Super Cheap Japan

by Matthew Baxter

  Single Traveler: 6000-8000 yen, Two travelers: 5000-6000 yen per person, Multiple travelers: 4000-5000 yen per person

  Usual prices

  Dorm bed: 2000-3000 yen • Budget eat-in meal: 400-600 yen • Convenience store meal: 350-500 yen • Cup noodles: 100-190 yen • Bus ticket: 100-200 yen • Subway ticket: 140-240 yen

  Electricity

  East Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama) has an electrical current of 100v, 50Hz AC and the west (Osaka, Nagoya and Kyoto) uses 100v, 60Hz AC. Most devices such as phones and laptops will work fine, but appliances such as hair dryers and shavers can work slowly or may even get damaged without an adapter. Visitors from the UK and Europe will probably need to get an adapter, but those from North America may sometimes be fine as the shapes of the pins are identical. You can buy a cheap adapter at a duty-free shop in an airport or in any large electronics store.

  Visas

  Japan allows visa free travel from most countries for tourists, but make sure you check with the Japanese embassy where you live. Working holiday visas are also available for several nationalities.

  Money

  Japan is still very much a cash-based society. Most restaurants will not accept credit cards, but an increasing number accept IC cards, such as the Suica card used for train rides in Tokyo. Before heading off into the countryside, be sure to get enough cash from a convenience store in the city, otherwise you may be left without any money to buy food or get back home! Also note that there is no tipping culture in Japan, which is good for budget travelers.

  Coin lockers (コインロッカー)

  Lockers are a great way to save money in Japan, or give more flexibility to budget travelers. Almost all stations in this guide have them. Stations are usually close to the tourist action. If you arrive somewhere early, it may be cheaper and more time efficient to put your luggage in a locker and check out the sights before checking in at your accommodation. Lockers are also useful if staying in accommodation, such as net cafes, that don’t have private, secure areas to store your luggage.

  Apps to download before you go

  - Skyscanner and Kiwi.com for comparing cheap airplane tickets.

  - Google Translate, then download the Japanese language pack in the app for offline use. Also translates text only using your phone camera.

  - Japan Connected-Free Wifi, to find free wifi spots nationwide.

  - Booking.com to quickly cancel or amend bookings. Airbnb is also worth downloading.

  - Google Maps and Maps.me, plus in the apps download the areas you will be visiting for offline use.

  - Navitime is also good for planning routes across Japan.

  - XE Currency for comparing prices to back home.

  - Splittr is a good app if traveling with friends. It allows you to add up and see who owes what to who.

  - The Time Out apps have the latest listings for live events, new exhibitions and local festivals.

  When to go to Japan

  While for some countries the season that you go makes a huge difference in your travel plans, there is always a lot to do whatever time you decide to come to Japan. So if you see a great airplane ticket price in winter, go for it!

  Spring (March to May)

  Spring is the most popular time to come to Japan, so prices do increase a bit. It’s cherry blossom season in Japan, and you will see beautiful pink and white trees everywhere. Before booking your hotels, make sure you check the cherry blossom blooming times online.

  Summer (June to August)

  Summer can get really hot and humid in Japan! Tokyo and Kyoto can get extremely hot, but there are countless free festivals to enjoy in the summer.

  Autumn (September to November)

  Autumn is also a great time to come because of the autumn leaves. Temperatures are much more comfortable across the whole country, but bring a jumper for the evening. Or head to budget clothing retailer Uniqlo to buy a tax-free one.

  Winter (December to February)

  The Christmas illuminations in Japan are some of the best in the world, and the main tourist attractions will be far less crowded than in other seasons. Many sites are closed for the New Year holidays and bus times can be less frequent, so be sure to check the closing days for the places you want to visit beforehand.

  Peak seasons to avoid

  As Japanese people usually all have their holidays at the same time, there are some dates when prices can skyrocket. It’s still possible to find bargains, but such places can get quickly booked up. Try to avoid Golden Week (April 29th to May 5th), Obon holidays (around August 13th to 16th) and around the New Year holidays.

  National passes and itineraries

  There are three main national passes, each with their own pluses and minuses. In addition to these, there are many regional and city-wide passes. Budget travelers can choose to get a highway bus between these regional and city-wide passes, or do the whole thing on a national pass.

  Japan Rail Pass

  The pass most often used by first time travelers to Japan, but the increasing number of alternative passes is making it less popular for some budget travelers. It allows unlimited travel on all JR (national rail) trains all over Japan, including the Shinkansen and limited express trains. If you plan to ride on such trains, you can start to save money after just a few rides, so this pass offers excellent value for money if you want to quickly go to many different places over Japan. The pass can also be used for the JR Ferry to Miyajima and local JR buses (not highway buses). You must buy it at a travel agent in your home country or online before visiting Japan. For those with tourist visas only. 7 days: Adults 29110 yen, children 14550 yen. 14 days: Adults 46390 yen, children 23190 yen. 21 days: Adults 59350 yen, children 29670 yen

  Sample itinerary: The Japan Rail Pass for first timers to Japan

  This is the most convenient way to see the highlights of Japan in one to two weeks. It could be started in Tokyo or Osaka, depending on where your flight is arriving. You could then spend some time before and after the pass in these cities.

  On the first day of using your pass, get on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto. Spend a day or two there visiting the World Heritage shrines and temples, possibly in conjunction with the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass. Next head to Osaka to see what Japan’s western capital is like, with its bustling downtown and friendly, outgoing people. On the next day visit Himeji, via Kobe if you want to see some foreign influenced culture and architecture, to see the newly-rebuilt Himeji Castle, Japan’s best. Next, continue further down west to visit Hiroshima, to learn about it's sad but important history, and Miyajima island to see the iconic Japanese torii gate floating on the see. When you are done, head back to Osaka or Tokyo on an evening Shinkansen. If you have time, try to include Okayama on the way back, to visit Japan’s most stunning garden.

  Japan Bus Pass

  Willer Express covers all the main cities in this book, so the Willer Japan Bus Pass is a great option. It’s the cheapest way to travel, especially if you want to save on hostel beds by using overnight buses. It cannot be used for local buses or short bus rides, so you will need to buy individual tickets or local transportation passes in the locations you visit. In other words, this pass is good for traveling long distances, but is not as flexible as a train pass. Get at the Willer Express website and check individual ticket prices to see if the pass is worth it for your trip plan. All Routes MON to THU Pass: 3 Days 10000 yen, 5 Days 12500 yen, 7 Days 15,000 yen. All Routes ALL Day Pass (for use anytime of the week): 3 Days 12500 yen, 5 Days 15000 yen.

  Seishun 18

  For real hardcore budget travelers. The Seishun 18 offers the best value for train travel in Japan. It does not allow the use of Shinkansen or limited express trains, so go for this pass if you don’t mind longer journey times. It could also be a good choice if you don’t want to stray too far from a particular hub, like Osaka or Tokyo, and want to visit places nearby. It provides five days of unlimited travel anywhere in Japan on JR
trains (the national network), which do not need to be on consecutive days. Note that there are limited use periods, usually late July to early September and early December to early January. Buy it at any JR station. 11,850 yen • http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/seishun18.html

  Tax-free shopping

  Japan has a sales tax of 8%, going up to 10% in the future, but those with a tourist visa are eligible for tax-free shopping. If you love shopping and want to get some bargains, there has never been a better time to visit Japan. With a great exchange rate for most travelers and tax-free shopping, you’ll be shopping till you drop!

  What is most impressive about the latest tax-free shopping rules is that, while the main department stores and malls also offer it, almost all shops in tourist or cosmopolitan areas are offering tax-free shopping to tourists and actively promoting this. From cosmetics shops, to souvenir shops, to clothes shops such as Uniqlo, almost all are proudly displaying their tax-free signs. Almost 30,000 stores in Japan now offer tax-free shopping to tourists. All visitors need to do is head to their desired shops, follow the rules below and they can save loads of money.

  How to do tax-free shopping in Japan

  Unlike other countries, the tax-free system is usually in-store. Shops prominently tell you with bright signage if they are tax-free, so you are spoilt for choice in any city or tourist spot. Just show your passport and the tax will be taken off when you purchase. Some naughty shops levy a charge to get tax-free, so avoid these if it’s mentioned.

  Consumables (foods, drinks, medicines, cosmetics…)

  Must be purchased at the same store on the same day, and the total spending must be more than 5000 yen, but no greater than 500,000 yen. Items must be taken out of Japan within 30 days of purchase.

  Non-consumables (electric appliances, clothing, accessories…)

  Must be purchased at the same store on the same day, and the total spending must be more than 5000 yen. Items must be taken out of Japan within six months of purchase.

  At the airport

  Be sure to keep the receipt you get when you buy your tax-free items. As you go through customs after checking in for your flight, there will be a counter (and often someone calling out “tax-free!!!”) where you have to show this. Have the items ready to show, just in case they ask, as you may be asked to pay tax for a consumable item if you have already consumed it in Japan and cannot show it at the airport.

  Top spots for tax-free shopping

  For high end shopping, Ginza (銀座) in Tokyo has always been a great place to buy designer clothes, bags and watches. Also, an increasing number of lower end brands such as clothes megastore Uniqlo and electronic stores have opened large stores in Ginza, so the area seems to be adapting a little to cater to a more budget-conscious clientele.

  Other hot spots in Tokyo for tax-free shopping are Shinjuku, Shibuya and Akihabara. They all have the major electronic stores, department stores, cosmetic shops and travel stores for travelers to load up on tax-free goods. Outside of Tokyo, Namba in Osaka has a similar number of large shops to choose from, and Den Den Electric Town is the place to go for electronics.

  Free festivals

  Making sure you see one or two festivals, called matsuri in Japanese, is a good way to save money. Most are based on city streets or in temples, so entry is free and there are lots of stalls selling cheap snacks and more.

  January

  6th Dezome-shiki, Tokyo: Firemen show off their machines and do various stunts.

  Fourth Saturday Wakakusa Yamayaki, Nara: Large grass burning ceremony on Mount Wakakusayama.

  Sunday closest to 15th Toshiya, Sanjusangen-do Temple, Kyoto: Japanese archery contest.

  February

  3rd Setsubun Mantoro, Nara: More than 3,000 lanterns are lit up in Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

  Third Saturday Saidai-ji Eyo Hadaka Matsuri, Okayama: About 10,000 almost naked men running through the streets, competing for good luck charms!

  March

  1st-14th Omizutori, Nara: In these ceremonies, Buddhist monks carry large flaming torches around Nigatsu-do Hall and then wave them over the side, raining embers down on the surrounding crowds below.

  April

  Second Sunday - Third Sunday Kamakura Festival, Kamakura: Ritual dance performances based on the samurai of medieval Japan.

  May

  The Saturday and Sunday closest to May 15th Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo: One of Tokyo’s top three festivals. We go every year.

  15th Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto: In this 1000-year-old event, participants wear ancient costumes and parade through downtown Kyoto.

  18th Shunki Reitaisai, Nikko: Grand procession of 1,000 ‘samurai warriors’ though the town.

  Third Sunday and preceding Friday and Saturday Asakusa Sanja Matsuri, Asakusa, Tokyo: Amazing portable shrines are paraded throughout the town. Mind-blowing stuff.

  Closest weekend to May 28th Hanazono Shrine Grand Festival, Shinjuku, Tokyo: Featuring ceremonial rites and dances, plus some cheap food stalls. On the Sunday, a huge 1.5 ton portable shrine (mikoshi) is taken on a tour of the surrounding neighborhoods.

  June

  14th Otaue Rice Planting Festival, Osaka: In Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, traditional dancing and songs are used to pray for a good harvest.

  mid-June Sanno Matsuri, Tokyo: Another big festival in Tokyo, with a splendid procession of miniature shrines.

  July

  1st-31st Gion Matsuri, Kyoto: Huge golden floats parade through the main streets of Kyoto in this must-see event.

  24th + 25th Tenjin Matsuri Festival, Osaka: Various events, such as 300-plus people dressed in imperial-court style clothing marching with portable shrines and one of the world’s grandest boat processions.

  Last Saturday Sumida River Fireworks, Tokyo: Tokyo’s biggest and best fireworks display.

  August

  16th Daimonji Gozan Okuribi, Kyoto: Stunning bonfire event, as five of Kyoto’s mountains are set on fire in motifs of Chinese characters.

  Late August Awa-odori, Koenji, Tokyo: Awa-odori consists of nearly 200 Japanese dance groups showing off some spectacular traditional dances and music from across the country.

  Last weekend Omotesando Genki Festival, Harajuku: Food festival which features the traditional yosakoi dance. It's one of the largest festivals in Tokyo and has more than 5000 energetic dancers from 100 plus groups performing.

  September

  14-16th Reitaisai, Kamakura: Horseback archery display and contest. Sure to make some awesome videos to put on Facebook.

  October

  22nd Jidai Matsuri, Kyoto: Traditional costume procession at Heian Jingu Shrine.

  Sundays and national holidays Shika-no-Tsunokiri, Nara: This yearly ritual sees the local deer having their antlers sawn off, but the naughty ones can sure make it a difficult task for the skilled handlers. Near Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

  November

  3rd Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu, Hakone: Around 200 people in samurai warrior and Japanese princess costumes parades around the hot spring town.

  December

  15th-18th Kasuga Wakamiya On-Matsuri, Nara: One of Nara’s biggest festivals, full of traditional rituals, dances, music and a huge fireworks display.

  Christmas and New Year lights Japan has some amazing illuminations, in particular at Terrace City, Shinjuku.

  More festivals can be found on the official Japan National Tourism site.

  Cherry blossom viewing (花見)

  Cherry blossoms in Inokashira Park, Kichijoji, Tokyo

  Great for budget travelers, cherry blossoms are free to see all over Japan. From local gardens to shopping streets, you will never be more than a few minutes away from a sakura (cherry blossom) tree. They provide a perfect spot for a cheap meal or drink, as the tradition is to grab some cheap grub and beers from the local shops and enjoy them under the pink and white trees. Prices may be higher for some accommodations, but definitely not too much to deter a price conscious traveler. Surel
y one of the best times to visit Japan!

  When to see cherry blossoms

  There is a short window in which to see the cherry blossoms, so this can make it somewhat tricky for budget travelers. Train passes can really come in handy here, as if the weather changes before you visit and the conditions aren't quite right in the place you booked a hostel, you can quickly head somewhere better. For latest times check the official Japan national tourism site, but here are the averages from the last 10 years:

  - Tokyo: First bloom 22nd March, full bloom 30th March

  - Kyoto: First bloom 24th March, full bloom 3rd April

  - Osaka: First bloom 25th March, full bloom 3rd April

  - Hiroshima: First bloom 24th March, full bloom 2nd April

  Best spots for cherry blossoms

  There are great cherry blossom spots in every village, town and city in Japan, but here are our favorites:

  Ueno Park

  The biggest park in Tokyo for cherry blossoms, and it’s all free. Can get super busy, but all the small stalls selling cheap food is a real plus.

  Sumida Park

  Along Sumida river in Asakusa, Tokyo. A fun, party atmosphere fills the park, which has a varied selection of cherry blossom trees.

  Meguro River

  A short walk from Meguro, the main action is around Naka-Meguro. This long, winding river is the coolest place to see the cherry blossoms, as it’s lined with hip cafes and clothing shops. Come in the night with a beer or two.

  Hachiman Shrine

  See the big Buddha hanging out with all the cherry blossom trees in Kamakura. The grand, wide road leading up to the shrine is lined with cherry blossoms.

  Yasaka Shrine

  Head here first if on the lookout for cherry blossom trees in Kyoto. In the Gion area, this shrine is surrounded by large pink leaved trees. Nearby Maruyama Park is also worth visiting.

  Philosopher’s Walk

  The Philosopher’s Walk is another hotspot in Kyoto. There are cherry blossoms all along the way, plus a few attractions, such as small shrines surrounded by blossoming trees, to mix things up along the way.