FrugalMonkey Discount Travel News

Tag: Japan travel

  • Spa Vacations for Less – Pamper Getaways on a Budget

    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 for a cheap spa vacation, it’s worth taking a trip to Asia. Indulgence is a way of life here, and it doesn’t cost a lot. In Japan they even offer spa experiences in their hostels! You’ll find Spa Hostel Khaosan in Beppu, a friendly Japanese city renowned for its natural hot springs and picturesque beach. The shared dorms and private rooms are pretty plain, but chances are you’ll spend most of your time winding down in the hostel’s own hot spring bath. That natural pool is definitely worth the measly $33 US you’ll pay for the cheapest room.

    For a little more money you can stay at Banpu Resort and Spa, an idyllic spot located on Thailand’s Koh Pu Peninsula. The word resort makes us think of big bucks, but its log cabins start at just $40 US a night. If the sea and garden views aren’t enough to relax you then try taking a dip in the pool. You’ll pay a little extra to indulge in the Thai massages or reflexology sessions, but your muscles will argue they’re worth the splurge.

    More expensive again but still not unreasonable is Febri’s Hotel and Spa in Bali. Its rooms start from $77 US, but your dollar buys a lot including access to the Jacuzzi, steam room, and sprawling swimming pool. If that calm water feels a bit tame for you, the famous South Kuta Beach is only a short walk away.

    Asia really has the market cornered on affordable spa experiences, but Samai Center Hotel-Spa in Ecuador is a great option for anyone wanting to stay a little closer to home. From $70 a night you can experience all the good vibes that radiate from this eco-friendly resort. Its wooden lodges are made from organic materials, and its restaurant serves local seasonal fare, including many items grown in the onsite veggie garden. The resort runs many workshops designed to give you a new lease on life, from Feng Shui classes to meditation programs.

    Spa Foot SoakAnd finally, if you can afford the flight it’s worth checking it to Spa Lodge Backpackers in Rotorua, New Zealand. Just like Spa Hostel Khaosan, this friendly hostel makes use of the hot springs its city is famous for. The natural geothermal spa will do wonders for your aching muscles, especially after an action packed day of extreme Kiwi adventures! Dorm rooms start at around $20 US, and the hostel even offers discounts for weekly visits in winter!

    So don’t dismiss that spa getaway out of hand. If you do your research and plan ahead, it could cost a lot less than you think. Just remember to consider the costs of the treatments, as they can add up quickly!

  • Fast Affordable Travel on Japan’s Shinkansen Bullet Train

    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 Bullet Train.

    The Shinkansen is the crowning achievement in Japan’s very efficient rail system. It’s renowned for being punctual, safe, and incredibly fast; all factors which have helped it become one of the most popular long distance transport options in Japan.

    Since their inception almost four decades ago, the bullet trains have carried more than six billion passengers. The trains travel at more than 300 kilometers per hour, yet they have never been involved in a serious accident.

    Tickets are available from ticket machines or counters at bullet train stations. The platforms are marked with carriage numbers so you’ll know exactly where you need to board. The entire process is very simple, and far quicker than boarding an aircraft.

    Up to ten bullet trains run each hour between the two most popular stations of Tokyo and Osaka. If you miss one train it can be as little as three minutes before the next one comes along. The trains also ferry tourists to other major cities including Kyushu, Nagoya, and Fukushima.

    The bullet trains are very comfortable, with lots of leg room, modern toilets, and a choice of smoking and non-smoking carriages. A snack service allows patrons to purchase food, soft drink, and alcohol, or you could grab something from one of the train’s vending machines.

    Shinkansen Bullet Trains
    Shinkansen Bullet Trains

    Sometimes airlines discount their fares, and this can make air travel a more affordable option. However, beware of nasty taxes and charges that push the price up. And then there are the other factors, including the bullet train’s comfort and the convenient location of its stations. When all is considered, it’s easy to see why the Shinkansen Bullet Train is such a popular way to get around Japan.

  • Cheap Shopping in Japan at 100 Yen Stores

    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 more than one US cent!

    As you can imagine, we’re not talking about high end goods here, or items of exceptional quality. That old saying that you get what you pay for often holds true. However, the range of apparel, home wares, toys, and stationery is impressive. You’ll find dirt cheap travel essentials, including batteries, toiletries, and snacks. The 100 Yen stores are also great places for stocking up on Hello Kitty and Pokemon goodies and other cheap Japanese souvenirs for friends and coworkers back home!

    Just be aware that your purchases will generally be subject to a consumption tax of around 5%, to be applied at the cash register. But even with this additional cost, the stores’ goods are still bargains!

    Look for 100 Yen stores in Japan’s shopping malls and arcades, and near subway stations.

  • Cheap Stay at Japan’s Internet Cafes – Affordable Accommodation at Manga Kissa

    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 internet cafes, sometimes called manga cafes or manga kissa, have been expanded to include showers and private cubicles. There are no beds, so you probably won’t enjoy the best night’s sleep of your stay, but for as little as 1000 yen a night, or around $12 US, you won’t find a cheaper accommodation in Japan. Not even Japan’s capsule hotels are as affordable! Some café chains require membership and a small registration fee to bunker down, but if cost is key it’s still worth paying this additional expense.

    You might catch forty winks in the comfortable chairs, but the rest of your stay you’ll probably take advantage of the facilities. Your tariff will cover the cost of your internet usage and access to the café’s library of manga comic books. Many cafés also offer unlimited sodas and coffee to their patrons, and some even have television sets.Hotel sign with mouse

    The lack of beds means that an internet café probably won’t be your only accommodation while in Japan, but they’re a great option for short stopovers, or when you start to run low on yen!

  • Tour Tokyo’s Imperial Palace – Free Guided Japan Walking Tour

    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. Moats and stone walls help to isolate it from the rest of Tokyo. The palace is closed to the public, except on the New Years Greeting on January 2 and the Emperor's birthday on December 23. However tourists can visit on most weekdays by joining a guided tour. Palace staff members conduct tours of its grounds at 10 am and 1:30 pm on weekdays, except during special occasions. The guides speak Japanese, but are happy to provide a complimentary English pamphlet and audio recording Westerners can follow along. Each tour takes around 75 minutes to complete. The tour is free, but visitors must be approved by the Imperial Household Agency before entering the palace grounds. However thanks to an online form, this is a fairly simple process. However, it should be completed before you leave for Japan to ensure adequate time for processing. Allow five to ten minutes to walk from Tokyo Station to Kikyomen gate. Palace officials will check off your name before permitting you to enter the grounds. The first stop is Someikan Hall, where guests can watch an information video and grab a few Japanese mementos at the souvenir shop. [caption id="attachment_5493" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Nijubashi Bridge at the Tokyo Imperial Palace"]Nijubashi Bridge at the Tokyo Imperial Palace[/caption] Highlights of the tour include the Chowaden, the longest of the palace's seven buildings, the views from Tetsubashi Bridge, the much-photographed Nijubashi Bridge, and the tree-lined Yamashitadori Street. The palace is particularly pretty during spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. The Imperial Palace may disappoint some tourists who have seen Japan's stunning temples and beautiful gardens. Its style is quite simple and plain in comparison. However it's worth seeing for its historical and cultural significance, especially considering that it's free to join the tour.

    [Image Source: David Sanz/Flickr]

  • Free Snacks at Japan’s Harimaya Station Cafes

    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 the label's tasty snacks and generating positive publicity. You won't find enough free grub here to fill up but the complimentary coffee, green tea, juice, and Japanese rice crackers, known as okaki and senbei, will satisfy you between meals. So save your yen and eat up! The traditional crackers will definitely hit the spot during a busy day of sightseeing in Japan! There are seven Harimaya Station cafes in Japan: two in Tokyo, one in Fukuoka's Hakata Mitsui Building, one in Osaka's NM Plaza Midosuji Building, one in Kobe's Daido Seimei Kobe Building, one in Nagoya's CentRise Sakae Building, and one in Kyoto. The cafes are open daily between 10 am and 7 pm. Harimaya Honten also plans to take the concept abroad, so look out for Harimaya Station cafes in Paris and New York soon!

  • Free Observatories in Tokyo – Sky-High Views of Japan’s Capital

    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 ends of the 45th floor. Make sure you visit on a clear day to admire Japan's most famous summit, Mount Fuji. You'll find another free observatory on the 47th floor of Seiroka Tower. From here you can look down at the manicured Seiroka Garden, and the Sumida River. You can see the Sumida River from a different perspective from the Caretta Shiodome. This waterway and the Hamarikyu Garden are the highlights of the vistas from the 46th and 47th floor lookouts. The Caretta Shiodome has more than views on its side though, with a theater, shops, and eateries all there to entertain. Most tourists visit the Shinjuku NS Building to dine at the famous restaurants on the 29th and 30th floors. While the view from your table is no doubt impressive, you can see the Shibuya area better from the building's free observatory. [caption id="attachment_3767" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Map of Japan"]Japan travel map picture[/caption] Tokyo even has observatories inside its transport hubs! Before you set sail, make sure you visit the observatory inside the Harumi Passenger Boat Terminal. It offers great views of Tokyo Bay and the Rainbow Bridge, and as it's a distance from the metro stations it rarely gets too crowded. You'll even find a couple of free observatories inside Haneda Airport! The travel hub is popular with tourists, as it's much closer to Tokyo than Narita. If you fly in, make sure you take the time to check out the impressive views from the first and second terminals.

  • 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.