Japan's Most Impressive Castles

Above, now dry, one of the former moat of Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A trip to Japan isn't really complete without visiting at least one castle.

I've been to three of them: Osaka Castle, Nijo Castle (Kyoto) and the ruins of Sendai Castle.

Japan Cheapo has an article on the ten most impressive castles to visit in Japan.

They begin with:

When you think “castle”, the image of Rapunzel-esque European castles might come to mind—with imposing stone ramparts and tall towers at each corner. Japanese castles, on the other hand, stem from a completely different tradition. While they are surrounded by moats and tall stone walls, the main structures have always been constructed from wood. As a result, few structures have survived the great fires that swept cities during the times of the shoguns, the anti-feudal destruction of the late 19th century Meiji period, and the incendiary bombs dropped on Japan during World War II.  

 What makes a good castle? 

A small number of Japanese castles have survived the fires and turmoil and are more or less as they were during the castle building boom of the 16th and 17th centuries. However, most castles you see today are post–World War II reconstructions. Some were thrown up using steel reinforced concrete, while some of the reconstructions, from the 1980s, have been done using traditional construction techniques, faithful to those used in the 1600s. However, you can’t just dismiss the concrete reconstructions completely. Many are important historical reminders and have become icons of the cities in which they are located.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto To Tokyo: Fastest and Cheapest Options

Above, inside JR Kyoto Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Some visitors to Japan have flown into the country at Osaka International Airport. While in the "neighborhood", they will tour Osaka and Kyoto. Some my opt to go up to Tokyo from there.

Japan Cheapo has an article on the fastest and cheapest ways of getting to Tokyo from Kyoto.

They begin with:

Getting from Kyoto to Tokyo is quick and easy, as it’s one of the most popular travel routes in Japan. The old capital is separated from its contemporary counterpart by roughly 450km, which can be traversed by bullet train, overnight bus or another type of transport—all depending on your budget and available time. 

If you’re doing any other trips within Japan, buying a Japan Rail Pass is almost definitely your best option, as it pays for you to go up, down and all over the country on the Shinkansen. If you’re just planning a single Kyoto to Tokyo trip, a one-way bullet train ticket may prove better for your bank balance (select Kyoto as the departing station). There are also some good-value train and hotel combo packages, starting at US$234.31* for two days. But read on for a more comprehensive breakdown of your options.

To read more, go here. 

Top Things To Do In Osaka

Above, one of the entrances to Dotonbori, Osaka's restaurant center. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

More and more visitors to Japan are venturing further away from Tokyo and heading out to other cities and rural areas.

One of the cities visitors are spending more time at is Osaka.

Japan Cheapo has an article of the top ten things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

Known as Japan’s Kitchen and home to dozens of weird and wonderful sights, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan, but often gets overlooked in favor of neighboring Kyoto.  

Originally a vital trade hub with a strong reputation for Edo-period Kabuki and Bunraku theater, Osaka has become one of the most vibrant and interesting places to explore. Stereotyped from as far back as the 18th century as a place full of people who are both incredibly stingy and “devour their food until they collapse”, we cannot think of a city better suited to experiencing Japan on a budget. If you’re looking for some local specialities to try, we have the definitive gourmet guide, but without further ado, here are some of the top things to do in Osaka.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Osaka Accommodation Guide

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori restaurants have interesting signage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For kaiju fans and non-kaiju fans alike, Osaka is a great place to visit. Godzilla paid the city "visits" in 1955 (Godzilla Raid Again, a.k.a. Godzilla's Counterattack) and in 1989 (Godzilla vs. Biollante). It is also known as Japan't food capital.

If one is planning a visit to Osaka, where should they stay?

Fortunately, Japan Cheapo has a guide with advice on places to bunk in for the night (or two).

They start with:

Osaka needs more than a day trip to make the most of its neon charm, so if you’re keen to sample the nightlife and spend the night, where do you stay? 

Days exploring castles and temples, evenings spent eating everything from oonomiyaki to kushikatsu before trying out the bars and izakayas at night—you’re going to need at least one night’s sleep in the wonderful city of Osaka. The city is actually the birthplace of the capsule hotel, so it’s the perfect place to give it a try, but there are plenty of more traditional options too! Best seen at night, the glowing Dotonbori is a sight to behold, and there are simple too many restaurants to choose from, so finding somewhere to stay might be the last thing on your mind for the city. Whether you want convenience for late-night stumblings or early morning departures, take a look at our accommodation guide to see which areas and which places suit you!

To read more, go here.

Japan Cheapo: Guide To Matsushima

Above, a view of Matsushima Bay islets from a tour boat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thirteen years ago, I took a shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai so I could visit the area where my dad was briefly stationed before being sent to South Korea during he Korean War. I spent a couple of days wandering around Matsushima and Sendai. After this, I headed back to Tokyo to attend the premiere of Gamera The Brave.

Above, my dad at Matsushima in 1951. 

One of the prized family photos is one of my dad standing in front of the Godaido Temple at Matsushima Bay in his MP uniform. During my visit, I had one of the locals take a similar photo of me.

Above, yours truly in front of Godaido temple in 2006.

During my visit to Matsushima, I took a boat tour of the bay, which included passing around the many tiny islets.

Japan Cheapo has a guide to Matsushima that should prove to be useful for first time visitors.

They begin it with:

A short train ride out of the city of Sendai lies Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture. A small town on an island-dotted bay so beautiful that it rendered famous poet Matsuo Basho speechless. And not much left Basho lost for words: he managed a haiku about this gorgeous place, after all. Four hundred years later, Matsushima has lost none of its charms. Still considered one of the Three Great Views of Japan, the Bay of Pines rewards visitors with temples, bridges, caves and islands, with a view at every turn. In this article we explore the temple complex of Zuiganji, the island of Fukuurajima, and a one or two other drawcards.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Ryokan Guide

Above, a room at the Atami Shinkadoya ryokan in Atami. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are considering a vacation in Japan, they should seriously consider staying at a ryokan instead of a hotel for a truly "Japanese experience".

I have stayed a four ryokans over the years and enjoyed each one of them.

Japan Cheapo has a useful ryokan guide that includes information on booking, etiquette and what to expect.

They begin with:

What is a ryokan? 

The official translation for ryokan is a “Japanese-style inn”. Originally, they were mainly located along the ancient road that connects Kyoto and Tokyo, the Tokaido Highway. Samurai and merchants traveled this route and were in need of accommodation. While the word “inn” might evoke images of medieval, rather rough wayside accommodation for travelers on horseback, ryokan are far from it. On the contrary, they range from mid-end to luxurious.  

What sets them apart from a minshuku, a traditional Japanese bed & breakfast, is the level of service and facilities. You can usually expect tastefully decorated rooms, a dining room (either shared or private), common rooms or a lounge, and most important, several onsen (hot spring) baths. There are usually both private onsen for rent (kashikiri) and shared public ones separated by gender, as well as other appealing points to the property, like a beautiful Japanese garden.

Above, the men's bath at the Atami Shinkadoya ryokan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.

Osaka Rainy Day Ideas

Above, one rainy day suggestion is a visit to Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I've been to Osaka twice. First, it was a day trip with G-TOUR in 2004. Second, we stayed overnight in Osaka and took a day trip to Kyoto in 2015. On both occasions, the weather was nice and sunny.

However, Mother Nature may have other plans during your visit to the city. However, Japan Cheapo has some suggestions on what to do in Osaka during rainy days.

They begin with:

Unfortunately, plenty of the main sights in Osaka—Dotonbori, Tennoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Taisha, for example—require some outdoor strolling, which can be pretty unenjoyable in the miserable rain. You might not have factored in the wet weather, but in a city that sees around 110 days of rain a year, you probably should have. Fortunately, Osaka did, so you’re not short of things to do—from huge covered shopping streets to relaxing spas to great museums and galleries. Take a look at our top ten suggestions and you might find yourself hoping for a bit of rain.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo: Things To Do In Osaka

Above, yours truly at Osaka Castle.

Godzilla has trampled through Osaka a couple of times (Godzilla Raids Again in 1955 and Godzilla vs. Biollante in 1989), and I have also been there twice.

Osaka is a draw for kaiju fans for those reasons, but there's other things to see and do in Osaka that would delight any visitor, kaiju fan or not.

Japan Cheapo has an article on ten things to do in Osaka.

They begin with:

Known as Japan’s Kitchen and home to dozens of weird and wonderful sights, Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area in Japan, but often gets overlooked in favor of neighboring Kyoto.  

Originally a vital trade hub with a strong reputation for Edo-period Kabuki and Bunraku theater, Osaka has become one of the most vibrant and interesting places to explore. Stereotyped from as far back as the 18th century as a city full of inhabitants who are both incredibly stingy and “devour their food until they collapse”, I cannot think of a city better suited to experiencing Japan on a budget. Obviously we can’t scratch the surface of such a ridiculous city, but here are some of the top things to do in Osaka!

Above, Osaka's Dotonbori is a mecca for foodies. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto's Top Attractions

Above, one of the streets of Higashiyama near Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is considering a visit to Japan's ancient capital of Kyoto (and they should), but don't know what are the top attractions in the city, Japan Cheapo has a starter's guide on 12 top attractions.

They begin with:

If Japan’s ancient capital is on the top of your travel hit list, but you’re not sure where to begin, here’s the starter’s guide to 12 Kyoto top attractions! 

Kyoto has enough to keep you entertained for weeks, but if you’re on a whirlwind tour or just want to make sure you don’t miss anything major, look no further. Once the capital of Japan and considered today’s cultural capital, the city has not shortage of temples and shrines, but there are markets and bamboo forests to explore too.

I must add a 13th attraction: Nijo Castle. I am surprised that Nijo Castle wasn't included. It is an interesting place with its "nightingale floors" that squeak to warn the household of any intruders.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Hiroshima Guide

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Many foreign visitors to the Kansai region of Japan generally include Hiroshima in their travel itineraries. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum is the biggest draw, but there are other things to see and do while in the city.

Japan Cheapo has posted an article guide of things to see and do in Hiroshima.

It begins with:

Hiroshima is known for one thing, and is on most people’s Japan itinerary—but besides visiting the museums, what can you do there? Our Hiroshima guide will outline all that there is to do, see and eat for a full day of discovery. 

Hiroshima has history, and although it is an important part of the city’s memory and legacy, it is also a place of renewal and beauty. No doubt it will be on your list if you’re traveling in Kansai, and so it should be. But in addition to the memorials to the atrocities of the past, there are plenty of things to enjoy as well as learn from. Only 1 hour and 20 minutes from Osaka by bullet train, Hiroshima is the perfect day trip, and the perfect double-day trip when combined with nearby Miyajima. Allowing for personal preference, it seemed to suit Hiroshima’s legacy to start with the museum and memorial, followed by the beautiful gardens and natural beauty which has re-grown, as it allowed for reflection and consideration.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo's Chugoku Region

Above, Miyajima's famous torii gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

People traveling south from Tokyo will reach the Chugoku Region of Japan before leaving the main island of Honshu for Kyushu.

In Chugoku, one of the prefectures is Hiroshima, where visitors can see the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and, nearby, Miyajima.

Japan Cheapo has an article on visiting the Chugoku Region.

They begin with:

What makes Japan so amazing to travel in is the variety—with every new prefecture, city or village you find something unique. Consisting of 47 prefectures, including 43 traditional prefectures, two urban prefectures (Osaka and Kyoto), one territory (Hokkaido) and the Metropolis of Tokyo, Japan has a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of surprises to unearth. If you’re thinking of venturing outside of the obvious, here are some highlights to help you pick your prefecture! 

We’ve divided them by region, with this part covering the warms isles of Chugoku. With plenty of stunning sea views and breathtaking landscapes like Tottori’s sand dunes and the torii gate of Miyajima, the sea is a vital part of the region. For lovers of seafood, amazing views and untouched towns… this is for you.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Cheapo: "The Legends of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera"

Above, a familiar view of Kiyomizu-dera with Kyoto in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last October, we took a commuter train to Kyoto Station (where Gamera and Irys battled in Gamera 3) to tour the city.

After arriving, we found a bus tour company whose offices were in the station and signed up for their half-day tour of Kyoto. One of the stops on the tour was Kiyomizu-dera. Kiyomizu-dera was briefly featured in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993.

Above, the commemorative photo of our tour group at Kiyomizu-dera. 

Japan Cheapo has posted a new article on Kiyomizu-dera, "The Legends of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera". If you are planning to visit Kyoto, or just want to know a little about Kiyomizu-dera, the article is worth a read.

It begins with:

Simply put, Kiyomizu-dera is the most popular attraction in Kyoto and no matter when you decide to go it will be crowded. Nonetheless, it is a must-see whenever you are in the city and you may come to severely regret not going if you would decide to skip it for those reasons alone.

Above, one of the streets of the Higashiyama district that is down the hill from Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more about Kiyomizu-dera, go here. 

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park To Raise Admission Fee

Above, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the least expensive places in Japan to see is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum. The complex has been a popular tourist destination for foreign visitors.

However, entrance fees are about to be hiked up.

According to Japan Cheapo:

One of the cheapo-est deals in Japan is about to get less cheap. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is set to quadruple its admission fee from the jaw-droppingly-low 50 yen to a still-reasonable 200 yen. According to Hiroshima’s mayor, Kazumi Matsui, the price hike will take place next April to help pay for maintenance of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed A-Bomb Dome and other buildings.

Although the admission fee is to be raised, it will still be at a reasonable price.

To read more, including details of the museum and park, go here.