traditional – Super Cheap Japan

Uji

Uji (宇治) is a popular tourist spot known for it’s many centuries old shrines and temples, 2 of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. While it is famous for these sites, Uji has also been blessed with amazing nature and is a good place to come for an easy walk or hike. BudgetContinue reading “Uji”

Yanagawa

Yanagawa (柳川) is a lovely town with some beautifully quiet canals to explore. It is located between Fukuoka and Kumamoto, and so is a cool place to stop off on the way if you want some time away from big cities. The waterways go all around the town, including the old castle ruins, traditional townhousesContinue reading “Yanagawa”

Kakunodate

Kakunodate (角館) is an old samurai town with a rich history and lots to see. Near Lake Tazawa in Tohoku, Kakunodate has plenty of traditional samurai and merchant houses, as well as museums, cherry blossom spots and lots of free samples! Budget travel tips There is a really helpful Tourist Information Center next to the station. Head thereContinue reading “Kakunodate”

A kingdom of cherry blossom trees – Showa Memorial Park

While Showa Memorial Park is a little far way from central Tokyo, it’s worth heading out to see it during the cherry blossom or autumn colour seasons. The park was opened in 1983 to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the last emperor. As it was created during Japan’s economic boom, it has been well developed, settingContinue reading “A kingdom of cherry blossom trees – Showa Memorial Park”

Lovely, endless cherry blossoms in Inokashira Park – Kichijoji, Tokyo

Inokashira Park in Kichijoji is a great place for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. It is often packed with people having picnics, taking photos and relaxing on little boats in the lake. We went there on the weekend and had a great time. Inokashira Park (井の頭恩賜公園) and Inokashira lake were established during the Edo period and became oneContinue reading “Lovely, endless cherry blossoms in Inokashira Park – Kichijoji, Tokyo”

Free, beautiful and colorful! Chinzanso Garden in Tokyo

Chinzanso Garden has to be the best garden for those that want to see cherry blossoms without spending any money. It’s near to Shinjuku, and is a very, very posh park open to average folks like me and you! The walk along the river from Edogawabashi station is lined with cherry blossom trees. It reallyContinue reading “Free, beautiful and colorful! Chinzanso Garden in Tokyo”

Chinzanso Garden and Shinedogawa Park

Probably the best free Japanese garden in Tokyo, Chinzanso Garden (椿山荘の庭園) is an amazing garden in central Tokyo. It’s part of a very posh hotel, but everyone is free to enter the garden. There are Japanese tea houses, a pagoda and lots of nice features you would expect from a real, traditional Japanese garden. Budget travel tips VeryContinue reading “Chinzanso Garden and Shinedogawa Park”

Rikugien Garden

Rikugien Garden (六義園) has to be one of our favourite Japanese gardens in Tokyo. It’s got it all; cherry blossoms, autumn colors, a reasonably priced tea house, stunning lake and lots of interesting paths to take. Budget travel tips Sakura Hot Spring is a 5 minute walk away, so it’s best to combine the two.Continue reading “Rikugien Garden”

Beautiful, free traditional garden – Former Yasuda Garden

Part of the East Tokyo Historical Walk, the Former Yasuda Garden is a wonderful (and free!) traditional garden near the Edo-Tokyo Museum. It has a small lake, surrounded by some interesting traditional Japanese statues, bridges and lanterns. A Japanese garden isn’t complete without a red bridge! There is a nice, easy to follow route around the garden. It’sContinue reading “Beautiful, free traditional garden – Former Yasuda Garden”

Former Yasuda Garden

The Former Yasuda Garden (旧安田庭園) is a medium sized traditional Japanese garden night next to the Edo-Tokyo Museum. While not the biggest, it is a very beautiful garden and most importantly it’s free! Budget travel tips It’s only a minute or two from Edo-Tokyo Museum, so it’s an easy walk. Former Yasuda Garden is a nice place toContinue reading “Former Yasuda Garden”