Monthly Breakdown for Solo Female Travellers, Remote Workers, and Theme Park Addicts

Japan – one of my favourite places ever. Period.

Back when I was still travelling short-term (think winter holidays), I’d backpack through the countryside using the Japan Rail Pass. But now with a 30kg suitcase and two carry-ons? Big no. These days, I stick to cities with international airports — and even then, major train stations still tried to humble me. Endless staircases. No escalators in sight. Knees crying. Arms trembling. And somehow… I still made it.

Would I return? In a heartbeat. Japan continues to hit the mark on food, culture, and scenic spots — in every season.

Now that I’m not working full-time, I’ve even thought about buying a home here someday. I can’t be on the road forever (RIP, my wallet). If that happens, I’ll document everything — from visa options to legal quirks — right here. But until then, here’s a glimpse of my Tokyo chapter.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD1,500
→ Booked early when Japan’s borders were still closed to tourists (thank you, gut instinct)
→ The same listing now costs ~SGD7,000 o.o
→ Long-term stays? Try local leases — my friend in Shinjuku still pays just SGD1,500/month
🍽️ Food: ~SGD80/day
→ Went all out — sushi, ramen, donburi, yakiniku — no regrets
→ Wallet took a hit, but taste buds rejoiced
🚇 Transport: SGD300
→ Used Suica card + day passes for heavy travel days
→ Tip: Suica works on Apple, but for Android users, top-ups still need to be done with a physical Suica card and cash at machines
→ Good news: Revolut has no withdrawal fees at most 7-Eleven ATMs
💄 Grooming: SGD300
→ Let’s just say I lost control in Japanese pharmacies
→ Face masks, lotions, and beautifully packaged skincare I didn’t need but 100% bought

Total: ~SGD4,580 (excluding activities)

📌 On a tighter budget, you could live off ~SGD1,500/month if you prioritise local meals, hostels, and minimal transport. But food lovers? Just let go and enjoy it.

🏡 Where to Stay in Tokyo

✔️ Kasai — Residential, peaceful, and I swear I was the only tourist around
→ Hidden food gems galore (I almost gatekept this area)
→ Direct buses to Tokyo Disney — and a big park nearby for slow mornings
✔️ Shinjuku/Shibuya — Great for food and shopping, but be ready to brave daily crowds

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Hotels: Great for shorter trips. Higher cost but safer check-in and on-site support
✅ Airbnb: Choose listings with strong reviews, especially ones noting solo travellers or building security

📌 For short-term stays, central areas are convenient — but affordable, well-equipped units (e.g., washing machine, good layout) may be harder to find. That’s why I opted for a quieter neighbourhood instead.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Tokyo (SGD80/day)

✔️ Sushi no Midori – Yes, it’s always packed. No, I won’t stop recommending it. Try the kani-miso.
✔️ Oedo Shinjuku – Local vibes and one of the first places I always revisit.
✔️ Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan – Better than many omakase I’ve tried. Counter-seating only. Worth the queue.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD300 for the Month)

✔️ Suica + day passes (especially if exploring multiple districts)
✔️ Android users: top-up still needs to be done via machine with cash
✔️ Use Revolut for ATM withdrawals at 7-11 (no extra fees)

Japan Transport – Suica card

Japan Metro Passes – Tokyo

📌 Tip: You can get Tokyo Metro day passes online in advance

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ Make sure your accommodation lists actual speeds
✔️ I wouldn’t recommend relying on mobile tethering in more remote areas

📌 Do note that outages may happen — once, the power went out for a few hours due to an accident nearby that damaged an electricity pole. So it’s worth having backup offline tasks just in case.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Tokyo

✔️ Tokyo DisneySea – The only DisneySea in the world! I’m obsessed with Ariel’s Playground and the merch quality? Chef’s kiss. My headband survived two years of checked luggage abuse and still looks brand new.

✔️ Fuji-Q Highland – Breathtaking Mt. Fuji views + record-breaking roller coasters. Bonus: there’s an onsen next door to unwind.

✔️ Day trips – Tokyo’s well-connected to places like Yokohama, Kyoto, and Osaka. Just book ahead if you’re carrying a lot.

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD4,580 Worth It?

✔️ Japan is always worth the effort — even when your knees give up on train stairs
✔️ This wasn’t my cheapest month, but definitely one of my most delicious
✔️ When in doubt, follow your stomach
✔️ Cost of living can fluctuate drastically — the same listing I booked for SGD1,500 now goes for SGD7,000, so it’s worth building in a buffer if you’re planning ahead

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Food-obsessed travellers who don’t mind walking off their meals
• Solo adventurers with a soft spot for theme parks
• Digital nomads who crave convenience, culture, and skincare hauls