Tokyo on a Student Budget

Your 3–5 Day Trip Planner

Budget Stays & Food

Accommodation and food are the biggest expenses for any trip. Fortunately, Tokyo offers excellent budget options for both. Below you'll find recommended hostels and guesthouses perfect for students, plus a guide to eating well without spending too much.

Budget Accommodation

Hostels and guesthouses are ideal for student travellers. They're affordable, often have social common areas and shared kitchens, and are great places to meet other travellers. Dorm beds typically start from around ¥3,000–4,000 per night, though prices vary by season and availability.

CITAN Hostel (Nihonbashi)

A modern, centrally-located hostel in the Nihonbashi area with excellent access to major districts and both Narita and Haneda airports. CITAN offers dorm beds and private rooms, plus an on-site coffee shop and a basement bar and lounge area. The social atmosphere makes it easy to meet fellow travellers, and the location is perfect for exploring Tokyo.

Price range: Dorm beds from around ¥3,500–4,500 per night

Why stay here: Central location, social vibe, good transport links

Guesthouse Toco (Taito / Iriya)

A charming traditional-style guesthouse set in a beautifully renovated 1920s wooden house with a small Japanese garden. Located in east Tokyo near Ueno and Asakusa, Toco offers a cosy, homely atmosphere that feels authentically Japanese. The communal spaces encourage interaction, and the quiet neighbourhood provides a more local experience.

Price range: Dorm beds from around ¥3,000–3,800 per night

Why stay here: Traditional atmosphere, peaceful neighbourhood, close to Ueno and Asakusa

UNPLAN Shinjuku

A contemporary hostel in Shinjuku offering dorm beds, semi-private pod-style beds, and private rooms. UNPLAN features social common areas, a shared kitchen, and breakfast options. Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's major hubs, making this an excellent base for nightlife and connections to the rest of the city.

Price range: Dorm beds from around ¥3,800–5,000 per night

Why stay here: Modern facilities, central Shinjuku location, great nightlife access

Almond Hostel & Cafe Shibuya

A friendly hostel with an on-site cafe located near Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine, just a short train ride from Shibuya Crossing. Almond offers compact dorms and a relaxed atmosphere. The cafe serves breakfast and coffee, and the location provides easy access to both Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Price range: Dorm beds from around ¥3,500–4,200 per night

Why stay here: Close to major sights, on-site cafe, friendly staff

Tips for booking budget accommodation:

  • Book early, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom season (late March–April) and autumn foliage (November)
  • Read recent reviews on sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com
  • Check if the hostel has a shared kitchen to save money on meals
  • Always verify current prices as they can fluctuate
  • Consider the location in relation to the areas you want to visit

Cheap Eats & Student-Friendly Food

Eating in Tokyo doesn't have to be expensive. From convenience stores to budget restaurant chains, there are plenty of ways to enjoy delicious Japanese food without breaking the bank. Aim to spend around ¥1,500–3,000 per day on food by mixing convenience store meals with cheap restaurant options.

Gyudon Chains – Yoshinoya, Matsuya, Sukiya

Gyudon (beef bowl) chains serve bowls of thinly sliced beef simmered in a sweet-savoury sauce over rice. Meals typically cost around ¥500–700 and are extremely filling. These restaurants are fast, common near train stations, and perfect when you need a quick, cheap meal between sightseeing.

What to order: Basic gyudon, or try variations with extra toppings like cheese or kimchi

Saizeriya (Family Restaurant)

An incredibly affordable Italian-style family restaurant chain that's hugely popular with Japanese students. Saizeriya offers pizza, pasta, doria (rice gratin), and more, with most dishes under ¥500. They also have an all-you-can-drink soft drink bar. It's a great choice for groups or when you want to sit and relax for a while.

What to order: Margherita pizza, Milanese doria, or pasta sets with the drink bar

Curry Chains – CoCo Ichibanya

Japanese curry is thick, mildly spiced, and served with rice. CoCo Ichibanya lets you customise your curry by choosing the spice level, rice portion, and toppings. Prices are reasonable at around ¥600–900, and the menus often have pictures making ordering easy for first-timers.

What to order: Start with level 2 or 3 spice, add toppings like pork cutlet or vegetables

Convenience Stores (Konbini) – 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson

Japanese convenience stores are on another level. They sell fresh onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, bento boxes, salads, snacks, and hot and cold drinks. You can easily get a filling meal for ¥300–600. Konbini are open 24/7 and are perfect for cheap breakfasts, quick lunches, and late-night snacks when restaurants are closed.

What to buy: Tuna mayo onigiri, chicken karaage, egg salad sandwiches, seasonal bento boxes

Ramen & Standing Sushi Bars

While prices vary more than the chains above, many ramen shops offer bowls for ¥700–1,000, and standing sushi bars (tachinomi sushi) can be surprisingly affordable. These are great when you want something more authentic but still budget-friendly.

What to order: Shoyu or miso ramen; at sushi bars, order a few pieces of your favourites

Money-saving food tips:

  • Use convenience stores for breakfast and snacks to save money
  • Aim for 1–2 sit-down meals per day and fill in with konbini
  • Many restaurants offer cheaper lunch sets (teishoku) between 11am–2pm
  • Bring a refillable water bottle; tap water in Tokyo is safe to drink
  • Look for vending machines for cheap drinks (around ¥100–150)