Solo Female Travel in Tokyo – 3 days on a 200 Dollar Budget
One Planet Journey’s Ulyana Kallander heads to Tokyo on a mission. With a strict travel budget of 200 dollars, can she experience the magic of Tokyo? As a solo female traveller, she takes on the challenge, navigating Japan’s capital with limited funds while ensuring safety, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. Ulyana invites you to discover cosy capsule hotels, midnight convenience store snacks, breathtaking shrines, and a romantic side to the metropolis. Ready to see how far a tight budget takes you in one of the world’s most exciting cities?
Curious about Tokyo
“Should I swing by Tokyo?” The idea, more of a passing thought than a serious consideration, hit me as I sat down to book a ticket for my upcoming long stay in Seoul. As an enthusiast of East Asian culture and travel, I had spent most of my time learning about South Korea, but what about its neighbours? I had never considered visiting Japan on a stand-alone trip.
Tokyo, as I pictured it before this journey, represented a modern and technologically advanced capital. Natives call it Nippon, and it thrives on cute anime characters, sushi, and packed subways. Looking back, I admit ignorance shaped my perspective. Realising how little I knew about Japan pushed me to step out of my bubble and see what the country could offer, or even teach me.
As a solo female traveller, I established two main challenges, or missions: safety and a limited budget. The latter had nothing to do with gender or travelling alone, but could I, a newly graduated young woman, experience an authentic side of the city? Would it be possible to get to know Tokyo beyond my stereotypes in three days on a strict travel budget? Spoiler alert: I did. I also documented my expenses and activities to present them to you through what I call “the dollar challenge.”
Flights
I decided not to include flights in the overall budget as it depends on from where you fly, and in what class. For this trip, I fulfilled a long-time dream of flying with Emirates, spending slightly over the thousand-dollar mark for a journey from Stockholm to Tokyo, then to Seoul, and back via beautiful Dubai. The route featured the queen of the skies, the double-decker Airbus A380. The aviation enthusiast in me (or avgeek, as we airplane lovers call ourselves) couldn’t miss the opportunity. If the legroom and delicious meals didn’t convince me, the kind flight attendants certainly did, making the journey one to remember.
If you’re already in Asia, flights to Tokyo can be quite reasonable using low-cost Asian airlines. For example, a Seoul-Tokyo round-trip costs around $150–200, significantly cheaper than what I paid.
Accommodation in Tokyo – The Capsule Hotel
You’ve probably seen pictures and wondered if you could stay in such a confined space. A capsule hotel offers a shared dormitory filled with small beds enclosed in pod-like environments. My research revealed they often include a joint bathroom/shower facility and a restaurant within the same building. At the onset, this seemed far from ideal for someone who values privacy and safety, but it suited my Tokyo travel budget.
Anshin Oyado, a women-only capsule hotel in the Ginza area, cost me $140 for three nights. While I didn’t actively seek a gender specific hotel, Japan provides a wealth of options catering to women’s comfort, including female-only spaces beyond hotels. Choosing this option, I could wake up each morning, take the elevator to the top floor, and eat breakfast in my lounge wear. No worrying about being perceived by anyone but like-minded women. I never realised what a luxury that would be. Sorry fellas, but I may opt for this more often!
The Capsule Experience
Without expectations, not counting an old YouTube review video, you can imagine my pure bliss and surprise at experiencing the real thing. For the price of three nights, I gained full access to the bathing facilities (including a thermal bath), storage lockers, unlimited fresh lounge clothes and toiletries, free Japanese breakfast, and snacks available around the clock.
I counted about ten different brands of hair and body products, along with high-end hair drying and styling equipment. All free to use! I had a field day (or night, more accurately) testing all the beauty provisions. Each little pod had a small television, air conditioning, a shelf, and most importantly, the fluffiest blankets I have ever laid on. With my hair smelling like a bouquet of flowers, I curled up in the cloud-like sheets, a movie silently playing on my phone, lulling me to sleep. Right what I needed after twenty hours of travel.
To keep things realistic, I encountered some downsides. First, you must be prepared to go fully nude in the bath house. No clothes allowed, which may be a cultural shock to some. Luckily, this is standard practice in most Asian bathing facilities, and nobody will bat an eye. The second downside, though manageable, involves claustrophobia. My capsule, a lower bunk with a privacy flap, felt spacious enough, however.
One last tip! When deciding on accommodation, websites such as Booking.com often offer great deals on attractions and tours. Through them, I found discounts like 20% off local exhibitions.
Dollar count: $140
Navigating Around Tokyo
Travelling reminds you that even the simplest things require thought. At the top of that list? Phone service. Let me introduce the eSIM, an affordable electronic SIM that provides a local internet connection. Installed digitally in minutes, it activates whenever needed, allowing seamless browsing. Excited, I went for the most expensive plan. Four days of 5G cost me $7. I found my provider on Trip.com, packed with great deals on tickets, transport, eSIMs, hotels, and more.
Dollar count: $147
With my internet restored, I searched for a way to reach my hotel. As a traveller on a budget in Tokyo, I couldn’t cheat and grab a taxi. Instead, I bought an airport bus ticket from the kiosk right across from arrivals. I assumed this would save me a lot compared to taking the bullet train. To be honest, the bus didn’t come out that much cheaper, costing around $25. For a moment, I contemplated using the subway. But as a first-time visitor, hauling luggage through the underground seemed daunting. $25 bought me the comfort I desired.
Dollar count: $172
Paying in Tokyo
After settling in, I needed a way to explore the city. Tokyo, of course, had a solution, the Suica. This smart transportation card also functions as a payment method, added to an electronic wallet, eliminating the need to fumble through Tokyo in broken Japanese trying to buy a physical one.
I topped up with 1,000 yen to start my journey. A pleasant surprise? The Suica card offers special perks on trains, including some carriages with more luxurious seating. A subway ride costs around 178 yen, roughly a dollar. Use any unused balance at stores or cafés without conversion fees, preventing leftover funds from going to waste.
By the end of my trip, I even felt confident enough to take the subway to Narita Airport using a special line with stunning views of Tokyo’s outskirts. As a designated airport train, the fare runs higher than usual but remains cheaper than any other similar transport I’ve ever taken. Around 1,000 yen, or $6.
Dollar count: $184
Food
The capsule hotel’s generous amenities spoiled me enough that food expenses became almost an afterthought. To cut costs, I ate breakfast there and snacked on the free rice and soups offered throughout the day. Soft drinks, and even alcoholic beverages, came complimentary, though the latter only during evenings.
For Tokyo based travel on a tight budget, maximising these freebies could save hundreds of dollars. But when hunger struck at midnight, Japan’s convenience stores became my best friend. Open 24/7, these shops sell everything from desserts and drinks to ramen and freshly made meals. Seven-Eleven and Lawson dominate Tokyo’s streets, with locations on almost every corner. Prices vary, but for reference, a warm hot dog costs about a dollar, and there’s always a buy-two-get-one deal happening. Many of them even offer small seating areas where you can enjoy your meal.
Udon – Noodles in Tokyo
Of course, I didn’t survive on onigiri (rice ball) alone. I reached out to an online friend in Tokyo who offered to show me around Shibuya. She took me to one of the best udon (noodle) restaurants I had ever visited (not that I had much to compare it to).
Udon Iroha specialises in Italian-infused udon. Does that still count as authentic Japanese cuisine? Well, locals certainly approved. We had to make a reservation to avoid queuing. I tried the gorgonzola variety. Seven dollars later, I stared at the creamiest, most flavourful noodles I had ever tasted. The cheese brought a familiar touch, but the thick, chewy udon gave the dish a Japanese twist. You can choose between a regular or large portion for the same price, but even the standard size left me stuffed. It’s incredibly generous.
Sweet Tokyo
To walk off the meal, we explored Shibuya, then hopped on a train to Shinjuku, a district famous for many things, including its Korea-town. Since I’d be flying to Seoul soon, we drifted toward a café for dessert instead. At this point, my feet ached from walking in heels all day, so sitting down felt like heaven. I handed my card to my friend and let her surprise me.
For indecisive dessert lovers, this establishment had a solution!
Place Neo offers a platter with four small cakes, each available as a full-sized option. The plate cost 800 yen, and coffee added another 500, bringing the total to $8. Considering this café’s reputation as one of the pricier spots, I found it an absolute steal. I tried to pace myself and savour every bite, but the sweetness won. I finished all four pieces in seconds.
Thankfully, the udon kept me full, or else I’d have ordered a whole slice of blueberry cake.
Dollar count: $199
SIGHTS in Tokyo – Budget Travel Style
As an art and culture enthusiast, I wondered in what way I could see Tokyo’s artistic and historical side on a narrow travel budget. Luckily, the city offers a lot in plain sight, through its temples, streets, and, of course, the towering red Tokyo Tower. A part of me felt the urge to buy a museum or tour ticket to make sure I saw the “real” deal. But instead of stressing over where to go, I focused on how to experience it.
As someone on a mission to discover Tokyo’s hidden quirks, I knew museums wouldn’t satisfy what I truly sought, an authentic glimpse into the city and its culture. When you realise art exists outside a room with four walls, you notice it everywhere.
Before diving into my three-day adventure, let me leave you with an important tip. If you love museums and exhibitions, book tickets in advance. I learned this the hard way when I tried (and failed) to get into the TeamLabs digital exhibition. It had sold out for the entire month. Yes, I’m still bitter about it. Don’t make the same mistake!
With that said, let me take you on a tour around Tokyo!
The famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Without a doubt, I had to try the legendary Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Perfect for budget travel in Tokyo. At night, the giant billboards and neon signs painted the streets with a dazzling array of colours, giving the entire scene a dramatic effect. This is how I imagined Tokyo. Towering buildings, flashing advertisements, bustling pedestrian areas. Yet, despite the chaos, I never once felt overwhelmed.
Somehow, people respected my personal space. I even left my bags on the sidewalk to run into the middle of the crossing for a picture, though I wouldn’t recommend testing this luxury too often! When you venture deeper into Shibuya, however, you’ll find the true definition of busy. Shops, bars, and music fill every corner, and by nightfall, the area transforms into an open-air club under the stars, with an endless dancefloor.
Togo-Jinja Shrine in Shibuya
Walk through Shibuya and you stumble upon the Togo-Jinja Shrine. Despite a warm October afternoon, the area remained peaceful. I had expected it overrun with tourists, but to my delight, the only sounds came from the rustling of ginkgo and plane trees, and the occasional chirping of birds.
There’s something about shrines, no matter where they are, that seems to soften the atmosphere, giving you time to reflect. The shrine, dedicated to Heihachiro Togo, a general of the Imperial Japanese Navy, signifies his leadership during the Japanese victory against Russia in 1905. He became a national hero as he commanded the first army to defeat a Western power.
Tokyo Tower by Night
If it looks close on the map, it’s always walkable. Therefore, around midnight, I set off on an adventure to Tokyo Tower. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe, but I also stayed near the centre, my phone charged at all times.
Approaching the tower, I worried I’d only be able to view it from afar, obstructed by trees or buildings. However, if you keep walking and navigate past any obstacles, you’ll find yourself directly beneath it, gazing up at the red steel giant. The sight mesmerised me beyond words. Standing there, dwarfed by its imposing frame, I wondered what Tokyo must look like from the top. There’s an observation deck, but because of my budget travel focus, I left more than satisfied with the experience from below.
Gotokuji: Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple
The next morning, with renewed confidence in navigating the subway, I ventured to Setagaya, a peaceful district known for one particular attraction, Gotokuji Temple, a must-visit for cat lovers. I’m more of a dog person, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to secure a little good luck for the rest of my journey.
This Buddhist temple is the birthplace of the maneki-neko, the iconic beckoning cat figurine. According to legend, in the 17th century, a wandering feudal lord sought shelter beneath a tree during a storm. Then, from within a dilapidated temple, he noticed a cat raising its paw, as if inviting him inside. Curious, he followed. Moments later, a lightning bolt struck the tree he had been sitting under. Grateful for his miraculous survival, the lord donated generously to the temple, helping it thrive into what it is today.
Because of this legend, visitors leave behind maneki-neko figurines as offerings, making the temple’s grounds a mesmerising sea of lucky cats.
Back to Busy Shinjuku
Returning for one last adventure, I found myself back in Shinjuku, having only scratched the surface of the area during my earlier café visit. This time, I strolled through the streets of the place that holds multiple world records, including “World’s Busiest Subway Station”. Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits and serves more than 3.6 million visitors daily (Daily Express, 2024).
Remember how I boasted about my newfound confidence in navigating Tokyo’s subway? Shinjuku humbled me in an instant. With no specific destination in mind, I did what any self-respecting tourist would do. I exited at the first available door to avoid looking lost.
As the sun set, I noticed something peculiar. Tokyo’s sky at dusk is a dreamy blend of lavender and blue, as if softly airbrushed across the horizon. The calming heavens provided a stark contrast to the bustling streets. But, as I contemplated the beauty of the moment, my gaze registered danger.
Shops.
I wouldn’t call myself a shopaholic, but I have a few tendencies, one of them being impulsiveness. Unlike other areas, Shinjuku is a shopping paradise catering to all budgets, from high-end luxury boutiques to affordable second-hand stores and trendy street fashion. And then, I stumbled upon a place that embodied Shinjuku’s chaotic charm.
Don Quijote: The Wonderland of Discount Shopping
A multi-story discount store where anything and everything is for sale. Japan’s biggest brand for discounts, in fact. Right here in Shinjuku.
Stepping inside generated emotions akin to what I imagine Ollivander’s wand shop from Harry Potter would bring about. Except, instead of wands, you see snacks, tech gadgets, beauty products, and souvenirs stacked to the ceiling. Every shelf called my name, luring me deeper into its labyrinth of organised chaos. Now that I think about it, Shinjuku is basically a large-scale Diagon Alley for all you wizard nerds out there.
Izakaya Nights in Shinjuku
As night settled over the city, I found myself getting sentimental. Why did Tokyo at night tug at my heartstrings? Maybe the soft glow of lanterns, the hum of conversations drifting through the air, or the adrenaline of the day fading into contentment.
Tokyo is beautiful in the daylight, but nighttime? Breathtaking.
And of all the sights, the glowing lanterns of a small izakaya (Japanese bar) triggered this poetic mood in me. Something so simple, yet enough to make my heart ache with adoration.
On my way back to my tiny capsule, I paused at the Sumida River. The water was still, mirroring the city lights, while the bridge above remained busy, as if Tokyo itself refused to sleep.
Tokyo Budget Travel Wrapped
I had just spent three full days in Tokyo without paying a single penny for entertainment. Did I regret holding onto my wallet so tightly? Not at all. Somehow, my experience far exceeded my expectations. I wanted to travel back in time and laugh at my former self for having such a shallow view of what Tokyo could offer.
Three days were enough for Tokyo to introduce itself to me. But I’ve already decided that on our second date, I plan to splurge. I started this trip focused and planned, but slipped into something even better—spontaneity.
I let Tokyo guide me rather than forcing my way through it. And in doing so, I discovered a romantic side to a city seldom credited for romance.
Bright shops on every corner.
Welcoming locals in the shop.
A sky that comforts you like a soft, blue blanket.
So I didn’t visit all the famous landmarks and must-see attractions. But Tokyo is more than a city to check off a list. Existing in Tokyo is like writing a life story. One I can’t wait to return to and continue.
Final Costs & Budget Challenge
Living, eating, and transportation in Tokyo? $199
Giving in to my souvenir addiction? $16
Total: $215
Could you beat that?
What are your best budget travel tips for Tokyo? Let us know in the comment section. Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.
