Category Archives: Zoos in Japan

Grutto Pass

Are you into art and museums? Then this could be an awesome pass if you don’t want to spend hideous amounts of money on museum tickets. The Grutto Pass ( ぐるっとパス) provides free admission or discounts to 78 art galleries, museums, zoos and more in Tokyo. What does it cost? 2000 yen (about $16/€15) When can I useContinue reading “Grutto Pass”

Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園) is one of the best zoos in Japan. As would be expected from a zoo in Hokkaido, there are animals such as penguins, polar bears and seals. What makes the zoo extra special is the layout of some of the cages, which encourages the animals, such as monkeys, to jump around andContinue reading “Asahiyama Zoo”

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”

Yudanaka

Yudanaka and nearby Shibu Onsen are traditional hot spring areas, full of interesting old buildings, restaurants and shrines.  The area is well known for it’s monkey park, where monkeys play in a hot spring. Budget travel tips Makes for a great side trip from Nagano or Matsumoto.  The train to Yudanaka also stops at Obuse, a stunning town toContinue reading “Yudanaka”

Kasai Rinkai Park

Kasai Rinkai Park is a theme park in Tokyo that is free to enter. It features Japan’s second tallest Ferris wheel, which sometimes offers views of Mount Fuji, an large aquarium and a good collection of free activities and sights. Blog report here. Top Tips Bring a picnic or bento box and relax on the beachContinue reading “Kasai Rinkai Park”

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”