How I Survived $10 A Day In Tokyo

How I Survived $10 A Day In Tokyo

$10, 24 hours in one of the most exciting cities on Earth, Tokyo. From food to transport to entertainment, can I stretch this tiny budget across a giant city? [Music] Here are the rules. I’ve got just 1,500 yen. That’s around $10. No outside help, no freebies from friends, no cheating. Every meal, every ride, every experience. All must come from this budget. And just to be clear, that 1,500 yen has to cover everything. Food, transportation, and even a place to sleep. One wrong choice and I’m done. So, every single coin matters. Stay tuned. [Music] Tokyo is famous for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. But today, I’m going to test if it’s possible to survive here on basically pocket change. It’s morning and the first problem hits me. Breakfast. With only $10 for the entire day, I can’t waste money on cafes or bakeries. Instead, I head into a convenience store, 7-Eleven. Here, survival is cheap and delicious. I grab an a rice ball wrapped in seaweed for just 120 yen. It’s filling, it’s tasty, and it’s the kind of budget breakfast locals eat on the go. So far, 120 yen spent, 1,380 left. Next stop, temples. And there’s no better place to begin than Seno Gi, Tokyo’s oldest and most iconic Buddhist temple. As you walk through the massive Thundergate, two giant red lanterns welcome you. Beyond it stretches Nakami Street, a lively market packed with snacks, souvenirs, and colors that feel frozen in time. Finally, you reach the main temple grounds. The five-story Pagota towers above. Incense smoke drifts through the air, and locals wave the smoke toward themselves for good luck. It’s spiritual. It’s alive. And it costs absolutely nothing. From history to nature, I head to Weno Park. Joggers run past, families picnic under the trees, and koiish glide lazily through the ponds. It’s calm, refreshing, and feels like stepping into another world. But then comes the complete opposite, Shabuya Crossing. Over 3,000 people cross here every single time the light changes. It’s chaotic, hypnotic, and feels like standing in the center of the world’s busiest heartbeat. And just like Weno Park, it’s completely free. Tokyo might drain your wallet, but its best experiences, they don’t cost a single yen. [Music] But of course, exploring Tokyo means moving around, and that’s where transportation eats into my budget. I grab a quick train ride across the city, just one stop, and it costs me 200 yen. Efficient, clean, and fast. But every single ride reminds me how little money I have left. Now my total spending jumps to 320 yen. That leaves me with just 1,180 yen to survive the rest of the day. [Music] That sounds good, but the challenge is just beginning. I dream of sushi, but my wallet says, “Forget it.” Instead, I track down a standing SOA shop. Tiny, fast, and built for busy locals. The perfect budget stop. I press a button on the vending style ticket machine, and moments later, a steaming bowl of soba noodles arrives. hot broth, chewy noodles, and all for just 400 yen. Simple, delicious, and exactly what I need. But when I check my remaining money, panic kicks in. I’ve got just under 1,000 yen left. Enough for dinner and maybe more, but only if I’m smart. I’ve now spent 720 yen in total. That leaves me with just under 800 yen for the rest of the day. Enough for dinner, but only if I’m really careful. [Music] The pressure is on. The sun sets, neon signs ignite, and Tokyo transforms into a glowing maze of arcades, bars, and late night energy. After hours of wandering, I’m starving again. Most restaurants way out of my budget. At this point, I can’t afford ramen anymore. With less than 800 yen left, I head back into a convenience store. For 320 yen, I score a box of garage crispy Japanese fried chicken. It’s hot, juicy, and way better than I expected for the price. It might not be a Michelin star meal, but biting into that crunchy courage feels like pure survival victory. cheap, satisfying, and exactly what I need to finish this challenge strong. [Music] To wash it down, I grab a cold bottle tea for another 120 yen. That brings my dinner total to 440 yen. When I check my wallet, I’ve got just over 350 yen left, around $2.50. Not much, but technically enough to survive. And then something unexpected happens. A Japanese local noticing I’m eating outside offers me a cigarette with a smile. I accept. And for the first time today, I enjoy something that costs absolutely zero yen. A small gesture, but it feels huge in the middle of this challenge. [Music] But now comes the hardest part. I’ve eaten. I’ve survived the day. But night is here and I still don’t have a bed. With just 350 yen left, barely $2.50, I need to figure out if it’s even possible to sleep in Tokyo on this tiny budget. This isn’t about food anymore. This is survival at its most basic, and the clock is ticking. But here’s the twist. Before giving up on sleep, I searched online and I found something unbelievable. In Fukuoka, there’s a place called Asahi Rioan, a traditional Japanese inn where a night costs just 100 yen. That’s basically $1 US. Of course, there’s a catch. Your entire stay is live streamed 24/7 on their YouTube channel. Yes, millions of people can literally watch you eat, chill, and snore. But hey, at least I’ll have a roof over my head, and maybe I’ll finally get famous in my sleep. So, did I survive 24 hours in Tokyo with only $10? Yes, barely. In one day, I ate three meals, explored temples, parks, and the busiest intersection in the world. And prove that adventure doesn’t always need a big budget. Tokyo may be expensive, but if you’re creative, smart, and willing to laugh at yourself, it can be magical, even on pocket change. Would you try this $10 Tokyo challenge? or even dare to stay at the live stream hotel. Let me know in the comments. And if you enjoyed this video, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more survival adventures around the world. This was the $10 Tokyo Survival Challenge. And now, time to check out to the cheapest hotel in Japan. See you in the next one.

Ever wondered if you could survive in Tokyo with just $10 for 24 hours? 🗼🍜 From cheap street food to hidden local spots, I take on the ultimate budget challenge in one of the world’s most expensive cities! Will $10 be enough to eat, explore, and experience Tokyo in a single day? Let’s find out…

What would YOU spend $10 on in Tokyo? Comment below 👇

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