The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Japan, Japan

November 10, 2021 Alida England

Coordinates: 35°N 136°E / 35°N 136°E / 35; 136
Restaurants in Japan

1. Mount Hakodate

Hakodate 040-0000 Hokkaido +81 138-22-6799 https://www.hakobura.jp/nightview/post-156.html
Excellent
52%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,650 reviews

Mount Hakodate

Reviewed By nikols195

So happy to have a chance to visit the observatory at Hakodate-yama. The bright lights look beautiful surrounded by the jet black ocean. If the nights are clear, you can see as far as the lights stretch and can enjoy the view. It is the perfect opportunity for inta-lovers looking to get that iconic shot to share on social media or with friends and family! The view is amazing, but you might need to wait awhile as there are lots of tourists up there. There are two observation decks on the 2nd and 3rd floor – one indoor and one outdoor. The highest floor is overwhelmingly crowded just before the sunset, but on the second floor you can find the door that leads to the lower observatory deck that goes unnoticed. Getting up the mountain is very easy. You can access it by the Mount Hakodate Ropeway that offer a great view while going up the mountain.There are several facilities of the ropeway station at the peak, including a tea lounge, restaurant, and gift store.

2. Nara Park

469 Zoshicho, Nara 630-8501 Nara Prefecture +81 742-27-8028 http://nara-park.com/en/
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,669 reviews

Nara Park

Reviewed By 901aditia - Hyderabad, India

In early April, when there are cherry blossoms everywhere, the weather is great, there are wild (but friendly) deer all around you and eating deer crackers from your hand, some lovely gardens with waterfalls- there is no better place than Nara. In my view it is best covered individually or with family

3. Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura 248-0016 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 467-22-0703 http://www.kotoku-in.jp/
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,033 reviews

Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

This nearly 47-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan.

Reviewed By jeanettekz - Munich, Germany

After reading about some guided tours from northern Kamakura down through the hiking trails to the Buddha, we decided to just try and do it on our own. We were very happy we did because the peace and quiet of doing it as a couple was wonderful. Finishing our hike with the Buddha felt slightly triumphant. We didn't go inside of the Buddha, but it felt like a nice way to finish the day. We went in July and probably got there about mid-day but it wasn't ridiculously crowded, although busy. Very beautiful and impressive up-close. Kamakura was a very fun day trip for us outside of visiting Tokyo--I highly recommend it.

4. Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

Minatomirai, Nishi, Yokohama Kanagawa Prefecture +81 45-682-4403 http://minatomirai21.com/
Excellent
50%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,264 reviews

Yokohama Minato Mirai 21

When Japan emerged from centuries of isolation in the mid-19th century, Yokohama was a tiny seaside village, home to only 100 people or so. But as the tide of internationalization rose, a port was established and Yokohama began to grow as a gateway to Japan. Yokohama is now a leading international trading port, the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo. Situated just a short distance along the coast from the Japanese capital, and within easy reach of Haneda Airport, Yokohama is now a magnet for tourists not just from Japan but from every corner of the world; it's a place everyone wants to visit. Minato Mirai 21 is a modern urban development that was created, and continues to evolve, on 186ha of land. A shipbuilding facility that used to divide Yokohama's two main urban centers on Tokyo Bay was relocated, and additional land was reclaimed from the sea. In 1989 an exposition was held to mark the 100th anniversary of Yokohama's city status and the 130th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port. Following that event development gathered momentum, and now the area boasts office blocks, commercial facilities, hotels, amusement parks and convention facilities, as well as such cultural amenities as art museums and concert halls. This, the new face of Yokohama, offers an entire spectrum of urban functions and attracts more than 70 million visitors every year. Minato Mirai 21 is full of great experiences. The liberating expanse of Tokyo Bay and the dynamic appeal of the contemporary architecture contribute to the area's strikingly unusual beauty, which you can enjoy from the elegant surroundings of several first-class hotels. For the shopper, more than 600 stores offer an astonishingly broad selection of goods ranging from top fashion brands to animation character merchandise. Apart from excellent Japanese cuisine, delicious food from around the world is available at more than 200 restaurants. Theme parks offer exciting rides, parks a place to sit and enjoy the seascape. Packed with pleasure, Minato Mirai 21 is a fun place to visit with family and friends at any time of year, on any occasion, and for so many different reasons. If you move on to the area beyond Minato Mirai 21, you'll find intriguing glimpses of a fascinating history in the Kannai district, which developed quickly in the second half of the 19th century after the Port of Yokohama opened, and beyond Kannai you'll arrive at Japan's largest Chinatown. Yokohama offers points of interest that no other city can match. And just a day trip away are some of the best hot spring baths in Japan at Hakone, as well as the globally renowned beauty of Mt. Fuji. So after a day of fun in Minato Mirai 21, you can spend the night at one of the area's great hotels and then the next day you can be soaking in an onsen or admiring a view of Mt. Fuji. That is the special appeal of a relaxing holiday based in Japan's new leading tourism and leisure destination: Minato Mirai 21.

Reviewed By 19dwaynek - Yokohama, Japan

Minato Mirai is by many accounts one of the best places to visit in Yokohama. The area is conveniently located two train stops away from Yokohama station. Minato Mirai has several shopping centers within close proximity of each other, lots of cafes and shops, as well as a carnival style amusement park full of fun and exciting rides, plus a ferris wheel. The Yokohama Hard Rock Cafe is located in Minato Mirai. Minato Mirai also offers a beautiful view of the port and Yokohama Bay. There's places full of activities for families with children as well as romantic spots for couples. The historical Red Brick Warehouse of Yokohama is also in the area. The Red Brick Warehouse often has a lot of interesting events worth checking out. If you go to Yokohama without visiting Minato Mirai, then you are missing out.

5. Sankeien Gardens

58-1 Hommoku Sannotani, Naka-Ku, Yokohama 231-0824 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 45-621-0634 http://www.sankeien.or.jp/
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,141 reviews

Sankeien Gardens

A building having high value historically removed and rebuilt from Kyoto or Kamakura is located skillfully in the garden for 175,000m2. (ten important cultural properties, three Yokohama-shi designation tangible cultural properties), in the very large land which spread out in southeastern part, Honmoku of Yokohama that overlooked Tokyo Bay, creation was begun from the time in 1902 (Meiji 35) by a

Reviewed By lobobo - Remchingen, Germany

Not only the park is big and has a lot of different plants in it. Also you can see a lot of old house which were saved from beein scraped. This founders bought the house and brought them to this park. They preserve a part of the edo empire. You will understand more of japanese culture when you have see where it comes from.

6. Atomic Bomb Dome

1-10 Otemachi Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0051 Hiroshima Prefecture +81 82-242-7831 [email protected] https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/english/9742.html
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,989 reviews

Atomic Bomb Dome

This skeleton of a building is all that remains in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on August 6, 1945, and serves as a symbol of both the horrors of atomic war and the hope for world peace.

Reviewed By Livetotravel747 - Coombabah, Australia

The Atomic Bomb Dome is a well maintained piece of history that should be visited by everyone. It is preserved also for future generations. Words cannot describe this place, just have to go for yourself

7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

1-2 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-0811 Hiroshima Prefecture +81 82-241-4004 [email protected] http://www.pcf.city.hiroshima.jp/
Excellent
72%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,977 reviews

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum

This park commemorates the explosion of the first atomic bomb, and houses the Peace Memorial Museum and monuments related to the horrific event.

Reviewed By Dan06101973 - Toowoomba, Australia

This is perhaps one of the most moving experiences we had during our Japanese holiday. The Atomic Dome, Peace Park and Museum are all captivating, with many deeply personal stories and reflections. There is an audiovisual display that gives a depiction of the bomb dropping which depicts Hiroshima both before and after the event which is extremely thought-provoking and intense. If you travel to Japan you must visit this site - you will not be disappointed.

8. Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

4-1-35 Noritakeshinmachi, Nishi-Ku, Nagoya 451-0051 Aichi Prefecture +81 52-551-6115 [email protected] http://www.tcmit.org
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,517 reviews

Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology

Reviewed By PeterthePauper - Ulsan, South Korea

Arriving in Nagoya mid-morning by train from Matsumoto, I thought I would abandon my luggage in a locker at Nagoya Station and head to the Toyota Museum before checking-in to my hotel for a 2-night stay. A short hop (1-stop) on a local Meitetsu train to the nearby Sako Station and a few minutes walk down the street brings you to the main entrance. Just entering the attraction, it immediately earned 5-stars for me when I discovered that the normal Y500 entrance fee is waived for Seniors (over 65's) like myself. Audio guides are available if required for Y200, but for me the informative leaflet in English was sufficient to find my way around. I was blissfully unaware of the Textile Machinery Pavilion and Toyota's history of spinning and weaving prior to visiting and found this part of the exhibit surprisingly interesting. Like most people, I had been drawn to the Museum by the "Cars" and the Automotive Pavilion contained a reasonable cross-section of models across the decades since Toyota's first passenger car (Model AA) was produced in 1936. As well as the cars, I particularly enjoyed the Production Line Reconstructions associated with the Model AA and the exhibit where robotic arms assemble a modern car chassis (.... press the button, stand back and video the balletic performance!). Before you leave, make sure you take in a performance of a Toyota robot playing the violin in the South Lobby (see leaflet for times). It's not only the "Cars" that are the "Stars"!

9. The Hakone Open-Air Museum

1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun 250-0493 Kanagawa Prefecture +81 460-82-1161 http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,729 reviews

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Art blends with nature at this huge outdoor sculpture park, where works by both Japanese and Western artists are framed by trees, grass and mountains.

Reviewed By rodrigolaniado - Shanghai, China

It was truly amazing It was my first open air museum and won’t be the last The sculptures are incredible and go perfectly with the impecable gardens Also you have plenty Picasso art which gives a good contrast with the outside exposures

10. Himeji Castle

68 Hommachi, Himeji 670-0012 Hyogo Prefecture +81 79-285-1146 http://www.city.himeji.lg.jp/guide/castle/
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,324 reviews

Himeji Castle

Built in the beginning of the 17th century when Japan's unique castle architectural techniques had reached their peak, Himeji Castle was the first in Japan to be registered as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage in 1993 as well as designated as a National Treasure in 1951. It is called "Hakuro-jo" (White Heron Castle) because of its brilliant white exterior and supposed resemblance to a white heron taking flight. Q1. Can I use a credit card? A1. Yes, you can. We accept major credit cards like VISA, MasterCard, AMEX, Diners and JCB. Q2. Do you have a coin operated locker? A2. Yes we do, but the number and kind of them are limited, so you had better use the ones in Himeji station. The biggest size is 1135H x 350W x 640D(mm). Q3. When is peak season? A3. Our peak is usually around late March to early April for cherry blossoms, late April to early May for Japanese Holiday Season so called 'Golden Week', and October and November for travel season for Japanese. Q4. When do I have to arrive to avoid congestion? A4. 15 to 30 minutes prior to opening time (9am (8am-8:30am for peak season)). Q5. How long does it take to walk around the castle? A5. Normally, it takes at least 90 minutes to explore the castle, but you can try to go up and down with no stop in 45 minutes.

Reviewed By v1kk1ta - Puerto Rico, Caribbean

Himeji Castle also known as White Heron Castle due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely considered as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds. One of the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.