Not one city but thirty, each with its own station and its own character. Enormous, unfailingly orderly, and best taken a single neighbourhood at a time.
Free things to do
Free
Sensō-ji at 7am + Asakusa
Tokyo's oldest temple, and free at any hour — before the crowds it's a different building. Nakamise's stalls open later, around nine.
Free
Shibuya → Shinjuku night walk
Scramble crossing, then Golden Gai's two-seat bars, where cover charges are normal.
Tamagoyaki on a stick, tuna you can't afford, coffee you can. The inner market moved to Toyosu; the outer lanes stayed put.
Where to stay
from $29
plat hostel keikyu asakusa station
Dorm bed · per night · plat hostel keikyu asakusa station is is a comfortable hostel located a 10-minute walk from the main tourist attractions in Asakusa, Tokyo.
from $26
Edo Tokyo Hostel
Dorm bed · per night · Backpacker-friendly hostel in Tokyo.