Too often people consider Japan too expensive for a vacation, but that doesn't have to be so. With a little preparation and some helpful hints, anyone can experience the magic of the Orient on a budget.
Before doing anything, the cardinal rule of vacation in Japan is research. Head to a local bookstore and pick up an inexpensive travel guide. You might be tempted to purchase a book with a wealth of pictures and fun facts, but for the serious traveler, these are best avoided. Try to find a book that is content intensive, giving concrete information about hotels, restaurants, and sights
For less expense and hassle, try to avoid planning your trip in August, early January, or late April through early May. These are important festival times for the Japanese, and most hotels are likely to be booked. Those that aren't might charge more, so unless you want to participate in one of the major festivals avoid these times for your trip.
When purchasing your plane tickets, start by checking around the internet. After getting a clear idea of what is out there, call your local travel agent. Many agents have special deals with the airlines, and can get you a discounted deal.
Also, if you plan to do a lot of travelling outside of Tokyo, be sure to buy a Japan Rail Pass. These passes can be purchased in one, two, and three week increments. These tourist-only passes that Japan Rail sells let you ride the bullet trains and smaller Japan Rail trains free of charge, shaving hundreds of dollars off your trip!
Booking hotels is a major consideration. The least expensive places to stay are usually Ryokan. A Ryokan is a Japanese inn, providing bamboo mat floors and simple mattresses to sleep on. They provide one of the best experiences of the Japanese lifestyle. Freestanding, wooden, ultra-traditional Ryokan can cost hundreds of dollars a night, but Ryokan affiliated with the Japanese Inn Group generally offer a less costly alternative. These inns may be situated in more modern surroundings, but they retain all the calm, peaceful spirit of the original.
If nightlife is your thing, however, be aware that most Ryokan have curfews. In that case your best bet is to shop around at local business hotels, looking for the best rate. Try to get a location close to a major subway stop. Your tired feet will be glad you did!
You've probably heard all of the rumors about how expensive food in Japan is. While it's true that classy restaurants can charge well over one hundred dollars for a meal, consider eating in smaller, family run establishments. There are numerous little eateries serving traditional Japanese meals like sushi, udon, and nabe, at a fraction of the cost of the larger restaurants. These restaurants provide a cozier atmosphere anyway, with a chance to observe the locals.
Yes coffee, soda, and alcohol are all outrageously priced in Japan, but once again there is a cheap and novel solution: Vending Machines! The Japanese are obsessed with vending machines. You'll find them serving most drinks, cigarettes, toiletries, even books and video tapes! You'll see these machines virtually everywhere, giving you ample opportunity to find and purchase what you need.
For day trips, use your guidebook to find the best in temples, museums, and other attractions. These low cost day trips provide some of the best education in Japanese culture.
Finally, be sure to visit cities outside of Tokyo. With the Japan Rail Pass you'll have the opportunity, and there is simply so much to see. Kyoto is a city steeped in Japan's traditions and history, and Hakone is a beautiful land of forests and mountains close to the famous Mount Fuji. Both destinations provide must see excitement for your trip through Japan.
Follow all of these suggestions, and you are garunteed a budget vacation that you will never forget
FROM - /www.essortment.com
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