Traveling to Japan on your own. Traveling to Japan: Practical Tips for Travelers

Before describing the beauty, unusualness and attractiveness of Japan, I would like to give some practical advice and answer questions that I myself had when planning a trip to Japan.

1. Route through Japan. How to build? What to watch? How to choose?

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When planning my route, I focused on the historical sights of Japan, deciding that I would like to see Kyoto more than Hiroshima. Here, of course, everything is individual, but for example, here is my route for 10 days plus the day of arrival and the day of departure:

Arrival day and one full day in Tokyo - two days in Nikko - five days in Kyoto with trips to Himeji, Nara and Osaka - passing through Kamakura - a day and a half in Tokyo.

Great site for English language With detailed information about the sights of Japan, opening hours, recommendations on how to get there, etc. - http://www.japan-guide.com/ . It was this site that helped me plan the route by day, and it was from there that I printed out the name of all the places I needed in Japanese - it helped a lot when traveling in a taxi!

2. When to go to Japan?

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Again, it's all very subjective! Traditionally, there are two periods when everyone aspires to Japan. The first, of course, is cherry blossom (as a rule, from the end of March to the beginning of April). The second is the time of "red leaves", in our opinion - golden autumn =)

It is very hot in Japan in summer and quite chilly in winter. The weather in May suited me completely - almost all days it was over 20C, we walked in T-shirts and shorts, and only a couple of days it rained.

3. How to travel by train and metro? Why do I need a Suica card?

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Japan has a very developed network of railway transport, which, unlike Russia, is owned not by Russian Railways alone, but by several private companies, which, of course, have their own trains and platforms and their own tickets. In big cities, underground and elevated metro and monorail lines are added to this, which can drive an unprepared traveler crazy.

To prevent this from happening, the Japanese made a website where you can get directions by specifying the destination stations. The smart system will offer you several route options, calculated by minutes, with platforms, lines, travel time and cost. The name of this router is http://www.hyperdia.com . Unfortunately, their iPhone application cannot be downloaded in Russia, so you have to use the site.

Cost of travel to public transport in Japan it depends on the distance travelled. At each station, giant maps hang above the ticket vending machines, listing fares to different stations. Looking at these cards, you feel dizzy, you want to hide in a corner and, clasping your arms around yourself, cry =)) Therefore, to make your site easier, you need to purchase a card on which a certain amount of money is put and debited when passing turnstiles - and you do not need to rack your brains over the cost tickets and waste time buying tickets at a vending machine or ticket office. The most common such card is Suica. It can also be used to pay in supermarkets like a regular credit card, spend the balance at the airport or return it after receiving a deposit of 500 yen (~ 300 rubles).

Suica balance is replenished through machines at any metro station.

For big cities with tons of subway lines like Tokyo or Kyoto, the Suica card is indispensable!

4. What is Japan Rail Pass? Is he needed?

As I mentioned, the railway network in Japan is owned by different companies, but the most major carrier considered to be JR. Their branches cover almost all of Japan, they are the "owners" high-speed trains, so-called shinsansen.

Transport in Japan is very expensive. For example, a Tokyo-Kyoto trip will cost ~ 8,500 rubles one way per person!

To alleviate the plight of travelers, JR offer the so-called. Japan Rail Pass - Peculiar all inclusive 7 or 14 day pass that allows unlimited use of JR lines.

The JR Pass voucher can only be purchased by foreign nationals and only outside of Japan. There are several authorized offices that sell passes, it seems that there are even offices in Moscow. But I ordered online here https://www.japan-rail-pass.com. Vouchers delivered by Fedex 3 days after purchase!

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Upon arrival at the airport, vouchers must be exchanged directly for a JR Pass at the JR East counter.

The cost of the pass is rather big - $260 for a week or $420 for 14 days. It is easy to understand whether the cost of a pass in your case can be paid off - make a route of your movements on the website http://www.hyperdia.com and calculate the total cost of tickets that you will have to buy without a pass. In principle, the pass pays off with the Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo route alone. If the cost turns out to be slightly less than or equal (or even more so) than the cost of the JR Pass - feel free to buy it! The pass saves a lot of time - show it to the controller when passing through the turnstile and go! No cashiers, no tickets, no queues..

By the way, JR Pass also covers the cost of an express from Tokyo (Narita) Airport to the city, and it costs about 1,500 rubles!

However, it is worth remembering that some trains (especially high-speed or long-distance ones) require seat reservation - in this case, you just need to go to the ticket office, show a printout of your route (I just took a screenshot from the hyperdia website and showed it on the phone to the cashier) and you tickets will be issued free of charge indicating the carriage and seats.

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A few words about the Green JR Pass - such a pass gives you the right to travel in extra-comfort carriages. The seats in such cars are wider and more comfortable, there is more legroom and fewer people. But in general, there is not much difference. Our trip fell on the peak season (public holidays "Golden Week", when the Japanese massively travel around their country), and besides, we had men under two meters tall in our company, so we bought a Green JR Pass, which cost ~ 150 dollars more expensive (~$90 cheaper for a week pass).

JR Pass is also sold for children aged 6-11 and costs 2 times cheaper than an adult ticket.

Conveniently, JR Pass does not have to be activated by the date of the voucher exchange at the airport - you can specify any date! For example, if your trip will last 10 days, but only days 3-9 will be active for movement between cities, feel free to activate the pass from the 3rd day and in this case, a week pass will be enough for you.

5. How is the Internet access? Do our mobile phones work in Japan?

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We had MTS and Megafon on iPhone and Samsung phones - cellular communication worked perfectly everywhere!

In my opinion, Mobile Internet essential when traveling in Japan! Plot a route? Check train departure time? Read about the attraction? This almost always requires the Internet! You can get it in two ways - by renting a phone with a Japanese SIM card or a portable wi-fi router. All these services are offered immediately at the airport.

I decided to leave my phone - it's more comfortable and convenient for me. But I ordered a wi-fi router (in order to save time) online in advance here: https://www.econnectjapan.com/. The envelope was waiting for me at the reception of the hotel, the kit included an additional charger (a very necessary thing, since the charging of the router itself is enough for half a day), as well as an envelope with a return address, in which on the last day I just put the router with all the bells and whistles, sealed and dropped it into the first mailbox that came across.

A router with maximum speed (you could even download a movie!), The ability to connect up to 10 devices cost me ~ 3,600 rubles for 12 days of use. Per early booking give discounts.

6. Luggage delivery within Japan? Is it true that you can send luggage to the next hotel, and go yourself with a minimum of things?

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I don't know other countries, except Switzerland, where there is such a mega convenient and inexpensive (this does not apply to Switzerland =) way to move luggage between cities.

Imagine - in the morning you check-out at a hotel in Tokyo and move to Kyoto, deciding to visit a few more along the way. interesting places. And all this time you are dragging a suitcase behind you, rushing around the stations with it in search of the right line, looking for a luggage room of the right size so that you can at least see the city normally at intermediate destinations ... Imagine? Now think about how much your life has become better, because you travel light - with a backpack or handbag, and your Tokyo hotel sent your suitcase to the Kyoto one!

This amazing service costs ~ 900 rubles for a large 25 kg suitcase. You can drop off your suitcase directly at the reception of most hotels or at any collection point (http://www.kuronekoyamato.co.jp/en/), and you can also pick it up at your next hotel or selected collection point.

The only negative is that you need to give your suitcase before 12 noon on the day following the day of your check-in at the next place.

7. Is it possible to pay credit cards in Japan? How to withdraw cash from an ATM in Japan?

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Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere except for some taxis, restaurants and souvenir shops. Of course, paying in cash is much faster and more convenient - for example, when buying tickets to temples.

There are currency exchange points, but they still need to be looked for. And if you fell during the period of public holidays, then you will have to wait for the bank to open =)

We are proponents of cash withdrawals from ATMs. What a shock we had when the cash began to run out, and the ATMs of different banks into which we tried to put our cards were either only in Japanese (!), Or they rejected the operation under various pretexts like "wrong pin", " authorization failed", "try later"!

An Internet friend helped, who said that Japanese ATMs work on some other platform that is not compatible with the platform of European banks and therefore they do not consider our bank cards as human! =)) There are only a few banks whose ATMs are kind to tourists , - the largest of them is 7 Bank, which is owned by - ta-da-dam! - Seven-Eleven supermarket chain, so almost every supermarket has an ATM suitable for international cards!

8. Tax free in Japan

VAT in Japan is small, about 8% (but still money!) and is provided for purchases over 5,000 yen. Tax Free can be provided in two ways. 1) In small stores, a discount is made immediately at the checkout and you pay a smaller amount. 2) In large department stores, after paying for the goods at full price, you must go to the counter tax free and get a cash refund.

In both cases, a receipt will be attached to your passport with a stapler (!) and stamped, and the goods will be packed in sealed bags as in duty free(Clothes are placed in a regular bag). Further, according to the rules kindly given in the brochure that you will be given in the store, shopping bags (without unpacking!) must be presented at the airport (before check-in - if you check in your luggage) or after passport control(if you take the purchase in hand luggage).

In practice, which is confirmed by my experience and the reviews of other travelers that I have studied on this issue, no one looks at purchases, and you can either tear off checks from your passport yourself or go to the Customs window after passing through security and good Japanese customs officers, who, in theory, should check your purchases, take the checks from your passport (even despite the list and the cost of what you bought!), smile and let go in peace.

I took out all my purchases from the bags, took off the packaging and other tinsel that took up space (I bought mostly cosmetics), packed it into a suitcase, which I put in my luggage. I did not have any problems with the return of tax free.

9. Visa to Japan

About getting a visa to Japan, I already wrote a separate post on my blog, who are interested and relevant - come in =)

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It seems that I touched on all the main practical points .. I will be glad to help / recommend / answer any questions about independent travel to Japan.

aerobulochka
16/06/2016 13:00

The opinion of tourists may not coincide with the opinion of the editors.

Today I will tell you about how to take and go to Japan. This is a wonderful country, about which I have already written a lot in my blog. And now I offer you a simple guide with which you can organize your own trip. If you like to plan your own trips, but are more accustomed to traveling around Europe, this post is for you - here I will explain what to see on your first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

And if you've been to Japan before, scroll through this text to make sure you haven't missed anything. Or vice versa give me advice!

There are many links to other posts that describe in more detail certain aspects of a trip to Japan. But I tried to build this post as simply as possible to give a general idea of how to ride for the first time. If you have friends who are going to Japan, feel free to send them to read this post, and if you yourself are not ready yet, but would like to go in the future, it is better to bookmark it for the future!

My friends here often ask me: "I'm going to Japan for the first time. Where should I go there? What to see? How is the security? Internet? English?" I also put together this post so that in the future they could just give a link! (Yes friends, this is for you!)

When is the best time to go to Japan?

I visited Japan in spring, summer, autumn and winter, and I am happy to say that any season - good time to visit this country. At the end of July and in August it is hot here, if the heat is not your thing, then it is probably better to choose some other time.

The main tourist seasons are (usually at the beginning of April), and (at the end of November). These are approximate numbers for Tokyo and Kyoto. During these two periods, Japan is incredibly beautiful, but because of this, there will be many tourists everywhere, and many hotels will be booked in advance.

Summer is a great time to go if you're walking (I did it at the very end of June, a few days before the official season opens). And winter will give you the opportunity, this is also a very beautiful sight.

If it doesn’t work out for so long, then in general it doesn’t matter either, any time spent in Japan will make you feel that you need to come here for a longer time.

Where to go in Japan?

Most likely you will arrive at one of the airports, since this is where most international flights arrive. In addition to the country's capital, you should definitely visit, it is this city that has preserved the old Japanese culture the best.

If you don’t have too much time, try to spend at least 2-3 days in Kyoto, and you’ll see how it turns out in Tokyo. If you have more time, then it is worth traveling around the country, and maybe even driving to one of the islands in addition to the main Honshu (there are four main islands in Japan).

How to move around the country?

Here you can give an unambiguous answer. You will ride trains. Japan has the most developed rail network in the world. Numerous subways and trains run inside and around cities, and for long journeys, there are those that can cover 450 km between Tokyo and Kyoto in two and a half hours!

Trains run strictly on schedule, and you can get on them wherever you need to - the Japanese love for rail transport shows itself on a national scale.

True, Shinkansen are an expensive pleasure. A one-way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto costs about $100! To save money on these transfers, you should book yourself in advance JR Pass, a pass that allows you to use most trains for 7, 14 or 21 days. A seven-day pass costs about $250 (depending on the yen), and generally pays off if you go to Kyoto and ride some more shorter distances. Please note that it can only be ordered before arriving in Japan! ()

If you came to Japan for 10 days, then it is better to spend the first two in Tokyo, and then, after activating the seven-day JR-Pass, go to Kyoto and beyond. Then return back to the capital on the evening of the seventh day, when the pass expires.

And for those moments when the JR-Pass is not activated, or for private metro lines where it is not accepted, I advise you to purchase a card Suica. Suika costs 500 yen, which you can get back by returning it before you leave. Then cash is put on it, and the card is used to pay for trains, and a bunch of other things. Suiki accept more and more points, it is convenient to pay with them throughout the country.

Unlike JR-Pass, Suika can be picked up upon arrival in Japan, at any railway ticket office. Do not forget to put money on it, and it will greatly facilitate your trip.

And is it safe there? Am I not lost?

Safely. Don't get lost. For everyone railway stations excellent navigation, and there are signs to the main attractions. And in cities where tourists often come, there are information departments right at the railway stations, where they will give you a map of the area and explain in English what you can see in the area.

Plus, Google Maps knows everything about Japanese streets and trains. You can click on a point on the map and Google will tell you the best way to get there by public transport, when the next train is, and how much it will cost! ( .)

In addition to this, Japan is one of the most safe countries in the world, . Nothing bad will happen to you.

Tell us about Tokyo!

Tokyo is a huge, bustling metropolis. What's the best way to watch it? Settling in its center will not work, because Tokyo has at least five different centers! Ask any resident of the city, and he will tell you that in order to properly study it, even a week is not enough! But for the first time you have enough and three days. I wrote, which talks about how to watch them in two days!

"So for two, or for three?!" you ask. "Yes!" I will answer you.

The whole secret is that upon arrival in Tokyo, you need to rent a hotel in the area Ueno- It is convenient to get here by express train from Narita Airport. Ueno is a relatively inexpensive and relatively quiet area. On your first day in Tokyo (let's say it's Friday), you can see the eastern part of it, moving from Ueno to the south, or going down to Ginza, and rising to the north. Your JR-Pass won't be valid yet, so you'll be using Suiki to get around.

And on the second day (Saturday), you will go to kamakura- one of the ancient capitals of the Japanese Empire. It's a lovely place about an hour's drive from central regions Tokyo, here Coast, ancient temples and Big Buddha statue. Here you can spend most of the day, and even ride.

Well, on Sunday your JR-Pass will begin to operate, you will sit on a shinkansen and go to the side. It is important to take a seat by the window on right! You don't want to miss this view:

You will return back to the capital by the evening of the seventh day (Saturday), when the railway pass will expire. And this time you will settle in the west of Tokyo, in an area named Shibuya.

If you've ever seen a picture of Japan where crowds are running through a huge pedestrian crossing, that's exactly what Shibuya is. The drive is crazy and there seems to be an endless amount of people, but it's worth spending an evening here and you will be drawn into this crazy zen. .

The next morning - it's time to go explore the western part of the city - this is the second half of my guide. We'll see the trendy district Harajuku, the shrine of Emperor Meiji, and located next to it yoyogi park. Oh, did you notice that we ended up here on a Sunday? It's not easy! It is on Sundays that they pass in front of the entrance to the park!

Well, in the evening you can get to Shinjuku, the area where it is located! After an evening spent here, you will not be sorry to fly home.

And what about Kyoto?

For a thousand years, Kyoto was the capital of the Japanese Empire. Built on the model of the Chinese capital (), it has a rectangular structure uncharacteristic of Japan. The city is located in a beautiful valley between two mountain ranges, and has retained many aspects cultural heritage feudal Japan.

But besides the temples, you should just take a walk along the old streets of the city. Here you will meet Japanese people in beautiful traditional clothes (most likely they, like you, tourists), you will be able to taste the old local cuisine, and .

I advise you to settle in the area Sanjo Ohashi Bridge and spend in Kyoto about four days. No, you will not be walking around temples all this time. In Kyoto, and besides them, there is something to see. Here are just some of the nearby attractions (you can spend half a day or a whole day on each):

with a huge wooden temple and tame deer
- red gate sanctuary
Arashiyama- a mountain in the north-west of the city, where the famous bamboo grove is located
Path of the Philosopher in the northeast, cherry blossoms are especially beautiful along it, and there are many ancient temples.

About other places.

You can usually squeeze one or two places from this section into a 10-day trip. Choose! There are two directions...

If you have a few extra days of JR-Pass action and want to see some more unique places, feel free to take a shinkansen in Kyoto and drive further southwest!

And between Osaka and Himeji there is also Kobe, the city that .

As you can see, there is enough choice to complete the seven-day, 14-day, and even 21-day JR-Pass. And what's great: all these places are easily accessible by trains!

What's with the money?

Perhaps it is worth saying a few words about money. Japanese currency - yen. The exchange rate is constantly changing, but one can estimate that one hundred yen is somewhere in the dollar (in fact, the yen has been cheaper lately,).

You can often hear that Japan is expensive. Compared to the rest of Asia, no doubt. But if we compare, for example, with Europe, then in Japan only housing and trains are expensive, and even then not much more expensive than European ones. We have already saved on trains with the help of JR-Paz, but you will have to pay for housing if you want to live in the center of everything (I recommended such places). But if you want, you can save money here. Yes, there are many high-quality expensive things in Japan - restaurants, clothes, etc., but if you wish, you can get through here on a modest budget.

One problem is that credit cards are not accepted everywhere (especially far from cities). Cash will help us out, but there are few exchangers, and some ATMs refuse to understand Western cards. Fortunately, ATMs at 7-Eleven are ready to dispense money to tourists from Europe and America. And there are plenty of these 7-Elevens in Japan. (ATMs are not in everyone, but many are.) Also, they say there are friendly ATMs in post offices too.

Hotels? Ryokans? Apartments?

As I said, housing in Japan is not cheap. But some are more expensive than the rest. Let's look in order:

Ryokans: These are classic Japanese "bedrooms", in the traditional style. Because of this, staying in them is the most expensive option. But it's very cool: you can sleep on straw mats tatami(don't worry, a mattress will be laid for you) and dress in. Many ryokan have traditional hot tubs - onsens, and the opportunity to dine the way the Japanese ate back in feudal times. In short, ryokan is total immersion. But they cost starting from $100 per person per night! Up to 4-5 people can fit in one ryokan room, although the price for each will not drop much from this, since payment is made precisely for the number of people.

Ryokan is the best place to live in Kyoto. But I advise you to book them in advance, as places in those that are relatively affordable can be occupied several months in advance.

Next we go rented apartments on sites like AirBnB. (and sometimes -!) but the price can be cheaper than comparable hotels. The apartment can be good option for Tokyo, especially if you are traveling in a group of 3-4 people, it will be cheaper than taking several hotel rooms.

Ordinary western-style hotels in Japanese cities are quite expensive. Personally, I try to avoid these. But I love taking pictures. They are relatively inexpensive, and I love how thoughtful everything is to cram all the amenities into a small space. It is profitable to rent such hotels in small towns, where a double room can cost $60-80, or in Tokyo, where they will already cost $80-120.

In Japanese hostels I never stopped, but I know they are. Although if you really decide to save money, I would recommend you. They cost $20-$30 a night, many have great onsens, and generally a great experience of Japanese culture. The only thing is that they are usually either only male or only female (less of the latter).

Every life - food, internet, English.

Well, let's talk about a few more things that are not included in other departments:

Sockets: Outlets in Japan are similar to North American sockets with two flat pins. Most plugs from the USA, Canada or China can be plugged without adapters (except for plugs where one of the pins is wider than the other). But Russians and other Europeans will definitely need adapters.

Here you go. I hope it is now approximately clear to you how to go to Japan, and what to see there. If you have questions or comments, I will be glad to them in the comments. I will also update this post as needed.

May 24th, 2016 03:59 am

Before describing the beauty, unusualness and attractiveness of Japan, I would like to give some practical advice and answer questions that I myself had when planning a trip to Japan.

1. Route through Japan. How to build? What to watch? How to choose?

Arrival day and one full day in Tokyo - two days in Nikko - five days in Kyoto with trips to Himeji, Nara and Osaka - passing through Kamakura - a day and a half in Tokyo.

A wonderful site in English with detailed information about Japan's attractions, opening hours, travel recommendations, etc. - http://www.japan-guide.com/ . It was this site that helped me plan the route by day, and it was from there that I printed out the name of all the places I needed in Japanese - it helped a lot when traveling in a taxi!

2. When to go to Japan?

3. How to travel by train and metro? Why do I need a Suica card?

The cost of a trip on public transport in Japan depends on the distance traveled. At each station, giant maps hang above the ticket vending machines, listing fares to different stations. Looking at these cards, you feel dizzy, you want to hide in a corner and, clasping your arms around yourself, cry =)) Therefore, to make your site easier, you need to purchase a card on which a certain amount of money is put and debited when passing turnstiles - and you do not need to rack your brains over the cost tickets and waste time buying tickets at a vending machine or ticket office. The most common such card is Suica. It can also be used to pay in supermarkets like a regular credit card, spend the balance at the airport or return it after receiving a deposit of 500 yen (~ 300 rubles).

Suica balance is replenished through machines at any metro station.

For big cities with lots of metro lines like Tokyo or Kyoto, the Suica card is indispensable!

4. What is Japan Rail Pass? Is he needed?

As I mentioned, the railway network in Japan is owned by different companies, but JR is considered the largest carrier. Their branches cover almost all of Japan, they are the "owners" of high-speed trains, the so-called. shinsansen.
Transport in Japan is very expensive. For example, a Tokyo-Kyoto trip will cost ~ 8,500 rubles one way per person!

To alleviate the plight of travelers, JR offer the so-called. Japan Rail Pass - a kind of all inclusive travel card for 7 or 14 days, which allows you to use JR lines without limits.

Upon arrival at the airport, vouchers must be exchanged directly for a JR Pass at the JR East counter.

By the way, JR Pass also covers the cost of an express from Tokyo (Narita) Airport to the city, and it costs about 1,500 rubles!

JR Pass is also sold for children aged 6-11 and costs 2 times cheaper than an adult ticket.

5. How is the Internet access? Do our mobile phones work in Japan?

We had MTS and Megafon on iPhone and Samsung phones - cellular communication worked perfectly everywhere!

In my opinion, mobile Internet is extremely important when traveling in Japan! Plot a route? Check train departure time? Read about the attraction? This almost always requires the Internet! You can get it in two ways - by renting a phone with a Japanese SIM card or a portable wi-fi router. All these services are offered immediately at the airport.

A router with maximum speed (you could even download a movie!), The ability to connect up to 10 devices cost me ~ 3,600 rubles for 12 days of use. Discounts are given for early bookings.

6. Luggage delivery within Japan? Is it true that you can send luggage to the next hotel, and go yourself with a minimum of things?

I don't know other countries, except Switzerland, where there is such a mega convenient and inexpensive (this does not apply to Switzerland =) way to move luggage between cities.

Imagine - in the morning you check-out at a hotel in Tokyo and move to Kyoto, deciding to visit a few more interesting places along the way. And all this time you are dragging a suitcase behind you, rushing around the stations with it in search of the right line, looking for a luggage room of the right size so that you can at least see the city normally at intermediate destinations ... Imagine? Now think about how much your life has become better, because you travel light - with a backpack or handbag, and your Tokyo hotel sent your suitcase to the Kyoto one!

The only negative is that you need to give your suitcase before 12 noon on the day following the day of your check-in at the next place.

7. Can I pay with credit cards in Japan? How to withdraw cash from an ATM in Japan?

There are currency exchange points, but they still need to be looked for. And if you fell during the period of public holidays, then you will have to wait for the bank to open =)

8. Tax free in Japan

VAT in Japan is small, about 8% (but still money!) and is provided for purchases over 5,000 yen.
Tax Free can be provided in two ways. 1) In small stores, a discount is made immediately at the checkout and you pay a smaller amount. 2) In large department stores, after paying for the goods for the full price, you must go to the tax free counter and receive a cash refund.

In both cases, a check will be attached to your passport with a stapler (!) And a seal will be placed, and the goods will be packed in sealed bags as in duty free (clothes are put in a regular bag). Further, according to the rules kindly given in the brochure that you will be given in the store, shopping bags (without unpacking!) must be presented at the airport (before check-in - if you check in your luggage) or after passport control (if you take the purchase in hand luggage) .

9. Visa to Japan

About getting a visa to Japan, I already wrote a separate post on my blog, who are interested and relevant - come in =)

Despite high prices, Japan is one of the most beautiful and friendly countries in the whole world. From majestic Mount Fuji to Bustling Tokyo Zen Kyoto, Japan is a colorful blend of a high-tech world with a respect for tradition. If you decide on an independent trip to Japan, then you have hit the Ares. Our free Japan travel guide will help you.

I love Japan. It was my old dream to visit this country, and when it came true, the impressions of the country exceeded all my wildest expectations. Japan has fantastic food, beautiful temples and shrines, Zen gardens and National parks, a culture with a long and rich history. Although Japan is considered one of the most expensive countries, there are still little tricks that can make it affordable. Don't be scared high prices. And I, in turn, will help with good advice on how to plan an affordable trip to Japan.

Traveling to Japan - cost

Accommodation

The cost of a night in hostels varies between 2500 - 4000 yen in a shared room. Accommodation in a small separate room will cost 3,000 - 5,000 yen. Double room in inexpensive hotel costs an average of 8,500 yen.

Food

Japan has many cheap places where they serve delicious ramen, soba and miso noodles. These dishes cost from 250 to 1250 yen. If you buy food in stores, then your weekly budget will be 3,700 - 5,000 yen. You can order a dish in a restaurant for an average of 2,000 yen. The average check in restaurants is about 4350 yen. Sushi is 125 - 620 yen apiece. Fast food - 800 yen.

Transport

Transportation costs in Japan are high. Trains are the fastest and most expensive way to travel in Japan. A ticket from Osaka to Tokyo will cost you 20,000 yen. Most subway rides will cost between 125 - 250 yen. AT major cities you can buy a day pass for 1000 yen, which allows you to ride the subway an unlimited number of times per day for certain trains. Ticket for intercity bus costs about 2500 yen.

Leisure

Visiting most temples and museums in Japan is free, occasionally tickets to popular attractions will cost you 1250 yen, and temples up to 620 yen. Entrance to most parks is free.

How to save money while traveling in Japan

Visit only free rides

Most museums, shrines, temples, historic districts and parks are free to visit. Japan is generous with the opportunity to get to know its culture.

Buy a JR Pass

If you plan to travel a lot around the country, then buy a JR Pass - this unlimited train travel ticket in Japan will save you a lot of money.

Get around on buses

Traveling by bus is much cheaper than by train, but it will take longer. Compare 2 hours by train from Tokyo to Osaka and 10 hours by bus on the same route. Although the unlimited train ticket is valid for 7 days and costs 29,100 yen, if you want to save money and have time, use the buses.

Stores all for 100 yen

There are many discount stores in Japan where all items cost 100 yen. In them you can buy set meals, food, water, toiletries and household items. In general, everything is the same as ours. Store names vary by region, so ask at the front desk of your hotel or hostel.

Eat at 7-11

At 7-11 (Seven-Eleven), Family Mart and similar small shops, you can buy convenience foods for 125-370 yen. Also in many supermarkets you can buy set meals for the same price.

cook yourself

All hostels have kitchens where you can cook your own meals, thus reducing the cost of writing to 745 yen per day. Combining "100 yen everything" trips with self-catering can cut your food budget considerably.

Eat curry, ramen and donburi

I actually lived off these meals for the entire 3 weeks I was in Japan. A bowl of curry costs up to 370 yen. Donburi (meat and rice) - 500 - 620 yen per plate. Ramen up to 870 yen. I think this diet is ideal in terms of price / normal to eat and eat.

Work in hostels

If you live in a shared room in a hostel, you can ask to clean it. A few hours of cleaning in the morning will be rewarded with free accommodation for any period.

Couchsurfing

This is my standard advice, if you want to live for a short time for free with a resident of the country who will not only provide you with a roof over your head, but also introduce you to the local culture - use couchsurfing. The main thing is to write to the owner in advance, in Japan for some reason they take a long time to answer.

Shop for groceries at night

After 20:00, supermarkets significantly reduce food prices, because. if no one buys them, then by law they will have to be thrown away. This little secret will help you save up to 50% on food.

Self-guided trip to Japan during cherry blossom season.
I have a separate article with a photo on my site -.

Hotel in Tokyo

I can recommend the hotel to those who want to stay near the Tokyo Fish Market: APA Hotel Tsukiji Eki Minami.
Single occupancy is quite comfortable.
Comment: In most hotels where I stayed, the Internet was through the wire. Not WiFi.
It didn't bother me because there was mobile internet and ethernet to usb adapter for macbook.

You can't smoke outside in Japan: a bit annoying ban on smoking on the streets. Or rather, not even a ban - a recommendation, well, the Japanese follow these recommendations as obedient citizens, and I, as a guest on a visit, also accepted the rules of the game: it’s impossible, it’s impossible. There are special places in the open air, usually fenced with hedges of plants, where there are ashtrays - you can smoke there

Japanese visa

I obtained a visa to Japan on my own at the Consulate of Japan in the area of Prospekt Mira in Moscow.
The main thing you need to get it: a set of documents from the inviting Japanese side. I had a private invitation.
What is required from the invitee: to provide correspondence, telephone bills for international calls or joint photos with the one who invites. I didn’t have any photos together, so I just took some photo from the autumn Forum Slaughterhouse, where 4 drunken men stand against the background of the Vinsky Forum banner, including me in a Circassian hat. The consulate said:

How can it be: a woman invites you, but where is she in this photo? To which I replied:
Here her husband is standing next to me, and she just walked away at that moment ...