Tokyo Shopping – Super Cheap Japan

Free sample chapter from my awesome new book!

The new Super Cheap Japan book is the ultimate guidebook for those traveling to Japan on a budget. Available across the world at retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Book Depository, it is a painstakingly researched book aimed at those who worry about spending too much money in the Land of the RisingContinue reading “Free sample chapter from my awesome new book!”

Kichijoji

Kichijoji is a nice place to spend a cheap day, just walking around and doing an odd bit of shopping, eating or relaxing in the park. It’s the most interesting suburban town outside central Tokyo, and has many things to keep all types of people occupied. Budget travel tips Make sure you have a printContinue reading “Kichijoji”

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island built during the boom economy years. While the economic slowdown left much of it empty and derelict, it has been re-born as an seaside entertainment area. The main site of the 2012 Olympics Village, Odaiba is becoming more and more of a tourist hot spot. Budget travel tips The trainsContinue reading “Odaiba”

Harajuku

Harajuku (はらじゅく/原宿), between Shinjuku and Shibuya, is a heartland of youth fashion and activity. It will provide plenty of splendid culture shock for an visitor, young or old. Budget travel tips Be sure to explore the smaller streets, full of fashion shops and nice cafes. See the map for a recommended route, but it’s aContinue reading “Harajuku”

Shinjuku

Shinjuku (しんじゅく/新宿) is the business, entertainment and shopping mecca of Tokyo. A must visit for anyone traveling or living in Japan. Budget travel tips Avoid eating at the expensive department store restaurants, the restaurants elsewhere are much cheaper and offer a better experience. If Shinjuku is a bit hectic, try heading to Koenji or Shimo-Kitazawa.Continue reading “Shinjuku”

Ueno

Ueno (うえの/上野) features one of the biggest parks in Tokyo and is one of the main ‘cities’ within the megalopolis that is Tokyo. There many museums in the park, and the area is full of brightly lit streets and stores. Budget travel tips Asakusa is a nice city walk from Ueno, via Kappabashi. We recommendContinue reading “Ueno”

Kappabashi-dori

Kappabashi-dori (かっぱばし/合羽橋) is a fascinating street for restaurant and cafe owners to buy specialist goods. There are many plastic food model shops, with everything from plastic sushi to plastic beer! Budget travel tips As this is an area for restaurant owners, the prices for items such as cutlery can be very cheap. The plastic foodContinue reading “Kappabashi-dori”

Tokyo Skytree

The new Tokyo Skytree, at 634 metres tall, is the tallest building in Japan and the second tallest in the world. The complex also features a large shopping centre with lots of food and drink from across Japan. Budget travel tip Walk to/from the tourist hot spot of Asakusa to save on train fares. SpendContinue reading “Tokyo Skytree”

Shimo Kitazawa

Shimo Kitazawa (しもきたざわ/下北沢) is a trendy place town with plenty of second-hand shops, bars, record shops, interesting fashions and nice cafes and restaurants. It’s where all the cool, young people hang out! Budget travel tips The best way to experience Shimo Kitazawa is to walk around randomly and just soak it in. The streets areContinue reading “Shimo Kitazawa”

Shibuya

Shibuya (しぶや/渋谷) is a busy area in Tokyo famous for youth fashion and the busiest road crossing you will ever see. It’s one of the main clubbing, shopping and entertainment areas in Tokyo. Budget travel tips If you are tight on time, combine Shibuya with an interesting walk to Harajuku station. There are plenty ofContinue reading “Shibuya”