Tokyo on a Tight Budget and Here’s How!

Armed with only RM1200 and a pocketful of dreams, our Travel 3Sixty’s shoestring traveller set out to prove that a week in one of the world’s most expensive cities can be affordable!

By Ellyse Ng

Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun, where beautiful kimonos, bright smiles and the cheeky ‘peace’ hand sign await.

Accommodation 6D5N – RM440

Yeap, at only JPY2200 or RM88 per night per person for a 10-bed mixed dorm, Khaosan Tokyo Ninja was my dream-come-true for budget accommodation. I met many interesting people from all over the world, participated in the inn’s self-arranged Ramen Party (thanks guys!) and even kept in touch with my friends via their free Wi-Fi. Plus, it’s a quick 10 minutes’ walk from the Asakusa-bashi subway station. Khaosan Inn has other branches all over Japan as well, so take your pick!

Simple lodgings for an international crowd.

Transportation 6D5N – RM100

To be honest, I don’t think I even spent that much on transportation. The taxis were pricey, so subway’s the way to go! The many interconnected lines of the subway will get you everywhere!  I organized my trip according to the direction of my ride on that day (example, I visited Harajuku, Takeshita-dori and Meiji Shrine at onego as they were nearby the same station), and I was able to save on a few commutes (and money!) as well. Don’t worry, almost all the attractions are connected via subway. A day’s transport cost me a rough RM15. Download the subway map here.

Imperial Palace

The palace grounds were open to all (FREE!) and in autumn, the gardens were absolutely beautiful. The rich red golden foliage decorated the grounds, and I spent half a day snapping away. Wear comfortable shoes as it’s a long walk, but the beauty of the East Gardens and Fukiage Gardens made it totally worth the blisters!

Rare in November, you may be lucky enough to spot a late blooming cherry blossom tree.

Beautiful foliage hues make it a walk to remember indeed.

City Skyline – RM25

Whilst everyone headed towards the famous Tokyo Tower, I walked across towards the World Trade Building to SEE the Tokyo Tower in all its splendour. The blazing red structure stood tall amidst the silver lights of the city, and I enjoyed my comfortable view from the Seaside Top at only JPY620 (buy online and I could’ve gotten it at JPY500). Besides, I would have to splurge out an additional JPY800 (RM32) just to go up to the Tokyo Tower.

The city comes to life from the skydeck view!

No need to play “spot the Tokyo Tower” from up here.