Japan Cheapo | The ultimate guide to Japan travel

Featured

The Ultimate Miyajima Sightseeing Guide

November 18th, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

Finally! The iconic torii gate of Miyajima can now be seen after more than three years undercover.

Things to Do
Featured

Ready, Set, Go-Kart: How to “Mario Kart” in Osaka

November 8th, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

Yes—you can still race (safely) through the streets of Osaka.

Things to Do

Kyoto to Tokyo: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways to Get There

November 5th, 2022 | Carey Finn

The lowdown on your travel options. Bullet train, highway bus, and more!

Travel
Kansai Thru Pass: Touring Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Osaka on the Cheap

November 1st, 2022 | Josh Shulman

Take subways, private railways and buses throughout the Kansai region for a huge discount with the Kansai Thru Pass.

Travel
November 2022: Top Cheapo Events Around Japan

October 28th, 2022 | JC Team

Fire-walking, autumn illuminations, the Grand Sumo Tournament, and more!

Things to Do
A Complete Guide to the Kyūshū Shinkansen

October 26th, 2022 | Alexandra Ziminski

This Shinkansen line is smoking hot, and it might have something to do with the active volcano at the end of it.

Travel
Top 12 Spots for Autumn Leaves in Japan

October 24th, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

Get your fall leaf fix wherever you are in Japan -- from Hokkaidō’s mountains to the secret valleys of Kansai.

Things to Do
Osaka in Autumn: 9 Places to Enjoy the Changing Leaves

October 24th, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

From quiet corners of the city to destination-worthy mountain temples, we've got all the details on the best spots for Osaka …

Things to Do

Viewing Autumn Leaves in Kyoto and Beyond

October 23rd, 2022 | Tiffany

A list of beautiful places for viewing beautiful Kyoto autumn leaves, plus day trip ideas to Nara, Wakayama and Shiga Prefectures.

Things to Do
Getting the Most Out of Your Trip to Universal Studios Japan

October 14th, 2022 | Selena Hoy

Learn all the tips & tricks.

Things to Do
Osaka to Tokyo: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways to Get There

October 11th, 2022 | Carey Finn

Handy information on your travel options between the two cities. Bullet train, bus and more!

Travel
Awesome Awaji: A Complete Guide to Sights and Activities on Awaji Island

September 23rd, 2022 | Roger Shitaki

A complete guide to Awaji Island, including getting there and getting around, attractions, historic sites, and natural features.

Travel
A Complete Guide to the West Kyūshū Shinkansen

September 22nd, 2022 | Alexandra Ziminski

This is the Shinkansen for lovers of history, hot springs, and cherry blossoms.

Travel
The Goto Islands: Hidden Christians, Udon and Stunning Beaches

September 6th, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

The Goto Islands are a history-packed island-chain off the coast of Nagasaki. Home to the persecuted hidden Christians of Japan, …

Travel
A Day Trip to Akame 48 Waterfalls

August 18th, 2022 | Roger Shitaki

The Akame 48 Waterfalls of Mie are a unique natural phenomenon of exquisite beauty. To add to the appeal there are also giant …

Travel
Tips and Tricks for Buying Tickets to Universal Studios Japan

August 11th, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

Online or in the line?

Things to Do
Escape to Nara: Top Things to Do for a Dream Day Trip

August 1st, 2022 | Lily Crossley-Baxter

With shrines, temples, parks and amazing views, Nara makes for a stress-free wandering experience, with no buses to catch nor …

Things to Do

Nov 13

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Nov 27

November Grand Sumo Tournament

Held every November, this is the final of Japan’s six annual Sumo Tournaments, known as …

Fukuoka
Nov 18

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Nov 30

Kiyomizu-dera Autumn Illuminations

To celebrate the changing of seasons, Kiyomizu-dera opens up in the evening three times a year …

6:00pm – 9:30pm

¥400 (on the door)

Kyoto
Nov 1

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Nov 30

Kōrankei Momiji Festival

The Kōrankei Gorge is home to around 4,000 color-changing maples. This year there will be …

Free

Nagoya
Sun, Dec

04

2022 Naha Marathon

If you get all the way down to sunny Okinawa in December and feel like you still haven’t …

9:00am – 3:15pm

Okinawa
Nov 12

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Dec 4

Minō Momiji Festival

Get the most out of Osaka in autumn by visiting the Minō area in November and seeing the …

Free

Osaka
Dec 2

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Dec 11

Himeji Castle Light-up

Himeji Castle has several illumination events throughout the year. For 2022, the winter …

5:30pm – 9:00pm

Free

Hyogo

Hotel

¥5,724

Toyoko Inn Morioka Ekimae

As with most hotels in the Toyoko Inn chain, Toyoko Inn Morioka Ekimae is located right next to the station - Morioka Station in this case. As with most business hotels, take care to book a slightly more expensive (!) non-smoking room and when …

Check Rates and Availability
Hotel

¥17,388

Hotel Épinard Nasu

The Hotel Épinard Nasu is in the countryside, half an hour from Nasu Shiobara Station in Tochigi. A shuttle bus will transfer guests to the hotel from the station, and a direct shuttle is also available from Tokyo Station and Ikebukuro Station. …
Hotel

¥4,300

HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Susukino

HOTEL MYSTAYS Sapporo Susukino is located in Sapporo's downtown area. It is ten minutes' walk from Susukino Subway Station, and just over an hour from New Chitose Airport by express train. The hotel is within walking distance of the urban oasis …