Have a Cheaper Trip!

People always misconceived that Japan is an expensive place for travelers. In fact, there are several ways to reduce costs. For accommodations, you can stay in Ryokans instead of hotels. Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns which are more common for local Japanese travelers. They look older and do not provide beds. Instead, they serve Tatami which are mats on the ground with blankets on top. Most of the Ryokans are very clean and comfortable. To me, they even look more classical.

If you find Ryokan still too expensive, you can simply go to Youth Hostels. They provide public baths and beds. They are also very clean but are usually more than fifteen minutes away from railway stations.

Speaking about railway, it is the most common form of travelling in Japan. It is definitely expensive for local people. Fortunately, there is Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) available for overseas travelers which allows the travelers ride as many times as they like. It is more or less a thousand something (in HK dollars) for seven days. Within this period, you can travel from Northern Japan to the Southern part.

For food, there are always different kind of fast food and donuts nearby. They are in all high-quality relatively to Hong Kong's. Besides, there are many small shops which serves only curry rice or noodles. Those curries, usually comes with pork chops or prawns are my favourites. Japanese curry tends to be less spicy but sweeter than ours. It makes an ideal combination with Japanese rice. But for noodles, I still found our "Won Ton" noodles better, especially when it comes with red vinegar. Curry rice and noodles are usually around thirty something. With the same quality, they cost you not less than fifty in Hong Kong.