Tokyo Cheapo

Tokyo is often seen as a highly expensive city, but since 2012, we've been dedicated to changing that perception! Our platform attracts 350,000 visitors each month, making it one of the top English-language resources for everything related to Tokyo. We’re also excited to announce our presence on YouTube! Join our channel for valuable tips, tricks, and regular updates on how to enjoy Tokyo without breaking the bank. We cover a wide range of topics, from essentials like transportation, lodging, dining, and activities, to more specialized subjects such as culture, art, and subcultures. We also explore less-traveled paths and share the quirky and amazing experiences that make this vast Far Eastern city unique.

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Articles

Luis Mendo on Working as a Creative in Japan — Interview | Tokyo Cheapo

6 days ago | tokyocheapo.com | Patrick Balfe

Meeting Luis Mendo in his new town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, it would be easy to mistake him for a long-term local. As he effortlessly pulled people in for a chat, a photo, or an impromptu Spanish lesson, it was hard to believe the extroverted artist and former Tokyoite had only moved there one week earlier. In his career as an illustrator and creative director of the Tokyo-based artist residence, Almost Perfect, his community-centric nature has played a big role in his success.
Tokyo Events This Week: Kanda Matsuri, Thai Festival, and the Sumo Tournament

2 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Dates:Mar 21–May 20, 2025Price:Adults:Advance sales: ¥9,000Thai FestivalTokyo’s Thai Festival is back! As you can expect, there will be a bundle of events, including Thai sports, dancing, and music, but the real draw of this festival is the food, from delicious fruits to spicy street food.
Tokyo Events This Week: Kurayami Festival, Meiji Shrine Performances, and Giant Kites

3 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Tokyo events for Monday, April 28 to Sunday, May 4, 2025. This week we are treated to not one, not two, but three public holidays: Shōwa Day, Constitution Memorial Day, and Greenery Day. (Don’t worry, there will be plenty more next week too.)This means you can expect a lot of traditional annual festivals held at shrines and temples around Tokyo, including the very popular Meiji Shrine. What else? Giant kites, gun shows, food fairs, and acrobatics on ladders.
Mount Fuji Bookings To Open for 2025 Season

3 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Reservations for climbing Mt. Fuji are officially opening for the 2025 season. If you’re planning to hike the famous Yoshida Trail — the most popular route — you can book a spot online. Advance bookings for the Yoshida Trail are possible from 1 p.m. on April 24 (Japan Standard Time). It costs ¥4,000 per hiker, and payment can be made online. A digital ticket will then be issued.
Tokyo Events May 2025: 7 Not To Miss

3 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Dates:May 16–May 18, 2025Entry:FreeVenues:Asakusa Shrine, Sensōji Temple, Nakamise Shopping Street Find a Creative Job in Japan 3.
Tokyo Events This Week: Sumo, Food Fests, and Cute Poop

4 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Dates:Apr 26, 2025Entry:FreeYokohama Sumo Tournament Spring TourNo trip is complete without seeing sumo, one of Japan’s most well-known cultural offerings. These traveling sumo tours make their way around Japan in between the larger sumo tournaments but are just as exciting. Dates:Apr 26, 2025Hachioji Sumo Tournament Spring TourThe Hachioji Sumo Spring Tour is an easy way to see the sport up close, especially if you aren’t around for the big Tokyo sumo tournaments.
Tokyo Events This Week: Asakusa Yabusame and a Wisteria Festival

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Dates:Mar 15–Jun 13, 2025Entry:FreeRare Film Screening and Meeting Its HeroesSee a rare showing of Life is Climbing, the winner of the 2024 Japanese Movie Critics Award (Best Documentary). The film will be shown in Japanese with English subtitles.
Dates Announced for Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival 2025

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

The biggest fireworks festival in Tokyo will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 in 2025. The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival is a highlight on the summer events calendar, attracting huge numbers of attendees. You can expect approximately 20,000 fireworks, launched from two different locations along the Sumida River. According to The Japan News, you can also expect close to 1 million other people to attend. For more details, see our Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival event page.
3 Things To See at Glass Rock in Toranomon Hills

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Glass Rock, the newest part of the Toranomon Hills complex in Minato Ward, has officially completed its phased opening to the public as of April 9, 2025. The edgy, light-filled building is positioned between Station Tower and Mori Tower, connecting the two via a wide pedestrian walkway. There are only a small number of shops and restaurants in Glass Rock — but here’s what to see among them. 1.
"Move in With Just a Suitcase" - Instant Apartment Rentals in English

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Japanese room-rental service unito has launched English-language support on its mobile search platform, in response to growing demand for mid- to long-term stays among international travelers. Users can find rooms that are available for immediate occupancy — as soon as the next day (or in theory even the same day). The plug-and-play units include furniture, appliances, Wi-Fi, and other essentials, making it possible to move in with nothing more than a suitcase.