like travelling to anywhere else, season is a huge cost factor. Jan/Feb 2007 might be noted in history as the best time to visit Tokyo. I'm not kidding at all. Travel to Japan is typical cyclical and seasonal, so winter is a great time to go for cheap tickets, discounted merchandise and that breathtaking Mt Fuji view, but for the following additional reasons, winter 2007 might be the best ever opportunity to have fun and save some money in Tokyo: - Currency - Japan's economy is bouncing back strong. The days of 1 USD to 120 YEN might not be around for much longer.
- Japanese people are still healing from their recession wounds, so prices haven't risen much in the last few years and bargains are still widely available.
- More Japanese people, esp. the youth, know English now than any time before. This means you can utilize more local amenities rather than getting slaughtered by American chains (explained later).
So pack up and go! Wait, finish reading the following will help you more....
Hotel
Why stay in Holiday Inn and Sheraton when you are in Japan? You can do that in Wichita, Kansas. You won't need the American-size room in Tokyo because you'll be on the street at least 16 hours a day - otherwise why are you coming to Tokyo?
Staying in local hotels requires a little more research and preparation, but it will save you a TON of money. Also, many Tokyo business hotels are empty on the weekends, so you'll get a deep discount during the weekend. Here are some that I've stayed at:
JAL / Nikko Hotel - Better known as Hotel Nikko around the world, this chain is more expensive than the smaller local hotels, but if you want international standard and English-speaking reception, this will make you happier.
New Hankyu - Alright, the website is a bit scary and the locations might obscure, but the one in Tokyo is not bad - 5 min walk to subway stop and near my favorite fish market Tsukiji. Very spacious rooms - good for family.
Villa Fontaine - Nice boutiques hotels that serve breakfast - most locations are very convenient. Check out their "weekend plan" - some as low as $30 a night!!
There are more - you may also find excellent value at the Prince or LaForet chains. The important thing is, AVOID AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN BRAND NAMES if you care about saving money!
Worry about language in local hotels? Granted that I can read Kanji (chinese characters used in Japanese), language is really becoming less an issue. Even small local hotels would have at least one person who can understand and speak simple English. Also, do be sure to pick one that is conveniently located near a major subway hub or attractions (more on this one later).
Food
It really shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg to eat in Tokyo for this simple reason - these people eat out ALL THE TIME!! If they earn as much as we do and eat out all the time and they are not bankrupt, they know something that we don't. There are actually food that is cheaper than what you'll find the in US. Here they are:
Street Food - That's right, there IS street food in this ultra modern and futuristic city! You can find them in places like outside of
Sensoji Temple in Asakuka or inside the
Ameyoko Market near Ueno. Don't expect English speaking waiter or translated menu (most don't even have one), but you can actually see what they're cooking, so just use your figure to do the ordering!
Ramen - Yes, the ultimate Japaneses stable, for less than US$7 you can get a basic bowl of steamy hot noodle soup. See my article on
Ramen in Japan for details. The only problem is that not all are created equal - you need to find those that are packed with locals.
Revolving Sushi Boat - They are everywhere - many have 100 Yen sushis to offer. You can find very good and reasonably priced sushi places around Tsukiji and Ueno. Again go for the ones that are crowded, also be careful with higher-priced items.
After-Hour Sushi and Bentos - Go to a department store at 7pm SHARP and fight for sashimi and bentos (boxed lunch/dinner) with guys in suit and old ladies. I typically stay away from the sushi and only go for sashimi, because the sushis are usually made around 5pm, so by 7pm they are already kind of yucky.
For a true Japanese fushion experience, check out
Danny's and
Jonathan's. No I am not crazy - these Western-looking places are packed with youths who want bright dining room and waitresses dressed in red and white, but skip the eggs and waffles and go for the Japanese specialities.
All-You-Can-Eat! If you REALLY want to splurge and fill yourself at least once in the whole trip, try the following: 1) all-you-can-eat sushi for a limited time, usually 90 min; don't count on speedy service or unlimited supply of freshest uni though, 2) all-you-can-eat beef shabu-shabu; there are only a few of them around, and I heard the best one is in Odaiba's
Decks, which I did try and can guarantee that you won't be disappointed - but your wallet will hurt at about US$80 a person.
Shopping
Just like everyone will tell you, most things in Japan are more expensive than what you'd find in a Japanese in the US. Resist the temptation of walking into a fancy deparment store UNLESS you want to find the following items: umbrella, hankerchief, or on sales items. When visiting dept store, always check out the "Exhibition Hall" and see what's on sale.
And don't be fooled by the outdoor or food markets that tourist guides recommend. They aren't much cheaper than the department stores. To be honest, it's hard to find real bargain in Japan - well, except in
Daiso and other 100 yen stores, which are perfect places to pick up cheap souvenis for your friends who'll throw them away anyways.
Also, there are areas in Tokyo that might look old and rundown to you at first glance, but you'll find them surprisingly fun to walk around and shop. For example, the
kitchenware street offers everything from bowls and plates to knives and chopsticks, and everything is cheaper than dept stores. it's an easy walk or one subway stop from Asakusa.
Finally, try Tokyo suburn towns if you don't mind a 30-min train ride.
Kawasaki underground street, for example, has ample shopping arcades with prices typically less than what you'd find in Tokyo. Also, Japan has warehouse stores just like rest of the world, where bargains can be found all the time.
Transportation
Flying is usually a big chunk of travel budget, so be sure to fly off-season; however, traveling within Tokyo and to the suburbs can also empty your purse if you are not careful. Some tips:
- Not in a dire rush from point A to point B? Take the slower train (not subway, JR trains) will save you quite a bit in some cases, esp. from and to the airport. Stay way from Shinkansen unless you are a real rail fan or you're going to Osaka - 30 min vs 1 hr won't really make that huge a difference most of the time.
Narita Express is a big rip-off unless you are in a hurry or really need a comfortable reserved seat. You can save a bundle by taking the slower train to Narita, it'll take an extra hour BUT save you 1700 yens per person - that's more than 5000 yens for a family of two adults and two kids!
- When looking for hotel, seriously consider access to at least one subway (Tokyo Metro, not a JR or other train line) station and your itinerary. Major subway hubs are even better. Taking subway all the time will save you a ton of money and time. If you research it right, you might even save more money by taking the short route to your destinations. That's right, they charge you by distance you travel. Buy a discounted one-day pass would DEFINITELY save you money if you plan to hit more than three sites in one day.
- NEVER hop on a taxi. Unlike Parisien taxis, they won't rip you off by circling around, because they don't need to. The second you board a taxi you are already ripped off. Unless you are really really in a hurry AND it's NOT peak traffic hour, take the subway to get around.
Attractions
Yes, you can even safe money while having fun!! There are a number of places in the graeter Tokyo area that is not going to cost you a bundle yet give a good time.
Museums: Most of the Tokyo area museums have discount tickets for tourists, like 500 yens, and they are really good place to enjoy Japanese art, culture, science and music for an afternoon or even entire day. Some are difficult to navigate due to language barrier, but places like
Tokyo National Museum is excellent for foreigners to get a taste for all things Japanese. Don't expect breath-taking collections like in Louvre, British Museum or Taipei Palace Museum, but they are still worth the time, and the museum facility is definitely top-notch world-class.
Company Exhibits: As part of giving back to the society, many Japanese companies have big and fancy free exhibits and demos for the public to see and play with their products. The
Sony Building in Ginza is a good example, but the best deal is found in
Toyota MegaWeb in Odaiba. At MegaWeb adults and kids can enjoy some interesting rides - only one of which as a nominal charge of 200 yens. You can easily spend a few hours there for free and the entire family will have a fun time!
Night Views: Tokyo is a vast city with a ton of tall buildings, so many spots will offer you a great night view at a greatly elevated price. If you want a good view, you absolutely do not need to pay much for it. One very popular spot is the
Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Shinjuku, which is super easy to access and offers a 270 degree view in a modern and high-tech building. Another interesting way to see the city is through riding the
Yurikamome elevated train line to Odaiba, which is high in the sky and it goes under the Rainbow Bridge. Finally,
Roppongi Hills is a good place to visit any time of the day, but particularly at night. It's a hyper-modern night view itself and it has a good view of the Tokyo Tower.
