Finding Free and Cheap Travel Activities in Expensive Japan - GETTING THERE, GETTING AROUND, LODGING

Finding Free and Cheap Travel Activities in Expensive Japan

Japan is notable for its modern antiquity, bustling city life, and enough fluorescent lights to give any traveler’s eyes a workout.

But with the current economic climate, the Land of the Rising Sun might also be confused with the Land of the Rising Budget, especially for travelers.

However, there are plenty of activities in Japan that are affordable—and even free—meaning you can cover a great deal of territory even on a tiny budget.

GETTING THERE AND GETTING AROUND

The first and most important thing is the flight to Japan. If you’re coming from the States, the most affordable flights can often be found through Japanese travel agencies.

If you’re already in Asia, check out local travel agencies in whatever country you’re in. Avoid sites like Expedia or Travelocity as they may not be privy to the flight deals and bargains that Asian agencies often have, which may run a few hundred dollars cheaper.

If you’re aiming to cover a significant amount of ground within Japan and will primarily be traveling by train, purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (www.japanrailpass.net) will save you both time and money compared to the cost of buying individual point-to-point tickets. A single ticket to one city can often cost two-thirds of the price of an entire JR Pass. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, make sure you buy one before you arrive in Japan, since JR passes are not available once you’re in the country.

LODGING

If you want to save money, staying in a hostel is the cheapest option. However, travelers looking for a little more comfort might want to consider a one-night stay in a typical Japanese guesthouse, or ryokan. In ryokan you get a small room with tatami-matted floors, a futon, kimonos, tea, and other amenities.

Due to the location and ambiance of ryokan, you’ll truly feel like you are part of Japanese culture. Prices are usually around $100 for one room, but a night’s accommodation can range from $40 for a modest ryokan to $250 for a more luxurious one. Unlike hostels, ryokan are much smaller and tend to book up quickly.

Text and Photos (except as indicated) by Karl I. Muller for PeterGreenberg.com.