Japan

A long soak in a jacuzzi and a luxurious massage sounds like the sort of vacation experiences out of the reach of frugal travelers. But why should budget conscious tourists miss out on all the fun? This article introduces you to several spa resorts that cost a lot less than you’d think. If you’re looking […]

Japan is a gourmand’s delight, with more Michelin-star rated restaurants than Paris. Sushi Saito is a favorite of Michelin guide director Jean-Luc Naret, Rokkaku is the first izakaya to make the list, and Birdland’s creative poultry dishes must be seen to be believed. And that’s all before you even leave the capital! But frequenting these […]

Whenever we’re traveling long distances, most of us prepare to board an airplane. We arrive at our destination in a timely fashion, although our bank balance tends to suffer. However there’s a better, and more affordable way to travel around Japan. Tourists in the know prefer to stay on the ground, and on the Shinkansen […]

During a busy day sightseeing in Asia, lunch often tends to be an afterthought. Too many of us resort to Western-style junk food and overpriced meals at tourist attractions. They’re not just costly; they’re also unsatisfying. A much better option is to eat like the locals do and enjoy some of the Eastern continent’s best […]

If you want your yen to go further in Japan, you shouldn’t miss the country’s 100 Yen shops. There are several different 100 Yen store chains in Japan, including Daiso, Watts, Seria, and Cando. Each one offers a hodge-podge of products, all selling for the bargain price of just 100 yen. That’s only a little […]

Internet cafes have become refuges for travelers keen to catch up with what’s happening back home and stay in touch with loved ones. But in Japan, they’re also a cheap place to stay. When all you need is entertainment and a roof over your head, this budget accommodation option begins to look very appealing. Japanese […]

A trip to Tokyo’s Imperial Palace should be on the itinerary of every tourist who wants to learn more about Japan’s history and culture. The Imperial Palace was formerly the site of Edo Castle, the residence of the Tokygawa shogun who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. Today it’s home to the Emperor of Japan. […]

Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch? Clearly they’ve never visited one of Harimaya Station’s free cafés! The concept was developed by one of Japan’s leading snack food companies, Harimaya Honten. It might seem daft for the brand to give away their treats, but it’s a great way of spreading word about […]

With its endless stream of traffic and buzzing shopping arcades, it’s easy to feel lost in Tokyo. So why not rise above it? The capital of Japan has several free observatories which allow you to best appreciate the city skyline and its surrounds. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has observatories on the north and south […]

Tipping is a way of life for anyone living in North America or Europe. But in Asia the practice is less common, and the etiquette surrounding it can cause confusion. This guide will tell you what gratuities are expected in Asia’s major tourist centers. Tipping is most common in Thailand, where it is expected in […]