Essential Tips for Your First Flight to Japan

My first trip to Japan (many years ago), was also my first trip overseas, so I really didn’t know what to expect on the 14 hour flight. The longest flight I had been on before was a couple of hours, and I had no idea what would–or wouldn’t–be available for me on such a long flight. Fortunately, it all worked out for me in the … Continue reading Essential Tips for Your First Flight to Japan

Affordable Kyoto: Free and Cheap Things to Do

I recently put out a post about Cheap Travel to Kyoto, you can read it here: Affordable Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan Well, now that you have arrived in Kyoto, its time to have some fun! But I’m sure your wallet is probably starting to get stretched a bit thin, so here are some options for some cheap things to do during your visit. Fushimi Inari Taisha … Continue reading Affordable Kyoto: Free and Cheap Things to Do

Discover Asakusa: A Journey to Senso-ji Temple

This week’s Monday Morning Trip is to Asakusa and Senso-ji! Asakusa (浅草) is an area in Tokyo, Japan, where much of the old-Tokyo can still be seen. Asakusa can be found in every guide book about Japan, as it is the home to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. The Asakusa area was heavily damaged during World War II, but was rebuilt after the war. Long ago, … Continue reading Discover Asakusa: A Journey to Senso-ji Temple

Affordable Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan

Recently, a friend of a friend decided that he wanted to go to Japan for a short vacation, but rather than going to Tokyo, he wanted to travel to Kyoto instead. So he asked if I had any advice about cheap travel to Kyoto. And I do! But I realized I hadn’t shared this great information with all of you, so here you go! This … Continue reading Affordable Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan

Affordable Accommodation Options in Japan

A comfortable place to stay can become the second biggest cost on your trip if you are not careful. The great news is that there are plenty of affordable options in Japan, whether you want to sleep in a traditional ryokan like a samurai or surrounded by flashing lights in Shibuya or Akihabara. HOSTELS Let’s start with the super-cheap option—Hostels. There are many hostels in … Continue reading Affordable Accommodation Options in Japan

Affordable Food Options in Tokyo

People always complain about how expensive food in Tokyo is, but it really isn’t! You have so many options for amazing food at a cheap price. So let’s take a look at some really inexpensive food. “KOMBINI” or CONVENIENCE STORES Everyone has heard about Japan’s convenience stores, and how truly convenient they really are. And it is true. The major convenience stores are Lawson, 7/11, … Continue reading Affordable Food Options in Tokyo

Shinkansen bullet train traveling on elevated tracks near Mount Fuji at sunset

Affordable Transportation Options in Japan

So you’ve made it to Japan, and now you need to get to all of the cool, fun places in your schedule. Well, there are several “cheap” options for transportation in Japan, but it all depends on where you want to go and how far you want to travel. SUICA/PASMO First, I would recommend staying in the Tokyo-area for your first trip. Trust me, there … Continue reading Affordable Transportation Options in Japan

Explore Meiji Jingu: A Virtual Trip to Tokyo’s Shinto Shrine

Here at JapanSauce.Net we want to bring you guides to some of our favorite areas of Japan, so every Monday we will bring you “Monday Morning Trips!” They are short virtual-trips to Japan, so please stop-by each week and enjoy! This week, we travel to Meiji Jingu! Meiji Jngu (明治神宮Meiji Shrine), is located in the Shibuya area of Tokyo. It is a Shinto shrine that is dedicated to the deified … Continue reading Explore Meiji Jingu: A Virtual Trip to Tokyo’s Shinto Shrine

Explore Japan’s Unique Medetai Train Experience

Japan is known for many cool things, like its amazing food, tons of anime and manga, and having some of the most convenient and cute trains! And of course, Japan has a train that looks like a fish. On April 28, 2016, Nankai Electric Railway Co. introduced a train that is themed on red sea bream, known as the Medetai Train (“tai” means red sea … Continue reading Explore Japan’s Unique Medetai Train Experience

Koinobori carp streamers flying on a pole above traditional wooden Japanese houses with tiled roofs

Celebrate Kodomo no Hi: Understanding Children’s Day in Japan

“Kodomo no Hi” or Children’s Day is the last holiday in the Golden Week party. Children’s Day is celebrated on May 5th, and was designated as a national holiday in 1948. History It was originally known as “Tango no Sekku” or Boy’s Day, and as the name suggests, was a festival for boys. Japan also set aside a festival for girls known as “Hina-Matsuri” or Doll … Continue reading Celebrate Kodomo no Hi: Understanding Children’s Day in Japan