Tokyo is considered as one of the most expensive cities in the world due to the strengthening of the yen. I've always been fascinated with Japan's culture and a huge fan of its cuisine but its reputation of being an expensive city to travel to has been a major turn off. Before low cost carriers came into the picture, a roundtrip ticket to Tokyo would set you back at least Php25,000 per person. Nowadays, airline promos can fly you to Japan's capital for as low as Php7,000 excluding check-in baggage and PH travel tax. I should know this because I've booked 2 trips to Tokyo this year for the same price range, one with Cebu Pacific and the other with Jetstar - both airlines offer direct flights to Tokyo from Manila on a daily basis.
One thing I learned with years of traveling - budget is subjective. Its up to you whether to splurge or to travel on budget when it comes to food, accommodation, transportation and tours. In terms of accommodation, Japan has various options depending on your needs - from capsule hotels to hostels, Airbnb rooms or full service hotels, so I suggest you do your research first to get the most out of your money in your preferred location and budget. For my trip to Tokyo last April, my friends and I booked a room at Unplan Kagurazaka, a popular hostel with a Shinjuku address.
One thing I learned with years of traveling - budget is subjective. Its up to you whether to splurge or to travel on budget when it comes to food, accommodation, transportation and tours. In terms of accommodation, Japan has various options depending on your needs - from capsule hotels to hostels, Airbnb rooms or full service hotels, so I suggest you do your research first to get the most out of your money in your preferred location and budget. For my trip to Tokyo last April, my friends and I booked a room at Unplan Kagurazaka, a popular hostel with a Shinjuku address.
Shinjuku Ward is a great choice for travelers interested in shopping and local food, reasons why we chose this hostel among others. The hostel/cafe offers bunk beds with shared bathroom, and private and family rooms both with private bathrooms, to cater to different types of travelers.
Since we were a group of 3, we opted to book the family room with 2 bunk beds and a private bath. Maximum occupancy is up to 4 adults but having a private toilet and bath is non-negotiable. Besides, room size in Japan is smaller than regular standards so this gave us more room to walk around. Room rate thru Agoda is around Php8,000 per night, inclusive of breakfast for 4.
Pros: Room and common areas are modern and clean, offers private and dormitory room types, good location (5-minute walk to Kagurazaka Station along Tozai Line), convenience stores along the way, quiet and secured neighborhood and friendly English speaking staff.
Cons: Limited breakfast options (hard boiled eggs, bread with butter and jam, and a cup of coffee/tea everyday) and higher room rate than average hostels in Tokyo.
Unplan Kagurazaka
23-1 Tenjincho, Shinjuku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel.: (813) 6457-5171
Website: https://unplan.jp
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