Buying a cheap ticket to Tokyo will lead you on an adventure filled with contradiction. From the glaring neon of the Ginza district to quiet Buddhist temple tea ceremonies, this Japanese metropolis offers it all on a budget that can be surprisingly affordable.
Tokyo is the gateway to many destinations in Asia. Finding a cheap ticket with StudentUniverse is the best way to start planning a trip east. Many airlines use Tokyo as a hub, so it is easy to book additional stops to Thailand, Vietnam or other destinations in Asia after traveling in Japan.
Tokyo offers an unusual range of accommodations for the budget travel enthusiast. The best value is the ryokan. These Japanese inns are usually family run with tatami woven floor matting and a communal Japanese bath. Students and discount travelers can sometimes find hostel style guesthouses, but instead of bunk beds, the dorms offer futons on tatami floors. For travelers that don't suffer from claustrophobia, a capsule hotel is a bit of a budget hotel adventure. Each coffin-sized room comes with a bed, reading light, TV and alarm clock. These discount ultra-tiny rooms are traditionally for businessmen that have missed the last train home and need a place for the night. Very few capsule hotels offer rooms for women. Or, try a manga café (comic book café) that offers full-night rates on private spaces along with a library of manga books and DVDs. These aren't actually budget hotels, but can be a place to while away the night if necessary.
Students and discount travel junkies can find a variety of cheap food on the streets of Tokyo. Mom-and-pop restaurants offer great prices on set lunches. Or try a standing-room-only ramen shop for a savory bowl of noodles and broth. The streets of Tokyo are plentiful with coffee shops for a quick morning pastry and late at night there is always cheap food at street stalls surrounding a train station.
Once in Japan, it's easy to take advantage of the countries world-famous train system. Using Tokyo as a hub, students and discounts travelers can enjoy day trips to climb Mount Fuji or view the giant bronze Buddha called Daibutsu in the city of Kamakura.
Whether you are planning to spend time traveling in Japan or just need a break while heading deeper into Asia, Tokyo is an enticing city to spend a few days. Cheap food, excellent public transportation and discount lodging makes this Japanese city a viable option for students on a budget and discount travel enthusiasts. A cheap ticket to Tokyo will open the gates to adventure in the Far East. Here some other cheap travel tips for other countries:
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