Tokyo Cheapo's Shinkansen Guide Video

Above, a Shinkansen view of Mt. Fuji while en route to Osaka from Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that foreigners can travel again to Japan, here's something that will be helpful if one is planning to travel outside of Tokyo to other cities.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted a video guide for using the famous bullet trains, or Shinkansens, while in Japan. 

According to the video posting:

Wondering whether the Shinkansen (that’s the bullet train) might be the best way to get from one part of Japan to another? This a comprehensive guide to taking some of the fastest trains in the world, from speeds to seat reservations, luggage and the Japan rail passes.

Here's the video:

Tokyo Cheapo: Tokyo To Mount Fuji Guide

Above, a shinkansen view of Mount Fuji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of these days, the Japanese government will reopen its borders to foreign tourists. But that doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon. (I would be happy to be proven wrong in this instance.)

So, as people are busy twitting their their thumbs waiting for that reopening, they should instead start planning their next (or first) vacation in Japan. If a visit to the symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji is in their plans, Tokyo Cheapo has an article on how to get there from Tokyo.

They begin with:

So you want to see Mt Fuji, that 3,776-meter-high icon of Japan? It’s actually a volcano, but let’s not think too much about that… Whether you plan to climb to the summit or just Fuji-spot around the lakes below, there are a few different transport options. Here’s an overview of how you can get from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, in or out of the climbing season, plus other useful stuff to know.

Above, a nighttime view of Mount Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo's Guide To Toyosu Fish Market

Above, yours truly having some fun at the Tsukiji Fish Market outer market. The outer market is still open.

Back in December 2010 (hard to believe it's almost ten years since then) I visited the Tsukiji Fish Market and had a great sushi meal at a restaurant at the Outer Market.

Since then, the Tsukiji Fish Market relocated to Toyosu, but the outer market remains in Tsukiji.

Tokyo Cheapo has a full guide for those who want to visit the new Toyosu Fish Market.

They begin it with:

First, Tsukiji Fish Market was slated to close its doors in November, 2016. Then the move got pushed back. And back. And back some more. But the relocation happened at last, with the inner market officially re-opening at the Toyosu waterfront district on October 11, 2018. Over 600 merchants made the move. Important note: Tsukiji’s outer market, which features numerous shops and restaurants, is staying put and some great tours are available for an insider’s view. 

With the opening of the new Tokyo fish market venue, time has officially run out for those who had hoped to see the live tuna auction in its original state at Tsukiji. The Tsukiji tuna auction closed to the public on September 15, 2018. But the new tuna auction at Toyosu opened to the public in mid-January, 2019. Find out what to expect, and when, below.

To read more, go here. 

6 Best Day Trips from Tokyo During the Olympics

Above, a visit to Mount Fuji is at the top of Tokyo Cheapo's list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is unknown to me just how many readers of this blog are planning to attend the Olympics this summer in Tokyo, but the suggestions for some day trips out of Tokyo can apply to all tourists.

Tokyo Cheapo has a list of six best day trips from Tokyo during the Olympics.

They begin it with:

Whether you’re coincidently in town during the Olympics or coming over to cheer on your country, your visit during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games is going to be a summer you’ll never forget. While there’s always plenty of excitement buzzing through the streets, sometimes, to recharge, you need to escape the city—even if just for a day. 

Luckily, Tokyo is surrounded by some of the most incredible day-trip opportunities, many of which are available in tidy package deals that not only save time on the organization side, but usually save you money too. From the majestic Mt. Fuji to the verdant valleys of Nikko, the Ghibli Museum to Gunma’s bountiful fruit farms, get out of the city and in touch with a different side of Japan. 

To make your choice easier, here’s a round-up of some of the best day trips you can take during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: How To Save Money At The Tokyo Skytree

Above, the Tokyo Skytree at night. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Tokyo Skytree is one of Tokyo's top tourist attractions. Small wonder, the views from the observation decks are spectacular.

I visited the Skytree five years ago and enjoyed it. The lines to the ticket windows weren't bad at the time. 

Above, the Skytree ticket windows. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted an article on how to save money when visiting the Skytree.

They begin with:

We generally recommend free, less-crowded alternatives to Tokyo Skytree, but since the cheapo tribe has spoken and it seems y’all are going anyway, we thought we’d put together a list of tips and tricks that you can use to save money at the super-tall tourist attraction. One could say we’ve reached new heights with this article (we can’t promise not to be punny, but you should keep reading anyway). 

You’ve probably heard that Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in the world, built like a pagoda, and all sorts of other stories. Parts of these are true. Firstly, it is the tallest structure in Japan, currently, at 634m. It’s the second-highest in the world, falling short of the 829.8m Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai—but since the Middle Eastern building is technically classed as a skyscraper, Tokyo Skytree wins the title of the world’s tallest tower. Now you know. And yes, it was built using the same principle as pagodas; relying on a central pole to keep everything nice and stable. 

Despite the massive crowds that suggest the contrary, Skytree’s primary use is that of a broadcasting tower. It beams out both TV signal and radio waves for national broadcaster NHK, as well as TV Asahi, TV Tokyo, and a number of other channels. Until Skytree officially opened in 2012, the 332.9m Tokyo Tower was the main structure in the business of transmission.

Above, a view from the Skytree observation deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Finding The Right Travel Insurance For Japan

Above, Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Of my eight trips to Japan, I've only purchased travel insurance once. That was back in 2004 for G-TOUR.

The travel company we used offered travel insurance at a reasonable rate. It was a good thing they did for one of our tour group became seriously ill and had to be hospitalized for several weeks in Japan. He bought travel insurance and it covered everything.

I haven't purchased travel insurance as I was younger then. But since my heart attack of two summers ago while on a trip in Nevada, I will likely purchase travel insurance the next time I go to Japan.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on finding the right travel insurance for Japan.

They begin with:

Apart from the obvious travel disasters (think lost luggage, pinched passports or canceled flights), getting sick abroad is, unfortunately, a possibility—and one you’d be well-advised to insure yourself against. While getting a basic prescription for medicine in Japan is generally affordable out of pocket, more serious medical considerations like hospitalization or transport back home can easily run into the thousands of dollars (US). Having a travel insurance policy can give you some peace of mind, and is something most travel experts recommend. We may be Cheapos, but we believe in playing it safe.

To read more, go here. 

How To Catch The Keisei Line At Narita Airport

Above, the Keisei Line Ticket Counter at Narita Airport's Terminal One. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I've traveled to Japan, my arrivals and departures have always been at Narita Airport.

Depending on where I am staying in Tokyo, I'll either use the JR Narita Express or the the Keisei Line.

The last time I used the Keisei Line didn't work out too well. But it wasn't the line's fault. An unusually heavy snowstorm hit Japan the same day as I arrived. It was the biggest snowstorm in years and I ended up being stuck in a Keisei Line train car for about 22 hours at a Chiba Prefecture train station as snow prevented the train from proceeding to Tokyo.

Above, Keisei Line trains snowed in at a station in Chiba Prefecture in 2014. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on how to catch the Keisei Line from Narita Airport.

They begin with:

If you’re going to be taking the Keisei Line from Narita Airport to your accommodation in Tokyo, you might want to give this walk-through a read first. To make your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, we’ve put together a guide on getting from Point A (the Arrivals hall) to Point B (your destination). Let’s go! 

What a lot of travelers to Tokyo don’t realize is that Narita Airport is actually in Chiba—that’s the next prefecture over. Getting from the airport, which is out in the sticks, to the big city can take a little longer and be a bit more complex than expected. Luckily, both the Keisei Line and Japan Railways run trains throughout the day, including dedicated airport expresses. If you’re happy to pay for speed, Keisei’s fastest option, the Skyliner, can get you to downtown Tokyo in as little as 41 minutes. There are also a number of other ways to get from Narita to Tokyo.

To read more, go here.

Things To Do In Tokyo During The Olympics

Above, one of the suggestions is to see the view from the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, many would-be tourists will likely wait it out until after the games are over before heading to Japan. Hotel rooms will probably be hard to find during the Olympics.

But, if one is going to Tokyo for the Olympics, there is much to see and do there in-between events. Tokyo Cheapo has listed some of them along with transportation tips.

They begin with:

So you’re in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics, and between events you have some time to spare? Well, lucky you’re in one of the most exciting, attraction-filled cities in the world. 

While there’s no shortage of things to see, do, eat and experience, the abundant options can at times get a little overwhelming, so it’s highly recommended that you plan ahead. If you want to get a taste of everything, then this is the bucket list for you. We’ve thrown in some handy transport and connectivity hacks too, for good measure. 

The best bit? All of these tours and passes are bookable on the same platform, Klook. Plus, Tokyo Cheapo readers who are also first-time Klook customers spending over $100 USD can use this exclusive promo code to get $5 USD off Japan activities: TCKLOOK (valid until 31 August, 2020).

To read more, go here. 

Cheap Flights To Seoul From Tokyo

Above, ANA offers air service between Tokyo and Seoul, but is
more expensive than low cost carriers. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During my trips to Japan over the years, I've often toyed with the idea of taking a little side trip to Seoul, South Korea but have never done so.

I had no idea about how cheap it is to fly from Tokyo to Seoul until I saw an article posted by Tokyo Cheapo. I may just take the plunge and go.

They begin with:

Whether you are staying in Tokyo for a while and want to take a side trip, or you plan to continue your travels onward to/from South Korea—Tokyo and Seoul are separated by about 2.5 hours on a plane, and flights are often dirt cheap. Here’s how to find the best air deals between the two cities. 

A number of (mainly Korean) low-cost carriers (LCCs) operate between Tokyo and Seoul, and prices are super reasonable in both directions. Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, also has a large international airport, and LCC flights to Seoul leave daily—however, not quite as frequently as between Tokyo and Seoul.

To read more, go here.

Tokyo Cheapo: "How To Find Cheap Hotels In Tokyo"

Above, the hotel we stayed at in 2015 in Asakusa. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Along with round-trip airfares, the next biggest expense one makes when traveling to Japan (or anywhere else) are lodging expenses.

Fortunately, Japan has many options on accommodations. They have budget hotels, business hotels, capsule hotels, ryokans and high-end hotels.

Above, Hotel Fukudaya ryokan in Shibuya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most people not on some company's expense account will opt for cheaper accommodations, but don't know where to stay in Tokyo.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted a guide on "How To Find Cheap Hotels In Tokyo".

They begin it with:

Choosing holiday accommodation in the capital can be daunting, so we’ve put together this guide to cheap hotels in Tokyo to help you find a good spot to rest, for less. Tokyo might be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but there’s no shortage of budget hotels and other affordable accommodation for families, couples and backpackers alike. No matter what your budget or tastes—our list of top places to grab some shut-eye has your visit covered.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo To Osaka: Fastest and Cheapest Ways To Get There

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To get a fuller flavor of Japan, one should venture out of Tokyo and head to rural areas and cities.

One city travelers to Japan ought to visit is Osaka. Besides Osaka itself, it is conveniently close enough to Kyoto that all it takes is a commuter train ride to get there.

But what of getting from Tokyo to Osaka? There are several ways to reach Osaka from Tokyo and Tokyo Cheapo has an article on the fastest and cheapest ways there.

They begin with:

Osaka: cheaper, dirtier and a whole lot friendlier than Tokyo. A vibey city of 2.7 million, it’s bigger than neighboring Kyoto and also more down to earth. Osaka, a port city, was once the business hub of Japan, with merchants from all over selling their wares and serving up good grub. The food culture prevails—Osaka is known as the kitchen of the country. Whether you’re heading from Tokyo to Osaka to chow down, check out Universal Studios Japan, or you’re on a secret mission, here are the fastest and cheapest ways of getting there.

Above, a bullet train view of Mount Fuji en route to Osaka. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is taking a Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka from Tokyo, on clear days Mount Fuji can be seen from the starboard (right side) of the train.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: What To Do During A Typhoon

Above, the Akihabara area of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

First off, I have to confess that I have never experienced a typhoon while in Japan. So, I am not the one to tell anything based on experience. I only have experienced rain and snow storms while in Japan.

However, folks at Tokyo Cheapo have experienced typhoons and they have posted an article on what to do during one.

They start it with:

Late summer and early autumn is typhoon season in Japan. If you’re here between August and October, it’s likely that you’ll experience at least one “tropical cyclone”. Despite the dire warnings issued on TV, typhoons generally pass over central Tokyo without doing serious damage. Those in mountainous and coastal areas usually face much bigger threats. Nervous in the metropolis and unsure of what you should be doing when a typhoon hits? Here are some hints.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: Where To Stay In Tokyo

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in the Minato Ward of Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When traveling to Tokyo, my preferred place to stay is the Hotel Asia Center of Japan. It is centrally located and within easy walking distance to the Aoyama-itchōme subway station in the Minato Ward. The hotel has nice rooms at reasonable prices and their own restaurant, again, at reasonable prices. The Ginza, Oedo and Hanzomon subway lines can be caught at the Aoyama-itchōme station.

The past few times to Japan found me in other hotels as either the Hotel Asia Center of Japan was undergoing renovation or booked up.

I have stayed in the Ueno area twice and once in Asakusa when this happened.

Many people visiting Tokyo for the first time haven't a clue where to stay and what sections to avoid (especially if they have children with them).

Fortunately, Tokyo Cheapo has an article that will answer any such questions people may have.

They begin with:

Finding the best area to stay during your trip to Tokyo depends on what you want to get out of your stay, how much you have to spend, and the level of convenience you require (or inconvenience you’re willing to put up with). 

A lot of what is referred to as “Tokyo”, is not even technically in Tokyo. For example, both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Narita Airport are located in neighboring Chiba Prefecture. Combined with the surrounding prefectures, the greater Tokyo area holds a staggering 25 million people. Thousands of train stations and numerous railway lines collect this together in a mind boggling transportation network. As a result, different neighborhoods often cater for quite different needs and interests.

To read more, go here.

Getting To Tokyo From Narita Airport

Above, inside a Narita Express train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's something useful for newbies as well as for experienced visitors to Japan.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted an article on how to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport and what each mode of transportation costs.

Generally, I use the Narita Express (N'EX) or, depending upon where I'm staying in Tokyo, the Keisei Line or Keisei Skyliner.

They begin their article with:

For newcomers to Tokyo, it can come as quite a surprise that Tokyo’s main international gateway—Narita Airport (NRT)—is not really very close to Tokyo at all. In fact, this Tokyo airport is so rural and remote that the view on the first part of the train journey from Narita to Tokyo is predominantly of rice paddies—oh, and a faux-Dutch windmill. In more practical terms, you’re looking at a distance of about 80 km from Narita Airport to Shibuya Crossing. 

As Tokyo is such a vast city, there’s no “one size fits all” answer as to which method or route is cheapest/best for getting from Narita to your accommodation. However, for certain major locations in Tokyo, it might help to have a look at our mini guides—they cover the fastest, cheapest and easiest transport options. You’ll find more general route information below, including bus and train prices.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Night Walking Tours

Above, Shibuya Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one should find themselves in Tokyo and want to take an evening or night stroll, Tokyo Cheapo has five recommendations to choose from.

Summers in Japan are sweltering, but at night, the temperatures cool down to more comfortable levels.

They begin with:

The sweltering days of summer are upon us, and they will continue well into September. For many, keeping cool means staying indoors until the inferno of summer months in Tokyo has passed. But before you get a bout of cabin fever, why not make most of the cooler evening hours and venture out at night? Here are our five favorite self-guided Tokyo night walking tours, featuring a bit of everything, from glittering skylines to beaches and quiet leafy promenades.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Cheapo: Guide and History of Shibuya 109

Above, the Shibuya 109 department store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Generally speaking, Godzilla and Gamera fans, the Shibuya 109 department store best known to them because the store was blasted in Gamera 3 in 1999 and in Godzilla x Megaguirus in 2000.

But there's more to Shibuya 109, it is "home" to Tokyo's youth fashion culture.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted an article on the history of Shibuya 109 as well as a guide to what's inside.

They start with:

Founded in 1979 by the Tokyu company, Shibuya 109 was, in part—initially at least, developed in a spirit of competition. At that time, the Seibu department store chain was already gaining serious traction in central Shibuya, an area known for consumer-heavy culture, so Tokyu thought it was time to muscle in on the action. In doing so they changed the neighborhood’s landscape literally and metaphorically.

To read more, go here.  

Which Japan Rail Pass To Choose?

Above, one of the first shinkansen trains I made use of a Rail Pass on. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Planning a trip to Japan that includes venturing out of Tokyo to other areas of the country? Getting a Japan Rail Pass will get one there and save a lot of money.

I've used Rail Passes several times and they are very handy and I saved a lot of money.

But which Rail Pass to get?

Tokyo Cheapo has a handy guide that will provide the needed information to decide.

They begin with:

Japan Rail Passes (JR Passes) are available to anyone visiting Japan on a short-term tourist visa. They provide a fantastic discount on bullet train (Shinkansen) and regular train travel, but if you don’t have experience with Japan’s rail transport system, it’s difficult to know a) if you need one, and b) which JR Pass works with which Shinkansen. To add to the confusion, the various regional companies that constitute JR (JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Hokkaido, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu) all have their own passes! Each is priced differently and has different conditions. Read this guide for a better idea of which JR Pass to choose.

Above, a couple of Rail Passes I've used. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Make The Most of Tokyo's Hot Summer

Above, a summertime view of Shinjuku from Tokyo Tower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer in Tokyo, I've only experienced it once. That was plenty enough for me. It was hot and humid. (I must note that Kyoto was even more humid.) That's why I generally go there during the autumn or spring months, which are far more comfortable.

However, some people don't have that luxury and have to go into the summer. But, there's some tips available.

Tokyo Cheapo has an article on making the most out of summer months in Tokyo.

They begin with:

We won’t lie to you—summer in Tokyo can be pretty intense. As temperatures soar and the humidity reaches rainforest levels, the city is united in its one goal: staying cool. Luckily, this can be achieved in a number of ways. Some choose the ice-cold beers, steady supply of ice cream and minimal movement option. Others embrace the season, taking advantage of the myriad festivals and events scattered across the city. 

Whatever your tactics, we’ve got you covered with our guide to summer in Tokyo. What to wear, what to eat and drink, the best festivals and events, all right here.

To read more, go here. 

Basics Of A Trip To Japan

Above, the five-storied pagoda of Sensoji. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like rugby season in Japan will be arriving in the not-too-distant-future, so the following was geared to those traveling to Japan to attend rugby matches.

However, the information provided in an article by Tokyo Cheapo is also good advice for ordinary travelers.

It is on the basics of a trip to Japan for rugby fans.

They begin it with:

Visiting Japan for the sportsball this autumn and not sure where to start? Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy your travels, from drinking to exploring and keeping connected. 

A trip to Japan is often a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so there’s plenty of pressure to make sure you get the most out of it. Balancing technology with tradition, Japan manages to attract geeky game-loving otaku alongside temple-admirers and culture lovers—making it a popular destination, to say the least. If you’re in a group, catering for everyone’s different interests can make planning tricky, but whatever you decide to see, you’ll have a fantastic time. Before you start making those between-match itineraries, though, boring things like transport, SIM cards and accommodation have to be thought out, so read on for a comprehensive guide on getting your trip lined up.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo Godzilla Statues

Above, yours truly at the Toho Studios Godzilla statue with The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

For many westerners of the baby-boomer generation and beyond, their first exposure to Japanese pop-culture was due to Godzilla. To them, Tokyo is synonymous with the King of the Monsters.

In 2010, I published The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan (it is still available, for ordering information, go here). It is a guide to kaiju locations and attractions.

Tokyo Cheapo has posted an article on Tokyo's Godzilla statues and some locations.

They begin it with:

Tokyo Bay has long been the stomping ground of the infamous God of Destruction, so it should come as no surprise there are plenty of great spots to snap a photo.

To read more, go here.