Cheap Activities in Tokyo What can you do in Tokyo for under 5,000 Yen?
For international visitors to Japan, many activities may be cheap due to the current exchange power of the Japanese Yen. However, Tokyo can be deceptively expensive.
Many of the experiences that make the city memorable actually cost much less than people expect. From traditional entertainment in Asakusa to rooftop views in Shibuya, there are plenty of ways to experience Tokyo without spending more than 5,000 yen. Here are a few activities, restaurants, and attractions that make it possible:
Visit Senso-Ji
Cost: 0¥ / Free
Location: Asakusa, Central North-East Tokyo
Sensō-ji is Tokyo’s oldest temple and one of the city’s most visited cultural landmarks. Located in Asakusa, here you can expect to see:
- traditional and modern storefronts, selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs and gifts
- snack stands with various japanese food, drinks, and candy
- A lively outdoor area with people visiting from all over the world.
Inside the temple, Japanese locals participate in a form of worship/prayer called “omairi”, or “sanpai”. This involves:
- washing your hands and mouth at a small water pavilion
- offering a coin donation
- Bow twice, clap twice
- Make a prayer of your choosing
- Bow once more.
The temple experience is free, but any extra shopping for souvenirs and gifts may hurt your wallet.
Visit teamLab Planets TOKYO
Cost: ¥4000 – ¥4800 (purchase tickets in advance)
Location: Toyosu, South-East Tokyo
One of the most popular indoor experiences in Tokyo, purchasing your tickets weeks in advance is recommended. Same day tickets are sometimes available for purchase, but definitely not guaranteed.
teamLab Planets Tokyo is an interactive art exhibition, allowing you to “immerse yourself physically in the massive artwork space, perceive them with your body, and become one with the art”.
Walk through various vibrant, colorful environments and step into a new universe you’ve never experienced before. Words cannot effectively describe the experience, so click here to take a look for yourself at the experience.
Visit Shibuya Sky
Cost: ¥2200 – ¥3000 (purchase tickets in advance)
Location: Shibuya, Central South-West Tokyo
Shibuya Sky offers a unobstructed, 360-degree, panoramic view of Tokyo from above the city. Look down on the chaos of Shibuya Scramble Square from the observation deck, with a perfect view of both the sunrise and sunset.
You can look over Tokyo from 3 levels: (1) The Sky Gate on the 15th floor,
(2) The Sky Gallery, an indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor, and (3) The Sky Stage, a rooftop observation space,
Important information:
Baggage cannot be brought to the observation deck, but lockers are provided to ticketed customers.
If you are late to your scheduled admission time, you may be refused entry.
Watch Taishu Engeki at the Asakusa Mokubakan
Cost: ¥3000 – ¥4500
Location: Asakusa, Central North-West Tokyo
Come and enjoy Japan how the locals do, in a local theatre which has been running for almost 100 years. Taishu Engeki is traditional Japanese theatre which offers a dance show, requiring no Japanese language ability.
Witness master performers, typically travelling families, at their best. Have the chance to see extravagant outfits, over-the-top performances, and witness how Japanese locals react to seeing their favorite celebrities intimately perform in kimonos. Every show every day is totally different, with both an afternoon (2:00pm) and evening (7:30pm) show available for viewing. English translation and guidance is also available.
Japanese Theatrical Drama tickets are also available for purchase for customers not worried about Japanese language ability.
Karaoke is one of the most popular past times in Japan, regardless of your age, income, or occupation, due to it’s affordability. If you are in a busy city district of Tokyo, for example Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, Akihabara, or Ueno, you can find multiple karaoke bars on every street. Just use your preferred maps app and search for “karaoke” in your area, or simply walk in to the first karaoke bar you find.
Although prices vary between franchises, you can find affordable hourly rates for individuals, small groups, or large groups. Self-serve alcohol bars are also available for groups where everyone is 18 years or older. If you are feeling particularly excited for karaoke, you can hire a private room between the hours of 10:00pm to 7:00am for a set fee, however this may be more than 5,000 yen per person.
English and Japanese languages are available on the karaoke machines, although staff are not likely to speak English.
“Kawaii Culture” is a huge phenomenon in Japan, especially in Tokyo and Osaka. The Japanese Purikura photo booth is a way for you and your friends to become the cutest versions of yourselves for a very cheap price. Make your face smaller and your eyes bigger with filters and editing, or take fun photos without any editing for the enjoyment of the photo booth. You will also be given physical photo strips after your shoot session as a memory, and you can also download digital versions via QR code.
Photo booths are available all over the city, but are always readily available in game centres and shopping malls. “Taito Station” is one of the more popular and easy to find game centres to find a Purikura photo booth.
Both English and Japanese language services are typically available.
Try Conveyor Belt Sushi
Cost: ¥1500 – ¥3000 per person (roughly ¥300 per small plate of Sushi)
Locations: Sushiro, Kura Sushi, and more
Conveyor belt sushi is one of the easiest ways to try multiple types of sushi in Tokyo without spending a large amount of money. Chains such as Sushiro and Kura Sushi are popular because of their affordable prices, touchscreen ordering systems and wide variety of sushi options. Order dozens of small plates of sushi between the group
Very little, or no Japanese language is required. You may be greeted by a Japanese staff member, but you will be guided to a seat with a tablet for ordering with English options. After you have finished, there is usually a self-serve register to finalize your order with cash or card. For many visitors, it becomes an easy way to experience Japanese food culture while staying within budget.
