Super Cheap Japan
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Nara Park
Forget the cute deer, grab some low-cost food from the convenience store and head to this huge park in Nara. Usually lots of space to sit down, but no guarantees!
Himeji Castle
Himeji Castle is breath-taking during the cherry blossom season. The parks outside the castle are free, but it’s worth paying the entrance fee to see this World Heritage site during such a breathtaking time of the year.
Japanese for budget travelers
The Japanese have a bad reputation for speaking English, but if you know some key phrases, this is not usually a problem. In all tourist spots or metropolitan areas, you are never too far from someone who speaks a bit of English. If you have trouble with the pronunciation, point at the Japanese text below. For individual words use Google Translate. If you are lost, show someone the Japanese in this book for the place you want to visit, as this will make it much easier for them to help you. Japanese people love to help, but can become very intimidated if they don’t understand a foreigner.
Essential phrases
Do you speak English? - Eigo o hanasemas ka? / 英語を話せますか？
Hello! - Konnichiwa! / こんにちは！
Yes - Hai / はい
No - Iie / いえ
Thank you - Arigatou / ありがとう
Sorry - Sumimasen / すみません
I don’t understand - Wakarimasen / わかりません
Please write down (e.g. number, price) - Kaite kudasai / かいてください
Where is the _? - _ wa doko des ka? / _はどこですか?
Insert the following above to ask for directions:
Toilet = Toire / トイレ • Train station = Eki / えき • Subway station = Chikatetsu / ちかてつ
Shopping
How much is this? - Ikura des ka? / いくらですか?
Do you have _? - _ arimas ka? / _ありますか？
Getting food and drink
Do you have an English menu? - Eigo no menyu wa arimas ka? / 英語のメニューはありますか？
I’d like _ please - _ o kudasai / _をください
That please - Kore o kudasau / これをください (point at the item)
Water please (save on drinks) - Omizu o kudasai / お水をください
Refill please! (use if free refills available) - Okawari! / おかわり!
Takeout please - Teiku-auto de / テイクアウトで
Eat-in please - Eeto-in de / イートインで
Is there a cover or table charge? - Charji arimas ka? / チャージありますか？
Traveling around
Please tell me when we get to _. (good for buses/trains with no English signs) - _ ni tsuku toki ni oshiete kudasai / _に着くときに教えてください
Tokyo
Kaminarimon, Asakusa
Tokyo is the capital city of Japan and one of the most densely-populated cities in the world. More than 13 million people live in the center, while the greater Tokyo metropolis houses over 35 million. Tokyo is very much a ‘city of cities’, with each one having its own distinct feel and attractions. We would therefore recommend heading to the highlights, and from these spots head off to other sites of interest. The fact that all these cities are connected by an excellent, and cheap, subway network means that budget travelers can do lots in one day.
A little bit of history
Tokyo is actually a relatively new capital. In 1590 the Shoguns, Japan’s military dictators, moved from Kyoto to Edo, the old name for Tokyo. While the emperor stayed in Kyoto, the real power and money moved to the new city. In the early 17th century, Edo blossomed under Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and spread out around Edo Castle. The city still remained cut off from the rest of the world, though.
The Shogunate finally fell in 1867, bringing Emperor Meiji into power. He renamed the city Tokyo, meaning ‘eastern capital’, and opened up Japan’s borders to the world. Foreign culture and technology, particularly from the west, flooded into the country via ports such as Yokohama. Japan really started to become important on the world scene.
In 1923, Tokyo was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake. More than 2 million people were left homeless and more than 100,000 perished. The city was further damaged by the bombing in World War Two, which destroyed much of the capital. Thankfully Tokyo experienced rapid growth after the war, and has become a real success story as the most vibrant, exciting and fascinating city in the world.
Highlights
1) Shinjuku
Tokyo’s best cosmopolitan spot, Shinjuku is fall of budget superstores, great low-cost food and a high number of tax-free shops.
2) Harajuku
Tokyo’s best spot for all things kawaii (cute). Cheap clothes, accessories and some amazing trendsetting fashion from the locals.
3) Mount Takao
The essential hiking day trip from Tokyo. Super cheap to access, easy to navigate and all you can drink beer at the top!
4) Shimo-Kitazawa
A maze of narrow streets, that look completely unchanged from the 50’s or 60’s. No ugly skyscrapers here.
5) Shibuya
Featuring Tokyo’s most photographed area, the Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble, this hyperactive area has lots of people watching and window shopping opportunities for budget travelers.
6) Edo-Tokyo Museum
Offers the most comprehensive information on Tokyo’s history, architecture and culture. The low price more than pays for itself.
7) Tokyo Metropolitan Observation Decks
Skip the pricey SkyTree and head to this free observation deck for a spectacular view over the city.
Volunteer guides
There are several organizations offering free guide services in Tokyo, so we will just list the best ones. For more see the official list.
Tokyo International Student Guide - https://www.facebook.com/tsgg.for.tourists/
A bunch of friendly students from local universities and colleges who are eager to show tourists around. They focus on top spots in Tokyo, but can accommodate special requests.
Tokyo SGG Club - http://tokyosgg.jp/guide.html
More focused on the east side, such as the museum, parks and shrines around Asakusa and Ueno. No reservation is required, you just need to show up at one of their tourist information centers and tag along!
Tokyo Free Guide - http://www.tokyofreeguide.org/
Another well-known service in Tokyo. It’s a free guide service with the aim to encourage cultural exchanges between Japanese people and foreigners. Services are available in multiple languages, such as English, French, Italian and Spanish.
IC cards
The main IC card in Tokyo is the Suica card, available to buy at any ticket machine from a JR station in Tokyo. Journey prices are a little cheaper when using the card, so if you are in Tokyo for more than a few days then you can save a little. They also reduce the chance of overpaying when transferring between lines, which can be confusing. The Suica card also works on all the subway lines and buses in Tokyo. 2000 yen (500 yen deposit, 1500 yen put on card)
How to get there and away
By air
There are two main airports for Tokyo, Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND). When choosing your flight, it doesn’t really matter which one you choose as there are cheap transportation options from both.
Narita Airport transportation
Access Narita and Keisei both offer 1000 yen buses into the city (1 hour, 100 yen off Keisei bus if pre-booked). Access Narita goes to/from Tokyo station and Ginza, while Keisei also goes to Odaiba. These are the cheapest options for budget travelers, but it’s also possible to use the Keisei local and express line trains to/from Nippori station in Tokyo (1 hour, 1240 yen).
Haneda Airport transportation
Haneda is much closer to downtown Tokyo, so it’s usually cheaper and easier to just use the Keikyu Line or Monorail. Take the Keikyu Line to Shinag
awa (11 mins, 410 yen) or the Monorail to Hamamatsucho (19 mins, 490 yen), then transfer from these hubs.
By train
If you are far from Tokyo and have the Japan Rail Pass, you should take the Shinkansen to Tokyo or Shinagawa station.
By bus
If you are traveling far from Tokyo, such as from Kyoto, Osaka or Hiroshima, and don’t have a Japan Rail Pass then it’s much, much cheaper to take the bus. Check prices at Japan Bus Lines, Willer Bus and JR Bus Kanto.
Discount transportation passes
There are three main passes for travel in central Tokyo that will be of most use to budget travelers. Note that in central Tokyo there are three main networks: Tokyo Metro (main subway network), Toei Subway (only four lines) and JR trains. These passes are a great way to save a bit of cash when doing a lot in one day, and also give extra flexibility to try somewhere new if you have a bit of free time. The pass you choose really depends on where you want to visit, so check the ‘Recommended rail passes’ for each place. The easiest way is to get the Tokyo Subway Ticket on the first day, then see how much you can get done on that.
At the time of writing, the one-day passes for the subway networks also come with a ‘Chikatoku’ discount booklet, which allows pass owners to get discounts or free bonus items at more than 400 locations in Tokyo. See http://chikatoku.enjoytokyo.jp/en/ for the full list.
Tokyo Subway Ticket 24h/48h/72h
New pass available only to foreign tourists, so you need to show a passport when purchasing. This awesome ticket allows use of both Toei Subway and Tokyo Metro. Available at Haneda or Narita Airport, or some Bic Camera or Laox Tax Free shops. See http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/ for more locations. 24 hours: Adults 800 yen, children 400 yen. 48 hours: Adults 1200 yen, children 600 yen. 72 hours: Adults 1500 yen, children 750 yen
Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket
If you have no need to also use the Toei Subway, then get this pass instead, and save a few hundred yen. This may require longer journey times to some destinations, but it’s the cheapest way to get around the city. Adults 600 yen, children 300 yen
Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass)
A good option if you are going to main transportation hubs like Akihabara, Shibuya, Tokyo or Shinjuku stations or want to venture a little into the suburbs, such as to Koenji or Ryogoku. This pass allows unlimited use of JR trains only, and includes all their trains in central Tokyo, plus a little distance outside. Available at all JR stations in central Tokyo. Adults 700 yen, children 370 yen
Sample day itineraries
Cool Tokyo
First head to Harajuku to see what’s trending in everything kawaii (cute fashion), before dropping into Shibuya to see Japan’s top brands. After lunch, geek out in Akihabara and visit Asakusa for Tokyo’s most popular temple. Then head to Koenji for a more down-to-earth vibe in the evening. Perfect with the Tokyo Metro 24-hour Ticket.
Tradition and history in Tokyo
Good with the Tokyo Subway Ticket, first go to Ryogoku to visit the free Sumo museum and then the Edo-Tokyo museum, to learn all about Tokyo’s history. After lunch head to Ueno, to see the free temples in Ueno park and the traditional markets. If you have time, be sure to check out Hama Rikyu Garden and the nearby Imperial Palace gardens. In the early evening, continue to Ebisu to enjoy the Museum of Yebisu Beer.
The big, big city
Using the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass, you can see lots of the most exciting, bustling areas, all in a day. Start in Shinjuku, where you can go up the observation tower to get a view over the city and see the huge Shinjuku Gyoen park. After lunch, proceed to Shibuya for some photo taking, especially of the super busy pedestrian crossing. Head east for the Imperial gardens and views of the classically designed Tokyo station. Finally head to Sugamo for some discount shopping and relax in the hot spring.
Grutto Pass (ぐるっとパス)
For most budget travelers wanting to check out a gallery or two, the latest listings on TimeOut Tokyo are worth checking out. Many of them are free. But for real gallery and museum junkies, the Grutto Pass should be considered. Unlike many countries, most museums in Japan charge entry fees, so costs can add up. The Grutto Pass provides free admission or discounts to 79 art galleries, museums, zoos and more in Tokyo. If you want to visit many museums and galleries in Tokyo, you will really start to save some money. Count up the cost and see how much you could save at the official website before getting the pass. 2000 yen. Note that there is also a Tokyo Metro & Grutto Pass 2017 Pass, which also includes two days of subway travel for 2700 yen.
Tokyo Budget Accommodation
Tokyo has a superb selection of budget accommodation, from female-only hostels to countless net cafes allowing overnight stays.
Hostels and Guest Houses
While these are the best ones we have stayed at in Tokyo, horror stories are almost nonexistent, so feel free to go for the cheapest one online!
Khaosan Hostels
This well-known guesthouse chain has a variety of cheap and clean guesthouses in central locations. They all have their own unique theme, so they are a bit nicer to stay at than a dull YHA hostel. Dorms from 2200 yen, private rooms from 3400 yen • http://khaosan-tokyo.com/en/
Tokyo Central Youth Hostel
A clean, reasonably priced hostel (especially if you are a Hostelling International Member) right bang in the center of Tokyo. Great for large groups. Dorms from 3360 yen • Above Iidabashi station (JR and Metro lines) • Google Maps • http://www.jyh.gr.jp/tcyh/e/top.html
Shrek Watta House
A nice guesthouse, we have stayed here several times. Has both western and Japanese style tatami mat rooms. Run by a nice old man, this place has a nice open kitchen with loads of free travel resources. Private rooms from 2150 yen • Musashi-Seki station, near Shinjuku station • http://www.shrek-watta-house.com/index.html
Anne Hostel Asakusabashi
Free breakfast is provided at this friendly hostel. Highly recommended by many travelers. Dorms from 2800 yen, private rooms from 3400 yen • Near Ueno and Akihabara • Google Maps
Tatami Guesthouse
A bit further away than most others, but we have stayed here and would highly recommend the place. It’s very cheap, is in a quiet area and there are lots of people around to help you in your travels (one Japanese guy took us on a free tour of an animation museum!). Private rooms from 2100 yen • Hibarigaoka station • Google Maps • http://www.tatami-guesthouse.com/
GrapeHouse Koenji (female only)
This ladies only hostel has a great reputation and gets full up easily, so try to book as early as possible. Friendly staff can help you to get around. Dorms from 3500 • Koenji station • Google Maps • http://grapehouse.jp/en/
Love hotels (adults only)
Shinjuku
Kabukicho is a heartland for love hotels, so head to the northern area if you don’t have a reservation and want to see what’s available. The ones available to reserve online are often two or three times as expensive as just turning up, but try Booking.com if you want that peace of mind. ‘Rest’ (2-4 hours) from 1500 yen, ‘Stay’ (overnight) from 6500 yen • Google Maps
Shibuya Love Hotel Hill
Head to Love Hotel Hill (ラブホテル坂) for a bewildering range of love hotels. Take your time to compare prices and facilities available. No need to book in advance as there is so much choice here. ‘Rest’ (2-4 hours) from 1500 yen, ‘Stay’ (overnight) from 6500 yen • Google Maps
Capsule hotels
Akihabara
Capsule Value Kanda (men only)
You will soon realize why they have a 91% rating. Really helpful staff, cheap bike rental and inexpensive rooms. Capsules from 2400 yen • From Kanda station, take the south exit, walk down the track and take left turn at 2nd road under track • Google Maps • http://capsuleinn.com/kanda/en/
First Cabin Akihabara
More upmarket than Capsule
Value, with spacious capsules and hotel like facilities. Capsule from 3700 yen • From Metro Hibiya exit 4, 1 min down 2nd road parallel to river • Google Maps
Asakusa
Capsule Hotel Asakusa River Side
A very cheap capsule hotel with English support, right next to Asakusa station. Capsules from 2000 yen • Opposite exit A5 • Google Maps
Shibuya
Capsule and Sauna Century Shibuya (Men only) (カプセルホテル渋谷)
Cheap capsule hotel right in the center of Shibuya. Capsules from 3500 yen • West side of Shibuya station • Google Maps
Shinjuku
Hatagoya (カプセルホテルはたごや)
Looks more like a new ryokan (Japanese hotel) from the outside, this new capsule hotel is modern, clean and has free soap and shampoo in the showers. Capsules from 3200 yen • Google Maps • http://hatago-ya.com/
nine hours Shinjuku-North (ナインアワーズ 北新宿)
This trustworthy capsule hotel chain has recently opened a new branch in Shinjuku. Great English-language support at the 24h front desk. Capsules from 3000 yen • Google Maps • https://ninehours.co.jp/
Overnight Spas (super sentos)
Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Hot Spring (大江戸温泉物語)
It’s also possible to stay the night here in Odaiba’s huge onsen, where you can sleep in the tatami rooms or in the lazyboy chairs. 2160 yen extra to stay overnight • http://daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/en/
Internet cafes
Akihabara
You are really spoilt for choice here, so here are just a few safe bets.
Comcom (コムコム)
Good choice of free drinks, 100 yen snacks, plus free blanket and slippers for a good night's sleep. Showers 300 yen. Night pack (ナイトパック) available from 5pm: 6 hours (6時間ナイトパック) from 1230 yen, 9 hours (9時間ナイトパック) from 1850 yen (200 yen off with coupon) • Head out of Electric Town exit, and head to Chuo Dori (main street). It’s near the train bridge, on the left • Google Maps