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.
> April
Sakura season - very special.
> Cheap eats and stuff.
Ramen/Noodles! In many, many varieties. The little noodle places - even teh kiosks on train platforms - are super efficient and very tasty. Save as much money as possible by eating noodles, so that you can at least try wagyu beef once.
> sumo tournament if poss (basho?).
The big sumo stadium - Ryogoku Kokugikan - is just over the river East of Aki. Google for the programme, I guess. Edo Tokyo museum is there, too.
> a day trip to Kyoto for temples and old world Japan, and to pass Fuji.
Fuji spotting from the train is a bit weather dependent. Maybe stop at Nara on the same trip?
> Basically looking for ways to entertain ourselves without breaking the bank.
Go to the (FREE!) viewing floor of the Shinjuku Government Building (North Tower!) just before sunset on a clearish day. You will see the sun go down (towards Fuji). Then go to the bar on teh same floor and down a few drinks while looking East over central Tokyo and seeing all of the lights come up (as close to Blade runner as you can get).
> We like walking too so not adverse to an interesting 8 mile trek across town.
So much to find there on all sorts of random wanderings. I came across a very moving display of molten metalwork commemorating the great earthquake/fire of 1923. Just a very small, quiet and reflective place. So many parks, gardens, temples and shrines all over the place. Some seem unusual to our sensibilities, such as a dedicated area with a huge display of baby statues, where bereaved parents pay a donation to decorate a statue with hats/gloves/scaves of the children they have lost.
Honda showroom in Aoyama Itchome (from memory, certainly on the road to Shibuya) with Asimo and other technology demonstrations. Toyota Web on Odaiba (amazing to see all of the cars we never see here). On weekends a few supercars showing off on that road and around Shibuya (which is the place with the famous pedestrian crossing).
Asakusa (market and big temple site) and nip over the river to the Tokyo Skytree?
Harajuku area (Saturday or Sunday, I think) for the Japanese kids doing that weird fashion-cult thing. Gothic Lolita/etc.
(Some Westerners mght suggest Roppongi; I wouldn't.)
So much more I've forgotten.
Sakura season - very special.
> Cheap eats and stuff.
Ramen/Noodles! In many, many varieties. The little noodle places - even teh kiosks on train platforms - are super efficient and very tasty. Save as much money as possible by eating noodles, so that you can at least try wagyu beef once.
> sumo tournament if poss (basho?).
The big sumo stadium - Ryogoku Kokugikan - is just over the river East of Aki. Google for the programme, I guess. Edo Tokyo museum is there, too.
> a day trip to Kyoto for temples and old world Japan, and to pass Fuji.
Fuji spotting from the train is a bit weather dependent. Maybe stop at Nara on the same trip?
> Basically looking for ways to entertain ourselves without breaking the bank.
Go to the (FREE!) viewing floor of the Shinjuku Government Building (North Tower!) just before sunset on a clearish day. You will see the sun go down (towards Fuji). Then go to the bar on teh same floor and down a few drinks while looking East over central Tokyo and seeing all of the lights come up (as close to Blade runner as you can get).
> We like walking too so not adverse to an interesting 8 mile trek across town.
So much to find there on all sorts of random wanderings. I came across a very moving display of molten metalwork commemorating the great earthquake/fire of 1923. Just a very small, quiet and reflective place. So many parks, gardens, temples and shrines all over the place. Some seem unusual to our sensibilities, such as a dedicated area with a huge display of baby statues, where bereaved parents pay a donation to decorate a statue with hats/gloves/scaves of the children they have lost.
Honda showroom in Aoyama Itchome (from memory, certainly on the road to Shibuya) with Asimo and other technology demonstrations. Toyota Web on Odaiba (amazing to see all of the cars we never see here). On weekends a few supercars showing off on that road and around Shibuya (which is the place with the famous pedestrian crossing).
Asakusa (market and big temple site) and nip over the river to the Tokyo Skytree?
Harajuku area (Saturday or Sunday, I think) for the Japanese kids doing that weird fashion-cult thing. Gothic Lolita/etc.
(Some Westerners mght suggest Roppongi; I wouldn't.)
So much more I've forgotten.
Edited by EskimoArapaho on Thursday 15th January 12:49
Shinkhansen can be expensive. Around 14,000 yen single from Tokyo to Kyoto. Other express services can halve that but you'll be looking at a 10 hour trip!
Have a look on HyperDia.com, it will calculate the possible routes, prices etc.
If you plan a lot of moving around then have a look for JR Pass tourist tickects.
Have a look on HyperDia.com, it will calculate the possible routes, prices etc.
If you plan a lot of moving around then have a look for JR Pass tourist tickects.
We went to Japan last Oct - spent more time in Kyoto than Tokyo, as we prefer the more relaxed feel.
In Tokyo though:
- Tokyo National Museum very good (cant remember if free?)
- Sumo bouts are expensive, but (for free) you can often go to the Sumo "stables" and see the morning training. You need to call in advance and check that the next day is ok to visit (i found a website for one that gave you the phrases in japanese/english that you need to use to ask and understand the answers). Its an early start, mind.
- We wanted to go to the science museum to see the robot/ai exhibition but it was closed on our last day (unsure of cost). However, desperate for some robot action we went over to a big Honda dealership/mini-museum where they have several demonstrations daily of Asimo the robot. The last (c.4.30pm) is in english. He runs about of stage a few feet in front of you and shows off his skills. Afterwards you can have your picture taken with him. Its free, and well worth it.
In Tokyo though:
- Tokyo National Museum very good (cant remember if free?)
- Sumo bouts are expensive, but (for free) you can often go to the Sumo "stables" and see the morning training. You need to call in advance and check that the next day is ok to visit (i found a website for one that gave you the phrases in japanese/english that you need to use to ask and understand the answers). Its an early start, mind.
- We wanted to go to the science museum to see the robot/ai exhibition but it was closed on our last day (unsure of cost). However, desperate for some robot action we went over to a big Honda dealership/mini-museum where they have several demonstrations daily of Asimo the robot. The last (c.4.30pm) is in english. He runs about of stage a few feet in front of you and shows off his skills. Afterwards you can have your picture taken with him. Its free, and well worth it.
Le TVR said:
Shinkhansen can be expensive. Around 14,000 yen single from Tokyo to Kyoto. Other express services can halve that but you'll be looking at a 10 hour trip!
Have a look on HyperDia.com, it will calculate the possible routes, prices etc.
If you plan a lot of moving around then have a look for JR Pass tourist tickects.
JR pass from what I recall covers the Shinkansen, just not the faster ones. Kyoto is very nice, but will take a fair few hours from Tokyo! Have a look on HyperDia.com, it will calculate the possible routes, prices etc.
If you plan a lot of moving around then have a look for JR Pass tourist tickects.
Random wandering seemed to work for me too, you can always people watch, especially in Tokyo.
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!
The main two I would suggest (council building tower and Toyota Megaweb) have already been suggested, but as you like walking, I'd also suggest walking over the rainbow bridge to Odaiba where Tokyo Megaweb is.
Ueno park is also worth a look around and is walkable from Akihabara. The Meiji shrine is also good, I usually combine with a visit to Harajuku.
Ueno park is also worth a look around and is walkable from Akihabara. The Meiji shrine is also good, I usually combine with a visit to Harajuku.
If you've only got 8 days i'd suggest sticking with Tokyo. It can be very rushed and expensive to try and get anywhere else.
I enjoyed nosing around the kitchen town area. This is where they have the shops selling plastic (realistic!) food for restaurants to display. Also a good place to buy japanese kitchen knives if that's your thing.
Yoyogi park was very pleasant for a wander, the bottom end of it is right next to Harajuku where the cosplayers hang out on sundays.
Studio Ghibli museum if you're a fan of their animations. Tickets are booked from machines in Lawsons newsagents.
I enjoyed nosing around the kitchen town area. This is where they have the shops selling plastic (realistic!) food for restaurants to display. Also a good place to buy japanese kitchen knives if that's your thing.
Yoyogi park was very pleasant for a wander, the bottom end of it is right next to Harajuku where the cosplayers hang out on sundays.
Studio Ghibli museum if you're a fan of their animations. Tickets are booked from machines in Lawsons newsagents.
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.
Enjoy! I found Tokyo to be the maddest city I'd been too...in a good way though!
When I went (back in 2003) we found restaurants were significantly cheaper during the day than the evening - I don't know if that's still the case, but it meant for us we payed tens instead of hundreds per head.
When I went (back in 2003) we found restaurants were significantly cheaper during the day than the evening - I don't know if that's still the case, but it meant for us we payed tens instead of hundreds per head.
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.
I'm jealous, I got home on Sunday after spending 3 months living in Atsugi (about and hour SW from Shinjuku by train) and I'm already missing the place!
I'd recommend trying to get to Hakone and doing the circle (pirate ship, cable car, ropeway, mountain railway) stop on Mt Hakone at the top of the Ropeway for a stunning view of Mt Fuji and the black eggs that they cook in the hot sulphur springs.
Kamakura and Enoshima Island is a good day trip to the seaside too, Kamakura is like a little Kyoto with lots of temples and the great Buddha that you can go inside(!).
Enjoy, Sakura season is a fabulous time of year to visit Japan.
I'd recommend trying to get to Hakone and doing the circle (pirate ship, cable car, ropeway, mountain railway) stop on Mt Hakone at the top of the Ropeway for a stunning view of Mt Fuji and the black eggs that they cook in the hot sulphur springs.
Kamakura and Enoshima Island is a good day trip to the seaside too, Kamakura is like a little Kyoto with lots of temples and the great Buddha that you can go inside(!).
Enjoy, Sakura season is a fabulous time of year to visit Japan.
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!!!!TwigtheWonderkid said:
Also had my first game of pao, and likely my last!
o, and likely my last! 
Never imagined that would get filtered.Went into a Pa
o hall once, only in there a minute at most, came out and my ears were ringing from that damn noise.
Love the DIY steak and lobster on a lump of volcanic rock. What with some of the Korean BBQ places, god knows how they get fire insurance....
Got to love the way the Japanese do food. We're just back from our early hols in Cuba, and the dining experience was ... well, pretty much the exact opposite of Japan. 
Did you get to try proper wagyu yet? We had a tiny portion as part of a posh lunch in Ginza and it was well worth the crazy price.
Did you get to try proper wagyu yet? We had a tiny portion as part of a posh lunch in Ginza and it was well worth the crazy price.
Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff