Dori (Akiba’s main street) and take the main road left when you get to Suehirocho station. You will see the shrine on the second block after the 7-Eleven convenience store • Google Maps
100 yen shops
Can Do (キャンドゥ) - Near to Mandarake. 10am-9pm
Budget food
Budget restaurants on map
1) Mos Burger (モス) - Japanese burgers. Burgers from 220 yen • 7am-11pm
2) Matsuya (松屋) - rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h
3) Yoshinoya (吉野家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 330 yen • 24h
4) Katsuya (かつや) - meat cutlet rice bowls. Bowls from 490 yen • 7am - 11pm
5) Hidakaya (日高屋) - ramen and dumplings. Ramen from 390 yen • 24h
6) Sukiya (すき家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 360 yen • 24h
7) Tenya (天丼てんや) - tempura. Bowls from 500 yen • 11am-11pm
8) Hotto Motto (�
��っともっと) - bento boxes. Bentos from 390 yen • 9am-9pm
Local budget food
10) Mitsuya Soba (小諸そば) - Cheap soba and udon joint, with plastic food outside, so it’s easy to choose your bowl. Soba from 300 yen • Two blocks past Don Quijote on Chou Dori • Google Maps
11) Taiyaki Kanda Daruma (たいやき神田達磨) - Classic taiyaki (fish-shaped sponge cake with custard or bean filling). Taiyaki from 250 yen • Just outside Suehirocho station • Google Maps
12) Coco Ichiban Curry House (カレーハウスCoCo壱番屋) - The true taste of Japanese curry. Curry + rice from 500 yen • 24h • Just outside Metro Hibiya exit 1/JR Akihabara Showa Dori exit • Google Maps
13) Go!Go!CURRY (ゴーゴーカレー) - Darker and richer curry sauce, with some splendidly unhealthy toppings available! Curry + rice from 530 yen • 10:55am-9:55pm • Next to Club Sega on Chuo Dori • Google Maps
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Hanamasa (肉のハナマサ) is a dirt cheap supermarket (24h). A little north of Akihabara station, to the east of Suehirocho station, along Kuramae-Hashi Dori and under the train tracks.
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
Kokumin has a store in Atre Shopping Mall (アトレ), connected to JR Akihabara station on the west side, near the Electric Town exit (10am - 9pm).
How to get there and away
From Shinjuku station, take the Sobu Line to Akihabara station (18 mins, 160 yen). From Tokyo station, take the Yamanote line to Akihabara station (4 mins, 130 yen). It’s also accessible via the Metro Hibiya Line. Recommended rail passes: Tokyo Subway Ticket, Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket, Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass
Tourist information (観光案内所)
On the second floor of the UDX building, the large complex to the north of JR Akihabara Electric Town exit (11am-5:30 pm, closed on Monday, Thursday).
Ryogoku (両国)
Ryogoku is a great choice for budget travelers, with a few free tourist sites that could easily take up a day. Home to the sumo tournaments in Tokyo, the area has the traditional atmosphere of old Tokyo. If you are only going to visit one or two museums in Japan, come to Ryogoku.
Sumo fighters preparing for battle!
Things to do
Edo-Tokyo Museum
A massive museum about the history of Tokyo, and its predecessor Edo. Features replicas and originals from as far back as the Edo era (between 1603 and 1868), a detailed timeline of the city and art from different periods. It will definitely take up at least half a day to see it all, so it’s great value for money. Excellent English descriptions available. Adults 600 yen, children and seniors 300 yen (FREE with Grutto Pass) • 9:30am-5:30pm (Saturday until 7:30pm). Closed Mondays • Just outside Ryogoku station • Google Maps • http://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/
Sumo Museum (相撲博物館)
Created to show off the rich heritage of sumo in Ryogoku, and in Japan, and to preserve this for future fans of Japan’s national sport. The museum has a host of displays showing the history of sumo, such as ceremonial aprons worn by various fighters and official rankings over the years. FREE • 10am-4:30pm (closed Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays) • Just outside Ryogoku station • Google Maps • http://www.sumo.or.jp/En
Watch Sumo
A truly awesome experience, watching sumo really blew our socks off! Even if you don’t speak Japanese, watching the fights and the ceremony around them in this all-day show will be one of your most culturally rewarding experiences in Japan. The grand, purpose-built stadium has enough traditional elements to keep the experience authentic, but all the modern facilities and takeaway joints a budget traveler needs. Just book as early as possible, otherwise prices can go sky high! Tickets from 3800 yen (book and check schedule at http://www.sumo.or.jp/EnTicket) • January, May, September (two dates in each month) • Google Maps
Former Yasuda Garden (旧安田庭園)
A medium sized traditional Japanese garden with great views of the SkyTree, and one of the prettiest free ones around. Built during the Genroku period (1688 - 1703), it feels like a miniature version of more famous Japanese gardens. The garden is also a nice place to check out during the cherry blossoms or autumn colors seasons. FREE • 9am-4:30pm • Just behind the Sumo Museum, towards Sumida river • Google Maps
Yokoamicho Park (横網町公園)
We were a little bit surprised to come across this peaceful park nearby, with its huge greenish pagoda-like temple. Also features memorials and gardens dedicated to those lost in earthquakes, Japan’s constant menace. FREE • 24h • Opposite back entrance/exit of Former Yasuda Garden • Google Maps
Travel discounts and packages
The Grutto Pass can be used to get free access to the Edo-Tokyo Museum, as well as to receive 20% off special exhibits.
Volunteer guides and tours
Edo-Tokyo Museum Volunteer Guides
Free tours of the permanent exhibition, which take about two hours. Head to the 6th floor Voluntary Guide Desk or a ticket counter to see if you can join a group. Two weeks’ notice is advised, but if you can’t do this, there is no harm in asking! https://www.edo-tokyo-museum.or.jp/en/information/
Budget food
The best street to head for cheap food is the one on the south side of Ryogoku station. Here are some highlights, from west to east:
Saint Marc (サンマルクカフェ) - not super cheap, but sells reasonably priced croissants and coffee. Also has a free water fountain. Croissants from 120 yen • 7am-11pm
Saizeriya (サイゼリヤ) - light Italian dishes, such as a small pizza or pasta dish, this is a good spot. Pizzas from 390 yen, pasta from 399 yen • 10am-12am
Matsuya (松屋) - gyudon and burgers. Meals from 290 yen • 24h
Hidakaya Ramen (日高屋) - cheap ramen chain. Ramen from 390 yen • 24h
Kojiro Ramen (ラーメン餃子館 小次郎) - a more down to earth, old school gyoza dumplings and ramen joint. Ramen from 580 yen • 11am-4am
Hinoya Curry (日乃屋カレー) - Old school Japanese curry restaurant, with decently sized portions. Curry rice from 730 yen • 11am-10pm
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
There is a reasonably priced Maruetsu Petit (マルエツ プチ) supermarket (24h). Go to the Oedo Line station, and head out exit A5, then walk down in the opposite direction of the overhead tracks and to the left at the main road. It’s across the road two blocks down.
Free wifi locations
There are plans to add wifi to the stations, but if they do not have it set up yet, head to Saint Marc cafe (サンマルクカフェ), opposite the south west side of the station.
How to get there and away
From Shinjuku station, take the Sobu Line to Ryogoku station (16 mins, 216 yen). From Tokyo station, take the Yamanote Line to Akihabara station, then the Sobu Line to Ryogoku station (9 mins, 154 yen). Recommended rail pass: Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass, Tokyo Subway Ticket
Tourist information (観光案内所)
Inside Ryogoku station (west side), open 10am-6pm.
Odaiba (お台場)
Set to be the main site of the 2020 Olympic Village, Odaiba is heading for some big changes. This man-made island was built during the boom economy in the 1980s, but when the bubble burst it was left to become a bit of a ghost town. The city has since opened up Odaiba to entertainments and shopping complexes, and the main area has been reborn as Tokyo’s favorite date spot. Companies such as Fuji TV, with its futuristic HQ, and others have slowly moved into the area, creating an often vibrant waterfront. In the summer, come on the weekends as there are often free events or festivals on. Ask at a tourist information center for what’s on.
Things to do
Odaiba Seaside Park (お台場海浜公園)
A nice place to take a stroll, with views of Tokyo city to the north. Come at night to take photos of the small Statue of Liberty (展望広場) replica, or chill out
on the artificial beach in the daytime. FREE • 24h • North of Odaiba-kaihinkoen and Tokyo Teleport stations • Google Maps
Gundam Statue (ガンダム)
Mega statue of a Gundam robot, similar to Transformers in the west. Steam rushes out of the beast’s vents in the evening. Immensely awesome! Was taken down in March 2017, projected to return autumn 2017. FREE • 24h • Outside Diver City Tokyo Plaza • Google Maps
Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Hot Spring (大江戸温泉物語)
Oedo Onsen Monogatari is an amazing hot spring, with various types of baths (including some lukewarm ones for beginners), Japanese restaurants and other lighthearted attractions. It’s almost like a hot spring theme park. Included in the price is the rental of Yukatas (traditional Japanese robes), so visitors can walk around an Edo (old Tokyo) themed town! The Japanese section of its website often has discount coupons, so ask someone who can read Japanese to check before if you can’t. Adults 2612 yen (Sat & Sun 2828 yen) (500 yen discount after 6pm), children 1058 yen • 11am-9am • On south side, next to Telecom Center station • Google Maps • http://daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/en/
Panasonic Center (パナソニックセンター)
This free exhibition shows off Panasonic’s latest technology and prototypes for the future, including a ‘home of the future’ and a Nintendo showcase (2F). Not essential, but worth a visit if you have time. FREE • 10am-5pm • Near Kokusai-Tenjijo station. Walk over Yumenoo Bridge (夢の大橋) and straight down 10 minutes • Google Maps
Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (日本科学未来館)
A more in-depth technology showcase, this is the place to interact with the latest robots from companies such as Honda or Sony, with creations such as Asimo making appearances in the past. The museum has all the latest emerging technology from this tech-crazy country, with excellent English explanations provided in the vast exhibitions. Adults 620 yen, children 210 yen • 10am-5pm (closed on Tuesday and New Year holidays) • Just north of Telecom Center station • Google Maps