Super Cheap Japan
Page 15
Walk it and save!
The Arashiyama area in general makes for a nice stroll, so follow our recommended route to see a few extra hidden treasures. Head down any side streets that look of interest, as there are many small shrines and temples dotted around. Most are free, of course! Apart from the narrow and sometimes crowded bamboo groves, cycling is fine if you don’t mind the odd mild incline.
Things to do
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama (嵐山モンキーパークいわたやま)
A fun little experience, especially for the children, this park is located up a hill on Oi River and is home to many funny Japanese macaque. There is a short hike up to the top, which provides a superb view over the city, plus wild deer if you are lucky. At the top visitors can feed the monkeys. Adults 550 yen, children 250 yen, under 4s FREE • 9am-5pm (until 4pm Nov 1 - Mar 14) • South of Togetsukyo Bridge • Google Maps
Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋)
A good way to get a view of the scenic forested hills, this 155-meter bridge over the Katsura River is worth a quick visit. The bridge may have concrete legs, but the wooden surface still makes for a pretty awesome picture. FREE • South of Arashiyama’s shopping street • Google Maps
Tenryuji Temple (天龍寺)
Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site for Kyoto, this temple is rather spread out, but fun to navigate complex. It houses a beautiful pond surrounded by well-manicured gardens and stone decorations. Originally founded as Japan’s first Zen Buddhist temple, it was eventually abandoned before becoming used by emperors to reside in, before returning to its original religious purpose again. It’s recommended to pay a little extra to go inside the temple buildings as well, as this costs only a few more dollars. Gardens: Adults 500 yen, children 300 yen, preschool FREE (+300 yen for buildings. Save by buying at same time) • 8:30am-5:30pm (until 5pm Oct 21 - Mar 20) • Bus No.11, 28 or 93 to Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae • Google Maps
Arashiyama Bamboo Groves (竹林の道)
It’s quite a mesmerizing experience walking through this sprawling bamboo grove, and not hard to see how it became one of Kyoto’s top budget travel spots. The Arashiyama Bamboo Groves makes for a nice walk for people who want to experience the quiet, traditional side of Japan. One of Kyoto’s most picturesque locations. FREE • 24h • Just north of Tenryuji Temple • Google Maps
Jojakko-ji Temple (常寂光寺)
Less crowded than most in the area, this small temple is a relaxing retreat. There is a quaint little pagoda, plus some good spots to sit down after all that walking around. 500 yen • 9am-5pm • Just north of the bamboo grove • Google Maps
Northern temples
Discount pass: Shared Admission Ticket
Save 200 yen by getting this ticket at one of the two spots below. This ticket allows access to both, which are 25 minutes on foot or several minutes on the bike from each other.
Gio-ji Temple (祇王寺)
Surrounded by a bamboo grove, a moss covered garden and maple trees, this tiny thatched roofed temple is a nice excuse for a walk into the traditional suburbs north of Arashiyama. While the size means there is less to do and see than other temples, it has become a favorite for many living in Kyoto. Adults 300 yen, children 100 yen • 9am-5pm • 10 mins north of Jojakkoji • Google Maps
Daikaku-ji Temple (大覚寺)
Daikaku-ji is a quiet temple in northern Kyoto, away from the crowds of central Arashiyama. The site was first established more than 1200 years ago as an Imperial villa, and in the past head priests were from the imperial family. Just behind Daikaku-ji Temple is the free Gosha-myojin Shrine (五社明神), a distinctive, yet slightly run down Buddhist site. Adults 500 yen, children 300 yen • 9am-5pm • Bus No.28 or 91 to Daikakuji. 25-minute walk from central Arashiyama • Google Maps
Free sample heaven
Arashiyama Shopping Street
While around Togetsukyo Bridge can feel like it’s full of selfie-taking tourists, if you head up the road from Tenryuji Temple there are lots of shops to enjoy. Many of these have free samples to try out, so you don’t have to spend lots of money.
Budget food
The budget chains are pretty non-existent around this staunchly traditional area, but that doesn’t mean a budget traveler should be lost for options. In addition to two large supermarkets (and of course convenience stores) and the odd takeout, there are some slightly pricey Japanese mom and pop restaurants if you want to treat yourself to an authentic Japanese meal. Hokka Hokka Tei (ほっかほっか亭) is a cheap bento box takeout, with special lunch deals. Bentos from 390 yen • Google Maps
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Gourmet City supermarket (グルメシティ) is down Maruta-Machi Street (9am-9pm). Another option is Fresco (フレスコ), which has slightly lower prices (9am-9pm).
Water bottle refill spots
While there are few clean water fountains, visitors can usually pick up small, free drink samples from the shopping streets.
How to get there and away
If you just want to spend the day here, walking around the sites, then getting the train, rather than the bus, would be cheaper and quicker. From Kyoto station, take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama (16 minutes, 240 yen). Otherwise, use the directions above to head to one of the main sites via bus, from where you can continue on foot. Recommended bus pass: Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass
Kawaramachi Shopping District (河原町)
Kawaramachi is our favorite place to come for a spot of budget shopping in Kyoto, as well as being a great hub to stop off at for a cheap meal. In addition to these modern delights around the station is the lively downtown market called Nishiki Market. Known as a place to find Kyoto’s most famous fish, snacks and other various goods, the long, ‘keeping it simple’ street is fascinating. Prices can be reasonable, but look around before purchasing as there is much on offer. Also worth checking out is Pontocho Alley, an atmospheric street running parallel to Kamogawa river. No modern buildings or signs are allowed here, just like Gion. Head there in the evening, especially on Friday or Saturday when there is more chance of seeing Maiko (trainee Geisha).
Budget food
Budget restaurants
1) Ringer Hut (リンガーハット) - fish ramen. Ramen from 630 yen • 11am-2am
2) Kappa Sushi (かっぱ寿司) - conveyor belt sushi. Sushi from 108 yen • 11am-10pm
3) Matsuya (松屋) - rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h
4) Sukiya (すき家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 360 yen • 24h
5) Mos Burger (モス) - Japanese burgers. Burgers from 220 yen • 7am-midnight
6) Yayoi Iken (やよい軒) - Japanese sets. Meals from 680 yen • 24h
Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)
Cheapest is Kobebussan (業務スーパー), open 10am-10pm. Nearer the station, the pricier Seijo Ishii (成城石井) has a good range of foreign goods and bakery items (8am-10pm).
Shopping
LAOX Duty Free (ラオックス)
Specializing in tax-free shopping for foreign tourists, LAOX has everything from cosmetics to suitcases to electronics. 10:30am-8:30pm • Inside Marui Department Store • Google Maps
Bookoff Plus (ブックオフ)
Great spot for second hand books, DVDs and CDs. 11am-10pm • Google Maps
Uniqlo (ユニクロ)
Local branch of the mega budget clothing brand. 11am-9pm • Google Maps
WEGO (ウィゴー)
Discount clothes shop for youth fashion. 11am-8:30 pm • Google Maps
ABC Mart (ABCマート)
A few branches of the discount shoe shop are in the area, with prices sometimes as low as 1000 yen. Steps is also worth checking out for cheap shoes.11am-9pm • Google Maps
100 yen shops
Plenty near Kawaramachi station:
Daiso (ダイソー) - Two on the west side. 10am-9pm
Seria (セリア) - I
nside Marui Department Store, exit 3A. 10:30am-8:30pm
Can Do (キャンドゥ) - Top of map. 10am-10pm
Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)
There are various pharmacies around Kawaramachi station, most open 10am-10pm.
How to get there and away
On foot or bicycle
Gion is a few minutes away, as is Shijo station on the subway line. Kyoto station is about 35-minute walk away on foot, to the south.
By bus
Bus no. 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 32, 46, 59, 201, 203, 205, 207. From Kyoto station get bus no. 4 (fastest), 17 or 205. Recommended bus pass: Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass
By rail
From Kyoto, take the Kyoto Subway Karasuma Line to Shijo station, then the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Kawaramachi station (13 mins, 360 yen). It’s also quite possible to just take a 10-minute walk from Shijo station (saves 150 yen).
Tourist information (観光案内所)
Travel agent H.I.S (9am-6pm) has a branch near the Kawaramachi station, but the official tourist information center is up the road (8:45am-5:30pm, closed weekends).
Shimogamo and Kamigamo Shrines
Shimogamo Shrine
These two partnered World Heritage shrines are away from most of the crowds, and most importantly free!
Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社)
The oldest Shinto shrine in Kyoto, and still of great significance to followers. Kamigamo, a shrine dating from the Heian period, is known across the country for its iconic sand cones. The shrine is also surrounded by a picturesque primeval forest, featuring large Japanese oak trees and weeping cherry trees. There is a supermarket and convenience store just across the bridge, if you need any cheap snacks or drinks. FREE • 5:50am-5pm • City Bus: No.4 or 46 to Kamigamojinja-mae • Google Maps
Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社)
Also one of the oldest shrines in Japan, with construction thought to date back to the 6th century. Has a similar style to Kamigamo, called ‘nagare-zukuri’ (flowing style), with the complex comprising dozens of small shrine buildings. Once you have done the main area, walk south through the forest (Tadasu no Mori), the last remaining section of the Yamashiro Plains. At the end are some more free shrines, often missed by tourists, but a lovely place to retreat to. FREE • 5:30am-6pm (summer), 6:30am-5pm (winter)• City Bus: From Kyoto station, take bus no. 4 to Shimogamojinja-mae. Also on bus no. 205 • Google Maps • Recommended bus pass: Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass
Osaka
Dotonbori Street, Namba
Spiritually the southern capital of Japan, Osaka is the business and entertainment center of the south. Osaka is not the most exciting city in the world, and for most people Tokyo has much more to offer. But there still come cool places to check out in Osaka, and it’s interesting to compare the two big cities. It’s also in a perfect location from which to base further travels into the Kansai region, such as to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe, on a budget.
A little bit of history
When Chinese culture was first introduced into Japan in the 5th century, Osaka became an important location in politics, culture and business. The capital was built here in the 7th century, but moved to Nara and then Kyoto in subsequent years. The city still continued to flourish as a place to do business. Osaka became known as the merchant city, while Tokyo eventually became the center for politics and government when the capital moved there in the 17th century. It has made Osaka people into arguably friendlier, more open people than their northern neighbors.
Highlights
1) Kuromon Market
See how Japanese people used to shop at this staunchly traditional market.
2) Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Fun place to take the children, but the sheer size of it all means there is something for everyone here.
3) Den Den Electric Town
The main electronics district, with lots of gaming arcades and tax-free shopping.
4) Amemura
Osaka’s fashion town, full of new styles and a few bargains.
5) Minoo Park
A lovely, quiet retreat from central Osaka. Great hiking opportunities and no crowds.
6) Dotonbori
The main entertainment and eating area in Osaka. Full of atmosphere, with a stunning canal. Best in the evening.
Volunteer Guides
Osaka SGG Club - http://fgnosa.sakura.ne.jp/
Guides from this club are able to take visitors to the main sites, as well as nearby cities such as Nara and Kyoto. They like to show off both modern and old areas of each area.
Visit Kansai - http://www.visitkansai.com/
For those visiting places such as Osaka, Kyoto or Nara, Visit Kansai is a great choice. They have loads of bubbly volunteer guides who want to give tourists a real behind-the-scenes experience.
IC cards
There are various IC cards, but the most popular is ICOCA. Similar to the Suica card in Tokyo, it can be used on bus and trains in Osaka. It helps to reduce the hassle and difficulty of buying individual tickets, but the 500 yen deposit will probably eliminate any savings if just using it for a day or two. Note that ICOCA and Tokyo’s Suica cards now work on each other's networks. Available from JR ticket machines. 2000 yen (500 yen deposit, 1500 yen put on card)
How to get there and away
By air
The main airport for international flights is Kansai International Airport. There are cheap buses into town, but taking a train is much easier. The Nankai and JR train lines both go to Osaka city for around 1000 yen. Use Hyperdia to see which is cheaper to your accommodation. Note that there is also a combined ICOCA and JR Haruka Pass available exclusively to tourists. It combines use of a limited express train to and from the airport, plus an ICOCA card charged with 1500 yen. Available from 4200 yen for a round trip from the airport. Each use of the limited express is from 1710 yen, so good savings can be made.
By train
If you are far from Osaka and have the Japan Rail Pass, you should take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka station. Otherwise, take normal trains to Osaka, Umeda or Namba stations, the main ones in the city center. There are frequent services to Kyoto and Nara.
By bus
Osaka is the main transportation hub in Kansai. If you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass, there are cheap buses available from other major cities, such as Tokyo or Hiroshima. Check prices at Japan Bus Lines, Willer Bus and JR Bus Kanto.
Discount transportation passes
Also consider the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket if going to the aquarium.
Osaka Visitors’ Ticket
Unlimited rides on all Osaka municipal buses, subway lines and trams for one day. It will get you to almost all the spots in this guide, with the exceptions of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Minoo Park. The super low price for foreigners makes this pass a no-brainer. Available at the tourist information centers at Kansai airport and Shinsaibashi in Namba, as well as travel agents abroad. A tourist visa is required, so bring your passport. Adults 550 yen (adults only)
Enjoy Eco Card
Same as the Osaka Visitors’ Ticket, but does not require a tourist visa, so good for students and those living in Japan. Also note that as there are no Osaka Visitors’ Tickets available for children, getting an Enjoy Eco Card for them is cheaper. Adults 800 yen, children 300 yen
Osaka Amazing Pass
In addition to the features of the other passes, this one also allows travel on the private rail lines in Osaka (only excluding JR lines), if using just for one day. The two-day Osaka Amazing Pass has no additional transportation features. What sets this pass apart is that it includes free access to 35 tourist spots, including the Osaka Castle museum, and a large coupon book for additional discounts and benefits at countless more. Generally, if you were to cram in a few of the included attractions, you could save money, but quite a lot of them are not what most would call Osaka’s star attractions. Have a look at the current line-up at https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/
en/ to see if it’s worth it. Purchase at tourist information centers and stations in Osaka. 1 day 2500 yen, 2 days 3300 yen (no child prices)
Sample itinerary: Osaka in a day
In the morning, start by checking out the old-school Kuromon Market, then pop over to the grand aquarium, one of Japan’s best. In the afternoon head to Namba for some evening shopping and the vibrant nightlife of Dotonbori. If you have time, check out Shinsekai, full of bright lights and noisy bars to enjoy. Best done with the Osaka Visitors’ Ticket or the Enjoy Eco Card, to save a bit of money.
Osaka Budget Accommodation
Just like its big brother Tokyo, Osaka has a host of options for those on a budget. Here are the highlights:
Hostels and Guest Houses
Shin-Osaka Youth Hostel
A new youth hostel, right next to the Shinkansen station for Osaka (Shin-Osaka station). Japanese and western style rooms available. Dorms from 3500 yen • http://osaka-yha.or.jp/shin-osaka-eng/
J-Hoppers Osaka Guesthouse
A highly rated hostel near Umeda station. Lots of free services, a big kitchen so you can cook for yourself and cheap bike rental services. Dorms from 2700 yen • http://osaka.j-hoppers.com/
Bonsai Guest House
A nice little guest house not far from the main sights of Osaka. Japanese and western style rooms available. Comes highly recommended. Dorms from 2800 yen • http://www.bonsaiguesthouse.com
Hostel 64 Osaka
More modern hostel, within walking distance of many tourist spots in Osaka. Also has lots of services available, like bike rentals. Dorms from 3500 yen • http://hostel64.com/
Love hotels (adults only)
The following, plus an increasing number of other love hotels, are bookable at Booking.com.
Hotel Fine Garden
A national chain of ‘adult only’ hotels, this branch is near Umeda station. Colorful and fun! Rooms from 3584 yen