Japan on the Cheap

Japan on the cheap can be done and is quite an experience. You can stay at capsule hotels which will cost you about USD$40-$50 a night with access to baths and sauna. Inexpensive budget hotels are also available and are usually located near stations. Try a Business Hotel for a good compromise with prices around USD$70 for a single room and USD$100 for a double. If you get in a pinch and need a hotel in a hurry try one of the various Love Hotels located all around Japan. These are quite inexpensive and usually came with a great TV, video games and karaoke machine.

Food can cost you about USD$5-8 a meal if you eat at budget Japanese restaurants like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and CoCo Ichiban Curry House. There are numerous bakeries around the country and a small snack will cost you around USD$1-2. The convenience stores all over Japan are also a quick cheap alternative and prices are extremely low compared with places back home.

I would say about USD$70-80 a day is possible done on a budget.

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What is the best food to bring my host family in Japan?

Most people tend to bring chocolate or candy but you need to remember that American chocolate/candy is very different from the Japanese variety and is a lot sweeter. Japanese love the European style of chocolate and I recommend brands like Godiva, Lindt, etc. The Belgium and Swiss chocolate brands are very popular and a good choice as they are expensive in Japan. I don't recommend Hershey's as most Japanese don't like it and Kit Kat is everywhere in Japan. American candy goes down really well in Japan. Things like soft candy (gummy bears) and sour candy is extremely popular. I am from Australia so I always bring Tim Tams which are chocolate biscuits and they are very popular in Japan, so something like chocolate biscuits or cookies would be very popular. Chocolate Chip Cookies are always very popular and this would be my best recommendation.

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Best time of year to visit Japan

The best time of year to visit Japan would be March/April when the weather starts to warm up and Spring is upon us. This is the best time of year because of the Cherry Blossoms and all the beautiful spring colours. A lot of people also like Fall/Autumn which is September/October because of the cooler weather and changing colours of the leaves. Many people head in to the mountains to view the beautiful colours and experience the vibrant leaves. Winter which is from December to March can be very cold but there is a lot to see and do if you love winter sports. The snow festival in Hokkaido is extremely popular and Nagano / Gifu in the Tokai area is a great place for cheap skiing and snowboarding. The worst time of year to visit Japan would have to be during the Summer months of June, July, August. June is the start of the hot, humid rainy season and there is no relief from the constant humidity during the summer period.

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What to do In Japan

What to do in Japan? There are so many things to do in Japan that it can be difficult to organize an itinerary. Especially if you have only a week to enjoy. The must see cities in Japan are Tokyo and Kyoto. Attractions in Tokyo include the Asakusa district famous for Sensoji temple and Nakamise shopping street; Meiji Shrine; The Imperial Palace; Ginza and Harajuku. Kyoto attractions include Kiyomizudera; Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion); Ginkakuji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion); Nijo Castle; and Heian Shrine. If you have a little more time to spend, I highly recommend you visit the Tokai Area. The Tokai Area is famous for its mountains in Nagano and Gifu. Attractions include Takayama, Gero and the Ogimachi Timber Houses in Shirakawa-go in Gifu, Inuyama in Aichi prefecture and Matsumoto in Nagano.

Tokyo

Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture

Gifu City and Gifu Prefecture

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Father`s Day in Japan June 20th

Father`s Day in Japan is very typical of a Father`s Day back home. Usually the children give their father a small present to show their thanks and appreciation. This is usually a necktie or a pair of socks.

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet

The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet is the latest novel from David Mitchell. The story focuses around the central character of Jacob De Zoet. Young Jacob is a penniless Dutch clergyman`s son sent to Nagasaki in the final year of the 18th century. A member of the Dutch East India Company, he is supposed to make his fortune in six years so he can return to marry his beloved Anna back in Holland. The Dutch trade with the reclusive Edo-era Japanese on an island and are rarely allowed on the mainland. The practice of Christianity is banned; they are forbidden from learning Japanese and there are spies everywhere among servants and interpreters. Jacob is charged with uncovering corruption among the traders and soon falls out of favour with his boss and his peers. Nothing goes to plan. He falls for another woman, a Japanese midwife, who is sent to a mysterious shrine in the mountains.

This is a marvellously wrought novel, full of fully formed characters and the kind of detail that allows you to sink deep into its imaginary world. I was sorry when I fnished.

Japan`s New Prime Minister Naoto Kan

Naoto Kan, 63, will become Japan`s new prime minister following an internal party vote and parliamentary vote, replacing Yukio Hatoyama, who resigned over broken campaign pledges. Japan`s governing Democratic Party has chosen the plain spoken finance minister with activist roots to be the party`s new leader. Mr Kan is known for his quick temper, and gained national attention in the mid 1990s when as health minister he exposed his own ministry`s use of blood tainted with HIV. The party is hoping for a second chance to fulfil a historic election mandate for change. Mr Kan faces a big task in trying to win back public support that Mr Hatoyama squandered in months of indecision over the fate of a US military base. He must also help the party regain the momentum it had in August after a landslide election victory that ended a half century of virtual one party rule.

Rainy Season in Japan

June is the start of the rainy season in Japan and it can be very humid and unpleasant during the summer months. The summer months (June to August) are dominated by warm, moist air currents from the Pacific, and produce high temperatures and humidity throughout most of Japan. The rainy season usually mid/late May to June lasts a few weeks and starts in the South and gradually works its way northwards. A lot of care must be taken during this period to ensure that you get fresh air in to your home and keep it dry. Remember to shut all windows when going out as you don`t want a big downpour to ruin your home. I had a friend who left her window open and returned home to find her computer room covered in water and her computer completely ruined.

Tokyo Vice

Reporter Jake Adelstein recently released memoir Tokyo Vice is an account of his 12 year stint working the crime beat for the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan`s largest newspaper. The extortion, racketeering, prostitution and gambling rings associated with Japan`s yakuza criminal organizations have been written up in books and glorified in films numerous times before. Yet a substantial first hand peek inside this insidious underworld by a foreign journalist has not existed before. Tokyo Vice is written in a fast paced, acerbic and sometimes humorous style. Tokyo Vice recounts Jake Adelstein`s investigations into serial rape, pornography, murder and his greatest scoop: providing details on how four gangsters were able to travel to the US over several years to receive liver transplants.

Japanese Beef

Japanese beef is the most tender beef in the world. Japan`s Wagyu cattle are pampered, fed beer and massaged daily, sometimes with sake, and played classical music for relaxation to produce the best premium beef in the world. My favourite Wagyu beef in Japan comes from Matsuzaka in Mie Prefecture, and Kobe. I also like Hida beef from the mountains of Gifu in Japan and recommend you try it in Takayama, Japan. The Hida beef sushi from the main street in Takayama is really good and so are the Hida beef patties.

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Medical Insurance in Japan

There are a few options available to you in regards to Medical Insurance in Japan. The Health care system in Japan provides healthcare services through a number of insurance systems. In Japan it is compulsory to be enrolled in one of the Japanese insurance programs if you are a resident but foreigners living in Japan live within a grey zone where government officials recommend joining the National Health Insurance but do not force them. There are two main Health Insurance Systems in Japan.

Ogimachi Timber Houses Shirakawa-go, Gifu Japan

The Japanese village of Ogimachi located in the Shirakawa-go region of Gifu Prefecture in Japan has long been known for the handsome gassho zukuri houses that make the tranquil village so special.

Meiji Mura

At Meiji Mura Museum, 20 minutes by bus from Inuyama Station you can see more than 60 Meiji-era buildings brought together from all over Japan. The clash of architectural styles on display, both Western and Japanese provides a sense of that period`s cultural schizophrenia. You will need at least half a day to enjoy the place at an easy pace. Admission is 1600 yen and it is open from 9:30 am to 5pm. Buses depart every 20 minutes from Inuyama Station (380 yen). Meiji Mura Japan is definitely an attraction worth checking out.

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Monkey Park Japan

Monkey Park Japan also called Nihon Monkey Park close to Inuyama is located on a hillside, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Kisogawa River. The park covers 500,000 square meters, and is crammed with such attractions as the Atomic roller coaster: `Canyon Splash`, a thrilling carpet ride: `Eagle Coaster`, a large Ferris wheel from which you can see four castles, and a merry-go-round. Adults as well as children can have a great time.
One day passport which includes admission fee and free tickets for attraction is a popular way to enjoy the park. The park also houses the Japan Monkey Center, which is a unique primates museum with about a thousand different types of primates from all over the world.

Little World Japan

Little World Japan close to Inuyama is a themepark dedicated to the world. You can see 22 countries houses ranging from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Germany, Italy and France. You can also eat and buy food, accessories and products from those countries. I highly recommend the Sri Lankan Curry, Okinawan donuts, and German beer and sausages. There is sometimes a small circus troupe that perform there. All this you can enjoy in a day at Little World Japan.

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Golden Week in Japan

Golden Week in Japan is fast approaching. The end of April through around May 5th is called “Golden Week” in Japan and is based around a period of Japanese national holidays. Golden Week in 2010 is basically from April 29 through May 5.

Little World Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Little World also located close to Inuyama is a themepark dedicated to the world. You can see 22 countries houses ranging from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Germany, Italy and France. You can also eat and buy food, accessories and products from those countries. I highly recommend the Sri Lankan Curry, Okinawan donuts, and German beer and sausages. There is sometimes a small circus troupe that perform there. All this you can enjoy in a day.

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Nihon Monkey Park Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, Japan

Nihon Monkey Park also close to Inuyama is located on a hillside, surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Kisogawa River. The park covers 500,000 square meters, and is crammed with such attractions as the Atomic roller coaster: `Canyon Splash`, a thrilling carpet ride: `Eagle Coaster`, a large Ferris wheel from which you can see four castles, and a merry-go-round. Adults as well as children can have a great time.
One day passport which includes admission fee and free tickets for attraction is a popular way to enjoy the park. The park also houses the Japan Monkey Center, which is a unique primates museum with about a thousand different types of primates from all over the world.

Meiji Mura Museum Inuyama, Achi Prefecture, Japan

At Meiji Mura Museum, 20 minutes by bus from Inuyama Station you can see more than 60 Meiji-era buildings brought together from all over Japan. The clash of architectural styles on display, both Western and Japanese provides a sense of that period`s cultural schizophrenia. You will need at least half a day to enjoy the place at an easy pace. Admission is 1600 yen and it is open from 9:30 am to 5pm. Buses depart every 20 minutes from Inuyama Station (380 yen).

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Gero (Gifu Prefecture)

Gero located in Gifu Prefecture is famous for its onsen (mineral hot spring spa). The mineral waters are reputedly beneficial for rheumatism, athletic injuries and the complexion. The town is fairly compact, making it easy to walk around and go hot-spring hopping. There are several ryokan and minshuku in this resort town to stay and for more options you can check with the Gero Tourist Information Office at the west exit of the train station. To get to Gero take the JR Takayama line train from Gifu (HIda tokkyu, 67 minutes) or from Nagoya (Hida tokkyu, 90 minutes).