Gadling.com: "The International Budget Guide: Tokyo, Japan"

Above, Asakusa crowds.  Many budget hotels are clustered near the Asakusa district.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Did you know that there are many budget hotels clustered near the Asakusa district (famous for its Senso-ji temple and Nakamise Street)?  Before you do a Johnny Carson ("I didn't know that!"), an article has been posted with many tips on visiting Tokyo without busting your wallet.

Gadling.com has posted the "The International Budget Guide: Tokyo, Japan" with a lot of tips on saving money while visiting Japan's largest city.

They start with:

Tokyo, Japan, is a city of politeness, cleanliness, culinary enlightenment and notorious expense. This year Tokyo was listed as the most expensive city in the world, with Japan's second city, Osaka, coming in at number two. But Japan being the land of extremes, there are plenty of great thrifty or outright free things to do in the megalopolis – especially now with the yen at the lowest it has been against the dollar in almost four years. 

Part of the expense of Tokyo can be allayed by avoiding the excessive niceties of day-to-day Japanese life. Many of Japan's costs come from its quest for excellence in customer service and the desire for perfection. Annual train tardiness is measured in seconds. After purchasing merchandise at a retail store, the clerk will come around from the counter and hand you your bag face to face. Taxi doors open automatically for patrons and drivers have uniforms reminiscent of pilots and butlers, complete with white gloves. You will also experience a cleanliness that will make you instantly feel filthy when you get off the plane in your home country.

The article includes activities, hotels, restaurants, getting around, when to go, safety and a budget tip about convenience stores.  The article is worth a look.

To view the full article, go here.