allows me to immerse in the traditional Japanese culture and doesn't cost me too much. I'm on a tight budget but I still want to enjoy some good shopping.
2006-10-27 02:26:07 · 9 answers · asked by citrusy 6 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Japan is not as expensive as it is made out to be. Not compared to the Londons/New Yorks/San Frans of the world.
People based on a base and used to soldier friendly prices never quite get used to it. They are constantly comparing things. When you live here and get paid in Yen you stop comparing prices and you learn to shop and find deals. Visitors can do the same. Try Fukuoka or Sapporo for cheaper cities. Or Nagoya. Tokyo is more expensive than those towns but there are many many metro areas in Japan. Even Kawasaki City next to Tokyo is cheaper for you to be based out of and close to Tokyo/Yokohama.
2006-10-27 06:59:04 · answer #1 · answered by virg922 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's all good. Japan has been hosting tourists since the Victorians-they have that down. Obviously Kyoto is "the" tourist destination-but even communities that aren't obvious tourist destinations are ready, willing and able to show folks from away a good time. I suggest you get a least a little bit off the beaten track and visit a place like Aizu-Wakamatsu or Kakunodate. In Aizu the running joke is that when locals mention "the war", they mean the Boshin War and not WW2. In fact, when you visit the museum in Aizu castle they have many photographs of Aizu-clan samurai. For me, when I saw that these guys sat for photographs it really humanized them. They weren't part of some semi-mythical past anymore...they were there on film. They were looking stiff and uncomfortable, just like everyone else who had their picture taken in those days when you couldn't blink. Here they were quite prepared to kill or die for their cause, but also prepared to do what the photographer told them to do. My point is that you can have a really great day in Japan because of some really small thing.
2016-03-28 09:08:36 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Japan is a very tourist friendly country. I've been all over and been there twice. Never met one rude person. They are very curious and friendly people. They are one of the few countries that still enjoy Americans and the English language. Kyoto is wonderful for traditional Japanese culture filled with temples. Try to stay at a Ryokan for a true Japanese experience. It's a little pricey but worth every cent.
2006-10-27 18:02:25 · answer #3 · answered by MrGin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I really recommend you to come to Fukuoka. I am Japanese and i am living in Fukuoka. There are some foreigners in Fukuoka because it Fukuoka. There are some foreigners in Fukuoka because it is a tourist-friendly place. To immerse in the traditional Japanese culture, you should go to dazaifu-tenmangu shrine. this is the most famous shrine for god of learning in Japan! Moreover, you can do shopping in Fukuoka done, tenjin, marinoa city, canal city, etc. There wont be as many as people in Tokyo! that is why i really recommand u FUKUOKA!!! Oh! and there is a biggest ferry-wheel in Asia in marinoa!
2006-10-28 03:20:55 · answer #4 · answered by okiron 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I spent six years in Tokushima, which is one of the most rural prefectures in Japan. Public transport is great and lots of places have signs in English as well as Japanese.
"Hyaku en" (100 yen) shops are good if you're on a budget - you can pick up some wonderful little souvenirs, and also lots of more practical things.
2006-10-27 21:42:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've found most of japan to be tourist friendly. All you have to do is travel outside the city to see Japaneses culture.
2006-10-27 02:28:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kamakura. Hakone. Michida. Nikko. any one of thes eplaces will offer you the opportunity to enjoy Japan while not being the big citiy like Tokyoor Yokohama.
Kamakura has Daibutsu and many shrines and temples. Hakone has sulfur springs and some great shopping(and a Pirate boat!). Michida and Nikko also have beautiful shrines and temples.
2006-10-27 16:56:52 · answer #7 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be prepared. Japan is expensive! I lived there for 3 years while my husband was stationed there. I was so surprised how expensive things were. Even a cup of coffee will surprise you!!! I lived outside of Tokyo but visited many places. The thrifty route is to go to the 100 yen stores for souviners and eat at the Yoshinoya food chains. Try this website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshinoya
Ride the trains. They're easy to follow. Ask for a english map at the information counter.
While you're there, try "chu-hi". You can get it at any convenience store. It's an alcoholic drink that comes in many flavors. Very tasty........
2006-10-27 02:42:39 · answer #8 · answered by M 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Kyoto and Hokkaido are not known to have as many foreigners as the other cities.
Kyoto is the home of the famous ' samaurai ' - well the history and spirit now. Also home to the beautifull and best of Japans Geisha Girls.
2006-10-27 11:47:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋