Japan on a budget
Discussion
I know there's been multiple Japan threads before but after some quick advice. My eldest son (19) and I are going, booked spur of the moment last night after finding some sub £500 return flights on t'internet.
Going for 8 days to Tokyo end of March, beginning of April. Staying in the Akihabara area ( we like the look of the neon and mental zebra crossing!!)
So, what to do on a budget. Cheap eats and stuff. Like electronics, cars/biks (well I do), and general Japanese stuff. Wouldn't mind seeing a sumo tournament if poss (basho?). Also like geological stuff, hot springs, geysers, stuff like that.
Also, a day trip to Kyoto for temples and old world Japan, and to pass Fuji. I've heard bullet train (shinkansen?) is v.expensive. Any way of doing it cheaper?
Basically looking for ways to entertain ourselves without breaking the bank. We like walking too so not adverse to an interesting 8 mile trek across town.
And anyone recommend the best pocket travel guide for two idiots like us who know 3 words in Japanese, hello, goodbye and foreigner.
Going for 8 days to Tokyo end of March, beginning of April. Staying in the Akihabara area ( we like the look of the neon and mental zebra crossing!!)
So, what to do on a budget. Cheap eats and stuff. Like electronics, cars/biks (well I do), and general Japanese stuff. Wouldn't mind seeing a sumo tournament if poss (basho?). Also like geological stuff, hot springs, geysers, stuff like that.
Also, a day trip to Kyoto for temples and old world Japan, and to pass Fuji. I've heard bullet train (shinkansen?) is v.expensive. Any way of doing it cheaper?
Basically looking for ways to entertain ourselves without breaking the bank. We like walking too so not adverse to an interesting 8 mile trek across town.
And anyone recommend the best pocket travel guide for two idiots like us who know 3 words in Japanese, hello, goodbye and foreigner.
ujio said:
Twig, if you don't mind me asking. Where did you get the flights from?
I'm also looking to go there around the same time. Thanks!
Lastminute.com. Various options Heathrow to Narita, via Moscow with Aeroflot or via Beijing with Air China.But with quite short stopovers so total flight time 16/17 hrs. I'm also looking to go there around the same time. Thanks!
Well I'm in our hotel room in Kayabacho, not far from Tokyo station and Akihabara. Beautiful day and the cherry blossom is out all over the city. Got the Kesei bus for only 1000 yen from Narita (about £5.50) and a special one day metro pass for 700 yen. Left cases at hotel and took metro to akihabara. Went into the biggest electronics store I've ever seen. I wasn't hungry but son got a fab lunch or rahmen with rice and tempura for only 530 yen, about £3.
Having a bit of a rest and off to see Japan v Uzbekistan footy tonight.
Here for 8 days, son has planned a great itinary. should be good.
Having a bit of a rest and off to see Japan v Uzbekistan footy tonight.
Here for 8 days, son has planned a great itinary. should be good.
Yes, making lunch the main meal of the day is definitely the way to go.
Top tip. Loads of tiny restaurants in the city, just a kitchen and a couple of tables. No room for a till or stuff so there's a machine by the entrance, just hit the button for the meal you want, pay and take the ticket from the machine and pass to staff. But all the options are in Japanese, so just go for the top left button. That's always their most popular, best value dish. Not the cheapest or most expensive, but the dish many people go there for.
Top tip. Loads of tiny restaurants in the city, just a kitchen and a couple of tables. No room for a till or stuff so there's a machine by the entrance, just hit the button for the meal you want, pay and take the ticket from the machine and pass to staff. But all the options are in Japanese, so just go for the top left button. That's always their most popular, best value dish. Not the cheapest or most expensive, but the dish many people go there for.
carreauchompeur said:
Brave 
Sounds ace, would love to go back to Japan. Given cheap flights and the exchange rate it's an attractive proposition ATM.
I got 180 yen to the £. Makes stuff a lot more reasonable. Sounds ace, would love to go back to Japan. Given cheap flights and the exchange rate it's an attractive proposition ATM.
Had dinner tonight in a tiny place under the arches of Ginza station. 300g of steak served raw you cook yourself on a hot stone plate, with soup, mustard paste and sweetcorn. 1250 yen so about £7. Fantastic.
Also had my first game of pa
o, and likely my last! And am addicted to the BIC Camera shops. How do they make any money. Each store must hold £500m of stock!!! Crazy. But when I get home I want an 85" 4K telly!!!!Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff