We all know that a trip to Tokyo can be an expensive one. But it is still possible to visit Tokyo USD800 – everything included! Here’s a guide to how you can do it for a 5 days and 4 nights trip to Tokyo.
1. Flight
I’ve got to admit – your flight will take up the bulk of your expenses. So, do keep a look out for flight deals. I’ve always used Expedia to scour for flight prices and they usually return my searches with affordable prices (taxes included).
Here, I’ve chosen Delta Airlines as it is a direct flight and it is cheap too! :) Plus, the arrival time is not too late (and from prior experience, Delta Airlines arrived at the destination earlier than the stipulated time). Yay!
Flight cost: USD $364.50/pax
#HHWT Tip: The best time to fly out will be on Tuesdays to Thursdays – the crowd is considerably lesser and the price of the flight is relatively cheaper. And don’t forget to book your flights about 180 days (or more) earlier too!
2. Accommodation
Here’s another one that will take up another large chunk of your expenses too. At this point, I’m sure you’ll be asking if we can make it within our budget, right? Hehe. Don’t worry, we can still do it! :)
For accommodation, I would recommend booking on Expedia as there is a very extensive selection of hotels and it will show you the different prices too. There are a number of options which are definitely affordable!
Expedia
For 4 nights, the price shown is certainly reasonably priced as it is for two people. This hotel is an aparthotel, so this means that a kitchenette is also provided in the rooms. This is definitely useful for us Muslims when we want to prepare our own breakfast or heat up any food we bought from outside ?
Cost: USD $93.68/pax for 4 nights
Airbnb
Another one of my favourite places to book my accommodations would be Airbnb. There are a lot of unique places to stay at and most of the hosts are very friendly and will ensure that you have a pleasant stay in their place.
Cost: USD $220/pax (for 4 nights)
Cost: USD $176/pax (for 4 nights)
Do keep in mind that Airbnb charges for cleaning fee as well as service fee. So, the total amount might be slightly more than the amount stated per night. From here, you can see that you really need to search for and choose the suitable apartment for yourself as some apartments cost more than others!
#HHWT Tip: If you want to save more, why not book both flight and hotel together on Expedia? Here’s what I’ve got.
This will work out to about USD $444.47 per pax. Definitely a cheaper option! It will definitely save you the hassle of booking everything separately while trying to coordinate everything to be together. When you save money here, you will surely more money for everything else now! :D
3. Transportation
You would need some money for transportation to get you from Narita Airport to downtown Tokyo and back, as well as to go to your destinations around Tokyo. Since you’ll be coming from Narita Airport, the most convenient way would be to get on the Narita Express. It’ll allow you to alight at certain convenient stations and the seats in the trains are so, so, so comfortable!
Narita Express
Credit: gaijinpot
It'll cost you USD $34 (4000¥) for a two-way trip and it is definitely better (and cheaper!) to get it because it’ll save you the trouble of having to buy a one-way one, which has other fares to be included.
PASMO prepaid card
Pic credit: Pasmo.co.jp
I would also recommend getting the PASMO card for your travels in Tokyo (get a Suica card if you're planning to travel out of Tokyo!). This card can be purchased at Narita Airport itself, so it’s easy for you too! For the first time you’re purchasing the card, you’ll have to pay USD $8.50 (1000¥) where half can be used for payments of your trips while the other half is for deposit. You can just top up the card as and when you need it. Based on my experience, USD $40 is more than enough for a 5D4N trip in Tokyo! ?
Tokyo Subway Ticket
Alternatively, you can also get the Tokyo Subway Ticket, which will give you unlimited access to 13 routes and over 250 stations on both the Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines! There are tickets for 24 hours (1 day), 48 hours (2 days) and 72 hours (3 days)- so do consider it if you're travelling exclusively by subway within Tokyo ?
Credit: Klook
You can get a 2-day ticket and a 3-day ticket for only USD26 (SGD35) on Klook, and collect it when you arrive at Narita (or Haneda) airport!
Total cost: USD $74
4. Food
Well, you definitely need to try the Japanese food – especially when it’s halal! But since we’re on a budget, here’s a breakdown of the number of meals we will be having during the 5D4N trip in Tokyo (although some of us, like me, might want to have more. Hehe).
| Day | Meals | Cost |
| Day 1 | Dinner | About USD $8 to $15 per meal |
| Day 2 | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Day 3 | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Day 4 | Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
| Day 5 | Breakfast and Lunch |
Want to find out more on where you can get your fill of halal Japanese food? Check out our Tokyo guide!
I’ve budgeted for USD $15 per meal, although some meals can cost much, much cheaper. I also brought some packets of biscuits as well as milo for my breakfast, so that I can skip the hassle of trying to rush for breakfast in the hotel or trying to look for food so early in the morning :) Plus, this will also allow me to try out more food in Tokyo!
Tsukiji Market is a large wholesale market which sells fish, fruits and vegetables. Visitors to the market also come here to witness the tuna auction as well as eat very fresh sashimi. Do visit the market now as it will be closing down and will be shifting out in the later part of this year!
Want to see the tuna auction? Check out their calendar here and do note that only 120 visitors are allowed to see this each day.
Take in the sights of Tokyo from high above
Credit: alex-aroundtheworld.com
Want to see how Japan looks like from above? Go on up to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s observation deck and take in the spectacular view! It’s said that on some days when it is clear, you can even get to see Mount Fuji from here. Who knows… it might just be your lucky day!
Cost: Totally free!
(Unless if you do buy some halal arare or green tea for souvenir in Nakamise-dori, USD $30 would be enough)
6. Souvenirs
You definitely have to check out the 100-yen shops as well as Daiso! These places have got almost everything from household utensils to toys and stationeries – you name it, they have it! All items are sold at only 100-yen per piece, so they won’t be burning a hole in your pockets!
Credit: scene.sg
Credit: japanlover.me
Trust me; there’ll be something for everyone in the family and for the people at your workplace too! :D
Cost: USD $60 (With this amount, you can get about 60 different things. Hehe.)
Here’s the full breakdown of all your expenses on the trip:
| Flights + Accommodation | USD $444.47 |
| Food | USD $180 |
| Transportation | USD $40 |
| Sightseeing | USD $30 |
| Souvenirs | USD $60 |
| Total | USD $754.47 |
| Balance | USD $45.53 |
So there you have it – everything in under USD800! Of course, this is just a rough guideline for your trip. If you feel that you want to do more (shopping and sightseeing), do feel free to do so. Just remember that it’ll cost more than the suggested amount. Have fun planning for your trip and enjoy yourselves in Tokyo!