Super Cheap Japan

by Matthew Baxter

  Hotel La Aroma Tennoji

  Another ‘adult only’ hotel in central Osaka, but this one seems a bit more stylish and upmarket. For one night only! Rooms from 8064 yen

  Capsule hotels

  Capsule Hotel Asahi Plaza Shinsaibashi

  Not exactly a five-star hotel, but this capsule hotel is fine for a few days. Good English support and free spa access included. Capsules from 2900 yen • See Namba map • Google Maps • http://www.asahiplaza.co.jp

  B&S Eco Cube Shinsaibashi

  Modern, clean capsule hotel with a ladies-only floor. Free Wi-fi and PC use. Capsules from 2500 yen • See Namba map • Google Maps • https://eco-cube.jp

  Capsule Inn Osaka (men only)

  Not as modern or clean as the others, but has the lowest prices and is close to Umeda station. Capsules from 2400 yen • From Exit M2 of Umeda, walk 3 mins east along shopping arcade • Google Maps • http://www.capsulehotel-inn-osaka.com

  Overnight Spas (super sentos)

  Spa World (スパワールド)

  This huge spa and entertainment complex also allows visitors to stay a night, on lazyboy chairs or on Japanese tatami floors. Hotel style rooms also available. 1300 yen extra • http://www.spaworld.co.jp/english/

  Internet cafes

  Aprecio (アプレシオ)

  Well run comic cafe with a good selection of cheap meals and ice creams. Also accepts credit cards and has a ladies-only area. Night pack (ナイトパック) available from 9pm: 6 hours (6時間ナイトパック) from 1760 yen, 9 hours (9時間ナイトパック) from 2480 yen • See Namba map • Google Maps

  MediaCafe Popeye (メディアカフェポパイ)

  Loads of these around Osaka. A safe option, this chain is well accustomed to foreign tourists staying. Usual selection of free comics and drinks. Night pack (ナイトパック) available from 10pm: 5 hours (5時間ナイトパック) from 980 yen, 10 hours (10時間ナイトパック) from 1860 yen • See Namba map

  Namba (難波)

  Bustling, bright and always energetic, Namba is what most people imagine a Japanese downtown is like. The area is full of never-seen-before sites and hidden alleyways to explore on foot, making it a perfect holiday spot for budget travelers. There are countless shops, bars, cafes and more here, so give yourself at least an afternoon or two to enjoy all the sights.

  Things to do

  Dotonbori Street (道頓堀)

  You have probably seen a picture of the Glico boy and the bright neon lights along Dotonbori canal, and if you have not you will definitely remember it after visiting. This is the main place to go for drinks or food in the evening in Osaka. It’s full of reasonably priced restaurants and bars, and has a lively character that will force you to get out your camera and take a few pics! Just be sure to avoid bars that have cover charges. There are plenty without, and signs outside usually say if there is a cover/table charge. Say “charji arimas ka?” to a member of staff to check if you are worried. Just north of the Namba stations, on the canal • Google Maps

  Kuromon Market (黒門市場)

  With nearly 200 years of history, this vibrant 600-meter long market is a great place for a free stroll and a bit of window shopping. Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen” by locals, there seems to be an endless supply of strange and interesting little shops run by local residents. The 150-plus shops mainly sell fish, meat and vegetables, but an increasing number are now catering to travelers with simple takeout dishes such as sushi, sashimi and grilled fish. Best to come in the morning, when it’s livelier. Two-minute walk from Nippombashi station • Google Maps

  Hozenji Yokocho (法善寺横丁)

  A few narrow, stone paved streets near the local Hozenji Temple, this area feels like Osaka before the bright lights of Dotonbori. Small restaurants and cafes line the lovingly quaint streets. The free temple and its moss-covered statue Buddhist statue are also worth having a peek at. One-minute walk north of Namba Subway station (near exit 14) • Google Maps

  Den Den Electric Town (でんでんタウン)

  Den Den Electric Town is Osaka’s answer to Akihabara. The area is packed with huge electronic shops selling anything you can imagine, maid cafes, game arcades (most games still just 100 yen a play) and lots of other exciting 21st century attractions. Just walk five minutes down from Nippombashi subway station • Google Maps

  Shinsaibashi (心斎橋)

  While not quite as down to earth and authentic as the other shopping and eating spots, Shinsaibashi and the covered shopping arcades do tend to get lower prices. Osaka’s largest shopping area is always heaving with people, and is full of all kinds of shops and restaurants. From Namba Subway station, take exit 14 or 15B, then walk north towards the canal. Take a right into Dotonbori Street just before the canal, then take the first left (you will see a dancing crab model). Walk over the bridge to arrive at the entrance • Google Maps

  Amemura (アメリカ村)

  Osaka’s youth town, Amemura is rich with Japan’s take on American culture, sometimes amusing and odd, sometimes super tasty. It all started in the 1970s, when warehouses in the areas started selling imported goods from the US, such as jeans, records and music. It eventually grew to become a spot to break new fashion, media and entertainment trends in Japan. A cool spot for a bit of people watching. Between Shinsaibashi and Namba subway stations • Google Maps

  Walk it and save!

  Once you get to one of the Namba stations (JR Namba, Osaka-Namba, Namba…yes it’s confusing), use one of the station maps and the one in this chapter to get your bearings. From here everything is within walking distance. Walking down Dotonbori Canal in the evening with a drink or two is a cheap way to spend a fun evening. Osaka people are known to be friendly, so you may make some new friends!

  Free sample heaven

  Takashimaya Food Court (大阪高島屋)

  This posh underground food court has products that are way out of most people's price range, but walk around to pick up some free samples of the latest confectionery or breads. 10am-8:30pm • B1 of Namba City, in Namba station • Google Maps

  Budget food

  Budget restaurants on map

  1) Matsuya (松屋) - rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h

  2) Yoshinoya (吉野家) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 330 yen • 24h

  3) Mos Burger (モス) - Japanese burgers. Burgers from 220 yen • 7am-11pm

  4) Nakau (なか卯) - gyudon and curry. Bowls from 290 yen. • 24h

  5) Tenya (天丼てんや) - tempura. Bowls from 500 yen • 11am-11pm

  6) Wendy’s First Kitchen (ファーストキッチン) - cheap soups, burgers and pasta. Pasta from 580 yen, burgers from 370 yen • 7am-11pm

  7) Hokka Hokka Tei (ほっかほっか亭) - bento boxes. Bentos from 399 yen • 9:30am-9:30pm

  Local budget food

  8) Kougaryu (甲賀流) - Popular Takoyaki (octopus balls) takeout in Amemura. Takoyaki from 400 yen • 10am-8:30pm • Google Maps

  9) Takoyaki Wanaka (わなか) - Another popular Takoyaki chain in Osaka, in a few locations (see map). Takoyaki from 400 yen • 10am-10pm

  Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)

  If you don’t have much time, Seijo Ishii (成城石井) has a branch in Namba station, but prices are a little high (10am-10pm). Better is Life (ライフ), near exit 30 of JR Namba station (9am-12am). There is also a 24 hour Foodium (foodium東心斎橋) supermarket to the east of Shinsaibashi.

  Shopping

  Uniqlo (ユニクロ)

  There are many branches of the budget clothes chain in Namba, the biggest being near Shinsaibashi subway station (11am-9pm).

  Tokyu Hands (東急ハンズ)

  Full of crazy, strange Japanese goods for you to laugh at and enjoy. Back scratchers, weird massage chairs, crazy robot toys and some unimaginable goods. Great for souvenirs and any novelties you want to take home. 10am-9pm • Near Shinsaibashi subway station • Google Maps

>   Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)

  There are two of these variety megastores on Dotonbori Street, full of all sorts of crazy, and sometimes super useful goods. 24h • Dotonbori Street • Google Maps

  3 Coins

  300 yen shop, with higher quality, longer-lasting products than the 100 yen stores. Also has more fashion items, such as a good selection of accessories. 10am-9pm • Namba Town (なんなんタウン), the underground shopping mall between Nankai Namba station and Marui department store • Google Maps

  100 yen shops

  Can Do (キャンドゥ) - Inside Bic Camera. 10am-9pm

  Seria (セリア) - Near Amemura. 11am-9am

  Daiso (ダイソー) - One in Shinsaibashi (10am-9pm), and another in Namba station (10am-11pm).

  Pharmacy (ドラッグ ストア)

  Daikoku (ダイコク) also has a 100 yen store inside (8am-10:30).

  How to get there and away

  Namba is a bit of a maze, but most people will arrive via JR Namba station if using JR trains, Namba or Nippombashi stations if on the Osaka Subway, or Nankai Namba if using the Namba lines (such as from/to Koyasan). Some highway buses may also drop you off here. Recommended rail passes: Enjoy Eco Card, Osaka Visitors’ Ticket, Osaka Amazing Pass

  Tourist information (観光案内所)

  Inside Nankai Namba station (9am-8pm).

  Minoo Park (箕面公園)

  One of Osaka’s oldest parks, Minoo is a popular day trip from Osaka city, and a great place to go hiking away from all the skyscrapers and shopping malls. A perfect choice for a first-time hike in Japan, it’s a very accessible and inexpensive to access hiking area, with options to expand your hike if you need something more challenging. Deep fried momiji leaves are the famous snack to try as you walk up.

  Main hike up to waterfall

  Most people take the main route up to the waterfall, which has a few detours if you have time. English language signs and maps along the way make it a breeze to add these on as you go. The waterfall is a worthwhile payoff for the walk up, at 33 meters tall and five meters wide. The pristine, quiet surroundings have understandably become a hotspot for meditation. Along the way there are also a few free temples, so pop into a few if you need a rest. In autumn the path is even more stunning, being lined with thousands of red and golden leaves. Difficulty: Easy • Hike time: 2 hours

  Minoh Hotel

  The free footbath near Minoh Hotel on the way up or down is a nice place to soothe your feet. You can also enter the hot spring for 1000 yen (4pm-12am). While not as pretty as some hot springs on the inside, the view from the outside bath is spectacular and there is a good variety of baths. There are also free retro video games to play and some cheap amusements.

  Budget food

  Momiji Street is where most of the action is. Look for “もみじ Street” to the hard right of the station. There are a few budget eat-in options here, but it’s best to head to a convenience store. There is a 24 hour Daily Yamasaki convenience store outside the station, to the right. Head into the city for more cheap options in the evening.

  100 yen shops

  Daiso (ダイソー) - Head 10 minutes down Momiji Street. 10am-7pm

  Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)

  The closest to the station is Sundi Supermarket (サンディ), which is three minutes down after taking the first left on Momiji Street. If near Daiso, there are two supermarkets behind it, on the same block.

  How to get there and away

  From Umeda station in central Osaka, take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi station, then take the Hankyu Minoh Line to Minoh station (25 mins, 270 yen). When you exit the station, take a left turn and follow the signs up to Minoo Park (note that it’s sometimes spelt Minoh).

  Tourist information (観光案内所)

  At the Minoo station building, with some good maps to take for free (9am-5pm).

  Shinsekai (新世界)

  It’s amazing that places like this still exist. Shinsekai started to really make a name for itself after World War Two, when workers would come here after helping to rebuild the city for some drinks, casual food and maybe a bit of naughtiness! Many of these tightly packed establishments remain the same as they were just after the war, so it’s a great area for a random walk around. It’s one of Osaka’s most interesting neighborhoods and a perfect spot for people watching and photo taking, both of which are free!

  Things to do

  Don Quijote (ドン・キホーテ)

  This extra-large ‘Mega’ Don Quijote is full of interesting variety goods. Tax-free shopping is available on most items, such as on cosmetics, cheap food, alcohol and already bargain basement priced clothing. 9am-5am • Dobutsuen-Mae station exit 5, east of Shin-Imamiya station • Google Maps

  Daiso (ダイソー)

  Another larger than normal branch of a budget chain store, this 100 yen shop has a pretty amazing selection. 9am-5am • Opposite Don Quijote • Google Maps

  Jan-Jan Lane (じゃんじゃん)

  The main entertainment and restaurant street in Shinsekai. It still has many pubs and very unpretentious eating joints. The name comes from the strumming sound of a Japanese banjo, which was used by waitresses to attract customers into their establishment. Head past Don Quijote, then past Daiso and take the first right. Jan-Jan is the second street on the left • Google Maps

  Tsutenkaku Tower (通天閣)

  This very retro tower may be dwarfed by the SkyTower in Tokyo, but at 130 meters tall and based on the Eiffel Tower, it has become a symbol of Osaka. Most budget travelers tend to just hang around the area though. Adults 600 yen, children 300 yen • 9am-9pm (last entry 8:30pm) • Top of Jan-Jan Lane • Google Maps

  Budget food

  Budget restaurants

  Hokka Hokka Tei (ほっかほっか亭) - Bento boxes. Bentos from 399 yen • 10am-11pm • Opposite Don Quijote

  Matsuya (松屋) - Rice bowls and curry. Gyudon bowls from 290 yen • 24h • Outside Ebisucho station (exit 4) to the north side

  Local budget food: Kushikatsu

  Japanese shish kebab, known as Kushikatsu, is a fun activity. It is essentially skewered meats and vegetables, and patrons get to deep-fry the cutlets on their tables. Our local friends recommend Kushikatsu-Janjan (串かつじゃんじゃん) for those on a budget, but there are many around Shinsekai, so look around for any special offers. Also check the website for discount coupons (use Google Translate if you can’t read Japanese). Sticks from 80 yen • 11am-10:30pm • Halfway up Jan-Jan Lane, on right side

  Cheap supermarkets (スーパー)

  Don Quijote has a large groceries section.

  How to get there and away

  Shinsekai is accessible via Dobutsuen-Mae on the subway or Shin-Imamiya on the JR and Nankai lines. It’s also a 20-minute walk from Namba. Just head to Den Den Town, to the east of Namba station, then walk 15 minutes south down the main road. Shinsekai is just past Ebisucho subway station. Recommended rail passes: Enjoy Eco Card, Osaka Visitors’ Ticket, Osaka Amazing Pass

  Tourist information (観光案内所)

  Nearest official tourist information center is in Namba.

  Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館)

  Generally considered to be the best aquarium in Japan, this gigantic structure houses more than 30,000 creatures from around 600 species, including favorites like penguins, sea lions, dolphins and sharks. Within the aquarium the natural habitats have been painstakingly recreated in the 15-plus mega tanks, with each one based on a region of the Pacific Rim. Interactive features include touching the fish (including sharks!), plus there are feeding shows throughout the day. Adults 2300 yen, children 7-15 years 1200 yen, children 4-6 years 600 yen, under 4 years FREE • 10am-8pm • Osakako station on the Subway Chuo Line. From Umeda or Namba, take the Subway Midosuji Line to Hommachi, then the Chuo Line to Osakako (20 mins, 280 yen) • Google Maps • http://www.kaiyukan.com/

  Discount pass:
Osaka Kaiyu Ticket

  If as a budget traveler you are a bit shocked at the entrance fee, consider this pass. It includes access to the aquarium, plus unlimited use of subway, buses and the New Tram Line in Osaka city for one day. Also includes discounts of up to 50% for 30 other tourist sites in Osaka Bay. As the Osaka Kaiyu Ticket price is only a little more than a general admission ticket (the difference is less than the cost of getting there on the subway), this is a must purchase if your day’s focus is the aquarium and the Osaka Bay area. Adults 2550 yen, children 1300 yen • Sold at all subway and New Tram stations, plus tourist information centers. Not sold at the aquarium.

  Osaka Castle (大阪城)

  While this may not be the most authentic of castles in Japan (it does feature elevators!), Osaka castle is worth a visit if you have some time to kill or want to relax in its park, especially during the cherry blossom season. There are 13 structures within the castle’s stone walls and moat, such as the Sengan Turret, classified an Important Cultural Property, and a museum. If you have already, or plan to visit another castle, skip the entrance fee here and just chill out in the park. Adults 600 yen, children FREE • 9am-5pm • From Namba station, take the Subway Sennichimae Line to Tanimachi Kyuchome, then the Tanimachi Line to Tanimachi Yonchome station (10 mins, 230 yen). From Umeda/Osaka station, walk to Higashi-Umeda station, then take the Tanimachi Line to Tanimachi Yonchome station (6 mins, 230 yen) • Google Maps • http://www.osakacastle.net/english/ • Recommended rail passes: Enjoy Eco Card, Osaka Visitors’ Ticket, Osaka Amazing Pass

  Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine (住吉大社)

  In our opinion, if you are going to visit a shrine in Osaka, this is the one to go to. This shrine is the headquarters of more than 2000 Shinto shrines across Japan and is believed to enshrine three Shinto gods, one for protecting the nation, another for sea voyages and a third for waka (31-syllable) poetry. Registered as a national treasure, it also has a few unique aspects to it. The most interesting was watching Japanese people searching for special stones in a kind of spiritual game, with the aim seemingly to collect together three that have matching Japanese characters on them. It’s on the way from the airport, so worth checking on the way in our out to save a buck on transportation. FREE • 6:30am-5pm • From Namba station, take the Nankai Main Line to Sumiyoshi Taisha station (9 mins, 210 yen). Also on the Hankaidenki-Hankai Line • Google Maps • Recommended rail pass: Osaka Amazing Pass