Tokyo is expensive.

I didn’t believe the hype, and thought I could travel here on a budget if I really scrimped and saved.  For the most part, prices are on par with what you’d find in the US or Western Europe.  But there are a few critical goods/services which are overpriced and drive daily spending beyond what you would expect:

  • Lodging: I’m perfectly fine crashing in run-down hostels if it means saving a buck. But real estate comes at such a premium in Tokyo, $40/person is considered a steal!
  • Metro: The subway system is well organized, and does a great job of covering the city. However, to transit between neighborhoods can easily cost you $3-$4 each way. This quickly adds up if you’re hopping from sight to sight.
  • Coffee: I was fighting a losing battle with jet lag, and needed the pick-me-up. A mocha that would have cost $2.50 in Seattle was an astounding $5.00.