FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Category: Japan

  • Buy the Best Japanese Souvenirs – How to Spend Your Yen

    Japan is a mecca for shopping addicts, with a range of unique items for tourists of all budgets. But what are the best Japanese souvenirs to take home?

    Here we look at the best ways to spend your yen. Ceramics are one of Japan's oldest art forms, so a tea ceremony bowl or glazed vase makes a special memento of your stay. It's possible to spend a small fortune on fine Bizen Ware from Inbe, but cheap ceramics are also available from gift shops and department stores. The hand-dyed silks and soft cottons of Japanese clothes can find a special space in any wardrobe. Indulge in a kimono or tailored suit from Japan, or enjoy the savings on casual clothes at the retail outlets. Just remember that Japanese sizing tends to run small, so it’s best to try your garment before paying for it. Japanese paper is something to behold, with its bright colors and flecks of flower petals or wood. It's used to make the umbrellas, fans, and mobiles sold at many craft and gift shops, or bundled with brushes in calligraphy sets. Some authentic Japanese paper is just the thing for trying your hand at origami. [caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Map of Japan"]japan tourism map photo[/caption] While Japanese history is rich, the country also shows it's on the cutting edge with its impressive range of high-tech gadgets. The electronic districts of Akihabara in Tokyo and Den Den Town in Osaka are the best places to find all the gizmos you can imagine, and a few you probably haven’t. You can buy the products new, or save at one of the second-hand dealers. Just remember to check the compatibility to ensure you can use your new toy when you return home!

  • Capsule Hotels in Asia – Small Rooms for Less

    Most of us spend money on lavish hotel suites when all we really need is a soft place to sleep.

    Capsule hotels, which are springing up around Asia, help tourists save cash by only charging for the essentials. The busy Asian country of Japan opened its first capsule hotel, the Capsule Inn, in Osaka in 1979. However today, capsule hotels can now be found in other tourist hot spots including China, Malaysia, and other Asian countries. Typically each fiberglass capsule measures a minuscule two meter by one meter. That isn't a lot of space for living, but it should do for sleeping and soaking up the room's high-tech facilities. Capsules typically have a small bed and power for operating its television, light, and alarm clock. To meet the demand from busy Asian businessmen, rooms also tend to have wireless internet access. There's no space for bathroom facilities, but communal washrooms help travelers feel fresh. [caption id="attachment_4974" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A capsule hotel in Japan"]capsule hotel in Japan photo[/caption] Capsules are stacked side by side and one on top of the other, something like pet cages at a boarding kennel. Curtains or fiberglass doors help guests maintain their privacy, and luggage is stored in lockers to ensure it doesn't clutter the capsules. Given their tiny rooms, capsule hotels aren't the place for bunkering down with a family, or even a significant other. But if you're traveling solo and hoping to save cash, the affordability and novelty of these rooms can be appealing. Expect to pay between $10 and $25 US for a 10 hour stay, or a little more for a full day, far less than you will at a backpackers' hostel or other budget room.

    [Image Source: Lhoon/Flickr]

  • See Japan on a Budget – Affordable Travel Tips for Land of the Rising Sun

    Japan once had a reputation as an expensive vacation destination, but the country’s economic downturn has put it back on the radar of bargain-seeking tourists.

    With careful planning and a little know-how, your Japanese yen can go further in the Land of the Rising Sun. Buying individual tickets on the Japanese rail system can be expensive, but you can avoid those high costs. If you'll travel throughout Japan, it's worth investing in a Japan Rail Pass before you go. The pass will help you save on train travel all over the country, including its iconic bullet train. An open ticket is often a smarter purchase than an individual train fare when sightseeing in Tokyo. These are a more expensive, but as they offer unlimited trips they're typically a more economic choice for tourists. Patient travelers can save cash by eating when the mall food courts close. The vendors want to get rid of their last meals, and they'll offer considerable discounts to see it happen! It can be competitive, but hustle for a really cheap eat. If that seems too challenging, look to conveyor belt sushi restaurants or Japanese pubs known as izakayas. It might seem strange to sit on the floor with your beer, but the meals are tasty and affordable. If you're on the go, don't be afraid to grab a meal at the train station. The stand-up shops here sell tasty and affordable Japanese comfort food. Remember that tipping is not expected at Japan's eateries, so you can keep an extra few yen in your wallet. With travel and food organized, you'll need something to do. Japan's major cities have no shortage of free attractions to fill your days. In Tokyo there's the Sumo Museum and the Imperial Palace East Gardens. In Kyoto you can people watch at Gion's geisha district or see the Tanzan Shuzo Sake Cellar. In Osaka it costs nothing to visit the animals at Satsukiyama Zoo, or see the quirky Instant Ramen Museum. And Sapporo has the Hokkaido Brewery and bustling Nijo Fish Market. [caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Map of Japan"]japan travel map photo[/caption] If you really want to save money in Japan though, it's smart to leave the cities altogether. The mountainous countryside is free to explore, and amongst the most beautiful in the world. The traditional country inns, known as ryokan, are also much more affordable than their city counterparts. You'll probably visit a Buddhist temple in Japan, but you might not think about staying there. However, many of these sacred places offer affordable, and culturally enlightening, accommodation. For around 10, 000 yen a night, or around US$120, travelers will enjoy a private room, dinner, and breakfast the next morning. Koyasan and Eko-in temples are good options for travelers wanting to experience this serene and affordable accommodation style. You don't have to feel like you're skimping to save money in Japan. These tips will make sure you have an enjoyable, culturally rich time in the East, and return home with more money in your pocket than you'd expect.

  • Weird and Wonderful Cosplay in Japan – Anime Culture in Tokyo’s Akihabara District

    There are many wonderful but weird things in Japan, and they don’t get much weirder than the Cosplay culture of Tokyo’s Akihabara district.

    Every Sunday the main street is closed to cars and taken over by the wildly dressed locals. Cosplay, or Costume Play, brings together fans of the Japanese comics and animations known as manga and anime. Through their distinctive dress they celebrate their favorite characters and entertain passers-by.


    Akihabara is one of the few places around the world that curious onlookers can learn about the world of Cosplay. Ordinarily enthusiasts only don their costumes for conventions and other gatherings, away from the prying eyes of the public. While the parade happens on the weekend, Akihabara still offers plenty to Cosplay enthusiasts and the curious through the week. Most large department stores have Cosplay floors dedicated to the wacky fancy dress favored by Cosplay fans. Other smaller boutiques like Cosmate and Cospa Shop Akihabara also specialize in these flamboyant costumes. They're certainly worth browsing, and a few trips to the change room, even if you don't intend to take any of the attire home. [caption id="attachment_4328" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Cosplay maid in Tokyo"]A Cosplay maid in Tokyo's Akihabara district[/caption] And then there are the Cosplay restaurants, a phenomenon which began in Akihabara but has now spread around the world. The wait staff dress as anime styled French maids, and in some rare circumstances butlers. They play their roles well, making customers feel that they are not regular diners but the employers in their private home. Of course you'll be fed, but a meal here is about entertainment as much as filling your belly. So give yourself over to the fantasy, and explore a world unlike your own in the Akihabara district.

  • Asia’s Quirky Natural Wonders – Outdoor Experiences in China, Japan, and Thailand

    When many people think of Asia they think of shopping up a storm in the cities and discovering the continent’s cultural heritage in temples and museums.

    But some of Asia's most interesting attractions are actually outdoors. Just outside Kunming in China you'll find the Shilin Stone Forest, a forest which really isn't a forest at all, at least not in the way that most of us imagine. Rather than trees, the forest features thousands of differently shaped stones which appear to grow from the ground. Apparently the area was a shallow sea some 270 million years ago, but as the earth moved over time the water retreated and the limestone structures emerged. Visitors can discover attractions like the Major Stone Forest, Strange Wind Cave, and Subterranean Stone Forest over this 400 square kilometer space. If you can visit in June, it's worth making a trip during the Torch Festival. The native Sani people demonstrate wrestling, lion-dancing, and bull-fighting, and legend says it’s the best time to meet Mr or Miss Right! [caption id="attachment_4231" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Shilin Stone Forest"]Shilin Stone Forest[/caption] For interesting animals and plants, look to the Bonin Islands off the Japanese coast. These 30 different islands were formed long ago by an ancient volcano, and have since evolved in their own unique ways. The islands are home to more than 14 different animals and 100 unique plant species including the protected Ogasawara damselfly, the Japanese Woodpigeon, and the Bonin Flying Fox. Access is difficult though, so you’ll need to be keen. The Ogasawara Maru liner leaves from Tokyo Bay four or five times each month, and takes around 25 hours to reach its destination. Tourists can feel like royalty traveling on the backs of elephants in northern Thailand. The elephants will take you through the forests and hilltribe villages of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Kanchanaburi. There are rides to suit your time and budget, from a half-hour walk to a five-day expedition. The elephants are all well trained and love people, so you needn't worry about being on the back of a petulant pachyderm! Asia offers plenty of natural beauty and experiences for tourists; you've just got to know where to look!

    [Image Source: Kent Wang/Flickr]

  • Explore Asia’s National Parks – Natural Paradises in the East

    When international travelers think of Asia they think of technological innovation, a bustling lifestyle, and all that delicious food.

    While Asia's cities buzz, its national parks are a real draw card for tourists looking to get back to nature. The following parks, many of which are UNESCO World and Natural Heritage sites, are amongst Asia's best. The Three Parallel Rivers Protected Areas in China's Yunnan Province is somewhat of a lost paradise. Here 16 indigenous groups live simple lives, free of the stresses of the modern world. Many offer accommodation for visitors who come to the area to see the gorges, glaciers, and enormous rivers. While much of Hong Kong is a thriving metropolis, one fifth of the nation belongs to the trails of Tai Tam Country Park. This area is steeped in history; tourists can explore ancient forts and towers while admiring the ocean views and diverse flora. There are also several areas for barbecues and picnics, so why not make a day of it? Many ecological experts consider Shiretoko National Park to be Japan's last surviving wilderness. It's a haven for marine and land animals, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the brown bears, dolphins, and seals that live there.
    Sightseeing boats regularly leave from the mainland to take tourists closer to the warm Kamui Wakka Falls. Or you could travel to the falls on foot and soak yourself in the hot springs. You might not know it, but if you're a James Bond fan you're already acquainted with Thailand's Ao Phang Nga National Park. This gorgeous natural oasis was featured in the spy flick The Man with the Golden Gun. You can hire small boats to explore the area and its natural rock formations and limestone pillars which emerge almost mythically from the ocean. It's the kind of locale you'll want to linger at, and with bungalows and camping sites available you can. The buzzing cities of Asia are alluring, but if you'd like a change of pace the continent's national parks can deliver it.

  • Japan’s Love Hotels Just a Little Bit Naughty

    Once associated with sleazy extramarital affairs and one night stands, Japan’s love hotels have a brand new reputation.

    These days the Asian country’s approximately 30, 000 hotels are being utilized by couples simply looking for a little private time together. Many of the couples that frequent these hotels live with their parents or flatmates, and so look for a place to be intimate away from prying eyes. Others prefer to take time out without worrying about their children sleeping down the hallway. And some aren't looking to get busy at all. Instead they use the rooms of love hotels for hosting gatherings, or enjoying quiet time alone. The hotels have seen a lot of changes since their inception in the 1950s. In the free love period of the 1960s and 70s you might expect to find kinky treats like revolving beds and mirrors on the ceiling. In the 1980s the fixtures were childishly cute, or kawaii as the Japanese say. In recent years love hotels have received another makeover, one that’s sophisticated and subdued. At least, most of them have. If you're still looking for raunch, or walls adorned with your favorite cartoon characters, there are still a few love hotels in Japan to suit you. Love hotels rent rooms in blocks of at least 90 minutes, for which you can expect to pay between Y2000 and Y5000 depending on their luxury. If you're looking to spice up your Japanese vacation, they're well worth considering.

  • Walk the Sacred Path of Kumano Kodo in Japan

    For a hiking experience with a difference, consider taking the spiritual path of Kumano Kodo in the Kii Mountains near Osaka, Japan.

    The walking trail has the awesome views all explorers crave, and a cavalcade of sacred sites to boot. The track has been walked by Japanese emperors since the 10th century. In 2004 it was approved as a pilgrimage walk by UNESCO, joining Spain's Way of St James as the only trek with this status at the time. Kumano Kodo reflects Japan's diverse spiritual paths, with a mix of Buddhist and Shinto shrines. Unlike many walks, there is no single track to follow. Instead it's made up of collection of main thoroughfares and smaller subtracks. Tea house and protector shrines are interspersed with the larger sacred sites, Kumano Sanzan and the three Japanese temples known as the Three Grand Shines of Kumano.[caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Plan a Japan Trip"]Map of Japan[/caption] To walk the entire track would be a massive undertaking taking around six weeks. Most tourists instead opt for a shorter day visit or multi-day trek. The Kumano Kudo tourist website suggests a number of routes for tourists to follow. After a long day hiking the mountains, soaking in one of the four hot springs scattered on the trail is the perfect way to ease your tired muscles. While you can follow your own path, those preferring to experience Kumano Kodo with a group can book a tour with Kumano Experience.

  • See Sumo Wrestlers in Japan on Guided Tokyo Sumo School Tour

    In Japan, sumo wrestlers earn the respect of Hollywood actors and rock stars.

    The sport is the oldest martial art in the country.

    It was originally a form of ritual dedication which asked the gods for a prosperous harvest, although in time it developed as a form of combat. Modern-day tourists can get a glimpse of the strict training regime of future sumo champions on the H.I.S. Experience Japan website (if it's up!) or also see: Day in the Life of a Sumo tour in Tokyo. During the tour you'll meet the sumo stars of the future. These promising young athletes live and train on the premises, so they virtually breathe sumo. You'll also eat lunch with the coach, or oyakata, who'll share stories of sumo and a meal of their in-training diet. Clearly chanko, a blend of seasoned lean chicken, vegetables and rice, isn't the off-season diet of these chunky wrestlers! While sumo wrestlers have a reputation for being on the large side, there are actually no weight restrictions. It's not uncommon to see a wrestler taking on an opponent twice his size, and winning. These practice bouts are one of the most exciting parts of the tour. Salt purifies the ring before the near-naked wrestlers enter it. The opponents stare each other down, menacingly, before attempting to overthrow one another. Sumo is a game of strategy rather than size, so it's always exciting to see who will win. H.I.S. Experience Japan Day in the Life of a Sumo tour runs on Tuesdays and Fridays, except during Grand Sumo Tournament time. They cost $207 for adults and $161 for children.

  • Dangerous Dishes in Asia – Deadly Foods for Brave Travelers

    Forget the fried rice and dim sum in Hong Kong. If you really want to live on the edge while visiting Asia, you’ll need to try some of the continent’s deadly dishes.

    Deadly may be overstating the point a little, but the following meals definitely have an element of danger that entices thrill seeking diners! Fugu, or puffer fish as it is commonly known, is a potentially deadly Japanese delicacy. The seafood contains tetrodotoxin, a poison which is almost 100 times more poisonous than cyanide! If it’s prepared well it'll contain just enough poison to numb your lips and tickle your nerves. If prepared incorrectly, you'll be paralyzed and die from heart failure or asphyxiation within hours. It sounds like a bit of a gamble, but so long as you dine in a restaurant licensed to sell the dish you should escape unscathed! [caption id="attachment_3627" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A puffer fish"]A puffer fish[/caption] Foodies in China willingly risk hepatitis, typhoid, and dysentery for a taste of blood clams. The danger comes from the bacteria the clams harbor which often survives the boiling process. Sadly there's no safe way to go about trying the treats as they're banned in the country, although you can buy them on the black market. If you're brave prepare to pay exorbitant prices and risk serious illness! The South Korean delicacy of sannakji is the tamest dish on this list, but it's certainly not for the faint hearted. It's actually raw baby octopus served up still squirming about on your plate! Seafood doesn't come much fresher than that! The danger comes from the octopus' suction caps, which can latch onto your mouth or throat and cause choking. Make sure you take small bites and chew each one thoroughly to minimize the risks.

    [Image Source: Cliff1066/Flickr]