Inexpensive Japanese Hotspots

Posted on 06/03/2022 Last updated on 06/03/2022

Top Photo: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tamamo pond. Photo Credit: Maurice R. Daniels

A Cheaper Alternative to Enjoying a Weekend!

So here is the dilemma: You are living in Japan, and you are bored over the weekend. However, you know that you want to save money, and Tokyo Disneyland or even a movie at your local theatre could be something that you do not want to pay for.

Perhaps there is a solution? In truth, there are many ways that many people, new to Japan, can find enjoyment outside. As we go into warmer months, many will want to spend their time safely, while avoiding costly places. In this article, we’ll look at different ways to enjoy your time in Japan and increase your value of your stay here.

Japanese National Parks and Recreational Areas

The first one that I would like to bring up, may or may not be an obvious one. Perhaps some people feel like going to a park might be a waste of time. But if you really think about it; surrounded by the concrete jungles of Tokyo, where you might only see vegetation every now and then, a park might be just the place you need to relax and enjoy beautiful gardens and flowers. My suggestion to everyone is to go to a beautiful park that is entirely inexpensive, known as the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden.

This park is just a short walk from the south exit of the Shinjuku JR line, and only costs a mere 500 yen to enjoy beautiful gardens and relax in a very green and beautiful setting. While that might seem a little expensive, you are helping them keep up the park, and its cheaper than a movie. Depending on your preferences, it might even be much more beautiful.

Also, I must admit; there is a free path that takes you around the park itself. There, depending on the year, you can find beautiful trees and a lovely overpass of vegetation above you. I walked around the park before heading in, and it brought me a bit of peace. I do recommend going inside the park, but I believe that the outside is just as worth it.

The path outside of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Photo Credit: Maurice R. Daniels

There are many beautiful places to go where the nature scenes are profound, in my opinion. I was recommended a place known as Ashikaga Flower Park, where many beautiful flowers can be found. While the fee might be 1000 yen, it’s still cheaper than a movie at Aeon, which can be much more.

Japanese Temples

Visiting the local temples and shrines might be one of the cheapest alternatives that you can find. When visiting to Japan, I have always loved to go and see some of the most beautiful shrines and temples that I could ever visit. I have visited many in span of four visits to Japan, and I must go to the famous shrine near me, Orihime shrine sometime soon. I have been to Kamakura Hasedera shrine, Sennoji Temple in Asakura, the Meiji Temple in Tokyo, and many more.

While temples might not be for everyone, it is a great place to go and spend a day. You could visit one major shrine, or just visit your local shrine itself. There are many shrines that are free, and even the temples and shrines that require a fee are inexpensive. I prefer going to temples as a free and safe alternative then to going to a pricey attraction, as I prefer the beautiful architecture and tradition to other pricier ‘tourist traps’, as they can sometimes be called.

Kamakura Hasedera Shrine. Photo Credit: Maurice R. Daniels

Japanese monuments and attractions

Perhaps shrines and parks aren’t for you? Perhaps you would like to visit places of history instead? While there are some great, but pricey tourist spots, you might wish to go to places such as the giant sitting buddha statue in Kamakura. There are also beautiful castles in almost every major city and town.

I went to Odawara Castle Park in 2019 and enjoyed the beautiful castle and it’s surrounding features for cheap, and I felt very cultured and at ease while visiting there. I was brought there by friends, and I am glad that I went. I believe that these places can be a great place to find the jewels of Japan, and you can truly feel the beauty and craftmanship through these sites.

Odawara Castle Park. Photo Credit: Maurice R. Daniels

In Conclusion…

In conclusion, I believe that there are many places that one can visit, without stressing over how much money they will be spending. While its true, traveling there might cost a bit of money (depending on where you live), I can almost guarantee that if you look around where you live and/or visiting, you can find cheaper, safe, and alternative places to visit, instead of going to a large tourist spot that that could possibly cost you a lot of money.

Now, don’t get me wrong. You can definitely go visit Tokyo Disneyland, or a waterpark, or some grandiose place if you want. In fact, visit it once, enjoy it, and log it as a wonderful experience. But it can get expensive if you go often. So instead, look for a cheaper alternative, and visit some of Japan’s finest architecture and national spots. I hope you find a place that truly gives you some peace of mind.

Photo Credits:

All photos taken by Maurice R. Daniels and used with permission.