February 19th
10 Fun Free Things to Do in Shibuya
It may seem like Shibuya only loves you for your money, but free activities abound. Here are some ideas for fun things to do in Tokyo's most popular neighborhood.
Selena Hoy
Curious enthusiast.
I mend ¥100 socks but love to eat out. It's rare that I spend more than ¥300 on a dress and have flea markets and recycle shops to thank for cute shoes. I'm over hostels but enjoy camping and cheap hotels. Despite its reputation for an expensive country, Japan is cheaper than you think.
All posts by Selena Hoy
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18 Top Tokyo Flea Markets for Bargain Hunting
A cheapo’s paradise, flea markets in Tokyo are awesome for bargain-hunting—and there’s no shortage of them.
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January 10th
Japan Ski Resorts: How and Where to Hit the Slopes near Tokyo
Where all the cool kids go in winter. And us cheapos, too.
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December 24th
Top 10 Picks for Tokyo Winter Illuminations 2018-19
See various Tokyo districts try to out-do each other!
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November 21st
The Cheeriest Christmas Markets in Tokyo
If you too like your holiday season with a bit of European flair.
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Countryside Lodges in Japan: Holidays Subsidized by Your Ward Office
Many Tokyo wards own country lodges that can be rented cheaply by residents, including foreigners. Here's how.
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Connecting to Wifi in Tokyo and Japan
Easy ways of connecting to the interwebs.
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Koyo: 10 Places to See Autumn Leaves In and Around Tokyo
Prime spots to marvel at the stuff Mother Nature does with her pigment palette.
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September 8th
Low(er) Cost Lovin’: The Cheapo’s Guide to Tokyo Love Hotels
Tokyo Love Hotels: Here's how to find them, and what to expect. A cheapo guide to Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro happy hotel fun times!
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July 24th
Day Trips from Tokyo: Hitting Up Hakone
Restorative hot springs, refreshing mountain walks and more!
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November 20th
Ice Ice, Baby: Where to Go Ice Skating in Tokyo
Indoor, outdoor and year-round options included.
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August 15th
Seishun 18 Ticket Season: 5 Short Trip Ideas from Tokyo
Five holiday getaways that are a breeze with the discount Seishun 18 rail ticket.
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8+ Places to Go Terrace Tippling in Tokyo
It’s a great season to sip wine at a Tokyo terrace bar/cafe while reading a book or chatting with friends. Here are 7+ top chill choices.
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Keeping Toasty: Tips and Tricks for Surviving Winter in Japan
Baby, it's cold outside. So here are some cheapo tips on keeping your home and yourself roasty toasty during winter.
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November 1st
Grutt Pass: The Ultimate Cheapo Deal for Museum Enthusiasts
Museum enthusiasts can take advantage of the Grutt Pass, a pass that allows free or discounted admission to 79 museums and attractions in Tokyo.
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October 31st
Bargain Bathing: Onsen in Tokyo
A guide to the best onsen in Tokyo. Info on hours, price and tattoo acceptance.
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Top 10 Reasons to Live in Tokyo
Get ready to pack your bags after reading our list.
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Interview with Grassroots Giveaway Group ‘Mottainai Japan’
We talk to the folks behind Mottainai Japan, a free recycling group on Facebook with 12,000 members and counting.
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May 31st
When’s the Best Time to Visit Tokyo?
Planning your trip to Tokyo but not sure of the best time to come? There are pros and cons to each season.
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October 26th
Favorite Fall Flavors: Autumn Sweets in Japan
A chill is in the air and yesterday I was even moved to turn on my oven and make soup. If the drop in temperature is provoking you to pack on a little extra insulation, read on. What follows is a roundup of some of the seasonal sweets that are […]
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Haunts for Halloween: Cheapo Guide to Costumes and Parties in Tokyo
See our guide to Tokyo Halloween celebrations 2016. Gather round, cheapo ghoulies and ghosties; the haunting season has arrived! Rehearse your most blood-curdling screams, pick up your cape from the dry cleaner, unearth your robes from the […]
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TV Party! – Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and Other TV Streaming Services in Japan
One small bummer of a thing when you’re living in a country not entirely your own is that YOU’RE MISSING YOUR SHOWS. Yeah, there are many strange and wonderful things about Japan: beautiful sights, amazing sounds, every day a challenge and an […]
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July 22nd
Japanese Cinema Discounts Tokyo
The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better way to escape the heat than in a cool, dark, air-conditioned theater with a frosty drink in hand and some boom bang on the big screen? But movie ticket prices are steep in Japan, clocking in […]
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Terrific Tokyo Area Hikes
Lace up, and strap on your pedometer (basic ones are available at the 100-yen shops)—it’s time to go hiking! Though Tokyo is famous for its go-go lifestyle and concrete & steel neighborhoods, there are plenty of green spots that will let […]