Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world, but with a few tips on saving money under your belt, you can still experience all the amazing culture on offer without breaking the bank. Don’t be daunted by Japan. Admittedly, it doesn’t seem the obvious place for backpacking, but you’d be surprised how much fun you can have on a small budget! Japan was the first stop on our 4 ½ month world trip. We set a budget of £40 per day and had a week in Kyoto before heading on to Tokyo. We chose Kyoto, the capital of Japan before it was moved to Tokyo in 1868, as our base for the first week, a great, gentle place to acclimatize to the cultural differences.
Getting Around
Before you leave for Japan buy a Japan Rail pass (www.japanrailpass.net). These need to be bought before you arrive in the country and are only for tourists. They can be purchased for 1, 2 or 3 weeks (approx £186-£380). They cover JR trains, but not the fastest Nozomi class bullet train, and some buses. Nor does it cover use of the metro system.
One of Kyoto’s main attractions (entry: 400 yen).
Ryoan-ji is reputedly the world’s best rock garden (entry 500 yen).
Kyoto Tower (entry: 700 yen), with a height of 131 meters, is the tallest building in the city.
A trip to Kyoto isn’t complete without strolling through the Gion district to catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko.
One might be lucky enough to attend a tea party held by a maiko (trainee geisha) at Kitano Tenmangu shrine (220 yen one way on the bus from the station) to celebrate the plum trees blossoming. It is an amazing event.
Also worth seeing are the Fushimi Inari shrine and the Imperial Palace which has free tours, but one would have to apply in advance.
From Kyoto use your JR pass to take a few day trips, taking approximately an hour on the train: Osaka seems just another city, but the Sky Building and America Mura are worth a visit.
Have lunch in one of the famous crab restaurants.
Himeji boasts the World Heritage-listed castle, which is used in many Samurai movies and the James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Free tours are available on limited days and last at least 2 hours.
At Hiroshima, take time to ring the Peace Bell, look at the Children’s memorial and visit the Peace Museum.
Nara was the capital before Kyoto and is home to Daibutsuden, the world’s largest wooden structure built to house the enormous 16 metre high bronze Buddha.
From the station, the main street, lined with souvenir shops, leads to the temple via Nara Park.
After spending time in Kyoto, head for Tokyo on the bullet train and sit on the left-hand side for views of Mt Fuji.
If you have a thing about sharing slippers, take your own! Most hostels expect you to remove your shoes in the porch and provide you with communal slippers. Our accommodation was part of a chain of hostels called K&rsquo's House. The Japanese have such high standards and our hostel was immaculate. The staff were amazingly friendly, helpful and spoke good English. It’s ten minutes away from the station, hidden away on a residential street. The Zen café attached to the side of the hostel was great for a cheap evening meal or a few drinks with friends.
