Tokyo on a Budget – you never had it so cheap!

You’ve seen them all over the world – dollar stores, pound stores, but believe me you haven’t seen anything until you visit a 100 yen store. The Japanese believe in quality and this goes for the 100 yen stores too, so they have got it down to a real art. The 100 yen stores are so popular here that there are items that the average Japanese citizen wouldn’t dream of searching for elsewhere. One of the best and certainly the biggest of the Tokyo 100 Yen stores is Daiso (see reviews here) a 4 storey paradise where you can fit out your kitchen with quality items for ridiculous prices.

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Japan has parks and gardens that are second to none. Historically the Japanese learnt how to architect nature successfully and even the shadow of the tree contrasting with the bridge with the bamboo poles and the stepping stones are expertly laid out. The entrance to paradise (and I don’t use that word lightly) is a mere 200 to 500 yen, depending on the size of paradise and you’ll never part with your money so happily. Oh and the Imperial Palace East Gardens are take no entry fee at all.

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The artificial island of Odeiba, one of Tokyo’s man made gems, is linked to the main island by the picturesque Rainbow Bridge. From the Main Island an unmanned entrance and elevator sped you up seven floors and from there you can walk across while enjoying amazing views of bayside TOkyo. The view is especially stunning at sunset when picturesque pleasure boats light the water and the Odeida carousel and the Tokyo Tower battle it out for the better light show. Needless to say that the walk is entirely free.

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Almost a wonder of the world, an early morning visit to the world’s biggest and cleanest fish market promises amazing sights that you wouldn’t even find on Startrek. I especially recommend the 5:00 A.M. Tuna auction – no it’s not in the least squeamish!.  Yet another free attraction.

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One of the best deals in Tokyo is the free guided tours organized by the Tokyo Tourist Association. The guides are volunteers who only ask that you pay their transportation. For more details go to the central tourist information office in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.

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Tokyo has approximately 200,00 restaurants and most of them offer lunch specials for under 1000 Yen or less. The variety is unbelievable and for under $13 you can party away and the best thing is there is never any service charge. If that is too much you can find running sushi restaurants with plates starting at 120 yen with green tea thrown in for free.

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Tokyo is blessed with more coffee shop chains then any other city in the world. Starbucks, perhaps the most popular of them, is on every corner, but the opposition in the form of Tully’s, Excelsior, Doutor, St Marks and others are not only cheaper, but also offer breakfast combinations for under 500yen till 11 A.M.  and then move on to cake sets (special price for cake and beverage), brunch sets and any other set they can conjure up. Trust me their coffee is just as good and the cakes and pastries are to die for (calories aside!)

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The Japanese love soups and noodles and even better soup with noodles. Whether it’s Soba, Ramen or Udon noodles, you can get a tasty meal in a large bowl for an unbeatable price any time of the day and get the egg thrown in for free. Your only problem is skillfully maneuvering your spoon and chopsticks without staining your shirt. Oh and it’s polite to slurp. If soup is not your thing Spaghetti is available at every corner in multiple combinations and some claim it is even better than Italy.

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Tokyo supermarkets are a tourist site on their own, especially those situated in the basement floors of department stores. Some of the food offered like $100 melons have helped give Tokyo the reputation of being the most expensive city in the world. What many don’t know is that the supermarkets offer dozens of ready to eat food dishes that were made from scratch the same day and have a shelf life of less than 24 hours. The Japanese won’t buy day old food, so these dishes must be sold by evening and towards 6:00 P.M. the prices plunge. A great way to buy a reasonable dinner as long as you don’t splurge for a melon.

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Need a tissue for your runny nose or allergy – you need look no further than your street corner where smiling girls are handing them out to passers buy as a commercial handout. You may never need to buy a Kleenex again.

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Japan loves festivals and it is hard to find a weekend without one. Whether the are celebrating the birth of the Samba, the annual fireworks display or the young girls coming of age they are everywhere and more important free of charge.

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Why pay for a view of Tokyo when you can get one for free. The height of most buildings in central Tokyo allows for beautiful views, and if you accompany it with a cheap lunch time feast in one of the endless 45th floor restaurants, what could be better. For a more conventional but still free alternative, opt for the view at the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku. Just beware of the lines during peak tourist seasons and holidays.

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Japan offers some of the most beautiful shrines in the world often surrounded by breathtaking landscaped gardens. Catch one at the time of Plum tree and Lotus blooming and you will never be the same again. If you visit on weekends and your luck is with you, you may witness a traditional, full costume Japanese wedding.

 

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