Budget Japan

Tokyo falls amongst the world's most expensive cities, so we got an insider to tell you how to do it in a lakh

Tokyo falls amongst the world's most expensive cities, so we got an insider to tell you how to do it in a lakh

Japan. "It's expensive", "It's too costly", "It'll break your wallet". These are some of the phrases I often hear about people who want to go to Japan, and haven't yet ventured. But I say to them, Mumbai is expensive. You need to know how to do Japan properly, and on a budget that won't break your wallet, but still experience the best of the best.

Meals
Order two appetisers and 1 katsu chicken (deep fried breaded chicken) Japanese curry on rice and 3 chilled glasses of local Indian Tiger Hill white wine, and that will set you back some Rs 3,800 at Tetsuma, Colaba. That was my bill the other night, having dinner on my own. That's some 7,300yen, for dinner for one person.
Now I could have exactly the same meal in Tokyo for less than 3,500yen (Rs 1,850) guaranteed, and with change. That's less than half the price in Mumbai.

And if you want to have a really simple lunch or dinner, you could pop into a soba (noodle) shop, or the many fast-food places serving doburis (various dishes prepared on top of rice in a biggish bowl), which will offer you a hearty meal for only 500yen (Rs 265).

And one can have this meal in a nice, modern-looking venue in central Tokyo, ambient music, and wonderful courteous service, without a tip. In Japan, there is no expectation of a tip, actually it is considered impolite, as service comes from the heart, and no waiter or waitress would expect something in return, it is unconditional service for the guest, such is Japan and politeness and her customs.

A vegetarian burger at one of the greatest fast food joints, "Freshness Burger" is priced at 420 yen (Rs 219) in comfortable environment! Great service, clean and clever packaging, and all the small things are thought about, from hand wipes to dustbins which allows you out to throw away, separately u2013 plastic and paper, left overs.

Airfare
Going to Japan is also not that expensive, considering you are flying 2,940air miles, even on a direct flight, it is about 8 hours when trade winds are favourable. The non-stop to Tokyo economy class fare sets you back roughly, Rs 68,000 on All Nippon Airways (business class costs Rs 1,93,000) but a flight via the popular Bangkok or Singapore routes on economy will only cost you some Rs 37,900 inclusive of all (rates in May 2009).

Hotels
Hotels. I love to stay at the Four Seasons in Tokyo, a five star property, but you would be surprised to find some very reasonable accommodations in Tokyo. Places that are spanking clean, with TV, free Internet, small (12m2), perhaps not as central a location, but still very accessible, and very nice for as low as 6,000yen (about Rs 3,200). These hotels come under the "Business hotels" and are targeted at the Japanese salary man on a business trip, but are increasingly becoming popular with those who don't want to pay a bomb on accommodation. One popular one is the Keio Presso chain of hotels, which starts at 7,700yen a night (https://www.presso-inn.com/en/hotel/higashiginza.html#price).

Transport
Transport in Tokyo is a breeze. Super efficient and reliable. What a contrast to India. All the subways are well connected, and you can get literally anywhere and everywhere on the subway. In Tokyo, the lowest single fare is 160yen, or Rs 85. And you get full air-conditioning (heating in the winter), cleanliness (not a speck of garbage), plush cushion seating, white hand gloved station masters, and accuracy that is amazing to time your watch with arrival/departure times.

Taxis, even if they seem expensive to start with, are state of the art services. Some even provide free umbrellas. First meter 710 yen (Rs 370) for the first two kilometers (there is also a time-related charge which is reflected on the meter), going up at 90 yen (some Rs 47) with increments for further distances. In return, you get automatic doors, air conditioned cars, knowledgeable staff, GPS-guided map systems to go directly to your location and clean and comfortable new cars.

A kimono-clad woman at a restaurant below the Tokyo Tower

Shopping
They say, life is in the details, and the small things. Tokyo, Japan offers some of the best examples of that in a variety of things, but perhaps shopping is one good way to see that. Must go is Itoya, in Ginza, for the ultimate high for stationary and gift shopping, where there are hundreds upon hundreds of amazing things. It is the thought that counts, right, for presents (either for yourself, or for others), and for as little as 200 yen (Rs 106), you could get some very beautiful things to furnish your home or surprise your friends! Another must is the Oriental Bazaar which has Japanese prints, little treasure boxes, Japanese garments yukata and kimonos, and a whole lot of things in varied prices from Rs 200 to Rs 10,000 with the beautiful wrapping which is a trademark of everything 'Japanese.'

A view from the Four Seasons Hotel at Tokyo

Simply 'walking around'
But perhaps the best thing in Tokyo is to walk around. The modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku, the amazing shopping boulevards of Aoyama and Ginza, not to mention the parks, the Meiji Shrine all for free! The air is clean, it is safe, and it is satisfying.

Walking around in Tokyo is a pleasure especially in the spring, early summer, and autumn months.

Combine a subway all-day ticket and walking around temples, malls, museums, and more, you can be assured to have a wonderful day u2013 getting "lost" in the city, knowing that you are not overspending, is such a joy!

All in all, if you know how, having done a quick back of the envelope calculation, including flights to Tokyo, I am sure you can spend a week in Tokyo for less than a lakh, and still have a ball!

The writer is the president, La Ditta Limited, director, maidoindia, and COO, Bascos Design Marketing