The Eastern Capital is known as much for its food as for its high prices. As one of the world’s most expensive cities, Tokyo’s restaurant scene might seem like a natural enemy to your precious vacation fund, but a little insider information will turn those worries into savings. Sweet, teriyaki-glazed savings.
Eat a Big Lunch
While the dinner prices of many Tokyo restaurants can look intimidating, most establishments offer reasonable lunch specials. If you go big on lunch and opt for a lighter dinner, you’ll have plenty of yen left over to grab some of Tokyo’s famous dorayaki for dessert.
Eat at Department Stores
Common sense tells us if we want to save money, we should avoid tourist hot spots. But that’s only half of the equation. Where do you go from there? The first stop on your list should be department stores. More specifically, the diners beneath department stores. Tokyo is brimming with shopping centers, most of which boast small, modest basement diners, and the food there is fantastic, inexpensive and no-nonsense. You’ll feel you’ve discovered a local secret.
Cheaper Real Estate
If you’re willing to venture off the beaten path for some fairly priced, authentic, Japanese cuisine, you’ll want to explore the northern and eastern areas of the city, such as Ikebukuro and Senjuvisit. There you’ll find a more working-class aesthetic that’s generous to your wallet and to your stomach.
Budget Restaurants
While downtown Tokyo is generally quite pricey, there are exceptions to every rule. If you take a few minutes to research highly-rated budget restaurants, you’re bound to find one you like. For example, sushi lovers might try Nemuro Hanamaru, a surprisingly tasty conveyor-belt sushi shop in the Kitte Shopping Mall. If you’ve come for the seafood, head to Nogizaka Uoshin, a casual fish-shack style eatery in midtown Roppongi. And if soba noodles are your thing, stop by the century-old Tokyo landmark, Kanda Yabu Soba.
Read This Next
Dine Out on a Budget in Boston
Destination
Sep 14, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedCruises
Nov 28, 2023This Cruise Guarantees You’ll See the Northern Lights
Anyone who’s visited a destination known for its northern lights viewing during certain times of the year knows, just because you visit doesn’t mean you’ll be able to actually see the northern lights. A lot has to come together for them to be visible, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you might be out of luck. However, a new cruise aims to help travelers avoid the disappointment of traveling across the world just to be left lightless.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
Destinations / Africa
Nov 28, 20236 Must-See Sites in Nairobi, Kenya
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are six must-see sites in Nairobi, Kenya.
Destinations / North America
Nov 28, 2023Which NFL Stadiums Are Best for Bar Hopping?
With the NFL season in full swing and games already booked for months, there’s more than one reason to look forward to cheering on your favorite team. What better way to celebrate (or mourn a loss) after a game than visiting some great bars within walking distance of these massive NFL stadiums?
Sponsored Content
Your Home Away from Home in Dallas
Open spaces, open thinking and open expression thrive at Aloft Dallas Downtown.
Sustainability
Nov 27, 2023Hotels Giving Back Through Inspiring Initiatives
More and more travelers want to feel good about the hotel they stay in and the trips they take. They want to know their vacation isn’t harming the environment and local community they are visiting. These hotels go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to local communities, employees, the environment and more.
ShareThis