This article was written in collaboration with www.klook.com.

Japan has definitely become quite the tourist hotspot in the last couple of years – and for good reason! It’s filled with exciting activities and picturesque sceneries travellers need to experience at least once in their lifetime! However, with the extensive amount of places to see, things to do, and food to eat, it can be quite a strain to the wallet. So we’ve curated a list of money saving tips that will help cut the cost, but not the experience! Read on how to enjoy Tokyo on a budget.

Japan’s public transportation is incredibly efficient and it’s the most practical way to get around the city, too! Since it’ll be the most practical mode of transportation, we suggest purchasing your transportation passes beforehand!

If you’ll be staying in Tokyo for a couple of days, the Tokyo Subway Ticket is the most cost-efficient option to getting around the city! With this, you get an unlimited access to over 250 stations on both the Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines. You can refer to this map for all available routes.

Being smart with how and what you pack can actually save you a lot of money. For one, you won’t need to avail of check-in baggage if you’re able to fit your essentials on a carry on, and therefore lessen the possibility of paying an extra fee for overweight luggage. Additionally, with more compact space, you will be less tempted to purchase clothing or any unnecessary items!

Packing light also means saying goodbye to long waits at the airport carousel! You can hit the ground running and make the most out of your trip!

You’re not in Japan to spend time in your hotel room, so check out the simplest options available – such as capsule hotels! These are hostel-type accommodations made suitable for budget travellers also known as travel pods. Not only do they happen to be the cheapest option next to a free accommodation, but Japan’s travel pods are some of the snazziest in the world!

You’ll be surprised with how much budget-friendly options you’ll find at Japanese convenience stores! From bento boxes to Muji brand snacks and everything in between – a trip to Lawson, Family Mart or 7 Eleven is sure to satisfy your cravings! You can peg your budget at JPY 60 to JPY 300 (SGD 0.70 to SGD 3.75) per meal so start checking out these must-buy snacks and meals from Japan’s 7-Eleven!

If you’re still keen on eating at restaurants, the best time to do so would be at lunch time! Japanese restaurants are quite popular for their lunch sets, so you’ll definitely get the bang for your buck – and a satisfied tummy!

With Shibuya and Harajuku’s shop-lined streets, we understand how tempting it is to immediately cash out for a nice souvenir or skincare. But, surprisingly enough, you can get easily shop on a budget in Tokyo – you just have to shop at the right stores.

Budget stores like Daiso or Don Quixote are packed with affordable goods ranging from Japanese snacks to suitcases for your travels! Just make sure to allot a good amount of time to explore these multi-floored department stores.

There’s so much to see beyond the city of Tokyo, which is why you should definitely look into exploring the different cities around it. However, this doesn’t mean you have to pay more money for another round of transportation and accommodations – opt for a day trip, instead!

One day trip every first timer Japan traveler should go on is one to Mt. Fuji and Hakone! But apart from seeing Japan’s most iconic attraction, you’ll also get to discover the lakeside wonders of Hakone! Alternatively during the Autumn season, a day trip to the beautiful flower garden of Kochia Hill will surely be enjoyable!

Can’t stop yourself from shopping? Then make sure to bring your passport with you at all times! Most stores in Japan, especially imported brands, offer Tax-free shopping for tourists – given that your passport is presented! Do take note that they don’t often tell you about the Tax-free option, so make sure to ask for it before paying!

Although WiFi is fairly accessible in Japan, you will still need something reliable to navigate your way around the city. So instead of activating your roaming or renting out a local phone, rent a portable 4G WiFi that can connect up to 5 devices! Plus – you can conveniently pick it up at the airport before your flight, too!

However, if you’re staying in Tokyo for more than a week, a more cost-efficient option would be to purchase a 4G SIM Card instead!

Although WiFi is fairly accessible in Japan, you will still need something reliable to navigate your way around the city. So instead of activating your roaming or renting out a local phone, rent a portable 4G WiFi that can connect up to 5 devices! Plus – you can conveniently pick it up at the airport before your flight, too!

However, if you’re staying in Tokyo for more than a week, a more cost-efficient option would be to purchase a 4G SIM Card instead!

When you’ve got your daily outfits set before your trip, there’s a less likely chance that you’ll need to buy anymore. We suggest going for a plain neutral color palette to easily mix and match you clothing! However, if you are to buy a new set of clothes for your trip, it’s important that you invest in good quality clothing in order to save big in the long run.

Check out our sample capsule wardrobe for two weeks in Japan!

Items from left to right:

1. Topshop PETITE Tie Side Cropped Camisole Top (SGD 36.90)
2. Topshop Roll Back Tee (SGD 23.90)
3. Warehouse Summer Stripe Crew Neck Top (SGD 79.90)
4. Warehouse Pintuck Short Sleeve Blouse (SGD 79.90)
5. Topshop Poplin Wrap Top (SGD 76.90)
6. Wallis Grey Whipstich Compact Jumper (SGD 46.90)
7. Wallis Black Flute Sleeve Jersey Wrap Dress (SGD 54.90)
8. Warehouse Linen Twist Wrap Dress (SGD 69.00)
9. TOPSHOP Black Leather Biker Jacket (SGD 389.00)
10. Wallis Blush Longline Duster Jacket (SGD 54.90)
11. Dorothy Perkins Black ‘Ashley’ Straight Leg Jeans (SGD 39.90)
12. Warehouse Straight Mid-Rise Jeans (SGD 87.00)
13. Topshop Seema Pony Shoulder Bag (SGD 66.90)
14. Topshop Hoxton Ankle Boots (SGD 69.90)
15. Topshop **WIDE FIT Cookie Trainers (SGD 56.90)
16. Dorothy Perkins Grey Astrology Scarf (SGD 29.90)

Alternatively, if you’re going for a more polished look you can also check out G2000’s latest collection that will have you turning heads along Shinjuku.

From left to right:

Look 1:

• Short flared sleeve draped front top (SGD 39)
• Coolplus® Ankle Cigarette Suit Pants with Belt (SGD 69)

Look 2:

• Coolplus® Dobby suit blazer (SGD 169)
• Sleeveless top with pleated trim (SGD 49)
• Coolplus® Dobby cropped cigarette pants (SGD 69)

Look 3:

• Placket fitted dress (SGD 79)

We’d love to see your own Tokyo capsule collection and other cost-saving tricks you might have! Hashtag #heygoodklooking with your travel moments and join the ranks of other fashion-forward, tech-savvy travellers making their mark on the world of travel!

About Klook

Founded in 2014, Klook is one of the world’s leading travel activities and services booking platforms. Klook gives travellers a seamless way to discover and book popular attractions, local tours, rail passes, food options, and unique experiences around the world on its website and award-winning app (‘Best of 2015’ & ‘Best of 2017’ by Google Play and Apple App Store).

With Klook’s innovative technologies, travellers can book after arriving in their destinations and redeem the services by using QR codes or e-vouchers. Each day, Klook empowers countless travelers to indulge in their wanderlust and spontaneity through over 50,000 offerings in more than 200 destinations.

Get inspired by Klook at www.klook.com, the company blog or @klooktravel_sg on Instagram.