How expensive is Tokyo?

Question

I hear that Tokyo is one of most expensive cities in the world. Is this true? I woud really like to go Japan for vacation one day.

For one week, how much would it cost in yen?

Answer 1

This is a very popular question that a lot of people are asking. Your best bet is to do a bit of a search on the site and see what others have told you. I'll give you a quick rundown of the major points however.

1) Hotel - you can normally find one between 8000 and 15000 yen a night. I've seen rooms as low as 6000 yen and as much as 50,000 yen so you figure out which is better for your budget. If you're going to be around for a while, you might consider such places as gaijin or guest houses. Some of them do rent by the week, such as http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/. You get a room with a bed, place to keep your stuff and a TV. If you're really budget minded, they do have backpacker rooms which means you and 3 other people might share it.

2) Food - if your hotel has a free breakfast then take advantage of it. If it's a breakfast buffet, then fill up on it and you won't have to worry so much about lunch. Otherwise you're looking at 2500 - 6000 yen a day on food depending on what you eat and where you go. Alcohol is of course extra but you can get it just about anywhere.

3) Travel - forget the taxi and take the train. Tokyo has one of the most efficient transit systems in the world and it covers most of Tokyo. The only downside to it is that it's distance based, so the further you go the more you pay. I would count on about 1000 yen each way provided you're not going too far. You might look into getting a JR Rail pass. They're available outside of Japan only but you'll save a lot on it.

4) Shopping - Tokyo has a lot of places to shop, but some stores are very expensive. It might be tempting to buy that new camera, but chances are you can get it for the same price elsewhere.

So I would say bring at least $1000 for a week. ATMs here do not accept foreign cards with the exception of the Post Office ATMs and the ones for Citibank. These will only work for you if you're on the Plus! system. Although I think Citibank is also on Cirrus, but don't quote me on that.

Answer 2

Tokyo is not only the political and economical centre of Japan but it has also emerged as a centre of the world economy and culture so is a city worth visit; with hotelbye you will see more. There are a number of attractions in Tokyo that should not be missed. There are large-scale downtown areas, including Ginza where famous shops from around the world stand side by side, the sleepless Shinjuku that has become the "new city centre of Tokyo," Asakusa which is reminiscent of the traditional Edo (the former name of Tokyo) and Shibuya that starts the trends for the young people. Tokyo is an interesting city, a city that you will never forget once you visit it.

Answer 3

Tokyo is no longer even close to being one of the the most expensive cities in the world. As a matter of fact prices here pale in comparison to cities like London, New York, Paris, LA and even Hong Kong. Prices have come down A LOT just in the past few years as the yen has grown considerably weaker against most currencies.

The best way to avoid expense is to get a Japan rail pass in your country through a travel agent. This will enable you to travel all over Japan by any JR train or bus (including most shinkansen). Do your research where to stay. Guesthouses are all over the place and are fairly cheap (3,000-5,000 yen pp) and some even include meals. Cheap family style restaurants, fast food type "beef bowl" restaraunts, noodle shops, even 100 yen sushi places are everywhere and one big plus...you don`t have to tip!

Whatever you do...avoid taking taxis (they are the one thing that can get you into big financial trouble in a hurry) and remember, you don`t have to stay at the big fancy hotels. Business hotels, love hotels and even some spas offer accomodation for under 10,000 yen (currently 80 USD) per night and they are everywhere!

Answer 4

RIDDICULOUS. Everything is expensive and dont ask about how much it would cost in yen that will confuse you. Ask how much in Dollars.

The exchange rate is 1/84.

The rate isnt the problem though. Its the cost of living which is incredibly high. If you want to go to Tokyo and have fun for a week save up about 3 grand.

Answer 5

One week is not enough time.you really need a few weeks.
you can travel very cheaply if you only eat at local places
and stay at cheap hostels. if you are a student traveller. hang out at the universities meet other students and stay for free. eat for free. teach them convesational english. in return for the free housing and food. that is what i did. and you get what you are really after ; meeting and experiencing Japanese people. if you go to japan as a tourist and only going for the sites, you are wasting your time.
find your self a job and stay for a few months.

Answer 6

You can easily spend $1000 yuan or $120 USD for a meal there. How much it costs depends how you live and what you do. It is more expensive than New York by far.