"7 Ways To Stretch Your Travel Budget In Japan"

Above, Hozomon gate at Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People who like to travel but have limited funds to do so are always on the lookout for deals and tips on making their money go further.

Fortunately, we have Internet resources to find bargains and to learn how to stretch your hard-earned dollar.

GMA News (from the Philippines) has an article on "7 Ways To Stretch Your Travel Budget In Japan".

They begin with:

You might have snagged the ultimate airfare steal to Osaka or Tokyo, but as the saying goes, almost everything in Japan is expensive. The always-on-time trains cost at least ¥120 (currently about P48.50) to ride, while cheap meals like a small bowl of gyudon or ramen will set you back at least ¥500-¥600 (P200-P240). 

While these are just the cost of living in a first-world country, there are ways to stretch your budget in the Land of the Rising Sun.

To read more, go here.

"A First-Time Visitor's Guide To Tokyo"

Above, springtime at Asakusa's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Information and tips are always most welcome, no matter where the source originates from. That is certainly the case with a post by the GMA News from the Philippines.

GMA News has posted their "A First-Time Visitor's Guide To Tokyo" which includes basic nuts 'n bolts information on visiting Japan, with the focus on Tokyo.

They begin with:

Move over, Hong Kong! There’s now a new “it destination” for Filipinos: Japan. With more affordable direct flights by budget carriers and the ease of getting a Japanese visa, locals finally find it accessible to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. 

I recently organized a family trip to Tokyo and managed to take care of everything—from visa application to flights and accommodations—for all 15 of us. I am no travel agent nor am I affiliated with a travel agency, but I was able to execute our trip with minimal fuss and stress thanks to technology and a lot of research.

Fortunately, American don't need to go through the visa process as outlined in the article. But there may be readers who are from countries who still do need to know the visa process procedures.

More from: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504854/lifestyle/travel/a-first-time-visitor-s-guide-to-tokyo 

GMA News: 6 Small Tips To Make Any Trip To Japan Memorable

Above, Nakamise Street in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

GMA News has posted "6 Small Tips To Make Any Trip To Japan Memorable." Although tailored to tourists from the Philippines, they can be used by travelers from any country.

They begin with:

It seems like every week, different sets of social media friends are posting about their Japan trips; flooding either my Facebook news feed or Instagram home page with images of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. 

Easing the issuance of tourist visas to Filipinos and low-cost air fares have made the Land of the Rising Sun one of the items on every Pinoy’s travel bucket list. Take your pick: Sakura (Cherry Blossom) during spring or leaves turning red in autumn; great Japanese food on the street or Michelin-star restaurants; manga comics, gadgets and cultural heritage sites; Japan has it all. 

Having been fortunate to visit this East Asian country last February, here are some tips that can make the trip even more memorable.

To read more, go here.