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Affordable Japan
Have you always thought that Japan is too expensive to visit? It need not be that way. Our strong Australian dollar and the availability of inexpensive and reasonable meals and accommodation in Japan makes for a happy traveller without breaking the budget.
At the beginning of November 2008, one Australian dollar fetched 58.53 Japanese yen. Since then it has been steadily rising and one year later we get over 80 yen for our dollar. This is definitely good news for Australians travelling to Japan.
So, exactly how much should you expect to pay in Japan?
Food and Drink
Restaurants
Accommodation
Transport and Tours
Amusement/Entertainment
Shopping
You will find a vending machine at every train station and street corner in Japan. Vending machines not only sell soft drinks and snacks, you will also find some that sell everything from beer, batteries, cup noodles and disposable cameras to ice cream and bags of ice.
In Japan you rarely have to walk far to find a convenience store. Clean, fast and open 24 hours they offer a broad line up of Japanese and Western foods as well a variety of everyday necessities. They are quite good for ready-made meals including sandwiches and lunch boxes which can be heated up at the store.
Japan is also a good place to shop for casual clothes. UNIQLO and MUJI are well-known chains of clothing stores where you can find low-priced trend-setting wear.
Try a family restaurant when you are looking for a place where everyone in the family can order what they want. Known as ‘famiresu’ in Japan, chain restaurants such as Denny’s, Royal Host and Jonathan’s offer a broard menu (with pictures) that includes Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes.
Reasonable dining can also be enjoyed at izakaya (Japanese pubs) and shokudo (general eating places, often with set meals).
Japan offers a variety of inexpensive and reasonable Japanese and Western-style accommodation. Economy hotels often have simple Western-style rooms that include the basic amenities and private bath and toilet and are located quite conveniently for tourists. For a Japanese-style bed and breakfast experience, try a minshuku. Japan also has an extensive network of youth hostels that offer both shared and private accommodations.
There are also quite a few free and inexpensive attractions in Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office Observatories:Entrance to these observatories, on the 45th floor of the north and south side of this building, is free of charge. At a height of 202 metres you can claim a fantastic view of Tokyo and on a clear day may even be able to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji.
- Parks and gardens in Tokyo:
From Chidorigafuchi Park renowned for its cherry blossoms in spring to Ueno Park, home to several museums, a zoo and a major shrine, there are many places to enjoy nature in the city. For a bit of history, visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the location of the former Edo Castle and part of the current Imperial palace.
- Corporate Showrooms:
Tokyo is home to some of the world’s coolest companies including Sony, Panasonic and Toyota. Many of these companies showcase their latest creations in showrooms in Tokyo. They are open free to the public and offer a great chance to see products of tomorrow today. 
Japan's festivals offer incredible cultural experiences and an insight into Japanese tradition. Whatever the time of year there is bound to be a festival happening nearby especially in summer. Also during summer, fireworks displays light up the skies in many parts of Japan. When planning your trip, be sure to check the festival and firework schedule to make the most of your visit.
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Affordable Japan