Are
you caught somewhere in between a wannabe backpacker and
sky-is-the-limit traveler? If you are looking for some special creature
comforts that won’t cost you a pretty penny when trotting around
Japan...this may help....
I’m a thrifty cat (read that as financially-challenged). Meow!
But
as typical with felines, I like my comforts which make feel all warm,
fuzzy and curled into a snug ball. I will absolutely turn up my
wrinkled nose on something dirty, unsafe and downright uncomfortable
digs and cuisine designed to snobbishly appeal to the
gustatory-challenged denizens of the underworld.
Thrills
from rock-bottom ticket prices, humongous discounts (squeeze them like
you would squeeze blood out of stones!) and tales shared by fellow
travelers who don’t want to break their precious piggy banks – sounds
familiar to my twitchy ears. Another way to do that would be to
increase your monthly revenue, but really, I digress.
I
took advantage of some circumstances thrown by destiny, used a
smattering of logic, employed some dexterous interviewing methods and
voila - I’m off to Japan with a tight grip on my travel wallet.
Here are some notes I scribbled down in my trusty travel notebook for this particular journey.
1) Take advantage of the train system.
Japan
has one of the most reliable train systems in the whole world. You can
practically set your puny wind-ups on it if your clock keeps lagging
behind.
Picture from the internet. Shinkansen.
As
a foreigner visiting Japan, you can buy a JR Pass for either 7, 14 or
21 day duration. The poor locals would be green with envy as they eye
the JR Pass you nonchalantly wave at the train officials whilst you go
through one JR station after another. I managed to visit at least 12
towns scattered all across Japan in two weeks time due to this pass and
saved money.
There are exceptions to the use of this train pass. It still works to your advantage if you don’t mind skipping the Nozomi train, the faster version of their shinkansen. It
also does not work on local train lines excluded from the JR network,
but the latter is still the most extensive one in place.
2) Keep an eye out for airfare promos in the off-peak seasons.
Most people flock to The Land of the Rising Sun in spring – gasping in delight when faced with a bevy of beauteous sakura blooms. Therefore, you can expect eyebrow-raising prices during springtime - hotels, airfare, restaurants etc.
Picture from the internet. Autumn scene.
Try
going in Autumn. Fall or autumn is actually one of the best times to
visit – the climate is not too cold in early to mid-fall and the autumn
leaves elegantly worn by the trees is a stunning backdrop for either
your memories or the pictures you might take.
3) Experience life the local way, stay in a ryokan or even a minshuku.
There
might be some inconveniences if you are used to business, boutique or
luxury hotels, but the experience might do you a catnip heap of good.
Instead
of thinking of your physical comfort, ponder on what your soul need may
need. We all need a jolt now and then so break away from your usual
preferences! – as long as you think your knees can survive rising
creakily from the fluffy futon set on the tatami-covered floor.
4) Patronize the 24/7 convenience stores. Hello, konbini!
If
you’re on the run....uhm...if you are on a tight schedule - sitting
down to dine-in restaurants may mean trading off precious time one
could use to take in the breathtaking sights.
Picture from the internet. Shinkansen.
If
your aim is a leisurely meal, all very relaxed and meditative-like…then
you really should not be reading this article…because this is not for
you. Shoo!
5) Ask the locals where to eat.
The
best-tasting food is usually known by these old-timers. First-time
visitors may get shunted off to the tourist traps if you just rely on
group tours.
You
don’t need to cry a river over your credit card’s usage when eating in
Japan. Tis true though that the most inexpensive meals here tastes even
better than a higher-costing meal you may have back home. They do so
well in presentation, that even if the taste may not be superlative,
the appearance itself can bowl you over.
I
guarantee that you can survive on a couple of days on a diet of freshly
baked breads and cakes from their quaint cafes and bakeries. I did that
and here I still am.
Sometimes
it may pose a problem if you don’t speak Japanese, but you can always
flourish your trusty pen and paper and show off your heretofore-hidden
talent at drawing stick figures and strange edible animals or
vegetation.
6) Get itineraries from friends who may have visited the place before.
Talking to friends who have tried a place wins hands down over reading just a travel book.
Your
friends most likely will know your likes and dislikes and take that
into consideration, saving you a bunch of problems. Their personal
experiences may not always be applicable in your case, but you can
always learn a lesson or two.
7) Learn how to express “Please” and “Thank you” in Japan’s national language or local dialect.
Pair it with a winsome smile - or even a gap-toothed grin!
Even
if you innocently and atrociously mangle the pronunciation, it is quite
heartwarming how saying aloud these words will result in genuine smiles
from these polite folks who appreciate your effort in taking the time
to learn a little Nihonggo.
If
you are game enough, try to learn some more phrases! This puts you a
step closer to understanding their particular idiosyncrasies and unique
culture.
8)
Remember Murphy’s law? That “Anything can go wrong, will go
wrong!” reminder? Your well-defined plan may fall victim to this and
get derailed.
But....! Don’t fret.
Relax! Meow! Chill! An upbeat attitude most often ends up working out in your favor.
There
were occasions when only a stubbornly positive attitude in the face of
a formidable-looking long flight of stairs with no elevator in sight
saved me - leading to an adventure which became a blessing in
disguise. Get lost and take a chance in turning left instead of right
the next corner and you might just enjoy the sight and discover a
treasure off the beaten track.
If
you are female and traveling alone, don't worry overmuch. Japan is
generally very safe, chances are low that you will be mugged just
because you gaily traipsed by a dark corner. I’m not saying it won’t
happen, and you have a responsibility to think also of your safety
when not in your country - its just that it will most likely happen in
other Asian cities than Japan.
9) Look for the best in people. Look for the best in yourself!
Travel
by yourself once in a while instead of the usual group you hang out
with. You get to rely on yourself in the process. You may
inadvertently discover a brilliant facet heretofore undiscovered that
will be to your advantage.
I
would recommend Japan as an immensely suitable country to travel alone
if you want some adventure, but at the same time, if you want some
assurance that you will get back home in one piece, so its really a
must-try!
Definition of some terms used:
Shinkansen – bullet train
Ryokan – a type of Japanese inn, that originated way back in the 1600s
Minshuku – Japanese guest house, similar to bed and breakfast
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