How much cash should I bring to Tokyo?

Bring $500-800 cash minimum. Many restaurants, convenience stores, and transport only take cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices work with foreign cards and have English menus.

Is it really cheaper to eat at convenience stores?

Yes. A full meal (onigiri, side dish, drink) costs $5-7 at konbini versus $15-25 at restaurants. The quality is surprisingly good and food is made fresh throughout the day.

What's the cheapest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?

Take the Access Express train for $10-12, takes about 1 hour. Avoid the Skyliner ($37) and taxis ($200+). The regular Keisei line is cheapest at $8 but takes 75 minutes.

Can I survive without speaking Japanese?

Yes. Major stations and tourist areas have English signs. Download Google Translate with camera function. Point at menu items. Most young people speak some English.

How to Save Money in Tokyo on a Budget

Tokyo can cost as little as $50-70 per day if you stay in hostels, eat at convenience stores and local chains, use day passes for transport, and focus on free activities like parks and temples. Avoid tourist areas, shop at supermarkets after 8pm for discounts, and take advantage of Tokyo's excellent free wifi.

Book budget accommodation outside central Tokyo. Stay in hostels in Asakusa, Ueno, or Shibuya for $25-35/night. Capsule hotels cost $30-45/night. Business hotels in outer areas like Ikebukuro run $50-70/night. Book directly with properties to avoid booking fees.
Master the convenience store meal strategy. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson sell quality meals for $3-6. Hot food includes karaage, onigiri, and bento boxes. Combine with supermarket shopping after 8pm when prepared foods get 30-50% discounts.
Buy transport day passes. Tokyo Metro 24-hour pass costs $8 and covers most destinations. JR Yamanote Line day pass is $7.50. Calculate your trips first - if you're taking 4+ rides, the pass saves money.
Eat at chain restaurants and food courts. Yoshinoya, Matsuya, and Sukiya serve rice bowls for $4-6. Department store basement food courts offer quality meals for $6-10. Ramen shops typically cost $7-12 for a full meal.
Focus on free and cheap attractions. Temple visits are free (Senso-ji, Meiji Shrine). Tokyo government building observation decks cost nothing. Museums have discount days - many are half price on certain weekdays.

How much cash should I bring to Tokyo?: Bring $500-800 cash minimum. Many restaurants, convenience stores, and transport only take cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven and post offices work with foreign cards and have English menus.
Is it really cheaper to eat at convenience stores?: Yes. A full meal (onigiri, side dish, drink) costs $5-7 at konbini versus $15-25 at restaurants. The quality is surprisingly good and food is made fresh throughout the day.
What's the cheapest way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo?: Take the Access Express train for $10-12, takes about 1 hour. Avoid the Skyliner ($37) and taxis ($200+). The regular Keisei line is cheapest at $8 but takes 75 minutes.
Can I survive without speaking Japanese?: Yes. Major stations and tourist areas have English signs. Download Google Translate with camera function. Point at menu items. Most young people speak some English.