Tokyo – One city, two faces
- ILLUSTRATION CRISTÓBAL SCHMAL
Visitors to this city need deep pockets: Even a weekend trip can cost you a small fortune. But if you know where to go, you can manage on a surprisingly small budget – we show both sides of the coin
The art of small
Kunio Kobayashi is among the top masters of the art of bonsai in Japan. His probably most expensive bonsai is worth 750 000 euros.
Made to measure
In Tokyo, they prefer custom kimonos and bespoke suits. Top label Ginza Tailor hand-sews the latter for approx. 2500 euros.
Wee dram from Japan
Japanese whiskeys easily rival the Scottish originals. One bottle of legendary Karuizawa can set you back 21 000 euros.
Towering monument
The Park Hyatt is one of the city’s best and most luxurious hotels. Bill Murray’s character stayed there in Lost in Translation.
Air transfer
Why not charter a helicopter at Tokyo Narita Airport? The ride into town takes approx. 20 minutes and costs “only” 2000 euros.
Sleeping cell
Unaccustomed, yes, but unbeatably cheap: Instead of rooms, Tokyo’s most affordable hotels rent capsules furnished with a mattress; prices start at 20 euros.
All you can eat
Affordable restaurants are thin on the ground in Tokyo. The alternative: ramen bars, which serve traditional Japanese noodle soup costing just a few yen.
Fat savings
Entertainment is particularly expensive in Tokyo, so it’s good to know that many museums – like the Sumo and the Kite Museums – charge no admission, or very little.
Collector’s paradise
Japanese antiques fans read on: Tokyo’s antique and flea markets are booming. With a little luck, you could pick up a real bargain.
Packed, but cheap
True, Tokyo’s trains can get very crowded at rush hour; on the other hand, they get you from A to B on a shoestring.Tickets start at the equivalent of 1.25 euros.