Japan on a budget - Part 4

SIGHTSEEING

There is lots to see for free and a first step should to look for the famous temples of Kyoto, such as the golden Kinkakuji, the imposing hilltop Kiyomizu-dera, the serene Ryoanji. These can drain your money faster than expected so proceed with caution.

In this walkable city, it costs nothing to wander the traditional Higashiyama neighbourhood or the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stroll alongside a cherry tree-lined canal, or to explore the sprawling grounds of Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates. The same is true in Tokyo, which despite its seemingly endless crowds is actually quite pedestrian friendly. You could spend a whole afternoon sauntering around the chic streets of Harajuku, Omotesando and Shibuya, or relishing the contrasts on a walk from Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek capital, to the more traditional neighbourhoods of Ueno and Yanaka further north.

Although many museums and sightseeing spots charge admission fees, some of Japan’s top attractions such as the Imperial Palace in Kyoto, Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture and Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park are free.

Among the paid attractions, traditional gardens tend to be particularly good value; even the grand Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, widely considered the country’s finest, costs a mere JPY310 (£2. 50) admission. While the temporary exhibitions at museums and major galleries can be pricey, it’s worth paying just to see the excellent permanent collections at Kyoto National Museum (JPY520/£4), Tokyo National Museum (JPY620/£4. 50) and Tokyo’s Le Corbusier designed National Museum of Western Art (430 yen/£3), which was recently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Art lovers should go roaming around the galleries in Tokyo’s Ginza district: there are over a hundred, and the vast majority are free. Tokyo Gallery + BTAP is a great place to start; it has been around for 60 years and is great for contemporary art from Japan and East Asia. Check the comprehensive listings on Tokyo Art Beat for more ideas.

If you want a rather different sight then look for the capital’s sumo stables. Many, such as Azumazeki Beya, near Honjo-Azumabashi subway station, allow visitors to watch their morning practice sessions for free, though you will often need to call in advance and get up early. Your hotel can help with the call if this is something you want to do.

You’ll have to get up earlier still if you want to get one of the 120 slots available each day for the early morning tuna auctions at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market. Even if you miss out, the chaotic, over stocked market is an essential destination and one that’s worth enjoying now as there are plans to relocate it in the future.

Continued in part 5