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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Tokyo Events This Week: Asakusa Yabusame and a Wisteria Festival

1 week 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.
Tokyo Events This Week: Nemophila, Kamakura Festival, and a Dog Carnival

2 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Dates:Apr 11–Apr 29, 2025Entry:FreeKameido Tenjin Wisteria FestivalWith over 100 plants, Kameido Tenjin Shrine remains the best place in Tokyo to see wisteria — fuji in Japanese — in bloom. Within the shrine, the most famous view is of the vermillion drum bridge with wisteria blossoms in the foreground. Dates:Apr 5–Apr 30, 2025Entry:FreeShiofune Kannon Temple Azalea FestivalEach year, for around a month, the mountain behind Shiofune Temple bursts into color.
Tokyo Metro Launches New Tourist Pass

3 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

Tokyo Metro has partnered with Linktivity, an e-ticketing platform provider, to launch the Tokyo City Pass, a new tourist pass that combines unlimited subway rides with discounted entry to Tokyo sightseeing spots. It joins an extensive line-up of existing Tokyo transport passes, but stands out in value for money, with potential savings of 60%-80%, as reported by the provider.
New Tokyo Restaurant Deliberately Serves Half-Size Portions

3 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Carey Finn

TikTok and Instagram are full of all-you-can-eat gyoza and kilogram-bowls of ramen in Japan, but it’s not often you see a restaurant focused on smaller portions. Nibun no Ichi, or 1/2 in English, is a new eatery in Ginza built around the idea that a little less is so much more. On the B3 basement level of the newly renovated Ginza Sony Park, 1/2 is not yet on the foodie radar. The restaurant opened in late January this year, with minimal fuss or media coverage, in keeping with its ethos.
Tokyo Events This Week: Kanamara Penis Festival and Last-Chance Cherry Blossoms

3 weeks ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Dates:23rd Mar–8th Apr, 2025Limited-Time Wagyū Course at Latina ParrillaTwo culinary worlds clash together for this limited-time feast. Taste the bold flavors of South American grilling paired with the finesse of Japanese wagyū at Latina Parrilla. Dates:21st Mar–20th Apr, 2025Price:Adults:At the door: ¥9,000Kanamara Penis FestivalYou read that right.
Tokyo Events April 2025: 7 Not to Miss

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

April is the best time to be in Tokyo — you can take advantage of all the events and festivals dedicated to spring flowers, among other things. The cherry blossoms are blooming later than expected this year, so you can still catch them at the beginning of April. There are also plenty of late-blooming varieties at the end of the month. As the weather warms up, Tokyo residents take to the streets for parades, traditional festivals, and puppies.
Tokyo Events This Week: Tokyo Holi, Sakura, and Punkspring

1 month ago | tokyocheapo.com | Alexandra Ziminski

Dates:30th Mar, 2025Entry:FreeArk Hills Cherry Blossom FestivalIf you want to stroll down a cherry blossom-lined street without big crowds, then head to Spain-zaka near Ark Hills. While there aren’t really any places to put down a mat for a picnic, the area is great for an evening stroll. Dates:28th Mar–30th Mar, 2025Entry:FreePunkspringPunkspring brings back the ultimate hit of music nostalgia. There are a plethora of big names on the bill: Iggy Pop, Bad Religion, The Cro-Magnons, Sex Pistols ft.