Travel on the Cheap in Japan

Cost-Cutting Information

By Kristin Johannsen

Thousands of travelers come to Japan every year to work, to study its language, history, and arts, or just to get to know a culture unlike any other. And thousands of others decide not to come, frightened away by tales of astronomical costs. Although Japan has some of the highest prices in the world, many Japanese workers, students, and retirees get by on very moderate incomes. You don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy this fascinating country.

Get answers cheaper. The key to cutting costs in Japan is information, and two superb free sources are the national Tourist Information Centers (TICs) in Tokyo (03-3201-3331) and Kyoto (075-371-5649); www.discover-japan.info/generalinfo_tourist.htm.

Travel cheaper. The Japan Railpass, which gives unlimited travel on the national JR network, is available only to holders of tourist visas. For travel between major cities, the highway bus, departing from main train stations, costs up to 50 percent less than the train. Private railroads in many areas offer an even cheaper alternative for regional travel. Within cities keep in mind that one long ride on the train or bus is far cheaper than two shorter ones of the same length. And because fares increase by zone, you might save a significant amount of money just by getting off one stop earlier and walking a bit.

Eat cheaper. As you’ll quickly discover, the most economical meal in Japan is a bowl of noodles from one of the countless noodle shops scattered everywhere (the cheapest of all are those on the platforms of commuter train stations). When you can’t face any more noodles, head for the top floor of the nearest department store at lunchtime. Many Japanese and foreign restaurants offer a filling set lunch (teishoku) for $8 or less. If your language skills are shaky, just motion the waitress to come outside and point to the plastic models of food.

Cheaper still are the lunch boxes (bento) sold in every convenience store. For under $5, you get a nourishing assortment of fish, meat, tempura vegetables, omelet slices, rice balls, pickles, and even a pair of chopsticks to eat it with. Have the clerk warm it in the microwave, and enjoy it in a nearby park.

For inexpensive groceries, visit your supermarket the evening before its weekly closing day and stock up on meat, fish, and produce at massive discounts. Many supermarkets have a special bin for marked-down fruits and vegetables with slight defects.

Drink cheaper. Convenience stores sell delicious iced coffee in one-liter cartons. The cheapest place to buy beer is in a liquor store, but it will still cost nearly $2 per can.

Shop cheaper. The “100-yen” shops found all around the country carry a mishmash of useful household items, stationery, and toiletries, all priced at 100 yen (under $1). Many items are identical to those found elsewhere for much higher prices. If you need envelopes or toothpaste, this is the place to go. Look for shops plastered with signs saying “100.” They are also a good source for little presents for people back home. For more upscale items, check the sale tables at a department store.

Learn cheaper. Many of Japan’s major cities have an international community center offering free or low-cost Japanese language courses for foreigners and lessons in Japanese arts such as flower arranging and tea ceremony. Check with the TIC offices.

Have fun cheaper. You didn’t come all the way to Japan just to live like a miser--there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without spending a fortune! Here are just a few.

• Shinto shrines all across Japan are always free. Stroll around with a guidebook and learn about one of the world’s oldest religions.

• Check out a matsuri. These neighborhood religious festivals feature ceremonial dances, traditional music, and rituals ranging from sacred bonfires to wrestling contests. Admission is normally free. Check the listings in newspapers or local tourist offices.

• Though Buddhist temples generally charge a hefty admission, it is often possible to visit the grounds without a ticket. Look at the pictures and postcards at the ticket booth to decide whether it’s worth paying to see the interior. Some of Kyoto’s most important temples, such as Hongan-ji and Chion-in, are free because they are the headquarters of their sect.

• Follow one of the city walking tours outlined in leaflets put out by the TICs.

• Go flower viewing. Cherry blossom time is only one of the yearly round of flower “seaons” in Japan’s parks. Enjoy the plum blossoms in February, irises in May, or maple leaves in October.

• Bring a picnic to the nearest park or riverbank and enjoy the passing parade of amazing fashions and friendly dogs.

• Take a hike. Groups like the International Adventure Club in Tokyo, www.iac-tokyo.org have weekly trips to fascinating out-of-the-way places--a great way to meet both Japanese and foreigners. Contact numbers change frequently, so check their websites or ask the TICs.

KRISTIN JOHANNSEN has been living and working in Asia for the last 12 years, most recently in Japan.