Where to Buy Cheap Stuff around Tokyo
Because shopping in Tokyo isn't only for the spendthrift, but also for the budget-conscious buyer, we give you a lowdown on where to get good stuff and great deals in and around Japan's capital city.
Take the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage
The Chichibu Valley is home to beautiful mountains and rivers—and a centuries-old temple pilgrimage unlike any other in Japan.
How to Get Great Views of Tokyo for Free
While you can spend a pretty penny to head up Tokyo Skytree, Mori Tower or Tokyo Tower, there are a number of sites where you can take in a spectacular city view completely free!
Romantic Gourmet Dinner Cruise on Tokyo Bay
Set sail for romance with a nighttime cruise on the glimmering waters of Tokyo Bay. Feast your eyes on the sights while enjoying a gourmet meal aboard a ship—all for potentially less than ¥10,000!
6 Unique yet Affordable Hotels in Tokyo
Even in Tokyo, you can still find a great selection of unique and affordable places to lay your head—if you know where to look!
5 Unbelievable Hiking Spots in the Japan Alps
The Japan Alps in the north-central parts of Honshu offer some of the most exhilarating wilderness outings in the country. You won't believe what you can see.
7 Great Train Passes to Save Money on Transit
There are a number of passes you can buy to get unlimited transit in popular tourist areas. Here are seven great picks, with a focus on the Tokyo and Kyoto areas!
Tour Ise-Shima with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS
While the Ise-Shima area is best known for Ise Jingu, the area also offers picturesque scenery and gourmet food. And you can access this resort region easily from Osaka using the KINTETSU RAIL PASS!
5 Can't-Miss Hikes Around Kansai
The Kansai region is famous for its tasty food, historic sights and fun dialect, but this amazing area also boasts plenty of awe-inspiring hikes.
Japanese Castles — A Backpacker’s Guide
Check out an interview with Julien Mentzer as he discusses how his book, 'Japanese Castles – A Backpacker’s Guide,' can help you discover all the castle treasures of Japan.
Birth of a Fried Chicken Empire
Did you know there have been well over 100 flavors of Kara-age Kun fried chicken?
A Road that Runs Above the Sea
Running on this bridge high above the waters, you just might experience the strange illusion that you're really flying over the sea!
Visit the 'Museum of the Sewerage'
At the 'Museum of the Sewerage' in western Tokyo, you can stand on a viewing platform right inside the main sewage pipe—which smells about as good as you'd imagine!
Hike to these 3 Hidden Temples & Shrines
Temples & Shrines Great Outdoors
For the brave pilgrim, here are three awesome temples and shrines that are certainly off the beaten path in Tottori, Shizuoka and Oita.
6 Travel Goods You Can Find at a ¥100 Shop
You can purchase one (or all) of these six practical travel items, each for less than a buck!
Hike the Mackerel Highway
Back in the day, getting ocean fish to Kyoto was back-breaking work. You can still hike the 1,300-year-old path that brought mackerel to the ancient capital.
7 Ways to Fill Out Your Breakfast for ¥108
While most ¥100 stores offer knickknacks and prepackaged snacks for ¥108 (including consumption tax), Lawson Store 100 offers fresh produce and other products that can actually help you make a meal!
Tokyo to Kyoto: A Budget Two-Day Excursion
Spend two days in Kyoto, with a night at a hotel and bullet train tickets included for less than ¥26,000!
Lesser Known But No Less Beautiful
No matter what the season, the stunning Bijinyashi Forest certainly lives up to its name: 'beautiful woods!'
5 Tax-Free Shopping Facts
Here are some helpful facts about Japan's tax-free shopping program to help you during your next shopping excursion!