When to splurge vs. save travelling through Tokyo

Food glorious food! There are so so many options when it comes to eating delicious food in Tokyo whether you’re looking to make it rain Wagyu or scraping the BBQ with Okonomiyaki. There are more Michelin star restaurant than you can poke a chopstick at (Tokyo has more than any other city in the world), and plenty of cheap and delicious street eats like Takoyaki (doughy octopus balls). Japan also has the freshest sashimi you’ve ever tried, especially from Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market. Japan has food to fit every budget and it’s worth trying a little from each. 

 

 

Since you’ll be in the city that holds the world record for the most Michelin star restaurants, why not treat yourself to a dining experience like no other (when in Rome...or rather Toyko right)? Tokyo currently lays claim to 13 three-star restaurants, 52 two-star and 165 one-star establishments, 29 of which are brand new, so the choice is yours.  

 

For a three star experience don’t go past Japanese restaurant Kanda, famed sushi restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro Honten, or French restaurants Quintessence and Joël Robuchon. Or if you’re feeling brave, try Japanese restaurant Yamadaya which specializes in the potentially poisonous Fugu (pufferfish), sliced with expert precision.

 

To save the dollarydoos for other activities you can find street eats like Okonomiyaki (a cabbage-based Japanese omelette), Ramen, Yakitori (BBQ chicken skewers) and Yakisoba (fried noodles) inexpensively pretty much everywhere. Other yummy cheap treats to try include green tea ice cream, mochi balls and Yatsuhashi (both made from rice flour).

 

Where do you begin when trying to describe all of the incredible activities and sites to both splurge and save your money on when in Japan. From ancient temples and shrines to karaoke rooms, tea ceremonies and of course the shopping! There’s so much choice, in fact almost too much. 

 

Hands down one of the best experiences to have in Japan is to see it through the eyes of a local which is why single day tours with a local guide are absolutely worth every yen. I’d recommend the Urban Adventures’ Tokyo After 5 tour. 

 

Each day tour adventure lasts about 4-5 hours and is lead by an English speaking local who will show you the hidden laneway eateries and explain interesting facts about the history and culture of everything from Shintoism to the creation of Monjayaki . Tours start at around NZD$100 and are well worth the price tag. 

 

There are so many temples and shrines in Tokyo and many of them are either free or require only a small entrance fee or donation. They’re the absolute glimmering beacons of the city and you can’t visit Tokyo without seeing at least one. If you only make it to one temple while visiting, then make it the Sensoji Temple. It is a Buddhist temple with a history that stretches back over 1300 years. It also lays claim to hosting Japan's oldest shopping street, Nakamise-dori. This street will guide you to the temple where you can pick up a traditional snacks or wooden ornamental gift along the way.